Long-Tail Cast On, Also known as Double Cast-On or Continental Cast-On

I just learned a new and much faster way to cast-on for knitting. Check out this great website with video instructions. http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/cast-on

I also managed to start a small project using the continental stitching method. I'm a crocheter so I am finding this method to be much easier and faster for me than the traditional throwing method. I'm only practicing the knit stitch for now but I'll make sure to post a pic of my finished item no matter how pitiful it looks. LOL

Summer's Sun Quilt Block and Pattern

Check out this great summer's sun quilt block - I thought it would be fun to share since summer is officially only 2 days away.



Bring out the sunscreen, pour a glass of lemonade and have a great time creating this fun, cheery quilt.

Happy Summer Quilting!

http://www.quilterscache.com/S/SummersSunBlock.html

Quilt block photo and pattern are courtesy of Quilt Blocks Galore.

Standards & Guidelines for Knitting and Crochet

I stumbled across this very informative website and wanted to share with all my fellow "yarners" as my 7 year old would say.

It has the standard yarn weight system, how to measure and lots of other helpful tips.

http://www.yarnstandards.com/

New eBay Powerseller!

Hey there. I just checked in before bed and guess what? I made PowerSeller status for my eBay store. YEAH!!!

So, you just have to check it out and see all my goodies. LOL

http://stores.ebay.com/Rag-A-Muffin-Quilts

I have a fabric sale running until June 15. Happy sewing!

Crochet Log Cabin Squares Free Pattern

Like quilting yet enjoy to crochet? Combine the two with this free crochet pattern for 8" log cabin squares courtesy of Crochet Pattern Central.

http://members.aol.com/SAG55/log.html

Baby Bud Quilt Block - Free Pattern Link

Enjoy this free quilt block pattern courtesy of Quilt Blocks Galore.

This pattern link is for a 12" Baby Bud block that is simple yet very pretty.

Happy Quilting!

http://www.quilterscache.com/B/BabyBudBlock.html

Etsy Stores Yart Sale

Many Etsy stores are having a Yart Sale from June 11 to June 20.

Here is a link to my Yart Sale section - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5385766&section_id=5267687

You can also go to http://www.etsy.com/ and search for Yart Sale for other great sale items from other sellers and crafters.

University of Tennessee Handcrafted Baby Quilt

Start your 'lil one off right and show your team spirit all at the same time! I have this adorable car seat quilt available in my store at http://www.ragamuffinquilts.etsy.com/.

Also great for gift giving and I can make a matching diaper bag for a gift set.

Need a bigger quilt? Just e-mail me, custom orders always welcome!

Crochet & Recycle with this Free Pattern

Here is a great link for a free crochet pattern AND it's using recycled plastic shopping bags.

http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2007/04/04/crocheted-plastic-bag-keeper-from-recycled-bags/

Quilting Tips - Cotton vs Polyester Threads

I learned a valuable tip today from a fellow quilter and wanted to share.

I had always heard that using 100% cotton thread was best when quilting but never asked why. I learned today that using polyester threads with 100% cotton fabrics could actually tear your fabric since it is stronger than the fabric itself!

Now the only other problem is finding 100% cotton thread these days it seems. I have discovered that Coats & Clark threads are no longer being sold at any of my local retail stores and they are actually changing their thread fiber contents as well.

I hope you find this tip helpful. Quilting is such a time consuming craft/art, it would be terrible to ruin an heirloom because we used the wrong thread.

Happy quilting!

RagamuffinQuilts Etsy Store Blog

Come visit my etsy store today - I'm adding new items frequently; including supplies and handcrafted one-of-a-kind items.

Need a custom order? Just convo me - I'm happy to work with you every step of the way.

Have a great weekend!

http://www.ragamuffinquilts.etsy.com

15th Wedding Anniversary

Well, my hubby and I are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary this evening. We can't believe it's been that long!

Babysitter is lined up already so we're going to try a new Thai food restaurant - we love Thai food and have not found a good restaurant since our move. We're hoping this one will be one of our new favorite spots to eat that doesn't have a drive-thru or paper napkins. LOL

Hope ya'll have a great day!

American Breast Cancer Foundation Charity Auction

I'm having a charity auction for the American Breast Cancer Foundation. It's a cause very near and dear to my family.

Here's the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=130227728538&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

Exfoliating Face Scrubbies - Crocheted

Check out these great face scrubbies - made from 100% cotton yarn, these scrubbies are gentle on your face yet helps exfoliate away that dry summer skin.

Best of all, use with your favorite face cleanser and just machine wash/dry and reuse!

Environmentally friendly; no more throw away cleanser cloths to fill the garbage can.

I have one set listed for auction in my ebay store at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=130227691747&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=003.

You get a set of 4 and I have a rainbow of colors available for special orders.