A Fine Project for the New Year!

As this year comes to a close...we are thinking of the New Year about to begin. I'd like to take a moment to remind you of a Calendar Contest that was announced this past November. If you have not thought of a "personal challenge" for yourself next year (or are looking for a good one that deals with stitching)...why not consider this: Create a crazy quilt block for publication!   The shape needs to be horizontal and measure 8 inches tall by 11 inches wide to get a good horizontal photo that will "fit" the calendar format. ONLY the photos are needed for this challenge so you get to keep your block for framing and display! PLUS you get a chance to win prizes as this is a contest!   Read all the instructions that Pam Kellogg has already shared about this challenge...and begin thinking of a design for your own "My Secret Garden" block!    ~ I double dog dare you!! Ha~  

  Hope to see your entry cross over the judges computer screens...hint, hint!    

Whew!

Boy, I feel like I just got off of a roller-coaster! This year was just a whirlwind of activity for the Christmas holiday...and I enjoyed every minute of it! Today, I'm feeling "extra old" and tired however...so will have to get my wind back!   I was fortunate enough to spend the week of Christmas at my daughter's home...and the grand-daughter and I  so enjoyed ourselves! Plus, my daughter got engaged; which is so exciting!    I'm knee deep in finishing up my round robin block for CQI and still working on my next book. So, will have photos of the block for you soon.   Hope you also enjoyed a glorious Christmas (let's not talk about the parts we did not enjoy)...and only remember the good things!   Sending hugs out to everyone~  

Updates and Reminders

Well, not many blog posts this month! I HAVE been working on things...just nothing that I can post a public photo of...without ruining the surprise!   Wanted to jump on real quick and remind everyone that the CQJP Registration closes on the 20th of December...so IF you are still on the fence...hop on board soon! You can go to cqjp2016.blogspot.com to read the rules and guidelines for joining in.   Also, I'm checking OUT of the computer TOTALLY from about the 22nd through the 27th...no internet at all. Going to enjoy my Christmas with family...and hope you can do the same.   Hugs!

CQJP and Hexagons!

Last year, a lot of hexagon quilt photos began popping up all over Pinterest...many were of crazy quilt blocks. One of my most favorite is a set of blocks by Rhonda Dort. Here is a link to my Pinterest page of these blocks and more.   Perhaps YOU will be inspired...I know that I was. So, for next year...more hexagons! I have the blocks all ready to stitch on. Thought I'd share some photos with you today.  

 The first important fact about these blocks is that they are "whole cloth" blocks. Sometimes referred to as faux crazy quilt blocks...because they have NO seams. The illusion of seams will be created by the addition of the trims...which will have combination seams along the sides.

The second piece of important information is the size. Each side of the hexagon measures 5 7/8 inches and across from point to point is 11 3/4 inches. This larger area is needed to showcase the corners of some handkerchiefs AND allow me to use some larger pieces of dyed lace.

 This block looks void of hankie...but the "mother" is on a corner of one. This also has a beautiful pink lace heart from a friend in Romania (Thanks Annamarie!) and from a pal in the United Kingdom (Thanks Pippa!)

Most all of the trims have been purchased at Vintage Vogue, on different swap groups, or gifted to me in various swaps. While I don't remember exactly which came from where...I'm really glad to have an opportunity to use them all...finally! You know I don't do trims very often.

The blue machine embroidery on this block is from the front of a blouse. I got it at a yard sale because I liked this front panel...and planned to cut it up. The collars are also used in these blocks.

The heart in this block was dyed by Cathy Kizerian and the blue butterfly (as well as most other butterflies) were machine lace done by Phyllis Latham.

The base of all these blocks is a heavy weight linen fabric, so no other layers are present. The linen was chosen because the "blank areas" can be stitched directly to. My plan is to use these as areas for embroidery motifs. 

While there are some beads present in the blouse I've added to these blocks...my current plan is NOT to add more. We'll see if that holds true! The reason is that the final home for this quilt will be a display daily...and the item should be washed therefore. If I use any beads, it will be minimal (which will be really hard for me...hence my on personal "challenge" for CQJP2016).

I do plan on adding some ribbon to these. Ribbon will need to be very secure so it will be couched or appliqued into place. The trims, hankies, lace, etc. will all need to be sewn securely in place. The trims that have white edges were machine stitched down already, but the others will be appliqued in place by hand.

This bottom silk ribbon grouping is a special motif I got from Vintage Vogue in a de-stashing group...thanks Janet!

