MYSTERY QUILT OF VALOR STARTS TODAY

Here are the yardages needed for the quilt top:
white for blocks: 2 1/2 yds.
red for blocks: 3 yds.
blue or navy for blocks: 2 1/2 yds.
For Borders: chain sew together: Navy 6 (1 1/2" strips) (1/3 yd.)
white: 7 (2 1/2" strips) 3/4 yd.
Backing and binding fabric: you'll need 4 1/2 yds.
Cut length in half resulting in 2 pieces 78" X 44"
Cut off 1 selvage edge from each and sew 2 pieces together to make 1 piece 78" X 88"
Cut off 4-2 1/2" strips 78" long for binding which leaves 1 piece 78" X 78" for back.
Please wash fabric with COLOR GRABBERS or COLOR CATCHERS until the reds and navy or blues do not stain a white washcloth. I buy cheapy washcloths to test this fabric!


I do hope you are planning on making a Quilt of Valor, whether you are planning on using my pattern or something else. We need many more made ASAP. There are still so many wounded troops in hospitals around the U.S. and you and I can make a difference. We can show them that we care and support of military in all of their endeavors.

If you are making my MYSTERY QUILT, the very first thing I want you to do is to wash all of the fabric to be sure that the colors do not run. There are things called, COLOR CATCHERS Or COLOR GRABBERS that you throw into the washing machine with the fabric. I pour at least 1/2 cup white vinegar in with any fabric that tends to bleed its color. Red and navy fabrics are usually the worst for doing this. I had to wash a red MODA fabric 9 times and used a gallon of white vinegar before I could throw a white washcloth in with it and it didn't turn pink. Since I wanted to use white fabric along with these colors, I had to be sure that they did not run.
After washing and drying fabric I fold it very carefully smoothing it out as I fold. I do not iron my fabric, as I know I'll press every seam as I make it.
Once I have my fabric ready to use, I make sure that my sewing machine is in good running order. New needle is always a good thing to have, and I load several bobbins with gray thread, as i use that for all my piecing.
Before I start cutting the fabric, I study to be sure that I have my rotary cutter nice and sharp, or a new blade inserted; my cutting mat at waist high (I use my kitchen cabinet as it kills my back to bend over a table; my 18" X 3" ruler is great to use.
I always cut going down the selvedge edge of the fabric, saving the long pieces on the other side for borders. Cut off the selvedge edge first.
I shall be putting step by step pictures for each pattern that we are going to use. There are 5 blocks.
Check for the beginning block after you have finished all of the above assignments. I shall post pictures beginning tomorrow, Sept. 25th.

Scarf pattern in Winter Colors

This pattern is pretty using almost any yarn..........
Cast on 26 stitchers.
Knit 6 rows.
Start pattern: K6, *yo,k1,yo twice, k1,yo three times, k1,yo twice,k1,yo, k6*
repeat above twice
Row 2: knit across dropping all yarnovers as you go.
Row 3 and 4: knit
Row 5: k1, *yo k1,yo twice,k1,yo 3times,k1,yo twice,k1,yo,k6*
repeat between * across, ending with a k1 instead of k6. You will do the repeat one more time on this row than you did on Row 1.
Row 6: knit across dropping all yarnovers as you go.
Row 7 & 8: knit
Continue these rows until almost out of yarn...end with another 6 rows of garter stitch. stretch knitting as you go after doing the yarn overs and knitting them.

Directions for cutting out the Pretty Pink Purse Pouch

I promised the directions for making a BRIGHT PINK "purse pouch." The reason for this color is it reminds us to have our mammograms every time we reach into our purse. I cut our two pouches at a time by leaving the fabric folded as it was when I bought it. I can make two pouches out of a half yard of pink fabric, and 1/4 yard of lining fabric.
Cutting directions for main fabric:
Fronts and Backs: 8" X 5 1/2"
Bottom and sides strip: 17" X 4"
Side A: Cell phone and Camera holder: 11 1/2" X 5 1/2"
Side B:Small pocket on left side: 8 1/2" X 3"
Card holder 22 1/2" X 5"
Lining:Cut 2 for Fronts and Backs
Cut 1 Bottom and side strip
Cut 2 lining pocket pieces: 8" X 4 1/2"

PINK PURSE POUCH Steps to making it

The directions for cutting out the pieces for the Pink Purse Pouch are in Wed. Crossroads Chronicle (July 27th) and The Highlander July 28th.
The pieces look like these pictures. The first picture shows the side of the pouch used for cards and keys, etc. The 2nd picture shows the side for cell phone and camers. The rest of the pictures show all of the pieces cut and ready to sew together. Such simple construction. Next week, I'll put steps to construction. This little pouch is also great for carrying small articles for working on a quilting project or knitting,etc.

Cashiers/Highlands Knitting GUild

The Cashiers/Highlands Knitting Guild has the most fun together than anyone can imagine!
You'll not believe that someone knitted a GOAT!!!!!!!! adorable!!

Knitting Guild announcement

Some of you have asked for the "twirly scarf pattern" that I have been working on. It is on ny blog.....go to the archive section on the right hand side of the opening screen and scroll down to Jan 12, 2011, and click on that and the picture and directions will pop up for you! Happy knitting! Be sure to look in the Crossroads Chronicle July 27, 2011. You'll see yourself if you were at knitting last week!

Momma's Corn pudding recipe

Told you NC folks that I would share this recipe with you and here it is:
1/2 cup butter; 1/4 cup of sugar; 3 TBS floue; 1/2 cup evaporated milk; 2 eggs; 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; mix all together and add 2 pkgs unfrozen whole corn. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 min. yummy yummy (Thanks momma, MAGGIE)