Part 2: Cathedral Windows Quilt Tutorial

There are two traditional  places to add color to the traditional cathedral windows quilts. The first is shown above which is traditional. The second spot places colored fabric in the long white oval openings as seen in the photo above. But there is actually a third spot to add color which is the background that can be more than one color adding more variety to the blocks.

Quick Traditional method: Easiest

1. cut 2 1/2 inch squares two for every piece of white fabric you have cut.
2. place on space where two squares come together pin in place
   
3. fold over edges pin in place
4. sew with sewing machine
5. repeat till done

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Optional Steps

I will start with the optional steps method then move on to traditional version 1 and version 2 and version 3.

This will place color inside the spaces that are white in the photo above. This of course is twice as much work if you do it the first way listed below. The second way is faster but not as thick or as warm of a quilt depends on your final goal. These steps that are optional and are added to the traditional method not instead of it.

Optional steps if you want more color you can skip this step as I did in the above photo which will make your quilt go tons faster.

Traditional version 1 : Hardest to make

most work but a much warmer quilt (tons more work than traditional)

repeat steps 1-6 (from how to construct block)but in color and with a 6 1/2 inch square you will end up with a square that will fit under your flaps of your fabric ruffly 4 1/2 inch square. Stitch corners together by hand and stitch 1 or 2 stitches through the color fabric piece to tack it in place for now.

Traditional version 2: Medium

a little more work than traditional and a little warmer

cut 5 inch color squares of fabric also cut a 4 1/2 inch card stock template. Lay cardstock template over each color square and fold over the 1/4 inch seam allowance on all sides and press in place pull out cardstock and repeat for every 5 inch color square

Traditional version 3: Easy

a tiny bit more work than the traditional and a little warmer

Just cut 4 1/2 inch squares the same number you cut of white squares and place below flaps. Stitch corners together by hand and stitch 1 or 2 stitches through the color fabric piece to tack it in place for now.

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Tutorial parts

Part 1 cathedral windows ( background)
Part 2 Cathedral windows ( color filler squares) this post

Turned one heel

I have taken the socks off of one needle for a while I only wanted to deal with one of the set of heels at a time since I have never done it this way before.  Now that I have one done I will do the other then put them back on one set of needles again.  Since I am making this up as I go there is no right or wrong just what ever I want to do.  I was hoping to have real tall stockings or even tights but now I am thinking that was wishful thinking on my part.  Not sure I have that much size 5 pearl cotton left to do that.  But as my Vova said over thanksgiving  I could always just have a different color where people will not see it.  Hummm ............that is a thought but not sure I am going to do that.

How too: Grow your own Snowflakes

This is something we did in Science class this year thought you might have fun doing it too.
supplies

• borax
• pipe cleaners
• boiling water
• food coloring
• container to hold solution
• string
  

Grow your very own pretty snowflakes for your windows. The kids will enjoy this and think it so cool plus they get a little science lesson out of it too, show your children how crystals grow.

Its glittering crystals form when the pipe-cleaner snowflake form is submerged into a solution made of borax dissolved in boiling water with food coloring. As the water cools, the borax forms crystals that attach to the fuzzy hairs of the pipe-cleaners.

Grow your own Snowflake

How-To

1. Twist three 5-inch pieces of pipe cleaner together to form a snowflake you can make them longer for a bigger flake but it means more solution and a bigger container to hold it in
2. then add a 1 1/2-inch piece to each point: if making a larger flake make lots of these spikes coming off of the main points remember snow flakes are symmetrical
   
3. Tie the flake with the string to the stick ideas for stick Popsicle or pencil or just a twig off of the tree outside preferably one that fell on its own so you don't hurt the tree
4. A big enough container a glass jar is best then suspended flake so that it doesn't touch the sides of the container
5. Add to jar: 3 tablespoons borax and 1 drop blue food coloring ) or what ever color you like) per 1 cup of boiling water
6. Hang the snowflake in the jar. Let sit overnight or longer; if you let sit longer you will need to make the solution again each day and place it in a new container to cool then add the snowflake if you put the snow flake into the boiling water your previously made crystals will dissolve in the hot solution. So just wait for the new solution to cool before adding your snowflake to the new container
7. remove and hang in window and enjoy
   

Neighbors Gift: the Mix

This was a gift from our neighbors the Phillips' last Christmas so now you can use it as a gift to give to your neighbors this Christmas.

