Twelve Dozen Template

Well, it's almost a New Year! And I hope it will be a great one for all of us, the last one sure has been a roller coaster ride hasn't it!!

The Twelve Dozen in Twelve Months Challenge is about to be in full swing!...and already I'm having such fun...as I'm on the design for #14 today!!

You've seen the first stitch...so get cracking! Post your finished seam on the HGTV Message Board string for all to see!! Here's the link (www.hgtv.com) for those that are not yet members...but should be, cause it is about the best needlework forum out there! (Okay, I think it IS the best...but since I haven't been a member on ALL the others...I'll try and be PC about it) :)

I finished a template for the basic zigzag stitch yesterday...and posted the file on the CQ Wiki instructional site so you can down load it for use. It will help you produce uniform (vertical and horizontal) zigzag seams to use during this challenge...and it's free!! And, check the WIKI site out while you're there, it's full of crazy quilt tutorials!(www.crazyquilting.pbwiki.com)

The template zigzag stitches are proportioned correctly to match the designs I'll be posting. Otherwise, you might have a problem fitting all those lazy daisy or french knot stitches ...into a zigzag that has more vertical and less horizontal than the one I'm using. (Aaaaah...it would be wonderful to have more vertical and less horizontal, wouldn't it!...but there I go daydreaming again!)

There are five sizes on the template...and here's my recommendation for their use:

TINY - for doll quilts that you want to do CQ seams on
SMALL - for blocks 9" and less
MEDIUM - for blocks 9" to 14"
LARGE - for blocks over 14"
JUMBO - for circus tents

Of course, you can mix and match on the same CQ Block if you like...it would add some variety...and your eye will tell you if the scale is right or wrong. Remember, no rules here...this is your challenge, your work, your project, your pace.

Tomorrow, I'll post stitches 3 and 4.... :)

Later in the year, when I run out of "zigzag" ideas...and add another basic stitch...I'll create a template for that/those as well and post it to the Wiki site as well.

So, get ready...hang on, this crazy ride is about to leave the station!! Woo Hoo...all aboard!!

TDiTM - Stitch #1

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

Okay, I can't stand the waiting for the New Year any longer...so here is the first stitch of the challenge. And, if you don't know about the challenge...check out the post about Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months. If you're counting, that breaks down to about 3 stitches per week...seems doable (if I can design that many combination stitches!!)

But, I guess that's the "Challenge" part for me. :)

If you want to post your photos...I'll start a string on the HGTV Message Board for Quilters so you can add your pictures there.... :)

Hope you enjoy the first stitch (I'm working on number 6...but am going to restrain posting any more ...at least for today!)

CHALLENGE - Twelve Dozen in Twelve Months

One of my personal goals in 2009 is to become much more proficient in stitching Crazy Quilt seams. So, to keep me motivated I am starting a challenge for myself. You are invited to stitch along with me.

I will stitch 12-dozen (that's 144) different seams over the next twelve months. (Okay, life got in the way of my deadline...but I'm still going to create the 12-dozen. We'll just have to see how many months it will take me! Actually, I still think it is a very do-able goal to just do the stitching. I did not consider the extra time to doodle the stitches, create the visual line drawing in Illustrator (which I had to learn to use), stitch the example, photograph the finished seam and resize to fit the blog, and write the blog entry and post!!) My intent is to expand on basic stitches that all should master quickly. So, this is going to be at the beginner level.

And, because I love beads...most (if not all) will surely include beads. However, for those of you that don't like beads on your work...I will accomodate and stitch half of the example with beads and half without. My work will be on a sampler cloth, although if I stitch on projects I'll share those as well.

Each week I will post some stitches using a basic stitch as the starting point. I will post a photo of the stitched example (bead and no bead) and the stitch chart. Feel free to use them to expand your stitch library.

These are my designs and my stitching...so I ask that you honor my request not to use them for any endeavor of profit. Thanks.

Beginner's Anatomy of a Stitch

Can't do a colonial knot or Hungarian braid stitch? Yeah, me too. And for a few months now I've been kinda hung up on my "lack of ability" instead of concentrating on my "ability"...more on the negative than the positive. (Weird, cause that's not usually me). But, just recently, while looking through Carole Samples book Treasure of Crazy Quilt Stitches (which I just love) I was struck by the awesome number of stitches...that were really just a mismatch of simple stitches that I CAN MAKE!

So, I decided to take a simple stitch...the zigzag...and add to it. I added lazy daisy, straight stitch, and french knot only. Those I can do! And was amazed at how far I could add to the basic lowly little zigzag...with no real effort.

So, I stitched up a sample to share..hoping that someone else might be helped to see that there is very little "magic"...just start stitching and see where it takes you.

Now, I don't advocate not learning new "established" stitches...but I say "Don't wait until you feel you are a SKILLED stitcher" just use what you do know and go for it!

