OK, first, we have Baby Dedication coming up on November 8th!  If you are working on or almost finished with a baby blanket, please turn it in by putting it in the Donation Tote behind the Welcome Desk (which BTW still says HD Creative on it!).  Thank you for all the beautiful things you have made!

Next, we are planning on going to Wheeler Mission to distribute the tote bags, pillowcases and bookmarks in early December (date TBA).  We would love it if some of you would be able to join us; last year we had a wonderful time!  So we will need any tote bags, pillowcases and bookmarks to be turned in by Sunday, November 29th!

Starting later in December, we will be distributing hats & scarves to HDCC Food Pantry & local schools, and items to Riverview Hospital.

We have some new Lessons this month!  Come join us for our Crafting Workshop on Saturday, November 14th, from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.  Bring your materials and supplies for your project, and bring your lunch!

Sewing

This month we are learning how to make a beautiful quilt called Mountain Majesties!  The pattern comes from Bonnie Hunter, (who loves to make quilts with scraps) and you can find it Here if you want to get a head start!  It looks complicated, but it’s not!  You start with large half square triangles (we learned this earlier in the year), but then cut them up and rearrange the pieces.  There’s also many ways to rearrange them to create many different patterns on your quilt, as you can see on the right!  You may use just a few fabrics, or use up scraps for a scrappy look.

** It’s important for there to be a good contrast between the medium/dark fabric and the light fabric, as that’s how the mountains will appear!  We have assorted fabric, including fat quarters.   Very few are light fabrics, so you may want to bring one or more light fabrics. Suggestions: white, off-white, cream, or light pastel in your choice of color.  The contrast is the key!!

What you need to bring for a scrappy quilt:
1. 9 coordinating fat quarters of medium/dark fabric, or enough fabric scraps to cut out 18  8.5″ squares
2. 9 coordinating fat quarters of light fabric, or enough fabric scraps to cut out 18  8.5″ squares
3. about 3/4 yard coordinating fabric for the borders
4. about 1.5 yards each of backing and batting
5. thread, scissors, rotary cutter, cutting mat
6. sewing machine

If you would like to make one of just 2 fabrics, bring 1 3/8 yards each of a medium/dark fabric, and a light fabric.  You could also have scrappy medium/dark fabric, and just one light fabric!

Crochet

For the ‘crochet stockinette stitch‘, if you can make half-double crochets, you can do this stitch. This works up well in the round. In rows, for the best result, work each row on the right side and fasten off at the end.  You may need to go up one hook size larger than what you typically use with worsted weight yarn. If your stitches are too tight, the fabric will be stiff.

What you need to bring:
1.  Two different light colors of worsted weight (Group 4) yarn
2.  Size H/8, I/9, and J/10 crochet hooks
3.  Scissors
4.  Large-eye blunt yarn needle
5.  Pencil and paper for taking notes

This month we’re Thinking Outside the Box!  What does that mean?  Well, in sewing, we’re making a different kind of bag, or purse, or tote – whatever you would like to call it!  You can keep it or give it away – your choice!  In crochet, we’re breaking the rules!  What?!  Keep reading for more info.

As always, we will meet from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.  Bring all your materials and supplies, and don’t forget your lunch!

Sewing

We are making a ‘Schlep Bag’ this month.  What’s that, you say?  Well, a bag you ‘schlep’ your stuff around in – groceries, sewing or crochet projects; you can also use it as a purse!  Here’s a pic of one that I made:

It’s made it out of squares, and all straight seams!  We have an assortment of new fabric to choose from, too!  Let’s have some fun!

What you need to bring:
*fat quarters of 4 coordinating fabrics (or scraps of 4 fabrics that you can cut four 8″ squares each)
*fabric for straps (one piece, or leftover scraps from the bag)
*additional fabric for lining (two 23″ squares of coordinating fabric)
*coordinating or contrasting thread
*lightweight batting (optional)
*sewing machine (we have 2 for you to use)
*rotary cutter, ruler, cutting mat, pins
*walking foot (optional – if you have one)

Crochet

October is another month of experiencing texture in crochet.  We are doing something totally different.  We will break the rules in crochet in this lesson – making knots, not weaving in tails, intentionally cutting perfectly good yarn into pieces, mixing different yarns together without checking to see if they ‘play well together’ first.  What?!  Oh, yes we will!

