Crazy Q Corner

A new year is on its way and I am ready, ready to stitch! How about you?

2011-12-26T15:12:00.000-08:00

YES. I finally got my stuff from Nevada. Have I unpacked it all? No. But I cant wait to get stitching again.

Stitching is soothing to the soul for me. To go without it this whole time has been stressful. It is my passion and favorite thing to do.

This week I will have something to post. I am giving myself that goal. To stitch and share here by next monday!

I imagine with the holidays many of you are busy with family and friends. But if you get a free moment I want to know friends. What is going to be your next stitching or sewing project?

My project? A big project will be a wall hanging for my wall. New apartment, new life! Time to actually decorate and make it feel like a home:)

On a small scale I want to get my muted color wall hanging done.

Hugs and hope everyone is doing well!

Ann

I am still alive. I hope you are too:)

2011-08-30T00:32:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. I am still here. Finally got a free moment to get online. Still don't have Internet for our new apartment yet. Slow going sometimes.

I just wanted to check in say hi. I hope all my blogging friends are doing well.

As soon as I get the Internet on I will be posting again and reading everyone's blogs.

Living in Washington has its perks. Wild blackberries growing:) this is what we made with what was collected. Sorry for the quality had to use my cell phone.

Have a great Tuesday everyone.
Hugs,

Ann

2011-06-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

Another great giveaway over at Koolbeenz.

She is giving away 2 separate fat quarter bundles. Check out the giveaway here: http://koolbeenz-blog.blogspot.com/

Ann Flowers

A "thanks for being awesome" giveaway over @ the plaid scottie

2011-05-25T22:44:00.000-07:00

Ah 3 different gifts are up for chances of winning ! You know you need to try for this giveaway!

My daughter who obsessed with pens reminded me to sign up for this giveaway, one of the prizes is a very cool pencil case!!!

Here is the link: http://theplaidscottie.blogspot.com/2011/05/thanks-for-being-awesome-giveaway.html

Hugs and a good night!

Ann

A giveaway a whole box of fabric over at talesatwaynemanor blog!!!

2011-05-25T21:40:00.000-07:00

Did I say a whole box, that is correct one winner for a whole box of fabric. I certainly entered since my daughter, some of you have seen her blog, is learning traditional quilting, she has no fabric so how can I pass on entering?

You know you want to try too:)

Here is the link!

http://talesatwaynemanor.blogspot.com/2011/05/box-o-fabric-giveaway.html

FNSI: What I did:)

2011-05-23T22:46:00.000-07:00

For the Friday night sew in my daughter and I were going to work on a project together. She ended up spending the night with her younger cousins. (They really are too adorable to resist when they ask)

I decided to work on my Crazy Quilt project for the swap I am in. Yes still working on it. But I was able to get the last two places done that I was wanting something on.

The sew-in was great for doing just that. I am posting pictures of the areas I worked on. I hope you all had a opportunity to stitch along!

Here is what I did:

Beads oh ya!

Flowers using silk buttonhole silk for the roses, cotton Perle size 8 for main stem and leaves 4mm hand dyed silk ribbon and middle of purple flowers is DMC rayon thread.

Lots of French knots using 3 strands of hand dyed silk. cotton Perle size 8 for the Shisha stitch.

That is it for now:) Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Ann

Stitchmap Mod Swap

2011-05-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

I am in a swap with the other mods on Stitchmap. Shari so graciously sent us a peacock feather and we all had to use it in a project for our secret swap partner. I am almost done with mine. She said smaller then a bread box and um mine is close to the size below that lol. So it is taking some extra time, add to great aspirations, the effects of my brain tumor make for some slow stitching, I hope my swap partner will think it was worth the wait:)

I got my item in the mail OH YA. Connie at Stitching like Crazy sent me a gorgeous piece. This is something I have wanted forever! Thank you Connie for the lovely huswif and the gorgeous stitching!

Here are some pictures of what I received:

The gorgeous front!See the long peacock feather that is the piece we all need to use.

This is the inside flap, This is some stunning stitching I love this so much!

This is the whole piece open showing the back, inside flap and front.

This is the inside. , on the left where the ribbon tie is there is a pocket to hold goodies. The scissors on the right are so nice. Since this beauty has arrived my daughter is zone in on those scissors. I just say nope they are mine:)

Thank you Connie so much for such a lovely piece! I will cherish is forever!

If you click on Kathy's blog link you can see how she used the feather in her swap item, very unique and ever so clever! http://www.shawkl.com/2011/05/stitchmap-moderator-challenge-swap.html

Hugs!
Ann

Friday night Sew in with Heidi

2011-05-13T14:54:00.000-07:00

My lovely daughter came out from her room very excited about a Friday sew-in set for May 20th she found over on Handmade by Heidi blog. S asked me to sign up for it with her. How can you resist your teen asking to spend time with you:)

I signed up, we will be working on a Applique quilt together. A nice daughter mom night! We will be playing with all the lovely applique pieces making our scene of lovely flowers.

There are 99 people signed up, how fun. You know you want to make it 100!

If you would like to sew along with us go sign up here: http://handmadebyheidi.blogspot.com/2011/05/friday-night-sew-in-for-may-20th.html

Remember it is for next Friday the 20th!

Have a great Friday everyone!

Ann

Fabric giveaway at sew fabulous quilt shop

2011-05-07T11:50:00.000-07:00

You know how much we all love fabric. Jenny over at Sew fabulous Quilt shop is having a giveaway of some very lovely fabric Be sure to click the link and check it out!

Sewfabulousquiltshop

Hugs,

Ann

sneak peak of what I am up to!

2011-04-30T02:15:00.000-07:00

I am still working hard on my swap project for the moderators swap at Stitchmap. I am sharing one motif that I have done on the item that will remain a total secret until I send it out to my partner. Here is my one little sneak peak:

As you can tell I had to black out the side so I did not reveal more then I wanted to. I am off to work on it some more. So much fun!!!!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Ann Flowers

Dawn's Quilt Corner fabric giveaway

2011-04-23T23:43:00.000-07:00

Ah Spring is here and summer is on the way, if you quilt or sew it is a great time for both. Dawn's Quilt Corner is giving away two sets of 6 fat quarters. Since there are two sets there will be 2 winners. So head over and enter!

P.S. I will be posting work soon, I am so busy stitching on it I do not have photo's of it yet, but I will be soon I promise:)

Hugs to you all,

Ann

Giveaway at KoolBeenz

2011-04-12T06:18:00.000-07:00

Fabric giveaway, did I say fabric? I know you will drool when I tell you that KoolBeenz is having a super giveaway. Someone will win a 12 fat quarter bundle. So head over and sign up. Very cute fabric that is perfect for a spring and summer project!

Ann

Last mug rugs arrived

2011-04-10T01:25:00.000-07:00

I got my final mug rugs in the mail. They came from Lyn G. They are so pretty and the tea looks so wonderful. Since she sent me twins I am going to share one with my daughter so we can have tea together!!!

Here are the ones she sent me:

So wonderful! Thank you Lyn!

Ann

A fat quarter giveaway that will turn you black and white:)

2011-04-06T23:43:00.000-07:00

Raggedy Station is having a giveaway to celebrate opening her new store. you could possibly win 12 black and white fat quarters and a lace button.

http://raggedystation.blogspot.com/2011/04/giveaway.html

Head over and sign up........but don't win okay! I really need those fat quarters for a black and white quilt I have been dreaming to make!!!

Hugs to you all:)

Ann

Name that Fiber -WINNER:)

2011-04-06T19:20:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Thank you so much for taking the time to enter my giveaway. I had two with the right answer. It is Rabbit hair. Our house bunny who is my son cute cuddle pet is molting, my son comes in with a very large handful and said " oh I would like a pillow of this" Chester's hair is so smooth and so soft I was thinking about using it in some way, its so soft and fluffy:):)

So I drew a name and the winner is:

Suz at http://suztats.blogspot.com/

Congratulations I will be sending you a email to get your shipping info!

Hoping some are having a warm night out there:)

Ann

Mug Rug swap done SPOILER ALERT

2011-04-05T02:52:00.000-07:00

SPOILER ALERT if it is Shari or Susie reading this page don't go any farther if you would rather be surprised by what I sent:)

I finally got my two mug rugs done for my swap partners. It was a very interesting process. I learned something about myself. I really need to get better at my sewing skills. Crazy Quilting is so easy and quilting is so hard. I would really like to learn to quilt:)

I admit I did not learn to use binding. I owe a huge amount of thanks to Erin over at Two more seconds. Erin had a week of Mug rug tutorials and eye candy. One her very first tutorial by Miss Nova at a cuppa and a catch up I was able to find the solution for making a mug rug without having to bind them:) THANK YOU LADIES!!!!

So here are my two mug rugs. I eek just a bit when I think of them. But I realize making mug rugs is a great way to learn the skills I lack in without going through tons of fabric. I need to make a list of everyone of my friends so I have a good reason to make them:)

Because of my lack of skill in the quilting department, I added a second gift to each mug rug. I made a crazy quilted topped tins using the same fabric. I love these tins, the tops slip off, they were much easier to cover then Altoids tins. My grandmother sent them to me, She is the best! I hope I can find more of them. They each are filled with a few different teas my daughter and I enjoy drinking. I hope they will find the tins useful:)

Here is one set:( this mug rug has all machine stitching so I added a couple of yo-yo's to it.

Here is the second set:( if you click the picture to see a bigger version you may see the many many french knots I put on the two squares of solid fabric. I machine stitched on the pin wheel fabrics.

That is what I have been up to. Now to work on a very big project for our Moderator swap on Stitchmap that is due the beginning of May. I need to get busy:)

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Ann

Name that fiber game.........

2011-04-02T23:13:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. I am having a little giveaway. Here is how it will work. I am showing you a picture below. To be entered into the giveaway all you have to do is make a guess of what you think the fiber is.

So leave 1 post with your guess and a way to contact you. I will take all the correct answers and draw a winner. You have until Wednesday noon to guess.

The prize will be this book I was sent one as a gift and love it. I now have a second copy and want to give it as the prize:

Okay here is the fiber:

Have fun friends:)

Ann

One of my swap Mug Rugs came:)

2011-03-19T16:31:00.000-07:00

I got my first Mug Rug from the swap I am in.

