A Short Video of some Motifs/Techniques Learned in the Free Courses!
My list of project to work on is long. Seriously, really...really long! However, my muze does not have a care in the world...and is easily distracted. Yesterday, I received an email from a friend (Hi Jackie!) asking for a good source to purchase silk ribbon. No problem...happy to share. And, that simple note caused my muze to start thinking about silk ribbon and all of the glorious colors in my ribbon drawer.
And, yep...could not stop her...off we went to create something in ribbon.
And, while this little pin cushion is not an item on my TO-DO list...I'm going to still have a great use for it as a gift for a friend.
The bottom is felt, the top is a piece of designer fabric, and the ribbons are green/brown silk leaves, wire rayon yellow for the rose, and gathered rayon? for the small flowers. Add some pearl and porcelain rose beads to finish it all off.
The rose is a tied knot center with individually gathered and placed petals.
Here's the fourth and last of the black hearts. This one is a slight variation of a tribal art style tattoo design I saw on the internet (have now idea who designed that version). One lady in the group rides Harley Davidson motorcycles...so thought that she'd enjoy this block for sure.
Here is the re-vamped design if you want to stitch it too.
What to do with four over-ripe bananas?
Well, banana bread is always an option...but, I don't have any nuts...and I really love nuts in my banana bread. I could crack and pick-out some pecans...but I don't want to work that hard right now. (Yep, I'm lazy sometimes!)
How about some banana bread pudding? No such thing...hey, why not!
Here's how I did mine...and how it turned out.
Took a 3/4 loaf of Texas Toast bread from the freezer and toasted it (4 slices at a time...took about 5 minutes). Tore the bread into pieces as it came out of the toaster, and loaded it into my 2" deep glass casserole dish.
Took one can of sweetened condensed milk (sugar/milk reduced). Used the can as a measuring cup (about 1 1/4 cup) and put about 3 cans of milk into the pan (about 3 3/4 cups)...and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Warmed this up until well blended...about five minutes.
Sliced up the bananas.
Tossed the bananas into the toast...and mixed them up some. (Optional...this would be good to add nuts and raisins too at this time! Yummy!)
Poured the milk/cinnamon mixture over the bread. (Optional...keep about 1/2 cup for sauce later on. Wish I had thought of that!) Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon over the top.
Here's what it looks like all together. Bake at 350degrees for about 40 minutes.
Here's what it looks like after baking...somewhat firmer...and smells great!
We scooped out some right away. Wish I had some of that sauce...but, too late for that now...I'll remember for next time however.
This was before....and nothing was left afterwards!
Easy, quick, tastes good, and feeds a crowd!
Experiments sometimes DO work out!
I'm playing around a little with PicMonkey...which I'm loving the choice of borders and shapes!. AND, the fact that it is so easy to create a cool picture object. The site is tons easier for my ole brain to understand than PhotoShop editing software is! Yeah, I know...I hear all of you Photoshop Users...I know...PicMonkey is NOT as powerful as PhotoShop. Not by a long shot for sure...But, I don't need a load of power...and complicated photo editing. I'm perfectly happy with mediocre photos...as long as they are cropped and in focus...hey, I'm content! What else can I say.
But, I'm loving what PicMonkey has to offer in the way of adding borders, frames, and extras! And, I love easy ways to add interest to my blog...don't you? I can see all kinds of opportunities to create art for the blog with the PicMonkey site. And, one of the best things?....You can use it for FREE! Okay, you can sign up for an "upgrade" and not get those annoying pop-up advertising thingies..."which I did sign up for"....cause it's frankly worth the $4.95 per month to not be annoyed!! And, I get some shout-outs from them about new things added to their site.
But...you...don't HAVE to register to use the site. You can just use it as a "visitor" every time you need too...for free! Just click on Create Collage to get started on the site.
Seriously...this site is SOOOOOooooooo worth you checking out.....and don't forget to add the PIC-MONKEY site link to your bookmarks so you can find it again, after today...hey, I'm just saying!
And, another shout out...for the BlogGuidebook for reminding me about PicMonkey and all of their great features. I had used the site before...but, then forgot about it. I know, I know...yep, we all know that I'm loosing it! No since in you reminding me...so please don't send me mail about my horrible memory! Hugs!
