How I do my Crazy Quilt blocks.

This is a block that I did for a Four Season - Autumn block swap for the group CQ for Newbies.  Will post a picture of the block I get when I get it.


1.  Decide on a paper pieced block design.  That all depends on the mood I am in or on a theme.  Do a basting stitch at the finished block size and again 1/4 inside so I know where to stop embellishing.  I then sew the block onto a larger piece of muslin for hooping.  ( Can add lace right into the seams but I don't do much with lace)

2.  Do the basic seam embroidery.  Again the seam design, colors etc depend on my mood or on a theme.

3.  Any other flat work.  Embroidery slightly raised embroidery etc.  This is also where I would add any applique or lace elements.  The center flower is Brazilian Embroidery, The black roses are Silk Ribbon Embroidery, the Moon and clouds are done as an embroidery slip (embroidered onto a piece of muslin then sewn onto the block.  I stuffed a bit of polyfil under the moon to give it more of a rounded effect),  The spider web in the lower right corner is very muted except in certain light then it glistens just like a real web.

4.  Now for the beads which can make a tremendous difference.  They aren't really showing up in the picture but there are a bunch of bold beads in the center.  When sunlight hits this block you have the center beads shine and the web glistening.  I am quite happy with it.

More of what I have done recently

Found the cable for my camera so here is a picture of my naked Four Season - Autumn block.  This is for a block swap in CQ for Newbies group.

This is the block that I had submitted for the 2016 CQ calendar.  It was an experiment that I guess failed; from the comments that I got back the judges did not seem to like it.

If/when I find the borders so I can finish my Labyrinth Walk quilt will post a picture of the quilt top.  I haven't come across them yet.

Summer CQ block

This was way out of my comfort zone.  I gravitate towards cool colors and these are all warm/hot colors.

I belong to a yahoo group called CQ for Newbies.  There are people with all skill levels there.  This is a block I did for a Four Seasons - Summer block.

I have a picture of my naked Autumn block but appear to have misplaced the cord to go from my camera to my computer. :(

Am still alive and kicking

Sorry for not posting for so long.  Just had so much stuff in RL again/still.

1.  Family reunion at the end of May was not sure about going.  Glad I did but won't be at the next one.

2.  Stayed with my mom for a week before the reunion, haven't seen her since my heart surgery in 2011.  She said some things that cut real deep.  We almost left and came home mid week.  Am still dealing with that one.

3.  Had entered a block into the Calendar competiton and the comments that were given back were somewhat negative and I took it pretty hard.  I probably will not enter any other competition.  I had to rush to finish the block because I needed to have my last surgery.

4.  We moved.  From the time we looked at the place to the time we moved in was a whirlwind 4 weeks and 2 days.  Am still unpacking and organizing.

5.  Haven't been able to do any crafts because of  #4.  Almost to the point where I can start again.

6.  Have a few things that I haven't shown yet.  Will post pictures once I unbury everything.

Will try to post more often again.

It has been awhile.

Been going through a major slump and not feel motivated.

Finally got this finished.  Is from a Craftsy class.

Got the hand quilting done on my Celtic Heart.  Just need to bind it now.  Will show a picture when I get that done (other things keep getting in the way).

Working on Labyrinth Walk quilt for Tony (my son).  Should have the top finished within the next few days.

Did a CQ block for a swap was in a hurry to mail it and forgot to take a picture :(

What have you been up to?

Finally got this finished.

Brazilian Embroidery

Pattern - Rings of Enchantment from Threads in Bloom

It still needs to be washed and pressed but won't be doing that part until I get back from vacation.

Linking up with  Esther's WOW and Let's Bee Social

Here is my latest block

This is a combination of 2 of the tasks from Kathy Shaw's ICQC104 class.

The fox is an embroidered slip.  The embroidery was done using 1 strand of machine embroidery thread.  Takes a long time but I think well worth the effort.

The nest is a silkie slip.  I basically took a silkie cut out (leaving a seam allowance) the part that I wanted then sewed just that part down.  I then took a second identical silkie and made another slip just using the lower part of the nest (next time I will use more padding).  It doesn't show in the picture but the button part of the nest does poof out a bit.

I have 1 more task to do then will be finished this class :)

Another CQ class task

I love Kathy Shaw's classes.  You learn to think outside the box so to speak.  The latest task was about using applique in CQ.  Never though about using it before.

This is the finished butterfly block, I added 3 broderie perse butterflies and swapped out the flourescent yellow butterfly for just a bright one.

Next task from Kathy's ICQC104 class

I want the emphasis on the butterflies not the flowers.  The blue and the purple butterflies are not sewn down yet.  I am going to see if I can find some butterflies to applique down which will work in their stead.  If not will sew these down.

Here is some of what I have been working on

Just got these finished they are for Kathy Shaw's ICQC104 class.

Have a few other things on the go as well but am waiting until they are finished to post pictures.

Am still alive and kicking

I know it has been awhile since I posted but was feeling down and wasn't able to do much.  I am almost fully recovered now and have started stitching again but can only do so for about an hour at a time.  Will have some pictures for you soon.

What I have been working on and where I have been.

I have been neglecting my blog as I was going through tests and doctors appointments etc.  I had my last cancer surgery March 3 and can finally start using my left arm again.  Didn't want to bore people with all the medical issues/problems so avoided posting for a bit.

January and February were spent working on a block for the CQ Calendar 2017.  Submitted the block prior to my surgery and will see if I get selected or not.  Cannot show you until after the selections are made and/or calendar is out.

Also submitted a picture of my Victorian Boot Stocking in my previous post to CQ Quarterly Magazine "Christmas" edition.

Over the last few days did get a little bit of stitching done as you can see here.  Only required that my left hand hold the hoop so wasn't too stressful on it.  Could only do a little bit at a time though.

Still need some more practice.doing the thread painting but I find it relaxing and will start another one today or tomorrow.  Am doing a bunch of these little (measures approx. 2" x 2") stitcheries and using them as centers for some CQ blocks. The next one is the same flower but the colors are different and dark - light is reversed.  This time I will be more careful of the order I do the petals to show more definition between the petals.


Kill 2 birds with 1 stone.  I get more practice and get a motif that would tie a bunch of blocks together.

What I have been working on

Doing a couple of swaps in a yahoo group.  Here are the items.

2 ATC (artistic trading cards) for Valentine's day

A CQ Victorian Boot for a Christmas in July swap

This mess will look a lot better once I beat (tack in place) those pesky bullions into place.  They range up to 60 wraps.  Looks like I might need to redo that leaf.  The camera picked up some mistakes that I didn't notice.  Guess I should wear my glasses and use a magnifier.  Will post a picture once I get the flower petals in place.