9 Patch Pillow Top Ready to Quilt

After I hand pieced the 9 squares together for the Children's Quilting Class at the library, I cut a piece of muslin about 4 inches larger on each side than the block, and a piece of batting just a little larger than the block.


Each of the children in the quilting class will receive, among other necessary items, a similar piece of muslin and batting for the blocks that they piece.


Then I basted the three layers together using a contrasting color of regular sewing thread. I started in the middle and worked toward each corner first. Then I basted each side about an inch away from the edge. This should be enough to hold the layers together while I quilt them.

I have purchased almost all of the supplies I will need for this class. The only big thing left for me to get is a wooden hoop for each of the participants. I am hoping to get six 12 inch wooden hoops, but my local Michael's store has been out of stock for several weeks now. I'll be making some calls to my not-so-local A.C. Moore and Joann Fabrics to see what I can find.

I love preparing for classes like this and thinking about how this kind of experience might influence the future of these kids. Did you ever take a crafty class at your local library or somewhere similar when you were a child? How did it influence your future?

Happy Stitching!

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Sweet Liberty Crocheted afghan almost finished...and my new rug!

Just over a week ago, I showed you the area rug that I would be receiving from CSN Rugs. It was delivered yesterday by FedEx and promptly took its place in front of the fireplace.

How do you like it?


My two youngest were having a good time dancing on it this afternoon, and loved how soft it felt between their toes. I have to agree with them. It does feel nice! It appears to be very well made and the binding on it seems to be very secure. Loose binding on an area rug is one thing I do not like about cheaper rugs purchased at my local mass merchandiser. And this rug was made right here in the the USA.

I was also impressed with the customer service I received from CSN. The contact I had with the company was always pleasant and productive. I had a feeling that I had dealt with them in the past, so I went searching through my old emails and sure enough, found evidence that I had indeed purchased from them before. When we were looking for outdoor wooden rocking chairs for our front porch, we found their beautiful Outdoor Charleston Rockers and we just love them.

So that's my plug for the CSN companies. Now after looking at this fireplace picture, I was reminded that I never did clean out the fireplace after winter was over. But if our current weather pattern doesn't change soon, I'll have to light up that log in the fireplace just to dry out the house!

I have been busy with other things though. The project that has been taking up most of my rainy day handwork time is the Sweet Liberty afghan I am crocheting for that upcoming memorial golf tournament and raffle I told you about recently. As soon as I hit the publish button on this post, I am going to sit in my chair and finish off the last round of the border, and it will be finished! I'll show you pictures of it complete in the next day or so.

And of course more preparations have been made for the Children's Quilting Class at the library, so I'll be updating you on that as well.

Now off to complete my first finish for the month of July!

Happy Stitching!

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Sweet Liberty Crocheted Blocks Complete!

The golf tournament is just over a month away, and I am making great progress towards my goal! Just less than two weeks ago, I showed you a peek at the blocks for the Sweet Liberty Crocheted Afghan which I am making for a raffle to help raise money for the PFC Jonathan Roberge Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Here is another peek at my progress to date...


What you see here are two stacks of crocheted blocks, and in each stack there are 10 blocks! Yes, that's right! I finally finished all the blocks!


I was able to consistently complete at least one block a day, and on some days as many as 2 1/2. Of course it didn't hurt that the past two weeks have been unusually cold and rainy, so we spent lots of time indoors!


I threw this picture in just because I liked it!


This will be the arrangement of the blocks for the afghan. I will connect them to each other using the red yarn and my favorite method, which is single crochet, in a manner similar to strip quilting. HERE is a little tutorial showing that method.

After all the blocks are crocheted together, I will do several rounds of single crochet using the red and blue yarns, and then finish the afghan with a round of reverse single crochet in blue.

These crocheted star blocks have come together much faster than I had ever expected. This could be due to the fact that I found out the golf tournament was being held about 2 months earlier than I had thought! Nothing like working under pressure! But isn't it amazing how productive we can be when something really matters? I think this really matters.

Happy Stitching!

