The Tortoise and the Hare

Life is outstanding when I have a few minutes to do some hand quilting, a baby tucked into bed fast asleep, and brownies baking in the oven! These moments are hard to come around these days, but I am not complaining :) 

This is a pattern from "Critter Caboodle" by Linda Hohag that I purchased from PIQF last year. This book has so many little creatures for applique. It's almost done and it's created for someone special!

This diamond pattern is just straight lines; they are so easy. 

Hope you all have a wondering Father's Day weekend!

Zakka Handmade - Part Two

While I was in Taiwan, I also took a doll making class. This may look familiar to many of you as I have tried to make one on my own in 2012. I learned so much from my class; it was worth every penny. The instructor showed me how to properly stuff dolls, how to create facial expression the right way, how to do the hair and how to join all body parts. I didn't have a lot of time but he tried to teach me as much as he could!

 OK, she is quite cute. Isn't she?! 

 Side view. 

I braided her hair! 

I carried this doll by hand all the way back on the plane back to the US!

Zakka Handmade - Part One

I am fascinated by the number of shops and studios in Taiwan that offer handmade items for sale or classes. Most of these classes are offered by authors who have written many books on items they make. I had the opportunity to take a few of those classes on my recent recent to Taiwan.

I made the pair of purple house slipper on the left. 

 This wonderful woman opened up her studio for me to learn from her!

This pair of shoes fit me perfectly and is machine-able and anti-slip! This instructor is extremely talented. Below are more photos of her studio and items she made.

 I love how she hangs her tools across the shelf.

 Fabrics nicely stacked.

 Coasters for students to use. 

Shoes she made for kids. The book shown is written by her.

 Quilts she made on display.

I adore this bag and wish I had more time to learn how to make it!

I highly recommend taking one of her classes if you are planning a visit to Taiwan in the near future!

Belgium

Gosh! It looks like I haven't blogged in almost a month! I came back from a very short trip to Brussels, Belgium. I am in love with that city and will plan to return in the near future.

 Manneken Pis

 Delicious chocolate shops everywhere!

I am sure most of you know that Belgium is famous for their chocolates, beers and waffles, but did you know that certain types of lace were originated in and around Brussels? I had a chance to visit some of their most famous lace shops.

 Dantelle Lace

 Handmade.

 

I think there is even a lace museum nearby!

I took an hour train ride to a beautiful town, called Bruges, nearby. If you ever visit Belgium, I highly recommend you stop by this town. It's in the Flemish region of Belgium, and it is referred to as the "Venice of the North." The market square and the cobblestone streets took me back to the Golden age!

A view of the world famous Market Square.

Ah! I forgot to mention these beautiful German Dovo scissors I got! I had no idea I would find classic and fantastic fabric scissors on this trip.

 Tiny little storefront operated by the nicest woman.

I got that pair of stork scissors and a simple pair of Dovo 6" fabric scissor. The scissor shown here all way on the left is entirely handmade and costs 300 Euros!

Until we meet again, Belgium! Thank you for a very productive and pleasant week.

Sock Knitting

I wanted to show you the Argyle sock I worked on a few weekends ago. This was a swatch I made for the Argyle sock class I took. Although it was super fun to make, it was not easy!

Oh so pretty!

Do you remembering reading about the Twisted Limone sock project I started two years ago? I finally picked it up and started working on it again. My tension is pretty loose, so I need to use size 0 or 00 to achieve the right gauge. I think this is why I avoid knitting socks? 

This yarn is just so beautiful to work with. I must get more of it!

Check out the knitting needles I am using. They are called "Karbonz" by Knitters' Pride. I love knitting with them. The tips are smooth and pointy; the best part is that my stitches don't slip off the needles when I don't want them to!

Best DPNs I have seen in a long time.

By the way, I am still not able to leave comments on your blog. I am so sorry; I have no idea what's going on with my account.

Enjoy your weekend, and don't forget it's Daylight Saving!