Amber R. Sent me the most adorable set. A reversible mug rug, snack bowl and tea bag holder! Amber it is gorgeous thank you!!

Have a great Saturday evening :)

Ann Flowers

samelia's Mum is sharing the love!

2011-03-19T00:19:00.000-07:00

You know me and giveaways. yes I love them.

sameliasmum.com is giving away a choice of 2 different packages, both with great fabric and treasures. You know you want to go and sign up:):)

Have a super weekend!

Ann

ahhh tried binding and it is not going well:(

2011-03-07T18:35:00.000-08:00

Well I signed up for a mug rug swap. I need to make 2. Did I think about the fact I have never in my life used made or tired to bind something? No I didn't!

I read 3 different blogs on how to make it and use it and still could not get my corners right, they were fine until I fold the binding to the other side. then it went all wacky. raw edges and such. When I folded over the back side was wider then the front. So I am back at square one.

Here is my disaster.

I am heading back to read some more to see where I went wrong.

Have a wonderful Monday night everyone:)

Ann

Wonderful fabric giveaway VERY NICE!

2011-03-03T14:19:00.000-08:00

Kaelin is having a awesome giveaway on her blog The Plaid Scottie.

Hop on over to her blog and check it out:)

Ann

Scroll Frames, have you used them?

2011-02-18T19:42:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone.

I need some help, I just finally got a Craft stand so that I can do hands free stitching YAHOO! i also got a couple of sizes of scroll frames. This is a picture of what they look like:

Couple of questions:

Has anyone actually used these?

If so the piece of material is held horizontally top and bottom but the sides are free. I was under the impression that you need to stretch all sides of the work. Does it effect the stitch quality?

Second is, Has anyone used these for Crazy Quilting specifically?

If so, how do you get your piece into the rod it seems to only hold thin single layer materials.

And last in your own opinion when you have a universal hands free stand, what is your favorite way to hold the stitch work, round hoops, square hoop, scroll bars or something else?

All ideas would be grateful:)

have a great weekend everyone!

Ann

Had to share some treasures!

2011-01-19T19:31:00.001-08:00

My hubby is a mobile Computer technician, it is amazing the variety of amazing people he meets and all the things they have done and still do.

Yesterday he visited a woman named Mary who had a wonderful collection of antique samplers. She was so gracious and let him take photo's of them. I just had to share with my blogging friends these amazing examples of stitching from long ago:) be sure to click on the pictures you will be able to see the details of these samplers.

I hope you enjoy them!

Ann

I am still Alive:)

2011-01-17T23:41:00.000-08:00

I am alive. I miss my blog. I am beginning a few projects of stitching. I will be sure to post updates on them and get my blog moving forward!!

I was supposed to find out the results for my tests on my brain tomorrow, but they are delayed 2 days. Doctor decided to take a 4 day weekend instead. But at least it is still this week.

Thank you to each and every one of you who have stuck to following my blog despite my illness and lack of ability to post. You are awesome everyone!!

Ok off to brainstorm some more on my projects!!!

Have a great Monday night!

Ann Flowers

When you love a old quilt or blanket & when to let go?

2010-11-20T02:06:00.000-08:00

I personally get attached to the blankets I use. I have tried using the hotel blanket, the hospital blanket and the blanket from the persons house your staying at. But something never feels right. I do not sleep well, i feel itchy and uncomfortable.

Now on to my favorite blanket:

About 6 years ago at a garage sale in a more well to do part of town I happened to see a comforter that looked like a quilt. I rushed over and picked it up. I had my hubby ask how much it is. After some whispering between them as I was unfolding it, the lady says "well there is a tear in it, it is damaged". I looked at it. Sure enough there is maybe a 4 inch, top layer only rip in a perfect straight line. She says since it is damaged how about a dollar.

I tried not to show my shear shock at the price why? 1. I can easily sew the line back together and 2. it was a Tommy Hilfiger queen size comforter.

Can anyone say SCORE!!!!!!!!. I fixed it when I got home, when I go to show my family where I fixed it I literally could not find it. OH YA!

This blanket is like sleeping in pure soft fluffiness. It has been my main blanket. I love it. If I go somewhere it goes too.

I love the blues and white stripes fabrics I love the fact that it uses denim and is mostly blue and white with darker shades of blue and some red. I like the quilted block look:):):)

This is what it would look like bought new, mine was a few shades lighter since they had obviously been washing it.

Now mind you it was used when I got it and now I have had it for 6 years, it is getting wear and tear spots all over. I sew over the spots. It is not about beauty it is about sweet comfort.

It has been dragged to our yearly trip to a convention so I can sleep in the hotel with it. And lately it has been to the hospital a number of times and is my blanket of comfort while being stuck on the couch. It is wearing out.

I dread the thought of the upcoming hospital stay and brain surgery without it. So what to do, what to do?

How long is a reasonable time to be stitching and patching a quilt that is wearing thin on the outside and the batting?

So how long have you guys kept a quilt that is falling a part and used daily?
When do you say ok its done?
Is there really a "hmm get rid of that thing" for a favorite beloved blanket?

Would to love to see what you guys do:)

Ann

14 fat quarter giveaway oh ya!

2010-11-17T22:03:00.000-08:00

You have to check out this giveaway over at retomummy Corrie is so generously giving away 14 fat quarters of adorable cute fabric. It would be great for quilts or little girls dresses.

So head on over check out her blog and enter the giveaway!

Ann

Giveaway!! Pink Fig Designs is giving away 2 quilts!!!

2010-11-15T04:27:00.000-08:00

Winning fabric is great, a pattern is awesome. But friends Chelsea over at Pink Fig Design is having a giveaway of two complete quilts ready for snuggling. You know it would make a great gift for a loved one:)

This is one of them!

So here is a link to her blog ( you know you want to enter): http://pinkfigdesign.blogspot.com/

See you there! I have nieces who would be so thrilled to have a real quilt of their very own!

p.s. I know I have not posted much stitching lately, just blog giveaways. I just want you to know I wish I was posting about both. I recently found out I have a brain tumor, it is causing sever problems. It is much more serious then we originally thought. I am now in the process of doctor visits and discussions of surgery hopefully. So don't leave please! As soon as the dust settles a little from the upheaval it has caused I will be right back to stitching and posting. For now I will at least have giveaway posts, come on who doesn't dream of winning?;)

ok enough about personal stuff!

Don't forget to enter!

Have a wonderful Monday everyone!

Ann

"What?".....A "crazy" mom with a "sane" daughter?

2010-10-27T20:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know you would think I would be jumping for joy to have a "sane" daughter. But that would mean I was talking about a mental attitude.

Alas I am referring to the quilting world.

My daughter is 17, well she will be 18 in 5 days. She loves my crazy quilts. She is one of my biggest fans and always loves each thing I make. She asked me to show her how to crazy quilt about 2 years ago.

Of course I would. So I helped her through making a block... all was well. She made it in record time. I showed her some simple embroidery stitches. She worked on one seam and said "why don't you embroider the seams for me and I can decorate it?"

What? I told her that is part of crazy quilting. The piece sat for weeks then months. When I would be working on a project and she would pull the piece out and work on it for a tiny bit, then put it away again.

Fast forward 2 years. She asked about making a Crazy Quilt a couple of months ago. I pulled her sad crumpled block out of a fabric box and said "what about this one?". Mind you it only had 1 seam done over the last 2 years. With her shy cute face she said "oh ya"

Then I got sick this last month, and ended up confined to bed. The subject kind of slipped away. Two weeks ago she asked if she could make a lap quilt. I said sure.

In 2 nights she cut her blocks, organized them how she liked them and sewed the top together.

As I sat watching her I realized she likes to sew more then embellish. I said that I realized that she is not a crazy quilter she is a sane quilter. At first she was real quiet. I told her I was not sad. That I want her creative outlet to be what she enjoys. The same as some paint, some draw and so on.. With a relieved look on her face she told me she prefers the sewing, actually that she loves it.

And thus my daughter officially became a sane quilter.

Inside my mind I thought "who could not want to touch, use and fiddle with silk ribbon and threads of all kinds feeling the desire to use it all?" Well my daughter. As I watch her pull out fabrics, I do not take a second look at for crazy quilting, I think "oh man that is a really pretty fabric."

Okay I get it, Sane quilters get just as much excitement out of the colors and patterns and designs of fabric as us Crazy Quilters get out of embellishments.

I will always be first choice a Crazy Quilter. I will admit seeing all that gorgeous fabric that is perfect for quilts is calling me.... I may just have to make a traditional quilt soon!

I will post a picture of it when it is done!

Ah I am very fortunate to have a daughter who likes to sew:):):)

Ann

Blogging what do you do?

2010-10-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

That is the Question what do you do???

When I log in late at night in my quiet as a mouse home. I look forward to looking at all the blogs I follow. Since I have been really sick this last week a day or two may go by in which I don't get to look at all my favorites.

I noticed something the other day and was curious to see what your responses at readers would be.

When you go to your dashboard and your scrolling through all the blogs that have new posts. What attracts you to click on them the most. A catchy title? A intriguing photo or does it need both?

I find if I am very sick, I will go by picture first and then if I am still feeling ok I go back and go by title.

Then I wondered am I missing some great posts because I base them on these two things,

So my question to you fellow readers and bloggers what do you do?

Have a fantastic day everyone!

Ann Flowers

A great giveaway opportunity

2010-09-23T15:57:00.000-07:00

There is a very cool giveaway over at http://patchesandpieces.blogspot.com/

She is giving away a grip that I so want to win for holding your rulers down and some gorgeous fabric.

So hop on over and check out her blog and sign up for the giveaway:)

Ann Flowers

What I have been working on

2010-09-19T13:51:00.000-07:00

I have been busy working on a Pin cushion for a challenge over at Stitchmap. It is a fun challenge.

I chose to do bullion roses and french knots. Bullion stitch is one of my weaker points so the practice was nice to do. I did bullion stitches and then added a few cast on stitches around them to give them fuller petals at the edges. I was using Silk thread. I had a rough time getting the cast on stitch not to spiral. Someone suggested using Edmar thread, I hope to get some of that type of thread soon and try it out. If any of you have suggestions on how to do the cast on stitch with other threads besides Rayon. Please suggest away. I could really use the tips:)

Here is my pin cushion finished.

