Ragamuffin Quilts

January 2014 Sampler Block

2014-01-04T19:37:00.001-05:00

I'm making my first monthly sampler block quilt this year with my online quilt group. Month one, January, is Mosaic #4 from the Quilters Cache website. I'm excited to see how it evolves throughout the year.

Here is the link:

http://quilterscache.com/M/Mosaic4Block.html

2014 Project #4

2014-01-03T23:13:00.001-05:00

I made this knitted cowl for me. I wanted to make it longer but ran out of yarn. I used Hometown USA yarn in Honolulu Pink and used a simple garter stitch.

2014 Project #3

2014-01-03T23:09:00.001-05:00

This quilt is made from a customer's t-shirts and Army uniforms. I also made 16" pillowcases for her.

The quilt measures 60" x 84". I wasn't able to quilt it with the weight so I machine tied it.

2014 Project #2

2014-01-02T16:58:00.001-05:00

Just finished these 16" envelope pillowcases to go along with a quilt order. They are made from her t-shirts on the front and her Army bag on the backs. I added them as a special gift to her. Hope she likes them!

I will have photos to blog the finished quilt soon. It's in the wash right now.

2014 Project #1

2014-01-02T13:36:00.001-05:00

Just finished my first project of 2014. I made two 16" envelope pillowcases for my new sofa....when I finally go buy one in the near future. :-)

Instructions: (for 16" pillow form)

Cut one piece 17" x 17" for top/ front
Cut one piece 17" x 21" then cut this piece in half for back
Fold over one short edge of backs twice and press for finished edge. Sew along inside fold.
Lay top face up, place backs face down aligning edges and overlapping finished edges in the middle of the pillowcase.
Stitch around with a 1/4" seam allowance. I backstitched at corners and along finished edges to reinforce.
Clip four corners and turn right side out.

I will take step by step photos and update this post asap.

Happy New Year 2014

2014-01-02T10:39:00.001-05:00

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and crafty New Year! May you finish your UFOs and find lots of inspiration in 2014.

Fishing Lure Wraps

2013-12-28T22:37:00.001-05:00

My husband's friend asked for more personalized fishing lure wraps. These measure 6" x 9" and can also wrap the other way but our friend wanted them long and narrow.

Getting Organized for 2014

2013-12-28T16:06:00.001-05:00

Santa (aka me) brought me a 120 count thread holder this year. It didn't make a dent in my boxes of thread but it's a start and it looks pretty hanging on my pegboard. :-)

Easy Deviled Eggs

2013-12-28T14:53:00.000-05:00

Easy Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are always a big hit at my house. I made some today and decided I would blog my recipe. Enjoy! For today I used 13 eggs (it's what I had left).

Ingredients:
Extra large eggs (the older the better; fresh bought eggs are harder to peel)

Mayo or Miracle Whip (your preference) Mustard (if desired)
Relish (if desired)
Paprika or ground red pepper (we prefer ground red pepper)
Salt & pepper

Directions:
Place eggs in a pot and add cold water; bring water to boil and boil for 10 minutes Rinse eggs immediately in cold water; this keeps the yolks nice and yellow.
After eggs cool enough to handle remove shells Cut each egg in 1/2 with a sharp knife and put yolks in a bowl; place egg whites on a platter Mix egg yolks with mayo or miracle whip, mustard and a little bit of relish. I don't measure these items, just add to taste and texture.

For easy filling, I put the yolk mixture into a small Ziploc bag and seal. I then cut the bottom corner out so I can squeeze the yolk mixture into the eggs like you would with cake decorating. It's much easier than spooning and looks prettier too. I then sprinkle the tops with a little salt, pepper and ground red pepper for some color.