We will apply this new and unusual concept to making a winter scarf.  If you need yarn, we have a stash of it available.  We’ve also just gotten another donation with some fun colors!

What you need to bring:
*a total of about 7 ounces of worsted weight (Group 4) yarn:
-odds and ends of leftover yarn in worsted weight (Group 4)
-additional yarn in worsted weight (Group 4)
*crochet hooks in sizes G/6, H/8, and I/9
*scissors

We’ll be having fun this month!  Please come join us, and bring a friend along!

Bring a friend and share in the Joy of Creating things for others!

OK, school has started, we’re starting to get some sort-of cool nights, Fall is right around the corner!  Many of us look at September as beginnings – of the school year, of new programs at church, etc.  Why not invite a friend to our Crafting Workshop?   They can participate, learn new things, come to watch, visit and chat!

Our Crafting Workshop is coming up on September 12th from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.  Bring all your materials and supplies, and also bring your lunch!   We’re looking at the projects needing to be ready for this Fall –
** hats & scarves for our Food Pantry and several schools and organizations
** blankets for our Fall Baby Dedication and Life Centers
** pillowcases, tote bags and bookmarks for Wheeler Mission
** various items for Riverview Cancer Center

Sewing Lesson

Items for Riverview Cancer Center

We’ve made chemo caps / ‘bald-headed’ T-shirt hats, shawls, laps blankets and heart pillows for Riverview Cancer Center.  These are what we’re working on this month!  We have the patterns for the chemo caps and heart pillows; you may use whatever pattern you would like for the shawls and lap blankets. For example, if you would like to make a really easy shawl or lap blanket, you could make one out of a piece of fleece, then fringe it!

What you need to bring:
Fabric suitable for your project:
* chemo caps: soft cotton T-shirt knit / T-shirt fabric, 2 pieces about 9 x 12 each
* Heart pillows: quilter’s cotton, T-shirt knit or fleece, around 1/2 yard, or 2 fat quarters for each pillow, plus stuffing
* shawls: cotton, flannel, T-shirt knit, fleece (one layer only), recommended size about 24″ to 30″ wide by 60″ long finished; they can also be triangular
* lap blankets: cotton, T-shirt knit, fleece (one layer only), recommended size about 40″ to 50″ wide by 60″ to 70″ long
* also bring your sewing machine, thread, rotary cutter and cutting mat

You may look at our Riverview Cancer Center page for more information.  We have some materials and supplies at the church, including fabric and thread.  We also have 2 sewing machines you may use.

*Important* Please pre-wash your fabrics, especially cottons, in warm water, and dry in dryer to pre-shrink! There’s nothing worse than putting all that work in a project just to have it shrink and be too small, or the colors run all over everything! (Believe me, I’ve done it!)

Crochet Lesson

• In worsted weight (Group 4) yarn, a total of 21-25 ounces of yarn in your choice of color(s)
• Crochet hooks in size G/6, H/8, I/9, and J/10
• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Yarn Needle
• Paper and pencil

Our Crafting Workshop is on August 8th, from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.  Please bring all the materials and supplies needed for your project, and your lunch!  Some materials and kits are available at our Workshop.  We will have some surprise samples to share with you for our upcoming Crafting Workshops this Fall!

Sewing Lesson:

We are making pillowcases this month for the women at Wheeler Mission.  Check sales for fun cottons  in both prints and solids, as some of the women were requesting solids.  Wheeler has requested “tasteful, non-holiday” cotton fabrics.  Please have your fabric cut out and ready to sew.  There will be some kits available also.

What you will need to bring:
* for the body, cut one piece 26.5″ x 41″ (7/8 yard)
* for the band, cut one piece 10″ x 41″ (3/8 yard)
*** 1 & 1/4 yards of 2 cotton fabrics will make 2 pillowcases

Even if you don’t sew, there will be something for you to do!  Come join us and have a fun fellowship time as well!

