Cat stitchery on Organza
Posted by Picasa
Being owned by three cats,I tend to be influenced by them in my stitching.
A couple of years back, after buying several of Gary Clarke's books ,I tried his method of embroidering on Organza.
Several cushions were the result,and one heart shaped motif, which was swapped in Chain of Hearts with Dawn in Nova Scotia.This I did for myself.
It still needs some whiskers and shading in the tail area.
The threads are Madeira Decora.
We are blessed to have many species of wild birds visit us.Here are two "regulars" dropping in for lunch:A pair of sulphur crested cockatoos who have been named Joe, (after the raucous tones of Joe Cocker) and Jo-Jo.The pink/blue flowers are Match-stick Bromeliads
Posted by Picasa
So far I have one denim skirt and a kilo or so of denim offcuts with which to tackle that "bag of fun".Hopefully by Sunday I'll have made a start on the actual needlework
Posted by Picasa
Link
The aim is to construct a bag----handbag,carry bag,whatever from preloved denim jeans;skirt;scraps of denim.
Now jeans as a form of clothing, I first wore in the 1950s(yes Sharon, a dinosaur is participating!!)
Back then(in the 50s),....mine were green, baggy and great for horse riding,bike riding and just generally "mucking around".Jeans wre definitely NOT the fashion statement of more recent years
Enough of the reminiscing!
When my daughter's household furnishings leave for a new/permanent home tomorrow,I'll dig out my off cuts,my skirt and my son's cast offs and make a start.
As I want a practical bag,mine will (hopefully) be mainly hand embroidered with coarse threads,and maybe some applique that will stand up to a life of hard workItemURL>
The cow jumped over the moon.The second of my blocks for a quilt with the theme being Mother Goose
Posted by Picasa
Here is a block for Lyn ready to leave me and head south.I worked on the two central patches:the palepink and the check,where I embellished silk ribbon flowers around a gold heart charm and a (beaded) spider above.I also marched a row of SRE flowers across the lower seam
Posted by Picasa
You can't see the actual light box,but you can see the Bluework illuminated by the light box!
At long last,I've been able to access Broadband.........NOW I have to learn not only how to use it successfully,but how to whip my Blog into a satisfactory format.
To the other extreme,regarding needlework,I've been playing the last week or so with Redwork and Bluework as I'm "between" receiving my next section of the CQ RRs I'm committed to.
I find the simplicity of R/W and B/W very relaxing........little or no thought process required once I've marked my naked block with the pattern required.
And on this theme,I venture to ask:
"When working Redwork,do you prefer a Pellon backing,or just the homespun with no backing at all?"
(I myself,prefer a pellon backing;but it seems quite a few,don't!Please let me know your opinion)
I must acknowledge my long suffering husband here, and THANK him for the great Lightbox he has just made for me..it sure beats taping fabric and patterns to a sunny window!
Some four months ago,four "naked" fan blocks left me to travel around Australia in a RoundRobin: here are two that are being embellished----if you check out my April?may archives,you'll probably find them in all their naked glory (VBG)
My thanks to MarianE and MaxineJ for their work
In memory of Bill:
an uncommon tabby cat who sang like Pavarotti and will be sadly missed.
Posted by Picasa
The final block of Maxine's:Playing with bugle beads and Brazilian threads yet again!
Posted by Picasa
Block3 of Maxines where I used an antique gold braid for the fan top and Madeira metallic thread for the blades;I also added a couple of Organza flowers and a zigzag tseam treatment in lavendar ribbon
Posted by Picasa
This is Block2 of Maxine's:In this block I used 4mm silk ribbon woven through straight stitching for the blades and Edmar lola thread in bullion stitching for the top of the fan;I also added the fan shaped lace as a seam treatment
Posted by Picasa
These are the four blocks that MaxineJ has in the Dancing Fans RR.She suggested that we add our favourite fans,so I played mainly with Bugle beads,braid and silk ribbon and Brazilian embroidery.
Posted by Picasa
The last two weeks have been rather higgledy piggledy!
My boy,Bill (aka Pavarotti for his tenor purr) has been quite ill, and needless to say he's been getting most of my attention.
In the odd moments I've been working on MaxineJ's Fans for the RR and trying out differing versions of fans on the four blocks.When I do a little more,I'll scan them and add to the Blog!
