Patchwork and linen. A dishtowel.

I spent Sunday playing around with scraps.  This piece of linen from an old skirt of mine became a dishtowel.  Really, I need to make things like this more often.  It was a totally spur of the moment  make-it-up-as-you-go kind of thing.  I had so much fun I want to make another one.
The patchwork to the right will be a quilt.  Eventually.  I'm trying to finish some old WIPs first.  Meanwhile all my 3 1/2 inch squares are being auditioned on the wall.  So far it's looking like another low volume color scheme.

I frayed the edges on the dishtowel by pulling out a few threads, then stay stitched all the way around to keep it from fraying any further.  The patchwork was zig zag stitched down on the raw edges.  Lastly, I added a bit of hand stitching with embroidery floss, leaving the knots on the front.  Kind of Anthropologie meets Zakka.

Love. It.

Stash busting and repeat performers

I started a few crochet projects back in October while I was visiting my Mom in the hospital.  They were one skein/color, repetitive and easy to carry around.  This half granny shawl was made with a ball of Madtosh Pashmina that I bought about 3 years ago and has been in the cupboard ever since. 
I suppose I was waiting for the right pattern, but I ended up going back to this shawl pattern.  I made it in a sport weight in the color Graphite, and I used an N hook so the drape is quite significant.  I added a tassel to each end, including the back point.
 I've worn this twice already and got compliments from strangers both times!  And they were younger women, so maybe I'm onto something here.  The yarn is delicious, and worth every penny.  I'm eyeing another skein in Daffodil, or maybe Silver Fox.

This one is made from 2 skeins of Noro IHaveNoClue.  I think it is Kureyon.  I will probably gift this one, because the colors are not me.  The yarn was bought online, on sale. When it arrived I was dissapointed and tossed it into the same cupboard next to the Pashmina. 
The pattern is One Skein Chevron Scarf, that I've made several times already, and despite the name, I always use 2 skeins.  I'm on the lookout now for more yarn de-stashing patterns.  Any ideas?

Now that it's getting dark earlier, I find myself on the couch in the evenings scrunching sideways under the closest table lamp, straining to see my yarn or needle.  I bought an Ott lamp at Joann's with a coupon, but it honestly seems like overkill.  Never mind the family comments regarding burning eyeballs and needing to break out the sunglasses while they're trying to watch T.V.  I might need to rethink where I sit, and set up a work space in the corner of the living room. 
After all, it isn't enough that I have a whole room dedicated to fabric and yarn, and usually have to clear my projects off the table so we can eat dinner.
Do you guys have your own little space?  What works for you?

Neutrals

White, black, tan and brown.  I took a brief detour from all my colored scraps to make this mini friendship star quilt.  I copied the neutral theme shown in the tutorial sample, its simple shapes appealed to me very much.  A two inch border was added all around to finish up at 25 x 25 inches.

This spiced tea appeals to me as well.  Fits right in with the color scheme.
Our Fall temperatures dropped from 84 degrees on Halloween, (followed by a good soaking rain) to a low of 47 last night.  Hot tea weather is officially here!

Another neutral, this time a crocheted puff stitch cowl for my daughter using Lion Brand Thick n Quick.  I originally made it the same size as the instructions from the U Tube video, but ripped it back because it was just too overwhelmingly big on her and weighed a ton.  I started over with a chain of about 45 or 50 (sorry can't remember exactly).  I also cut it down to 8 rounds.  Okay so I completely butchered the original pattern, but the tie and tassels I kept for sure.  They add a lot to the cuteness factor.

I have another one started in the color Eggplant.  For me :)