OPEN Registration for BCQC JUNE - Basic Crazy Quilt Course

6/30/2015 Edited to Add: This class registration is now closed.   BCQC-June is OPEN FOR REGISTRATION This Basic Crazy Quilting Course (BCQC)is a pre-requirement for all other Intermediate Classes (except #102)  REGISTRATION will remain open until midnight on June 29th (CST)   The class is self-paced, and expected to take 4-8 weeks, depending on the time you have available to complete the 12 assigned Tasks.  

  These 12-Tasks include:   1 - How to Use the Class Blog 2 - Selecting Supplies 3- Design Principles of CQ 4 - Sewing the Block 5 - Surface Beading Techniques 6 - Template Seams 7 - Shape Seams 8 - 11 Various Silk Ribbon Flowers 12 - Finishing (lace, charms, etc.)   The class is FREE, you will not be charged anything for the instructions.   Link to the Basic Supply List    You WILL be required to get your own supplies to complete the about 8 x 10 size block. Basic CQ supplies include silk ribbon, pearl cotton threads, tiny beads, etc. as the photo above indicates. None of these are in large quantity for a single block.   You will be required to use a quilting hoop (Q-snap is fine). You WILL be required to access the private class blog (upon an invitation sent to you) and post photos of your work as you progress through the class.
  If you are interested in taking this course, please email me at shaw.kathy@yahoo.com and provide me this information: Your first name Your last name You country of residence Your state of residence IF you live in the USA The email address you wish me to send class instructional handouts to.   After you register, I will send you a Welcome Email and Google/Blogger will send you (at my request) an Invitation to join the Class Blog where the class will be held. Watch for BOTH of these emails, check your spam folder. If you do not receive by Monday morning, email me to let me know.   This is an ON-LINE internet class.    You will need to follow some simple instructions to register and gain access to the private class blog. Your name and email will need to be entered; but NO social security or credit card information is required. Just basic information to "recognize" you as a class participant.   You will need to be able to take a photo of your work, and upload it to the class blog. You will get instructions on "blogging" so don't worry if you don't currently do that now; you will learn. But, you DO NEED to have an operating camera and be able to take photos. You do need a basic understanding of how to save these photos and then retrieve those picture files   NOTE: You will be given class handouts/instruction in the form of emails and pdf documents.  The pdf files can be opened with Adobe Reader (free software on the Adobe.com site)
 You need to be able to open these handouts/instructions and save them. You can also print as you desire. In total, the course contains over 200 pages of information...so paper/printer will be required if you want to retain a hard copy of this information.   Hugs, and I hope to see you in the class!  

Next Hex...

I'm still working on my Hexagon Quilt...which is a very eclectic mix of motifs and seams. I'm adding a wee bit of lace in butterflies, dragonflies, and small motifs...but almost no trims or seam lace. There is no "theme" to the quilt, the colors in the fabrics are what really ties the quilt together. My "goal" is to add a motif to almost every patch and a seam to almost every seam. So, the blocks are full...but not what I would call encrusted. I'm really enjoying finding different motifs for the patches. And while most are designed for thread embroidery, I'm choosing to do some as ribbon embroidery instead. Here are some closeups for you.

Hugs to all!

OPEN REGISTRATION - ICQC 103 "Embellishing with Threads"

6/26/2015, Edited to Add: THIS REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED   This is the 2nd offering of this class,  REGISTRATION will remain open until midnight on Thursday, June 25th   ICQC-103 Embellishing with Threads   This class covers Surface Embroidery Motifs to include beaded and silk ribbon monograms. Additional seam treatments are also part of the course.    The class is FREE, you will not be charged anything for the instructions.   Registration requires the completion of the BCQC class first. This is a prerequisite.

  If you are interested in taking this course, please email me at shaw.kathy@yahoo.com and provide me this information: Your first name Your last name You country of residence Your state of residence IF you live in the USA The email address you wish me to send class instructional handouts to.   After you register, I will send you a Welcome Email and Google/Blogger will send you (at my request) an Invitation to join the Class Blog where the class will be held. Watch for BOTH of these emails, check your spam folder. If you do not receive by Friday afternoon , email me to let me know.   Supplies needed for this course include various colors of embroidery floss and/or perle cotton thread. A pattern will be provided for the creation of a series of pieced blocks; or you can use plain fabric and work the items as technique samples only.    You are encouraged to have completed the ICQC-101 class before this one...but it is no longer a "requirement".   Hugs to all,  
 

Next Hexagon Block

Okay, this is a new feeling...I'm not only "caught up" with my CQJP blocks...I'm AHEAD. Okay, okay...I'm only a week ahead as this is the July block...but hey! I'm gonna enjoy this accomplishment...even if it is for just one week! Here are some closeups for you!

  Hugs to all! Enjoy your stitching!