So that is it for now. I am off to rest on the couch:) Have a great Sunday everyone!

Ann

2011 ArtBra Calendar

2010-09-12T03:08:00.000-07:00

I recently won a giveaway at Vickie Brown's blog ribbonsmyth. What did I win? I won next years Art-Bra calender.

Oh my is it wonderful!!! Each bra featured in the calender are gorgeous and what lovely sentiments go along with it. If you know anyone who has had or does have breast cancer you will enjoy this calender, it is inspirational!

Go to Vickie's site by clicking the above link, it will provide you with the information on how to get your own lovely calender. Not only will you be supporting a great cause but you end up with something to cherish. I have no affiliation with Ribbonsmyth just a very happy winner:)

Thank you so much Vickie for such a great giveaway and I love the calender!!

Ann Flowers

Thank you Wendy!!!!!

2010-09-09T19:44:00.000-07:00

I won Wendy's giveaway from her blog prize it is just awesome. I have each and every thing is perfect. WOW the extra gifts were so awesome. I LOVE the pin cushion you made it is so cute and totally perfect! Thank you so much for all your kindness Wendy!! You are so thoughtful! Be sure to check out Wendy's blog:) http://stitchduchessscrazysanequiltingworld.blogspot.com/

Ann Flowers

CQ block update

2010-08-17T00:04:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

First I need to say thank you to those who gave me some great suggestions on how to break up the large spot on my block..

I went with the idea of using some lace to break up the area. Then I added a corner of a hankie. This is by far not done yet. I will be stitching a motif of flowers on the hankie. Here is what I have so far in the large section I ask for help on in a previous post.

The lace and hankie:

I also added a pretty motif I had in my Stash. It had the large pearls on it. I stitched it down by adding the smaller pearls to it. I had a couple of spots that the foundation had some stitched work on it with holes. This piece fit perfect over it to give it a more complete look.

I had mentioned in a previous post that I was able to get a silkie and some lace from Nicki. This is how it turned out on the block:

I also made a fan in the lower left hand corner. I found the coolest tutorial on a small fan at CQ Magazine online, I just stitched it down when I was done. It is great for crazy Quilts. here: CQ Fan tutorial

Here is a pic of my fan:

I am sure you will enjoy making projects with it. I Am not sure what else I will add to that area. I am sure it will come to me when the time is right!

I love working on this block it is so calming. Here is a picture of how the block looks as a whole right now:

Thanks for visiting:)

Ann

A big "Thank You"

2010-08-10T15:49:00.000-07:00

I just have to send a big "Thank You" to Nicki Lee at Raviolee Dreams. I was in need of a silkie for my block I posted on the previous post. I was able to purchase the silkie and a perfect lace frame to complement it. It arrived today. I love it. It is absolutely PERFECT for my block. So thank you so much.

If your in the need for any hand dyed laces I would recommend visiting Nicki's shop on Esty here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/RavioleeDreams

You will not be disappointed:)

Thank you so much Nicki!
Ann Flowers

Need some Creative imput...Please help

2010-08-02T23:26:00.000-07:00

I am starting to work on my CQ in which I am using light colors. I have a dilemma that is stunting my creative process on it. Since many of you are amazing Guinness's when it comes to fabric arts. I thought I would ask you for some ideas on what to do with my problem area.

I have attached a photo below of my project. If you notice, I made the mistake of making on section of the CQ way to big. it is up top. You can not miss it, as it is the LARGE one. What was I thinking that day? Beats me lol.

So I know I want to break it up a bit. This I have never needed to do before. I just can not think of what to do. I thought about a piece of ribbon cutting it into 2 but when I lay ribbon across it give it a geometric feel. I want soft and flowing feel, dainty and Victorian like.

So what do you think? And ideas as to how to make it flow but not be one huge section?

I thank each and every one of you who take the time to give me some tips:)

Have a great Tuesday everyone:)

Ann Flowers

Want a Amazing machine that will fit anyones craft favorites?

2010-08-02T15:31:00.000-07:00

I read about this giveaway on another blog. I have to share. I know many of you dabble in fabric and paper arts and it would fit either.

This blog: http://vandcogiveaways.blogspot.com/ is giving away a Silhouette SD machine and all the fixings that go with it. You can do so many things with it. Go check out the links provided in the blog and see for yourself it is a contest worth entering:)

Ann Flowers

Completely done with my Class projects!

2010-06-12T21:58:00.000-07:00

I finished the last of the projects required for the Crazy Quilt class. It was so exciting to participate in. I grew in knowledge in so many ways. I am so thankful for this free online class Shari. Paying for classes in the techniques I love is something I would never be able to do with our very small income. You gave me something so great! Thank you for such a wonderful resource!

Here is a picture of all the projects together completed!

This is a thread holder, 2 needle cases, 1 pin cushion.

Here is a side view of the pin cushion:

I am looking forward to Mentoring in this class as it starts it's second set of participants soon!

Okay, I have work to do still for our next challenge. So I better get to it:)

Ann

Thread holder and Needle case done for BCQC!!!!

2010-06-02T02:05:00.000-07:00

I was able to get my thread holder & my needle case sewn for the class.

I am very happy with how they turned out. I still need to make the Pin cushion. I need one piece to complete it, and need to wait till I can get it.

Here are a couple of pictures. The first is the roll up and needle case done and open. The second picture is what they look like rolled up and closed:)

Enjoy!

I will post pictures of the pin cushion when I get done with it.

The BCQC at Stitchmap is fantastic. I have been Crazy Quilting for a long time and still learned many thing. Plus I love the beautiful items I ended up with in the end!

Ann

CQ Thread holder all done! Yippy!!

2010-05-23T00:49:00.000-07:00

I finally got my final element done on my thread holder. I hope you enjoy it. I am very happy with it. I put the bow upside down since this will roll up and needs to have something to see from every direction.

Here is the thread holder:

Now on to sew them together. I will post pictures of the needle holder, pin cushion and needle book done when I finish.

Have a great Sunday!

Ann

Busy, Busy ,Busy..........

2010-05-20T02:33:00.000-07:00

I have been so very busy. Filling out a new post so quickly falls to the way side.

I have been working on my thread holder. I put the very last element on it and found that I hadn't quite followed the instructions, so I am working to reposition it.

Funny how you look at your own work and may not even realize a habit you have in your style of CQing. A woman I hold dear and has helped me to grow so very much in my own abilities, showed me how to look at my own work, by viewing it in a picture or up on my screen. I found that I tend to Crazy Quilt in a picture style. Not that is bad, we can make them any way we want. But I had not noticed that before. All my items face top to bottom all in a general direction. They look like a photograph really. I look at so many books and pictures that show crazy quilts go all over. My friend showed me I can simply change directions and the piece can be viewed from many angles. I was so happy. I am excited to make another piece and mix it up a bit. I know it will be fun. I will say I appreciate the honesty of a opinion when it helps me move out of my little box into a much large one;)

I have officially became a moderator on Stitchmap. What a privilege to be so. Thankfully Shari accepted me with all my good and bad abilities. She was ok with my past failings and willing to give me a chance to help out. I must say being the challenge coordinator is a "challenge" it is not a position I have ever done before. But with Shari's help and unfailing support I believe I will grow to do the job right.

Not only are we currently in a One Stitch Challenge that helps you to learn one stitch, use it in a project. But it also in the end gets you a completed item you can keep for yourself or give as a gift. How cool is that. We have in store some great simple fun challenges coming up. I love how each challenge is made to appeal to every kind of needlework artist we have in the group.

So many fun things happening at Stitchmap. Two of the classes are almost complete meaning I will finish up with my awesome apprentices and getting new ones.

I have to say Jane and Caroline, you made my first time as a mentor a breeze. I thank you so much for your diligence and hard work:)

Well I am off to bed. I promise to post pictures of the thread holder when its done.

Have a great Thursday:)

Ann

Color theory lesson 5 done

2010-05-12T20:31:00.000-07:00

I was able to do lesson 5 for the color theory class on Stitchmap. I needed to put some warm and cool frames around the same flowers to see what stands out:) I needed to do a side by side stitch on two different colors of fabric. Here are my pics:

Cool color flower with warm and cool color frame.

Warm color flower with cool and warm colored frame.

Side by side comparison.

I need to add a ribbon to my CQ thread holder. I will be doing that tonight. I will post it as soon as it is done.

Ann

Pin cushion and needle book work done!!

2010-04-25T00:46:00.000-07:00

I am so happy I have the pin cushion and needle case work done. I have the optional needle case to do still. Other then that I am almost complete.

Here is the pin cushion picture: ( the gold thread does not photograph well)

Here is the needle case:

My thread holder is done too. I added a few beads to it. I think I will leave it as is. I am still trying to decide if I want to leave the middle with just the print of the butterfly or if i want to add something to it. I will post pictures when I am done deciding:)

Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!

Ann

YES! Caught up in Color Theory Class

2010-04-22T02:31:00.000-07:00

Well I have been stitching away. I got all seven pieces stitched for the class. I never thought I would need to know much about color but this class really does help you get a good idea of how to use colors the best way possible.

Here Are the completed stitched pieces for the color theory class I am in. It is great fun.

Now I am off to get working on my partly done blocks for my QC projects.

I am still here:)

2010-04-06T16:18:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. I am still here. I have had the most problematic few weeks. I want to post and yet run out of time and brain power. I fell twice about a week and a half ago, once tripping, scrapping knees sort of thing and a few days later falling about 4 feet off a counter backwards hitting the floor on my back and hitting my head. I have a concussion and it makes it hard to think for very long lol. I have been on a heating pad and sleeping most of the time. Enough about my clumsy self.....

I have been stitching. I am working on the samples for the color theory class. Here are 2 of them so far. I am doing the same pattern for the first six needed for the lesson each with a different color requirement.

I tried using store bought tracing paper instead of tissue paper, I find it pulled on my stitches more when I went to remove it. I am going to go back to the tissue paper after this project. I already have them all drawn out and sewn in place. So it will have to wait for the next pattern.

