My friend Pam...

This is my friend Pam...she is a wonderful person. Much too nice for me to post a photo of her on line for folks to see...since she came over and ironed blocks while I cut. And she did it early in the evening...without makeup. But, I'm not near as nice as her...so, here's the photo of her smiling face.  

Love ya Pam!   And for those of you that might be wondering...this is my living room Yes, it's small and yes, it's crowded. The room measures 9 ft across and 12 ft long. It used to be a kitchen, and if you look on the right wall you'll see that the wall plug is very high. The big-screen television (that I had to find space for when my daughter moved) is at the end of the room...that's the only place it will fit. A hope chest and black shelf unit is on the right side...and holds fabric and craft supplies...and I stack finished quilts/projects/stuff on top. A dresser full of completed crazy quilt projects is on the left wall along with Brady's baby swing (in the foreground). I'm standing behind the double recliner so you can't see that...but it makes a "wall" to close off the room. There is a walk way between the bedroom and sewing room right behind that recliner. And lastly, almost the entire wall on the left side is a design wall...you can see that I have finished my Merry Merry Snowman quilt top...except that I want to add some final special touches before it gets layered and quilted.  So, no show place for Southern Living Magazine for sure...but, it's cozy, functional...and I love my space. And my friend Pam likes it too! Still, y'all can come visit anytime...just not all a once unless you like to stand up. HUGS!  

They're Here! They're Here!

Isn't she pretty?!! And my muse is dancing with all the project ideas!  

  But, the serger has a disk of techniques that needs to be viewed first, because frankly...I'm scared of it! So, it will take a calm spirit and a clear head before I attempt to even turn it on. Hopefully, this time next month...I'll be serging like a pro...or at least can say that I have successfully NOT sewn through my finger. Ha!   Huge thanks to all my friends and family for helping me out. My spirits are renewed and positive energy is all around me today! Sending out hugs to the entire universe right now!  

Bird House Village is complete!

The Bird House Village pattern (73 x 94 inches) is complete and loaded on Craftsy! Woo Hoo!  

  The center of the quilt is a traditional Triple Irish Chain done quickly with strips of fabric. The border is embroidered as individual blocks and assembled with the center in rows.  

  The village includes ten different designs that are mixed'n'matched to create an entire village. Simple embroidery stitches are all that is needed to create the blocks. This quilt would be possible for even a beginner with the skill to sew a quarter inch seam...and do basic embroidery. My friend and Pam are going to do this in spring colors but it would be just as pretty in redwork.  

  The pattern include full size embroidery designs, a full size quilt design for the center blocks, and full instructions on completing the Triple Irish Chain portion and assembling the quilt. Basic embroidery skills and basic quilting skills are needed to complete the pattern. Check out Craftsy (search for Shawkl) for the pattern to read more about it.
The pattern is available for immediate download.  

Finished the Fan Block

  Now it is ready to go into the mail.   I'm really loving this little block, it has all the soft and feminine style that I enjoy working with. The lace was a piece of hand-dyed venice that I'd had for a while, and thought I might never use that shade of green. Goes to show ya! Keep it long enough, and the perfect little project will come around...the color matches perfectly!  

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,  

Winter Block Completed

  This is a six inch block for a swap.   

  The tree is embroidered in stem stitch varigated green/blue size 8 perle cotton, with size 12 white on the top side to mimic a little snow.

The wind goddess is done in perle cotton back stitch and the wind is done is Ricky Timms metallics also embroidered in back stitch.  

  I'm also working on a Fan block...it has just begun.  

Beginning of Birdhouse Village Quilt Pattern

My friend Pam and I have been wanting to do a quilt together, with embroidery designs. And, we settled on a Triple Irish Chain quilt with an embroidered border. We are doing a village of birdhouses and I spent the weekend drawing up the different buildings. Yesterday I finished some trees and topiaries...next to add a few final touches like little birdies...and we'll be ready to begin stitching! I'm going to write the instructions and fabric requirements up and this will be on Craftsy before you know it! (Hoping to get it all done by the 10th of October...or before). The collage is shown as a redwork but it could also be multi-colored.  I'm already in love with this quilt...and can't wait to get started. But first, I have three crazy quilt blocks to finish up stitching on. What do you think? Is this a quilt you'd like to do?  