ICQC 107 - Mini-Silk Ribbon Embroidery Gardens - Open for Registration

ICQC #107 is OPEN for REGISTRATION
This is a new class. You need to have finished the BCQC before registering for this class. The Silk Ribbon Embroidery Stitch Guide and the General Embroidery Stitches handout from the BCQC Class will be helpful in this module as well.   Registration closes at midnight on Sunday, 21 June (CST)   This class will cover the creation of two 9" embroidery scenes that include silk ribbon flowers. IF you prefer NOT to create these scenes, you can do the individual flowers on plain fabric as a sampler or journal pages.   The supply list is available under the Free CQ Classes Tab above; but will also be send in your Welcome email after you register.   Flowers included in this class are: Buttercup Climbing Rose Daffodil Foxglove Iris Monarda Longstem Rosebuds Rose Bush Tulip Wisteria Vine   To register: Email me at shaw.kathy@yahoo.com  Include the following information in your email to me: First Name Last Name State/Country of residence Your email address   I will email you with a Welcome to the class, so you will know that I have received your registration request. Then, I will also have Google Blogger send you an invitation email to join the class blog. The process will be the same as for the BCQC class...I'll email tasks to you...and You will post photos of your finished work...then the next task will be sent.   Looking forward to seeing some beautiful embroidery scenes! Here are the examples:

Hugs!  

GREAT SALE GOING ON...

 My stitching friend, Elizabeth, is closing her shop "Sew Victorian Crazy" on Etsy. She has beautiful ribbons and trims...and so much more. I asked her for permission to post about her fabulous "going out of business sale" and she agreed that I could share the news. Here is her post on our Facebook Group this morning:   My Etsy shop is closing June 30, 2015 and with the SALE COUPON, Crazy Quilt embellishments are selling fast. For 20% off, use coupon code: CLOSINGSHOP when visiting Etsy.com/shop/sewvictoriancrazy Once an item is sold out, it is gone!
I wish to thank each of you for your support. So.....y'all better jump on over there and get the great supplies for crazy quilt work...while they are still available!

CQJP Block - June

Can you believe it...I have gotten CAUGHT UP! Usually by March, I'm already running behind in getting my blocks done for CQJP...and don't catch back up until November (sometimes even December). Each year...I hang my head in shame...a poor example to my fellow challenge participants!

And this year...I started out the same way...letting other priorities and commitments come first.   

But, I pushed through...and spend time just enjoying stitching for "myself" and actually got caught up in the process!   Now, don't come over and look at my poor floors that need mopping, my carpets that need vaccuming, or my shelves that need dusting...as they become lower priorities!   Hugs!    

CQJP Block - May

I'm still working on CQJP 2015 blocks and have high hopes of actually finishing the project this year. Hope I didn't just jinx myself!!  

 Hugs,  

ICQC-#102 Open For Registration (9-11 June)

Edited to add: 6/12/2015 - This class registration is now closed. The next open registration will be 27-29 July...so mark your calendar.

Registration is now open for the Intermediate Crazy Quilt Course (ICQC), Module #102 (Working with Paints, Dyes, and Inks), June 2015

  Registration is open through midnight CST on 11 June. The class is 3-6 weeks in length...depending on the time you have in your own schedule for working the modules.

  I am dropping ALL pre-registration requirements for this class. So, as of today...you do not have to have taken BCQC or ICQC classes before to get into this Dying/Painting/Inking Module. (This does not apply to any other ICQC class...only to this #102 module)   This Course covers: --Painting Fabric Backgrounds -- Painting and Dying Lace Motifs -- Inking Lace and Charms To register please email this information: Name State/Country Email Address to me at: shaw.kathy@yahoo.com before midnight (CST) on 11 June. The class instruction is FREE. You will need supplies. A draft supply list is under the Class Tab above.   Once you register, I will send you a welcome email that also has a link to the supply list. Next, you will receive an invitation from Blogger to join the private Class Blog. Email me if you have any issues in signing on to the class after receiving these two instructional emails.   Hugs,  

CQJP Continues

I decided to put the hummingbird into a blackberry bush. This is the April CQJP block. Still working to try and catch up.  

Next CQJP Block done!

  WARNING
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other people's gardens . . .
But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple. (written in 1961 by Jenny Joseph who lives in Minchinhampton, England)  

 My red hat lady is a celebration of my more mature time, when I shall rejoice at doing what every I please each day!  

  The lady is a patch that I purchased a long time ago..and finally am stitching her to a block.  Hugs, hope all have a great day of stitching!

Hummingbird

Here is what I've been working on all day...poor thing doesn't have any legs or feet...but I can't decide if I want him sitting on a branch or not. So, will have to think some more...and then proceed.  

HEX #1 Finish

 When I posted the #2 HEX, it reminded me that I had not shared the first HEX here on my blog.

 The flowers were done in metallic ribbon...from Vintage Vogue website. Janet has such lovely ribbons!

 These pansies were a gift, part of a wedge of doily that I removed the other part from. Added a wee little flower center with some black straight stitches.

 Some seam work...

And a tree in the center...and I'm all done! The trunk is Stem Stitch, the branches are Back Stitch, and the little wee twigs are done in small Straight Stitches with French Knots as buds. This pattern is part of the ICQC-103 Class Module.