Lesson 2 Sampler 001

Lesson 2 Sampler 001
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

This picture should link to flickr.

Embroidery Sampler

I finally completed my sampler from lesson 2. This was a lot of fun. I used crewel wool to make the woven (whipped) wheels. These really stand up off the fabric! I used wool, pearl cotton 5, and 6 strands of floss for the fly and chain stitches. I used wool for the french knots. There are seed beads in the center of the wheels and a few trailed along also. I love to add sequins to my CQ. Here I used one strand of floss using straight stitches to hold down the sequins. I then wove around the spokes to create the center. I can see I will be having alot more fun with my sequins in the future!
I'm not too sure that I actually followed lesson 2 but I am off to read lesson 3 now. I don't want to get too far behind. And there is so much in each lesson I will be going back and forth for some time! Thanks Sharon!!

gold heart christmas ornament

gold heart christmas ornament
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

I finished another gold Christmas ornament last night. Now I'm thinking that I'd like to do another shape. I'm going to have to go play for a while and see what I come up with.

gold heart christmas ornament

gold heart christmas ornament
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

Here is a picture of my latest Christmas ornament. For this one I chose gold on gold. The threads that I used are pearl cotton, edmar rayon frost, dmc floss and dmc rayon. And of course beads!

christmas exchange 007

christmas exchange 007
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

I was in a Christmas exchange with the CQInternational yahoo group. This is what I made for my swap partner. It is a pouch, needlebook and a pincushion. I had such a great time making these until it came to sewing the pouch together. I kept putting it together wrong! Very frustrating! But well worth it as my partner has received this package and likes it!
I made up the pouch and needlebook patterns on my own but the pincushion pattern I found here.
Sorry if that doesn't link.

Sampler 2

Sampler 2
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

Here is a picture of my second completed sampler. This is different variations of the feather stitch. And again I used different threads. Pearl cotton #8, wool, floss, rayon and silk.
The class is up to lesson 3 and this sampler is still from lesson one. I'll catch up eventually.
I'm thinking of trying something new for the next sampler. These 2 are a bit structured. I'm going to try something more "fun" next. And I wanted to work on something not counted. I'm tired of trying to count threads. I'd rather just eyeball it. I found another fabric, a bit stiffer. It is white and I might try to paint or dye it tomorrow. See, more fun already!

Imagine That

I can hear Grandma say those words! Imagine that... The missing walking foot is exactly where it should have been, in that compartment that holds the extra feet.
While tearing apart my sewing room looking for this I came across some waylaid bobbins. I just sat down to sew together 2 more Christmas ornaments and figured I'd better put these bobbins away "before" the cat gets them. There it was. You would have thought that I looked there first! Now if I would always put things where they belong I'd get a lot more done in a day.

Christmas Ornaments

Christmas Ornaments
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

I kept my fingers pretty busy yesterday. I finished this ornament. This is the last white on white one that I made. I know my younger sister is going to go for these white ones.
Next up are the 2 gold ones I've made. One is all embellished and the other is just waiting for a few more beads. Then I can sew them up. Wouldn't it be nice if I get to those today. I'll be back with pictures when I get them done.
It really is a great feeling to start and finish a project in such a short time. I think this is the best I've done with Christmas ornaments ever! Well, actually the year I crocheted little stockings for the trees and put those small candy canes in each one. Now, that was fast!

Christmas Ornaments

Christmas Ornaments 002
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

Here is a picture of the second ornament I finished.

Christmas Ornaments

Christmas Ornaments 001
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

I thought I would share a picture of a the first Christmas Ornament I finished. The heart is about 41/2 inches and stuffed with fiberfill. Unfortunately you just can't tell how sparkly this really is. The hardest part is tacking the edging on. I used those strings of pearls. My poor fingers! I don't know how many times I stabbed myself. Very tempted to get out the glue!!
I have quite a few of these hearts in varying stages of completion. I plan to bring them to my mothers house for Christmas in a basket and my sisters and sister in law can just pick what they want. And who ever else shows up. I'll try to get a picture of them as I complete them.

Guilloche Stitch Sampler

Sampler 001
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

I finished my first sampler. I love the way this stitch changes depending on what thread you use. I think my favorite is the bottom one. I used bugle beads as the posts and wove through them using a varigated frost by Edmar. (I love that thread and just wish it would get easier to use!) Then I put seed beads in the center. I used the frost thread by Edmar again as the outline. This one does sparkle. I wonder if that is why I say it is my favorite. It just catches my eye first. As I look at this picture I wonder how this stitch would look if I put the bugle beads in the vertical direction. hummmm.....

