1942 - 9/11/01
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I have been gone..............
14 years ago
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Sunday, September 10, 2006
RAINING BOM Snowman
I'm here - just been SUPER busy. Have been working on 2 b'day gifts for my eldest daughter and her dh who share a b'day. Almost done, so will post those pictures as soon as I can. One involves embroidery; they other has a photo printed on fabric.....
Here you see one of my CatchUp Blocks in the snowman BOM project I'm doing for my SIL. I guess this is supposed to be the April block - April Showers Bring May Flowers.... But I had done the Easter block for April, so this will be for March I guess - even though I'm not putting the month names on the blocks.
I know it doesn't rain much where they live in Arizona, but the snowman would melt if he got ANY rain on him, so he really NEEDS his umbrella!
Stitch-On!
Here you see one of my CatchUp Blocks in the snowman BOM project I'm doing for my SIL. I guess this is supposed to be the April block - April Showers Bring May Flowers.... But I had done the Easter block for April, so this will be for March I guess - even though I'm not putting the month names on the blocks.
I know it doesn't rain much where they live in Arizona, but the snowman would melt if he got ANY rain on him, so he really NEEDS his umbrella!
Stitch-On!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Marvelous Find!
I was so excited to find this crocheted mother of pearl button trim at an obscure little quilt shop on a recent trip to Nevada. Because it was $16 per yard, I just purchased one yard.
I have crocheted since I was a very young girl so I intend to see if I can figure out how to do something similar with the 100's of vintage mop buttons I have. The trim obviously is made with new 2-hole buttons and every other one is a flower shaped button.
The shop had a pretty patchwork jacket on display that had this trim applied to the bottom edge and it was very striking!
I have crocheted since I was a very young girl so I intend to see if I can figure out how to do something similar with the 100's of vintage mop buttons I have. The trim obviously is made with new 2-hole buttons and every other one is a flower shaped button.
The shop had a pretty patchwork jacket on display that had this trim applied to the bottom edge and it was very striking!
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Anemone up close & personal
Again with the Monterey Bay Aquarium photos. Here we have a close up of a gorgeous white sea anemone. I am always amazed at how many lovely colors these come in. It is, though, very hard to get good pictures without a flash through the glass. In some of my pictures you WILL see a bit of reflection. Any white spots you see though are not flashes from the camera. I took all of these photos without the flash function turned on.
The kelp forest is huge and ever changing. I found the anchovy school fascinating to watch. They are constantly on the move and occasionally open their mouths as they swim to feed. They have little spot markings on their sides and it is believed that is how they stay with the school. They can see the spots and know they haven't left the safety of numbers. Larger fish will eat them quickly if they stray away from the ever changing shape of the school. Sardines which are larger also exist in this manner.
The otters are amazingly entertaining. I wish I had taken pictures when we first arrived because they were playing with toys on the surface. When we returned later in the day they were mostly underwater and I was lucky to catch some surface shots. Most of them were swimming furiously around in circles underwater and the toys had been tossed aside.
Next up? JELLYFISH!
The kelp forest is huge and ever changing. I found the anchovy school fascinating to watch. They are constantly on the move and occasionally open their mouths as they swim to feed. They have little spot markings on their sides and it is believed that is how they stay with the school. They can see the spots and know they haven't left the safety of numbers. Larger fish will eat them quickly if they stray away from the ever changing shape of the school. Sardines which are larger also exist in this manner.
The otters are amazingly entertaining. I wish I had taken pictures when we first arrived because they were playing with toys on the surface. When we returned later in the day they were mostly underwater and I was lucky to catch some surface shots. Most of them were swimming furiously around in circles underwater and the toys had been tossed aside.
Next up? JELLYFISH!
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Our little vacation
I'm busy stitching today so I thought I would post some of the pictures I took at the Monterey Bay Aquarium last week. Everything was so wonderful and I got a little shutter-happy.
These 4 pictures were taken in just one area of the aquarium which, if you've never visited, is well worth your time. It's especially worthwhile if you have kids in tow. Mine would have loved it. But, even for older adults it is a great place to visit. We spent almost the whole day there seeing all the exhibits, all the film presentations and even we even sat for a time and just laughed like crazy over the antics of the otters and penguins.
These shots are very inspiring if you intend one day to stitch any ocean themed items. That's why I took so many pictures. Enjoy!
Perhaps I'll post a few more tomorrow..........
These 4 pictures were taken in just one area of the aquarium which, if you've never visited, is well worth your time. It's especially worthwhile if you have kids in tow. Mine would have loved it. But, even for older adults it is a great place to visit. We spent almost the whole day there seeing all the exhibits, all the film presentations and even we even sat for a time and just laughed like crazy over the antics of the otters and penguins.
These shots are very inspiring if you intend one day to stitch any ocean themed items. That's why I took so many pictures. Enjoy!
Perhaps I'll post a few more tomorrow..........
Friday, August 18, 2006
Showing off the Texas Grands
Just have to show off the latest picture of my TX grandkids. Jack is 5 and just started school and Isabelle is 2-1/2. They are our youngest daughter's children.
Aren't they sweet? We think they're pretty special. Of course we are not totally impartial, are we?
Aren't they sweet? We think they're pretty special. Of course we are not totally impartial, are we?
More Catch Up!
Last night I finished the February/Valentine block in this series and started on the next mannequin block. I think I may have some little heart shaped beads that would fit inside the spaces in the heart string on this one.
Also got my granddaughter's birthday project started yesterday. Since her b'day is the 29th, I have to concentrate on that now, but I also managed to mock up a small block for September in another BOM challenge - this on is on the RedworkStitcher's list. I've been doing my own designs and this one is to honor my eldest grandson's first day of kindergarden.
I'm also reading "The Mermaid Chair" before bed each night. I'm an avid reader and yesterday started a data base of books I've read. Wish I'd done it years ago. A while back someone posted a life reading list to live up to that had been published in a newspaper. I was surprised to see that I had read quite a few of the books listed. Of course I can't recall WHEN I read them. I read a lot of mysteries and have read 10 books in the past 2 months.
Otherwise I'm stitching as fast as I can!
Also got my granddaughter's birthday project started yesterday. Since her b'day is the 29th, I have to concentrate on that now, but I also managed to mock up a small block for September in another BOM challenge - this on is on the RedworkStitcher's list. I've been doing my own designs and this one is to honor my eldest grandson's first day of kindergarden.
I'm also reading "The Mermaid Chair" before bed each night. I'm an avid reader and yesterday started a data base of books I've read. Wish I'd done it years ago. A while back someone posted a life reading list to live up to that had been published in a newspaper. I was surprised to see that I had read quite a few of the books listed. Of course I can't recall WHEN I read them. I read a lot of mysteries and have read 10 books in the past 2 months.