Free Monograms

Yesterday, I managed to finish all of the letters for the daisy monograms I've been posting. And, instead of continuing to post them as I stitch (cause who knows how long THAT will take) I've decided to create a pattern...and uploaded it to my Craftsy site (search for Shawkl).   And, the great news is (besides the fact that you don't have to wait any longer for me to stitch these)  that I have made the pattern FREE. So, jump on over and download it!  

As time goes on, and I get to stitch some more of these...I'll still of course post copies of my version. And, if you'd allow me...I'd love to post your version too...just send me a photo. Hugs, hope you enjoy the pattern!

Cabochons completed...

It took a week longer than I had thought...but the group of Czech glass buttons I pulled to bead as cabochons did get finished! Yeah! Here are some closeups for you.

  If you'd like to learn how to bead these cabochones yourself (it's not difficult, just takes time)...the class instructions are still available at Patternspot ($6 for the entire 3-part course).   

More Painted Lace

Textile Color by Jacquard comes in many, many colors...all are bright. No bright (IMHO) for lace, however they also have white and black...so, all colors can be "adjusted" to soften with use of the white.  

I ordered a little sampler of the colors...it came all in one little grouping of bottles. A drop of color and a couple of drops of white...mix together...and have fun.

 

These are some of the pieces of lace that I played with. I generally liked the look, and the lace is not stiff. Will do more of this. Wondering how it would look on white lace?  

So, if you want to play around...get the little package with multiple colors, and try it out!

You might have some fun too!

Here's the link to the kit on Amazon, so you can see what it looks like.  
 

75% of loads of video classes, fabric, and more!

  Woo Hoo!   Craftsy Saleabration: Up to 75% Off All Courses, Fabric and Yarn!  (click here)   Hurry on over to Craftsy! Why? Because 14-21 September...all video courses and supplies on Craftsy are on sale up to 75% off! This includes classes, fabric, and yarn. 
If you aren’t one of the 2 million members currently experiencing everything that Craftsy has to offer, here is what you are missing:

• A wide selection of online crafting classes from the best instructors from around the world, ranging from quilting and knitting to cooking and fine art
• Classes you can watch anywhere, from any device with an internet connection
• Unlimited access to your Craftsy classes - watch them as many times as you like, as long as you’d like!
• A wide selection of fabric and yarn at great prices
• A community of like-minded enthusiasts to share your hard work with

But, you don’t have to take my word for it! Take advantage of the Craftsy sale to try one of their classes, starting at $9.99. The sale begins on Saturday, September 14th and runs through Saturday, September 21st ... don't miss out!   There is a cake decorating class that I've been wanting...so now is the time!  Oh, or maybe that chocolate candy making class! Of course, there are loads of quilting classes too...oh, bother...so many classes and so little time! Oh wait, I can download and watch anytime! Woo Hoo...outa here! Hugs!  

Nicki's Mermaid Block

Isn't this a pretty block! Well, it is not mine...although I did help stitch on it. The block belongs to NickiLee (lucky gal!) and was worked on by several pals over on the HGTV Message Board group. It's been in the works for many, many months...but is finally back home and looking gorgeous. Want to see some closeups? Of course you do!  

You might recognize the two beaded mermaids (left and right sides of the block)...  

  as those are my own contribution to the block...and you've seen them before.  Did you notice the beaded cabochon? Really, it's a beaded...chandelier crystal. The silkies have been painted by Carolyn, she did the center one too.  

I don't know why these photos are flipping sideways...very annoying. Here are some more closeups of the block for you to enjoy.

Pretty huh? Yep, I agree!

Daisy Monogram - D

There has not been much time to stitch lately, so there is no example of what to do with the letter D. However, if I keep waiting to post this design until I get it stitched...it could be weeks, or even months. So, here is the design...and the layout.  

If you need ideas on stitching...go back a few posts and check out the ideas for letters A, B, or C.