On each photo, you will see two rounds of the stitch progression...I stitched in various color so you could (hopefully) see how the stitch builds from the basic zigzag.

I challenge you to take the basic zigzag...and add to it using only the french know, straight stitch, and lazy daisy. Change up the size of the thread...change up the colors...change up the height and width...shake things up. I'd love to see what you come up with...so will start a new string on the HGTV Message Board for needlework/quilting to share this blog and give you a place to post your photos.

My Russian Ladies Gifts

Okay, I know you're probably tired of seeing pin cushions...but I just can't stop! I am working on some Round Robins, but can't share photos of them since I don't want to spoil the surprise!

My six beautiful penpals from Russia received their Christmas gift from me. Yep, you guessed it...pin cushions. One (my very first effort) is pictured in my Borrowed Pin Cushion posting. But, now that all have arrived, I'll show you the other five.

Am also working on the usual Christmas decorating and family things this month, so not getting as much stitching done as I'd like too. But having fun just the same!

As you can clearly see, I worked each in a different color. I did not specify which lady received a specific one, as I wanted them to pick the one that they most liked. I used my stencils for most of the seams and the tissue paper overlay idea for the trees.

All were tons of fun. And now, I'm thinking of doing some smaller sized ones...but am concerned about having enough work on a smaller surface. When I get that worked out, I'll post a picture of the finished effort. Will probably after Christmas however as a large family (over 40 in all) is a lot of folks to plan for...buy for...cook for...clean for...Well, you get the idea I'm sure. :)

More PinCushions!

I've been busy working on some crazy quilt round robin blocks, and having a ton of fun! But, I can't show those since only small "peeks" are allowed. So, I'll show you some shots of three more pin cushions I've been working on. These are already mailed and received...so no secrets here. I cut the tops of the photos...haven't done that in a long while...so the shots are not complete. Instead, they are mostly of the stitches enlarged. But, sometimes, that's better I think...you can see how to complete them and I hope you try them out. Enjoy!

Shortcuts to Seam Embellishments

Okay, so I'm really into seam embellishments lately. First, I was scared to death...and now, I can't get enough! I have these nifty little plastic templates to help space the stitches evenly, and they helped me to overcome my fears. I applaud the lady (cause you know it had to be the Mother of invention) for making these, and hope that she sells millions and millions of them! If you're interested in learning about them, they are found at embroiderysuccess-strips.com And, no...I don't know the lady that sells them...and no, I don't get some kind of kick-back for promoting them. Just think that anytime someone does something good in the world of quilts I live in, it should be applauded. :) Now, as with just about any part of my creative life...I'm just not satisfied with staying in one place. I like to move about, shake up my mind...and explore. And, seam embellishment is no different...so, it is no great surprise to me that using these little templates gave me more, and more ideas. And, the fact that I am a lazy daisy...when I see a faster or easier way...I just have to go for it! Hence, my creation of my own set of templates. No, I'm not trying to market them...just trying to explain my process. And, perhaps, it will help you to find your way into a faster and fun filled adventure of seam embellishment as well. I created these little templates that I use by drawing some of the more familiar embroidery stitches...precisely...and printing them out on plastic. Now, it was not an easy task...since I can't draw a straight line, and I don't have any fancy dancy software to do this with. I used plain on Excel spreadsheet...yep, I'm crazy! I use Excel for drawing my layout for shadow appliqué designs (okay, that's another post...yet to be written) because the "cells" can be made the same height and width...like grid paper...and I can draw lines up, down, and diagonal. Not very efficient I'm sure; and REAL computer folks are probably having visions of cavemen and stone tablets right about now...but, for me...it works. Anyway, I digress... now I have these grided stitch charts. And, I print them out onto plastic sheets as though I was going to do an overhead projection. Then, I cut them out in rows with my rotary cutter. Now, the real tedious part begins...I use a hand held hole punch and make a hole for every spot my needle would go into. Like, for an X..I might just do the four corners...or them and the center. The hole is very tiny, and I got the hole punch in the scrapbook section of Hobby Lobby…they are the ones with purple handles. So, now…I lay these plastic stitch templates on my block…and with a lead pencil, mark a tiny “dot” in all the holes. That’s how I know where to put my needle. And, the seam looks mostly uniform when I get done! They aren't perfect, since I created them and no robot cut them out...but I'm happy with them. From here I can do some basic stitches...then add a little more to these stitches with lazy daisy, french knots, X's, etc. Then I add beads, usually Swarovski crystals because I love them, or some flowers beads. Next, comes silk ribbon or buttons or more beads...or lace, or ribbon..you get the idea. I've included photos of my latest project...from the basic first stitches using my templates...to the additional steps until I get the finished crazy patch block completed. Feel free to copy any of my ideas, because they are just part of a long tradition of stitches that are surely not my creation...and I would love to hear about your efforts. If you don't have a group of stitchers to support you...come on over to the HGTV message board for quilting and needlework and join us. There are ladies on this site who know far more than I do about crazy quilting!...but can’t be having any more fun than I am…cause I’m loving it!!