As well as the fans RR I've been tearing my hair out(,figuratively :-) only,as to what to add to EvieH's CQ block:
it looks like I'll be embellishing seam lines mainly,as the two blocks done so far are pretty powerful and eye grabbing and too much of a larger theme will distract from the overall effect of the rich fabrics she has used!
I've also completed one Redwork block (with another to follow) for a surprise birthday quilt being made by a small group of us for a special friend..no pics of that until Late October when xxx has received the gift!
Finally,I've been indulging myself.....having fun embellishing my second Bra "Summertime"!
I chose to work on the Beach for my summer theme,and have had great fun playing with tricot fabric to get a wave effect,and then have dolphins,fish, etc playing in the depths!
The various charms,beads and trims I received in the Ocean Swap on southerncrosscrazies have all come in very handy for allowing me more choice!
I still have the back panels and straps to complete,before I can make a start on Autumn and Winter,but as I still have the "Jocks for a cure" to tackle,I think the two remaining Bras will be relegated to a 2006 commencement date.
Now it's off to clear the decks/work table to make some sewing space!
When I received Mary's block,I forgot to scan it before I started,so visualize this block with only "M A R Y " in beads on the mauve lace,and the line of daisies separating the lace from the rest of the block.
I added a "vine" with SRE pansies and Joyce fargo roses weaving around her name.
Because Mary plays the violin and I couldn't find a charm I added a bar of music.(The body of the notes are black seed beads)
Then there is a little cat playing with a ball amongst some silk ribbon flowers.
At this point I HAD to stop,or there would have been no room left for any-one else.
Posted by Picasa
I mentioned about a month ago that I had a block to work on for Mary H;
Mary is eleven years old,and after seeing some CQ blocks that her mother was working on in a RoundRobin expressed an interest in CQ, and I offered to work on Mary's block as she didn't have any (young) friends or their mothers to ask.
This is a scan of the Wishlist in Mary's logbook.
Posted by Picasa
This is the fan I chose to work on for MaureenB(akaMaureen3).
M3 had added the white braid and I've added a small bouquet of SRE and BDE flowers in the top patch;
A fan in Edmar lola thread,and using the same thread on both sides of the striped block, I've straight stitched fans on one side seam and lazy-daisy fans on the opposite seam.
On the other striped block I meandered a chain stitch in metallic black down the seam.Finally a small butterfly hovers in the remaining patch---I still can't decide whether to add a flower too!
Then the blocks will continue down south to CatherineS in Victoria
Posted by Picasa
This time last year,we were recovering from an influx of visitors from Switzerland,New Zealand and Western Australia for our (only) daughter's wedding.
Tomorrow,Colleen and Pascal arrive back in Queensland--------indefinitely!
So,don't be surprised if KenmaursCorner,(and CQCrazy) languish for at least a week:there will be so much "catching -up" occurring.
This week has seen the postie deposit several CQ blocks in my mail box.
The one that appeals to me most,is from an 11 year old girl in Victoria-----Hello,Mary!
I met Mary's mum through a craft site,where we got involved in(surprise,surprise) a CQ Round Robin.
Then I learned that Mary would like to do a block.(Mary LOVES purple,cats and violins--though I'm not sure in which order)
Anyway Mary's block arrived this week,and I have so many ideas!!
Also this week I posted to the USA a couple of VTBs...............now these were a steep learning curve(VBG) but more of them,
later!!
This is work done on another of my dancing fans,by a NZ friend(Thanks Evie).
And Evie said:
" I have added three 'art doll' faces made from soft air drying clay painted with Lumiere paint. I used the same paint on the bow motif. Using the soft clay is brilliant because it can be stitched through. Lumiere paint is absolutely the best stuff....great range of colours and perfect to use on fabric....no medium needed.
Around the faces I used a 'soup mix' of beads using colours that were in other patches of the block"
Posted by Hello
sometimes I just can't help myself!My family and friends know that I love cats, and swamp me with appropriate and not so appropriate e-mails.This I HAD to share!!
Through my Flickr contacts I became aware of "Catster"
http:www.catster.com/welcome.php
why don't you go have a peek?
Posted by Hello
I bought three packages,one each of Peacocks,Dragons and Tigers.