Crochet Lesson:

Another twist on hats and scarves!
The continuing theme is hats and scarves for this winter.  Currently, we are focusing on making sets for children ages 9-11.  Search the Internet for a wide variety of free patterns.  Yarn company web-sites like www.lionbrand.com or www.readheart.com are good options.  Many great patterns are in print and available at your local yarn shop.  Or, you may already have a pattern you always wanted to try.

Reminder: acrylic yarn is recommended because most people are not allergic to it and the yarn is machine wash and dry.

Bring the pattern and materials you need.  Yarn is also available at the workshop.  We can work on these together!

Looking ahead to Fall:

Are you making Hats & Scarves?  We hope you are!  We will need more Hats & Scarves when the cold Fall and Winter months get here!  Last year, we donated them to several different schools and organizations, and would like to continue this coming Fall/Winter.  Focus on school age children, especially elementary school ages.  We will need a small number for adults, teens, and toddlers, but not as many.  Please choose whether you knit, crochet, or sew them, and use lots of fun colors and patterns.  Check out the Patterns page for ideas, or come up with your own.

July and August are 2 of our Big Projects – Tote Bags & Pillowcases for Wheeler Mission!    Please come and join us even if you don’t sew; there is something for everyone to do.  I know the Summer can be busy, and we appreciate everyone who is able to participate!  We will be meeting on July 11th for our Tote Bag Marathon, from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.  Please bring your lunch, and all materials and supplies you will need.

The women at Wheeler were very excited with everything that you made for them last year!  They had fun choosing their own Tote Bags, Pillowcases and Bookmarks!

For Tote Bags, look for medium to heavy weight fabrics, anything from denim, Cotton Duck, drapery or upholstery fabric, and there are many other choices out there.   You are also welcome to try the Jeans Tote we did last month!  As well as solids, the women were also looking for bright, fun prints, so many different kinds of fabrics would be great!  They also wanted longer straps so they could put the bags over their shoulders, and both inside and outside pockets.

What you will need to bring:
* 1 yard fabric will make 2 or 3 totes, depending on the width of the fabric; if you get 2 coordinating or contrasting fabrics, then you can mix & match the tote body and pockets/straps.
* Tote Bag: cut two pieces 15″ x 18″; if you want to make one without a bottom seam, cut one piece 15″ x 36″
* Pockets: cut two pieces 8 1/2″ x 10″
* Straps: cut two pieces 4″ x 24″; you may use either coordinating or contrasting fabric for the pockets and straps
* Coordinating and/or contrasting thread
* Sewing machine* Scissors

*** We recommend having your Tote Bags, pockets and straps cut out and ready to sew when you come.  We will have assorted pockets, so you can mix & match to find fun color combinations.  If you would like, you may decorate the pockets with paint, applique, embroidery, or whatever you choose.  These would be done before you start sewing the bag together.

Color, color everywhere!

This month, we are applying what we learned about color theory, and it is quite simple. We will be making a basic hat and scarf set using a variegated (multi-colored) yarn and two solid contrasting colors. Be sure all your yarns are worsted weight (Group 4).

Here is what you do: 1) go shopping for yarn (fun!); 2) choose the variegated/multi-colored yarn first; and 3) select two solid colors found in the variegated yarn to be the contrasting colors. For example, if your variegated yarn is in pinks and purples, choose a pink yarn and a purple yarn that match colors in the variegated.

What you need to bring:
* 21 oz. of worsted weight (Group 4) yarns:  7 oz. skein of the variegated;  and 7 oz. skein of each contrasting solid color (total of 3 skeins)
* Size G/6, H/8, and I/9 crochet hooks
* Scissors
* Yarn needle

Our August Workshop

Please start shopping the sales for fun cottons for Pillowcases, both in prints and solids, as some of the women were requesting solids.  Please remember, Wheeler has requested “tasteful, non-holiday” fabrics.  You will need 1 1/4 yards of 2 fabrics to make 2 pillowcases.

Looking ahead to Fall

Are you making Hats & Scarves?  We hope you are!  We will need more Hats & Scarves when the cold Fall and Winter months get here!  Last year, we donated them to several different schools and organizations, and would like to continue with that this year.  Focus on school age children, especially elementary school ages.  We will need a small number for adults, teens, and toddlers, but not as many.  Please choose whether you knit, crochet, or sew them, and use lots of fun colors and patterns.  Check out the Patterns page for ideas, or come up with your own.

