Organization Continues - Block Construction Beginning

 

I have printed out the Block Design sheets (use the link in the book, see page 16 in the book, under Block Construction heading.

Using the crayon colored page shown in the previous post...I transferred all of the Fabric Palette color references (ALPHA) to each page (block) of design sheets. Here in Block #1 you can see (above) that I will be using the fabrics A, K, H, and B for this block construction.

My next preparation task is to take my Foundation Fabric and cut out a rectangle large enough to hold the TRIANGLE block size. For me, I cut up some cotton in a light color...27 blocks...measuring about 6 1/2" x 10 1/2" to hold the full block dimensions. Now, I will use my light box to trace each block diagram using a #2 lead pencil. I will trace the inside and outside shape lines lines (1 solid, 1 red dot) on to the fabric. Then, I will trace the red dashed lines that mark the Fabric  Seam Line (see where the pencil point above it indicating) on to the foundation fabric block outline.

These lines will help you to place your fabric; and can provide a sewing line for you to "flip'n'sew" your block". You can use individual pattern pieces if you cut your printed pages along the seam lines (shown in the book). Or, you can use the drawn lines and wide stripes of fabric (I'll be cutting one strip of 4.5 inchs wide from each fabric) to more quickly piece these blocks. Where an area is larger than 4.5", I will have to cut a new piece of fabric to cover. Where an area is less than 4.5"...well, I will have wasted some fabric in favor of quickness.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you choose to trace the block outline as described above...remember to flip-over the pattern page so that you are copying the REVERSE of the block design since you will be working from the back of the foundation fabric to piece the block on it's front.

Block #1 - Here you will see that I've flipped the paper page over on my light table. I traced (using a ruler) the solid black TRIANGLE shape and the most outer (red dashed line) triangle shape. Then I've added the inside seam lines (red dashed lines).

Here is what the traced lines look like, after I have turned off the light box. I will also add the "Letter" of the fabric piece to each patch to help me remember...and hopefully, speed up the addition of the color fabric patches to the front of this Foundation Fabric. Remember than the pencil lines are on the back side...which is why I reversed the paper page pattern on my light box.

My Fabric Palette & Design Plan

 

Here is a photo of my fabrics, pasted to my Palette Guide. You might also note a small "color smidge" next to each fabric block...that is the crayon color used to represent that specific fabric in my Layout coloring page.

Here is my color layout page. I developed it by first considering the number of different fabrics planned to be used in the quilt (16 for me) and then dividing the possible patches in the quilt (100 by the way) to find that I should try to use each fabric color (6 is my number).

So, I began with a single color and tried to use it six times across the quilt; never letting that color "touch" itself as I selected the patches for it. I also tried to balance the color by spreading it across the quilt as much as possible.

While the embroidery will be the STAR of this project; it is important to still have a nice combination and balance of color in the placement of fabrics.

Dazzling Diamonds Sew-A-Long: Part 1

Welcome to Part 1 of the Dazzling Diamonds Sew-A-Long! Read below for instructions on starting off the Dazzling Diamonds Quilt.

All page references in this post refer to your ebook or physical copy of Crazy Quilting Dazzling Diamonds.

Organization

Create a fabric swatch guide (include your representative color pencil color too). (Click link below for free pdf download.)

Fabric Swatch Guide

Use colored pencils and the piecing diagram (page 13) to ensure a good color balance in fabrics across the project. (Click link below for free pdf download.)

Piecing Diagram

Print the block patterns (refer to page 16 for the URL link to the pattern). Cut each individual block pattern into patches, label each with the fabric color you will be using. 

Cutting

Lay each individual patch pattern on the correct fabric (refer to page 14). Cut each fabric patch out, being careful to add seam allowance along the cut pattern lines (refer to page 17). Stack the patches together into their respective block; label and set aside.

You can choose to cut the borders now or wait until Part #3 of the Sew-A-Long. You can also omit any borders if you desire. These will not be embellished. Borders will be 6” cut by Width of Fabric (WOF).

Fabric Choices:

Most traditional crazy quilts are made of velvet, silk, brocade, and satin fabrics. However, these are all very expensive…especially when we are in the “learning stages” or creating crazy quilts. So, modern quilts often are made of cotton fabrics. Blenders and solids rather than busy prints will ensure your embroidery work is the focal of the quilt. That doesn’t mean that the fabrics need to be “plain”…just not super busy. Batiks make a great alternative to fancy fabrics. Using beautiful cottons in saturated colors can create drama.