Otherwise I'm stitching as fast as I can!
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Playing Catch Up!
Here's the January /Winter snowman design done up. Since we started this BOM challenge on the list in April, if I want to make these into a Christmas gift, I have to do the designs for Jan-March and play catch up!
I'm thinking I might add a few beads here and there in the designs before the whole thing is put together. Like on these snowflakes I think a seed bead would be nice in the center of the snowflakes. And, thinking ahead to the December block, there's a little tree in the design. I've been thinking of substituting a little cactus and wouldn't it be cute (tree OR cactus) to hang some little tiny ornaments on that design?
I finished this block while we were in Monterey, CA at the ocean, enjoying the cool weather. We had a lovely full day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is not to be missed, and we walked a lot too. We also ate like little piggies and are really having problems getting back in the swing of things now that we're back home.
I spent the first full day home laundering the fabric that I "found" at two shops we visited the last day we were there. The Handmaden and Back Porch Fabrics (both in Pacific Grove) called my name! And I'm so glad I answered. At both places I found fabrics that I've been looking for for months or weeks. Such great finds and such friendly shops too!
Next up here is a horse-themed project for my #4 granddaughter's birthday at the end of this month. Better get crackin'!
I'm thinking I might add a few beads here and there in the designs before the whole thing is put together. Like on these snowflakes I think a seed bead would be nice in the center of the snowflakes. And, thinking ahead to the December block, there's a little tree in the design. I've been thinking of substituting a little cactus and wouldn't it be cute (tree OR cactus) to hang some little tiny ornaments on that design?
I finished this block while we were in Monterey, CA at the ocean, enjoying the cool weather. We had a lovely full day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is not to be missed, and we walked a lot too. We also ate like little piggies and are really having problems getting back in the swing of things now that we're back home.
I spent the first full day home laundering the fabric that I "found" at two shops we visited the last day we were there. The Handmaden and Back Porch Fabrics (both in Pacific Grove) called my name! And I'm so glad I answered. At both places I found fabrics that I've been looking for for months or weeks. Such great finds and such friendly shops too!
Next up here is a horse-themed project for my #4 granddaughter's birthday at the end of this month. Better get crackin'!
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
A Redwork Experiment
Last night I completed the stitching on a little experiment
I have been collecting the mannequin designs at the Bobby Socks website (http://members.shaw.ca/shareski/freeredwork.htm). Then I found this great fabric with little mannequins all over it. I just knew it was perfect to sash and border a quilt made from these designs.
After I found that fabric (shown on left) I really wanted to do the blocks in different colors on some light tone-on-tone fabric that has to do with sewing. I had seen one in the past that was a like white-on-white print of tiny scissors. However, I could not find anything even similar. I found in my stash a button print of cream mother of pearl buttons but it was too dark.
After searching for a long time and buying one fabric that, after laundering, had an awful stiff "hand", I got to thinking about using the cotton fabric that you can put through your printer. I can also copy and scan on my machine, so I made a color copy of that button fabric using the lowest density I could. But it was still too dark to do these design on so I then made a low density copy of the lighter copy and got a print that I thought it might work. SO.............
I copied the print onto a Jacquard cotton fabric sheet I got at Michaels and did the design on it, finishing it last night. I have since bought some solid-reading fabric in the colors that are on the mannequin print to use as frames around each block So I took a picture of this block this morning with those and the mannequin fabric positioned around on the sides. I plan to stitch the mannequin designs all differently but within this color range.
Has anyone done this before or am I truly inventive? Really Big LOL!
The only difficulty I had with the whole thing was just after I removed the paper backing from the fabric sheet when I noticed the fabric seemed stiff. And, after letting it dry for 24 hrs, it still seemed that way, but I decided to give it a try anyway. Once I transfered the design and started hooping & handling the fabric, it softened up quite a bit. In the end it was draping nicely over my hands as I stitched.
I have been looking at this block for what seems forever, so I'd like some unbiased opinions about it. Is the button print distracting? Should it be even lighter? I worry if I made it any lighter, you wouldn't notice that it was a print at all......
I have been collecting the mannequin designs at the Bobby Socks website (http://members.shaw.ca/shareski/freeredwork.htm). Then I found this great fabric with little mannequins all over it. I just knew it was perfect to sash and border a quilt made from these designs.
After I found that fabric (shown on left) I really wanted to do the blocks in different colors on some light tone-on-tone fabric that has to do with sewing. I had seen one in the past that was a like white-on-white print of tiny scissors. However, I could not find anything even similar. I found in my stash a button print of cream mother of pearl buttons but it was too dark.
After searching for a long time and buying one fabric that, after laundering, had an awful stiff "hand", I got to thinking about using the cotton fabric that you can put through your printer. I can also copy and scan on my machine, so I made a color copy of that button fabric using the lowest density I could. But it was still too dark to do these design on so I then made a low density copy of the lighter copy and got a print that I thought it might work. SO.............
I copied the print onto a Jacquard cotton fabric sheet I got at Michaels and did the design on it, finishing it last night. I have since bought some solid-reading fabric in the colors that are on the mannequin print to use as frames around each block So I took a picture of this block this morning with those and the mannequin fabric positioned around on the sides. I plan to stitch the mannequin designs all differently but within this color range.
Has anyone done this before or am I truly inventive? Really Big LOL!
The only difficulty I had with the whole thing was just after I removed the paper backing from the fabric sheet when I noticed the fabric seemed stiff. And, after letting it dry for 24 hrs, it still seemed that way, but I decided to give it a try anyway. Once I transfered the design and started hooping & handling the fabric, it softened up quite a bit. In the end it was draping nicely over my hands as I stitched.
I have been looking at this block for what seems forever, so I'd like some unbiased opinions about it. Is the button print distracting? Should it be even lighter? I worry if I made it any lighter, you wouldn't notice that it was a print at all......
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
August Snowman BOM
My sister-in-law will especially like this one. She's an avid swimmer who swims laps every morning she can at the pool!
Southwestern Snowmen!
I'm doing these snowmen of the month for the BOM challenge on the blueroseredwork list at yahoo groups. I decided to do them in southwestern colors without the name of the month because my sister-in-law collects & loves snowmen AND she lives in AZ in a home decorated in SW decor.
The accompanying strip of fabric will be the sashing for the wallhanging I intend to make from the 12 blocks. The actual block is stitched on a mottled fabric that almost looks hand dyed. I bought both fabrics at the quilt shop in Sedona, AZ some time ago. I chose the colors of DMC floss from both fabrics.
This is the June snowman; pictures of July and August will follow.