A great many pieces of lace are from my own dye stash, but others are from a beautiful envelope of dyed lace from Nicki Lee Seavey of Raviolee Dreams given as a "Secret Pal" gift a couple of years ago. I have not had the heart (or a large enough project) to use these...so am really enjoying placing them in this project!

The handkerchiefs are mostly from another de-stash group and purchased from Thearica of Crazyquiltsupplies. I have only used a few of these so could keep going with more blocks if needed.

Some of the handkerchief have enough "white space" that some embroidery can be added in these spots as well.  

Not all of the hankerchiefs have lace edging, this rose bouquet one did not. So, a piece of organza trim lace was tucned under and stitched in place. Now, it is one of the most delicate looking hankys in the quilt. I wish you could see the embroidery on this specific motif...it is teensy weensy little cross-stitches! Amazing!

When placing handkerchiefs lace and trims...I decided NOT to be concerned over color. This is the reason there is "orange" in this quilt! The embroidery will also be in all colors. I know that the same linen background and the repeat of the different hankies all over the quilt will tie all the color together and balance the quilt when completed.  

 It will be interesting to match these block together once they are finished. The backing will be cotton, reinforced with some medium weight fusible interfacing. The edges will be stitched closed and then the blocks will be attach to each other.   So, if you are nervous about taking on a large quilt OR perhaps just don't enjoy the "piecing" part of creating blocks...think about a whole cloth project such as this one.   Hugs to all!

Kindle Lauch TODAY

 Today, no more pre-orders on Kindle! My latest book finally launched! The wait is over for all you Kindle Fire or Ipad users!  

I even ordered it myself...wanted to see how it "printed" on the device and here is how a page looks on my Kindle Fire HD, Loving it!   Plus, if you have Kindle Unlimited account...you can read it for free! Or with a Prime membership...you can borrow it for free!   The print books HAVE been printed, got a notice just yesterday...and they are "preparing them" for shipment. I know some of you can't wait...(I know I can't)...but the E-book is a good way to have the book with you where-every you go.   Hugs!  

Hope to see some entries...from class participants...HINT, HINT!

  Put your thinking caps on...and join in the fun!  

Doing the Happy Dance!!!

This week the final print proof of my new book was approved...and I ordered the print copies for my Etsy shop. So, those of you that have taken advantage of the Pre-Order 30% savings...will get your books mailed out as soon as these books arrive at my door (at least by 1 December).    BUT...If you go to Amazon.com today...and search for Kathy Shaw...you will see my new book because Crazy Quilting Volume I: Beyond the Basics is available EARLY on Amazon! I'm so happy about that, just in time for Christmas...so spread the news. Of course it is full price, not discounted as my Etsy Site is right now.   For international folks...or anyone that prefers to read electronic books...it is also available as an Amazon Kindle book! The official release for this electronic version is tomorrow...but you can get it today, and it will be delivered tomorrow. If you go to Amazon.com and search for "Kathy Shaw" or the book title...here is what you will see! (The site has 1 Dec as the release date..but that will change as I just approved the release date of tomorrow)

PLUS, If you have Kindle Unlimited...you can read it for free!
Doing the happy dance!    

CQJP 2016 has launched!

You can read all about next years challenge at the CQJP2016 Blog. Also, check out all of the prior years...and the FINISHED projects at the main CQJP Blog.

ICQC-104 November is now OPEN for Registration

Welcome to ICQC-104, Mixed Motifs with Fabric

Registration is NOW OPEN...and will close at midnight CST on Sunday, 15 November 

You must have completed ICQC-101 Prior to registering
It is advised that you have also completed ICQC-103 because this Course builds on that one; but I'm not going to make that a mandatory class since the year and this course offering is winding down

This course is expected to last 8-12 weeks

To Register: email me your Name, State/Country, Email address...just as for previous courses...to shaw.kathy@yahoo.com

 

The ICQC-104 includes these modules/tasks:

104A-Embellishing OVER Silkie Images

Task 1: Stitching Hair

Task 2: Stitching Flowers

104B-Framing Silkie Images

Task 1: Create a CQ Block with Framed Silkie

104C-Applique’

Task 1: Create a Broderie Perse Applique

Task 2: Create a Hand Applique Heart (or other shape)

Task 3: Design an Applique based on an Embroidery Pattern

104D-Raised Applique

Task 1: Create a Raised Applique (Bunny, Cat, or Teddy Bear)

104E-Working with Various Slips

Task 1: Create an Embroidery Slip

Task 2: Create a Silkie Slip

Task 3: Create a Beaded Slip

    There is no special supply list needed for this class. Standard sewing and embroidery supplies (as needed in prior classes) will be used. The need for some medium or heavy weight interfacing scraps and some thin felt/flannel scraps could require some shopping.    The photos above are some of the techniques taught. The fox, bunny, and heart patterns are also in this course, along with other patterns as well.  