I got the pattern for the flowers from Mary Corbert's Site: http://www.needlenthread.com/

It is a great stitching resource:)

Now I need to search through my stuff to find the pieces I need to be stitching for the CQ class. I will post more as soon as I get it.

Have a wonderful Tuesday evening!

Ann Flowers

Dragonfly done for Thread holder.

2010-03-21T00:26:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to of gotten my dragonfly on my thread holder. It was originally to be all beads, for my corner it was to heavy using all beads so I chose to do silk organza wings and then a beaded body.

I decided to extend the flower vine all the way up to the block where I wanted my Dragonfly to be flying around it. This for my own thoughts helped carry the eyes across the whole top of the block. I hope.

Here is the Dragonfly:

Here is the whole block now with Dragonfly:

I am pretty happy with it turning out how I wanted it to.

I will post more soon:)

Night everyone!

Ann

More work done on thread holder

2010-03-17T01:53:00.000-07:00

Well I was able to get more done on my thread holder. All I have left is a Dragonfly which I need to buy the beads for.

I finished up my flower that I wanted to go below my butterfly. I used a variegated silk thread from Hand-dyed fibers called Burnished Cranberry.

I filled it with french knots.

I used my existing chain stitch to attach the flower to something. The flower was so large I doubles the chain stitch side by side so it fit better.

I can not wait until the surface embroidery class comes available I have so much to learn.

Here is the picture:

If you have read my blog in the past your well aware I am not a real fan of buttons. I love looking at them and some are so pretty I have to have them. I suppose I don't hate buttons. I just sit not having any inspiration when I have to use them. It take a lot of thinking and still I am never satisfied with what I do. But the holder had to have a button trail.

Since I own very little buttons and what I have is from CQ packages from generous other CQ'ers. I only had a couple. This is what I came up with. Hmmm, a how to use buttons course would be interesting;)
I added some beads to round it out.

Here is my button trail:

Now for the spider and its web. I used Petite treasure braid gold ( love this stuff) The lesson talked about keeping a spider in proportion to its web. Now The given place for a web on my block seems to be the middle or the upper left corner where the curve is. I was not feeling it. I wanted it to be different. Plus I really want to do something different with the upper corner. SO what to do.... So I liked the idea of a spider web using the flower motif on the left.
Web done. Spider needs to match.

I have no supply of the type of beads needed. Someone sent me these small beads that worked for the back end and I used a seed bead for the head. Stitched the legs. Although I may make the legs a darker red. This spider is SMALL and hard to photograph. Plus the light reflects in a way to make the back end bead to lighten more then it is. Other then size (he,he,he) I think it fits the guidelines:)

Spider with web:

Also the Lace motif piece:

Here is my block as a whole to date:

That is it for now!! I will update with more pictures of it as it progresses. I have lesson 2 to complete for the color theory class, so off I go:)

Goodnight everyone:)

Ann

Motifs done on Thread holder:)

2010-03-08T01:40:00.000-08:00

I got my motifs done on the thread holder. I am beginning to like the tissue paper transfer idea. I never would have tried it otherwise. It makes it so easy.

I chose 3 motifs and one is from the class. I selected 2 others to do on my block. Here are the results:

The first picture is of a motif that is offered in the CQ class. I used basic cotton DMC floss for the stem stitch and the detached chain stitch leaves. I used size 5 Perle silk for the Spider Web roses.

The butterfly is all Thread Art cotton Perle size #8. I used the stem stitch throughout.

For the Tree motif I chose to use Thread Art Cotton Perle size #8 for the stem stitch trunk and the green french knots. The chain stitch is using 2 strands of DMC cotton basic floss.

Here is a picture of the whole block right now. I will be adding a stitched flower below the the butterfly so it looks like it is landing on it. But I am still looking for the right flower:)

You will notice that the seam is shortened where the 3 flower motif is. I needed the room. A good lesson: Filling all of your seams is not always the best idea. As the class shows it is ok to leave a few blank until your motifs are done. So I am off to add the remaining items needing for the class.

I am enjoying the color theory class as well. It is funny how you don't realize how much color plays a part in our needlework!! Great class.

Have a great Monday everyone!!!

Ann

Progress on Thread holder

2010-03-03T22:34:00.000-08:00

I was able to finish up my seams on my thread Holder for the class on Stitchmap.

I left a few areas unfinished. I did not add anything to my chain stitch and did not embellish the lace with more then a straight stitch. I will be finishing those up once I get my motifs in so I can have the right amount of room.

Here is a picture of my stitches:

Now I am off to make a color wheel for the color theory class and start on lesson 6 of the CQ class!!

Have a wonderful week everyone.
Ann

Snow Dyeing

2010-03-02T23:59:00.000-08:00

Finally I had a chance to take a picture of the fabric I did for snow dyeing. At Stitchmap group Shari had a challenge of trying snow dyeing. When it finally snowed. I was able to try it out.

Here is the result I got using White muslin and my daughters water color paints ( the kind in the tubes)

It was a interesting process. The kids were fascinated by it. Thanks for the fun Shari!

Ann

March 1st: I have a blog winner..........

2010-03-01T00:06:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, Thank you for entering my blog giveaway. I have a winner. My Kind son stayed up with until midnight so he could pull a name. I had them all in a bowl but he insisted putting them in his hat so he could in no way see them lol. Here he is doing the kind deed for me:)

The named he pulled was............

Amber: phina47@netzero.net

Congratulations Amber. I will have be sending your prize out this week. This is what I am sending you.

I love Inspirations Magazine ever since Arlene White sent me one. So I bought a few more over the last year. I got them for a great price since they are older issues.

So I am sending you Issue No. 47 of Inspirations magazine.
2 silk flosses from handyedfibers.com
2 cotton Perle's size 5
3 dmc flosses

Here is a picture:

Since I had more then one package ready I had my son draw a second name out of those who entered this blog giveaway but also have commented on any one of my posts in the last year. When he pulled a name he got.........

Wendy: stitchduchess2@yahoo.com

Her prize has 2 beading books and a bag of bead soup. My mom did loom beading as I have grown up, She bought all her seed beads from the Indian reservation we lived near. She did many amazing and beautiful items. She can no longer bead and gave me all the beads she had, they were in a soup mix when she gave them to me, but they are still great beads. I sure hope you like them. The smaller bag of turquoise colored ones is also seed beads from the same place.

Here is a photo:

Thanks again for signing up everyone!

Have a great Monday!

Ann Flowers

Snow Dyeing

2010-02-25T13:21:00.000-08:00

At stitchmap a couple of week ago Shari issued a challenge to do some snow dyeing. As I had no snow and no way to get my ice shopped up to a fine snow like consistency. I did not participate. Well it snowed a foot her a couple of days ago. So I ran out today with a shopping bag and grabbed some. I have my snow covered in dye sitting out. When it is all done I will post my results!!!!

Thanks for entering my contest. Deadline is Monday March 1st. There is still time to enter:)

Ann

My one year blog giveaway!!!!

2010-02-21T20:16:00.000-08:00

So, I realized a few days ago that January 21st I reached my 1st year anniversary having a blog. I waited till Feb 21st to post so I am exactly 1 month late lol.

What is the prize you may ask? Since there are so many different people who enter, once your name is drawn I will base the prize on what you do, if your a Crazy Quilter it will be something for CQing, if your a sane quilter it will be fabric, if you like scrap booking it will be stuff for that. If your somewhere in between, I will come up with something!!!!

If you would like to be entered please just leave a comment and tell me what type of crafting you do. I know not everyone I know is a Crazy Quilter. So it will be fun to see what you all do:) Plus it helps me know what type of prize you would like!

I have no requirements other then please put your email address in your post!!!!!

I will have my Son draw a name from all the valid posts on March 1st!

Thanks for reading my blog and giving me so much fun in getting to read yours!

Ann Flowers

Yes another project done!!!

2010-02-12T22:16:00.000-08:00

Being sick has it advantages. I have been able to finish most of the projects I had that needed to be completed.

This is one of the 6 blocks that went around for a flower fairy RR. I chose the yellow one, since I had some on hand threads and such that matched. So Here is Ritva's block. Now they can all go home to her:)

Ann

Figured out what to put in tin

2010-02-12T18:25:00.000-08:00

So on my previous post I showed a picture of a tin I did for my hubby's Grandmother. I was going to line it with felt, but wanted to do something personal in it. So I whipped up a cross stitch of her initials and glued it into the lid. I am giving it to her tomorrow. I sure hope she likes it.

Here is another pic of the top and one of the inside:

Have a great weekend everyone!

Ann

Progress on class work

2010-02-10T03:19:00.000-08:00

Well My very sweet and great apprentice is basking in the warm sun of Florida. I am sitting couch ridden with sever bronchitis. I am miserable, but it gives me lots of time for stitching. So I got the sample stitches done the class asks for and picking and attaching a piece of lace on my large CQ block for the class. Along the curve.

Here's the pictures:

I also finally got a tin done for my hubby's grandmother. She loves Victorian things. So I used a silkie in the middle. I know she will get much joy out of it. So she can use it for pills I will be lining the inside with felt.

This is what the top looks like

This is the tin all put together.

I am currently stitching on a fairy block for Ritva. I am also starting to add stitches to my thread holder for the class. So much fun!!!

I will post more pics as I get my projects done.

Then After I am caught up I am so excited to begin piecing my Oriental wall hanging for my living room!!!! I will be sure to post pics of the progress.

Ok spent to much time up on the computer. Need to go sit and wait for my insomnia meds to kick in.

Have a glorious Wednesday!!!

Wendy's block completed!

2010-02-06T15:28:00.000-08:00

I finished up my work on Wendy's Flower Fairy's block. I sure hope she likes it!

Cobi, did the amazing flower embroidery on the left side, she also add the round lace. Cobi did the top part with lace and beads. She added the purple butterfly, pink dragonfly and the attached the bird on the branch. She also did the top green stem stitch with lazy daisy's and sequin. She also stitched the outline of the wings. The lace with embroidery along the right edge.

I did the hair and skirt on the girl. The flower motif with silk ribbon flowers and french knots and bullion flowers along the bottom and climbing up the right side. I did the white feather stitch with purple glass seed beads.

Here's the picture:

I will be sending the blocks off to Ritva on Monday.

On to Ritva's blocks:)

Have a lovely day everyone.

