knitting and quilting update

Let me start with the entrelac knitting project I previously posted about.  I have learned the technique and finished the headband.  Next: I need to look for another project to learn the technique using 2 colors.  Here is a picture of the finished project.  I added a knitted flower to dress it up a bit.

Mariner's Compass Progress:  I have been working when I can on the mariner's compass quilt.  Three compasses are complete and the fourth one is started.  While I work on the compasses I wanted to give a bit more information on my project.  I am using the book Mariner's Compass Quilts New Directions by Judy Mathieson as my guide.  Judy Mathieson is a well know author and quilter of mariner compass quilts.  Her work is stunning.

Although she gives directions on how to design and draft your own compass, I am using one of her sample patterns from this book.  Of coarse, I am changing things up a bit but that's what I like to do to make them my own.

The pattern is called Plaid Mariner's Compass with 32 points.  Each compass has an 18" diameter with a 20" block.  Her sample includes 13 compasses set 'on point' with flowers appliqued in the center of each compass.  My quilt will have 12 blocks and I will not set them 'on point' nor will I applique flowers in the center.  I am not sure how I will finish the centers of each compass.  The center may be solid or she does include an alternate center made up of another smaller compass with 8 points. That's a decision that will be made later.

Knitting Club

Although I started this blog to track my progress on 'the quilt', I will periodically post some of my other projects. So today's post will be about knitting.

On Monday evenings a group of ladies from our church get together at the local Panera and knit.  Or mostly.  I'm not sure if a whole lot of knitting gets accomplished but we do love to visit.  It is pretty informal.  Come if you can and knit, or just visit, or sew, scrapbook, etc.  and leave when you need to...

This year I set the goal to teach myself entrelac knitting.  Entrelac knitting is a technique that creates a fabric of diamonds and triangles.  By knitting in different directions, the end result looks like the piece has been woven.

I searched for a pattern that was easy enough to use to learn the technique but interesting enough to hold my attention.  I will be making a headband and using a variegated fiber rather than changing yarns.  Here are some pictures.