Enjoy! :-)

Testing My Phone App

2013-01-04T19:30:00.001-05:00

Testing out a free app for my phone. It doesn't support adding photos yet which is a must for my blogs but I just has to try it out. :-)

2013 Project #1 - Bait Covers

2013-01-04T12:47:00.000-05:00

This was not intended to be my first project of 2013 but my husband needed some new bait covers for his fishing lures. I made a jerkbait and a crankbait cover from an old backpack. He wanted a "lining" to help make the cover sturdy so we used the padding from the backpack too. I have to say not too bad for a prototype and sewing on a "whim". :-) He's happy so I'm happy. Maybe today will allow me to work on my quilt tops. LOL

New Personalized Fleece Blankets Available

2012-12-01T12:28:00.000-05:00

New plaid fleece blankets now available at Ragamuffin Quilts! These soft fleece blankets are perfect for new baby gift or even toddler daycare blanket. Personalize with baby name and date of birth for perfect keepsake baby gift or personalize with toddler name or initials for use as a daycare blanket so it doesn't "get lost". These blankets are available in pink, green and blue. Thread colors are endless, the choice is yours. Please visit my Etsy shop listing at https://www.etsy.com/listing/116808214/personalized-baby-or-toddler-fleece for more information.

40% Off Sale Storewide!

2012-11-28T16:37:00.001-05:00

Ragamuffin Quilts is having a 40% off sale storewide on ALL premade and ready to ship items including quilts, coasters, key fobs and more! Please visit my Etsy shop for great savings and custom order listings. Below are just a few of the lovely quilts I have in stock and ready for shipping.

I'm back on blogger.....

2012-10-21T18:27:00.000-04:00

It's been awhile but I had opened my own .net site for quite some time. Due to my lack of time to keep it updated regularly and the not so ease of the use of it, I decided to shut it down and move back to Etsy for my handmade items and Blogger for my blog posts. :-) Please visit www.ragamuffinquilts.etsy.com for lots of handmade and custom order listings for quilts, coasters, bags and more. Be sure to read my shop announcement for current coupons - current coupon code is OCT40 - this coupon saves you 40% off any PREMADE and ready to ship item through 10/31/2012. I'm excited to be back on blogger and can't wait to keep my posts coming often.

My blog is moving.....

2010-09-09T08:27:00.004-04:00

Thanks so much to all of my followers! I am moving my blog over to my own site. I will still post the same great free patterns and tips, just at a "new address". I sure hope you will go visit and subscribe to the new blog.

You can find me here...... http://www.ragamuffinquilts.net/blog.html

I hope to kick off the new blog with a giveaway, just need to decide what to giveaway. :-) I'm sure it will be fabric related so stay tuned!

Halloween Throw Free Pattern - Tunisian Crochet

2010-09-08T08:14:00.000-04:00

Halloween Throw Free Pattern - Tunisian Crochet

Click HERE for a downloadable PDF pattern copy.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Throw measures approximately 27"/69 cm wide x 36"/92 cm long

MATERIALS
Caron International's Simply Soft (100% acrylic; 6 oz/170 g, 315 yds/288 m skein):

#9707 Dk Sage (A), 2 skeins

#9702 Off White (B), 2 skeins

#9727 Black (D), 2 skeins

#9703 Bone (E), 1 skein

Caron International's Simply Soft Brites

(100% acrylic; 6 oz/170 g, 315 yds/288 m skein):

#9605 Mango (C), 2 skeins

Caron International's Fabulous (100% nylon; 1.76 oz/50 g, 160 yds/146 m ball):

#0013 Country Cottage (F), 1 ball

Caron International's Fling (71% acrylic, 29% polyester; 1.76 oz/50 g, 37 yds/34 m ball):

#0008 Licorice (G), 1 ball

Caron International's One Pound (100% acrylic; 16 oz/453.6 g, 812 yds/742 m skein):

#0581 Espresso (H), 1 skein

One Tunisian (Afghan) hook, size US L-11 (8 mm), or size needed to obtain gauge

One crochet hook, size US K-10 1/2 (6.5 mm).

Bobbins (optional)

Row counter (optional)

Ruler (for reading Chart) (optional)

GAUGE

In Tunisian Crochet, 11 sts and 10 rows = 4"/10 cm, using 2 strands of yarn held together

SPECIAL TECHNIQUE

Changing Colors: When working Step 1, work to bar before color change is needed, drop old color and insert hook into the next vertical bar, yarn over with new color and draw a loop through the vertical bar; complete row. When working Step 2, take care to pick up new color from under and behind old color.

STITCHES USED

Chain (ch)

Half double crochet (hdc)

Slip stitch (slip st)

Tunisian Crochet/Afghan Stitch (any number of stitches)

Note: Each row of Tunisian Crochet is worked in two steps.