Crazy Quilt Journal Project 2016 launches on Friday!

Crazy Quilt Journal Project (CQJP) 2016 Challenge

Registration is OPEN from 13 November to 20 December 2015


(I'll accept late entries as long as I have the time during the holidays to update the blog. But, no promises...and absolutely no more entries after the end of the month of December.)

Please go to CQJP2016 Blog and Read Each of these TAB PAGES:

-- CQJP Rules

-- Use of Photos

-- Questions & Answers

-- How to Register

...then

Follow the steps at the How to Register page tab to complete your registration and begin your challenge for 2016!

Check out the Blog  Badges on the right side bar.  These are photos that can be saved to your computer, and then uploaded to the sidebar of your own blog. Please link back to cqjp2016.blogspot.com when you use these.

The Questions & Answers page provides information for commonly asked questions; but if you have another one...please email it to cqjpchallenge@yahoo.com

Looking forward to all the creative blocks this year. If they are anything like the ones we have seen in past years...they will be inspirational!

Kathy Shaw
Founder of the
Crazy Quilt Journal Project

Marci Hainkel
Chairman
CQJP Operations
 

OPEN REGISTRATION for ICQC-103, Embellishing with Threads until Tuesday night...

 REGISTRATION will remain open until midnight on Tuesday, November 10th   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 for the ICQC-103 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,  

I'm So Excited - Taking PRE-ORDERS now for my next book......

My goal was to get the Volume I - Beyond Basics editition out before Christmas...and with the help of my copy editor "extraordinare" Mary Anne Richardson...we are going to make it maybe before Thanksgiving even!

  Just got the first proof back from the printer...and it is gorgeous! Still tweeking the copy for spelling, etc. but will have that done very soon. 140 pages of photos, diagrams, patterns, just crazy fun! 

 

Amazon will carry this book...at their publisher price of $29.40 BUT If you pre-order now from my Etsy Shoppe you can reserve a copy for $20.60 plus S/H of course.  

The price on Etsy will go back to the original MSRP cost on 1 December. Edited to add: Pre sales are over...as Amazon now is carrying the book. You can still get regular editions at my Etsy shop.   These will ship to you as soon as I get them from the printer which should be before the first week in December...so you will have for Christmas for sure!
   

OPEN Registration for BCQC-November

OPEN Registration for Basic Crazy Quilt Course (BCQC)

November 2015

 REGISTRATION will remain open until midnight on November 7th (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. This is the last class for 2015 registration; Next year this course will be offered again...about once every 3 months.   

  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 Thursday 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!    Note: For those of you looking for the Open Registration for ICQC-103; I've moved that to 8-10 November to allow more of the ICQC-101 students a change to get into the class then.  

LAST Offereing of the ICQC-101 Course is OPEN for REGISTRATION (26-28 Oct CST)

Intermediate Crazy Quilt Course (ICQC)-101 Designing and Piecing Crazy Quilt Blocks is OPEN for Registration   You Must Have Completed BCQC first to Register for ICQC-101
Registration will close at midnight 28 October, Central Standard Time The class will begin on 29 October and should take 3-5 weeks (or less) to complete.    This course is a per-requisite for the ICQC-103 and ICQC-104 Courses offered next year.  You can not take these, until you have finished this ICQC-101 Class...and THIS is the last registration window to be offered for this course.  So, it's "now or never".  If you want to read more about the "why" of this decision..check out THIS POST.   These mini classes will comprise this ICQC-101 course:   A - Printing on Fabric B - Color Theory C - Selecting Fabrics D - Designing Blocks E - Adding Lace & Trims F - Piecing CQ Blocks    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 different class tasks.    If you are interested in taking this course, please email me at shaw.kathy@yahoo.com and provide me this information to register:   Your first name Your last name You country of residence Your state of residence IF you live in the USA The email address (if different) you wish me to send class instructional handouts to. The email address (if different) you wish me to use for Class Blog Access.   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.    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. We will follow the same process you used in the Basic Class.   This is the first module of the Intermediate level courses; while it does NOT involve a lot of sewing or piecing...it does involve a lot of thinking! We will cover Color Theory...and you will select various groups of colors. We will discuss the various types of designs for piecing CQ blocks...and when to use which each design. You will be practicing these designs by applying the guidelines...and then designing your own blocks on paper. You will sew at least one block as the last task...using any of the designs covered in the course. So, while there is not a huge requirement for fabrics, etc...there is a lot of thinking that happens.
  Hugs, and I hope to see you in the class!  