The instruction quilt is created in some gorgeous fall colors; but your colors can be any combination you desire. 

Strive for “harmony” rather than “drama” when selecting your fabric colors. The drama will be added in the gorgeous fiber and silk ribbon embroidery!

Foundation: Crazy quilts are built on a foundation layer because the embroidery and beads create too much weight for a single layer of fabric. Also, this foundation will give you a place to “hide” all of your embroidery fiber traveling and bead thread knots.

Cut seven strips measuring 8” by WOF; subcut these into 27 pieces measuring 8” x 10”. Muslin or cream/white cotton will work beautifully as a foundation. If fabric is not available, you can also use a lightweight interfacing as your foundation. (If you plan on doing heavy embellishing, a combination of fabric/foundation is a good solution.)

Instructions

Use a standard quarter-inch seam allowance when piecing the individual blocks. These blocks are assembled as you would a normal traditional pieced block. Follow the block diagrams and your fabric color placement guide lay out each patch in the proper place (refer to page 17) to create the specific block. All piecing should be done on top of the foundation fabric layer.  Begin with a center patch…then simply “flip’n’sew” the adjacent patches into place. Press the blocks and set aside.

Return here or to the C&T Blog for Part 2, which will be posted on Friday, October 27.

For more information on the Dazzling Diamonds Sew-A-Long, including the supply list and schedule, visit the first Dazzling Diamonds Sew-A-Long blog post:  http://www.shawkl.com/2023/10/dazzling-diamonds-sew-long-everything.html

Happy stitching!

Dazzling Diamonds Sew-A-Long: Everything you need to know

  

“Have you ever wanted to create a crazy quilt, but were worried over how to start? Well, that’s exactly why I wrote Dazzling Diamonds. The intent was to give readers a full instruction book, using modern techniques, to enable them to create a crazy quilt from start-to-finish. I purposely used cotton fabrics because quilters and seamstress/tailors already were familiar with that type of fabric. I also made the decision to keep the project small so it was manageable in size so to not become too over-whelming. This is what I call a “planned project” because the quilt is totally designed for you. The layout, the individual embellishing design, and the specific embroidery stitches have all been provided to ensure a balanced final project. Success is practically guaranteed if you just follow the path laid out before you. The Sew-A-Long will also give you a venue to ask questions (just post a comment here on my blog).

Silks, satins, velvets make gorgeous quilts. But, they are not easy fabrics to work with, especially when you are at the basic stage of creating a crazy quilt. Plus, these fancy fabrics can be very expensive to source. We don’t want to waste our precious fancy fabrics as we learn the principles needed to create this multi-faceted quilt. Rather, let’s make sure to guarantee our success by using good quality cotton.

These blocks will be packed full of beautiful embroidery work, silk ribbon flowers, and beads/baubles. This gives the reader the full spectrum of techniques they will need to learn. The end result is a beautiful wall hanging. PLUS you will have gained the confidence to try a larger quilt…which could also incorporate those lush velvets, satins, silks and brocades we all dream about when thinking of traditional crazy quilts.

Cotton does not have to be boring! So, don’t be concerned that we are not using velvets or silks. This is after all, a “learning” endeavor. Plus, there are some gorgeous batiks and cotton tone-on-tone blenders on the market today. We will be using a wonderful set of rich autumn colors in the sample quilt for this Sew-A-Long. But, you can select the palette of your own desire…maybe a spring color set (like the book cover shows); or go with a lovely monochromatic grouping even. If you would like to use the same fabrics as I’ll be using…then hop on over to Connecting Threads (details below).”

 

How the Sew-A-Long Works

The Crazy Quilting Dazzling Diamonds will be released in 3 main parts and will be available on the C&T Blog as well as my personal blog following the schedule below. With each part, you will receive instructions to follow along as I recreate the Dazzling Diamonds Quilt from my book, Crazy Quilting Dazzling Diamonds. I will show you my progress and give you helpful tips and tricks in each part. There will be also be additional blog posts here on my blog; just to provide individual close-up photos and give you extra information as the Sew-A-Long progresses. While the book will be the path for this quilt, I will also share different piecing options and design principles you would need when venturing into a quilt that is not already “planned out” for you.

