ATCs: Water

"Water" was the theme for the September ATC swap and the last in series: "The Elements." The personalities featured on the cards included Richard Nixon, Sponge Bob, and Noah (as in the ark). Can you imagine a social gathering in which all these "people" were in attendance? (So, is Sponge Bob considered a "person"?)

My inspiration came from the days and days (and days!) of rain we've been having. This week the sun has finally returned and fall temperatures in the 70s are a welcome change.

Threads magazine: Spot the Difference

Threads magazine: Spot the Difference, Issue #120
Ever play the game, "Can you find the difference"? Here's a fun one for the sewing enthusiasts. I was successful at finding all the "differences" on a few of the covers... but only after some practice. Try a few and see how you do.
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Hatcher Foundation "Hope Quilts" free pattern

My friend and fellow quilt guild member, Pat, is championing the establishment of a new pediatric cancer center, Hatch's House of Hope, here in Chattanooga. Pat works in the medical field, and about two years ago I remember talking with her in the parking lot after a guild meeting. I listened as she relayed the devastating experience her friends, one of which was a co-worker, were having. Their newborn child had been diagnosed with brain cancer. 

Recently, Pat told me about the foundation her friends had established in honor of their son, who had died of the disease at 9 weeks old. It is called the Austin Hatcher Foundation (www.hatcherfoundation.org). They are in the process of securing sponsors and volunteers to raise funds and awareness. As a quilter, Pat had the idea of making "hope quilts" that could be given to the children, siblings and family of the cancer patients. I wanted to help her make this idea take flight.

Hope Quilts—A Fat Quarter friendly quilt pattern
With a passion for patchwork and puzzles and inspired by the grid-based paintings of Pieter Mondriaan (Piet Mondrian), I have designed a lap-size quilt (36" x 48") that uses 7 coordinating fat quarters. This quilt is based on a modular system and all the fabric pieces are a multiple of 3"so the layout possibilities are endless! This quilt could also be made with scraps. For a FREE PATTERN and instructions, send an e-mail to veronicaquilts@gmail.com. Dig into your Fat Quarter stash and give hope to a child or a family.

Lace Knitting—a sampler scarf

Have you tried lace knitting? Here's my first attempt—a sampler scarf—using two lace patterns with rows of garter stitch between. The yarn, Alpaca Prima by Plymouth Yarn, is a 100% superfine alpaca fiber. The scarf took only one hank (363 yards/100g) and the periwinkle blue is color No. 1600. This yarn also comes in several other beautiful, rich solids and heathers.

This sampler is comprised of two stitch patterns: Herringbone Faggot (a single row reversible pattern) and Trellis Lace (a four row repeat). Other lace patterns could be incorporated provided they had the same multiple of stitches. One enjoyable thing about working a sampler is the variety—if one pattern is not your cup of tea, there is another one coming up shortly. It keeps your mind engaged.

Our knitting instructor listed this project's skill level as "intermediate," but if you are a confident beginner looking for a bit of a challenge, give lace knitting a try.