Our Crafting Workshop is coming up on June 13th from 9:30 to 2:00!  Please come and join us, learn something new, and have some fun!  Please bring your lunch, and all the materials and supplies you will need.

Color Theory: Final Lesson

What colors go well together? What colors clash? How do I choose colors that play well together? Come to our June workshop and the answers to these questions and more will be revealed!

Sewing Lesson

OK, so I’m experimenting with making Tote Bags out of old blue jeans for the women at Wheeler Mission!  These can be fun and creative!  So bring your old jeans, and if they’re a little worn out, that’s OK, I have some iron on patches we can use to cover that worn out spot and be decorative!  It doesn’t matter what size, we can make it work!

What you need to bring:
– jeans; some of your old ones, or if you choose to shop at Good Will for some, that’s fine.  What I would suggest is to get ones with the hips measuring around 30″.
– matching or contrasting thread (I matched the orange thread on the jeans I used to contrast with the blue denim)
– belt or fabric for a sash (optional)
– sewing scissors
– sewing machine– cutting mat & rotary cutter (optional)

Crochet Lesson

We will learn the best methods for sewing seams in crocheted items. These tips and tricks work well for knitted items, too. However, we will be sewing together 12″ blocks. The squares are made and ready to go. Set aside any fear or dread, this will be fun!

You will need to bring:
– crochet hooks – size G/6, H/8, and I/9
– large-eye yarn needle
– scissors

Summertime is here!

We’re coming up on 2 of our Big Projects for July and August – Tote Bags & Pillowcases for Wheeler Mission!  The women were very excited with everything that you made for them last year!  Last year we had Tote Bag & Pillowcase ‘Marathons’ which worked very well, and we got most of them made!  Please come and join us even if you don’t sew; there is something for everyone to do.  I know the Summer can be busy, and we appreciate everyone who is able to participate!

Please start shopping the sales for fun cottons for Pillowcases, both in prints and solids, as some of the women were requesting solids.  Please remember, Wheeler has requested “tasteful, non-holiday” fabrics.  You will need 1 1/4 yards of 2 fabrics to make 2 pillowcases.

For Tote Bags, look for medium to heavy weight fabrics, anything from denim, Cotton Duck, drapery or upholstery fabric, and there are many other choices out there.  The women were also looking for bright, fun prints, so many different kinds of fabrics would be great!  They also wanted longer straps and both inside and outside pockets.  1 yard will make 2 or 3 totes, depending on the width of the fabric.  Use a coordinating or contrasting fabric for the pockets and straps.  Pockets are 8 1/2″ x 10″ each, and straps are 4″ wide and 22″ to 24″ long.

Looking ahead to Fall

Last year we made 209 Hats and Scarves – that was totally awesome!  We still have some of them left, which will be donated this Fall.  We would love it if you would continue making Hats & Scarves so we will have enough when the cold Fall and Winter months get here!  We donated them to several different schools and organizations, and would like to continue with that this year.  Focus on school age children, especially elementary school ages.  We will need a small number for adults, teens, and toddlers, but not as many.  Please choose whether you knit, crochet, or sew them, and use lots of fun colors and patterns.  Check out the Patterns page for ideas, and periodically more patterns will be added.

We will be making bookmarks this month for Wheeler Mission.   We gave them a bunch last December, and they loved them!  The women laid them out on a table so they could look at all of them in order to choose which one they wanted.

Our Crafting Workshop is on May 2nd this month, from 9:30 to 2:00!  Please note that this is the first Saturday – we changed it because of Mother’s Day on May 10th!  Bring all your materials and supplies for your projects, plus your lunch!  We will be continuing Color Theory Part 2 this month – we don’t want anyone to miss it!

Also, please bring blankets for Mother’s Day for the Baby Dedication – the Moms love them, and have fun choosing which ones they like the best to take home.  Afterwards, we will be giving the rest of the blankets to Life Centers.

Please continue working on:
* hats & scarves for several different ministries, including our Food Pantry
* shawls, lap blankets, heart pillows, and chemo caps for Riverview Cancer Center
* baby blankets for Life Centers & Hazel Dell’s Baby Dedication
* Bookmarks (we’re doing those this month!), Tote Bags and Pillowcases for Wheeler Mission! We will have “Marathon” Workshops in July and August for Tote Bags and Pillowcases.  That has been so much fun!  We have new ideas for them, and a completely revamp Tote Bag pattern.