 Schedule

Tuesday, October 10: Dazzling Diamonds Sew-A-Long announcement (You are here!)(I'm a day late however)

Friday, October 20: Part 1- Organization, Design Principles, Piecing the Blocks

Friday, October 27: Part 2- Embroidery Design Transfer, Base Seams

Friday, November 3: Part 3-Silk Ribbon Flowers, Beads & Baubles, Finishing

What you’ll need

 Here are the links to the exact fabric that I will be using in the Sew-A-Long:

Autumn Sunset Batiks Fat Quarter Sampler | ConnectingThreads.com

Agate Batik | ConnectingThreads.com

Labyrinth Batik | ConnectingThreads.com

 

To get you prepared for the Dazzling Diamonds Sew-A-Long, here is a list of materials and project notes. In addition to standard sewing and quilt-making supplies, you’ll need:

A physical or ebook copy of Crazy Quilting Dazzling Diamonds.

 

SUPPLIES:

Fabrics

Variety of small prints, solids, and nondirectional blenders in light/medium values:

1/4 yard or fat eighth each for blocks

Border fabric: 3/4 yard of medium-weight cotton upholstery fabric

Foundation fabric: 2 yards of neutral-color cotton broadcloth or good-quality muslin

Backing and hanging sleeve: 11/8 yards

 Other Materials

Water-soluble printable stitch stabilizer sheets or Embroidery Shape Templates (See Online Resources, page 94.)

Template plastic

Perle cotton: Size 8 in a variety of colors or 3-ply six strand embroidery fibers

Silk ribbon: Sizes 2 mm, 4 mm, 7 mm, and 13 mm in assorted flower and leaf colors (sizes can be adjusted but 4mm & 7mm is critical)

Seed beads: Size 11 (standard) (can also use size 15/20)

Round beads: Sizes 2 mm, 3 mm, and 4 mm in glass, crystal, or plastic as you like

Crystal montées: Sizes 3 mm and 4 mm or small

Sequins: Sizes 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, and 10 mm

Floral beads caps: Sizes 6 mm–10 mm

Flat 2-hole and 4-hole buttons: 1/4 ̋–1/2 ̋ in diameter

Note: The selection of fibers, beads & baubles are personal and will depend on your own stash and the color you choose. All of the above types can be substituted with any other “bauble” you like, just keep to the same general size to ensure the final result remains balanced. Half the fun of embellishing is getting to use that “favorite” bead, sequin, button or jewelry finding!

 Connect with us!

 Follow C&T’s Facebook and Instagram pages for weekly reminders! You are invited to share your progress by tagging @ctpublishing and using #DazzlingDiamondsSewALong. But, if you have any questions, reach out to me here on my blog as I'm always happy to answer any questions you might have.

Printable Water Soluble

 I've had some questions about the best printable water soluble sheets to purchase, IF a student did not want to trace the embroidery designs...but use the free download of embroidery layouts referenced in Crazy Quilting Dazzling Diamonds book.

This is the brand/type that I like using the best. It washes away without a lot of problems and feeds through by printer (single sheets) just fine. I ordered mine through Amazon, but have also ordered from C&T Publications in the past.

If you prefer a different brand/type of water soluble...that's fine...just make sure it is "printable" sheets.

We'll kick off the actual sewing on the 15th of October! I'll be doing some prize drawings for individuals that submit a photo of their progress as we move through creating the Dazzling Diamonds wall-hanging quilt as well. So, hope you are thinking about what fabrics you will be using.

HEADS UP - Clock is Ticking!

 Okay, have some pictures and details on the CQ Dazzling Diamonds Sew Along. First, here are the fabrics I'll be using...

I know, I know...totally outside of my "pastel wheelhouse"...but these are such luscious tones in beautiful autumn greens, yellows, reds...with a real subdued hue. The top two fabrics will be my inside/outside borders. They are Agate Batik-Dk Ruby Dust and Labyrinth Batik-Verdigreen. The other fabrics are from the Autumn Sunset Batiks FQ Bundle (as you can see by the tag). These will be available on Connecting Threads in mid October (scheduled for launch on the 11th). 

So, we will begin the "sewing portion" of the Sew-Along on the 15th which will give those of you time enough to get these specific fabrics in the mail if you want to use the exact same ones as I'll be working with. Not required...as we crazy quilters do love to "do our own thing".

