Happy New Year!

Wishing you and your's a great 2011!

Another "A"

This letter A is in Garamond, the same font as the blog is now in...and I like that it's wide.

Basically Beaded Continues

The next round in Basically Beaded round robin is completed, boxed, and ready to be mailed.

I added some odds and ends...and these red roses, blue half circle seam...

and this little blue flower and pearl seam.

Christmas in July...start early!

A couple of years ago...perhaps even three...I designed a couple of shadow applique quilts for teaching; and I still use them in my college classes. One was a Christmas quilt filled with lot's of holiday memories...and when I brought it to the HGTV Message Board Group...I called it Christmas in July. I think that's the month we started the quilt process. It is still in the same state as this photo shows...still needs an outside border!

 

Oh, I have the borders...all cut out and in the basket with the quilt center...attaching them is just way down on my priority list. The second quilt I mentioned...Bunny in the Pink...is a complete top...and has been basted together...and I will be hand quilting it. So, Christmas will wait.

But, no need for anyone else to have to wait...so, if you'd like to create the quilt...it will be in the files section of the Yahoo Group site. Shawkl_Blog_Files

The Boys!

I'm always talking about Aidan...and ya'll have seen loads of photos of her various adventures! But, here are the two men in my life...

Chase is the eldest of my three grandchildren...my first grandbaby! He's getting more grown up every day...and he is so sweet! He'll break some hearts for sure!!!...

And Luke is the youngest of the three...and he is the most adorable little angel!  And, yes...behind both the boys is my sewing/beading/crafting...."living" room. Odd that the table is cleaned off...but that is because we all needed a place to do gingerbread houses later in the day. And, all the "stuff" that is usually there...is piled up on the cutting board table behind it! I call it organized confusion!

English Garden

Here's my work so far for Meg in Uruguay...it still needs some more beads...

and a few little crawling critters perhaps...

and a dragonfly or several...then it will be ready to mail next week!

"A" Motif

I'm still playing around in Illustrator...so, here'a a couple of monogram motifs for you. Just copy and save; resize with whatever photo software you have, as they are jpg files.

This one has a nice wide area for stitching...so if you didn't want to include the snowflakes, how about some spiderweb roses...or lazy daisy flowers...or a string of Christmas ornaments...or whatever you can dream up to fit the individual who's initial you are stitching. Hmmm...A is for Aidan...perhaps I should just put hearts!

Penguin

Here's a little penguin...for your use...

I think he could be candidate for embroidery satin-stitch, chain,  or red-work outline only...or applique. Just size as you desire. The little ornament could be replaced with something else..like a little bell, or a bead...or....???

Merry Christmas!

Today, I'm at my daughters...Buddy (my cocker spaniel) and I spent the night...so we are watching Aidan open her Christmas presents today. No stitching...but here's a Merry Christmas wish from me to you! Hope everyone has a really good day today...whether you celebrate the holiday or not.

Little Birdie

Here's a little birdie I drew in Illustrator. I've got to find the time to read the instruction manuals...instead of just scanning the book...so I can get better...and faster!

But, I don't have time to read! I could be stitching!

Dragonfly motifs

I've been playing around with Illustrator again...and it is so frustrating!

But, I managed to get a couple of very simple little dragonflies drawn.

Perhaps you can use these as embroidery motif patterns.

I am going to enlarge them and use the outline as a base for some beading I'm going to be working on next year. Of course, I'll let you know how that goes too!

Motif - Long Stitch

Here is a little motif...done in long stitch for you. Use waste canvas for crazy quilt blocks...or stitch a few up for the next patch you create.

Alternate versions are loaded in the file sections of the Shawkl_Blog_Files.

Make your own graph paper...and templates!

Here's a really great site for making your own graph paper. Then you can doodle and create your own stitch templates!

Remember to draw dots every location your needle enters the cloth!

Go to the site...scroll down and select the type of grid you desire...square, circular, dot, etc. Then download the pdf file to your computer for future use. Print...and start doodling!

So, check out all the different types!  

You can control the size of the grid also...by changing the number of lines to the inch.

Blue Box...All Done!

Eileen has finished her blue box...and I promised to share photos when it was done. I mailed the mermaid piece to her last month...and you review the progress of the top by looking through the tags: blue box.

Here is how she finished off the top, after adhering it to her box.

 And, here is the box from the front...isn't that a lovely little clasp. Oh, and here is the inside of the box...isn't that nice...it was just screaming out for a nice stitched lid...so I was so glad to help her out with the project.

Woot! Woot! The One World One Heart Event Returns...One Last Time!!

 

Announcing the FIFTH and FINAL One World One Heart Event!

One World One Heart is a worldwide event for bloggers only. It gives all those who blog a chance to meet and mingle and form connections with those they may not have otherwise met from all over the world. In the past 4 years this event has grown to over 1,000 participants with lasting friendships (and even one love connection) formed along the way.  Think of it as a GIGANTIC open house allowing you to travel without ever leaving your home........going from blog to blog(in various countries) seeing the wonder each one has created and meeting all the fabulous people behind those blogs. As a bonus each blogger participant will offer up a "door prize or prizes"....just for dropping by, saying hello and seeing their world.  It's really that easy.