Foundation Row (counts as Step 1)

Chain the number of sts indicated in the instructions.

Skip the first ch, * insert hook in second ch from hook, yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook); repeat from * across, pulling up a loop in each ch.

Complete Foundation Row by working Step 2 (below).

Step 1: With RS facing, working from right to left, pick up the stitches:

Beginning in the second vertical bar of the previous row, * insert hook into the vertical bar, yarn over and draw a loop through the vertical bar (2 loops on hook); repeat from * across, drawing up a loop in each vertical bar.

Step 2: With RS facing, working from left to right, work off the stitches:

Yarn over and draw through first loop on hook, * yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook; repeat from * across.

Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for each row of Tunisian Crochet.

NOTES

Use a double strand of each color throughout.
Each square on the Chart represents one stitch.
When working with several colors at once, cut an approximately 5 yard length of each color and let the ends hang freely on the back, or wind yarn on bobbins.
When changing colors, while working from Chart, always bring the new color under the working color to avoid leaving a hole. Do not carry yarn for more than 7 stitches.
The half double crochet edging is worked with the smaller hook and a double strand of yarn.

Star of the Garden Free Quilt Pattern

2010-09-07T08:18:00.002-04:00

Quilt by Janet Mednick, using the Nellie’s Garden
fabric collection by Nancy Mahoney for P&B Textiles
Quilt size: 44 ½" square

Click HERE for PDF copy.

Christmas Wreath - Free Pattern

2010-09-07T08:10:00.002-04:00

Christmas Wreath

Here's a Christmas Wreath that even the kids can help make. With Halloween & Thanksgiving coming up soon, this would be great in warm fall colors too.

MATERIALS:
Aunt Lydia's Craft and Rug Yarn: 3 skeins each of White, Red and Christmas Green,
1 - 14" Styrofoam ring,
30 pieces of 18" floral wire;
1 firm corrugated cardboard, at least 3" x 3".

INSTRUCTIONS:
Cut floral wire into fourths (120 pieces). Make sure firm cardboard is cut into a 3" x 3" piece.

Wind yarn around 3-inch cardboard 20 times (complete winds). Remove from coardboard. Place floral wire aorund the center of the bow and twist together firmly. Make 40 each of White, Red and Green.

Push bows into foam ring in sections of 5 White, 5 Red, 5 Green at an angle to give it a swirl effect. Make sure bows cover the top, front, and inside of foam ring. Repeat the process until the ring is full (24 sections).

Knit Cabled Beret Pattern

2010-09-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

Knit Cabled Beret Pattern designed by Marilyn Losee

Click HERE for a printer friendly PDF copy.

SIZES

One size

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Beret measures approximately 22" in circumference by 8" tall

MATERIALS

Caron International's Simply Soft Quick (100% acrylic; 3 oz/85 g, 50 yds/46 m skein): 2 skeins

Shown in: #0016 Black

One circular needle size US 9 (5.5 mm), 16 or 24" long

One circular needle size US 11 (8 mm), 16 or 24" long, or size to obtain gauge

One set of double pointed needles (dpn) size US 11 (8 mm)

Cable needle

Stitch marker

Yarn Needle

Row counter (optional)

GAUGE

In Stockinette stitch, 10 sts and 15 rows = 4"/10 cm, using larger needle

ABBREVIATIONS

C4B: Slip next 2 stitches to cable needle, hold to back, k2, k2 from cable needle.

C4F: Slip next 2 stitches to cable needle, hold to front, k2, k2 from cable needle.

k2tog (decrease): Knit 2 sts together through the front loops.

M1: Make 1 (increase) – Lift strand between needles to LH needle and work strand through the back loop, twisting it to prevent a hole.

STITCHES USED

Stockinette stitch (St st): Knit every round.

1 x 1 rib (multiple of 2 sts)

Round 1: * K1, p1; repeat from * around.

Round 2: Knit the knit sts and purl the purl sts as they face you.

Repeat Row 2 for 1 x 1 rib.

Cable Pattern (multiple of 8 sts + 1)

Rnds 1 and 2: Knit.