I'm off now to work on another BOM project that is kind of an experiment. Hope to have happy results to show soon! I'm also working on another pastel project - this time peaches & greens with a little light gold. It's a pillow top and a gift for a friend who went out of her way to do us a huge favor.
The accompanying strip of fabric will be the sashing for the wallhanging I intend to make from the 12 blocks. The actual block is stitched on a mottled fabric that almost looks hand dyed. I bought both fabrics at the quilt shop in Sedona, AZ some time ago. I chose the colors of DMC floss from both fabrics.
This is the June snowman; pictures of July and August will follow.
I'm off now to work on another BOM project that is kind of an experiment. Hope to have happy results to show soon! I'm also working on another pastel project - this time peaches & greens with a little light gold. It's a pillow top and a gift for a friend who went out of her way to do us a huge favor.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Katie the Younger
And this is the girl herself on her favorite perch. The windowsills in our home were made extra wide years ago by my husband because I used to raise African Violets.
In 1996, when we inherited Katie after our daughter moved to Missouri to attend grad school, she, one by one, "did in" the violets. Finally I surrendered and gave away the remaining plants to an elderly lady who loved them. The sills have been Katie's domain ever since.
When she arrived at our home she was not greeted with much kindness by our elderly indoor/outdoor cat, Annie the Elder, a very un-cat-like tuxedo kitty. So Katie, having never been outside, took over the house and protected it with vigor. They communicated every morning, nose to nose, at the laundry room door, after which Annie would dart out into her big beautiful yard.
However during Annie's last days, when she needed our constant care, Katie became very concerned with Annie and even shared her foot of the bed with her.
After she was gone, everytime the laundry room door was opened, Katie dashed over to look out and try to find Annie. It was cute, but heartbreaking for us. We still miss our Annie the Elder, but Katie has developed into the 2nd most wonderful, clever, affectionate companion we've ever had.
In 1996, when we inherited Katie after our daughter moved to Missouri to attend grad school, she, one by one, "did in" the violets. Finally I surrendered and gave away the remaining plants to an elderly lady who loved them. The sills have been Katie's domain ever since.
When she arrived at our home she was not greeted with much kindness by our elderly indoor/outdoor cat, Annie the Elder, a very un-cat-like tuxedo kitty. So Katie, having never been outside, took over the house and protected it with vigor. They communicated every morning, nose to nose, at the laundry room door, after which Annie would dart out into her big beautiful yard.
However during Annie's last days, when she needed our constant care, Katie became very concerned with Annie and even shared her foot of the bed with her.
After she was gone, everytime the laundry room door was opened, Katie dashed over to look out and try to find Annie. It was cute, but heartbreaking for us. We still miss our Annie the Elder, but Katie has developed into the 2nd most wonderful, clever, affectionate companion we've ever had.
August Theme BOM
August is Vacation Time! This is not my favorite block so far, by ANY means, but I sort of meant it to be funny. Our resident captive kitty, Katie, is absolutely fascinated with suitcases. When they come out, she will not leave them alone. If they are open, she lays in them. If they are closed, she lays on top of them.
We think she knows when we're about to leave for a trip and wants to go too. Even though she has top notch kittysitters who spoil her rotten while we're gone!
We think she knows when we're about to leave for a trip and wants to go too. Even though she has top notch kittysitters who spoil her rotten while we're gone!
July Theme BOM
I found this cute image in my Holiday binder that is full of images I've printed off from internet sites over the past years.
I'm doing these blocks with crayon work which I do before I start the outline embroidery. Each is pictured with the fabric which I plan to use for the block's border.
At first I planned to put all of these blocks together into a wallquilt, but now I think I may make individual display items out of them. Recently I found an article about making individual themed blocks and displaying them by slipping them over one of those clear acrylic free standing counter frames.
You border the block and back it, leaving the bottom open like a pillowcase. Then it's simple to change each month. We have an antique cabinet in our home's entryway and I think this would a fun thing to display there.
I'm doing these blocks with crayon work which I do before I start the outline embroidery. Each is pictured with the fabric which I plan to use for the block's border.
At first I planned to put all of these blocks together into a wallquilt, but now I think I may make individual display items out of them. Recently I found an article about making individual themed blocks and displaying them by slipping them over one of those clear acrylic free standing counter frames.
You border the block and back it, leaving the bottom open like a pillowcase. Then it's simple to change each month. We have an antique cabinet in our home's entryway and I think this would a fun thing to display there.
June BOM-Father's Day
I did this block for the BOM challenge on the Redwork Stitcher's list at yahoogroups.com. I took the image from my Hallmark card program. More details available if you click on the picture.
July & August blocks are done too - they follow......
July & August blocks are done too - they follow......
My Bag Is Back!
In the challenge I was involved in that is mentioned in previous posts, this is the item that I got back made from the items in MY bag. Isn't it wonderful?
It was made by my good friend & Omaha roomie, Mona Berning, to whom Willa secretly sent my bag! I just love it and it's hanging right now in a place of honor in our hallway.
As usualy you can click on the picture and read more details about the fabrics I sent.
Mona hurt her hand before she was able to embellish the blocks very much and has told me she wants me to do more work on it. For now I love it just the way it is, but I've saved the bag of leftovers and may, at some point in time, do that. I think I might also piece a small throw pillow for the bed to match the wallhanging.
It was made by my good friend & Omaha roomie, Mona Berning, to whom Willa secretly sent my bag! I just love it and it's hanging right now in a place of honor in our hallway.
As usualy you can click on the picture and read more details about the fabrics I sent.
Mona hurt her hand before she was able to embellish the blocks very much and has told me she wants me to do more work on it. For now I love it just the way it is, but I've saved the bag of leftovers and may, at some point in time, do that. I think I might also piece a small throw pillow for the bed to match the wallhanging.
I know I've been bad
I know, I know - I can't believe it's been so long since I posted to this blog. Life just keeps getting in the way of my fun.
I HAVE been stitching a LOT since I finished Window on Spring though. This picture was taken of it just before it was folded up & put in the box to be mailed to Willa.
I heard this morning from it's new owner and it's happy in it's new home - even has a whole wall to itself. As usual you can definitely see more detail in this picture if you click on it.
I'd really like to do something similar for myself, but I think I'll concentrate on my 4 season's wallhanging project that I started a while back. It's a 4 block piece that is odd shaped actually. When all 4 season blocks are pieced together there will be a center sun area that will have to be pieced in all yellows. Somewhere I have a picture of the Spring block that I sent out in a round robin. I will have to look for it & post it.
And then there's the ever present "Yellow to the Max" which is planned out, but not fully pieced yet. This project involves some vintage Peter Max fabric that I purchased from an eBay dealer some time ago. More later on that.......
