Nickilee's Fan Block Continues

Here's what I've gotten done on Nickilee's fan block so far, I'm almost finished attaching the lace to the corner. Next will be to add beads! It will be ready to mail out tomorrow or Wednesday at the latest. This was an interesting little fan block, because all of her fan blades were the same...so after much thought...I decided to keep my stitching as symmetrical as possible too. I'm not sure it's what she envisioned when piecing her blocks...but I'm really liking it. The photo really does not do it justice at all...it is very girly, shabby chic and beautiful with all that silk ribbon. A few more final touches...and I'll be back tomorrow to let you see the results and final photo! Hugs,  

Second Winter/Christmas Block Done

The center of this little six inch block is so large, it didn't take much time to complete the embellishments for this block. It is obvious that the block's owner liked the poinsettia fabric well enough to want the entire flower bloom showing on the block...therefore, I decided not to cover it up with any thing else. Instead, I (hopefully) enhanced it by over-stitching the petals and adding beads to the center.  

  After that, the three seams were stitched and beaded. Echoing the theme of the block meant using silk ribbon poinsettias as one of the seam treatments.  

Kayla's Block

I've been working these past few days (when time allowed) on a round robin block for Kayla. Here are the photos. I'm trying to get used to this new phone from Verizon...and uploading the pictures. The phone is an iPhone4 and has some great features, and takes great photos...but, it does not accept a micro card like my last phone...so I'm having to connect the phone via a cable and download one at a time...it is cumbersome. I'm sure that there is a faster way..and I'll find it...but, for now...I'm struggling!  

  Mary stitched before me. She included the spiderweb, feather stitch plant, some seam trim, and cute little seams as well. My seams tend to be larger, but I think that things are "melting together" pretty nicely so far. Next, Erma works her magic to finish up the block.

There were more images...but they are too blurry to make out. I have to get "re-trained" on this phone camera! Hugs!

 

Butterflies & Dragonflies Begins

Got my block pieced today for the CQI Round Robin "Butterflies and Dragonflies" which mails out on March 15th. I love pastels!

Wine Round Robin Begins for Darlene

 

Just getting started on my work for Darlene in the CQI Round Robin "Wine". Isn't this a really pretty block to work on! The colors are not as in the photo...the "blue" is really very dark purple.

 My first element is a bunch of grapes. They are felt circles sewn down with blanket stitch. The little leaves are trimmed from velvet craft leaves, and the little curly vines are DMC Color Infusion memory thread that has been curled around a large needle to make tight little spiral springy vines. I'll be back when I have more done....

Midnight Fantasy Finished for Cathy L.

My portion of the Midnight Fantasy Round Robin block for Cathy L. is finished. I've added some ground cover floral at the "foot" of the large purple flowers...and some ants climbing up a stem. Thanks to Allie A. for "how to" on the ants!

And, because no little girl should go out at midnight without a protector...even a fairy...I've sent her along with her little Teddy. (And, if you want to learn how to do Soft Sculpture Applique, I have a class open now over at Maureen's Vintage Acquisitions).

Here's the entire finished section.It's ready to go into the mail.Also, I would like to add...if you want to participate in some really fun Round Robins, you should go to Yahoo Groups...and check out Crazy Quilting International. A great bunch of ladies!This won't mail out until the end of the month...so I can show it off to friends until then!

Roses, Roses, Roses...is back Home!

And isn't it glorious! I just love all of the beautiful stitching and ribbon work the ladies did! Thank you so very much to Cathy L., Meg W., Rita C., and Ruby R. for their beautiful work. Want to see some close ups? Of course you do!!!

So pretty, tiny little sweetheart ribbon roses, delicate lace trims, silk ribbon roses, and perfect bullion rose cluster. 

What a great idea...cross-stitching some roses on top of the fabric! I'm gonna borrow this idea for sure...cause I have some waste canvas around here somewhere! Ingenious...and beautiful!

Delicate little lace trim, fluttery little butterflies, and one is painted with pink nail polish...which I do myself too! Loved that!

Aren't these just stupendous! I love the ribbon work, and the charms...wonderful!

This large rose just proves that you don't have to shy away from large motifs! Just lovely.

Pretty, pretty little ribbon clusters...like walking along a garden path.

A second little fluttery butterfly, Very unique...made from layers of fabric cut to shape. Hope you enjoyed the eye candy...as much as I am. It's even more glorious first-hand of course...photos just never do our work full justice. I'm a happy, happy girl today...after having received this block back home!

Dimensional Bunny

Yesterday, I posted about my recent article in Crazy Quilt Gatherings Magazine. But, I didn't include a photo of the finished little bunny. So, thought ya'll might like a closeup. Isn't she cute...or is she a "he". Hmmmmm.....