• hot chocolate mix or use cocoa for a stronger flavored mix see below*
• powdered non dairy creamer
  
• Marshmallows (usually during the holidays you can get snowman shaped ones)
• peppermint patties
• candy canes
• pressurized whipped cream
  
• Glass wide mouth canning jar (with lid and ring)
  
• none zipping sandwich bags
  
• curly ribbon
  
• glue dots
  
• printed out message for card

directions

1. Fill jar 1/2 full of hot chocolate mix
2. fill 1/4 of jar with creamer (leaves 1/4 empty)
3. add marshmallows to bag and place inside jar to fill last amount of space
4. put lid on top and glue mints down ( use glue dots)
5. write or print out message and glue to side of jar (don't forget to add who from on this paper)
6. glue dot whipped cream to jar
   
7. add curling ribbon around both items and and glue dot candy canes on
   

card reads

Marshmallow Cocoa

1. remove marshmallows from jar. Set aside
2. empty cocoa mix into large mixing bowl
3. blend very well with a whisk
4. place mix back into jar or a container of your choice
5. Place 2 heaping TB mix into a cup, add 1 cup hot water. You can stir with candy cane or add a pattie to the cup, stir until mixture is completely dissolved
6. Top with mini marshmallows or whipped cream or both

Chocolate Milkshake

1. place 1 scoop soft vanilla ice cream and 1 cup milk into a quart jar
   
2. add 2 TB cocoa mix
3. Place lid on jar and shake until blended (or you can blend in a blender) first is more fun for kids

Chocolate Milk

1. place 1 cup milk into a glass
2. Add 2 heaping Tb cocoa mix. Stir to blend

*want to make your own mix ahead of time

• powder milk
• powder sugar
• unsweetened cocoa powder
• non dairy creamer powder
  

mix 10 cups nonfat powder milk, 4 1/2 cups powder sugar, 2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder, and 2 cups non dairy creamer.

fill jar 3/4 full with mix and omit the pour and mix instructions in marshmallow cocoa recipe

How to Make Krissy's Cookies

This recipe came from Krissy she said all could share it and that it was a good recipe. Good I think meaning rich in calories. Haven't made it before but looked good so I thought I would give it a whirl . Not for those on a diet or afraid of butter, sugar or chocolate.

Supplies

• 2 cups butter
  
• 24 oz. chocolate chips
  
• 4 cups flour
  
• 2 cups brown sugar
  
• 2 tsp. soda
  
• 1 tsp. salt
  
• 2 cups sugar
  
• 1 8 oz. Hershey bar (grated)
• 5 cups blended oatmeal
  
• 4 eggs
  
• 2 tsp. baking powder
  
• 2 tsp. vanilla
  
• 3 cups chopped nuts (your choice) (I hate nuts in cookies I will skip this part)

Makes 12 cookies can be halved if you want less

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Steps

1. Measure oatmeal, and blend in a blender to a fine powder.
   
2. Cream the butter and both sugars together.
   
3. Add eggs and vanilla, mix together with flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder, and soda.
   
4. Add chocolate chips, Hershey bar, and nuts.
   
5. Roll into balls, and place two inches apart on a cookie sheet.
   

Bake for 10 minutes -Makes 12 cookies.

Gifts: Handmade Lipgloss

This is a nice gift for little girls to give their friends or teachers for the holiday season.

We got most of our supplies at one place but you are welcome to get yours from other places

Supplies

• lip gloss tube or other container to place it in
• Vitamin E Balm Base 2 drams (where we got ours )
  
• 4 drops flavored oil per 2 drams (essential oil to smell and taste nice mint) where we got it at bottom of page
  
• 1/16 teaspoon Splenda per 2 drams ( to make it taste nice) any grocery store
  
• 1/8 tsp mica or a desired ( this makes it have a nice shine but can be left out) under extra additions on this page
  

Approx 2 drams per tube

heat in microwave in 15 second intervals (for melting) heat in the drams cup which can be procured at a pharmacy. Just set aside to cool doesn't take long. You can make labels or place stickers on it what ever you like.

If making for your self you can use old tubes that are empty if making for others get nice new containers you can get them at most craft stores.

Teachers Gift: Snowman melt

For the next few days here are a few things you can make for teachers or children or neighbors to get ready for the holidays.