I HAVE been stitching a LOT since I finished Window on Spring though. This picture was taken of it just before it was folded up & put in the box to be mailed to Willa.
I heard this morning from it's new owner and it's happy in it's new home - even has a whole wall to itself. As usual you can definitely see more detail in this picture if you click on it.
I'd really like to do something similar for myself, but I think I'll concentrate on my 4 season's wallhanging project that I started a while back. It's a 4 block piece that is odd shaped actually. When all 4 season blocks are pieced together there will be a center sun area that will have to be pieced in all yellows. Somewhere I have a picture of the Spring block that I sent out in a round robin. I will have to look for it & post it.
And then there's the ever present "Yellow to the Max" which is planned out, but not fully pieced yet. This project involves some vintage Peter Max fabric that I purchased from an eBay dealer some time ago. More later on that.......
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Window on Spring
Well, I talked G into holding the pieced front of this project so I could get a picture. I still have to prep the backing, hanging sleeve and binding tomorrow, but the front is done. I'm very happy with it. The backing is a printed cotton with the same shade of beige as the borders on the front. It is printed to look like crackled paint.
I'm thinking I may stitch "in the ditch" around each window pane before I bind this quilted wallhanging. I also have prepped a personalized silk label for the back.
Heck, I'm so proud of this, I feel like putting the label on the front! LOL!
I'll be taking more pictures with my GOOD camera tomorrow including some closeups too. If I'm going to send this off into the world and never see it again, I want lots of pictures to remember it by.
I sure hope my "challenge partner" likes what I've made. I know it's something that I would like to receive. And, isn't that the whole idea of these challenges? Aren't we supposed to make something WE would like to have?
I'm thinking I may stitch "in the ditch" around each window pane before I bind this quilted wallhanging. I also have prepped a personalized silk label for the back.
Heck, I'm so proud of this, I feel like putting the label on the front! LOL!
I'll be taking more pictures with my GOOD camera tomorrow including some closeups too. If I'm going to send this off into the world and never see it again, I want lots of pictures to remember it by.
I sure hope my "challenge partner" likes what I've made. I know it's something that I would like to receive. And, isn't that the whole idea of these challenges? Aren't we supposed to make something WE would like to have?
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Final Pane in the Window Project
This is the final pane, all done, for the window project. How do you spell R-E-L-I-E-F? Now to get it all together and get it mailed out on Monday!
If you click on the picture you can see a larger version. Some details on the lower right block:
Hand dyed motifs -the flowers and the butterfly up top, iron-on dragonfly and those green leaves down in right corner that the spider loves so much are a fairly new trim from Ribbonsmyth. I did the pink buds with some wider gauzie see-through ribbon that was in the swap bag. It was the same kind of ribbon as the green that I put on with beads on the lower left pane. It makes GREAT flower buds!
If you click on the picture you can see a larger version. Some details on the lower right block:
Hand dyed motifs -the flowers and the butterfly up top, iron-on dragonfly and those green leaves down in right corner that the spider loves so much are a fairly new trim from Ribbonsmyth. I did the pink buds with some wider gauzie see-through ribbon that was in the swap bag. It was the same kind of ribbon as the green that I put on with beads on the lower left pane. It makes GREAT flower buds!
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
I CHEATED!
I got going on the lower left pane for the window project and skipped over the lower right. I can't believe I finished 2 of the panes today. Tomorrow I'll finish the other and begin assembling the project.
Some details:
I found the tiny little bird in my redwork bird binder. It's a copy of a vintage pattern.
I cut the Easter egg from an Easter print cotton fabric and tried to do a neat needleturn applique. I still need more practice on needleturn. It was easier to do the kite on the top left pane because I could iron back the edges for a crisp shape. That didn't work too well with the egg shape.
The pink & green trim came to me in the "baggie" but was white. I handdyed it with Ozcraft dyes and it was in the picture I posted the other day - a couple entries back.
The green gauze ribbon was in the baggie too. I have never before done anything like what I did with it, but it just seemed to be needed to soften that long curve through the block. I anchored it with the larger beads and then snuggled up a cluster of 3 seed beads on each side of the larger ones. There's lots of beads on this one, but that's pretty normal for my work I think. That and stitch combos!
The feather stitching on the lower right is done with YLI's Pearl Crown Rayon thread in the Baby Pastel color. I was not sure the colors were working but now that it's all done I think it was the right choice.
I have to say that pink has never been a favorite color of mine and I NEVER have worked with so many pastels before. I think it's going to be a good piece when it's all done, but I don't think I'll be able to look at another piece of pink fabric for awhile!
Some details:
I found the tiny little bird in my redwork bird binder. It's a copy of a vintage pattern.
I cut the Easter egg from an Easter print cotton fabric and tried to do a neat needleturn applique. I still need more practice on needleturn. It was easier to do the kite on the top left pane because I could iron back the edges for a crisp shape. That didn't work too well with the egg shape.
The pink & green trim came to me in the "baggie" but was white. I handdyed it with Ozcraft dyes and it was in the picture I posted the other day - a couple entries back.
The green gauze ribbon was in the baggie too. I have never before done anything like what I did with it, but it just seemed to be needed to soften that long curve through the block. I anchored it with the larger beads and then snuggled up a cluster of 3 seed beads on each side of the larger ones. There's lots of beads on this one, but that's pretty normal for my work I think. That and stitch combos!
The feather stitching on the lower right is done with YLI's Pearl Crown Rayon thread in the Baby Pastel color. I was not sure the colors were working but now that it's all done I think it was the right choice.
I have to say that pink has never been a favorite color of mine and I NEVER have worked with so many pastels before. I think it's going to be a good piece when it's all done, but I don't think I'll be able to look at another piece of pink fabric for awhile!
Upper Right Window Pane DONE!
Even the Beading is done! Had to take a break from the work on #3 and #4 blocks to give myself the satisfaction of actually having #2 totally done.
And now, would you believe, I have noticed that I missed a seam in the blue sky at the top. Imagine if you will 3 fly stitches done vertically with chain stitch anchors. That's what I intended to do and WILL do as soon as I log off this computer!
My dh is making fun of my "barely blooming" tree, but time is awasting and I told him it's just a hint of what the beginning of Spring would look like. HEY! It's my work and I'll do it however *I* want!, Right?
The blossoms and tiny leaves on the tree are done with pearl cotton because I'm having problems right now with my hands and cannot manage to pull silk ribbon through this block. I started with SRE, but had to give up before doing much at all.
I added the two faux seams in the large expanse of green silk noil hillside and I'm glad now that I did. I think it balances the block.
