What I learned Craft Wise this past year.

PREVIOUS YEARS

2012 - Paper piecing (has it uses but am not crazy about it)

2013 - Applique freezer paper & starch method ( really enjoy it)
            Applique raw edge (really enjoy this as well)
            Tail end of the year got interested in Crazy Quilting and was drooling over Silk Ribbon                               Embroidery
            Discovered Hexies (those addicting little suckers)

THIS LAST YEAR

2014 -  Took some CQ classes with Kathy Shaw and am addicted.   These classes also covered SRE                        (silk ribbon embroidery).
         -  Learnt to be wary of having hubbie attend local BoM's.  I got signed up for a Judy Niemeyer                    class, as well as an upcoming Feathered Star class.
         - Greatly increased skill of hand embroidery (stitchmap class)

HOPE TO LEARN THIS YEAR

- am hoping to expand knowledge through classes from Stitchmap

- will be expanding my knowledge and skill at CQ & SRE doing the CQJP (see button on sidebar) am also hoping that Kathy has some more intermediate & advanced classes this year.

- Bali bedrunner class towards the end of Jan (Judy Niemeyer pattern) so in depth paper piecing.

- Feather Star class Jan or Feb

- will be learning quilting on a long arm in Jan as well.  Then have several quilts that are waiting to be finished.




Some time later this week will be making a list of the ufo's that I want DONE this year.   I don't think I will be doing any online BoM's but will be collecting several this year.  I really need to destress and get some of these projects finished which will also help to preserve peace and space in my home life.

Progress on CQJP Feb 2015 block

Yes you read that title correctly.  I am trying to get ahead as there is almost always something that comes up/happens that prevents me from doing my crafts during the winter months.

Here is the picture with the seams done.  Sorry for that shadow, my head got in the way.

I have a motif and some silk ribbon flowers to add still.  The vine above the couple will have sequins which will be added later.  Same as the beads at the end of the leaves on both the right and left hand seams.  Still want to add a french knot to the center of the flowers in the lower vine.

If you enlarge the block the hand basting is the 8 inch mark.  I am figuring my blocks will be 8.5 or 9 inch finished.  I just haven't decided whether to sash them and join them altogether or use them as individual wall hangings.

Last of the Christmas Gifts.

Here are the sachets.  I am not putting anything in them as I an allergic to most potpourri.  There is a 2.5 inch zipper in the back of each as you can see from the one at the top.  I used 2 different monograms.  1 came from Kathy Shaw(of http://www.shawkl.com ) and the other from Mary Corbet (of http://www.needlenthread.com ).

Now I can relax and work on other things.

CQJP (Crazy Quilting Journal Project)

Submitted my Jan block this morning then spent a bit of time working on my Feb block.  January is going to be a busy month so am trying to get ahead while I can.

Here is my work so far.

Next step will be the seam treatments.  Will show you a picture once I get those done as well.

Other than that I have been working on 7 sachets for family & friends.  Hope to have them finished today.  If so will make another post later or tomorrow.

Early finish - January CQJP 2015 block

I think it is finished will wait to submit it for a few more days.  I have it set up so that I see it constantly so can make any changes I think is needed.  It also needs to pass John's inspection tonight after he gets home from work :)

Here it is.

Those stars in the top right corner are not pink they are off white.  The flash altered the color.

Linked up with Linky Tuesday

Update on my mother

She is out of the hospital as of last night and feels great.  The did put 2 stents in while doing the agiogram.  As for her hip no one knows what happened there but the pain went away.  So all of the stress and worry is done now.

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing you all a good day.  For those in the US Happy Thanksgiving.

Woke up yesterday with such lovely plans.  Was going to take some pictures of my WIP and post with links to a few other blogs.  Then everything went awry big time.

Got am email from my brother saying that my mother was rushed to the hospital as she woke up and couldn't move.  What a shocker that was.  Having to wait for news was the worst though.  I think he was in a hurry and didn't pay attention to what he actually said in his email.  Later email said they don't know what the pain in her hip is all about.  So it wasn't as serious as his first email made it out to be.

She will be in the hospital for a few days while they do tests etc.  So please send her kind thoughts and prayers.