Whew!  We have Scrapbook, Stitching Cards, Crochet and Fabric Bookmarks – who knew there were sooo many different ways to make a bookmark!  Please come and join us!  Even if you don’t have all the materials, come anyways – we bring extras!  Continue reading to see what to bring for the Bookmarks!

Color Theory

We rescheduled Part 2 of Color Theory for May so you wouldn’t miss this great Lesson!

How do I use the color wheel to select colors for my project? What does monochromatic mean? Analogous, what is that? In Lesson 2: Color and Color Theory – All about Color Schemes, we will be answering those questions and more. Be prepared to use your imagination and creativity!

What you will need to bring:

• a pen or pencil
• the Lesson 1 handout; if you do not have it, one will be provided

Bookmarks – Scrapbook Style!

Like a quilt, there are many ways to put bookmarks together. A stock bookmark will be provided: write a Bible verse, put on a Smiley face, and you have an easy bookmark. Or use different colors of paper, cut them out, & glue them together. Flat stickers can be added. If you have a cut-out you like, you can use colored paper to cut out your shapes to glue them on. Bring old cards, napkins with pretty patterns, even fabric scraps, ribbon or yarn.  Be creative!

I will bring tons of paper, cardstock, & multiple colors of markers. I will set up a couple of tables & give you some examples.  I also have devotionals with scriptures.

Here is what you need to bring:

* scissors & glue sticks
* flat stickers (it’s difficult to laminate over thicker 3D ones)
* old cards, napkins with pretty patterns
* fabric scraps, ribbon or yarn
* your favorite scriptures and sayings
* your imagination!

Our finished products will he gathered up to be laminated.

Bookmarks – Stitching Card Style

What is that, you say?  It’s stitching on cardstock using hand embroidery thread.  There are some free patterns and instructions Here.  Even though it is designed for making cards, some of the narrower patterns would work for bookmarks!  Here’s an example on the right:

Here is what you need to bring:

* hand embroidery floss – various colors
* 8 or 9 betweens hand quilting needle
* scissors & tape
* straight pins for poking holes
* craft foam & old magazines (for protection of table when poking holes)
* your imagination!

Bookmarks – Crochet Style!

Crocheted bookmarks made with yarn?  Is that even possible?  Yes, of course it is!  They can be as simple as a chain long enough to go from top to bottom of the book with a pom-pom on the end to more intricate lacy ones. And lots of pretty ones in between, too. We will also be making pom-poms in various sizes and colors to embellish bookmarks made using other media like fabric or paper.

Here is what you need to bring:

* small quantities of Group 4 worsted weight yarn and Group 3 baby/sport yarn in different colors
* a tape measure or ruler
* crochet hooks in sizes E/5, F/6, and G/7
* scissors
* large-eye yarn needle
* your imagination!

Bookmarks – Fabric Style!

In perusing the internet, I discovered there are many ways to make fabric Bookmarks – who knew!  Using scraps, you can make them plain, fancy, raw edge, fabric glued onto cardstock, and even serged!  You can decorate them with lettering, tassels, trims, and whatever your imagination desires!

If you would like to get a head start to work on them, or to see what kind of patterns are our there, take a look at these links: Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, and then some so-sew ones Here.  I know there’s a lot of them, but take a look at them – there’s some really fun ones!  If you hover over them, you will see who’s website they’re from.

Here is what you need to bring:

* scraps of fabric – around 3″ x 9″, there’s one pattern that uses even smaller 2″x3″ scraps!
* scraps of at least medium weight interfacing, fusible interfacing, or stabilizer – around 3″ x 9″
* matching or contrasting thread – we also have a supply of thread you can use
* ribbon (narrow, medium and wide), trims, lace, ricrac, yarn for tassels (see Crochet instructions above)
* 1.5″ wide pretty elastic (this is for two of the patterns, if you choose to make them)
* decorative scissors or pinking shears (for raw edge bookmarks)
* fabric crayons or markers, and maybe fabric paint if you wanted to decorate them more
* buttons and pompoms to decorate the bookmarks
* sewing machine
* your imagination!