And stay tuned for Pane #3 where you'll see the hillside continued
And now, would you believe, I have noticed that I missed a seam in the blue sky at the top. Imagine if you will 3 fly stitches done vertically with chain stitch anchors. That's what I intended to do and WILL do as soon as I log off this computer!
My dh is making fun of my "barely blooming" tree, but time is awasting and I told him it's just a hint of what the beginning of Spring would look like. HEY! It's my work and I'll do it however *I* want!, Right?
The blossoms and tiny leaves on the tree are done with pearl cotton because I'm having problems right now with my hands and cannot manage to pull silk ribbon through this block. I started with SRE, but had to give up before doing much at all.
I added the two faux seams in the large expanse of green silk noil hillside and I'm glad now that I did. I think it balances the block.
And stay tuned for Pane #3 where you'll see the hillside continued
Monday, June 05, 2006
Been Busy!
Today I let my hair down & had some fun playing with my Ozcraft Dyes. I had some basic white motifs here that came in this challenge packet and they didn't fit on the project anymore. The 2 pieces at the bottom were left natural colours but the rest of the pieces I antiqued. That rose in the upper left area is a crocheted motif made, I think, from Knit-Crosheen. I wasn't sure it would take the dye very well, but it turned out lovely.
The pieces that look more peach than pink are for my next project which is a pillow for a friend who did G and I a huge favor. I hope she likes it.
Back to Stitching and Beading on the window panes!
The pieces that look more peach than pink are for my next project which is a pillow for a friend who did G and I a huge favor. I hope she likes it.
Back to Stitching and Beading on the window panes!
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Tree on the Hill
I had never done any broderie perse before and that is how I this tree is applied to the upper right "pane" of the window project. I used Heat & Bond Light to apply the tree but that doesn't hold permanently - especially I would think on the fancy fabrics that are in this block.
I started out using a hoop, but ended up doing the last half of the tree without a hoop. A lot of the tips of the branches had come loose but they are secure now!
I used 1 strand of silk floss for this technique, which, if I understand it correctly, involves doing teeny tiny buttonhole stitch on all edges. At least that is what I did and I'm mostly happy with the results.
Now on to dressing the tree in it's Spring blossoms!
I started out using a hoop, but ended up doing the last half of the tree without a hoop. A lot of the tips of the branches had come loose but they are secure now!
I used 1 strand of silk floss for this technique, which, if I understand it correctly, involves doing teeny tiny buttonhole stitch on all edges. At least that is what I did and I'm mostly happy with the results.
Now on to dressing the tree in it's Spring blossoms!
A Day Late & a Dollar Short
That's what my Mum used to say .... frequently to me because I've ALWAYS been a procrastinator.
Here's my May block for the challenge on thebluerose-redwork list at yahoo. I'm doing these in Southwestern colors, as I've mentioned before. They are fairly easy designs to stitch. The only hard part has been deciding what color to put where. All except the snowman him or herself - they will always be this pretty blue!
Now back to my challenge piece! Only 9 days to go! It has to be mailed on the 10th of June, but I'm sure I'll be up late the night of the 9th.....
Here's my May block for the challenge on thebluerose-redwork list at yahoo. I'm doing these in Southwestern colors, as I've mentioned before. They are fairly easy designs to stitch. The only hard part has been deciding what color to put where. All except the snowman him or herself - they will always be this pretty blue!
Now back to my challenge piece! Only 9 days to go! It has to be mailed on the 10th of June, but I'm sure I'll be up late the night of the 9th.....
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
May Block of the Month
Finished for the BOM Challenge on the Redwork Stitchers group at Yahoo. I've always loved this design and have had it in my "library" for some time. The image reminds me of so many lovely quiet moments when my 3 daughters were small babies.
The printed fabric shown is what I will border this block with when I have all 12 monthly images done. I think I'll make a small lap or wall quilt with them.
Now back to working on my baggie challenge piece. I finally worked out how to get the tree on the hillside and have loads of hand stitching and SRE ahead of me today.
The printed fabric shown is what I will border this block with when I have all 12 monthly images done. I think I'll make a small lap or wall quilt with them.
Now back to working on my baggie challenge piece. I finally worked out how to get the tree on the hillside and have loads of hand stitching and SRE ahead of me today.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Memory for Stash Sunday
Going through some drawers today I found a small stack of embroidered pillowcases and I think this is one of the last sets my Mum embroidered, crocheted and gave to me. They are yellowed from storage as I have not wanted to use them. Even if I did we have king sized pillows now and these wouldn't fit as they are standard size.
The Stash Sunday group wanted a memory for today's posting. Right away I thought I MUST still have a set of her pillowcases somewhere, so I went on a hunt. Her crocheted edgings were usually her own unique design and very delicate.
I have some pairs of pillowcases to make for all 7 of my grandchildren when the time is right and they have a need. Unfortunately they are poly/cotton blend cases and not the nice 100% cotton ones Mum used to buy at the dimestore. I will soon have to start the first set as our eldest grand will be 18 next April.
I guess the grands will appreciate the poly/cotton blend since they don't have these for comparison. They may not have to iron theirs. However, I will try to remember to show them how to press the back of the embroidery over a terry towel to make it stand out! That was my first household chore Mum taught me when I was about 6 or so. The iron scared me a lot at first, but over the years I and my iron have bonded well!
The Stash Sunday group wanted a memory for today's posting. Right away I thought I MUST still have a set of her pillowcases somewhere, so I went on a hunt. Her crocheted edgings were usually her own unique design and very delicate.
I have some pairs of pillowcases to make for all 7 of my grandchildren when the time is right and they have a need. Unfortunately they are poly/cotton blend cases and not the nice 100% cotton ones Mum used to buy at the dimestore. I will soon have to start the first set as our eldest grand will be 18 next April.
I guess the grands will appreciate the poly/cotton blend since they don't have these for comparison. They may not have to iron theirs. However, I will try to remember to show them how to press the back of the embroidery over a terry towel to make it stand out! That was my first household chore Mum taught me when I was about 6 or so. The iron scared me a lot at first, but over the years I and my iron have bonded well!
Friday, May 26, 2006
Bag Challenge Piece #1
First, let me apologize for the quality of this picture. I am still using my old Sony (.7 pixels!) camera to post pictures. I love the camera and it's so easy to use since it takes pictures on floppy disks and it's way easier to just pop a disk in the drive and upload pictures. Soon I think I will have to start using my better Kodak camera for uploading but the need for connecting it to the computer via a USB cord just is one more thing for me to learn. I'm sure I'll become at ease with it, but it's that old dog-new tricks thing!
