Stitches Midwest

DD and I visited two days.   I don't know how anybody can visit for just one day.   We enjoyed spending time together and being inspired by all the wonderful things we saw!

Above:  some of the free things from vendors.  I enjoyed the Clover booth, esp when the tatting was on display.   

Below:  some of the purchased things!   

 The green Lantern Moon ort pouch was grabbed up by me in a hurry.  Was 50% off.   Below - you can see a couple of the free patterns I picked up (hat/mitten set and lace scarf), the Nirvana acrylic "lamb" box for notions (mine currently has stitch markers, tatting shuttles), the beautiful Erin Lane bag, souvenir pin (a.k.a. Stitches GEAR - I feel fortunate as there weren't many to be had), and couple Zoom Loom squares I made with yarn purchases.

The cord in the photos was made on 6-peg knitting spool.   Stitches Midwest has "extreme stash" in the hall outside the vendor area.   There are 10 - 11" cuts of yarns (I wish they were longer!!!) of a variety of fibers.   On our 2nd day - as we were leaving, I noticed so many little pieces still there -- grabbed some and made a 26" cord using 3 fibers at a time.   Enjoyed putting those pieces to use.   I think the idea is to "sample" yarns & colors - not sure how to knit or crochet with such short yarn pieces.   Below - the paper near the yarns.

 

 These are G R E A T.   half crochet hooks on a finding.   Can be hooked to your bag, your project, your tools.   Nice for tatting, knitting, beading ... the list goes on.  They have awesome accessories (incl sport theme).  Etsy store link HERE.

 On day 2, I met Galina Khmeleva + she autographed my book! More information about the author, opportunity to attend workshop, etc. on the Lafayette Lacemaker blog post - LINK HERE.

 This yarn, cord, wool/tencel blend -- link HERE, was marked down to $2 a ball - and I didn't hesitate to try it out on the Zoom Loom!   Lovely colors.   

 This yarn (Artisanal Yarn from Pennsylvania)  was $5 and again, used on the Zoom Loom (pin loom) right away.   The booth was loaded with a variety of colors - fibers - types of fibers spun into yarns.   Very unique!

 Project bag (Makers' Mercantile booth) ... never seem to own enough of them.  This charming bag already put to use.

 Hello Kitty project bag -- and came with stitch markers!    I put my Good For Ewe yarn balls inside.   I may continue making squares on the pin loom (Zoom Loom) or may knit up a blanket with pattern DD has.

 Could not resist . . . Knit baah Purl one of my fav places to visit.  

 Thank you Skacel!  The yarn, hook, instruction from the FREE Crochet class.   DD and I did okay.   We hooked, ripped out, hooked, repeat.   I think we learned a lot in an hour ; )

Already have 2017 on the calendar ....

knitting .... toys .... practice .... etc.

While I was doing some house sitting - and kitty watching .... I brought along knitting.

I'm 1/2 way thru this pattern.   It is Ilwaco Shawlette, Kelli Slack Designs pattern.   c.2015.  I am using Lilliput Yarn, Sasha.  80% Superwash Merino / 20% Nylon.  

I had a new row counter - was very useful for practicing a new pattern.   And, I lost track of where I was in the pattern.   Had to pull off the knitting and start over.

Then, I noticed the littermates - they were circling and playing, and chasing their kitty toy from one room to the next.

 Yep - my row counter.   Row 16.  

London wants to know if I need that back.

She watched me knit for a long time and eventually nodded off.

My first try in the back -- I did make it thru 2 'leaf' motifs in the pattern.   I think, once done with the current shawlette, I can launch into this one.   It is Leafy Lisa Shawlette by Kelli Slack Designs.  yes - have the pattern and the yarn!

 Above: knitting spool found at a local antique mall.   Too charming to leave it behind.   Below:  wooden knitting spool made in Canada.  Bought it at Stitches Midwest, day 2 -- it is spectacular, a lot of fun using chunky yarns.     The other spools I own are for medium sized yarns.

Below:  My GF gifted me this awesome Vera Bradley tin.   It has a tray inside, and GF added a magnetic strip.   Eventually, will load it with needlework tools / notions.

 Meanwhile, tossed in my crochet hooks so you could see the size.  Probably had been a tin for pencils,  pens, or something like that.

 Speaking of crochet - I picked up the (above) kitchen pot holder at the antique mall.   I would really like to make one - some day.   It is in good shape & hanging in my sewing room.   I suppose it could be used in the kitchen .... naw .... too pretty ....

Lastly, found this lovely book at Mitsuwa's book store.   The patterns are diagrammed well and the step by step photos a bonus.   maybe I'll figure it out, maybe not!

Enjoy the day.

Curious ...

 I just couldn't figure out what these were ... a dress, pantsuit?  Doll clothing, yet a loop on the back (hang up?) like .... ?  What would you put inside and hang up?

-------

Went on line and found oodles of interesting things.

 Kitchen Judy Potholder Pattern

 Spoon Angels (patterns)

 Pink Pinafore Pattern

Fan Fair potholder pattern .... Ok, off track .... get back to dresses .... 

The answer, found at Maggie's Crochet Blog:

"At first sight, crochet dress potholders appear to be doll clothes. These cute little dresses actually served a practical purpose in the kitchen from about 1945 through 1960. The war was ending and husbands were returning to the home ready to fix things up. Crochet was a popular craft and women took the domestic role of dressing up the kitchen, literally, with cute shaped potholders. The style was simple, the patterns were easy to make and quick to stitch, making them the ideal decoration that could also be used to prevent scorched tables or hands."

Follow the link to see her photos, patterns, too .... Link HERE.

Randoms .... crochet

 This is my take away from the Irish Crochet Motifs class
held at Sheep's Clothing.

With the multiple mistakes and empty flower center,

I put my pin inside!

The class was instructed by Laura Ricketts (Laura Ricketts Designs).     I remember the Jul/Aug 2014 PieceWork magazine cover with Irish Crochet cuffs.  Laura based this class/pattern on her article (photo from magazine).

My Class piece -- I didn't get to the leaf, or rose center.   The facebook page has more photos.  

Link here.    Laura Ricketts brought some of her projects with her & it was fun to have them in hand.  I noticed she has several classes listed on her web site.

 It is wonderful to have practice pieces for crochet stitches; however, it was great to put the stitches learned from crochet class into motion,   and, i have a good start on flowers!!!

crochet

I admit, I don't have crochet skills (beyond basics).   GF, Denise, made this beautiful blue doily for an Easter Hello Kitty toy (gift).

 And, she made this lovely hummingbird - which is currently on my wall.  (other snowflakes are packed away in the cedar chest)  I wish she had a blog, FB page, or photo album ... she tats, she knits, and she crochets beautiful pieces!   When I open up her e-mails, I'm gobsmacked by her current projects - either in the works, or finished.   Beautiful, delicate pieces.

Recently, while doing some sorting, spring cleaning, I pulled out a few doilies that I have (given to me).

 Above - looks so much like the one photographed on the cover of this magazine (notice how crochet magazines have tatting, too?)

 Here are a few photos of the pineapple / patterened ones I have:

... and others, with thicker fiber:

Do you enjoy vintage patterns, magazines?  I think they are charming ...

If you are in the "doily free zone" ... this post is not for you!!!