A wee bit of stitching...

Managed to get a bit of stitching done this past week. Am in a Wool round robin over at CQI, and here is some of the block I'm working on right now, it belongs to Gerry K. and the photo of the sheep...is a photo of HER sheep. Isn't that too cool!   

  We've had goats (never again)..but no sheep. Goats are loud...and head butt you just for fun. Not so cool!

Think I'll just keep with the stitched kind of animals...except for my "Buddy" of course.

Best Wishes for Fresh Hope

Today, I received my second pattern proof from the Fresh Hope organization. I donated these two designs to them...for printing and resale in their gift shoppe and website. 'Fresh Hope' is a non-profit residential rehabilitation home located in Queensland, Australia. The organization's efforts allow mothers to keep their children with them while rehabilitating from a substance abuse problem. Fresh Hope provides a safe haven for children during a very stressful time and encouragement for parents to overcome physical, mental, and emotional obstacles while working towards their goal of achieving successful rehabilitation. The organization believes that separating mother and child during rehabilitation only  adds to a mother's struggle to be rehabilitated and can cause unnecessary trauma for the child due to the separation.  Where, if parent and child are kept together in a safe and nurturing environment...both mother and child benefit by building a stronger bond than was often known previously. Fresh Hope works with both the mothers and their children in the areas of counseling, attachments and life skills. Because of the organization's efforts...mothers are being empowered to develop a drug free, healthy lifestyle, enabling them to parent more effectively thereby providing ‘Fresh Hope' to a generation who had previously lost hope due to alcohol or drug abuse. In this way, they also hope to break the cycle of abuse. I believe that the goals of this organization are honorable and worth supporting. That is why I have donated freely my talents and designs to them for their use. Two patterns are not much, and they certainly won't make tons of money, but I hope that they help in some small way. If you have the means to purchase just one pattern from their website...or even make a small donation...your money will go to a very good cause. While my patterns are new and not loaded on the website yet...there are other wonderful patterns available there now.  Please check out their site. And, if you can't purchase a pattern...leave a nice encouraging comment or send an email of encouragement to this wonderful team of counselors and staff. I'm sure they all work long arduous days at times...and a kind word goes a long way!

 

Mr. Owl

This year, Shari has been having a Hexagon Challenge each month. I'm helping to design some of them...and this owl will be for November. I have two more November lessons to finish designing and stitching. Then, I have all three of them to write the instructions for. It seemed like such a good idea back last December to agree to do three classes in November of the next year...thinking that I would have all year to get them done. But you know my muse...she likes to work under the short deadlines!  

Free Designs

I don't remember how I stumbled on to this site...but, I'm glad that I did! She has wonderful art for cards...and posts a free image daily. Most of the designs are child like and would make wonderful embroidery blocks for childrens quilt blocks. A few are also just right for crazy quilt blocks. Normally, she posts the artwork in color (great for cards) and as a line drawing (great for embroidery or applique sometimes). The site is Free Dearie Dolls Digi Stamps.  

I invite you to check out her blog.  

Dying Fabrics

What an interesting week. Buddy went home with Aidan for the week...and the house is so quiet. But, it has allowed me time to nap! And to get some things done. Yesterday, I dyed a few pieces of white linen and counted thread fabrics.

The dye is left over from my last lace dying almost six months ago...and was stored in quart jars under the sink.The Aida and linens were wet and pushed down into the dye. What came out...was going to be better than stitching on white...so I was not worried. 

  Then two silk scarves went into a bowl with blue...and I sprinkled a bit of wet orange and crimson dye over the whole thing.

Color Schemes

 I created a color handout for my Intermediate Class, and thought that it would be helpful to everyone...so I'm sharing it. After printing, you can cut the page into small cards that will fit easily in your purse when you shop for fabric...just as a reminder of "what color schemes" might work for a quilt.
 

Crazy Quilt Embellishment Classes - Registration is Now Closed

Good Morning to All! Life is a zoo around here as usual...but, a promise is a promise...so, I'm still going to open a new Beginner Crazy Quilt Class this month...and the Intermediate Crazy Quilt Class as well.   Both classes will be free...but, you must finish a lesson before receiving the next one. So, your time is required...you will not be able to download lessons and not finish them. Each class is designed to be completed in about six weeks...but can be done in as long as 12 weeks...then they will close. If you have not finished by that time...you will not be receiving any other installments.   The beginner class is open to anyone who wants to participate. TO REGISTER: Just send me an email with your Name, Email Address, and please tell me a bit about your current level of expertise in embroidery and crazy quilt work specifically. Please put "Register Beginner CQ" in the subject of your email.   The intermediate class is only open to those that have completed my prior beginner class. This is because I need to know that everyone has had at least the same level of prior work in order to start off at the same "place". TO REGISTER: Just send me an email with your Name, Email Address, and attach a photo of your completed Beginner Class Block to prove that you actually finished my prior class. Please put "Register Intermediate CQ" in the subject of your email.   All students will be directed to a specific class blog for the class. You will be required to be able to get on-line at your convenience...open the blog...post to the blog...including posting photos. You will receive an "invitation to the class blog" after you have registered.   Registration for Beginner and Intermediate Classes will close on 15 July at midnight. My email for classes is shaw.kathy@yahoo.com Hugs!   EDITED TO ADD: The Beginner Class is very structured. You will not be able to use pre-made blocks. Everyone will create the same pieced blank block...but have choice of colors in the embellishment phase. This is the Beginner Class Model Block:  

  The Intermediate Class will be much more flexible...and blank blocks will be very welcome. The pre-requisite Beginner Class will ensure that all students start out with at least the same level of beginner experience...having completed that class before. There is no model block photo for the intermediate class as all of them will be different. If you have questions, just email me...I'll be happy to answer them for you before you decide to register or not. :)    

Monogram Monday - FGH

Here are more letters in the Old English Font that can be used for hand embroidery monograms. Clean up the wobbly lines when you trace...to create smooth slopes and curves.  