Each picture is a paper cutout sandwiched in a tissue paper cover.At the time,they were "must haves",a souvenir of Beijing,and lightweight (a point to be considered as a tourist)
What they are to be used for,I never did discover......maybe in Scrapbooking, or card-making?
But they fascinated me and so,they migrated to Australia!
Posted by Hello
Seeing the peacocks on Chloes Place,reminded me of some I purchased in Beijing a few years back.
Posted by Hello
I'm sure I mentioned it in an earlier post,but I'll say it again;
Much as I'd like to take credit for the embellishment on the block with the burgandy fan,all credit is due to Maxine_j.
I have to bide my time until that block comes to me.
But oh,I DO like that fan----with the daisies dancing on the upper edge!
Dear Friends,
I was having trouble with my computer. So I called Gordon the computer guy, to come over. Gordon clicked a couple of buttons and solved the problem. He gave me a bill for a minimum service call.
As he was walking away, I called after him, "So, what was wrong?"
He replied, "It was an ID ten T error."
I didn't want to appear stupid, but nonetheless inquired, "An, ID ten T error? What's that . in case I need to fix it again?"
The computer guy grinned.... "Haven't you ever heard of an ID ten T error before?"
"No," I replied.
"Write it down," he said, " and I! think y ou'll figure it out."
So I wrote out .. I D 1 0 T
I used to like Gordon
Hope this gave you a chuckle or two......as I just HAD to share!
Well!!
There's no fear in me Sharlee---------I KNOW that this 'puter is smarter than me!
I snuck in this morning to try uploading that pic again;The result?
Nada,zip,zilch!
I'll try it to Flickr now and see if that works.........I'm NOT gonna let a heap of plastic,glass and diodes beat me!
I have been trying(unsuccessfully I must add) for the last hour to upload one picture to this Blog!!One of the southerncrosscrazies (who is participating in a RR with me and four other ladies )kindly sent me a pic of the work she had done on MarianE's block.
I've tried uploading to both this and the other Blog (CQCrazy) but apparrently Picasa and Hello have decided to go on strike :-(
Maybe I'll try again ............tomorrow!
Sorry Maxine.
JanWs Fan ready to leave Moodlu!You can see that one two of the Fan blades,I've added some Sashiko quilting in the Nowake or Pampas Grass pattern.The lower patch I edged with Cretan stitch and added a Bonsai tree using the pattern of the fabric as a cliff--the foliage is punch-needled and the trunk is chain stitched with two strands(light & dark)DMC cotton.To add a splash of colour I added a small spray of SRE flowers.
Posted by Hello
My first VTB(very tiny block)measures 1.5by2 inches.Yet to be embellished.I find that working in such a small size with silk is a little difficult as the fabric is so slippery
Posted by Hello
Feeling quite virtuous today---says she with a big grin!
A couple more UFOs are now complete;What started as a small project (one potholder) developed into sextuplets-----three Redworked potholders and three matching,but unembroidered potmits;two of which are now wrapped for their overseas flight to their new owner.
Then,as youngest GD is coming for the weekend,and I had a promise to keep,fabric has been prepared for her to start her first Redwork needlework.I copied a"country angel" from Homespun's latest mag (#29)as she was "taken" with it when she had a look last week.
Also kept DH happy with a large pot of Vichyssoise.Winter is so short in the sub-tropics that we have to make the most of hearty soups on our few cold/cool days.
Tonight I'm going to start on JanW's Fan block...........have decided on a small area of Sashiko quilting as a starting point...............
A (scanned)portion of JanW's Japanese fan block for our Fan dancing RR.
I like it as it is...........NAKED!
Jan has used Japanese cottons for the fan,with vanes of a mustard braid,which give it a feeling of strength.The background patches are in various neutral/cream fabrics and provide a great foil to the predominantly indigo shades.I prefer the minimalist approach to things Japanese, and have been apprehensive of doing anything to spoil Jan's plan.
However,I have been assured that Japanese style motifs----crane,Koi carp,kimono,cherry blossom,coins,fans are acceptable!
So now,I must put needle to fabric.I'll post a photo ,later!
Posted by Hello
Hellebore asked me to show "more" of the stamens/pistils of the Icecream tree blossoms--here's a macro---
Posted by Hello
A change from needlework!
Posted by Hello
The recent rains have stirred the Dendrobium Biggibum (aka Cooktown Orchid) into setting a few blooms.