Sneak Peak

2010-02-04T23:13:00.000-08:00

I have been helping out on the Fairy block RR on CQI. I thought I would post a sneak peek of what I have been doing.

I get to work on a block that belongs to Wendy and one that belongs to Ritva.

Since Ritva needs to work on one of Wendy's blocks as well, I am trying to get it done first.

I am in the middle of a large motif on it. I did get done my work on the little lady and thought I would share.

Cobi did the work on the wings:)

I added a ribbon skirt to her. This was my very first expensive ribbon I owned. I bought only a 1/8 of a yard 6 years ago. It has been safely tucked away waiting for the perfect thing to put it on. I was happy to find it matched Wendy's block and finally got to use it:)

I checked my library for any books about how to stitch the girls. I found Di Van Niekerk's flower fairy book. I learned how to do surface embroidery I have never done before.

So I tried doing the hair on the girl following the basic instructions.

Here it is: ( click to enlarge)

Hope Wendy will like it!

Ok I need to get back to the motif. Have a wonderful night everyone:)

Getting out of Winter blues;)

2010-01-28T23:05:00.000-08:00

Pat over at A little of this and a little of Pat Suggested we go back to 2005 and in the 5th album get the 5th photo and share.

I don't have any albums older the 2006. I had to find my pic in there. My 5th album and 5th picture is of my son, daughter and niece.

We play a game called Geocaching, it uses a GPS to find hidden containers in places no one would think they are. We use geocaching.com to find the coordinates. They can be as small like a film canister or Altoids tin all the way up to a ammo can filled with goodies to trade. They can be in a light pole in a Wal-mart parking lot all the way up to hidden up in the mountains that take a long hike to get to.

You always sign a log book, but the bigger ones often have items to take and you always leave one out of courtesy. We have hidden our own and go looking for them all the time. We have a few thousand at least in our town and surrounding areas. They are hidden all over the world and pretty much anywhere you go, you can go to one.

Back to the picture:) We climbed a small mountain and up into some rocks to find this cache called Chocolate peak, it was a almond Roca container that held the log and goodies( no food of course). We took this picture of the kids holding the cache as they are called.

(please excuse the quality of the photo, it was before I got a digital)

Thanks Pat for the brightened day and the memories.

Fiber choices for CQ class

2010-01-24T23:17:00.000-08:00

It was time for picking thread and ribbon we would be using on our CQ blocks ( mine are in a previous post)

I put out more then I will need. That way I have a choice that fits how I feel about my block at the time. As I start adding stitches to a block what i think I will use may no longer fit. So I 'cushion" my choice:)

Here are my threads and ribbon in color groups and then with my block:

This is my list of fibers:
Ribbons:
From: handdyedfibers.com
7mm 100% silk ribbon color Hunter
4mm 100% silk ribbon color Hunter
7mm 100% silk ribbon color Wine
2mm 100% silk ribbon color Wine
7mm 100% silk ribbon color OMG red
4mm 100% silk ribbon color Light tan
13mm 100% silk ribbon color variegated greens, came in grab bag so no color code
13mm 100% silk ribbon color variegated green to dusty rose, came in grab bag so no color code

24mm Organza 55% silk(45% nylon) color Burgundy

Misc:
stitched fiber either rayon or silk, gift not sure what it is, color dark hunter green.

Threads:
Handyedfibers.com

6 strand 100% silk floss color OMG red
6 strand 100% silk floss color Bird Feather 4103
6 strand 100% silk floss color Bird Feather 4101

Kreinik
6 strand 100% Silk Mori, 100% silk color #4167- dark green

DMC

cotton 6 stranded floss color 814- Garnet dark
cotton 6 stranded floss color 3051-Dark green grey
cotton 6 stranded floss color 612- Light drab brown
cotton 6 stranded floss color 3362- Dark pine green
cotton 6 stranded floss color a Green grey not sure what no tag with it.
cotton 6 stranded floss color 680- Dark old gold
Cotton Perle single strand size 8 color 498- Turkey red
Cotton Perle single strand size 8 color 738- Light Tan

Silk buttonhole do not know anything else (gift) light gold color

Treasure Braid
size: petite, 65% Rayon 35% Metalized Polyester Color PB02 Arctic gold

Coats
Thread 100% Rayon 40wt color gold

I will be working on them soon. I will post pictures when I do:)

Have a wonderful evening and a nice Monday everyone.

Project pieces done for class!!!

2010-01-21T00:16:00.001-08:00

I got the pieces done for the projects from the Crazy Quilt class. It was a lot of fun to work on each of these pieces. I cant wait to start embellishing them.

My apprentice, Jane is doing a fabulous job, I love her fabric choices. Her pieces for the class look great. She is such a delight to work with:)

Here are the pictures of my 3 blocks pieced together:

First year blogging giveaway!

2010-01-20T22:14:00.000-08:00

Hop on over to Karen's site to see her blog anniversary giveaway!!!

sadiessilkenthreads.blogspot.com

Join in and get a chance to win:)

Crazy Quilt Class

2010-01-16T03:00:00.000-08:00

I am currently mentoring a lovely lady named Jane on stitchmap, for the Beginner CQ class that is offered there. Part of the process it to do the course yourself so you can have examples and have experienced what the student may be going through.

Lesson 2 is complete when your final selection of fabrics is done and posted to the group.

Here are the fabrics I will be using for the rest of the course:

I will post pictures after I am done piecing!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Ann

Must Send a big shout of thanks to Ruby

2010-01-16T01:37:00.000-08:00

I was home and had a knock at the door, expecting no one, it was FedEx. A box from one of my favorite online vendors, but I didn't order anything, I am being a good girl so the rent gets paid! So why did it have my name on it?so I .....

Opened it and literally gasped, my kids surrounded me and had to know what is in the box?

obtained in that precious box was a book I have been longing to have but could not afford yet. Carol Samples Treasury of Crazy Quilt Stitches. if that were not enough it included a bead embroidery book, which will help me to be able to learn more about bead embroidery.

Ruby, you are so generous and kind! You gave me the most special surprise. To do something so special for me is just amazing kindness.

I will treasure these books forever and they will be used for sure!

I think your name fits your personality perfectly. As we all know the definition for ruby is: a precious stone that is a red corundum. When I looked up precious in the thesaurus it says it also means, adored, beloved, cherished,inestimable, loved, prized, treasured. You are all of those! I hope all your friends and family feel the same way!

Thank you for my gifts. They are wonderful!

Ann

Update...what a I doing?

2010-01-14T17:40:00.000-08:00

Well. I am currently digging through all my fabric for cotton fabrics for a CQ class. So much fun. Who doesn't want to dig through their fabric.

I also am getting ready to piece my 2010 challenge block for CQI. I Don't want January to get a jump on me. To think it is already the 14th.

So I will post pictures of my fabric choices for the CQ class. When I get all my blocks together I will be posting them as well.

I will be beginning a Crazy Quilt project that will actually be for my home. This is a new adventure for me. I usually only make Crazy Quilt items for others. I am so excited. I am making a oriental themed wall hanging for my living room. I am able to do this only by the generous and kind ladies who sent me fabric to make it. I am in awe of how generous these special ladies are. Thank you so very much for making this project possible!!!!

So. I hope you are all busy in your stitching delights. I sure hope so. Even in our toughest hour, a little stitching brings such calm to our lives. I read some of the most amazing stories of how stitching helped people cope while going through so much in a issue of Inspirations. So ladies, even if you only have energy for 10 minutes pull out your favorite medium and get stitching!

Will post pics soon as I have them!

Have a wonderful evening.

Ann

Hand made by Heidi blog event and giveaway

2010-01-07T01:52:00.000-08:00

Heidi over at handmade by Heidi, is hosting a even called "Friday night sew in" You follow a few linking instructions, add your name to the list and see how to qualify for a giveaway. If you have a free Friday night and love sitting in your P.J.'s and sewing or stitching, then this will be right up your alley!

Here is the link: "Friday night sew in and giveaway"

Come join the fun and possibly get a project finished you haven't had a chance to do yet.

New Look to my blog!

2010-01-02T03:41:00.000-08:00

I wanted to get some sort of background going on my blog. I was fortunate enough to find one of my all time favorite things in one of the blog backgrounds from shabbyblogs.com. A background with butterfly wings. I love butterflies immensely. And it was in a color combo that I love, black and white! So I added the background and a new header. My hubby helped my get my initials into the middle of the header image.(So nice to have a computer technician for a hubby) And it turned out just like I wanted.

Have a wonderful day today everyone!

Ann Flowers

New blog giveaway at Calico Prairie

2009-12-31T04:21:00.000-08:00

A new blog giveaway is underway head on over to Calico Prairie to see the gorgeous stuff she is giving away:) Here is the link: Calico Prairie

Be sure to check out the rest of her blog too:)

Ann

BAS #43 And now I am caught up!!!

2009-12-28T23:00:00.000-08:00

YA! I am actually caught up to the current stitch that is for the Build a seam challenge. So glad.

So stitch 43 was called the Moss stitch. Kerry demonstrated the stitch with a fiber called Very Velvet. I thought this stitch could use a Chenille fiber. Well that did not go well. I had a hard time with it and the shedding made it impossible. So I went through my fibers and found that my very good friend who also crazy quilts had at one time actually sent me 4 different colors of the Very Velvet. I did not know how to use it so I have had it sitting in my bag.

I pulled it out and selected a color. I then used 3 strands of a basic DMC floss for the other stitches. I ended with some Fargo roses with some 4mm silk ribbon in the middles.This is my first try with the Moss stitch( the stitch with the turquoise velvet):

I was curious how this stitch would look with a regular thinner thread, so I did one set with some size 8 cotton Perle. I added some connecting edges with another color of the cotton Perle and got the following seam. When I actually use this on my block I will be adding some beads and such to Jazz it up. Here is the Moss stitch which is in red and then a straight stitch around it:

I did have a harder time keeping my stitches very tight and straight with the smaller thread when making the Moss stitch. I think that would improve with practice though.

Have a super night everyone!

Ann

BAS #42

2009-12-28T12:38:00.000-08:00

I finished up my BAS #42. ( if your not familiar with BAS read my post right before this one)

So #42 was called Deerfield Herringbone stitch. It was a herringbone stitch combined with some small straight stitches at the cross points.