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Handpiecing 9 Patch Squares for Children's Quilting Class

I started handpiecing the pillow top for the children's quilting class I'll be doing at the library this summer. Since it is only 9 squares, it didn't take too long. Here's how I did it...


After deciding on the arrangement of the squares and marking the 1/4 inch seam line on all sides of each square, I chose the two I would start piecing and placed them right sides together. Using my long straight pins, I pushed a pin through both squares so that it was directly on the marked line of both squares. I used one pin about every inch. At the corners, I made sure that the pin went directly through the intersection of the lines at the corners on each square.


Here is the wrong side of the other square showing the pointed ends of the pins poking through.


Then I took another pin and put it into the seam allowance near the first pin and then back out again so that it was flat with the fabric. The pin sticking straight up through both fabrics ensures that neither fabric will slip during this pinning. Then I removed the first pin that was sticking straight up and used it to pin the fabric near the next pin. I continued this until each of the pins that were sticking straight up out of the fabric was removed and replaced by a pin that was flat on the fabric.


Then I took my favorite quilting needle and hand quilting thread and began to stitch the seam. Using knots in hand piecing will tend to produce unnecessary bulk in the seams, so it is not recommended. Instead, start stitching about 1/2 inch away from a corner along the seamline and stitch towards the corner, making sure that your needle is going into the marked line on both squares. After every few stitches, work a little back stitch by putting your needle into the fabric about a half stitch back from where you ended your last stitch. This will lock your stitches in place. Once you have stitched that little 1/2 inch and have reached the corner, turn your stitching around and stitch the entire seam line to the opposite corner, working a little back stitch as before each time you come to a pin, or about every inch or so. When you reach the corner, turn your work around and stitch about 1/2 inch back along the seam line, taking one more little back stitch in that 1/2 inch. Then clip your thread.


I stitched all three rows of squares in this manner, and then...


...I pinned the rows together and stitched them in the same way, making sure that my needle was going directly through the marked line with every stitch and through the intersections of the lines at each corner...


...until all nine squares were connected to each other.


And there is the 9 patch pillow top, ready for layering and quilting.

I really enjoy hand piecing because of it's slow pace and relaxing rhythm. It produces just about perfectly accurate seams and corners too. Do you have any tips for hand piecing that you would like to share? Please leave a comment and let everyone know!

Happy Stitching!

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Babette Update #2

Remember those lazy days of summer between school years?

Not having the responsibility of school is really agreeing with my oldest daughter, Elizabeth. She loves sleeping in a little later, puttering around the house, playing with her little sister and brother, and spending long afternoons and evenings with her crocheting. All this, of course, when she isn't working!

Here's a picture of the progress she has made so far on her Babette...


She is so happy with how it is turning out, and even my husband commented on how much he likes it! I think what is keeping her interested in this project for so long is the frequent color changes, and the variety of block sizes for each section. She also has the incentive of wanting to have this complete before she begins her college career on September 2, so she just keeps plugging away a little bit each day.

Since she purchased the larger skeins of Red Heart yarn for this project, she will have lots leftover and is already planning what she will do with that. I'm guessing another afghan, but I'm not sure if she'll jump right into another Babette right away!

Happy Stitching!

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Progress on 9 Patch Pillow Children's Quilting Class Sample

I've made a little progress on the 9 patch block which will be the sample for the children's beginner quilting class I am doing at our local library later this summer. After choosing my fabrics and cutting them into 5 1/4 inch squares, I arranged them in what I thought was a pleasing way. It took me a while to get to this, but I like how it ended up. Good thing there were only 9 squares or I still wouldn't be at this point yet!


The squares are showing their wrong sides here, and you can see all my supplies gathered together. I love using my quilter's quarter for marking the seam line. No guess work involved!

I decided to put the white muslin square in the middle so I can quilt a pretty design or initial into it. I like for the children taking the class to be able to personalize their piece and I think initials are a nice way to do that.


And here you can see the very fine pencil lines on each side of the squares. For the dark purple square, I used my white pencil which I first sharpened to a very fine point.