But, I wish you could just see and feel these fabrics...they are just wonderful.

Okay, the next must have that you will perhaps to order if you don't already have it in your library...the book of course!

Your other supplies will be standard threads (perle cotton of course); beads, silk ribbon, sequins, etc. If you want to all in lace motifs, etc. that is also your choice but not required by the designed quilt. We'll just see where creativity leads us in this endeavor.

Marking the Embroidery Designs: Because I'm using some darker fabrics, it is good to use some water soluble sheets for printing the embroidery designs on to.  (A link to a pdf download file is in the book on page #16 for your use.) Option #2 would be to scan the pattern layout pages, then upload them to your computer. This option would also allow you to resize the blocks if you prefer to work this in a different size. Option #3 is to simply use tissue wrapping paper and trace the embroidery designs to that, then tape/pin in place on your fabric block...and stitch through when you embroidery the base seams. 

We will kick off the Planning and Pre-Sewing portion of this Sew Along on the 1st of October...with actual block assembly beginning on the 15th. So, get those books, fabrics, and water soluble printable sheets (or tissue paper) stocked up in your sewing room soon. Hugs!

Dazzling Diamonds Stitch Along Coming Soon

 If you have my Dazzling Diamonds book...then dig it out cause I'll be dedicating the month of October to a "re-do" of this quilt. So, if you have not made it yet; and want to do a small wall size CQ quilt go pull it off the shelf and collect your fabrics. 

Any color combination you like will work. I will not be doing another Autumn version (as photo shows above)...so you can see different colors.

Hugs!

Happy Rooster

 

I've been working outside of the crazy quilt world lately and totally enjoying some collage quilting "of sorts". You know me, I used part of the pattern idea...then did my own thing.

Have six different roosters fused into place now, ready to begin piecing this together. Will post a photo when the top is done and ready to quilt.

Hope everyone is having a day worth "crowing" about! HUGS!

Small Ballerina Doll

 

Just got back from Mississippi where I had a wonderful time with a group of lovely ladies from the Jackson Stitchery Group...we had a fun time working on some small cloth dolls together. If you are anywhere near Jackson or Meridian, MS...look these gals up; they really know how to enjoy their rug hooking, embroidery, pottery, etc.

These dollies have boobs...but, could be done without these as a more traditional style ballerina doll. We painted the shoes and used tulle for the skirts. The hair is a combination of many strands of various yarns/fibers/ribbons. 

Attaching links to the handouts which I've uploaded to GoogleDrive; just in case any of you might like to try this pattern out.

Supply List: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PHJHBXAc2ujPrdIhdh3b5N0D5z7Igv3o/view?usp=sharing

 

Fabric Cutting Instructions: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17oB6VGUeyeuZoqAlimZvqYKBgdS0AjLA/view?usp=sharing

 

Doll Assembly Instructions: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lakz98SZeSIaFk0CuV0xblAJmzQj53qJ/view?usp=sharing

 

Doll Pattern: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nx_YNllNWRCeWX-sUCGplqMk48gx_Fyl/view?usp=sharing

Enjoy!

Collage of a Pansy

 

Have ventured into collage quilts. Designed this little pansy (well it's about 2 ft tall) for an upcoming class at my local Quilt Guild.

I so enjoyed using these colors. I'm sorting out some orange/yellow/black for another try. This is so much fun!

You can see the pencil outline here in this leaf photo. So, you know that I didn't necessarily follow my own pattern...just let the fabrics dictate what went where. Plus, the background...is really just parchment paper...so the lines not followed will not matter.

This total pansy will now just peel off the parchment paper and can be fused to an actual background. My next step will be to decide if I want to piece the background or select just one fabric? Will post the results when I make my mind up. Ha!

Appliques Created!

Think that I've finally gotten all of the little applique pieces created for my Granny's Garden quilt (please see last post for more details). Each of these design boards holds the part for a single block of the 42-block quilt.

Next up will be positioning these appliques on to their circular backgrounds and glue basting into place. That's next week's task!

Love/Hate Relationship with Lori Holt

 I'm working on "Granny's Garden" by Lori Holt...a Riley Blake design quilt. This was a Sew Along...past time (of course, I'm never starting a project the same time as everyone else).