I got my first one done and went to go post it on CQI when I realized my herringbone stitch seemed very wide compared to the others. So I made a second set working toward getting my herringbone stitch closer together.

Here is my first try with the stitch I did two of them one above the other:

Here is my second try, the lower herringbone is closer together, then I added a second one on top of it which is wider:

Now I am off to try stitch #43, the Moss stitch. I will post a pic when I get done!

Have a wonderful Monday everyone!

Ann

Working on BAS (Build a Seam)

2009-12-27T02:38:00.000-08:00

I am currently unable to use my sewing machine while I await a 2 dollar piece that my lovely daughter lost while using it.

I need to make another block for the build a seam challenge that Kerry puts on at CQI and also her blog which you can find here: http://kerrykatiecakes2.blogspot.com/
Just look to the right side scroll down and see a list of the stitches and tutorials!

For now I am practicing the stitches on Aida and will redo them on my block when I get it finished.

I worked on BAS #41 which is called the Chained Cross Stitch. Lovely stitch I must say. I liked how it looked and wanted to try using it.

I first worked with a variegated silk thread, using only 3 strands. I loved how the coloring turned out. I was disappointed that the loops did not turn out so great, the thread spread causing many of them to just look like thick lines.

Here is a picture of the stitch with the variegated thread:( click on it to see a close up)

So determined to try again. I chose to use a single strand type thread. I settled on single colored cotton Perle size 8. I loved how the loops turned out. So I think I will stick with the single strands for now, I want to now find some variegated size 8 Perle:):)

Here is a picture of the Stitch using cotton Perle size 8:

Well that is it for the wee morning hours. I will be starting on BAS stitch 42 when I get up today.

If you want to practice learning some new stitches or just wanting to do a fun little personal challenge take a look at Kerry's blog I gave a link for above. She is so kind to take the time to give us a stitch and a tutorial on how to do it.

Have a wonderful morning everyone!
Ann

What I am working on

2009-12-16T17:57:00.000-08:00

My first RR in CQI I sent around a black white pink and grey block that will be used to make a purse for my daughter. I also constructed a purse pattern out of the same materials for myself. I want to work on it and finish it up so my daughter and I can have our purses at the same time.

I am taking the color idea that the wonderful ladies used on my daughters block and carrying them into my own. I was completely in love with these FANTASTIC shade of deep red bugle beads that Connie used on it. I searched through my stuff for threads and such that had a similar tone.

Here is the picture of my daughters completed block by the RR ladies:

It turned out so amazing, the talented ladies added such gorgeous work to it. The beads in the top middle and also in the paisley is what is inspiring my color choices for my purse.

My purse is a whole piece that will be folded in 3 to be made into a purse. Here is the photo of my naked block:

I have done some work on it, I will post a few pictures of what I have done in a little bit!

Have a lovely evening everyone!
Ann

Last block for Black and White done!

2009-12-11T23:20:00.001-08:00

YES! I finally completed My very last RR block for the year. It belongs to Nancy L. in Oregon. The round robin as I mentioned before was a all black and White RR. 6 blocks travel the RR each person picks one and sends the rest on. There is one left for the original owner to work on.

I loved this Round Robin. It was very challenging trying to make stitches in only black and white. And to do so on some very busy black and white prints. It was a eye opening adventure. Very wonderful journey.

Here is my completed block for Nancy:

So now that I am done with all the RR's I participated in this year. I will be working on my own projects. I will also be making a block for CQI's 2010 challenge block. And a block to use for the A-Z block color Study, my daughter and I will be participating in that is coming up also on CQI, we look forward to learning more!

If your not familiar with CQI check out their blog below. You can see the amazing work that has been done in the group, With a new Owner in tow, they will be working wonders on the blog so sign up to follow and watch for new updates! it is well worth it.

http://crazyquiltinginternational.blogspot.com/

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone!

Ann

Cathy's amazing giveaway

2009-12-02T02:08:00.000-08:00

ok ladies you may of already seen this posted on various sites but this is a fantastic giveaway. 6 prizes ladies! So go on over to Cathy's site here and sign up:

http://cathyscrazybydesign.blogspot.com/2009/11/ready-for-giveaway.html

Here is just 2 of the 6 she is giving away! Talk about drool material:)

I am still working on the black and white blocks. Almost done. I will be posting pics of it this week.

Also on CQI there has been a added challenge to our monthly challenges. We will personally make a block to use to put on all the monthly challenges on. This will help us to get first hand practice with all the lovely ideas we are talking about. What fun.

If you are part of CQI already be sure to join in the fun and if your not. Please come check us out. You will love this group!!!

Will post pics soon!

Ann

Yes another block to work on!

2009-11-02T23:56:00.000-08:00

Yes! I got the last block I need to work on in the mail today for the black and white RR I am in. So excited. Since I am the last to work on the blocks I get my choice between 2. One black and one white. Now to decide.....they are both challenging and pretty!

I will post a picture when I finish one:)

Here is a pic of the two block choices.

Beads......what do you use?

2009-10-23T01:49:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I am just learning to use beads in various ways on Crazy Quilts. I find I love using the petite seed beads, There is just so elegant to me. I do use other seed beads. They seem to have so many uses. On one of the email lists they are having a bead buy. Boy I would of loved to been able to do that.

I am learning very slowly how to do bead embroidery. I have the books Bead Embroidery by Yukiko Ogura and Beaded Crazy Quilting, which both have some very awesome ideas. Although I would like to learn to do whole motifs with beads. You know similar to how you do a embroidered motif. I still need to learn that. Waiting to figure out how.

So on to what I ask of you:

I was wondering what are your favorite beads to use and why?

It will neat to see what there is out there and how you use it, if you have links to work you have done, please feel free to post them in your comment. I would love to see your work!!!

Have a Stupendous Friday everyone!

Ann

Last block in Spiders 2 done:)

2009-10-18T20:06:00.000-07:00

I finished my last block in the Spiders 2 RR I was in. I got the thread and was able to finish the tree. I am so happy. So here is what I did.

I did a web and spider on the top right hand corner with a feather stitch vine going through it. I used a brown button hole silk for the web and a darker red button hole silk for the spider.

My tree is done with Victoria Clayton's Autumn leaves 6 strand silk, I used 2 and a half skeins in French knots. I used a brown DMC cotton floss of the tree trunk. I tilted the tree on purpose to give it a not to realistic look, I wanted it to look more exaggerated, crazy quilt style;)

I used a gold petite treasure braid for the web and a DMC floss for the spider.

I used White silk Perle from Victoria Clayton to make a chain stitch mounds below the tree.

I added some treatment to the seam behind the tree a stem stitch with lazy Daisy tops and bullion knots along them.

I sure hope she likes it, here is a picture of all the work on the whole block, I think it turned out gorgeous. I had the privilege of working with some amazing crazy quilters.

So I am all caught up on my round Robins, waiting for my last block in the black and White RR and then I am done. It has been great!!!

Have a wonderful Sunday evening everyone!

Ann

Skye's Black and White block done!!

2009-10-17T02:42:00.000-07:00

While I waited for the thread I spoke about in a previous post to finish a different RR block. I worked on the black and white block I had waiting. I finally got it done tonight. I sure hope Skye likes it. She asked for black, white and Silver to be used. I picked a block that had a nice size middle and decided to do some trees. Here the finished block:)

I am finally off to bed, have a wonderful morning everyone!

Ann

My Spider block is home!!!

2009-10-15T01:35:00.000-07:00

I participated in a RR that the theme is Spiders. My block arrived home today and oh boy did it turn out Gorgeous. I am so excited! I am going to make it into a pillow for our living room.

I just want to thank the ladies who worked on my block, they did a fantastic job!! Thank you Janet, Kerry, Cobi, Simona and Debbie for all your lovely work on my block.

I have to share the picture with all of you, I hope you love it as much as I do! :

Thank you Ladies for stopping by! I will post more soon!

Ann

progress on my RR blocks

2009-10-12T12:28:00.000-07:00

Well I was happily working on one of the RR blocks I have. I am making a tree with french knots, I was using the autumn leaves silk floss from hand-dyedfibers.com, I used 2 skeins and ran out before my tree was done. Oh bugger. So I ordered 2 more, they are cheap and shipping is only 2 bucks, so I should be back on track later this week:) The color of the thread is just gorgeous. If your working on any Autumn colored project it is worth having. I will post a picture when I am done with it. it did give me a chance to work on the black and white RR block I have so they are both moving forward. I will post a picture of it too when I am done!

Well I am heading off to finish writing my 2 interviews for CQI newsletter.

Have a great day Ladies!

Ann

Blog giveaway!!

2009-10-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

Karen reached her 100th post and is having a giveaway to celebrate. Here is her blog: http://sadiessilkenthreads.blogspot.com/

Go check out her cool finds and the rest of her blog. You wont be disappointed:)

Ann

Checking in:)

2009-10-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

Well my daughters illness came to a head on Tuesday night, I called her doctors on-call number to find out what I should do. I had taken her to the emergency a total of 4 times in the last month, sobbing in pain. They have just been waiting for approval for surgery.

He told me he wanted me to take her to emergency, and he was going to have her admitted and have the surgery done right away. So They did the surgery it went well. Finally we are home. I am so very tired, Since she is a child she was in the pediatric unit of the hospital, amazing staff, super nice, Private rooms and a pull out bed for the parent to boot!! Still waking every hour for check ups and not sleeping in my soft bed with my own pillow and blankets did not make for good sleep. So We are very happy to be home.

On the stitching front. I am working on Cobi's Spiders 2 block, while waiting for my daughter in surgery I I came up with a idea for the space left for me. I took the 2 hour waiting time to stitch and while she slept for the last 2 days I stitched. I am still working on it. I think it will turn out very nicely:):):) It was a huge comfort to have something to keep my mind busy while waiting. I will post pictures when I am all done.

Oh I have to share these with you. My husbands grandparents are in their late 80's and home bound pretty much. I go each week and get their laundry and I take our grandfather shopping every Friday, it is really such a privilege to take care of two people who helped raise all their kids and gave so much love to my hubby. Anyway, they were very sad they could not come to see my daughter at the hospital so they send her flowers. They were there when we got out of surgery, the nurses on the floor all came to look at them since they were so pretty. They wanted to send her something real special. They are so sweet.Here they are:

So that is it for now, I will post soon. I want to go sleep for a bit. and work on Cobi's Spider block:) have a wonderful Thursday everyone!