Working On Today

Today is a good day! I woke up feeling great...and as a result, got the letters for the Ms. Butterworths costume skirt cut out and fused into place. The next task for this Halloween costume is to make the ties and attach some gold rickrack. Then a simple circular collar in brown needs to be sewn. I may actually get this done today!

Last night, while cutting out the letters...I was staring at my design wall. It was covered in projects started last year...and no where near done. So depressing. So, I got up...pulled my finished Hexagon Blocks out of the drawer...and pinned them on the wall instead. All the stuff that came off the wall, went into the drawer! Seeing these blocks every day will help motivate me to keep working on them until all are done.  Off the computer...and back to the sewing machine! Hugs!

New Class Calendar

CHANGE IS ON THE WAY!   The Class Schedule has been updated to reflect the Courses offered next year (the ones for the remainder of this year have not changed)   Next year will bring many changes.  After much thought...I've decided to work much harder next year at publishing the two books already underway...AND convert many of the existing courses into self-paced training manuals.   There will still be some CQ Classes offered as well. The Basics Class will be for beginners or those folks that may have even never tried crazy quilting. I'll be editing it somewhat...but no big changes. Promoting CQ is a big part of my own teaching journey; and is very important to me. This will always remain a free class. There will also be a book created that combines the Design Principles, Block Construction, Color Theory, and more. It will also include a Basic Block pattern and Templates. The block will not be the same as the BCQC uses...but will cover those piecing guidelines.   The Dying/Painting/Etc. course (ICQC-102) will also still be available free to everyone. It is the a class about mixing colors and is good for crafters, painters, and CQ folks. Because it covers so much more than just CQ...it will not be made into a book. Some elements may contribute to the color theory portion of the Basic Book...but not the same as for the ICQC-102.
The Intermediate Required Course (ICQC-101) The last offering of the ICQC-101 course will be 26-28 October. This is a required course for any of the other ICQC Courses (other than #102 mentioned above). These other courses will be offered at least ONE MORE TIME. So, if you have been on the fence about signing up for the ICQC-101 course...you only have one more chance.
And, if you are dragging your feet about finishing the ICQC-101...having signed up for it previously...you need to "get the lead out" so you can sign up for the other courses as they are offered next year (or the end of this year). Because, once their registration window closes..they will not be offered again.
Here's the quick run-down of the upcoming class dates, after you have finished BCQC and ICQC-101:
ICQC-103 will be open for registration 2-4 November and next year 27-29 January.
ICQC-104 will be open for registration 12-14 November and next year 13-15 April.
All of the classes, except the ICQC-102 will be rewritten this winter and made available as books on my Etsy and Craftsy sites next year.   A few things have been learned by me over these past two years...regarding offering these free classes:   1) The modules are so detailed that most participants can follow the instructions without a lot of clarification from me. So, offering a similarly written book should be successful.   2) Not everyone can keep up with a class that requires interaction. Some prefer to just work along as they can, and don't want to have to "check in" between tasks.   3) Some folks like working in private and not showing their results.   4) The class interaction is a great thing for those that participate...and will be missed.   5) Tracking class progress, handling registrations and overlapping classes, and writing/editing new classes takes much more time than I first thought it would.   This past year has been a really hard year for me. This summer especially. These classes have been a great joy and have kept me going so many days when I just didn't feel like even getting out of bed. But, they have also taken so much time writing, editing, and stitching samples...that I actually developed a chronic muscle injury in my shoulder. There was very little stitching accomplished this year that did not relate to the classes. I'd like to change that next year.   So, I'm stepping back from so much "tracking" and "posting about classes"...and will be spending more time on finishing my books and the dozens of UFO's I have been pushing back for so many months.   I hope you will continue to follow my progress...as my own crazy quilting journey continues.   And...to wrap up...For those of you that have finished the Basic Class...and want to get into the intermediate level classes before they are gone...MAKE SURE to sign up and complete the ICQC-101 before next year. The last offering opens this Monday! Can't say I didn't give you a heads-up.
Change is on the way!