Sandra

My CQJP 2015 blocks

Been trying to decide what I wanted to do for these.  Keep in mind that I am new to cq'ing.  Decided to do neutral back ground blocks and just use them for practicing.  So not going with any set plan in mind.  There will be plenty of embroidery, SRE, and I hope some stumpwork.

Other than that haven't really been doing much.  Next week I want to get all the prep done for my Bali quilt class.  Have a lot of reading and cutting to do :(

W.I.P. 11-04-2014

This is a BoM from a local quilt shop.  Progress to date.  All of the fabrics except for the dark blue are included.

Recently joined the yahoo group Celt's Vintage Crochet I don't crochet as much as I used to but still like to keep my hand in so to speak.  This vintage pattern is from that goup.  Still needs to be blocked.

2 of my CQ blocks from Kathy Shaw's intermediate class are finally done.   1 more should be done today the other will wait for a wooden frame on payday.

This picture is just for fun.  This is what happens if I get up before John in the morning.  Really not sure if Rusty is attracted to the warmth or if he is trying to keep the bed warm for me.  He is sound asleep here.  He didn't even stir when the camera turned on which will usually have him come running and pose.

Will be linking up with a few places.  Check them out and see what other people are up to.

Linky Tuesday

WIP - 10-30-2014

Sorry it has been so long since I last posted.  My arm/shoulder is finally easing up somewhat.  2 physio therapy appointments down and 3 more booked :(

This is what I have been working on.

Local BoM - quilt top finished.  Fabrics were of my own choice.  They are all Stonehenge fabrics.  Lovely and luxurious to work with.  Will check if I have enough left over to piece the back if not will have to buy some more.

Made these for a challenge for Stitchmap.  About once a month Shari finds us a free download pattern on the net and uses it as a challenge there is usually a lesson involved in there too.

Have finished my cq blocks from Kathy Shaw's Intermediate class.  Am in the process of binding them which is today's project.

Also been working on a crocheted doily from a vintage pattern.

I have signed up for a BoM starting January at a local quilt shop.  Have also signed up for a 2 day Judy Niemeyer class (taught by a certified teacher not herself) also in January.  Will be signing up for Kathy Shaw's classes hopefully in January as well (she is revamping her intermediate class).

Update on my cq blocks.

These are the 4 blocks I did/am doing for Kathy Shaw's Intermediate Crazy Quilt Class.


Hope to have these framed by the end of the month but that will depend on when I can use my arm without pain.  Started physio therapy yesterday and it hurts more now then it did before.

Here are 3 of my blocks.  The 4th one is still waiting for 2 more seam treatments then some motifs.  Also hope to have it done by the end of the month.

I am thinking of a black frame for this one.

Probably a dark brown frame for this one.

This one will be a Christmas present for my sister in law.  Will put it into a wooden picture frame with no glass.   The rulers are covering his name and birthdate.  I don't like putting personal information anywhere on the internet.

Here is the progress on my silkie block.  Will be adding beads after 2 more seam treatments, a 3d victorian style boot and a sequin parasol.  Those threads hanging down from the silkie are waiting to be couched down into bows.

Linking up with Esther's WoW

Suggestions wanted please

Suggestions wanted please

Something is missing and not sure what to put into the lower right corner.  Also am not sure if I should stitch on this silkie or not.  Was considering stitching between the hat and his face, also just the sergeant strips on his shirt.  What are your thoughts?

The rulers are covering up his name and date of birth.  I don't feel comfortable showing that info anywhere on the internet. 

More good news

Lost 2 more doctors today.  Don't need to see them anymore.  However, I did gain a physical therapist.  I should have more mobility and less pain in my arm so the plastic surgeon gave me a referral to physical therapy.

Overall very good news.

Good news for a change

Doctor's office just phoned.  My mammo was clear so after my specialists appointments on Wed don't need to see any doctor for 6 months :)  YAY.

W.I.P. - 9-3-2014

Didn't get all that much done this week.  Left shoulder was out of commission.  No idea what I did to it but it is finally starting to loosen up.

Got some work done on my CQ blocks today.  Both of these blocks are from the Intermediate CQ class with Kathy Shaw.

The task was for Sunflower, Daisy or Violets.  I went with white violets.  Have never done these nor the leaves before.  I think the leaves a too big for such delicate little flowers.

