Placemats, Mittens & Throws

Never thought it would be such a big issue to get a new cell phone. We were locked into a major package from one of the big companies . . . high rates, $9+ "system activation fees" for each phone each month, tons of unused minutes (that don't roll over), all tied up in a 3 year contract, which we needed when we got the phones, but times change, and we don't need now. The contract finally expired this week, so the search began - who has the best rate, most reliable service, most coverage, and it seems they are all speaking a language from Star Trek! Anyways, decision made, plus an hour and a half on the phone this morning to activate two phones, it's done. And I'm expecting about a $65 per month reduction in fees. (Should I consider this a raise?????)

Mr. Patchmaker had requested a throw for when he's watching TV in the evening; it's coming along quite nicely. (Only a silly person would run out and buy one, right? Handmade is much better - if somewhat slower!)

The thrummed mittens are moving along. Since we don't have any snow yet, I'm not real motivated. The one on the left is waiting for its thumb, and the one on the right is about halfway along. I changed the color of the thrums, so Mitten #1 has been re-knitted with new, pink-ish thrums.

And I've been working on Christmas placemats to give as hostess gifts, neighbour gifts, work gifts . . . . . you get the idea.

Happy Quilting!

Maggie

Daily Doings . . . .

What a fantastic day I've had today; a little knitting, a little reading, a little quilting . . . .

Forgot I'd done these . . . (until I started cleaning up!)

They're from a pattern in Ruth B. McDowell's Piecing Workshop book; how I wish I could piece like she does!

Finished this one off for my Etsy shop:

It's so warm outside - almost like summer - so I just had to photo it outside!

Almost done this little guy, too:

It's been a great day (even though I have to go to work tonight).

Happy Quilting

Maggie

The Tale of the Leaky Boat Quilt

My goodness, I'd forgotten how long a silly cold could drag on for! All that remains now is the cough, so - fingers crossed - I can get back to my stitching!

I've just finished this consignment top for a customer . . . .

It's my own pattern design, and the working title for it is "Never Steal a Leaky Boat!". When we lived in Digby County, we lived in a century home by the side the bay. Late one night, a young fellow from the city decided he was going lobster fishing. He found a boat by the shore, and set out on the bay, not knowing that the reason the boat was left on the shore was because it leaked. He didn't get very far out when the boat started to sink, and he had to swim back to shore.

When I was designing this block, it reminded me of a life preserver, which in turn reminded me of the young fellow and the leaky boat, and the working title became "Never Steal a Leaky Boat", which was then shortened to the "Leaky Boat Quilt". I've made a few of them, and the name has stuck.

The new quilt design, from 2 posts ago, is now a top, but it needs something, and I'm ignoring it for a while until I decide just what that might be.

Happy Quilting!

Maggie

Textures in the Back Yard . . . .

Having (mostly) recovered from my cold, I took a few close-ups in the back yard this morning (and Mr. Patchmaker thought I was raking leaves) Love the different textures!

And my favorite:

Now if only they were fabrics, think what we could do!

And on to something totally different, there was an article in our local paper today about this entrepreneur couple, who like us, came to Nova Scotia to enjoy a simpler life.

http://www.earthartcashmere.com/index.php

Happy Quilting (or knitting)

Maggie

Really Warm Fluffy Mitten Making

I've been down with a major cold for the past week. My poor sewing machines are having fits of loneliness; the pattern I designed last week is sitting untouched on the cutting table; even the Thimble Cat is feeling abandoned, as I watch (make that sleep-through) yet another really bad movie on TV. But, the end is in sight! Today I have a touch of energy. I can leave the tissue box alone for almost 3 hours at at stretch!

The new quilt design:

So, as a compromise between designing/stitching and sitting, this morning I've been researching and knitting Thrummed Mittens, aka really warm, fluffy mittens.

The mitten, so far:

For anyone who has never run across these, they are said to have originated in Newfoundland and Labrador, and perhaps also in Nova Scotia. They have "twists" (thrums) of wool rovings knitted in, with the loose tails of the rovings inside the mitts.

The inside of the mitten:

This loose wool will basically felt over time and use, and be incredibly warm. They were developed for fishermen to wear, as no matter how wet the mitts get, your hands will not be cold. I used Briggs & Little 100% wool Heritage yarn (from New Brunswick) and my stash of wool sliver from the Have a Yarn shop in Mahone Bay. I think I'd make the thrums a little fatter next time, but you get the idea. There's a pattern here:

http://www.haveayarn.ca/stitch/06_2008_stitch_of_the_month.htm

if you want to give them a try.

Stay warm; stay dry; don't catch a cold!

Happy Quilting

Maggie

And the Winner Is . . . . . . .

All of the entries went into the official "draw basket"

Mr. Patchmaker served as impartial/non quilting judge, supervised by the ever faithful Judge-Cat Thimble (who really wasn't pleased about having her picture taken):

And the winner is . . . . . . . . (drum roll ):

Valerie at Life's Little Garden!



will be receiving a goodie package in the mail soon, including the infamous "Gummy Lobsters"

A big thank-you to everyone who entered. See you in another 100 posts!

Happy Quilting

Maggie

OMG, I'm 100!

It's here! Patchmaker's blog is 100 posts old!

Yippee!! Wow!! Whodathunk????

This is it . . . the 100th Post!!

So let's have a giveaway! I've had a great time gathering goodies, and now it's your turn.

Posting a comment will get you one entry. Mentioning the giveaway on your blog will get you another. That's it! Nothing complicated.

Not saying what the goodies are, but they have a Nova Scotia theme, with a couple of exceptions. Here's a hint: Ever eaten a Gummy Lobster?????

The winner will be drawn, by a completely impartial non-quilting person, supervised by equally impartial Judge-Cat Thimble, at

9:00 PM Atlantic time Friday, October 30th

(i.e. when I get home from work),
and I'll get in touch with the winner then too!

Good Luck!

Maggie