Well, this is the first of 4 window panes for a project I'm undertaking for the Baggie Challenge that Willa runs. It's got me wishing that I had undertaken a less ambitious project, but all 4 panes are pieced with the other gal's fabric, so I'm committed. Called "View to Spring", the window frame will be pieced with fabric - brown or beige moire maybe. If I was to do this for myself, I'd use a real window frame and just put the blocks in the frame - twould be a whole lot easier.
Some explanation=When i pieced the sun area I didn't make the seams curved, so the fly stitch lacework bit is supposed to give the illusion of a curve. I think it will when the whole piece is assembled.
So it's on now to the top right pane with more sky and a hilltop with a blooming tree. I hope I gain some momentum here because the deadline to mail this "thang" is 6/10 for me!
That's all for today.......Gotta get stitching!
Well, this is the first of 4 window panes for a project I'm undertaking for the Baggie Challenge that Willa runs. It's got me wishing that I had undertaken a less ambitious project, but all 4 panes are pieced with the other gal's fabric, so I'm committed. Called "View to Spring", the window frame will be pieced with fabric - brown or beige moire maybe. If I was to do this for myself, I'd use a real window frame and just put the blocks in the frame - twould be a whole lot easier.
Some explanation=When i pieced the sun area I didn't make the seams curved, so the fly stitch lacework bit is supposed to give the illusion of a curve. I think it will when the whole piece is assembled.
So it's on now to the top right pane with more sky and a hilltop with a blooming tree. I hope I gain some momentum here because the deadline to mail this "thang" is 6/10 for me!
That's all for today.......Gotta get stitching!
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Caffeine Deprivation?
| You Are a Frappacino |
 At your best, you are: fun loving, sweet, and modern At your worst, you are: childish and over indulgent You drink coffee when: you're craving something sweet Your caffeine addiction level: low |
Ok, obviously I'm procrastinating again. But I found this coffee thing on another blog - Eva's - and just HAD to see what kind of coffee I was!
LOL big time here because I LOVE FRAPPACINOS! Too early in the day for one though - I try to limit my Starbucks visits to the afternoon, relying on my home brew for my morning apres-walk caffeine fix.
I have a friend in Minnesota that I visit and last time I discovered a coffee blend at a coffee place next to their local quilt shop. It's called Drunken Uncle and I was SO hooked that I brought some home and my friend has even sent me some since. I eek it out and save it for only my Sunday cuppa. I love flavored coffee - daily I drink a Hazelnut blend.
Well, back to reading my bloglines and then I hope to finish up the first of 4 blocks for a project I'm working on for Willa's Baggie Challenge. Hopefully I can post a finished block picture later today!
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
April Snowman BOM
This is the block that I made for the snowman quilt which is the BOM for another redwork list that I belong to. The fabric on the left will be the sashing for the quilt. I'm doing the designs on this blue, peach & gold marble-like fabric and in Southwestern thread colors because I intend to gift this quilt to my sister-in-law who loves & collects snowmen.
The thread color for the snowmen is DMC #807 and then I'm using a couple shades of peachy beige & a light rust for each snowman's monthly accessories. The designs are all about 6" tall. I sort of wish I'd done his ears in the two peach tones, but I don't think, at this point, I want to take it all out and re-embroider the ears.
The fabrics are from my stash and were originally bought, along with a couple others at a lovely quilt shop in Sedona, Arizona.
Isn't it amazing when that happens? I had the designs all printed off for this group's project and remembered my Miriam loves snowmen. Then the fabrics just sort of leaped off my shelf & begged to be included!
Miriam doesn't do handwork at all but seems to really appreciate what I do. In fact she and my brother have the Southwestern CQ pillow I made them propped up on a pedestal in their home - rather like a work of art! I think perhaps though where they have it displayed has more to do with protecting it from their 2 resident cats than how much they revere the pillow!
I don't have that Southwestern CQ pillow posted at Flickr, but it's probably in my cq albums at webshots.com. My user name there is lasassone if you want to browse more pictures.
The thread color for the snowmen is DMC #807 and then I'm using a couple shades of peachy beige & a light rust for each snowman's monthly accessories. The designs are all about 6" tall. I sort of wish I'd done his ears in the two peach tones, but I don't think, at this point, I want to take it all out and re-embroider the ears.
The fabrics are from my stash and were originally bought, along with a couple others at a lovely quilt shop in Sedona, Arizona.
Isn't it amazing when that happens? I had the designs all printed off for this group's project and remembered my Miriam loves snowmen. Then the fabrics just sort of leaped off my shelf & begged to be included!
Miriam doesn't do handwork at all but seems to really appreciate what I do. In fact she and my brother have the Southwestern CQ pillow I made them propped up on a pedestal in their home - rather like a work of art! I think perhaps though where they have it displayed has more to do with protecting it from their 2 resident cats than how much they revere the pillow!
I don't have that Southwestern CQ pillow posted at Flickr, but it's probably in my cq albums at webshots.com. My user name there is lasassone if you want to browse more pictures.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
April Theme BOM block - colored!
Ok.........I was advised that I could add the color after the stitching so I started with applying pink crayon to the ribbon and bow. I stood back and decided I like just that touch of color a whole lot. I don't think I'm going to do any more. What do YOU think?
I'm Back! Well....sort of!
Did you miss me? I apologize profusely to my subscribers at bloglines.com for being absent more than not this past month. I guess blogging just isn't firmly ingrained yet in my routine.
I have been SO immersed in Redwork projects, had some health issues and was gone to warm, sunny Arizona for a time to visit my brother who is recovering from a recent heart attack.
This is a 6" square design I finished last evening for a Block of the Month challenge on one of my yahoo redwork lists. It's a monthly themed one and I plan, after the fact, to do some crayon work on this and the next 11 blocks. I thought of doing that AFTER I had started stitching this. I think I'll have to practice a bit on some fabric first though to see how it looks. If I decide to do it, I'll have to post another picture!
I'm also half done with the LAST Children of the World design! I did a lot of stitching during a recent illness (don't ask-ick!) and on our vacation from the rain too. I can't believe I have almost finished all 20 designs!
I'm doing my friend Willa's Baggie CrazyQuilt Challenge too and just yesterday firmed up what I'm going to make and get sent by the 5/31 deadline. So, that's next on the agenda.
I have been SO immersed in Redwork projects, had some health issues and was gone to warm, sunny Arizona for a time to visit my brother who is recovering from a recent heart attack.
This is a 6" square design I finished last evening for a Block of the Month challenge on one of my yahoo redwork lists. It's a monthly themed one and I plan, after the fact, to do some crayon work on this and the next 11 blocks. I thought of doing that AFTER I had started stitching this. I think I'll have to practice a bit on some fabric first though to see how it looks. If I decide to do it, I'll have to post another picture!