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!

It's the Simple Things

Today, I figured out how to do a very simple thing on a crazy quilt project I'm working on. And, it just made my entire day go so much better! Now, I'm sure there are millions of women who would have concluded this long before I finally got around to it...but, that doesn't make it any less sweet that I have finally accomplished it!

I've really be stumbling along trying to figure out how in the world to transfer a design...easily...to a CQ block if I couldn't iron on it. I can't claim to have even thought this up myself...as one of my wonderful cyber buddies beat me to it...but, that doesn't bother me one bit.

Here it is...tissue paper! Yep, plain ole...get a pack for a buck at the Dollar Tree store...ordinary tissue paper! I traced a tree from a book (Crazy Quilting by Christine Dabbs) and then pinned it to my CQ block. I did a simple straight stitch (cause that's what I know)...to complete the outline of the trunk and limbs. Now, I could go back and fill in this space; but, I'm happy with it now. Then I did simple lazy daisys for the leaves (did I mention 'beginner') :)

For the flowers, I used tiny spacer beads with a tinsy little #15 seed bead (rocailles) in the center to hold the spacer down. Viola!! A masterpiece....well, at least Me and my Mom love it!

Dying Lace with Mom

Mom and I were talking last week about the truck load (okay, maybe not quite that much) of lace I has mailed to my cyber friend Nicklee for dying. She is the Queen of Dyed Lace...and I begged her to do some of mine. Didn't really think I had a lot...until I started pulling from all my many drawers and boxes.

Anway, I found a few more pieces that did not get mailed. Mom asked "why can't you dye it yourself". After I quit laughing, I explained what I knew about dyes, permanent inks, curing, rayon vs nylon, ... took me about 3 minutes cause I don't know much. ;)

But, in talking about permanent inks, I tolk Mom about a television program that Renee (another super cyber pal) had seen where they use aloe vera to float the ink. She said we should try and see if that would work with food coloring. So, hey, why not...it might cost me a few pieces of lace...but I 'apparently' have a lot!

So we drug out our food coloring gels and the aloe-vera and water and paint brushes. We mixed our magic formula (a squirt of this, a dab of that) and started painting. We were so excited at the marvelous colors that we could do with this dye!! Wish now, I had been smart enough to take photos of the process...sorry. We painted and then we 'cooked' them in the microwave for a minute. Rinsed them again...and let them air dry. Gorgeous laces!




When we finished...some hours later...I took the laces to the sink. Figured, I had best wash them off to ensure all of the residual food coloring was gone. And, yep, you probably guessed it...most of them came out white or cream again! We had a good laugh...and hours of fun doing them.

And, although all of them washed out terribly and some totally...we don't regret the experience and the fun! But, Nickilee...
you've got a permanent position as my lace dyer... :)

Here's what did make it, and what didn't.

Crazy Quilt Art Block

Well, since I've already admitted that I don't know how to do Crazy Quilt seams...but am trying...I will show you my crazy quilt art block, contributed to a dear cyber friend in a block swap.

You will note that it does not have any finished seams...that's because I didn't know how to do them. So glad that my friend gave me complete license to use my imagination and create this fairy wonder world. Very few embroidery stitches were used, and all are very basic...french knot, straight, daisy, and fishbone. I did simple spider-web roses and iris in silk ribbon (really, you don't get any easier than these).

I was very happy with the composition and the theme carries well, I think. Especially for my very first full-size (12 inches) crazy quilt block. My friend seems happy to be the owner now...and that is all I was hoping for.

Needle Crazy Seams

Finally, I think I've got it!

I have been wanting to do more crazy quilting, which wouldn't be difficult because I've done very little to date! Oh, I have several books...and have quilted for a while...just not much crazy quilting. Why? I'm horrible at stitching in a straight line!

The more free-hand I have; the easier it is. Too messy? Just cover it up with another button, or charm, or piece of lace. I have absolutely no fear with it comes to designing...it's the meticulious stitching that scares me to death.

So, when a fellow stitcher on my HGTV Message Board recommended a set of "stitch guides"; I jumped on ordering them. Then, let them sit in my sewing room with little notice for a couple of months. I just pulled them out and used them to stitch the front of a needle case. Wow! I have found a tool that is really going to help me out!! How stupendous is that!

So, if you're looking for some help, I highly recommend this little cottage industry product from Georgia...www.embroiderysuccess-strips.com

And, No, I don't know the lady that created these...and I don't get any kick-backs for recommending them. They simply helped me...and I believe in sharing good things. :)

Here are my photos of seam work using these (I'll not be sharing examples of seams that have gone before these...because they died an unnatural death...none too soon)...:)