Basic Start Block

Today is my hectic day...as I have classes to teach. But, I thought that ya'll might want to see the basic beginning of a block that I'm stitching in a Round Robin.

These are combination seams, just like I post in the TDiTM challenge...a combination of simple stitches.

Next, I'll add beads. When I do, I'll post another photo...after that, some silk ribbon embroidery. So, stay tuned...

Arlene's Basically Beaded Block

At present, I am in only two round robins. A really strange thing for me, because I usually have about six going at one time. I do have a couple of other projects working too...so don't fear, I have plenty to keep me busy.

This weekend I finished this month's block for Arlene in the Basically Beaded Round Robin on Crazy Quilter's International Yahoo Group.

I did mostly seams, and then a spiderweb and beaded spider. I usually stitch my spider legs, but since the them of this swap is "beads" I went with beaded legs. Here are some photos...

Tick, Tick, Tick...

There is still one unclaimed gift...sure hope she checks her Email inbox...and replies before Midnight Tonight (my time, CST)...or I will have to select another winner.

Tick....tick....tick....

Well, the deadline has come and gone...and no response. As an editorial comment for all of you folks that like to enter contests ... update your Blogger profile to include an email address. This lady did not have an email on her profile, nor did she leave an email address in her posted comment. Her profile did indicate that she had a blog...and I went there to check that out...and it had a "contact email" at the top. That is the email I sent the award notification too. But, either it is no longer valid...or she doesn't check it often. So, sorry to say...she missed out on a beautiful crystal bracelet and earrings!!

So, a second lady has been notified...we'll see how that goes....

P.S.   Yeah! All of the prizes are claimed!!! Most have been mailed, and the last couple will go out tomorrow... I'll be deleting the prize posts in a few days...just don't like clutter on the blog! So, if you want a photo for some reason, better grab it now.

Kathy

Seven Days of Give-A-Ways Day #7

The last day of the drawings! It's hard to believe that last week Aidan turned seven years old!

I hope all of ya'll entering the contest had fun. Of course, six of you have had more fun than others since you have already won!...but, even that gives us all hope to keep on entering and perhaps we too will win one day! And, why not today?

So, here's the last contest! And what's best is that you have already entered...so there is nothing left for you to do except sit back and see who wins! AND, today...as the Grand Prize Day...I'm having SEVEN WINNERS! Yeah! 1st place through 7th place....

I will go back to all days and add the number of valid comments together...then pick a random number in that group. I will start counting on #1 comment on #1 day...until I reach that selected number. Then, I'll post the winner (after I email them to confirm they are "real") here on this post. LOL! Here's the number of comments we have had each day (Day 1=99, Day 2=61, Day 3=85, Day 4=46, Day 5 =58, Day 6 =66 for a total participants in the Day #7 drawing of 415 comments). These represent the original qualifying contest posts...not any "after" posts congratulating the winner or after midnight of the contest day.

So, want to see the Day #7 prizes? FIRST PLACE....How about silk and crystals!!!

Two packages of Mary Jo Hiney Designs silk fabric collections (Graceful & Thankful). And...

Seven packages (20 meters each!) of 100% Silk Thread cording (similiar to size 12 perle cotton). Great colors and sheen! And...

 This beautiful charm bracelet...made by me of course! Lot's of glass and crystal beads, and it looks great hanging from the wrist! So, I hope you enjoy wearing it...and feeling "girly"! This prize is retailed at almost $100 worth of goodies! What a lucky winner!!!! THE WINNER HAS BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED AND NOTIFIED, Congratulations to Lindsay M. of Highlandville, MO!

SECOND PRIZE...a gorgeous Swarvoski and slide clasp bracelet ...

and Judith Montano Baker silk threads! Stunning! Retail value $65.

THE WINNER HAS BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED AND NOTIFIED, Congratulations to Shari J. of Fountain, CO!

THIRD PRIZE... a pair of Swarvoski drop earrings and a Swarvoski clear crystal bracelet! Retail value $45.

THE WINNER HAS BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED AND NOTIFIED. The first selectee did not respond to her email within 24 hours as the rules stated, so her prize has been forfeited. I have randomly selected a second lady...and notified her. I'll post her name when she answers her email! And the winner is Sherry R. from Hughes Springs, TX!

 FOURTH PRIZE...six packages of Judith Baker Montano 7mm silk ribbon! Retail value $40.