Its a great quilt IMHO...but is becoming so time consuming. There are 42 blocks and each has a background floral print and a circular center. Florals re cut and the centers are created (fabric with fusible backing creating an applique circular shape)

The center of each block has different applique shapes. Each is created by first tracing the applique shape on to interfacing, then sewing that to fabric...and clipping/turning to create pieces with turned under edges.

I have about nine more blocks of shapes to create. But, all of the interfacing has been marked; so only the sewing, clipping and turning is needed.

I'm using my 99K Singer as it can be helpful to only stitch 3 or 4 stitches at a time with all of the small pieces with curved edges at times.

I have been steadily working on this quilt for over a week...several hours a day. It is enjoyable, but am now thinking that by the time I get all of these bits and pieces "glue basted" then hand appliqued...it will be Spring before I get to the actual quilting part. But, it will be a great quilt when completed.

I do like that the parts are usually large so at least I'm not doing too "fiddly" of work. Will keep you posted on my progress. Has anyone else following done this quilt? I'd love to hear your thoughts and see a photo. Hugs!

Butterflies Progress

 

I've liked this Butterflies pattern by Laundry Basket Quilts for some time now. Thought I'd do a slightly different layout with some batik fabrics. Wanted to use what was already on hand, so grabbed a layer-cake of batiks and some light background fabrics. The pattern uses blocks that are about 10" finished...but I didn't have enough batiks for so many blocks. So, cut my backgrounds at 12" finished and inserted some sashing between the rows/columns to fill out the size.

Found a trio of batik fat quarters...just enough to cut the sashing at 1.5" finished (2" cut). Here is the grid layout (yes, I didn't make the bed this morning).

These butterflies are hand appliqued with turned under edges. The antennae are embroidered using Stem Stitch in black. I like the pattern so very much, thinking about doing a fusible version wall-hanging for myself (or maybe a grand-daugther?) as well when this quilt is done.

Let's Fly a Kite

 Our quilt guild had a little challenge...and we could "share them" today. The idea was to make a quilt that had at least twelve blocks...of any size/type...and the quilt needed to include a traditional elongated diamond shape of a kite.

This was my entry...and will be going to my grand-daughter that turns 3 years old the beginning of next year.

This photo was on my design wall, so borders had not been attached...but I think you get the idea. The little girl is dimensional applique and the kite is standard applique.

Here's the close up view of the little girl. Her hat, blouse, boots, and body are standard applique. The skirt is a couple of layers of lace...gathered and tucked under the vest before it was appliqued totally into place along that lower edge. The hat has a packaged flower attached. Her hair is made from long bullions using #5 variegated floss from Happy Hands.

The blocks are simple quick stack/whack neutrals. This quilt was fun and make up pretty quickly. It measures about 24 by 30 so should make a nice doll size quilt for Evie.

Adventure of Design - FREE Pattern

 Each year our quilt guild does a little "gift baggie" for members; if folks wish to contribute then then make (or obtain) a little item to include into the baggie. I've been toying with several ideas for this year...and one of them was a "donut" pin cushion that I saw on Pinterest. The idea has evolved...and I thought I'd share the adventure of designing with you...and give you a free pattern or two as well.

Donuts on Pinterest are the traditional type with the hole in the center. But, that was more work than I wanted to do since I would be making forty of these. So, why not a "filled donut" with glaze and sprinkles instead.

 So, I pulled out some pink felt and cut the "flower shape" for the donut glace portion...then found some cream upholstery weigh damask for the background and back layer of the donut. Spent two days hand stitching each glaze felt piece to one of the backgrounds. Next...sewing on those beads! THIS is about the time that my enthusiasm gave way to reality...there was just no way that I had the time to sew on ALL of the beads needed to really make these pincushions great. So, "plan B" entered my brain.

Embroidery was so much faster...and still very beautiful. So, why not place an embroidery scene on the felt background? But what would be a good design? Off to the computer again...and a rose sprig was my solution.

It fit the shape of the "glaze" nicely...and could be worked up much faster than stitching thousands of beads.

So, I'm off to transfer the design to some tissue paper for over-stitching to the felt (since you can't really trace on to felt easily). I'll post a photo when one of these forty pincushions is finished. Wonder how the design will FINALLY play out...might still have to add a couple of beads or some French Knots? 

