I know I've posted about this block numerous times in various stages of it's production, but now it's finished! And I'm so pleased with it. I think in the last year thanks to four days with Sharon B in Connecticut, and various sessions with Gerry Kruger, learning about design, balance, flow around the block, etc., all things that I did not understand before, that I have actually "got it" (to some degree, anyway!)
|
Pages
▼
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Emily's block - finished
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Fancy fibres
Well, I've solved the problem of what to do with all those fluffy, knobbly, hairy, tangly fibres! Actually Sharon B gave me the idea. At the "Adventure" in Connecticut she carried around her embroidery threads on a big ring rather than pack numerous baggies, and as she demonstrated a stitch, she just chose and snipped off a length from the ring. Great idea, thanks Sharon. |
Sunday, November 27, 2011
The Cookie Factory
Cookies of all shapes and colours emerged from talented ladies..... |
We had to work quickly so that the icing could dry before being packaged later. |
Such a variety.... |
Some were absolute pieces of art... |
Here we are at the wrapping stage. Two small cookies or one large in a clear cellophane bag tied with curled ribbon. |
In total we packaged up 178 bags. These will be given to the church where we meet as a thank you for the use of the facility. Well done everyone! |
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Crazy Quilt Journal Pages 2012 Challenge
The new logo to the right is promoting a new challenge for 2012.
Every month, beginning in January, participants agree to produce one crazy quilted block, at least 6" x 6". The block can be any shape, and can be larger than that measurement, but can be no less than 36 square inches: 6" x 6", 12" x 3", 4" x 9", etc. etc.
The CQJP2012 blog will carry the photos of participants' projects. There are loads of stitchers registered for this project, and I'm sure there will be some interesting and amazing stuff to look at. Here's the link to the blog to check it out and read the rules and regulations.
I'm planning to use my flower quilt, which is a WIP, and challenge myself to try again several techniques that I found difficult the first time around. These would include tatting, needlelace and folded fabric flowers.
Every month, beginning in January, participants agree to produce one crazy quilted block, at least 6" x 6". The block can be any shape, and can be larger than that measurement, but can be no less than 36 square inches: 6" x 6", 12" x 3", 4" x 9", etc. etc.
The CQJP2012 blog will carry the photos of participants' projects. There are loads of stitchers registered for this project, and I'm sure there will be some interesting and amazing stuff to look at. Here's the link to the blog to check it out and read the rules and regulations.
I'm planning to use my flower quilt, which is a WIP, and challenge myself to try again several techniques that I found difficult the first time around. These would include tatting, needlelace and folded fabric flowers.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Emily's block
This Emily's block in progress. Emily is 5 months and a bit. |
These are Kiko's flowers. Sharon B showed us how to do them. Mine always turn out looking different from each other. |
I love these little lilies. They're acrylic and I bought a bunch of them from an Etsy shop. By themselves they sit awkwardly, but in threes I think they look super. |
A patch with buttonhole rings, chevron that needs more decoration, and my favourite scallop seam. |
I'm working with bias silk ribbon here, and it's lovely to work with. This is a patch in progress. |
Thursday, November 17, 2011
More birthdays...
Caleb had the trucks off the cake and washed as soon as the candles were blown out! |
Here's Brynn painting her magic wand that goes with her beautiful princess gown. |
Caleb and my son trying to figure out how to build this 5-level parking garage. |
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Constructing a 6" CQ block
I found a couple of really nice flowers on clearance. They are a little bigger than those I have already used, but they have fabric and lace petals and I could trim them later if I need to.
For this tutorial I will be using the pale green lace flower. |
Here is the 8" muslin square. I have marked the corners of the 6" square embroidery area. I cut out a six sided piece of the green fabric and placed it in the centre.
|
Next I took pieces of green fabric to blend with the green flower and laid them on three sides of the centre piece. I tested it out with my cardboard frame.
|
I carried on around the centre piece's six sides laying out fabric of my choice. The final sixth piece of fabric was tucked under the first piece.
|
I tested to see if the flower looked OK. To begin sewing, gently pull out the muslin block from the centre , leaving the six fabrics in place.
|
Next, beginning with one of the six fabrics, lay it right sides together along one of the centre sides. Sew only the length of the centre side, marked here with pins.
|
This is the block now. First piece of fabric sewn down, pressed, trimmed. Note that the first fabric that overlaps the muslin is not sewn down. The last fabric will be tucked under this flap.
|
Second fabric lined up on second side of centre to the edge of the block.
|
Here's the second fabric sewn, pressed and marked for cutting.
|
This is the third fabric. |
Third fabric sewn and pressed. Just a note to say that it makes a big difference to the finished block when you iron each seam.
|
Here is the third fabric sewn and the trimming line marked on the front.
|
Turn the block to the back and trim off the excess fabric. |
Carry on adding your fabric pieces, sew and press, then trim. Here five pieces of fabric are in place.
|
Here is the block ready to take the sixth piece of fabric. The loose first piece of fabric is pinned back so that I can sew a little past the end of the centre block side. |
This is the sixth piece pinned down ready to sew. |
The sixth piece has been sewn down and I extended it about 1" beyond the end of the centre side.
|
Friday, November 4, 2011
Hallowe'en 2011 with the Grandchildren
My other two cuties are in Quebec and although I couldn't be there, I was thinking of them. Brynn is a princess and Caleb a knight. A very handsome couple. |