Round 3: K1, * C4F, k4; repeat from * around.

Rounds 4 – 6: Knit

Round 7: * C4B, k4; repeat from * around to last st, k1.

Round 8: Knit.

Repeat Rounds 1 – 8 for Cable pattern.

NOTES

Beret may be made larger or smaller by changing needle sizes.

HELPFUL
Place a marker (pm) at beginning of round, and move up each round.

BERET

Using smaller needle, loosely cast on 52 sts.

Join, being careful not to twist sts; pm for beginning of round.

Begin St st; work even for 4 rounds.

Change to 1 x 1 rib; work even for 6 rounds.

Shape Brim

Increase 21 sts around as follows: [K2, M1] 21 times, knit to end of round—73 sts.

Change to larger needle; knit 1 round, increasing 8 sts evenly around—81 sts.

Establish Pattern

Begin Cable patt; work Rounds 3 – 8 once, Rounds 1 – 8 once.

Shape Crown

Note: Change to double pointed needles on Round 7, or as needed.

Rounds 1, 2 and all even numbered rounds: Knit.

Round 3: K1, * C4F, k1, k2tog, k1; repeat from * around—71 sts remain.

Round 5: * K5, k2tog; repeat from * around to last st, k1—61 sts remain.

Round 7: * K1, k2tog; repeat from * around to last st, k1—41 sts remain.

Round 9: * k2tog; repeat from * around to last st, k1—21 sts remain.

Round 11: Repeat Round 9—11 sts remain.

Round 12: Repeat Round 2.

Cut yarn, leaving an 18" tail.

FINISHING

Thread yarn needle with tail, run tail through remaining sts; pull to gather top and fasten off securely.

Using yarn needle, weave in ends.

FREE "May Your Days be Merry and Bright" Quilt Pattern by Crabapple Hill Studio

2010-09-04T08:00:00.001-04:00

FREE "May Your Days be Merry and Bright" Quilt Pattern by Crabapple Hill Studio

This little 9” x 14” pillow brings tidings of cheer for Christmas! The appliquéd ornament is embellished with embroidery and the rickrack-trimmed pillow sets it off to a tee!

Click HERE for a PDF download of this pattern.

Designer Block?

2010-09-03T21:56:00.001-04:00

Do you ever have "writers block" when it comes to your crafting? And no matter how hard you try, you just can't stay focused?

I sure have that problem & call it designers block.

We all have them. What do you do to get "unblocked"? Make a list? Take a break? Re-prioritize?

I look forward to sharing your tips & tricks.

FREE "Marabella" Quilt Pattern by Kati Cupcake

2010-09-03T09:03:00.000-04:00

This bright 66" x 66" quilt is made with Marabella fabric from Henry Glass (designed by Amy Hamberlin). With fun, bright colors perfect for summertime, this adorable quilt is perfect for the cute little girl in your life.

Click HERE for a PDF download of this cute quilt pattern.

Cropped Hoodie Vest Knit Pattern

2010-09-02T09:22:00.002-04:00

Knit Cropped Hoodie Vest designed by Marilyn Losee

Made with Simply Soft Shadows

Click HERE for a printer friendly PDF copy.

SIZES

Small (Medium, Large, 1X, 2X)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:

Bust 36 (40 1/2, 45, 48, 52 1/4)"/91.5 (102.5, 114, 122, 132.5) cm

Length 20 (20 1/2, 21, 22, 23)" /51 (52, 53.5, 56, 58.5) cm

MATERIALS

Caron International's Simply Soft Shadows

(100% acrylic; 3 oz/85g, 150 yds/137m ball): 18 (21, 24, 24, 27) oz

Shown in: #0004 Autumn

Note: Yarn is used double throughout.

One circular needle size 11 (8 mm), 24 - 36"/60 – 90 cm long, or size to obtain gauge

One each circular needle size US 10 (6 mm), 16 and 24 – 36 "/40 and 60 – 90 cm long, or size to obtain gauge

Note: Circular needles are used to accommodate large number of sts; work back and forth in rows; optional instructions are given for working the armhole edging in-the-round on the shorter needle.