It's also the right time for my Zygocacti to bloom;As they are making a colourful showing on the back verandah,I must post some pics of them in the near future
Something other than needlework! The recent much needed rain spurred our "icecream tree"into sending out some unseasonal blossoms
Posted by Hello
Having parcelled my naked fans ready for mailing,and the BDE pieces being complete,I thought I'd try again to best the needle-tatt
As I tend to a degree of dyslexia( due,I'm sure to the fact that my body is never sure whether it's right hand oriented,or left handed) I find that coming to grips with a new procedure involves a lot of fiddling and then adapting to my needs.
Last night I thought that I'd go back to using a slightly larger needle and a heavier(Anchor perle cotton #8)thread.
I attempted to join rings with chains--------joke!!
I now have to work out,at what stage I reverse the work!! Seems to me I've reversed the work before I even started.
My butterfly looks more like something out of Jurassic Park,and my motif is more than a little cock-eyed!
MORE practice------
On a lighter note:
Last year I read an article by Cindy Thury Smith(the CQNewsletter)
on "Thread Lace".
Having a fair stash of offcuts/endpieces of silk ribbon,embroidery threads and even smidgeons of fancy fabric,I decided to have a play & see what resulted.
Placing these yarns,fibres and threads between two layers of "solvy" and machine stitching it all together it resulted in an A4 sized piece of fabric,which I'll now try cutting into butterflies or dragonfly wings for use as embellishment.
Good fun!
Below is pictured one of the more successful examples of my attempts at (Needle)Tatting.
Funny thing:when I first started I followed advice and used a large-ish sized needle,and heavy crochet thread;
Result? Tangled messes!
Of course,it does help when I remember to hold the tail of the thread up behind the needle!
Last night I decided to go for broke: Out camt the #7 needle and the #80 thread:
Result: At least I was able to join four rings together!
Now I must concentrate on equal sized Picots,and try joining in another thread.
As I started this Blog to stir me into completing some UFOs(unfinished objects) and to date only two projects have made the transition,I'm happy to report that another two are no longer WiPs(works in Progress)
Last year a very dear friend decided that Brazilian Embroidery was not "her thing",and subsequently I inherited two kits and various other goodies.Last night,I completed the stitching on both,and when they have dried out after their bath,I'll photgraph them, and add them to the Blog.
I have also commenced work on a block from a RR which I write of in my other blog
CQCrazy.
The block is a 12 inch square and after deliberation I've chosen to work on the purple patch.
So far I've started an entwining vine down the seam line,where I'll add SRE flowers in tones matching with the other patches,and probably a spray of BDE flowers spilling down the patch.
Anyway,must go and block those BDE flowers for photgraphing.........
After pleading on SCCs for "someone to play with me" I now have five who are joining with me in a Fan Round Robin.
The first Fan RR commenced at a time unsatisfactory for me and I was suffering withdrawal pains at not participating in a RR for a few months-------must have regular "fixes"!
Anyway,MaureenB;CatherineS; JanW; MaxineJ and MarianE are orgainisng themselves with either one 12inch(finished) block, or four 6inch blocks.
So far it seems that three of us have decided on the four blocks,I wonder what the other three will do.
The blocks concerned do not necessarily need to be fans,they can be embellished with fans......it will be interesting to watch the themes develop.
I've heard that at least one block will be constructed in lightweight denim,as a result of seeing LindaB's denim telephone pouch.
At last year's Stitches and Craft Show in Brisbane I purchased a set of tatting needles........mainly because I'm too fumble fingered to master the shuttle.
I persisted,for a while,then it all went into Limbo as I got more frustrated with each attempt.
This year I went back to hassle Judy Hall into another demo,and as luck would have it the patient lady(Kerry??)who actually demonstrated for me, is a leftie like me!
So after another demo and yet another "how to" book to add to my library, I've started(trying to) tat yet again.
It's amazing what a difference it makes when you hold the thread in the correct position!!
The book by Barbara Foster "Learn Needle tatting" has clearer photos than previous books I've seen and after working out whether I'm a leftie or "normal" I've managed a couple of rings.Nothing spectacular mind you,but one day.........
I can see I need a lot more patience and perseverence before I get any-where near succesful:-(
One way and another,it's been a busy week for me:
Slowly coming to grips with "how" to manage my new Blog(and a few red faces along the way); a few medical hiccups,and completing those naked fan blocks for "that" RR.