THE WINNER HAS BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED! Congratulations to Mouse in South Yorkshire, United Kingdom!


FIFTH PRIZE...(Aidan's favorite color) a pink Swarvoski crystal and perle bracelet! Retail value $40.

THE WINNER HAS BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED AND NOTIFIED, Congratulations to Linda B. of Tupelo, MS!

SIXTH PRIZE...ten packages of silk thread!! Retail value $35.

THE WINNER HAS BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED AND NOTIFIED, Congratulations to Jean D. of Waukeska, WI!!

SEVENTH PRIZE...a beautiful pair of CZ butterfly earrings and ten Swarvoski butterfly slide charms! Very delicate beauties! Retail value $30

THE WINNER HAS BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED AND NOTIFIED, Congratulations to Susan C. of Ontario, Canada!
 
I hope that all of you enjoyed the week of drawings, even if you did not win this time. I've had a great time reading all the comments!

Today, if you would like to post; I'd like to hear your thoughts on the give-a-way. Are you likely to come back and visit my blog now that you have checked it out...or do you prefer to enter the contests but not follow a lot of blogs? Just curious.

As a heads up...my birthday is the end of this same month. So, I might be doing another give-a-way on that day too...hint, hint!

Hope you all had fun! Thanks for stopping by!

Seven Days of Give-A-Ways Day #6

Prize for Day #6: Six-strand Embroidery Floss

This isn't your great-grandma's floss! But loads of specialty DMC Floss...and perle cotton (size 3) Floss.

 Two packages of the new DMC Color Variations floss and one package of their "light effects" floss. All are just beautiful. But, that's not all!!!

More perle cotton! This time it's all DMC brand...and the colors are just gorgeous! So, if you didn't win the balls of perle cotton on Day #3...here's your second chance!

Same rules as we did for all the previous days. Basically...you comment on this post...and if your comment is randomly selected...you win!

Comments are on set on moderator...so, if you comment and don't see it right away...don't panic! I'll get around to reading it and publishing it when I get back to the laptop...I don't get spam and garbage posted on my blog that way! So, be patient....Big Hugs!

Good Luck!

A WINNER HAS BEEN SELECTED AND NOTIFIED! Congratulations to Laura W. of Groves, TX!

Seven Days of Give-A-Ways Day #5

Prize for Day #5: Charms, charms, charms...and a few drops!

These are great for creating charm bracelets or embellishing crazy quilt blocks or adding to other craft projects! I picked out lots of pewter, crystal, brass, and copper.

 There are over 45 pieces, so I'm guessing a retail value of at least $80. These are really cute! The Swarovski crystal butterflies are my favorite!

Same rules as we did for all the previous days. Basically...you comment on this post...and if your comment is randomly selected...you win! No strings...no promoting...no selling...just having fun! Are you tired yet? We still have two more days to go!!

Comments are still set on moderator...so, if you comment and don't see it right away...don't panic! I'll get around to reading it and publishing it when I get back to the laptop...I don't get spam and garbage posted on my blog that way!

Thanks for all the super comments ya'll have left. I'm not answering because I don't want to throw off the count of comments posted...but I am reading all of them. Big Hugs...hope the sun is shining and the birds are singing for you today!

A WINNER HAS BEEN SELECTED!Congrats to MelindaMG in Farmington, MN!!

Punkin's Sewing!

We got the sewing machine set up, and Aidan took to it like a duck in water! She has sewn on my big Janome before, set on slow speed...but this little machine doesn't have a "slow down" setting. She was not intimidated a bit!

Her seam allowance is around 1/2 of an inch...but that's okay with just squares. She wants to make a blanket for her girlfriend in school, a good goal!...

 I think it is cool that her first thought was to make something for someone else...and I think she will be a great quilter when she grows up! Keeping my fingers crossed!

Edited: 11/6/2010

Holee asked to see Aidan's "shiney shoes"...so here ya go Bea! You know if it shines she loves it! The necklace is a horse (another love of a 7 year old girl for sure!)...and the charm bracelet was made by her mom (my gorgeous daughter!)...it is blue and gold because those are the Elementary School colors. Aidan loved everything!

I know that the red shoes are your favorite Bea...since you love RED so much!!! Big Hugs....Kathy

Seven Days of Give-A-Ways Day #4

Today's prize: Lace Motifs...gorgeous hand-dyed lace motifs!