Ann

Making memories Quilt blocks

2009-09-29T01:38:00.000-07:00

I am participating in working on blocks for a quilt to support making memories. Here is a link to the site: making memories The wonderful Ladies putting the Quilt together are on CQI and are letting us take part in helping create this quilt.The blocks are cream and white crazy Quilted. I chose to have the block sent to me to embellish, as I do not trust my actual sewing skills for a quilt being put together by others:)

The guidelines where the embellishments needed to be in jewel tones and you could use the theme of Butterflies and Dragonflies. No beads.

I found it quite fascinating that there are many different color groups within the jewel tones. Some are bright and colorful and varied, but also they can be a tad lighter and not so bold.

I chose to embellish 3 blocks. I have 2 done.( I will post the third when it is done) The first one I used the bright jeweled colors. red, yellow, green, blue and purple. For the second I chose to do a different approach. I confirmed with one of the ladies that the colors I chose fit the jeweled tone the blacks were to have and she said yes.

The color theme started with a gorgeous variegated silk ribbon and thread I got from Hand Dyed fibers.com It is called Dragon Hoard. It is stunning. I based the blocks colors on it. I just used colors I had that fit close to the different colors it contained. Personally I prefer this block over the other. I am not a bright colored person, it was difficult to stitch outside my comfort zone. The second block is more my style and so it speaks to me:)

I am not sure tonight what I will do for the third block. I am sure I will think of something when I start it tomorrow!

Here are the pictures of the two I have done:

first block:

Second block:

Have a wonderful evening Ladies.....ok well morning;)

Black and White block- Rita's block

2009-09-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

I was able to get Rita's black and white block done for Rita. I took it with me to the hospital and doctor appointments!

I used silk perle, silk 6 strand floss, and regular DMC floss.

So here is the block I did:

Quick check in!

2009-09-10T15:42:00.000-07:00

Just checking in. I only have a minute. I have had to take my 16 year old daughter to the hospital twice in the last 5 days. Ending up there until early morning each time. Boy is sitting for hours and hours exhausting. Along with watching your child in pain and scared. So many tests and they pumped her full of drugs trying to get her paint o subside. After it all they finally figured out she has a ulcer. So she is on medications,weak and very sick. She also has migraines and for whatever reason she has had 2 almost every day the last 4 days. So she needs darkness and no sound along with being helped with everything.

I don't mind taking care of her, she is a very calm sweet girl. But it has left me no time for ANYTHING. my blog my RR blocks my CQI tasks. I am behind and exhausted. Along with weakening my immune system so I got a head cold today. Any hoo. Just wanted to check in and say i will be back posting about Crazy Quilting as soon as she is stable. Hope everyone is well!!!!

Ann

THANK YOU everyone and here is my present for hubby:)

2009-09-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

Well I have been very busy stitching for the last 2 days. I stayed up most of the last two nights and finished up today on my gift for my hubby.

I must send a very sincere thank you for all your suggestions and ideas. Everyone gave some very well thought out ideas. I am saving them all so I can use them in the Future.

A special thank you to Jill. You are a sincerely kind woman.

So I remembered my hubby has a journal. He has not written in it for some time because he does not like the cover. It does not call him to write in I guess you could say. So I made him a cover for it. I did it in White cotton dress shirt fabric and a variety of jeans. One pair were overalls so I took one of the buckles and made a clasp out of it. I used only thread so it can handle being picked up and used. I will be giving it to him tonight. I am so excited.

Thank you again for helping me with ideas that led to one. You are all awesome!!!!

Here are some pictures of the journal cover:

Front:

Back:

Clasp:

Have a wonderful evening Ladies.

Duplicating your own work! (kind of long)

2009-08-29T23:07:00.000-07:00

I was involved in my First RR for CQI earlier this year. My first block to work on was from Arlene White from Australia. I did a flower arrangement in the top corner. After the Round Robin, Arlene contacted me and asked if I would be willing to do the same flower arrangement on a second block she had. I said sure. She sent it to me.

I have taken it out numerous times over the last couple of months. Only to feel a "What did I get myself into feeling". I have never tried or thought of duplicating my own work. It never dawned on me that it may not be possible until it laid in front of me.

So here where my worries:

First did I even still have the same ribbon, thread and beads I used back then? Second could I actually make the same flowers and stitches? Last could I place it correctly to look the same?

Well I did have the ribbon ( Ecru happens to be one I love to use and had more of it) Although I had only 2 inches of the variegated yellow and cream ribbon I used. Amazingly it was just enough. I was not worried about having the gold petite treasure braid since it is also one of my favorite items. Then I noticed that when I pulled it out today that I needed a certain green silk Perle. This is no longer made by Victoria Clayton, it could of been a huge bummer but I looked through my greens and I still had some. So I overcame hurdle one.

Second, could I actually make the same flowers? Thankfully it was not a difficult flower. I found when I got to that part, all was well. I did find I did not do it precisely as the first only because ribbon for me anyway lays where it wants too. But I think it is close enough ( I hope) My stitches were easier then I expected.

Last but not least placement. I tried to not just eye it, but measure a bit so it was as close as I could do. I am bad about spacing even in my daily stitches.

So I got it all done. Feel pretty good about it. As Arlene is on a fabulous trip right now. I emailed her the pictures for viewing. I sure hope she thinks it is ok.

I did learn a few things. First is keeping a journal. One of my Crazy Quilt Friends told me to keep a journal of stitches and stuff, what I have used and things I like. I can see the benefit in doing this from now on. Even if I am never asked again to duplicate a RR block. I may just want to use something I have made again. I could of saved myself so much time if I had put a sample of what I used in a journal. Then instead of searching though my bags and comparing. I could of just looked it up. I know many do this. I now know first hand why this could be so beneficial.

Second, is I wasted so much time being worried. If I had just tried I could of prevented spending two months worrying. I just need to try things, new things, old things, anything.

I think that's what happens sometimes when we see a new form of embroidery and want to learn it and don't ever do it or someone who likes Crazy Quilts thinks they would like to try it but don't for months or years. We fear we don't have the skills or creativity. We spend that time fretting and wishing we could.

But just think, if you try it no matter what it is, now and not later, one of two things will happen either you'll love it and be great at it and spend months doing it or you'll try it, hate it or not be good at it and move on. Instead of spending those months and years wondering.

So are you here because you have always wanted to try Crazy Quilting? Then don't just sit there and say "I sure would like to try that...."And spend the rest of the year thinking of it. TRY IT. You'll will either love it or hate it! Either way you'll be doing something other then wondering and fretting.

So that is all:)
Here are some pictures of the duplicating work I did for Arlene ( in the pictures with two, the new one is on the right):

Have a great weekend all!!

Spiders 2 Simona's block

2009-08-25T02:42:00.000-07:00

I finally got done the next block in the Spiders II RR. I was in love with this block the moment I opened it. I love the colors.

I decided to make some yo-yo's out of a piece of velvet that Jill from blossoms and lace blog had sent me in a Squishy. I added some french knots in the middle. I added a chain stitch vine out of variegated cotton Perle I had. Also added some rose buds with variegated DMC cotton. I then used some silk thread to make vines and some pink silk thread to make little flowers.

I found the rose buds in a book I got from the library called " Embroidered bags and Purses" published by Country Bumpkin. It is very well illustrated. If you have ever looked through one of their Inspirations magazines ( Which by the way are to die for). You will see the same quality instructions in this book.

Then I added my spider web using Petite treasure braid in gold and a spider that used some beads that have little bumps all over them. They seems to say Spider fuzz:) This spider was inspired by a white Spider that Sherry of My Patchwork of Life Blog had on her blog. She was so kind to let me use her beautiful Spider ideas. ( I love the first one, it is gorgeous!!)

I did two seams on the left side. One double feather stitch and one cross stitch adding some french knots and such. The area in the middle seemed to scream put a spider here. So I added another web and a small baby spider. it is hard to see him in the picture but I used the treasure braid to do one large french knot and one small one to form the spider's body and then added some legs.

last I did a green vine below my motif using some silk thread using the stem stitch and some lazy daisies for leaves. I added some red silk roses.

Here is a picture of my work. I sure hope Simona likes it.

Here is a view of the whole block with all the ladies work so far.

Cobi will be the last to work on it and then it will head home to Simona:)

Progress!!! Got Wendy's black and White block done!

2009-08-19T12:26:00.001-07:00

Well. I stayed up till 2 in the morning working on Wendy's Black and White block. I had some mental block with one corner that is a very busy print of oval shapes. Stitches would just get lost in it. I emailed Skye and asked her what she thought might go there. She suggested a motif of a rose or flower. I had one black flower lace motif. Well I dug through both of my bags and it was no where to be found. I had plenty of black thread and ribbon, but no black lace or motif items. So I went digging for material I may be able to add to it. Then a idea hit me, I used some felt and then contrasted it with white thread. I sure hope she likes it.

This black and White RR is a very good challenge. It takes some thinking outside the box when you limited to 2 colors. You have to think about placement and contrast and for whatever reason, coming up with seams is a bit more challenging for me. I love these Types of Round Robins. It helps us to think and move outside our comfort zone. A little healthy mind exercise does one good:)

Here's Wendy's block:

Now I am off to work on my Spider 2 RR!

So much to do and so little time

2009-08-17T22:56:00.000-07:00

Summer is fun, it is sunny and your pretty busy. What happens to the time?

My favorite thing to do is Crazy Quilt. I would spend all my free time doing it. summer has kicked me a little bit this round.

I went on 2 trips one to San Fransisco we do annually to attend a Bible convention. The second was a unexpected invite from my brother to go to Yosemite all funded by him. He gave the trip to my Daughter as a graduation gift as she just graduated taking a advanced American Sign language course. She is 16 and home schooled and now can communicate with the deaf. She loves it. So we went to Yosemite for 5 days.

