Camp Loopy 2012

 I decided to go to camp this year.  Camp Loopy started yesterday. There will be three projects, one a month for the next three months. The first challenge is to knit a project that has to be at least least 400 yards and it has to be from a pattern designer who is from another country. I've been debating on Wingspan or Hitchhiker. I decided to go with Hitchhiker using the Wollmeise I bought from The Loopy Ewe a few months ago.  I'm in the Brown/Black Canoe Group.This first challenge goes from May 27 to June 27 so I have to get busy knitting if I'm going to make it.

Another Mondo Bag

I made a Mondo Bag for my daughter the matches the Manhattan Bag I gave her for Mother's Day.  This was my 6th Mondo. I think I am done with this pattern.

A Few Gifts

Here are a few projects that I managed to get done in time to give as gifts to some family members.

 Gift Bags made from two fat quarters and Quilt Smart Bottle Bag Printed Interfacing.

 Some embroidered towels

Pattern is Manhattan Bag by Pink Sand Beach Designs.

Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

Well I finally made it to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. I have been wanting to go to this event for years and something else was always happening the first weekend of May when it is held.  I hooked up with Loren, an online buddy, and we went on a bus trip sponsored by Rosie's Yarn Cellar from Philadelphia.

I have to say it was all that I imagined and more.  If I were still spinning, I could have wracked up on roving. One day though!!  All that yarn at the different vendors was really overwhelming. Surprisingly I only bought one skein. That's because the stash is huge and I really need to concentrate on making a dent in it.  However, I did manage to win a give away on the bus, three luscious skeins of Louisa Harding Grace Hand Beaded yarn. I also picked up a pattern, some wonderful deliciously smelling soap, stitch markers and buttons.  Most of my purchases were gifts for two of my quilting buddies who have birthdays coming up. Since they pop over here to visit my blog I can't share those goodies.

I got a kick out of all the sheep. These animals are ultimately responsible for all the wonderful yarns that I enjoy knitting and crocheting with.

I also ran into a lot of fellow Ravelers at the festival. Everywhere you went you saw the Ravelry button on someone.  I have a lot of them to thank for all the great ideas and tips they shared about the festival.

So, now that I know what to expect, next year if I go to the festival, I will be armed with a plan of action on navigating the festival.

Zippy Strippys and Cash N Carrys

I made these Zippy Strippys and Cash and Carrys from patterns by Atkinson Designs. The pieces match the Bermuda and Mondo Bags I made previously and will be Mother's Day gifts.

Manhattan Bag

Using up fabric strips left over from the latest Mondo bag, I made this Manhattan Bag by Pink Sand Beach Designs.  I still have a few more strips left so I will make up some zippy strippys.

Ayumi's Lunch Tote

I came across this tutorial by Ayumi for a cute lunch tote and decided to sew one up.  I like how the tote has a cover on it. For the lining I used PUL fabric because it's easy to clean.  Go check out Ayumi's blog, she has some nice tutorials posted.  Thank you Ayumi for sharing!!!

A Few More Pillow Cases

Yesterday I sewed up a few more pillow cases so I have a total of four to send to the ConKerr Cancer Organization.  Hopefully they will make a few sick kiddies feel better.  I will wash them today, then pack and get in the mail this week.

Friday Night Sew In

It has been awhile since I participated in a FNSI. And after working all day, then going to Zumba, I wasn't in the mood to sew once I arrived home last night.  But since this sew in was for a good cause I made myself go into my sewing room and whipped up this quick pillow case.  The sew in  hosts asked that participants make a pillow case for a critically ill child.  You can read about the cause at the ConKerr Cancer website.  I hope the pillow case helps brighten a child's smile. I'm going to make another, then I can wash and mail them off.

NJ Shop Hop Day 4

I made it to the last two quilt stores today and finished the shop hop.

Quilting Possibilities - Forked River, NJ

Olde City Quilts, Burlington NJ

I turned in my completed stamped passport at OCQ since it was the last shop for me to visit.

The shop hop goes until Sunday, April 22. Then the 11 shops will get together and draw the winners of the prizes. It would be nice if I were one of them. Regardless, the hopping this year was a bit kaotic due to my busy schedule but I made it and added to the stash along the way.