These are great for crazy quilt blocks...but can be used for dressing up clothing or decorator items as well. The retail value is estimated at $50...and I figure this is good information to know when you win something!

Same rules as we did for all the previous days...so go read them there. Basically...you comment on this post...and if your comment is randomly selected...you win! No strings...no promoting...no selling...just sharing my blessings with others. Hope you all have a great week!

Comments are on set on moderator...so, if you comment and don't see it right away...don't panic! I'll get around to reading it and publishing it when I get back to the laptop...I don't get spam and garbage posted on my blog that way! So, be patient....Big Hugs!

It would be cool if you put your blog address in your comment...so I (and others) can check out your work too! And, I hope you are taking time to check out a few of my prior posts as well. There are a couple of tutorials on the site...and lots of crazy quilt seam ideas...and just general projects I have worked on. I hope it is inspiring to some of ya'll to get stitching!

These motifs are so beautiful...so here are some close up photos for you. Now, stop drooling on that keyboard!

All of these were dyed with Jacquard Acid Dyes, and a tutorial can be found on by blog. Jacquard is a national company in the USA, and I'm sure you can find the dyes at any major artist type store.

 

A WINNER HAS BEEN SELECTED! It's Amy A., of Gosport, Indiana. Congrats Amy!.

Seven Days of Give-A-Ways Day #3

Today, we'll talk threads...particularly perle cotton.
What is it used for? Lot's of things!, but my favorite is seam embellishments for Crazy Quilts blocks... of course!
So...Day #3 Prize: A book and some thread.
Ho Hum you say?...not this book, and not this thread!

 Twenty-nine balls of size 8 perle cotton threads...solids and varigated!

And "The Crazy Quilt Handbook (revised 2nd Edition" by Judith Baker Montano!!! A super reference book on crazy quilting. It also containes 12 step-by-step projects, and an illustrated stitch guide.

And a pack of John James Pebble Chenille needles...just to get you started stitching right away. Retail cost is estimated at about $60!

Same rules as we did for Days 1 and Day 2...so go read them there. Basically...you comment on this post...and if your comment is randomly selected...you win! No strings...no promoting...no selling...just sharing my blessings with others. Hope you all have a great week!

Comments are on set on moderator...so, if you comment and don't see it right away...don't panic! I'll get around to reading it and publishing it when I get back to the laptop...I don't get spam and garbage posted on my blog that way! So, be patient....Big Hugs!

DAY #3 WINNER is Piroska B. of Ontario Canada! Congrats!!

Mermaid's Seashell Collection

After completing the Mermaid's Jewels this past weekend, I just could not stop! Originally, I had conceived the idea of a charm necklace because of all the seashells I owned.

But, after making lot's of dangles...lot's and lot's and lot's....you get the idea! I had too many! And the crystals and perles didn't go as well with the shells as I had first envisioned.

So, I created a second necklace! I love it too...but not as much as the first one! It is stunning just the same, in more of a bohemian sort of way. Seeing it on the black bust display makes me think it would really pop on a sleath dress...maybe with a little turtle neck. Or on a solid little silk dress? So many ideas (and not the wardrobe or body to pull this look off any more...ah, to be 35 again!).

 Here's a close up of the shells. I'm loading this one on the Studio jewelry page for sure!


What are your thoughts?

Seven Days of Give-A-Ways Day 2

Here we are at Day Two of our Give-A-Way...

It will be hard to top the almost $50 worth of Judith Baker Montano silk thread and ribbon from yesterdays contest...but here goes!

How about one stupendous Hugs and Kisses bracelet and a stunning silver and crystal necklace! 

Both made by me of course!

This bracelet is made with hematyke stones, beads, and crystals. It has bling...but with an edge! And the black and silver colors go great with a suit or with jeans! The necklace is a silver plated rope with a beautiful crystal goblet style pendant and crystal closure. Dress em' up, or dress em' down.

And If you don't wear jewelry...re-gift it to someone else!

The toggle clasp on the bracelet is an English Ivy design and is a real accent to the piece. Retail value on the combo $68.70!


To win...just leave a comment on this post. It must contain a way for me to identify you as the winner. You have all day to post the comment, then tomorrow...I will select a winner from the hat (bowl) and attempt to notify the winner. If they respond to the email...they receive the prize. No response in 24 hours...I draw again and continue until someone takes home the prize! Simple!!