We’re finally having some welcoming, wonderful, warmer weather!  We have a lot planned for our Workshop on April 11th, from 9:30 to 2:00!  As always, bring your lunch, and all the materials and supplies needed for your craft!

Color Theory

How do I use the color wheel to select colors for my project? What does monochromatic mean? Analogous, what is that? In Lesson 2: Color and Color Theory – All about Color Schemes, we will be answering those questions and more. Be prepared to use your imagination and creativity!

What you will need to bring:

• a pen or pencil
• the Lesson 1 handout; if you do not have it, one will be provided

Sewing / Quilting

The last two months we have explored triangles.  Please continue practicing making triangles, as we will have more in the future.

This month we will be making a very quick & easy baby quilt or lap quilt using just strips.  This is really good with novelty prints, geometrics, or any other print you would like to try!  Here’s the one I’m working on:

The pattern is on Mary Quilts, and there are quite a few examples on her website, as well as the PDF pattern.   This makes a generous sized quilt: 41″ x 56″!

What you will need to bring:

• 1 yard of focus fabric
• 3/4 yard of tone on tone (or coordinating print)
• 1/2 yard accent fabric
• add 1/2 yard for binding
• 1 3/4 yards for backing

We will have some kits available!

Crochet

In April, we will learn how to join crocheted squares/blocks into a baby blanket. We will experiment with different layouts of the blocks first. The blocks are very easy to make and are a portable project. Since the blocks are made one at a time, you will not have the entire blanket in your lap while you crochet. A nice project to work on during the warmer months!

All materials will be provided for the baby blanket, including the completed blocks. You will need to bring:

• a yarn needle
• size H/8 crochet hook
• scissors

Preview!

Next month , we will be working on Bookmarks.  The women at Wheeler loved them!  In addition to ‘scrapbook’ style, we will be experimenting with yarn and fabric!

If you have favorite scriptures (up to around 10 words), flat stickers or pictures, bring them along to put on the scrapbook style bookmarks.

Our Crafting Workshop will meet on March 14th from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.  This month we’re having a lunch Pitch-In, and our theme is Salads and Desserts!  So pull out your fun recipes and join us!  Remember to bring all the materials and supplies you will need for your projects!

Color Theory

We will be covering the meaning of hue, tone, saturation, tint, shade, lightness, and value, along with an introduction to the fiber artist’s color wheel.  This is applicable whether you knit, crochet, sew, or quilt.

Sewing: Triangle ‘Garden’ Trellis

We are exploring more way to use triangles; you can find the basic half square triangle tutorial pattern from Chez Stitches: Here or Here.  There’s also a similar tutorial from Sew Mama Sew: Here.

Now we’re taking one step further and using half square triangles to make a Trellis, which appears after you put several blocks together.    The ‘Garden’ doesn’t have to be flowers; I’m working on one with Teddy Bears!   The block is easy and very versatile.  We will have some kits available.

You will need to bring:
– 1 yard of fabric A: your primary focus print; a medium size print works best, it can be flowers, animal prints, novelty fabrics or other varieties of prints.  Some geometrics may work, but probably not stripes.
– 1/2 yard each of fabric B & C: these should be a good contrast to your primary fabric, and a solid or tone on tone print which looks like a solid from a distance, or you could use batiks.  They don’t have to have a high contrast from each other, so you could have a light and a medium blue.
– 1/2 yard of coordinating fabric for the border.
– 1  1/2 yards each for the backing and batting.
– Thread, Rotary cutter, Cutting Mat, Acrylic Ruler, a 10.5″ square ruler if you have one
– Sewing machine

Crochet: The Bobble Stitch 

The Bobble Stitch is a texture stitch in crochet.  We will be covering it again in March. This is a building block stitch upon which the next few lessons in the teaching schedule will be built upon. It’s good to be comfortable with making clusters such as the bobble stitch before we move on to the next stitch.

Use the Bobble Stitch to make hats, scarves, baby blankets, shawls, and even headbands/ear warmers that you just have to touch and have eye appeal.