I started my next sampler. This will be a fly stitch variation and I'll be using purples. I do have a plan here. I have my threads sorted by type of thread. I think I would prefer to sort by color. Now I have most of my greens together. Last night I started to gather my purples together. We shall see how this works for me.

Guilloche Stitch 001

Guilloche Stitch 001
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

I wasn't able to see a picture so I'm trying again.

Embroidery Sampler

I'm taking a class at Joggles. Personal Library of Stitches with Sharon Boggon. This is a picture of my sampler so far. I am making them small to start. If I'm not happy with it I can just toss it. No stress here.
I've started with the Guilloche Stitch. I am using all green threads for this sample. The right and bottom border is started with DMC pearl #5.These are then woven with a very shiny (and slippery) ribbon. The french knots are done with DMC wool. The stem stitch is done with 6 ply DMC floss. Now, the opposite of these are done with the same threads, just in different places. These are woven with the DMC wool and the french knots are done with the ribbon.
The vertical row is started with DMC wool and woven with DMC #4 cotton. The stem stitch is done with pearl #5 and then I whipped around it with Pearl #8. I'm thinking of putting beads in the center this one instead of french knots.
I am really enjoying this! I should be back soon with an update.

Wallhanging 3

Wallhanging 3
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

I should never say "just a quick project"!! This one is turning into a time comsuming one. I never found the safety pins in my daughters room. So, I had to hand baste it. It has been years since I had to do that.
I did try some free motion quilting on the flowers and leaves. Well, all I kept thinking was thank goodness that the sewing machine wasn't closer to the window. It would have gone flying! And now I remember why I really do enjoy handwork. Since I am done with free motion work I wanted to finish the quilt and use my walking foot. This is no where to be found. I am now in the midst of tearing apart my sewing room looking for this foot. I know it will show up when I stop looking but I have to continue because I made a mess. I do love to do handquilting and if I had thought of that, this wallhanging would have been done already. I just might have to do that this weekend.

Wallhanging Continued

Wallhanging 002
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

Here is an update on my wallhanging. The flowers are fused on. Now, the "quilt police" will just have to get over it, lol, because I have a plan! I am going to be making my quilt sandwich and then use free motion quilting to sew down the flowers. Put swirlies inside the flowers etc.. I wanted to put some green floss fly stitches on the leaves. I'll wait till the end and see if I can do it. Then will come my favorite part, beads! Oh, and perhaps buttons for the centers of the little yellow flowers. I'll have to see what I can find. Which reminds me I have to go search for my safety pins. DD "borrowed" them!! They are in her room somewhere.

I put together the printout from Sharons class at Joggles. I can't believe I forgot to get a binder. I found a small one that I can use temporarily. I read it last night and have started to gather my "supplies". Just not sure on what colors I want to use. Thats what happens when you love all colors!

I am posting this from Flickr and just noticed there is no spellcheck here. I didn't catch any errors so I hope no one else does too.

Wallhanging

Wallhanging
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

I have been gone for a long time but I have not been idle! I have quite a few pictures to share, just not sure when that will happen.
I have been having a bit of technical problems lately. My computer is broken and just not worth fixing cost wise. Unfortunately it itsn't in the budget right now. It is going to have to come out of the Christmas budget and of course that means waiting till Christmas!! Our TV broke at the same time. When it rains, it pours here! However we now have a new 50" plasma tv. Actually it is my husbands new toy! He's allowed I guess.
This is a test post using my sons computer. I had to use my camera to get a picture. (I'm used to my scanner.) This computer doesn't have the same photo program so I'm not sure how to edit a picture yet. I'm glad I tried not to get too much of the mess in the picture.
I was in Joanns yesterday and of course just had to walk around. I saw this floral print and just had to get some. And then I picked up some coordinating fabrics. This will be the background for I'm not sure what yet! ha ha I know it will be flowers. I love applique but I will fuse these unknown flowers down. I want to get this on the wall quick. That means something simple. I'm hoping to try for today, but we shall see.
I'm in Sharons class at Joggles. I printed the first lesson and I'm trying not to read it yet..... I know that won't last!!! Off to do some sketching to see what I can do with this.
My fingers are crossed that this works...