I'm also half done with the LAST Children of the World design! I did a lot of stitching during a recent illness (don't ask-ick!) and on our vacation from the rain too. I can't believe I have almost finished all 20 designs!
I'm doing my friend Willa's Baggie CrazyQuilt Challenge too and just yesterday firmed up what I'm going to make and get sent by the 5/31 deadline. So, that's next on the agenda.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Blogging Random Act of Kindness
Recently I was looking at pictures in the Flickr group called Corners of My Home and I made a comment about a picture of a cabinet that had been posted. The cabinet was the focus of the picture, but atop the cabinet were some cute miniature chairs that attracted me since I collect them. Another member also had mentioned in a comment that she was a collector of miniature chairs as well and I followed the links to her pictures. Her name is Kim and her blog is Little Somethings.
We eventually ended up emailing each other and compared collections. I had made a comment about a little chair she had in her picture that was like the little "modern" in this picture. She mentioned she had a duplicate she would like to send me.
My intention was to do a trade with her but when she sent me this HUGE box of other duplicates she found when she went looking, her address wasn't on the outside of the box!
So, you see, this wasn't QUITE a random act of kindness but we treated it as such.
Very shortly after receiving the little chairs I was reading another blog that I love called My house is cuter than yours and I discovered that the owner of that blog, Mary, collects salt & pepper shakers.
A lightbulb moment! I remembered I had the remains of my Mum's collection of Salt & Pepper shakers around here in a box somewhere. So, I took pictures of the many pairs left in the box and offered them up to Mary to pass the kindness on.
She received them last Saturday and today she blogged about it and posted a picture of her new treasures.
We eventually ended up emailing each other and compared collections. I had made a comment about a little chair she had in her picture that was like the little "modern" in this picture. She mentioned she had a duplicate she would like to send me.
My intention was to do a trade with her but when she sent me this HUGE box of other duplicates she found when she went looking, her address wasn't on the outside of the box!
So, you see, this wasn't QUITE a random act of kindness but we treated it as such.
Very shortly after receiving the little chairs I was reading another blog that I love called My house is cuter than yours and I discovered that the owner of that blog, Mary, collects salt & pepper shakers.
A lightbulb moment! I remembered I had the remains of my Mum's collection of Salt & Pepper shakers around here in a box somewhere. So, I took pictures of the many pairs left in the box and offered them up to Mary to pass the kindness on.
She received them last Saturday and today she blogged about it and posted a picture of her new treasures.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Fat Quarters going Bye-Bye
Surprise! I'm still here and I haven't finished another Redwork piece yet.
This is a picture of the results of the past couple weeks of cutting, pressing and folding.
In my major cotton stash reduction, I'm cutting and keeping only 1/2 yard of most of my cotton yardage. So far I've filled these 13 boxes with fat quarters sorted by color. I'm not quite half way through the shelves yet!
I'm down to cutting the novelties and these color boxes don't really work for novelties. I need more boxes so I can sort the novelties into catagories like tea, coffee, sweets, golf, sewing, etc. Alas, I have no more of these wonderful boxes and don't want to go buy anymore.
All of this has really brought it home to me how much I have indulged my fascination for novelty fabrics over the years. I'm a bit embarrassed.
So now I've resorted to making stacks in a laundry basket. I just have to remember to put something over the top of the basket at night because I think Katie (our feline boss) thinks I'm doing all this work for so she will have a well-padded bed to nap in!
Ah well, back to cutting & pressing. At least moving around like this is keeping me warm. After a lovely period of Spring-like warmth, it's raining again and they are forecasting snow for tonight. It's been many many years since we've had snow in this area; they are probably wrong!
This is a picture of the results of the past couple weeks of cutting, pressing and folding.
In my major cotton stash reduction, I'm cutting and keeping only 1/2 yard of most of my cotton yardage. So far I've filled these 13 boxes with fat quarters sorted by color. I'm not quite half way through the shelves yet!
I'm down to cutting the novelties and these color boxes don't really work for novelties. I need more boxes so I can sort the novelties into catagories like tea, coffee, sweets, golf, sewing, etc. Alas, I have no more of these wonderful boxes and don't want to go buy anymore.
All of this has really brought it home to me how much I have indulged my fascination for novelty fabrics over the years. I'm a bit embarrassed.
So now I've resorted to making stacks in a laundry basket. I just have to remember to put something over the top of the basket at night because I think Katie (our feline boss) thinks I'm doing all this work for so she will have a well-padded bed to nap in!
Ah well, back to cutting & pressing. At least moving around like this is keeping me warm. After a lovely period of Spring-like warmth, it's raining again and they are forecasting snow for tonight. It's been many many years since we've had snow in this area; they are probably wrong!
Monday, February 13, 2006
Children of the World - Scotland!
I must confess! During periods on UNinspiration while I was working on the Crazy Quilt block, I completed another block in the Children of the World vintage set.
I think this one is number 8 - 12 more to go! Now in the evenings I can get moving on these blocks again!
I've been spending days for the past couple weeks cutting up my extra fabrics into fat quarters to sell on eBay. My user name is lasassone if anyone is interested.
I'm only keeping 1/2 yard of any fabric except those which obviously need to be kept for quilt backings. I have to admit I have had rough patches where letting go of some fabrics has been really hard.
Of course if I didn't really love them, I wouldn't have bought them in the first place.....
RIGHT?
I think this one is number 8 - 12 more to go! Now in the evenings I can get moving on these blocks again!
I've been spending days for the past couple weeks cutting up my extra fabrics into fat quarters to sell on eBay. My user name is lasassone if anyone is interested.
I'm only keeping 1/2 yard of any fabric except those which obviously need to be kept for quilt backings. I have to admit I have had rough patches where letting go of some fabrics has been really hard.
Of course if I didn't really love them, I wouldn't have bought them in the first place.....
RIGHT?
CQ Block done!
FINALLY! Today I finished my embellishment work on the 7" block for the Texas cancer center quilt. I just returned from the post office where I sent it out & away.
I actually really like this block. I generally don't work in this particular color palette so it was a growing experience for me.
The fabric with the seagull on it just about jumped into my hands when I began piecing and it was the inspiration for me to add the word "Soar". The colors seem a little distorted in my photo. Everywhere you may see a wierd gray color, it's actually a muted green and goes lovely with the other fabrics which are peach and rust.
The leaves were dyed with Ozcraft dyes last summer. The web was done with Coats & Clark metallic sewing thread and for the spider I used 1 strand of Splendor silk floss. I painted the face button with glass & china paints that are cured in the oven. The dainty flower trim on the curved seam is a purchased trim.
NOW BACK TO THE REDWORK!
I actually really like this block. I generally don't work in this particular color palette so it was a growing experience for me.
