Knitting Finish: Beanie

Hello friends, how was your weekend? Mine was lovely. I finished the hat/beanie that I began knitting for my husband last week. It was quite the adventure knitting the crown for the hat. I thought that I could get away from using double pointed needles (DPN); they just looked way too intimidating and very difficult to use. But as I started reducing to create the crown it became more and more difficult to knit with with the circular needles. So on Friday I rushed to the store after work and bought a set of DPN. Determined to finished the hat I researched how to use them and found this amazing tutorial from the Purl Bee it explains so clearly how to use them. Anyway, after figuring out how to use the DPN finishing the hat was very easy and enjoyable.  I love watching TV while knitting so I watched a few episodes of Sex and the City while knitting the last rows; I hadn't watch it in a while. It was the episodes when Carrie goes to Paris (the last of the series) and I think my favorite ones. 

I really love the way it turned out and my husband does too. Today was a bit chilly and he decided he was going to start wearing it. It is so soft and cozy. The pattern for the hat is called Regular Guy Beanie and you can download it for free from Raverly. I basically followed the pattern without making any changes expect I made the ribbing a few rows bigger. 

XX

Martha. 

I Think I Got The Knitting Bug

Happy Sunday everyone! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Around here we have been enjoying the last warm days of the season before the cold weather arrives. But despite the warm weather there is something in the air that feels like fall; the deep colors of the foliage, pumpkins everywhere you look and wanting to knit petty things with cozy warm yarn. I had so much fun knitting the cowl I finished last week (you can see it here), that I decided to start a new knitting project. On Saturday I began knitting a hat for my husband. This a very simple pattern, but it is certainly and exciting one since this is my first time knitting on the round.  I thought it was going to be more difficult, but it is progressing rather quickly. I think I'm going to finish it sooner than I thought.

Have a lovely week!

XX

 Martha.

Knitting Adventures: A new Cowl

What is the difference between an infinity scarf and a cowl? I'm not really sure. I'm  calling this one my Seed Stitch Cowl. It didn't start off as a cowl. Last winter I wanted to start knitting again, so on one of  my trips to Joan's I bought a few sequins of Lion Brand yarn and some bamboo knitting needles. With no pattern in mind I cast off what I thought was going to be a simple scarf maybe with some pompoms on each end and I started knitting and knitting; mostly while watching TV. Knitting is just so relaxing. However, as the scarf started to grow I began to have doubts about the scarf plan I had initially planned. So I decided to take a break until I figured out what to do with it. Well that break was about three  or four months (crazy how time files). Anyway, I decided to finally finish it and make it into a cowl/infinity scarf by joining the ends together. I used a crochet hook to join the ends and the seam is hardly noticeable.
I'm so happy with the way it turned out. I love the yarn and how the color changes depending on the background and lighting. I think I'm ready for winter with my new cowl and maybe to start a new knitting project.
By the way, Mr. Weekend Doings was the photographer for the photo of me modeling the cowl. I think he is a natural with the camera, don't you agree?

Have a wonderful week!

XX

Martha. 

Half Square Triangles and Summer Colors

Happy Sunday! I hope you had a lovely weekend.  I finished this quilt last week; it was a birthday gift for my sister-in-law, so I had to hold off showing it to you until I gave it to her (I didn't want to ruin the surprise). As you know inspiration comes from many places and for this quilt it all started with 

this photo

; the colors feel very fresh and summery and when paired with the white cotton they really stand out. I have been wanting to make a quilt using half  square triangles and I thought this was the perfect opportunity to give it a try... and I love it. Half square triangles are so versatile and I have the feeling this won't be the last quilt I make using them.

For the quilting I just did straight lines highlighting the half square triangles. I really like how the quilting shows on the back of the quilt.

I love how this quilt turned out: so fresh and simple... my little summer crush :)

XX

Martha.

Color Inspiration

The weather is starting to change around here. The air feels crisp and some trees are starting to show the colors of fall; the summer flowers are slowly fading away. I took this photo of one of my favorite roses in the garden a couple of weeks ago. I absolutely love how the  bright pink rose looks against the different shades of green I thought this was the perfect color palette for my next project.... I finished it last weekend and I can't wait to share it with you.

Linking  up to Plum and June: Quilt Photography Workshop

XX

Martha

A Small Finish

After a busy week it feels good to finish a little something. I started working on the patchwork detail for this pouch two weeks ago and it feels good to finally see it finished. I'm really happy with the way it turned out. Specially because I made it for a dear friend. She lives faraway and I don't get to see her often, but every once and a while I like to send her little handmade gifts. I think it so wonderful  to find an unexpected package or a letter in your mailbox  from a friend who lives faraway or that you haven't seen in a while. It really makes your day, don't you agree?  I hope she likes this one.

Have a wonderful week!

XX

Martha.

Patchwork Progress

Currently on my table... a tiny patchwork (1" squares) project I started last Sunday with  some hand quilting and linen my absolute favorite fabric. 

I hope you are having a lovely week.

*Linking up to WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced*

XX

Martha.

Little Skirt

This weekend I tried my hand at garment sewing. I made this cute little skirt for my  3 year old goddaughter. I was inspired by the skirts shown in the book 1,2,3 Sew. And I used the measurements given on the book for a size 4.  It was such a fun project and I think I would like one for myself.  I love the idea of making my own clothes and one day I would like to have a wardrobe of mostly handmade pieces. Handmade clothes are the best I think. When I was growing up my mom made most of my clothes; she was super talented and  even created her own patterns. So I always I had very unique pieces (and every time I wore them I felt super special). 

I'm currently working on a tutorial for this skirt and I hope to share it with you soon.

Have a great week!

Martha.