But, thanks to Sarah at the Blog Guidebook...which is a nifty blog ...worth following as well!
BTW, Aidan really is visiting...and I'm really not stitching today!
Hugs!!
Here's the third black block in my Heart swap. This design was inspired by a similiar one for a tattoo. That design had overlapping stars, all five pointed. I did not want the stars to overlap, but sit side by side...and made them five-point and six-point stars.
I'm thinking that this design would be nice stitched in red and blue on white background...for a USA themed patriotic quilt block. I'm thinking I might stitch a Quilts of Valor wall hanging of this design...for a wonderful lady I know who works tirelessly on collecting and creating quilts for the QoV project. I don't have enough red/white/blue fabric for an entire quilt...but think I have enough for a wall-hanging size tribute for her.
As always, you are welcome to download and save this photo design for your own use.
Hardanger is a pulled thread technique that requires the removal of some threads from a fabric (usually a counted thread type fabric); and replacement of those threads with some type of connecting stitch. Hardanger work is beautiful, and it is time consuming. While looking for something else...I came across this little "almost finished" project. I had completely forgotten about it...so, it wasn't "lost"...but it has definitely been found!
I started this project when I lived in south Alabama, near Ft Rucker...and also remember taking it with me on work trips (to stitch in the hotel rooms) when I was working for Army Audit Agency in their Atlanta Field Office. I also remember the piece was too difficult to work on in the hotels, because the lighting from hotel lamps was just too bad (and my eyesight before my Lacis surgery). So, I had packed it away, along with the thread, needle, and little scissors too! So, it has been safely resting...since about 1999. Amazing that I had forgotten all about it and even more amazing that it was not discarded in my relocation to north Alabama...but has remained sitting...and waiting...for me to "re-discover it" inside one of my craft boxes.
There are a few little places where it is stained...no idea how or what caused them. But, after a bath, most of that is no longer noticeable (photos are before the bath).
I'm surprised that I didn't leave very much room to the right and left of the design. This will prevent me from framing it, as it would not be enough fabric to tack to stretcher bars. But, it is enough for me to sew fabric to...and create a pillow. Perhaps that was my original intent...or, perhaps I just didn't think. Either is quite possible! Hugs!
So, we shall see what this little found project now becomes...perhaps a gift? The stitching is now all done, and the piece has been washed, dried, and pressed flat. Now, it is rolled up onto a cardboard tube and covered with fabric outside to prevent any other damage...until I can make my pillow. Let's hope I don't wait so long to "find it" again!
Have you "found" things that were hidden so long that you forgot you even had them?
I hope so...I'd hate to be the only "crazy lady" out here in CyberVille!
Hugs! Hope y'all have a great day today!
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G
Want to see some extraordinary embroidery work? I mean, so good that it looks almost as good as the original animal does? Then be prepared to be inspired...and in awe!
Check out Elza DeJager's work on her Pinterest Site.
Yep, you'll thank me!
Now, wipe that droll off your chin....Hugs!
Yesterday, I managed to get the embroidery work completed for the second of my set of black blocks with white embroidery hearts. These are the embroidery stitches I used:
Main Heart - 3 rows of Split Stitch
Fan - Stem Stitch w/Straight Stitch "stars"
Top Seam - Chain Stitch, Detached Chain Stitch, French Knot
Bottom Seam - Straight Stitch, Herringbone Stitch, French Knot
The seams were free-handed using my templates to mark the base; and are not exactly like the original drawing design reflects.....which is fine with me.
Here is my design if you'd like to give this heart a try.
I think that this is a good design to modify and make your own. Some ideas: Use one line for the heart shape, change the seams to include some you already like to stitch, replace the "stars" in the fan blades with swirls or flowers...really, this could be very versatile...and tons of fun!
Over at HGTV Message Board, we are swapping squares for a quilt. Each square is made of Kona Black cotton fabric, with an embroidered heart. Each person selected a different color of thread to work in, my color is white.