1. Instant hot chocolate packages for ease
2. Marshmallows ( usually during the holidays you can get snowman shaped ones)
3. candy canes
4. chocolate kisses or small chocolate candy bars (peppermint patties work great for this)
   
5. Cellophane bag to put items in
6. stapler or tape to attach note card
7. printed out message for card
   

card reads

"I was told you where super good this year.
I am really glad to hear it!
With winter weather coming near
You will need to warm your spirit!
So here is a little snowman cheer
You can watch him melt as you stir your stick
It is ok with a little work he will be back next year, with no fear,
Just add hot water and sip it slow
It is sure to do the trick"

Happy Thanksgiving my gift to you happy holidays

I am having a happy holidays sale on my patterns at Ravelry.  If you buy anything from black friday till Dec 25 you will receive a 15% discount. This is only good in the Ravelry store not etsy.  Not sure if ravelry requires a code but if it does it would be happyholidays.

This is the first time I have done this on etsy so I think to get the discount on my etsy store items you will need to type in happyholidays in the code area at check out.  But it may just happen on it's own please let me know so I have reference for the future.  It will also be a 15% discount on items in that store doesn't apply to shipping special orders and things of that sort.    All PDF's through etsy will be shipped through email after the Holiday ( Monday the 29th) as I am having fun with my family hope you are to.

Pumpkin...Big Tree...

The project is done the pumpkin has been cooked and processed by hand and put in bag to freeze till use.  I have roasted the seeds and there are about 3 cups of them for the kids to snack on.  Yes that is the inside of my side by side fridge freezer.  Not much space in there.  I will take these bags out latter to the big freezer in the garage once they are frozen all the way.  The seeds will not stay in the freezer that was just for the photo.

In the process of making the pumpkin seeds my oven decided to play mean for some reason the door decided it didn't want to stay together all the way.  Guess add that to the honey do list.

 

(the red hat is my father-in-law the person up in the tree is my husband can you find him in the top photo and the last photo he is hidden pretty well)

I have the best husband in the world no kidding the at man can do anything he puts his mind too.  A few weeks ago to help out our extended family he and eight other relatives and friends  made a 60 foot tree into a 30 foot tree at the cities requests.

He strapped on his rock climbing gear and up he went into the tree.  I think I would have had some trepidations on this.  I don't talk about him much on here.  He usually isn't involved in most of my craft things but he is very much a part of my life for many many years now.

I could not ask for a more wonderful man as a husband he is caring, loving, silly, responsible  and most important of all very very patient with me and the children.

Is it Halloween or Thanksgiving

Two of my children drew and painted on their pumpkins at Halloween.  Because they wanted to be able to have pumpkin squash for dinner around Thanksgiving.  So the destruction of their Halloween pumpkins has begun this morning to make room for their Thanksgiving squash.  After these are dismantled they will go into the crock pot to cook the whole day away.  Then tonight soft squash will be mashed and some had for dinner like mashed potatoes with butter and sour cream and the rest will go into the freezer for future dinners, cookies, and bread ideas. 

If you notice the stems are set into a separate bow.  I want to make some velvet Thanksgiving pumpkins if they dry well that is.  You make crushed velvet pumpkins (use your favorite pattern for this)  then you attach the dried steam to the fake pumpkin ( E2000 just do it neatly) for a nice effect.   This will not happen this season, but maybe for next year they will be done.

 

Roasted pumpkin seeds will be made today as well.

Peppermint, Vanilla and Dark Chocolate

What do all of these flavors have in common they are all different fudges I made on Sunday for Thanksgiving.  I got up at 4 am and couldn't get back to sleep so this idea came to fruition I had been thinking about it for the last two days.  The top one is vanilla, left dark chocolate the bottom is peppermint candy cane,  I substituted 3/4 cup of crushed peppermint candy cane for 3/4 of a cup out of the four cups of sugar in the recipe.   Wasn't sure it was going to work out but it did.  The color in that one is from the red and green stripes of the candy cane mixing together.  Sort of a pinkish with a hint of brown actually a nice color in real life.  The original recipe is from here I already explained my changes to the recipe if you want to do it that way.  All the batches I made I doubled that is why I had four cups of sugar as opposed to the two in the recipe.

Irish Tam Pattern for Sale

Pattern
USD $9.50

Brown Irish Crochet Tam

Still working some kinks out of the hat pattern.  This was the newest one I left off the Romanian cord.  As I know that part of the pattern has no issues still working out some kinks in the flowers.   I also added way more antique buttons to this one.  As the pattern only calls for five but since I am making this for myself I wanted them to be a little different than the pink one I made last.  Wore this yesterday while running my errands got lots of compliments.  My mechanic when I went to the shop to have my oil changed said "Hi Wendy!  How are you?  Nice hat let me guess you made it as always!  Yep was my answer.  He said it figured as I always have pretty things to work on while I wait for my car to be fixed.  I thought that nice of him.  He is always curious about what I am making when I come it.   I have offered to teach him to crochet in the past he just tells me no and said he is all thumbs with that type of thing but can fix cars just fine.

