Busy Fall

I have had a very busy fall so far! Between quilting, spinning, baking, and canning I haven't been bored. So far this year I have canned dill pickles, sweet pickles, apple pie filling, and caramel apple jam. My pantry is getting full of all this goodness! I would like to maybe add some apple butter in there if I have a chance to get some made. Other than that I should be just about done with canning. 

Some of my pretty jars all ready to use up!

On the knitting/spinning front I actually made a hat out of some yarn that I spun. So I can completely say I 100% made that hat!! (Aside from the actual fiber of course) ;) It is the softest hat and I am looking forward to wearing it this winter. I am still working on getting one bag of the alpaca I was given carded and spun. It is going to take quite awhile! I am seriously looking into and considering a spinning wheel now. Oh the things I do! It would definitely speed up production. Plus I just love the looks of them! 

My pile of plied yarn! 

Side view of my slouchy beanie

Doesn't it look so warm!?!?! 

On the quilting side of things, I haven't had too much going. I quilted a quilt for my Grandma, just simple stippling. I have been slowly working on a commissioned quilt for a lady made out of her wedding dress and her husband's dress shirt. It's been a little terrifying, but I'm trying to remain calm and move forward. I wills share pictures of that once I get more complete on it. I also still have a scrappy strips quilt going. I did order 2 backings today so I can finally finish up a low volume quilt I have had the top done for awhile and my Swoon quilt. I am excited to get back to quilting! 

One thing is for sure, fall is my favorite time of year. There is always so much happening around here and the world just seems to change around me. I think I am ready for some winter weather.....maybe.....soon.....

Baby Girl Knitting

I'm so excited that I can finally share this. My brother and sister-in-law are having a baby girl. I made a little hat and skirt out of a self striping yarn, so it looks like more work than it actually was. They both went together so quickly and I just love how they came out. The skirt was my first time putting elastic into something I had knitted. Turns out it wasn't hard at all!  

I think the onesies go along very well! 

Close up of the little skirt! I'm in love with it! 

Close up of the hat

I also had to make a little blanket too. This was another striping yarn (can you tell I really like them) and it took a little longer to make. It was a really simple pattern done diagonally. Hopefully this little girl will get lots of cuddles with it! 

I think this border adds a lot to the blanket.

This was another little hat I made. I actually made this one before the other one. I did this one newborn size and my sister-in-law told me that it is already packed in the hospital bag! I can't wait to see some pictures of this darling little baby with it on! 

I love the lace pattern around the brim!

I hope these items get a lot of use by the baby girl to be! I can't wait to meet her and make some more girly things for her!!! 

So Many Projects

I don't have anything "finished" to share today, but I have a lot going on in my neck of the woods. I have a problem with not being able to work on just one thing at a time. I am easily distracted by a new project, so I usually end up with a lot going on all at once. So here is what I have been working on lately. 

On the quilting side of things, I decided to start using up some of these strips I have been keeping. I have them cut into 1.5", 2.5", and 3.5". So these squares are going together really quickly and will at least make a dent in my scrap stash. 

My Crazy Scrap Strips Stash

12.5" block 

On the spinning side of things I have been working with alpaca. I am still working with some black alpaca that I bought at the fiber festival. I am also spinning some white alpaca, that I have washed and I am using carding brushes on. 

Of course I can't only work on 1 at a time :) 

I also recently bought three huge bags of llama that I have been working on cleaning. I have only made it part of the way through, but I know it will keep me busy this winter. The guy I bought it from requested I make his granddaughter a hat out of some of it. I am excited to actually have a plan to make something with the yarn, instead of just spinning away like I have been. 

Llama wool that still needs cleaned. 

Last but not least I have been working on a Christmas stocking for my soon to be niece. I made my nephew one when he was born, so of course this little angel needed one too. They are Bucilla felt stocking kits and let me tell you very fun to work on! There are a lot of little pieces and it is all done by hand sewing. Funny thing is, this is kind of a family tradition. My brother and I both have stockings (very similar to these) that my Grandma Mardell made us when we were kids. We still use them to this day. My Aunt has also made all of her grand kids ones too. So I would say it is definitely something that runs in my family and I have been selected to carry on the tradition. 

Part of it together. The picture in the background shows what it will be when it's done. 

That's all for now, but of course I think that's plenty to keep me busy for awhile.