Stitch markers

Stitch holders or waste yarn

Yarn needle

Jacket zipper – approximately 16 (16, 17, 18, 19)"/40.5 (40.5, 43, 46, 48) cm long, in color to match yarn

Row counter (optional)

Additional needle, size 11 (8 mm), if working the optional 3-Needle Bind-Off on Hood (optional)

Decorative zipper pull (optional)

SPECIAL TECHNIQUE

3-Needle Bind Off (Optional joining method for top of Hood)

Place the stitches of the pieces to be joined on separate needles, (or each end of circular needle), held one behind the other with right-sides facing each other, in left hand; with a third needle, (the same size or 1 size larger than used for knitting the pieces), k2tog [1 from the front needle, 1 from the back needle—1 stitch on right-hand needle], *K2tog [2 stitches on right-hand needle], bind off 1 stitch in usual manner; repeat from * to end.

GAUGE

In Stockinette stitch, 11 sts and 16 rows = 4"/10 cm, using larger needle and 2 strands of yarn held together

STITCHES USED

Stockinette stitch (St st): Knit on RS, purl on WS.

Seed Stitch (multiple of 2 sts)

Row/Round 1 (RS): * K1, p1; repeat from * across.

Row/Round 2: Knit the purl sts and purl the knit sts as they face you.

Repeat Row/Round 2 for Seed st.

NOTES

Vest is worked in one piece to underarm, including Seed st Front bands, then divided into Back and 2 Fronts; Seed st bands continue to the Neck edge.
Hood is picked up around neck shaping and from sts on holders (Front bands and Back neck), then worked up to the top; optional instructions are given for joining the top with 3-Needle Bind-Off.
Yarn is used doubled throughout.

BACK

Using smaller circular needle and 2 strands of yarn, cast on 100 (112, 124, 132, 144) sts.

(RS) Begin Seed st; work even for 6 rows, end with a WS row.

Change to larger circular needle.

Establish Pattern: (RS) Work 6 sts in Seed st as established (right Front band), pm; k19 (22, 25, 27, 30) for right Front, pm for side 'seam'; k50 (56, 62, 66, 72) for Back, pm for side 'seam'; k19 (22, 25, 27, 30) for left Front, pm; work remaining 6 sts in Seed st as established (left Front band). Cont as established, working 6 sts each side in Seed st for Front bands, remaining sts in St st; work even until piece measures 11 (11, 11 1/2, 12, 12 1/2)" from beginning, or desired length to underarm, end with a WS row.

Dividing Row

(RS) Cont in patt as established, work across right Front * to 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) sts before side 'seam' marker; bind off 6 (6, 8, 8, 10) sts for underarm *; work across Back, repeating from * to * for underarm; work to end in patt—22 (25, 27, 29, 31) sts rem each Front, including Front bands; 44 (50, 54, 58, 62) sts remain for Back. Place Back and right Front sts on holders.

LEFT FRONT

(WS) Working on left Front sts only, work 1 row even, maintaining Front band sts in Seed st.

Shape Armhole

(RS) At armhole edge, bind off 2 (2, 3, 3, 4) sts every other row once, then 1 (2, 2, 3, 3) sts once—19 (21, 22, 23, 24) sts remain.

Work even until armhole measures 6 (6 1/2, 6 1/2, 7, 7 1/2)" from dividing row, end with a WS row.

Shape Neck

(RS) Work across to Front band marker, turn; place band sts on holder—13 (15, 16, 17, 18) sts rem.

(WS) Beginning this row, at neck edge, dec 1 st every row 2 (2, 2, 3, 3) times, every other row 1 (2, 2, 2, 2) times—10 (11, 12, 12, 13) sts remain for shoulder. Work even until armhole measures 8 (8 1/2, 8 1/2, 9, 9 1/2" from dividing row, end with a WS row.

Shape Shoulder

(RS) At armhole edge, bind off 5 (6, 6, 6, 7) sts—5 (5, 6, 6, 6) sts remain.

Work 1 row even.

Bind off remaining sts.

RIGHT FRONT

With WS facing, place sts from holder on needle, ready to work a WS row; join double stand of yarn at underarm.

(WS) Beginning this row, work as for left Front, reversing shaping by working armhole and shoulder shaping at beginning of WS rows, neck shaping at beginning of RS rows.