Scarecrow stitchery

Scarecrow stitchery
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

Look at this cute little scarecrow. This was a free design found here: http://www.fiodameada.com.br/graficos.asp This scarecrow is #13. I guess I will make a little wallhanging out of this. We shall see!
I have been enjoying baseball again this year. "Lets go Mets" . Anyway, it is great to do handwork while watching baseball. If you miss something worthwhile they do replays! Many years ago I always did some crocheting and this year I've done handwork.

Unfortunately summer is over now. Time to clean out the garden and hopefully remember what I thought needed moving! I picked up a few spring bulbs and I found a few loose ones laying in the dirt. I guess the squirrells were having fun!!

There is another baseball game tonight. I have to get something ready to work on tonight. Wonder what will catch my eye today....

Chain of Hearts

Heart #16
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

This is heart #16. I must admit that it is my favorite of the recent 3 which have the ladies on them. I had been playing with using more stitching and different combinations. And of course have added some beads. I love beads!
This heart went to Alison in Australia.

Chain of Hearts

Heart #15
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

This is heart #15. This heart went to Rosemary in Australia.

Chain of Hearts

Heart #14
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

This was a hard heart to scan. The white fabrics and white stitching just wouldn't show up well. This heart was sent to Norma.

Peacock stitchery

Peacock stitchery,
originally uploaded by sewquilty.

I am trying to post this from my flickr account. I hope that this works!

This is a picture of a peacock that I have been working on. This is now calling out for some beads. I'll have to sit and play with it for a while. I'm thinking of using the very tiny petite beads just to outline and add sparkle. Of course I don't have any petite beads in a good color for this. Michaels here I come!!!

This pattern is from Pamela Kelloggs blog. There are a few peacock patterns she has generously put up for use. I'd love to see if anyone else has done any of these?

DYB RR

Another completed block from this RR. This one is Maryas block. Three of Maryas blocks were already completed so I tried to "match" those. All three were sparkly and 2 of the three had button clusters.
It took me days to get this button cluster the way I was happy with. I would add a button, remove a button, rearrange the buttons. You get the picture. Yet, I can say I had fun with this block.
The green ribbon was already decorated with the gold trim. I just put some lace under it and using Edmar Frost gold thread I added the edges. This thread is definately not easy to work with. I did "snap" it by pulling at both ends. This made a big difference! But the thread did fray where it went through the needle. I'll have to try this again and see if it was because the block was thick or if I was pulling too hard.
Oh, and of course I added a butterfly. This seems to have been my signature with this RR. I have one more block to work on in this round and then I'm done. It sure is going fast!

DYB RR

Here is a picture of Debbies block in the DYB RR.

I don't think you can tell but I beaded the rose in the center and used rayon thread to outline the leaves. It is very pretty fabric. I really wanted that to be the focal point in the block so kept the rest simple.

And of course I added a lavender butterfly charm. These butterfly charms are from "Pure Allure" and have a swarovski crystal in the center. I put one on each block that I have done so far in this RR.

Heart from Maire

Finally! Here is a picture of the heart that I received from Maire.

I think I should start finishing these up so I can show them off instead of them sitting on my sewing room table. I was planning on a wall hanging, then changed my mind to a swag of some sort, now I'm not too sure again! But that's me. Fickle!

Another Heart

I received another heart on Saturday that I didn't post a picture of. This one is from Maire. Isn't it a beauty! And what a great parasol!!

Well this is a bit of a tease. Blogger won't let me put a picture in the post. I hope I get a chance later in the day to try again.

More Chain of Hearts

Here is another heart that I received. This one is from Wilma in Holland. What great stitches!! And who can't love a rose!

I think I need to do more work in blues. My Aunt gave me some sparkly blue thread that is beautiful! It would be great to weave through some stitches.

Chain of Hearts

I received a few more hearts with the chain of hearts group. Since I have been having a problem loading pictures and words at the same time I am going to put up each individually. Lets see if this helps.

This heart is from Gayle. It is a Christmas heart. Great seam treatment and there are beads all around the label. Isn't that a cute kitty?

DYB RR

I mentioned quite some time ago that I was participating in a DYB RR. This is where you embellish an entire block and pass it on. These are 6 inch blocks. I've already posted a picture of the block I did for Leslie. This block is the one I did for Hideko.
I think these are actually easier to work on than an ordinary RR where you work a few seams or motif. Sometimes it is hard to add on to someone elses work.