I felt that space under the wisteria was crying out for a bench so viola made one and am happy with it.  Will be adding 2 more elements to this block.  Will be working on seam treatments soon.


Linking up with W.I.P. Wednesday and WoW.  Go check out the eye candy and see what others are up to.

What I have been up to - picture intensive again

Mainly concentrating on the Crazy Quilt class with Kathy Shaw.  Am having a lot of fun and learning a lot!

Here is one of the blocks that has the most work done on it.

I have something planned for the upper right and lower right corners :)  Just have to wait until we get up to those lessons.  I had only done 1 partial block prior to taking the beginner class with Kathy a few months ago.  Now I have plans in the works for a few blocks once I am finished the classes.

Other than that I did take some time off and get caught up with the hexie BoM through Hexie BoM got 5 of the blocks finished this week.  April's block was partially done for awhile now I had just misplaced it then other things took precedence.  May - August were all done over the last few weeks.

Monday or later this afternoon will be working on my 2 local BoM's and get the August blocks done.

As you can see I always have so much on the go.  

W.I.P. 8-13-2014 - picture intensive post

I have been very busy this last week.

Finally got my hexie quilt top done.  It is packed away until I can get some of the tops sandwiched and quilted.

Got all of the kaleidoscope hexies made.  Am thinking of one round of black around each of them then not sure what color for the path but will be a single row.

Border pieces for the kaleidoscope

Here is my progress on my Crazy Quilt blocks from the Intermediate CQ class with Kathy Shaw.  Keep in mind that these are a work in progress.  The beginners class concentrated more on the seam treatments the intermediate is concentrating more of other elements that is why the seams are not embellished yet.

Am currently working on the frame around the silkie.

My very first web and spider.

My first monogram

Will be linking up with Freshly Pieced WIP Wednesday , Esther Aliu's WoW and Linky Tuesday

Pets on Qults - voting has begun

Here is where you make the post with your selection.

http://lilypadquilting.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-voting-begins.html?showComment=1407849903269#c1282729691893647974

Here is where you find the entries.

http://lilypadquilting.blogspot.com/2014/08/pets-on-quilts-show-2014.html

Go check out the eye candy some of these quilts are spectacular.

My quilts are in category

1 - #58

4 - #57

While I would appreciate your votes, vote for your choices freely. 

Redwork Course through Stitchmap

For info on Stitchmap please see the previous post or click on the Stitchmap button on my sidebar.

The Redwork Course starts with gathering of supplies and ends with some finished pattern weights and a bag to hold them.

Each stitch is described in detail with pictures and text (we covered 16 different stitches I think).

I learnt a few new stitches and relearned a few others (I was self taught through books and the internet).  You are taught to do the stitches like grandma would have.

Here is what I made during the course.

Pattern weights

Bag to hold the pattern weights.

All of the above designs were done during the course.  One of them was even redone as the first one had too many oopsies in it.  Like I said above I learnt a lot and had some fun doing it.

I would recommend stitchmap and this course to anyone interested in stitchery whether they are beginners or experts.

Stitchmap Info

I could never describe it as well as they have.  This is a direct copy from the yahoo group page.  It is a sharing of knowledge and they teach you like grandma would have.  Best of all it is FREE to join and all classes are FREE as well.

Group Description

StitchMAP is for individuals interested in having a Mentor to help them while learning new needlework techniques. Free courses and mentoring are offered in needle arts such as Crazy Quilting, Hardanger, Redwork, Silk Ribbon Embroidery, Surface Hand Embroidery, Brazilian Embroidery, Needlepoint, Quilting, Blackwork, Color Theory for Stitchers, Cross Stitch, and other Counted Thread techniques.

Member volunteers (Stash Angels) often provide small stash enhancement packages to Apprentices of our Mentors when needed. We also are able and willing to assist any other needle artist or charitable group who may be referred to us by members of StitchMAP. We just ask that they meet certain criteria as established by our guidelines.

StitchMAP membership is open to those who are committed to learning new needlework techniques and to those who would like to help others by assuring they begin their journey into the world of stitchery with the proper tools, knowledge,and materials. A membership questionnaire is sent to new members and must be returned before full membership privileges are granted.

We have Contests and Challenges. We do Swaps, needlework classes and LABS (Looking At Building Skills). You will find helpful Links to resources, tutorials, great hints and photos for inspiration.