This heart is stitched with Stem Stitch, and Back Stitch for the circles. The stems and leaves are done in Split Stitch. The flowers are Bullion Stitches with 15 wraps, and 3-wrap French Knots in the center. This is the first heart I designed. If you'd like to try the pattern, just print out this photo and re-trace it with a black marker or pencil.
There are three more designs I've drawn, and when each is stitched I'll share them with you too.
I'm also still working on draperies...and have cut my accent strips for the bedroom set...which is my last set to get done. When finished, this will be a HUGE task marked off of my TO-DO List.
Do you have a TO-DO List? I need to update mine because I seem to be working on several things that are not on my list...which just throws out any "organization" out the door!
I'm working on some black blocks with white embroidery. There are several blocks, with different designs. Here is how I've done the transfer of the design on to the black fabric.
Supplies used: My bath powder puff (It was Elizabeth Taylor Passion...but that was used up long ago, so now it is just plain ole baby powder), squares of Kona black cotton fabric, white chalk marking pencil, large needle, and design printed on standard printer paper (see first photo too).
Step One. Pierce the design about every 1/8th of an inch along the printed line...with the large needle.
This creates a type of "punch design" on the back.
Step Two. Center the design on the fabric square, and rub the powder puff all around on the paper. You can tape the paper to the fabric if you think it might slip (do this if the design is large, for sure). There doesn't have to be a lot of powder on the puff...if it is one you normally use, there will already be plenty of residual powder left in it. If it is new, then apply powder to the puff before you start to rub over the paper design.
Step Three. Gently lift off the paper design, and working along one side...begin to "connect the dots" by tracing the line. Don't try to go from dot to dot to dot...just draw as you would normally. Pay close attention to the design...because if you "mis-draw"...you have to camouflage your mistake in the stitching phase...because the caulk pencil is not easy to remove. It is possible to remove...just not easy. So, take your time. Don't rest your hand over the chalk...or it will smudge. I'm right handed...so I start at the lower right corner of a design and work upwards...rotating the fabric as I draw. That way, my hand is always to the outside of the chalk design or over an area that I've already worked.
Step Four. Shake off the excess powder.
Your fabric is now ready for your embroidery.
There, that wasn't so difficult!
Here are some more designs finished up and ready to stitch.
When stitched, I'll show you how these turn out.
Today has been a dreary, rainy...then slushy day!
The morning, mid-morning, and early afternoon rain showers...turned into wet snow...which left this icy slush on my porch and steps.
I've swept it away..and am hoping that the morning does not bring a thin sheet of ice since the temperatures are dropping tonight. I can't get down these steps if they ice up...and only have a handful of rock salt left. I could hang off the porch with a rope, like a monkey....or with my hips, more like a gorilla!
Guess I'd just have to stay inside...and make hot cocoa instead of going down for coffee in the morning!
We'll just have to wait and see what tomorrow brings...
Hope y'all are having loads of sunshine!
The last of the January circles is this little fourth one. This one does not have as many beads as the previous three circles did. It could have had more added to it...but the heart beads that are there seemed to fill the space pretty well, so I decided not to add any more.
The first seam is #37 in my book. It has little dots in the design (for French Knots) and I've place the glass heart beads there instead. Now, usually I gravitate towards just putting seed beads or Rocaille beads in place of the knots in the design...but, I just thought that this little heart beads looked "happy" on this seam. Now, I'm thinking that I've missed some opportunities in other seams by not considering something "other than" seed beads!
The second seam is #130, a combination seam that uses the chevron stitch as a base...then straight stitches to finish off the seam. Beads could be easily added to this seam...especially at the ends of the little straight stitch "arrow". And, if there was more space...I would have done so I'm thinking. But the intersection of the seams in such a small area was busy enough. So, I left off more beads.
The last seam is #131, also a combination seam that uses the chevron stitch as a base. However, since this seam was to be adjacent to another chevron stitch...I adjusted the size of the chevron and used a template that had the "peaks and valleys" of the stitch closer together. This seam is at the very edge of the circle, so I also changed colors and added a bit of surprise with the yellow thread color. It helps to pull your eye from the hearts in the #130 seam and carry your line of sight all the way across the circle.