I may make the pattern with hand drawn images for the graft of the leaf and edging lace to begin with so others can make it.  In time I would update it with computer drafted images.  Since it would be on Ravelry people would be able to get the updated versions for free if they have purchased the original version that way I think it would be a win win situation.

the Update

pattern is now available

Stockings

I have been working on about 12 projects I am not allowed to share.  I have been helping a fellow blogger test some patterns for her up and coming book.  When the book is published I will post photos of what I did.  Till that time it stays under wraps.  I have had a little bit of time to work on my stockings.  OK those of you that knit out there I am wanting to make these into winter tights a few questions if you have the time to answer I would appreciate it. 

1. how bad does pearl cotton ( size5) stretch and loose shape with wear (if it does is it unsuitable for tights  I don't want the e to look like elephant ankles and knees)
2. is cotton a bad idea for tights but fine for over the knee stockings
3. A good source to figure out what measurements I need to make stockings/ tights so I can get the rest of my math going I have the foot math figured out till past the ankle the increase  and decrees part of the calves knees and thighs is what I am needing the math for I know there are formulas for the high and width rations in association to gauge of knitting I just want to know where are the key points to measure the numbers and such I will deal with.

I am almost to where the heel area begins wish me luck.

I am working on the tam the graphics for the leaves and such I am trying to due on the computer and it is giving me a little bit of an issue hope to have that done soon.

Finished...

This is done and none to soon.  She will be over tomorrow to pick this up.  The customer will be adding the babies name, date of birth, weight, and length to the piece.  I hope her children like it.  Always sort of weird to do things like this as other than those that read my blog no one knows I did this and the person who gets it will think that her mother made it.  I am fine with that just sort of a weird thought.  The finished image area is 11 x14 inches but the overall area is much larger if you count the white area surrounding the piece.

basket and flower

I have finished the dreaded basket and scrolled the work to finish the last little area with a bird and a flower and a few leaves.  I will post again later today when it is done.

A vine a blue bird and a hand

I was wondering if others had any idea how large or small this cross stitch is.  So I have included a photo with my left hand to sort of give you an idea of how large this is.  So is it bigger or smaller than you thought it was.

I  have made a lot of progress on this.  As you can tell I have been avoiding the basket there is a lot of work in that little space below the bear.  Almost every square has to be messed with 2 to 4 times.  I am getting to the point where I will have to get that part done as I have to scroll the work soon to do another bird, flower and some leaves still.  The owner of this is showing up Friday so much to do and so little time left.

Free yo-yo crochet pattern on line

The choker and bracelet pattern I did for crochet magazine is now available on line for  free.  If you are interested in starting a quick and simple pattern this is for you .  You can use the perle cotton it suggests or knit cro sheen.

Toe-up socks

I found this cone of Mayan Green yarn at a thrift store a long time ago.  I know it isn't to old because of the labels that are in it but I liked the color and at 1.00 who could go wrong.  Crafted with pride I think is only been on labels in my life time so not to old.  I do not know the company if any one knows from this label let me know as I like the yarn and would love to get more in other colors yes I know at the real price not the thrift store price.
label reads
Heirloom
3/14
ART #1025
MAYAN
GREEN 25
847202

I had a real hard time photo graphing this color it looks like a rich turquoises green but didn't come out that way in photos.  Looks to be 100% cotton not sure how they will wear in boots but this is an experiment so here I go anyway with that in mind.

I didn't know what to do with it when I didn't knit that tells you it was over a year ago when I found it.  Now I have this idea to make a pair of stockings using it.  I have not decided yet if they are over the knee or if I am going to make them into a set of winter tights will have to work that out as I have never done either. This is a sort of winged pattern meaning I am making it up as I go so we will see how it goes together.  When I get the second sock to the same length as the first one I am going to put them on the same circular needle and just work it that way from here on out, yes two balls of thread have to be used.

Back of my work... Squirrel

For those who are curious as to what the back (Ann this is for you) of my work looks like on my cross stitch here you go.   All embroidery is messy to some extent on the back but I still think this is pretty neat compared to some I have seen.

Here is the squirrels progress.  If things are not looking like they pop very well I have not outlined anything yet.  I wanted to get all that would be able to be stitched without moving the scroll bars on my frame done.  Then right before I scroll I will make all the outline work and scroll to the top portion that does not have much work on it.