Needless to say I lost a month and a half of stitching time. I finished what I had before I left and due to some delays in RR's I got 4 blocks when I got back. Of course 2 of them are not due for a little while but when your sitting with 4 blocks from RR's you start to sweat a little. To add to it I got sick on my trip and have been unable to barely walk let alone anything else. Although I have been working on a block while sick. It is comforting. But the creative thought process is slower when your sick. Then my Hubby's Grandparents gave us a ham the other day and I cooked it up and got food poisoning. YUCK. So I am recovering from that.

But I have only a couple of finishing touches to put on the Black and White Block I have and then I can send it on. Then on to the Spiders!!!

So that's all that is up with me. Whine, Whine, Whine. Now I feel better;)

If that was not enough.....Jo's blog contest

2009-08-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

If it was not enough to just give something away Jo, is making it possible to get multiple entries. Come on ladies who would not take a few minutes to do some posts to win some of Jo's fabulous stuff.

You have to see the what she carries at her ESTY shops there are 2!! One is the items she makes. I am totally in love with her bags. I covet them often and drool from afar:)

Check her stuff out here: http: Jo's hand made item ESTY shop

Also she has a vintage section where she carries some items any crazy quilter would love to have!!
Jo's Vintage items on ESTY

Be sure to check out everything Jo has to offer!!

Ann

Jo's Fantastic Giveaway!!

2009-08-14T21:11:00.000-07:00

Jo over at No Matter where I go.....I always meet myself there. Is having a fantastic Giveaway. if you have ever been to her blog you will see she is very creative. She is giving away some of her very own work!!!

here is a link to her blog and the giveaway: Jo's Blog

Check it out you will not be disappointed!

Ann

Tin Swap

2009-07-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

As I have noted in earlier posts I was involved in a tin swap on CQI. I received two lovely tins this month.

The first one is from meg. She did a lovely job on a square tin. It has the words Dreams never fly away on it. She also put butterflies all over it which is one of my all time favorite things. Her stitching is Beautiful!! It is beautiful and big enough to hold some nice things. She also included some beautiful threads and such in it. here is a picture of the tin meg made:

The 2nd tin I received was from Debbie, the wonderful woman who put this tin swap together. We had a terrible scare when it said it was delivered to my apartment but it was no where to be found. But with a lot of searching and investigating it was found and delivered to me. It is so pretty!! It also has a butterfly on it. A beautiful fan and gorgeous stitching. The inside is padded and had room for needles on top, which she included some of. Along with some other wonderful goodies. here is a picture of Debbie's tin:

I was thrilled with both tins. Everyone did a great job on this swap. So if your on CQI and they advertise they are doing a tin swap again, trust me it is well worth it to join!!!

And ladies, thank you for such lovely tins!!!

Purse tins with Nieces

2009-07-23T14:22:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures with the girls holding the tins.

They were so cute. They we so happy to have them they even brought them each day no matter what dress they had on:) I am glad I could do something special for them!!

other 2 tins done:)

2009-07-23T14:11:00.000-07:00

So I got the other two tins done for my nieces. they loved them! Which I am so thankful for. here are the other 2 tins.

She likes pink and her dress was pink and green and had frogs on it. I chose to use some cute flower ribbon that was sent to me by someone from another list.

This tin was for the youngest of the nieces, I chose not to add beads or to much fancy ribbon since she would be harder on a tin then the others. She like her sister had a black and white and red dress. She also said she wanted a very small handle so i bought some sequin ribbon I found and made a nice small handle for her. Hers is black felt inside just like her sisters. So that it was a little different I also did black trim instead of white.

I will do another post with pictures of the girls holding them

Two tins done for Nieces

2009-07-14T17:21:00.000-07:00

I have been working on purse tins for my nieces. My mother made them dresses. I used some of the material from them to make tins to match their dresses. I have two more to go tonight and tomorrow so that they are all ready for our weekend in San Fransisco. Since they will be used as purses, I wanted to put something inside but it needed to be thin, but very kid friendly so that it would not wear out. So I decided to put felt in them. It turned out so nicely, the girls were thrilled and loved them. I am adding a chap-stick and a pack of gum to each as little purse gifts.

Here are the pictures of the two tins done:

The third tin will be the same as the first one but made for a 3 year old so I will simplify what I put on it. The last one is pink, white and green to match her dress.

I will post pictures when they are done!

Spiders 2 RR Debbie's Block And BAS #30

2009-07-03T02:08:00.000-07:00

Well I got Debbie's block For the Spiders 2 RR. I was trying to decide what to do. She had attached a crocheted piece that looked like a spider web. I decided it needed one of my beaded 3D spiders. But not alone of course. So I tried some techniques that are new for me.

First I did a stump work Ladybug. It turned out just o.k. in my opinion, I think I will need more practice with that part. I also did a bug, kind of like a stink bug that is in black stump work. I then made a part stump work dragonfly the middle is stump work I had trouble with my double layered organza wings, so I used my sewing machine to stitch around the wings in Gold Rayon thread to hold them down. I then added some vines and 7mm and 4mm scrunched ribbon flowers.See the photo below ( I added a second photo showing the 3D part of the flower.)

Then I did a second motif with a spider web made from petite treasure braid. I added a spider that I found the instruction in the book called Beading Basics 30 Embellishing Techniques for Quilters by Mary Stori. It was under the arching section and was called a garden spider. I also followed the instruction to make bullion roses from the book Embroidered Bags and Purses by Country Bumpkin. I added those to the top of the spider web area. This is my first time making this type of rose. See photo below:

Last but not least I added BAS #30 ( build a seam) to the block. This week it was meandering ribbon. I usually use silk ribbon but had a pretty variegated ribbon that matched the block better.

Here it is:

So that is it!! I sure hope she likes it.

Tin gift done for my grandmother

2009-07-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

My grandmother has been tatting and sent me a couple of pieces she made just for me to use in Crazy Quilting. I have a earlier post showing one of them. Since I was busy making tins I made her one also. I made hers so she can hold something like jewelery or things like that in it.

Here is the top of the tin:

This next picture is the side view. I sewed a button on the trim before attaching it, then I added some basic white ribbon to the top, to add a bit to the ribbon I stitched a feather stitch in pink on it before attaching it, I actually sewed it to the top trim, to hide the stitches I made this flower called the rosette stitch rose that is featured in the book Embroidered bags and purses. I got the book from the library, it has many great stitches for flowers and great ideas. I put it on a piece or organza type material then cut it out and glued it on top of the stitches.

Here are 2 pictures of the inside, I embroidered my grandmothers initals in a pice of silk and then som SRE to them. I added the heart to the bottom to give the inside a bit more color then just white.

I sure hope she likes it!!!

2nd tin for swap DONE!!!!

2009-06-21T17:44:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my second tin today for the Tin swap on CQI. I had so many ideas for this one because the lady who it belongs to had a wide range of colors on her list of likes. I went to her blog and tried to see if she leans toward any colors specifically. Someone made a comment on her blog and so I based my color choices on that thought. I hope I did not get it wrong. I had fun making the tins. I have to make my family theirs now:)

Enjoy!

Wendy's Blogsversary giveaway!!

2009-06-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

Hello ladies,

Wendy is having her blogsversary coming up in 15 days. She has generously decided to do a giveaway for it. Please go check out her site and sign up for the drawing.

While your there you have to check out her black and White blocks for a Black and White DYB RR we are in together. hers are fantastic and I can not wait to get them:)

And don't forget to look through all her work on different blocks she has done for varies RR's!!

Here's the link: http://stitchduchessscrazysanequiltingworld.blogspot.com/

Crazy Q Corner

A new year is on its way and I am ready, ready to stitch! How about you?

I am still alive. I hope you are too:)

A "thanks for being awesome" giveaway over @ the plaid scottie

A giveaway a whole box of fabric over at talesatwaynemanor blog!!!

FNSI: What I did:)

Stitchmap Mod Swap

Friday night Sew in with Heidi

Fabric giveaway at sew fabulous quilt shop

sneak peak of what I am up to!

Dawn's Quilt Corner fabric giveaway

Giveaway at KoolBeenz

Last mug rugs arrived

A fat quarter giveaway that will turn you black and white:)

Name that Fiber -WINNER:)

Mug Rug swap done *SPOILER ALERT*

Name that fiber game.........

One of my swap Mug Rugs came:)

samelia's Mum is sharing the love!

ahhh tried binding and it is not going well:(

Wonderful fabric giveaway VERY NICE!

Scroll Frames, have you used them?

Had to share some treasures!

I am still Alive:)

When you love a old quilt or blanket & when to let go?

14 fat quarter giveaway oh ya!

Giveaway!! Pink Fig Designs is giving away 2 quilts!!!

"What?".....A "crazy" mom with a "sane" daughter?

Blogging what do you do?

A great giveaway opportunity

What I have been working on

2011 ArtBra Calendar

Thank you Wendy!!!!!

CQ block update

A big "Thank You"

Need some Creative imput...Please help

Want a Amazing machine that will fit anyones craft favorites?

Completely done with my Class projects!

Thread holder and Needle case done for BCQC!!!!

CQ Thread holder all done! Yippy!!

Busy, Busy ,Busy..........

Color theory lesson 5 done

Pin cushion and needle book work done!!

YES! Caught up in Color Theory Class

I am still here:)

Dragonfly done for Thread holder.

More work done on thread holder

Motifs done on Thread holder:)

Progress on Thread holder

Snow Dyeing

March 1st: I have a blog winner..........

Snow Dyeing

My one year blog giveaway!!!!

Yes another project done!!!

Figured out what to put in tin

Progress on class work

Wendy's block completed!

Sneak Peak

Getting out of Winter blues;)

Fiber choices for CQ class

Project pieces done for class!!!

First year blogging giveaway!

Crazy Quilt Class

Must Send a big shout of thanks to Ruby

Update...what a I doing?

Hand made by Heidi blog event and giveaway

New Look to my blog!

New blog giveaway at Calico Prairie

BAS #43 And now I am caught up!!!

BAS #42

Working on BAS (Build a Seam)

What I am working on

Last block for Black and White done!

Cathy's amazing giveaway

Yes another block to work on!

Beads......what do you use?

Last block in Spiders 2 done:)

Skye's Black and White block done!!

My Spider block is home!!!

progress on my RR blocks

Mug Rug swap done SPOILER ALERT