So, if you are blogger.....and want to spend a relaxing few hours cruising around the world...in blogland! Check back here on the 30th of January 2011 to see what I'm giving away...then go over to the OWOH post (I'll make sure you have a link that day)...to start your worldwide journey!

And...if you have an active blog...and want to give away your own prize that day...and get in on the fun...check our the OWOH rules here!

TDiTM Stitch #124

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

 This little seam is deceptively basic...but look how wonderful it is with metalics and different colors. Reminds me of springtime! And in this cold weather, that is a good thing!

Of course, you could also add the daisies to the opposite side to increase the depth of the stitch...but, sometimes you just need a simple little stitch (with a little bling of course)...that does not "intrude" on a neighboring patch....so, I've only make it one-sided.

TDiTM Stitch #123

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

 This stitch begins our journey with the Chevron base stitch. The chevron base  and these little "stars" are part of the latest template. The design of this combination seam reminded me of little snowflakes...and would be great in metallic threads.

If you enlarge the star...you could also use it as a motif. Here it is stitch in metallic fiber...about 1 1/5 inches tall.

New Template...and a New Group Files

I have created a new template...and the next few stitches in TDiTM will use this one.

To make it...and the other templates (which I have re-drawn)...as easy to access as possible...I also started a Yahoo Group so you can access the files section there if you are a follower of my blog.

Go to Shawkl_Blog_Files Yahoo Group.  If the link is broken, you can go to Yahoo.com and search in the group for Shawkl_Blog_Files. You can request to become a member...(so I can see who is using the templates...and keep spammers from messing with the site) and I will approve your request.

After that...you can get the files and download them...no cost as usual! Just enjoy them!

Or, if you don't want to follow the blog or join another group...you can purchase the templates at my Studio. And, I'm also offering the set of completed template stencils on the Studio...yep, I will print them, cut them apart, and punch all the little holes out for you!!! But, my time is not cheap...LOL! It really is a great deal to get the patterns and do your own. Especially if you join the group...since they are free there!!

And, since the group site is created...if you want to share photos of your seams...feel free to post them. You are also welcome to ask me questions...and to post about the blog. I will try to add tutorials and such to the Group site as well.

I look forward to talking with you!

ETA: 06:15 AM....I don't know what I was thinking! Starting a group TODAY...when my grandkids are coming over for Christmas dinner! Yikes! Please be patient with me...I'll get back to this laptop just as often as I can to approve your memberships! Big Hugs to all of you!

TDiTM Stitch #122

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

Very busy today...cleaning and baking...but here is the last of the double herringbone seam treatments for the blog. Next, we move on to....chevron base stitch. Tomorrow, I'll post some more info on the templates too!!

The Greatest Fruit Cake on Earth!!!

Okay, I know...I hear you say "there aren't any great fruit cakes". Wrong my friend....this one is so great, my Mom hides it so we can't find it! She makes a batch each year....around Christmas time...and then, we put several loafs in the freezer. Around May or June...we can't find any of them! She has hidden some! Then on Thanksgiving...she pulls one or two out to eat! So, today..we made a new batch...and while it was cooking...what does she pull out and cut!!!!!!!

 

I kid you not...she baked this last year! And, it was just as great today!!

FRUITCAKE

Everyone Loves THIS Recipe!

Recipe from Mrs. Verna Finch (who clipped it from a 1954 issue of Woman’s Day)

INGREDIENTS:

3 pkgs (8 oz each) pitted dates (cut in half)    

1 pound candied pineapple (cut into large chunks)

2 cups sifted self-rising flour*                                     

1 pound candied whole cherries

4 eggs                                                              

1 cup sugar

2 pounds pecan halves

Butter

Use butter to grease an angel food cake pan or three large loaf pans. Cut brown paper (or parchment paper) to fit the bottom of the pan, and grease that with butter too. Set pan aside and preheat oven to 275 degrees.

Using a sharp knife, or kitchen shears…cut dates in half, and cut candied pineapple into big chunks.

Reserve a few whole cherries and whole pecan halves for decoration (optional).

In a large bowl: Add dates, candied pineapple, and whole cherries together.  Cover with sifted flour. Toss until all the fruits are well covered with the flour. Set aside. (My mom mixes this recipe with her hands...but you can try with a spoon...it gets very dense, and is sticky...so good luck with that method!)

In a medium bowl: Mix eggs and sugar until frothy. Pour this mixture over the fruit/flour mixture.

Mix until each piece of fruit is sticky with batter. Add pecan halves. Place mixture by the handful into the cake pan(s). Press the mixture down into the pan to remove any excess air. Fill the pans, as the cake does not rise much.

Decorate the top of the cakes with a few cherries and pecan halves if desired.

Bake angel food cake pan for 1 to 1 ¼ hours…bake loaf cake pans for about 1 ¼ hours.

After recommended baking time…check the cake. If it looks slightly undercooked…leave in the oven…but Turn the Oven Off. Keep an eye on the cake. When done, remove from oven.

You can brush the top of the fruitcake with a thin coating of white corn syrup to make it glisten. (optional)

Slice and enjoy! Great to make ahead and freeze..they last over a year in the freezer. Thaw and serve.

*1954 recipe used plain flour, baking powder, salt (we changed it to self-rising instead)