Posts

Showing posts from May, 2013

May Crazy quilt block

Image
I had fun doing this block.  At first the vertical seams bothered me but now I am kind of liking them.  After all repetition can be good.

Work in progress Wednesday

Image
So I haven't give up on this block.  I added some buttons and trims.  I am liking it better.  I think the square of lace in the upper middle was too distracting so I still need to stitch the trims on top it, they are just pinned on right now.  Possibly it will be done once I do that.

Take a stitch Tuesday slipped detached chain

Image
Again, another new stitch for me.  Definitely not difficult though.  Love it!  I will definitely use this again, I am sure many times.  I worked this in DMC cotton on my May CQ block.  I think this block is done now and will post a photo of the whole block in the next couple of days.  Thanks to Sharon B at  http://pintangle.com/

check this out

Image
This guy has some great ideas!  I love that he embraced the 'what if' scenario that many of us let stop us.

thrifty finds

Image
In the last couple of weeks I have found these gorgeous table clothes and one table runner.  Oh they are pretty!  I really don't need these for decorating purposes in my home so I will probably cut them up to use in projects.  That feels a bit bad though as they are in perfect shape.

quilt festival class

Image
I taught a class on making fabric beads to a wonderful group of ladies yesterday!  So fun!  I love it when students have an open mind and want to play!  I have had a couple of people ask me to teach this in my home studio since they couldn't make it yesterday.  I will likely do that in July.

Work in Progress Wednesday

Image
This is the last block that I need to finish for a my quilt.  I am a bit stumped with it.  I added another piece of fabric in the upper right corner.  That has helped some but there is still something I don't like about it.  I guess I kind of know what it is but that means picking off some elements.  I am hesitant to that but ultimately I know I will be happier if I do.

Take a stitch Tuesday fancy hem stitch

Image
Another new stitch for me.  I thought it looked fairly easy so I went directly to a crazy quilt block.  The stitches look a bit messy now that I see them in the photo.  They didn't look that bad when I was doing.  Still I know with practice I will get better.  And it is not like they are ruining the block so I won't be picking them out.  I guess others would but.... Thanks to Sharon B at  http://pintangle.com/   for all the wonderful lessons!

exploring

Image
I love when my explorations lead to something good! I am really liking this pieces.  I started by needle felting different fabrics to a base.  I was aiming for getting some dimension and texture.  I think I achieved that.  I added some machine stitching, beads and sequins.  I am debating if the blue silk at the top is too much.  I am thinking it needs to be trimmed down or ...?  Any suggestions?

Thrifty finds

Image
Some gorgeous placemats and doilies were found by blessed me!  I am particularly thrilled with these finds!  Such gorgeous pieces.  I might have a hard time cutting these up!

Work in Progress Wednesday

Image
I really like the buttonhole bar so I added it to this block.  I also added, beads, lace and ric rac.  I think this block is pretty close to finished.  Thanks to Sharon B at  http://pintangle.com/  for hosting Work in Progress Wednesday.  It sure does help to keep me on track.

Take a Stitch Tuesday Coral stitch

Image
So, I have never done this stitch but the explanation of it looked simple enough.  My first row I had too much angle on my needle and therefore got sloppy knots.  I kind of don't mind it though.  I continued on and improved.  I like this stitch and will use it again.

Accepted

Image
This piece I call Breaking Through.  It was accepted into the Growth show at the Unity Center.  The opening reception is May 24 from 7-9pm.  I would love to see you all there! This piece is a bit different for me.  Here is my artist statement. Change is inevitable.  Accepting change and choosing to grow through the challenge of it is optional.  Personally I love it.  I love breaking through to a new level, taking the next step, learning.  My mixed media piece utilizes a baby quilt cut open and the space filled with imagery rich with symbolism of growth.  

Sparkling finds

Image
I really don't need more supplies.  I guess most of us don't.  Still I love the thrill of the hunt.  Plus my Mom loves to haunt thrift stores with me so we have fun together.  This week I found the glitzy yellow fabric.  I generally don't work a lot with yellow but who knows....   The pearl clip on earrings don't sparkle but they were too pretty to pass up.  The shiny belt will be cut and used in small pieces.  The gorgeous glass buttons were in a bag that was only a dollar!  I am sure these pieces will find a home in my art somewhere!  Happy Mother's Day to all!

Work in progress Wednesday

Image
This another old block that I decided to stitch onto.  I added the ribbon roses and the copper/orange colored beads.  The beads are special to me as I bought them at the flea market in Paris when I was there almost two years ago.  Their color is perfect for this block.  I can't think of much else to do on this block so I might call it finished.  Which means there is only one block left to finish for this quilt.  Yippee!

Take a stitch Tuesday Buttonhole bar

Image
Oh my gosh!  I love this stitch.  I am pretty confident doing the regular buttonhole stitch so I dove right into this stitch.  I thought it might make a neat flower so that is what I did.  It isn't so great maybe with a button or bead in the center it will be better.  Still, I love this stitch and will definitely do it again! Thanks to Sharon B at  http://pintangle.com/  for such great instructions!

Thrift store finds

Image
I had a good hall at the thrift store!  I found a gorgeous pink table cloth that I am definitely thinking about using on my table and not cutting it up.  I also found a small bag of treasures!  $2.00 for all this gorgeous lace and thread!  I am so excited to use it.  The taupe colored lace is not usually my thing, not vibrant or colorful. I am thinking of dyeing or coloring it somehow.  Just not sure at the moment.

In my opinion perfection is highly over rated!

When I saw this quote this morning it reinforced my opinion.   “I think that it is useless to fight directly against natural weaknesses. One has to force oneself to act as though one did not have them in circumstances where a duty makes it imperative; and in the ordinary course of life one has to know these weaknesses, prudently take them into account, and strive to turn them to good purpose; for they are all capable of being put to some good purpose.” - Simone Weil, Waiting For God To me it is akin to working within your limitations.  I have many but I don't let it stop me!

work in progress Wednesday

Image
I think this block is finished.  I have been working on the blocks for this quilt for years!  Far too many years! Yet, I find it is good to put something away at times.  I only have two blocks left to finish for this quilt and they are close so that feels good.  I would love to get this quilt all put together. Thanks to Sharon B at http://pintangle.com/  for the help in keeping on track!