The group blog is called K.N.A.S.S. (K-eeping N-eedlearts A-live by S-haring S-titches). Please visit and feel free to explore there too. The link to the blog is: http://mentorandangels.blogspot.com/ .

Join the fun, make new friends, learn new stitching techniques while helping others along the way. There are NO FEES involved. Pay it forward by eventually becoming a Stash Angel or Mentor.

"When you get, give. When you learn, teach." ~Maya Angelou

I 

Go here to sign up.

Pets on Quilt Show - Part 2

Here is my second entry.

The little ham just had to be in the picture.  It looks like he is claiming this quilt.  Then again maybe it is the bed he is claiming?

This one will be in the Dog on Quilt Category.  Go check out the eye candy there will be some spectacular quilts there.

Pets on Quilt Show

Pets on Quilts

I am entering 2 quilts in the Pets on Quilts Show    If you love or even like pets go check out all of the eye candy.

I designed and machine appliqued this kennel quilt for Rusty sometime last year or the year before.  He won't leave it in his kennel during the summer the little stinker pulls it out.  Will have to wait and try again this fall and see what happens.  He does try to be gentle when pulling it though.

This will be in the Dog Themed Quilt Project category.

What a chore that was.

I have been feeling overwhelmed a lot lately.  I was also spending too much time on bloglovin.  The final straw was when I went away for 3 days and came back to almost 1000 posts to catch up on.  So....I went through my follow list on bloglovin and cut 3/4 of the blogs from my list.  Some of these were great blogs just not what I was interested in anymore.

Now that I won't be spending so much time reading blogs that I "follow" I should have more time to blog.  Bear with me for another month or two and I should be able to start doing some tutorials etc.

I also want to start posting regularly again for WIP Wednesdays and posting some freebies again.  Just need to finish up a few things than will have more time.

Thank you for being so patient.

W.I.P. - 7-30-2014

Haven't touched my hexie quilt.  Just had too much other stuff on the go.

Local BoM's

 1 block left to make next month then we start on the setting triangles then the borders.  When this is done we will have a complete quilt top.

This one just started on Saturday.  I couldn't resist the colors.

Am taking another Crazy Quilt Class with Kathy Shaw.  This is the intermediate class for those that completed her beginners class.  Here are my blocks to date.  This class just started as well and is only up to task 3.

 The sequins/beads are only placed on there am thinking of using light yellow instead of the gold.  The tree doesn't show up much in the photo is better in person.


Other than the above have been doing a pincushion swap and other misc projects.  See you all next week.

More vacation pictures.

These were taken between Cedar Breaks and Bryce Canyon parks.  Look at the sign in the 3rd one :)

These are from Bryce Canyon

tomorrow I will post a few more photos.

Where have I been?

Have been so busy lately; will have lots of photos to show you over the next week or two.

CRAFTS
- been working on a Redwork class through Stitchmap
- have lots of the kaleidoscope flowers made now
- my hexie quilt is nearing the end will start working on it again this week or early next.

HOLIDAY
- hubbie managed to get a few days off work so we went for a little holiday.  We took about 300 pictures so will pick some of my favorites over the next few days to show you.  We went to Cedar Break Park, Bryce Canyon Park and a few areas in between.  Beautiful country with lots to see.  We stayed at Brian Head (can't do that again it triggered my Reactive Airway disease/disorder and I am still having issues). I can go there for the day but cannot sleep at those elevations.  We will go back to those areas again but will stay at one of the towns which are at a lower elevation.

Here are a few pictures I took.  Will have more to show everyone from hubbies camera over the next little while.

This is on the way to Cedar Breaks

The following are from Bryce Canyon

I was having issues with my camera for some reason it wouldn't take a lot of the pictures and the sun was so bright I couldn't tell if it took them or not until later :(  Luckily hubbie took over 250 so I should have lots more to show you/

Wildlife - we saw squirrels, chipmunks, prairie dogs, deer, sheep.  Got pictures of most but the sheep.  Nothing like rounding a corner in the evening shortly before twilight and finding sheep on the road.  Luckily we were going slow enough that there wasn't a problem.

Until tomorrow or Friday for more pictures.

Linking up with Esther's WoW