Scrappy McScraperson

Turns out I have 6 posts in draft mode...just needing pictures. I best get on that. For now ---

I have a lot of fabric. I've shown my Drawer of Shame but that is only a small part of the stash. I have two whole other cabinets full of fabric. So, I have decided to use it all - Right Now!

I cut any cotton fabric smaller than a fat quarter into charms (5x5 in) and quarter-charms (2.5x2.5 in). Now I just have to piece them together.

I will be making a few scrappy quilts. I have gathered up some inspiration on pinterest and decided to make a large version of a latice quilt:

Source: modabakeshop.com via Julliana on Pinterest

This is a small carseat blanket but I plan on making at least a lap quilt, maybe twin size.
I'll just need to buy some white and some border fabric - or I could scrappify that too.

Another one I like is the Disappearing 9-patch...

Source: mypatchwork.wordpress.com via Julliana on Pinterest

...but it would take a lot of white that I would need to buy - so I may just use all scraps. That would be super bright and fun. Again, lap maybe twin size.

For the backings - I already have a blue and white striped sheet that I thrifted a while ago. Maybe I'll thrift another for the white and backing on the second quilt.

I've already cut charms, but I've seen some others that use 2.5" strips that are cool too. Do you have favorite scrappy quilts?

knit = fail

Oh, Dahlia.

I was almost done...then, I tried it on. It didn't work for me. I couldn't try it on earlier because of the afterthought sleeves. Once I finished the first sleeve and started on the second I could try it on. FAIL!

The bottom, and top, were wavy. I think I may have picked up too many along those edges. The collar was floppy and long...and I had even shortened it.

Because of the afterthought sleeves, and the lack of sleeve cap, the shoulder lacked structure and the underarm was bunching with excess fabric. I should have realized this was just a blanket with sleeves.

My plan was to make the fronts shorter so I could button it down the front, but the top was way too floppy to fit the way I wanted. I think waist shaping will be necessary. I did like the sleeve length and the thicker band of seed stitch.

The yarn has been great (KnitPicks Shine Sport) and I'm loving my new KnitPicks needles. And, I really do like the lace on the back. So here's the new plan:

• bind off the two sides so I can just sew the seams together. I may add three or four rows on each side before starting the top back and bottom back.
• knit down from the lace panel to finish the bottom of the back.
• knit up from the lace panel and shape the back neck and shoulders. I think it only needs another inch or two.
• knit two fronts for the cardigan, adding waist shaping and armholes. seam to the back piece.
• work top down set in sleeves with short row sleeve caps. keep the length the same.
• keep the wide seed stitch borders on the hem, cuff, and button band. not sure about the neck yet...maybe still seed stitch just thinner.

So, basically a cardigan from scratch with just the lace medallion from the original pattern.

It only took about an hour to rip it all back. Good think I like to knit.