BACK

With WS facing, place sts from holder on needle, ready to work a WS row; join double stand of yarn at underarm—44 (50, 54, 58, 62) sts.

(WS) Work 1 row even.

Shape Armholes

(RS) Bind off 2 (2, 3, 3, 4) sts at beginning of next 2 rows, then 1 (2, 2, 3, 3) sts at beginning of next 2 rows—38 (42, 44, 46, 48) sts remain.

Work even until armhole measures 8 (8 1/2, 8 1/2, 9, 9 1/2" from dividing row, end with a WS row.

Shape Shoulder

(RS) Bind off 5 (6, 6, 6, 7) sts at beginning of next 2 rows, then 5 (5, 6, 6, 6) sts at beginning of next 2 rows—18 (20, 20, 22, 22) sts remain for Back neck; place sts on holder.

HOOD

Sew shoulder seams.

With RS facing, using larger needle, beginning at right Front neck edge, join double stand of yarn; work 6 sts from holder in Seed st; pick up and knit 42 (44, 44, 46, 46) sts evenly around neck shaping, including sts on holder across to left Front band; work 6 sts in Seed st from holder—54 (56, 56, 58, 58) sts. Cont as established, working 6 sts each side in Seed st, remaining sts in St st, work even for 3 rows, end with a WS row.

Shape Hood

(RS) * Work 6 sts in Seed st; knit across center 42 (44, 44, 46, 46) sts, inc 4 sts evenly across; work 6 sts in Seed st.

Work 3 rows even in patt.

Repeat from * twice—66 (68, 68, 70, 70) sts.

Work even until piece measures 12 1/2" from pick-up row, end with a WS row.

Shape Hood Top

(RS) * Cont in pattern, dec 4 sts evenly across center sts.

Work 3 rows even.

Repeat from * once, end after working 3 rows even—58 (60, 60, 62, 62) sts.

Bind off all sts.

Fold Hood in half, with RS's facing. Sew seam.

Optional Join

Do not bind off sts.

Fold Hood in half, with RS's facing. Join seam using 3-Needle Bind-Off (see Special Techniques).

FINISHING

Block to measurements, if necessary.

Armhole Edging

Note: Armhole edging may be worked in-the round, using shorter circular needle, or back and forth in rows.

With RS facing, using smaller, shorter circular needle, beginning at underarm, pick up and knit 45 (47, 47, 51, 55) sts.

Begin Seed st; work even for 6 rows/rounds.

Bind off all sts loosely in patt.

Sew armband seams, if worked back and forth in rows.

Using yarn needle, weave in ends.

Baste zipper in place at center Front, leaving lower Seed st edge free and stopping approx 1" from beginning of neck shaping. Sew neatly in place.

Free "Swirlygig" Quilt Pattern

2010-09-02T08:54:00.003-04:00

Free "Swirlygig" Quilt Pattern by CuteQuiltPatterns.com

This fun 76" x 100" quilt uses just 2 blocks that are alternated to create the swirly effect in this full size quilt.

Click HERE to download a free PDF copy of this pattern.

You can also visit my site's free pattern page for an easy download link to this pattern and many others.

Who do YOU race for?

2010-09-01T17:30:00.000-04:00

I am racing in memory of my mother, my aunt & my grandmother. I am among the next generation of women in my family all dreading to hear the news that we have the big "c" - breast cancer. We are all 40 and younger yet several of us have already had a scare or two of our own. We are young mothers, wives, sisters, aunts, friends with uncertain futures ahead of us.

I know breast cancer awareness is made very public and there are lots of fundraisers for research yet we still can't find a cure.

My first step this year is to participate in the SC Mountains to Midlands Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure race being held on Saturday, Sept. 25. This is where you can help. If you are in the Greenville or Upstate SC area and want to join my team, we'd love to have you walk with us. If you can't participate but can donate, we'd love that assistance too.

Remember, breast cancer is NOT just a woman's disease. Men get breast cancer too!

Click HERE to join my team or to donate funds. Ironically, the race is being held at Fluor Field (our local baseball stadium) and our team name is Saving Second Base. Why not have a little humor while helping out such a serious cause.

Thanks a bunch for your generosity!