All contest posts are scheduled to post in blogger at 1:00 a.m. to give everyone 11 hours to read the entry and post a comment.

DAY TWO WINNER HAS BEEN SELECTED! And it's Connie K. of Peyton, CO! Congratulations Connie...I hope you enjoy these jewelry pieces!

Here's the RD selection:

Seven Days of Give-A-Ways

Today my little "punkin" is 7-years old! She is quite simply...the beat of my heart. If you have a true love, you know what I mean.

To celebrate...I'm having 7 days of give-a-ways on the blog. Each day will be a new contest. The seventh day will automatically include one entry for each entry received to date (for example, if you enter for day 1 through 6...you get your name in the hat six times, etc)

Day 1: Judith Baker Montano Silk Thread and Ribbon!!!

 One package silk cord and one package silk 3.5mm ribbon in Daffodil...and...

 One package silk cord and one package silk 3.5mm ribbon in Ice...and...

 

One package silk cord and one package silk 3.5mm ribbon in Tiger Lily...and...

 One package silk cord and one package silk 3.5mm ribbon in Ulladulla! You can win 8 total! Four packages of silk cord and four packages of silk 3.5mm ribbon. Retail value for the prize is $49.80

To win...just leave a comment on this post. It must contain a way for me to identify you as the winner. You have all day to post the comment, then tomorrow...I will select a winner from the hat (bowl) and attempt to notify the winner. If they respond to the email...they receive the prize. No response in 24 hours...I draw again and continue until someone takes home the prize! Simple!!

All contest posts are scheduled to post in blogger at 1:00 a.m. to give everyone 11 hours to read the entry and post a comment.

All valid entries for today will also be entered in the 7th day contest automatically!

So, enjoy the contest...I look forward to reading your comments! Good Luck!


DAY ONE WINNER HAS BEEN CHOSEN! Yeah! I used the random generator at generator.org to select a number and that lucky winner is Joyce F. from Rosenberg, Texas! Congratulations Joyce!!

Here is the Random Generator Results in case you are curious.

So, watch the rules each day...and post your comment on the day that is open. Each will close at midnight of that day. I do not consider posts registered after midnight (blogger time) to be valid...so post early! Thanks to everyone for all the great comments!!

Mermaid's Jewels

Can you be in love with an object? Cause I am seriously in love with this necklace! I can't even begin to tell you how gorgeous this truly is...much more glorious than the photos show. I created it to sale, and am not at all sure I can let it go!

And, I'm not even a "water baby"!

Here's a little closer view. The necklace took the better part of the weekend (14 hours) to create. LOADS of making links of crystals, charms, set stones, German glass beads, and perles...but it is the most stunning necklace I've done to date!!

I managed to finish up two charm bracelets too...got very little sleep! Sommer took the bracelets to work she loved them so...along with the two she created as well. I could not let go of the necklace for her to take that! It was a great weekend...me...daughter...and grand-daughter...just beading! Aidan created 3 pairs of earrings! She was having as much fun as Nana and Mom!

 

Celebrate! Celebrate!

Just a quick little editorial post to let all my followers know about a couple of great events this month!

First, I am re-designing the entire Studio...and am putting loads of stuff on clearance. I added a clearance button, and will be loading things as I get the new photos and write-ups done. Right now, there are dozens of crystal earrings up...and their price is very near cost!! So, don't miss out...they are only one each of most all of them, so when they are gone...they are gone!

Second, tomorrow is Aidan's Birthday!! She will be 7-years old! So, hard for me to believe that seven years has just flew by! So, to celebrate I will be having a Seven Days of Give-a-ways! Starting tomorrow! I will post each day the "rules" and the prize! AND on the 7th day...all of the entries for the past 6 days will be included in the last day!!

So, stay tuned!

Kathy

TDiTM Stitch #105

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

The "arrows" in this stitch reminded me of a flower pistil. That got me to thinking about these little floral beads, so I used them in this stitch where the French knots would go. And 4mm crystal bicones were used for the French knots along the herringbone stitch.

You might note that this stitch is not across a seam line. This is often something I do to help fill in space and to keep combination stitches from "fighting each other". In this case, TDiTM Stitch #103 was placed adjacent to this seam. Here is how they look together!

This is a great trick for filling in space along the seams!