Two patterns resulted from this design adventure...and here are links to each if you'd like to give these pin cushions a try:

DONUT PINCUSHION PATTERN

CHRISTMAS ROSE EMBROIDERY PINCUSHION PATTERN

NOEL - Free Pattern Download

 Planning for holiday decorations? Yeah, I know...it's not even Thanksgiving yet. But...you know that "planning" begins when we start to think about all of the winter holidays.

Thought a nice new holiday pillow might be nice for this Christmas. So, played around with a design today. Thought that my readers (you) would possible enjoy creating this in fusible cotton or wool fabrics. If you do, I'd love to see a photo of your creation!

The letters could be any color...here is a gold version (but blue or purple could work as well).

The holly for the sheep is nice...but a "jingle bell necklace" is another idea if you want this to be more of a winter scene...and not specifically holiday themed.

Here's the link to download the pattern:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11n6LFf1oclfBF97TG0pHyA0CttsOcstR?usp=sharing

Quick and Inexpensive Tip - Fusible Mat

 I'm working on a holiday dishtowel which is a fusible applique project.

These are the layout tools I'm using, and one of them is really inexpensive and handy to have around. 

The printed pattern sheet is on the right, the light box (black border) is in the center, and a pressing mat (red border) is on the right.

Surprise! The pressing mat is actually a baking mat...that is designed for placing on a cookie sheet for baking. But, since the center area is white....it is pretty "see through".

As you can see in this photo...the pattern is on top of the light table but under the baking/pressing mat. So, it was easy to layer the fusible applique pieces and "spot weld" them together. Then the entire scene could be moved to the fabric tea-towel for pressing into place. I did encounter a problem...not related to the mat; the white "wool" for the snow just would not adhere to anything...thinking it must be more synthetic than wool (false advertising...dang it)...so had to go back and pin each piece of snow into place. (hence the pins in the top photo).

Anyhow, this post is about using an opaque "baking mat" in place of a more expensive mat designed for applique. I found this mat at Dollar General in their clearance section for 3-bucks! It was 50% off...so regularly priced at only six-bucks. Think these could also be a Dollar-tree item..and will be looking there in the kitchen area for such great finds too. I know a few quilting sisters in my guild that might like one of these.

Quilt Repair Underway

 A lady in our area asked me to repair a quilt made by her Grandmother/Mother. Thought the approach might be helpful to others so, here is what's happening to the quilt.

Several seams are partially, needing repair. These I mark with safety pins during my inspection of the quilt (so I can find them later). They are closed using the Applique Stitch (Ladder Stitch).

Some patches have already practically disappeared, so these have to be completely removed.

New patches are appliqued into place. The old batting has been removed since it is just crumbling or already missing under the older torn patches.

 A thin batting is cut the size and shape of the needed patch, then surrounded with fabric. This new patch/batting combo is then appliqued into place. I sew only through the top layer of the quilt.

I've selected a variety of smaller prints with lower color density to match the look of the quilt. When the patches are finished I'll hand quilt these areas to complete the task.

Catching Up - Mid October

 Good morning! Hope everyone is doing great and enjoying these slightly cooler days. It will be time to drag those coats out before we know it. I've been busy as usual, and thought I'd catch my readers up on what's going on. First off, I'm trying to get a few small classes going one-on-one at the local artist shop in Jacksonville, Alabama...and her is my first student. Linda is learning how to embroider and she did a great job of her first project.

My granddaughter is almost 3 years old now (doesn't she look just like her Mom with that unruly red hair!). She is pure sunshine! A few hours of play, and Nana is just worn out. :)

I'm still trudging along on my Snowflake hexagon (English Paper Piecing) quilt.

Each night I sit with this basket in my lap and create hexagons then stitch a few together. The snowflakes are done; now I'm working on the portions for the outside edge.

Each hexagon is fabric surrounding a fabric shape; the folds are tacked into place with needle and thread. When sections are sewn into the quilt top...the paper is "popped out" of each piece EXCEPT the outer edge hexies. These are kept stiff with the paper until the quilt is ready to complete.

This is my tredle sewing machine; she's a beauty. 

She is missing the tredle casing and lower plate; so I'm on the hunt to fine these. No luck on Etsy or Ebay but am still looking. 

Lastly, the latest book is coming along...at the publishers and expecting a release date after the first of the year. Seems that this one is taking way longer to pull together than before, but expect the publisher is having staffing problems or something.