More Hearts

I spoke too soon before. As I clicked on "publish post" there was that familiar voice over my shoulder "Can I go on?". But I'm back for a few minutes.

Here are a few more pictures of hearts that I have made. These hearts have already been sent to their new homes.

The top heart (#13) went to Candji.

The bottom heart (#12) went to Maire.

These heart are still a lot of fun to make and trade!

Christmas in July

I have not posted anything in such a long time. The kids are home from school for the summer and then one computer wasn't working for quite a while. That meant that 5 of us were "sharing" one computer! Not fun.

I have done some cq work. I have made a few more hearts for the chain of hearts group. These 2 pictures are of the Christmas ones. I have made a few more that aren't embellished yet.

The first heart has already found a new home with Gayle.

Hopefully I'll be back with more photos before the teens wake up!

More Hearts

I received more hearts from the chain of hearts group. I love getting these in the mail! They are all beautiful and each is different.

This heart is from Susie. The butterfly is 3 dimentional! I just love it and have to try this.

This second heart is from Maureen. Lots of wonderful wonders in the bottom motif.

Freckles and Pepper

I'm still here! I haven't done much but I have done a few little things. I just keep putting off posting until I know I won't be interupted part way through. You would think by now that I would know better. I will always be interupted!

Todays project was rearranging the family room. There was a love seat under the windows that face the front of the house. The dogs would go up there and bark at everyone and everything that would pass by. And now that the windows are open they hear everything! While I am not totally happy with the new setup I must admit that the tv is now viewable from every part of the room. That makes for more seating room and hopefully less arguing amongst the kids.

Here is a not so good picture of the noisy girls during a much needed nap. Freckles is the tan and white one and Pepper is the black and white one. Can't you just see their halos!

Another Heart

Here is another picture of a heart that I made. I forgot to put it in the last post. I think this one would be considered vibrant with all those rich colors. And there is a picture in the center of a fairy.

More Chain of Hearts

I have been a little busy trying to make more hearts for the chain of hearts group. I am trying to use colors that I normally wouldn't use. For example red and yellow aren't colors that I would normally go for. Not that I dislike them. I really do love all colors.

Chain of Hearts

I am playing "catch-up" with my blog. Here are a few hearts that I received. I am really glad that I joined this group. I have no plans yet for these hearts because I have too many plans! lol I keep changing my mind.


The cream one is from Renea. I don't know if you can see that there is lace behind the silk ribbon roses. Great idea! Just beautiful.


This heart is from Jakkie. Another beauty! Look at the button cluster. I love it with the seed beads. And if you can see it she hand painted the center white button. And sent me another one. Wow!

Flickr Link

I just realized that I didn't add a link to my blocks for the DYB RR. They are on my Flickr site here. This is a picture of just one block. I made very bright blocks. Way out of my comfort zone so it was fun!

DYB RR

I haven't posted anything in a long time! My youngest son needed eye surgery. That is over and done with and his eyes are looking better each day! Thank goodness. Now I am able to breathe again. I was so overwhelmed by this that I wasn't able to do anything creative. I just couldn't make a decision. Not that that is ever easy for me on a good day! lol But I think I'm back now.

I am in a RR with CQInternational. This is a DYB one. You get to complete an entire block and then pass them on. There are 6 of us so there are 6 blocks. These blocks will be traveling to California USA, Oregon USA, Japan, Colorado USA, New York (me) USA, and Alberta Canada. I should be so well traveled!

Here is a picture of one of Leslies blocks that I was finally able to finish. I hand dyed the silk ribbon. And I made the needle tatted butterfly on the bottom!! It took a few tries before I had something that resembled a butterfly. lol My inspiration for this block was the butterfly charm in the center. The package says "Pure Allure Floral Inspirations" Floral sliders featuring Swarovski Crystals. They are beautiful. I also picked up some yellow ones. There are other colors but the store was out of them. I will be looking for more! The lace motif is painted using Lumiere by Jacquard. I think that there is a bit too much gold in the piece. When I dabbed at it to remove some, all that came off was more color. I will have to play with this a bit more. And that's not a bad thing!

I'll be back shortly with a few more pictures I have to share.

