My time in Texas is getting short.
I fly back to New England on April Fool's Day.
I won't go into any details, but that's pretty significant.
I've been finishing up some of my projects,
and setting my daughter up with a few gifts for giving later.
Thought I had complete my Goodnight Irene QAL.
I used RJR charm squares and I had to square up every one of them
before I could cut them into 2.5" squares.
Some didn't even measure 5" on any side!
It was pretty frustrating and I wasn't very happy.
It took 4 charm packs because 1/3 of each charm pack
was yellow and blue.
I've purchase fabric for binding
and will layer it when I get back up to the island.
I've been learning how to crochet and have made my SIL
an afghan for his October birthday.
Since I won't be here, I wanted it finished and wrapped
before I leave.
He's 6'3" and this afghan is pretty close to 6 feet long.
Nothing like planning ahead, huh?
This poor excuse for a picture shows a set
I made for my daughter's next baby shower.
And with the left over fabric I made
a quick mug rug for her boss.
I just loved working with that orange polka-dot!
I know you were expecting a bird,
but this moth is almost as big!
This is a White-lined Sphinx Moth,
Hyles lineata,
sometimes referred to as a Hummingbird Moth.
It's wing span of 2 - 3" wide!
I heard it banging against the light in the garage early one morning
and it was very loud. At first, I thought it WAS a bird!
Sure is pretty, for a moth.
This moth's range is throughout the United States,
extending north into southern and mid western Canada,
and south into Mexico.
I hope you are having a quilty week,
and are staying warm, safe, and busy.
I'm sure that spring is just around the corner.
Mother Nature, have mercy!
~karen
27 comments:
I love your Irene! That's the thing I dislike about precuts...they never seem to be the same or the right size.
really nice afghan! i've seen a sphinx moth - not sure that type, but i think they're cool.
What a sweet Mom you are to have handmade goodies ready for your daughter's gift giving. I can't believe you learned to crochet and did an afghan than big. It's very handsome. Well I'm sure you know the saying about everything being bigger in Texas -- even moths apparently.
lots of fabulous projects... one does not expect to have to square up charm packs, but your quilt is just lovely and I do admire that crochet.... lovely ittle gifts too... you have been busy... safe travels back...
Hugz
All of your quilt/afghan items are beautiful! That Moth is so pretty too, against the white background.
That's a huge moth...Hope I get to see someday. You are so productive, creative, and smart. Lovely gifts!!
Be sure to knock on some very good wood before your April Fool's flight.
You have some great projects here. I love Goodnight Irene...well done!
Your Goodnight Irene is fantastic!
Your Irene quilt looks very pretty. I love your gifts you made. Very nice afaghan. I never learned to chochet. I hope you have a safe trip.
you have been so busy your time in Texas! love that moth
What great projects! I just love seeing what you've made. Very nice! You're doing a great job on the crochet for just learning, too. :)
So sorry you had to square up all your charm squares. But, your quilt turned out beautifully. I love the colors you chose. The afghan is lovely and I know he will enjoy it. You are amazing with all you do and always thinking ahead. I need to take a lesson. Love the bright orange polka dot fabric. The markings on the moth are very interesting. Don't think I've ever seen one that big. Hope you will have a safe flight to New England.
Everything looks beautiful, Karen! I wish you a safe trip. Where did you get the orange fabric? I love it!!
Love your orange fabrics! Where did you get them?
I wish you a safe trip home!
Your Goodnight Irene just sparkles Karen! I think it was well worth your dealing with all the challenges :) I never buy precuts anymore - for me they have been more frustrating than helpful. However, I often cut my own now from my project scraps.
Look at your crochet afghan!!! It's gorgeous!!! I love your use of yarns to make that light sparkle in there. Your SIL will love it :)
Safe travels!!!
I love the Goodnight Irene quilt. Those purples in it are so pretty. I had that problem with some charm packs a few months ago, so frustrating. You've been busy. Love the orange baby things. What a bright happy color. I'm impressed with learning to crochet! And it looks like you've been doing it forever!
Your Irene quilt is gorgeous Karen and your SIL will be thrilled with his afghan , good for you for a beginner ! What adorable baby gifts and the mugrug is cool,too , you have been busy . I am looking forward to your return to the island , safe travels !
That beautiful afghan is going to keep your SIL nice and warm when he needs it. Always love your creations Karen. Have a great evening :)
I think I would write to RJR and tell them about your shortage of fabric in your charms. Can't hurt.
Your quilt is lovely though.
Look at your crocheting. Fun! isn't it. Love the yarn.
Wow! You have been busy! Love your Goodnight Irene! And the afghan is fantastic. Have a safe trip back. But you might want to delay that trip. I heard they had the worst snow storm of the winter a couple of days ago. Up to 50cm of snow in the Maritimes! Spring seems to be delayed.
You certainly have been very busy....I love your projects.
Your Irene is just gorgeous Karen. I love it so much. It is still on my list to make too. I love that you started to crochet. Your afghan is amazing for a beginner. I find crochet so difficult but I adore it. Maybe I will get a few tips from you next time we are together.
We are having a freezing rain storm right now and the trees and roads are laden with ice. I wonder how the little birds survive on a day like this. Please bring Spring with you when you come back!
Beautiful projects Karen -- I love the quilt and the letter R is fantastic. The colors of that set are perfect!! Have safe travels back up the coast! Karen
Wow, you've been busy! I love the vibrant purples in your quilt. And the baby gifts are so nice in a sunny yellow. They will be loved, I'm sure. That's interesting about the moth and it made me think about hummingbirds, wondering when we'll see our first one this spring.
Take care,
Judy
I hope your flight went well :-) Goodnight Irene is lovely - how frustrating with the 5" squares though!! I like how you have the little squares around the borders...a nice finish. The crochet afghan is perfect for a sil... great colourings :-) Well done on the little gifties, too - you have been busy!
Safe travels Karen! I hope we can get together sometime when you are back! I think you sent me a message about that but it got lost in the constant spinning of my brain! (There are too many birds in there!)
I love your colour choices in Good Night Irene. I taught myself to crochet last year but I haven't made anything near as nice as your afghan....but there's still hope. Those are perfect gift ideas for a baby shower and I'm crazy about the colour. I think Moths are beautiful, thanks for the photo.
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