Today was a "full-on" day:joining up with five othersewing/quilting/crafty/mad friends and going down to Brisbane for a dose of "Stitches and Craft" frenzy.
It's amazing how many people you bump into........that you've met a)In the district
b)via the Internet.
For all the negative comments you hear from some regarding internet communication,I have only positive vibes,and a depleted bank balance.
But I've enjoyed myself and widened my horizons,so I'm happy.
Besides "must have items" like a clover mini iron for my CQ (----"they" tell me that Ken Smith uses his to press crinkles INTO his silk fabrics!!Must try that!!
I purchased more threads,buttons,beads,charms,laces etc.
The tatting needles I bought last year "needed" a needle tatting book,another demonstration and some gorgeous vareigated yarn.............guess what I'm going to play with over the weekend??
Tuesday,next week,I hope to post my naked fan blocks on to the next RRer----unless I change my mind again,and make a naked block for a Scrip bag.........decisions,decisions!!
First up,once again I admit my ignorance:
Blogger wasn't disagreeing with me;I wasn't reading/interpreting directions correctly.
is up and running with accredited members who can do their own posting.
Over the weekend I've constructed 3 CQed Fan blocks for use in a RR.
I started off using LindaB's "destructions",but ended up with traditional piecing and applique.
Using a six inch(finished) block/foundation I drew this up on paper in three elements:
The background;fan blades and the 1/4 circle base.Using my paper"patterns" I pieced with sew and flip and then appliqued each element.
I also used a white lace around the upper edge of the fan blades for extra emphasis of fan shape.
Just remember, when using these templates to allow an extra 1/4 inch for turnings and applique.
As I mentioned in an earlier post here,I have commenced a new blog:"CQCrazy"
Developed primarily for some online friends that have expressed an interest in "trying" CQ in the form of a Round robin;
Sharon I never realised what a monster you'd be creating when you introduced me to the world of blog!
NOW I must go back and dig out all my "bits of paper"(read NOTES) for how to add links, and god knows what else I've blundered through the last couple of months------
I've been endeavouring to send invitational emails today to enable "members" of CQCRAZY
to post their own content.
For some reason Blog & I disagree on what/how the email addies should be written.
Another "bug" to remove
sometime,somehow.........anyone out there that can help??
http://cqcrazy.blogspot.com/
Had to go into Caboolture today for yet another Ultrasound.
Completing other chores I needed to do whilst in "town" I thought I'd detour past the newsagent and pick up a copy of Homespun.(just a little retail therapy to brighten the day)
None (Homespun) in stock,but I found the Scrapbooking section with an interesting(read "must have") display of "dress-it-ups" buttons.
O.k. they're plastic and not vintage buttons,but for me,the "Grandmother" and "Victorian florals" themes can figure in some CQ.........sometime!
Must go now and see whether they're easier to scan or photgraph.
Memories,like the corners of my mind.......High button boots;old fashioned swing mirrors/chevals; rocking chairs.....velvet and lace--------time to get the sketchbook/journal out and into gear!
This morning before our visiting family returned to Canberra,Eric attempted to show me some of the practical points of Blogging;
(Those of you who have followed my trials and tribulations in this field from "Day One" are aware of my lack of computer and blogging skills and need no further explanation.
Those who are new to this blog need to be reminded that in a weak moment I agreed with SharonB
that this would be a good way to demonstrate to other similar illiterates what can go wrong.
Why oh why do all my (clever) contacts have to live in southern statesand not close enough for "hands on" demos!
So here I am.trying to remember what Eric showed me,and HOW to do it,so let's publish and see if I've retained what he explained!
One of my regular correspondents forwarded this site:
International Quilt Association is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of the art of quilting, the attainment of public recognition for quilting as an art form, and the advancement of the state of the art throughout the world. Membership is open to anyone who makes, collects, or just loves the artistry of quilts.
Each year, IQA awards cash, non-purchase prizes to winners in their annual Judged Show. In 2004, $76,750 was awarded to members who submitted their work in a variety of styles and categories. Of the more than 800 entries, less than half were juried into the show as finalists, which competed for these prizes.
For more information about IQA or how to join, please visit www.quilts.org.
Click here for the complete Winner's List and photos
It's covers all categories,and is well worth a look!