The fabric with the seagull on it just about jumped into my hands when I began piecing and it was the inspiration for me to add the word "Soar". The colors seem a little distorted in my photo. Everywhere you may see a wierd gray color, it's actually a muted green and goes lovely with the other fabrics which are peach and rust.
The leaves were dyed with Ozcraft dyes last summer. The web was done with Coats & Clark metallic sewing thread and for the spider I used 1 strand of Splendor silk floss. I painted the face button with glass & china paints that are cured in the oven. The dainty flower trim on the curved seam is a purchased trim.
NOW BACK TO THE REDWORK!
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Hall Corner
I joined a group on Flicker called Corners of my Home and have been enjoying seeing pictures of how others use the corners of their homes for storage & display.
This is one of the corners of our home that makes me very happy. More explanation is available if you click on the photo and be sure to drag your mouse over the photo to see the notes!
We call this Katie's cupboard; don't you want to know why? Well, click on it already!
This is one of the corners of our home that makes me very happy. More explanation is available if you click on the photo and be sure to drag your mouse over the photo to see the notes!
We call this Katie's cupboard; don't you want to know why? Well, click on it already!
Redwork Children of the World Block #7
OK! I confess! I can't HELP myself. I'm enjoying doing these blocks SO much and I already HAD this one started when I pieced the CQ block.
There are 13 more to go! I'll be doing Scotland next! Did I ever tell you my Dad's family is from Scotland and we actually have a family castle in Stirling? I've never been, but my cousin went and snitched some pebbles from the fireplace & from the garden for me! Shhhh! Don't tell!
I really AM going to take a Redwork pause now and embellish the crazy quilted block for the TX cancer hospital wallhanging.
There are 13 more to go! I'll be doing Scotland next! Did I ever tell you my Dad's family is from Scotland and we actually have a family castle in Stirling? I've never been, but my cousin went and snitched some pebbles from the fireplace & from the garden for me! Shhhh! Don't tell!
I really AM going to take a Redwork pause now and embellish the crazy quilted block for the TX cancer hospital wallhanging.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Nekkid CQ Block
Recently I was asked to become involved in a project with several friends for Breast Cancer Advocacy. As you may know, for the past few years many needle artists have been creating bras for a Bra Calendar and Exhibition.
This project, called the Way to Women's Wellness Foundation, has raised over $50,000 for Breast Cancer Research. It was founded by Victoria Adams Brown who is the owner of www.ribbonsmyth.com. She has personal experience with breast cancer by way of family members.
This is an additional project where several needle artists are creating crazyquilt blocks which will be put together for a quilt to be displayed at a cancer hospital in Texas.
This block is MY unembellished effort for this project. The areas that may appear gray in the picture are actually sage and light green. I apparently have a camera that loves peach and doesn't recognize certain shades of green! Who knew?
I will be taking some time off from my current Redwork embroidery project to embellish this block and will post another photo when the block is completed.
This project, called the Way to Women's Wellness Foundation, has raised over $50,000 for Breast Cancer Research. It was founded by Victoria Adams Brown who is the owner of www.ribbonsmyth.com. She has personal experience with breast cancer by way of family members.
This is an additional project where several needle artists are creating crazyquilt blocks which will be put together for a quilt to be displayed at a cancer hospital in Texas.
This block is MY unembellished effort for this project. The areas that may appear gray in the picture are actually sage and light green. I apparently have a camera that loves peach and doesn't recognize certain shades of green! Who knew?
I will be taking some time off from my current Redwork embroidery project to embellish this block and will post another photo when the block is completed.
Children of the World Block #6
Well, here's block #6. Lots of straight lines in this one. Isn't he cute in his little Uncle Sam costume?
The next one I'm working on now is Portugal and he's a little bullfighter!
As I'm finishing these I am pressing them from the back over a terrycloth towel to make the stitching stand out. My Mum taught me that when I learned to embroider as a child.
In fact, I think I knew that even before I learned to embroider because ironing the pillowcases each week was my first household chore. We never had plain pillowcases in our home. She did beautiful embroidery on pillowcases and towels.
I only have sadly worn pillowcases with her embroidery on them now - none are usable for pillows. One day I'm going to make a quilted wallhanging with pieces of the embroidery in the center of crazyquilted blocks.
Perhaps I'll use 30's repros OR the real ones I've collected. I saw something similar in the recent issue of McCall's Quick Quilts.
The next one I'm working on now is Portugal and he's a little bullfighter!
As I'm finishing these I am pressing them from the back over a terrycloth towel to make the stitching stand out. My Mum taught me that when I learned to embroider as a child.
In fact, I think I knew that even before I learned to embroider because ironing the pillowcases each week was my first household chore. We never had plain pillowcases in our home. She did beautiful embroidery on pillowcases and towels.
I only have sadly worn pillowcases with her embroidery on them now - none are usable for pillows. One day I'm going to make a quilted wallhanging with pieces of the embroidery in the center of crazyquilted blocks.
Perhaps I'll use 30's repros OR the real ones I've collected. I saw something similar in the recent issue of McCall's Quick Quilts.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Children of the World Block #5
Well, last night I finished this lad from England - only 15 more blocks to go in this set I'm doing from the 1930's of 1940's.
Redwork is such a calming form of needlework and right now I seem to need it. You can do it while riding in a car, waiting at an appointment and even while watching television.
Redwork is such a calming form of needlework and right now I seem to need it. You can do it while riding in a car, waiting at an appointment and even while watching television.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Children of the World Block #4
Well, it's nice to be BACK!
We had a little get-away-from-the-rain for a week! We drove to sunny Arizona to visit family and friends and to check out the new Sun City that Del Webb is planning out in the desert west of Phoenix, AZ. We were intrigued with the Sun City Lifestyle which we hadn't sampled before.
Evenings while we were gone I worked on this block and now it's back to reality (rain) and....
I'm on to the next one in the series - England - Coming Soon!
We had a little get-away-from-the-rain for a week! We drove to sunny Arizona to visit family and friends and to check out the new Sun City that Del Webb is planning out in the desert west of Phoenix, AZ. We were intrigued with the Sun City Lifestyle which we hadn't sampled before.
Evenings while we were gone I worked on this block and now it's back to reality (rain) and....
I'm on to the next one in the series - England - Coming Soon!
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Stash Sunday - RED Fabrics
This is my red fancy fabric drawer. Lots of lame' in there and Holiday fabrics and a ton of silk dupioni! More than enough to last me awhile!
Stash Sunday - Red!!!
This is my red embellishment drawer - lots of goodies, vintage AND new in there! Enough to last a couple lifetimes of crazyquilting I'm sure!
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