Again with the indigo

I just got back from Wisconsin, where I was able to join some good friends for a sewing weekend in the country. This is my third year to participate, and it's always a very happy time. I don't think I shared it last year, but here's my post from our first year, if you'd like to know more.

One of my favorite parts of this retreat is the dyeing. Each year, we've done fabric and yarn dyeing. We were hoping to try dyeing with logwood this year, but I didn't research enough to prepare ahead of time, so we omitted it. But, indigo! It's always fun, and one of the simplest natural dyeing processes.

I used rubber bands to resist this piece of fabric.

Additionally, I overdyed a large cut of the Cotton and Steel x print for a garment, and redyed some pieces from last year (which really, just took the dye in an even way, covering up my previous resists. Oh well. Lesson learned on that!

Unfortunately, I didn't get a photo of our entire group of fabrics, but we used two entire indigo baths! And here is the group photo from our first year.

Jeni had to mail a box home to me, so I'll share my other dyed fabric and yarn very soon!

FO: Bounce

I won't lie.

Most projects I start don't get finished right away. It's rare that I have the attention span to work on something from start to finish. Having said that, remember this post? I started a lovely curvy quilt from Angela's A Quilter's Mixology back in September.

Fairly quickly, I pieced four blocks, but I knew I wanted to make it bigger. And so into the WIP pile it went. And sat. Then, this spring, my friends Julie and Jessica asked if I would make a baby quilt, and this one felt perfect for the occasion.

I pieced two additional blocks, which makes the quilt 42" x 63" (I like to make baby quilts a little bigger, so it can be enjoyed for years to come).

As usual, I made a scrappy back. As I sat down to bind the quilt, a little trouble cat (Olias, naturally), accidentally snagged a piece of the back. I debated how to fix it, and after consulting with Julie, an embroidery patch solution was born.

Wish I may, wish I might...

I love this little detail, so I guess I can forgive Olias for his recklessness.

It was bittersweet to let this one go, but I hope the recipient will enjoy it!

Stash Fabrics: Kona Solids Wonky Crosses

Three years ago, I met Beth, of Stash Fabrics. At that time, her business was just beginning, and she has built a very busy shop (with the same excellent customer service) and great selection. I love that she still offers free shipping for orders over $50. I also love that she now carries every Kona solid available. As in, all 303 colors that Robert Kaufman produces! Beth asked me to create a bundle of favorite colors, and I'll be honest. It was difficult to choose. After much debate, I chose a summery palette (available here for purchase):

Probably most shocking, the bundle is void of yellow. I really love the palette, regardless!

I cut each fat quarter into 5.5" squares and 1.5" strips and proceeded to make wonky cross blocks.

These are fairly simple blocks, but the trick is to pin or glue and check your intersections!

I debated a more random layout, but I really like the color play that is created by the groups of nine blocks.

I had to supplement my fat quarter bundle with just a few extra strips (I had some similar colors in my stash). You could also add in a few neutral strips or other scraps, if you like!

The blocks finish at 5.5" (I trimmed each block down after piecing), so this little quilt top finishes at 45" x 60".

I am hoping to add a little hand quilting to the crosses!

I hope you will check out the other tour stops over the next month! And you can see a preview of all the created bundles here (already available for purchase)! Oh, and Beth is also starting a Kona monthly club, in case you need to build your solid stash, one color at a time!

July 17 – Darcy @ Modern Cozy
July 23 – Jacey @ Jacey Craft
July 27 - Kelly @ Kelby Sews
July 30 – Nancy @ Owen’s Olivia
August 6th – Jodi @ Tales of Cloth
August 10th – Megan @ City Stitches
August 12th – Rita @ Red Pepper Quilts
August 17th – Elizabeth @ Andpins Handmade
August 19th – Tara @ Rad and Happy
August 21st – Sharon @ Color Girl Quilts
August 24th – Allison @ Allison Sews
August 27th – Kristi @ Schnitzel and Boo
August 31st - Jessee @ Art School Dropout

WIP: Exploration Station

I've been more interested in knitting than anything else lately.

This shawl is partially to blame for that.

After purchasing some Hedgehog Fibres sock yarn in the amazing Dragonfly colorway, I chose three stashed skeins to complete the plan. The short row section was enjoyable, but then I stalled out for a few weeks before attempting the brioche. I watched a few videos, and was gradually getting the hang of it. Unfortunately, I skipped a stitch somewhere, which threw off the brioche pattern. I ripped out the section and restarted. Now, the brioche feels more comfortable and looks amazing!

It's so squishy and awesome!