Next up, I'll be showing some of the details of how I hand piece my squares, so if this is something you have not done before, you might find it interesting.

Happy Stitching!

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Recycled Another Pair of Jeans into a Clothes Pin Bag

One just wasn't enough for Bonnie, so here's my second recycled jeans clothes pin bag. This one has butterflies on it!



For this bag, I reused the hanger that Bonnie's old clothes pin bag had been on since she likes the way it swivels, and I even used a pair of old jeans she gave me to recycle!

The bias binding was another scrap in my pile of Better-Keep-This-In-Case-I-Might-Need-It-Someday ribbons and trims and bindings and other little stuff. Doesn't everyone have one of those piles? Mine happens to be kept hidden away inside the seat of my sewing chair too! I love that feature!

The butterflies were hanging around in my cabinet, just waiting for their chance to fly away on something that would be used outdoors. What better place for them to fly than in Bonnie's backyard!

Happy Stitching!

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Learn to Crochet - Single Crochet Shells in Tiramisu Baby Blanket

Merry, of crocheted ABC Blanket fame, recently shared with me a pattern she had found for the Tiramisu Baby Blanket because she was having a bit of trouble with keeping the edges straight.

Here is a picture of the sample I crocheted using 3 colors. This shows off the single crochet shells very nicely, and in the video below, it also makes seeing the individual rows much easier.



Hopefully this video will help Merry and others in crocheting this very pretty blanket. See what you think...



I think this stitch would also make a very cozy and colorful scarf, stitched either long ways or across the short way. I can also imagine that this stitch crocheted using bulky weight yarn and a very large hook would work up quickly into a full size afghan.

Either solid or multi-color, the stitch used in the Tiramisu Baby Blanket is easy to do and very versatile. It reminds me a little bit of the Ripple Stitch and the Woven Stitch, both of which I have used for full size afghans, baby blankets, and crocheted scarves.

Happy Stitching!

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Have you ever made a rug?

Latch hooking is something I've done a few times, and making a braided rug is something I've always wanted to try but never have. But real honest-to-goodness rug making is something I know I'll never do. And I'm ok with that!

Up until a few years ago, we had no wood floors in our home so I did not need area rugs, but we finally had beautiful real hard wood floors installed in the front half of the first floor. I have purchased a few small rugs since then and have not been too pleased with the selection at stores close to me. Recently I was contacted by someone from CSN Rugs offering my choice of an area rug to receive in my own home and review on my website. I was a little hesitant at first since I really do try to restrict my content to needlework related topics that are somewhat educational and of personal interest to me, but after looking at the extensive selection of area rugs on their website, I just couldn't pass up this offer. So here is what I picked...


This rug is machine made in the USA and the one I picked is small, 23 by 39 inches. I just love the rich colors and the bold design. I am thinking about putting it in front of the fireplace in the living room. But these colors would also look very nice in our master bedroom. We have yet to extend the wood floors to the second level though, so I'm thinking it will remain on the main floor for now.

I am looking forward to receiving this rug and using it in my home. I will be sure to give you all my thoughts on the rug and my experience with the company in case you are looking to purchase rugs online. It's always nice to deal with a company whose reputation can be verified by people you trust. Hopefully this company will be one of those! I'll let you know.

Next up will be a little video on a crochet stitch used in a baby blanket that I think you will like. It's super easy and can be done in a solid color, or I found out also looks lovely crocheted in several different colors. This pattern would also make a warm and cozy scarf. You won't want to miss it!

Happy Stitching!

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Fun Fabric for Children's Quilting Class

Last summer I held a 4 session embroidery class at our local library and the children who attended really seemed to enjoy learning a new skill and putting it to good use.

I have been invited back again this summer and the project I have chosen to teach this time is a 9 patch quilted pillow.

Wanna see the fun fabric I picked out for this project?