You will need to bring:

Worsted weight (Group 4) yarn in three colors:
– Color A (main color) – 6 ounces
– Colors B and C (contrasting colors) – 4 ounces of each color
Size H/8 and size I/9 crochet hooks
Scissors
Yarn needle

This year we will stepping out into new ideas and techniques.   First, we will be having a series of Lessons on Color Theory for Fiber Artists, where we will dig a little deeper into many aspects of color.  This will be relevant whether you knit, crochet or quilt!

Next, we’ll have a series of Lessons on Triangles, which will be working with triangles in quilt blocks.  Our first lesson will start off with just learning how to make triangles, and how you can rearrange them to make different patterns.  Throughout the year, we will ‘play’ with other ways to combine triangles and squares to make different kinds of quilt blocks.  At the end of the year, you will be able to make a Sampler Quilt, where each block is different.  We’re starting with Cheryl’s Half Square Triangle Adventure.

Then, we’ll look at several playful and fun Crochet Stitches you can use to add pizzazz to anything you crochet.

Remember those beautiful Bookmarks we made last year?  Well, the women at Wheeler loved them!  We will be having a Lesson on Bookmarks later in the Spring!  Not just ‘Scrapbook’ style, but also crochet, quilted, and whatever other ideas we (or You) come up with!

Our Crafting Workshop will meet on February 14th from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.  Remember to bring your lunch and all the materials and supplies you will need!

Color Theory for Fiber Artists – Part One

In February, Teresa is teaching part one of color theory for fiber artists. A huge amount of information on color theory is available for many types of artists, but for the fiber artists, not as much. For those who work in yarn, almost nothing is available.  We will be covering the meaning of hue, tone, saturation, tint, shade, lightness, and value, along with an introduction to the fiber artist’s color wheel.

Half Square Triangle Adventure

Half-square triangles are begging to be explored. I know this is true, because a part of my stash with the addition of many yards of donated fabric have magically become a large pile of 14-inch squares.

You can find the tutorial pattern from Chez Stitches: Here or Here.  There’s also a similar tutorial from Sew Mama Sew: Here.
What you need to bring:

• Six fourteen-inch squares each of “light” and “dark” cotton fabric.
• Fabric for borders, binding, and backing.
• One crib-sized cotton batting—45”x60” (the type that can be quilted up to 8 inches apart)
• Thread, Rotary cutter, Cutting Mat, Acrylic Ruler
• Sewing machine

One “light” and one “dark” square will be paired, which creates a high contrast. “Light” & “medium” and “medium” & “dark” combinations may also be used, which will result in a lower contrast quilt.  Whatever way you choose will create a beautiful blanket.

There are approximately 12 “kits” available.  The “kits” include most of the fabric supplies, but help will be needed to provide enough batting. Some are made from two fabrics only, and others have a variety of fabrics. Any square between 13 1/2” and 15” will work for this project. When all of the squares are made, trim them all to the same size within your own project. The size of your trimmed blocks will be somewhere between six and seven inches, depending on your individual sewing and cutting.

Crochet Lesson

The Bobble Stitch: A Texture Stitch in Crochet

The Bobble Stitch gives a nice, bumpy texture to crocheted ‘fabric.’ By working bobbles close together, a deeply textured surface is created. By combining the bumpy bobbles with smoother double crochet, an interesting effect emerges in pattern and design. Use the Bobble Stitch to make hats, scarves, baby blankets, and prayer shawls that you just have to touch and have eye appeal.   The Bobble Stitch adds texture and pizazz to hats and scarves, and is an interesting touch for baby blankets, shawls, and even headbands/ear warmers. The bobbles are like bubbles that do not pop!

Color recommendation: select a variegated yarn for Color B; for Colors A (main color) and C (accent color), select two solid colors (match colors in the variegated yarn).  Choose your variegated color first for Color B; then, since the hat is mostly Color A (solid color), decide on a contrasting yarn.  The hat uses colors A & B; the scarf uses all three colors, so Color C should complement A and B.

You will need to bring:

Worsted weight (Group 4) yarn in three colors:
– Color A (main color) – 6 ounces
– Colors B and C (contrasting colors) – 4 ounces of each color
Size H/8 and size I/9 crochet hooks
Scissors
Yarn needle