Crazy Quilts in the 1800's

I've been checking out some old books on line at the U.S. Archives Organization. Here's one I came across and loved the artwork on the front and back inside cover! Published in 1886. Lovely colors and artwork!

And, although the book is primarily about embroidery threads and such (being published by a prominent company that manufactured the same)...it had this paragraph regarding the possible origin of crazy quilting. Just made me shake my head!


QUOTE: "It is a mystery where the idea of “crazy” patch-work originated. It would not be an unreasonable supposition that it opened its eyes of origin among the unfortunates in some of our asylums, for, although partially demented, the majority are neither idle nor lacking in sensible adaptation to various works of skill." END QUOTE
Just made me shake my head!

Forest Glen

Just finished up a project for a dear friend, a round CQ piece with a fairy silkie in the center. The entire thing is about the size of a medium dinner plate. Hope she will enjoy it! And, here are photos for all my cyber friends too enjoy as well!

 It was a quick project, especially since it was in the sewing room for almost 2 weeks before I could begin it! Finally, I sat down and pulled threads and lace that I had in green...found the two little chickadees while doing that!...aren't they so cute!

Some template seams, lots of beads and stuff later...and voila! It's done!

Oh, and I should say that I did not have to piece the block! My friend sent it to me already pieced...with enough extra fabric to ensure I could hoop nicely...yeah! It took me most of Monday and Tuesday to complete it...but, I'm happy with the results. Hope she is too!

A little bit country and a little bit rock n' roll!

Remember that tune? Well, that's what I thought of as I took photos of my latest stitching. It's a real hodge-podge of things.

First off...the country segment!! A cross-stitch Christmas ornament of a snow lady. I received a kit from a dear friend, and decided to stitch it up as a hang tag to go on a Christmas package for a friend.

Now, for a little of the Rock 'n' Roll. First up is a new cabochon. I'm calling this one Crystal Blue Waters because of the aquablue seed beads and crystals around the ABstyle crystal cabochon. I like it, and it is about the size of a nickle...so good for lot's of things.

And, lastly...another R&R tune! I just recently signed up to participate in a crazy quilt round robin on the Crazy Quilters International Yahoo Group titled Basically Beaded. My block will be passed around to others in the same Round Robin team to stitch on. And, I'll get their blocks to work on as well. I decided to do a basic white/cream block as the base for all the beading...and let the beads be the "color". I stitched a portion of the block this morning (okay, spend most of the day on it)...and am just forcing myself to stop stitching so the other ladies can work on it too! I'm so excited about this Robin...it will be so much fun!
Here's the beginning of my block.

 There is a little bit of everything in my beading cabinet on this I think! Pearls, jewelry links, crystal butterflies, porcelain flowers, charms, rondelle spacers, seed beads, rocailles, montees', tons of Swarvoski crystals, and one of my Magic Mirror cabochons! It is opulent and I love it!

TDiTM Stitch #22

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months Here's an unusual stitch for you...and one that has great potential. How about with black seed beads for eyes, or a string of seed beads and bugles for the tail? This little dragon fly is stitched using the jumbo template zigzag size...finally found a use for that! The zigzag only has the right slant stitch used...as the opposite side is not required. Of course you could alter and have the dragon flys slanted towards the left is you used that "back side" of the zig zag stitch for your base. No beads on this stitch...but they could be incorporated in the eyes and both...I just didn't think of that until I was well down the road past this stitch. Duh! This version is stitched in Perle 8, olive green.

TDiTM Stitch #21

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months We're still working in my flower power phase; actually, I think the last flower will be about 30 or 32 numbered stitch. I am at stitch 50 for design, and stitch 31 for stitching with thread. So, that means stitches 22-31 are done, I'm just not sharing yet. Really, I don't want to scare folks off with too many at once...and I need a buffer to post when things happen. Like the pneumonia I've been dealing with these past 2 weeks. Thank goodness I didn't have to "think" and design something! This little stitch was just happily waiting it's turn. The threads are Perle 8 this time and the beads are gold metallic seed beads.

Borrowed Pin Cushion Idea

I've been working on some Christmas projects. Can't say a lot...cause they are a secret! Sssssh...but here's the first one completed. It looks a little lopsided in the photo...but is really pretty smooth. Reminds me of a dough right before you plop it in the pan to bake. And, while I'd love to say the idea for these pincushions was mine...because it is brillant...but, alias that is not so. They belong to a wonderful CQ wonder artist!...her blog is http://ivoryblushroses.blogspot.com and the pattern/instructions are in the blog titled "Sea Dreaming'. If I was more computer savy I'd put a link in here for you...but, you'll just have to search this out for yourself!