The four print fabrics in the lower part of the picture were part of my fun purchase recently when I was looking for black and whites for my sister's pin cushion bag. The other five fabrics are from my stash. I cut 5 1/4 inch squares of each fabric, so after hand stitching them into a 9 patch, the finished block will be 14 3/4 inches. After quilting and stitching to the pillow back, this should be just perfect for covering a 14 inch pillow form.

Now the only question is ... can 6 children, ages 10 to 12, get all this done in four 1.5 hour sessions? We'll see!

More pictures of the sample in progress to come!

Happy Stitching!

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Merry's Crocheted ABC Blanket

I've been so blessed to have met such nice people from all parts of this country and around the world since I began publishing Hooked On Needles just over a year ago. Merry, my self-professed Biggest Fan, is one of those people. She's pretty new at crocheting and has made some wonderful things. Her thoughtful questions on patterns and how to do certain stitches on the Knittinghelp.com forum have been the inspiration for a few of my video tutorials. But for the most part, she picks up her yarn and hook and just goes for it. What an inspiration!

Merry just recently sent me a picture of a newly finished project for her granddaughter who will be 4 years old in a few months, and she gave me permission to publish the picture here for you all to see.


Don't you think that is the perfect afghan for a 4 year old? Now she can learn her ABCs in her sleep!

If you would like the pattern for this blanket, you can find it HERE. The puff stitch that is used in this pattern to make the grid lines and the letters is similar to the bobble stitch I used on the Cherry Berry Oddball Blanket, but not exactly the same. I will work up a little sample of the stitch from the ABC pattern and post a video soon so you can see just how it is done.

Nice job, Merry, and thank you so much for allowing me to share this fabulous picture of you and your blanket with my readers!

Happy Stitching!

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Sneak Peek at Sweet Liberty Afghan for PFC Jonathan Roberge Memorial Golf Tournament Raffle

This past January was a sad time for the city of Leominster. For the first time since the Vietnam war, one of our own was killed in action. I knew the family of PFC Jonathan Roberge through my daughter's involvement in the high school band where Jonathan's younger sister plays the trumpet.

Later this summer, a golf tournament along with a raffle will be held to raise money for a memorial scholarship fund and I wanted to do something to help. Golf just isn't my Thing, but I do love to crochet! So I thought the afghan kit which I had been saving in my project closet for just the right occasion would be the perfect item to make and donate to the raffle.


The name of the afghan is Sweet Liberty and it is made up of 20 blocks, 10 with blue stars in the middle just like in the picture, and 10 with red stars in the middle. The yarn is Bernat worsted weight and a real pleasure to work with. After reformatting the pattern so that I could follow it easily, I started working on the blocks. So far I have 6 completed. 4 more blue star blocks and 10 red star blocks, then I will crochet the blocks together and do the red border around the whole thing. Hopefully it will all be finished before tee time on August 1st.

I'll keep you posted!

Happy Stitching!

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Disappearing 9 Patch Blocks Complete

Even after saying I was not going to take on any more projects until my list was all red, I signed up for a quilt block swap! I just couldn't resist! It's a block I had never done before, and in fact my very first quilt block swap ever. Such fun could not be passed up!


Aunt Pitty Pat's is hosting a Disappearing 9 Patch Quilt Block Swap which may still have some room in it for you sporting spirits out there.

These are my 9 patch blocks, made mostly from 2 Sumptuous Living charm packs. Since there were only 36 charms in each pack, I had to supplement with a few pieces of my own fabric. But I got all 10 of my 9 patch blocks sewn up...


...and then I started cutting. That's the fun part, when you get to see what the final blocks will look like. What a clever design this is!

I am anxious to receive my collection of blocks from the other swappers and see what fun fabrics they used. I will be sure to share them with you here, at least a picture anyway!

Well, my little guy graduated from kindergarten yesterday morning in the cutest, most touching ceremony you could ever imagine. And my big girl is all graduated from high school now and heading down to her college today to take her placement tests and get her schedule for the fall. So the relaxed summer schedule has begun here at home. I don't plan to relax too much though, because I have lots of projects I still need to work on and share with you!