Monogram Mondays - Old English - C, D, E

 

HEX this month...

My contribution this month to the StitchMAP HEX challenge projects is how to stitch a spider-web with beaded spider. A very "necessary" thing if you do any traditional style crazy quilt work. 

Here is a closeup of the body beads as I'm stitching on the legs. You can also see how the spokes of the web are "wrapped" as the circular rounds are stitched...and the embroidery work of the branch (Stem Stitch) and leaves (Triple Detached Chain). I like to have some kind of plant life around and/or across my spiderwebs when that fits the space...so liked doing this little HEX with a branch. It makes it a bit more realistic. And...pretty little beads keep the spider from being "scary".
 

Rayceen

While looking for a lost file on my laptop today (and I'm still looking...wish I could remember what I named it...arhgggrrr)....I came across some old designs for shadow applique fairies. I did these quite a few years back; and it dawned on me that this one...Rayceen...would be nicely done in embroidery too. So, here she is for you.

More Thimble Cases...

I'm working on more thimble cases today. This is little Brady's first week of daycare...so I have some extra time on my hands...and, I sold the last of my thimble cases on Etsy last week.  I sure miss having a baby underfoot however...it seems kind of quiet here this week too!  

I managed to get two cases finished...and they are loaded on Etsy now. So, next...I'm working on some cross-stitch versions using waste canvas. Have you been crafting lately? It's so hot here now, staying inside is the only way to breath! Hugs to all!  

OA-B plus swirls

Today's monogram is the Old English letter B. The outline might be a bit swiggly...as it is just an Old English font enlarged and I have not had a minute to clean it up any. But, when you trace...your line will be gently curved and not swiggly I'm sure. 

  If you want to dress up any of these Old English style monograms..you can add swirls.  

I designed two options for you...an angled and a vertical. Just trace your monogram...then trace your swirls where you would like...in a different color from your monogram tracing.  

OE-A

This Old English style monogram would be wonderful done on solid quilt blocks...quilted and stuffed trapunto style. For traditional embroidery work, a whitework style letter in a 1-2 inch size would also be especially nice.  

Last call for book discounts...

I posted the other day about my book being on sale for a little longer...and today is the last day. Tomorrow, the price on my Etsy shoppe goes up to $20. So, if you want the book for $14...better get hopping today.   Little Brady goes to daycare next month; and I hope to get some more thimble cases made in July. Thanks to everyone who has been asking me about new things. And, thanks for such a warm reception to my table-top embroidery/CQ/needlework hoops!    Hugs,

Blackwork First Attempt

I'm pretty happy with the results....especially for a first attempt. It is small enough to have actually gotten done in a couple of days. I might do more...but, the project will have to be one that really intriques me as the same pattern for a large area could get boring.    Of course, MY blackwork...is not black...as my muse rarely does anything "by the rules". This is one of the three HEX designs offered at StitchMAP this month.  

Multi-size, Free-standing Table Top/Lap Needlework Tension Frame

  The past couple of months, I've been designing, perfecting, and using a table-top frame system...made from PVC pipe and fittings. If you follow my blog, you know that I'm a HUGE fan of Q-snap type frames because they hold tension nicely after you wrap the under-side pipe. They are easy to adjust and light to use.

  The only real problem with them...aside from the "wrapping need"...is that they don't stand alone. My shoulders have started to bother me because I do so much stitching and holding large hoops for crazy quilt work. So, there just had to be a better...and cost effective way.   I have found what works for me...and think it might work for you too! So, I made a couple more and have them for sale on my Etsy page. I'll make more if there is a need.   They are for sale in two forms...a FULL KIT and a PARTIAL KIT.   The full kit has all of the parts and assembly instructions. The partial kit has only the clamps and assembly instructions. No special tools are needed for the full kit.    Or, if you are a handy gal (or have a handy pal) that prefers to cut your own PVC pipe and get your own fittings...you can just buy the partial kit and get the tension clamps and assembly instructions and save a few bucks. But, you'll have to spend your own energy getting the other parts, cutting the pipe, and use your gas shopping.   Either kit has EASY TO USE instructions...complete with photos (not just words).   The Needlework Tension Frame does not require wrapping the bottom frame to get a good tension. The frame comes with two sizes (12 x 12 inches square, and 12 x 9.5 inches rectangle) The frame sits on a table (in three positions) or in your lap. Tension is adjustable, but holds well when set. Can be assembled as a standard hand-held frame as well. The frame also makes a great display for your work at guild meetings, sewing bees, craft shows, etc.!

Monogram Monday - Joy

 

Book Sale Ending Soon

  Just a quick reminder to everyone that my book is on sale in my Etsy shoppe right now...but will go back to a normal price soon. Amazon is carrying it also, at $20.52 so the $14.00 shop price is a really good deal...better get off the fence is you've been considering it.

Hugs!
 

Monogram Mondays - A

This is the last monogram in this series. Next week, I'll begin a new group!