Heart Received

In yesterdays mail there was something just for me. I love when that happens. It was a heart from the chain of hearts group. This one was from Jo in New Zealand. Isn't it pretty! Of course the picture doesn't do it any justice. I am so glad I joined this group. I have to make more of these hearts.

More Hearts

I just realized that I didn't post 3 other hearts that I have completed. In fact, 2 are already swapped! These hearts are fun to make and it sure is fun to receive some in the mail too! I have a few more that are in varying stages just not completed yet.

Chain of Hearts

I received my first heart from the Chain of Hearts group at yahoo. This is from Susan. Isn't it beautiful!

It has been way too long since I have posted anything! And I thought this blog would help keep me focused and possibly complete something. Lots of things going on though. I will start with a picture of a block I have made for CQMagonline. It is aTeddy Bear theme and the blocks will be for Juvenile Diabetes. I had a lot of fun making this. I have to add a label and then get this in the mail!

Rags

Well, here she is. This is "Rags" short for "Ragamuffin" which is what she looked like when I finally caught her. She was only 5 weeks old when she followed Marshmallow and Lucky home. (The 2 cats we already had) It took me a week to catch her too. But she kept coming back to eat and sleep on the porch.
She likes to play with my stuff. I think her favorite is rewinding my threads under the dining room table! I started to hide things from her by putting a towel accross the table. That lasted a few days before she discovered what was under the towel!!
She also has a partner in crime. That would be Pepper, our cocker spaniel puppy. Pepper is actually a year old now and still chews anything she finds. Rags shares my stuff with her by knocking it off the table! Of course this is when they aren't chasing each other. Too funny.

Apologies and Thanks

I want to apologize and thank everyone who left a comment on my blog. I just found them!! Apparently I am moderating my comments and have to approve them before they get posted. It took me a while to find them. Thank you Iris for telling me you commented or I never would have gone looking for them. I think I am going to have to go change some settings here.
Thanks again for making my day!

Adventure in Tatting

This had been a very unproductive week. I'm glad it went fast. It certainly wasn't uneventful though. There is so much out there to learn and I finally gave in and tackled tatting. I went to Michaels with my 40% off coupon and picked up the book "Learn Needle Tatting Step- by- Step" by Barbara Foster.

Thursday evening was spent playing with this. Just before bed I thought I had "got it". You will never guess what I woke up to on Friday morning. My dining room floor was "decorated" with my spool of dmc pearl cotton that I used for the tatting. Tatting still attached of course. Yup, that cute little innocent looking kitten must have been up all night playing!! This thread was so entwined with every chair and the table that I had to use sissors to cut it all off. I wanted to take a picture but of course my camera batteries were dead. Sorry I can't share this image but I know I will never forget it. And it's not the first time she has played with my threads either. Now she knows how to get them out of my hiding spaces. I'll have to put some pictures of my 4 legged babies. They are all an adventure in some way or another!

As for the tatting, last night I was able to make a butterfly and a medallion. It really isn't as hard as I thought it would be. I think my background in crochet and especially in crocheting with thin cotton thread has helped. Now I'm looking foward to making more.

Now I can get back to my block from Sharons class. I wanted to add some tatting to itand now I can. I have added more to the seams and am up to some silk ribbon embroidery. Hopefully my next post will have an updated picture of my block and it won't be too long from now!

Hearts

I was busy stitching yesterday finally! It was about time I got started on making hearts for a group I joined. These are 6 inch hearts that are traded amongst each other. They have been trading some beautiful hearts. My fear is that they will be all traded out by the time I am ready. Well, that and that no one would want one of my hearts. I am such a critic of my own work. I really have to learn to relax!!
Now I just have to get faster at making these little things. I have a hard time deciding what to do one each one. For example, should I put a herringbone stitch here or a chain stitch? What color thread would be best? Decisions, decisions, decisions!!! lol This next heart (not pictured yet) is going a lot faster. I looked at it and picked a seam line. Gave myself the option of 2 stitches and just "did it". And it worked! Well, so far.
Anyway, here are my three finished hearts. Hearts 1 and 2 are in my favorite color scheme. Golds, burgundy, greens, tans. Autumn colors. Well, this years favorite! And the third one with the pastels was fun. I was really suprised. I thought it would be hard to work in those colors. And heart #4 is also in pink and green. Are pastels going to be my new favorite? I don't think so. When I went to the store to get some more I came home with a new suprise. Really really bright colors. We shall see what I do with those. It really is fun to work in a different color scheme.