Coming up next is a peek at that afghan I am making for the golf tournament raffle prize I mentioned the other day. And I think I'll be making a few more of those recycled jeans clothes pin bags for my friend. She loved the bumble bee one that I made for her so she's bringing me the hangers from her old bags so I can make her some new ones. I guess that idea was a winner!

Happy Stitching!

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Make your Patterns Easy to Read

I don't crochet too many afghans from kits, but on a rare occasion I'll find one that really strikes me and I buy it. When it makes it's way up to the top of my project list, I take it out and check out the pattern. Sometimes it's written in an easy to read format and I can just sit down with my hook and yarn and get busy. Mostly though, it's something like this...


...written on the back of the package label on a heavy duty piece of card stock that is big enough to wrap around the whole package, front and back, and in three languages. Not exactly something I can sit on my lap or prop on the table next to my chair! This picture doesn't even show the whole thing, that's how big it is!


So I take it to my computer and scan the English language sections, cut and paste them into a Publisher file in the correct order, all on one manageable page. Then I print it out. I like having it on one regular size piece of paper, but the size of the type suffers greatly by shrinking it. And I'm over 40. In fact, I'm closer to 50 now than I am to 40. If you're not there yet, let me tell you what that means in this case. I can't read the print without straining, and at my age, straining is not something I enjoy doing. Especially when I just want to sit down and relax with my crocheting!

So I came up with what I think is the perfect solution...


I went back into my Publisher file and broke the pattern up into smaller chunks, then expanded them to be the width of a regular size piece of paper in landscape orientation. I placed two sections on each page and then printed them out. It took 4 pages to print the whole pattern. I cut the pages in half, with one section on each half. Then I stapled the whole package together in the correct order.


This is the perfect size to sit on my lap while I'm crocheting, turning the pages as I progress through the pattern. The type size is so large that I can read it easily with or without my reading glasses, and it is much easier to keep my place in the pattern because I don't have to strain my eyes to see where I am. Now crocheting this pattern is much more enjoyable for me and the project is moving along nicely. I'll show you a little preview of it soon.

If you don't have a scanner or software that can enlarge something for you, you can always take your pattern to a copy center and have it printed as large as you want it, then cut it up and make it into a little flip book like I did. Even if it is copyrighted, I am pretty sure that you can still make copies like this for your own personal use.

When I am finished with this project, I will store the original picture from the packaging along with my small print pattern page and my large print booklet in a page protector in my crochet pattern binder, just in case I want to make the same pattern again with my own yarn.

Do you have any little tricks that you have found to make your stitching time easier on the eyes, or just more enjoyable for you? Please leave a comment and share them with everyone!

Happy Stitching!

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Another Pin Cushion Bag

I am so glad that I purchased the pin cushion bag kit from Connecting Threads when I did, because I have not seen it available on their website since then and I think it's just such a neat little bag. I made the two bags using the fabric that came with the kit and used one as my Fall giveaway last year.

Here is one that I made for my sister using fabric I purchased myself.


She wanted one made out of the leftover fabric from the tote bag I made her for Christmas, but that fabric was canvas and would not have been appropriate for this pattern even if I had enough to use. So I stopped in at Joann Fabrics while I was out of town for the Parent Orientation Day at the college my daughter will be attending in the fall, and I stocked up on some black and white fabrics and a few other fun prints that I found too!


Isn't this a fun combination of blacks and whites? A little pretty, a little crazy and a little plain and simple. Considering she's a nun, I didn't want to get too far out there, but I wasn't about to do just plain black either!


She loved the bag along with the matching needle book, even though it wasn't the fabric she was hoping for.

The little crocheted Rosary case I made for her was a hit too. Now I don't have to worry about making anything else for her until Christmas time, which I read somewhere recently is less than 200 days away now! Yikes!

Coming up soon here at Hooked On Needles will be a requested tutorial on a baby blanket pattern, an idea to make following a pattern easier on the eyes, and a little peek at the afghan I am making for a raffle prize at a golf tournament being held to raise money for a memorial scholarship fund by a local family who lost their son in Iraq in January.

Happy Stitching!

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