On Monday I mailed out my Round Robin blocks to Australia, where Lindy will start the Embellishment of the Block of her choice of the "Birds, Bees & Butterflies 2016 CQI Round Robin.

I wanted to have some fun with my blocks, so I went with a cute fabric Collection. Plus, I added a couple of vintage napkins on two of the blocks.

I think they are fun & I hope all the ladies enjoy working on them.

I have been working on another project lately, that is not Crazy Quilting. I am continuing to enjoy the Round Robins at Crazy Quilt International, but I have started the work on a major hand stitched project.

My adventure into English Paper Piecing started in February 2016 and I am putting together a quilt, following the New Hexagon Quilt along on Facebook. 

This has been an adventure, and I am working Round Robin Crazy Quilt Blocks and then this project.  So, things are moving along slowly, but the are interesting.

Here are the Hexagon Rosettes I have finished so far:

Rosette #1

This is Rosette #2

Rosette #3

And the Rosette #4 that I finished this morning.

Now I have a Crazy Quilt Round Robin to start on, but While I wait for that to start, I will be cutting out the fabrics for Rosette #5. I think it will be green, but not sure at this time. We'll see how it goes.




  

I have been so busy with the CQI Retreat, two Round Robins and working on a New Hexagon Millefiore Quilt, that I have neglected this blog. Wow, did not realize how long it has been.

Ok, here we go:

1. Round Robin Under The Sea DYOB  Blocks

Cindy's Block

 

 

Bonnie's Block

 

 







 

And this month, I finished Pearl's block

 



Getting Ready for the New Year

Getting a jump on the New Year 2016. Signed up for the Crazy Quilt Journal Project (CQJP) 2016,  and have the idea for my blocks worked out. Now to make them - they will come later. LOL

I do have my blocks made for the Under the Sea (UTS) Round Robin (RR) where we Do Your Own Blocks (DYOB) which starts January 15, 2016. This is a Crazy Quilt International (CQI) RR.

So, using some Dupioni Silk, Satins and Batik fabrics, I have my blocks ready for the ladies to work on.

Back to Blogging!

I thought I was going to take a short brake after the 2015 CQI Retreat, but it turned into a year break. So, sad!  Back now, so here is what I just finished:

Winter Postcards for the Crazy Quilt International (CQI) Christmas/Winter Postcard Exchange. 

 

 

I asked to exchange two (2) Winter postcards, as these are my Winter and Christmas colors. And I so want to display the lovely cards I receive in return for my cards.

 

I first crazy quilted the fabric pieces on the 6inch muslin and batting pieces. Then I added the hand embroidery and beads.

 

Once the CQ block was embellished, I cut it to the 6 inch x 4 inch Postcard size. I used Temtex as the Postcard support.

 

On the Message side, I scanned some postcards into my computer and used Photoshop to clean up any imperfections on the Vintage Postcards I had in my stash.

 

Once cleaned, I added the Message and addressed each postcard to it's recipient. I have Removed the recipients' addresses and names from these photos, for privacy.

 

Postcard #1:  Front 

 

                                    

 Postcard #1 Message:

  

Postcard #2 Front:

Postcard #2 Message

 

                                      

 

The Postcards with messages were printed on fabric and cut to size. I placed a small light Blue Rat-tail trim around the edge and whip stitched it down to the front & back of the Postcard. And finished up with a double edged 1inch lace over the edges.  I used pins to hold sides together while stitching, no glue or adhesives were used.

Steampunk DYOB - Colleen

Today I finished Colleen's block for the Steampunk DYOB (do your own block) RR (Round Robin).
I enjoy Steampunk, but admit I lean a little more to the Victorian than to the Industrial side of Steampunk.

When I received Colleen's blocks, I struggled with which of the 5 blocks I was going to work. It took a while, but I decided on one with larger spaces for the items I was going to use.

Here is what I did to the block:

I first used a Gloriana Princess Petite Perle in Red, on the black velvet fabric to the left. I did an X stitch (it is not the Herringbone) and then added the Bronze/Red beads to the center of the X's. On the outside of the X's, I used size 11 bronze seed beads.

Next was the Cretan Stitch in the same Gloriana thread, but this time I used a corrugated 3mm copper bead and added it to the top of each upward and downward stitch. The 5mm bead caps are stitched to the block using a Nymo thread and a 3mm copper bead.

The black lace used on the bottom of the block is in my Etsy Shop and added the look I wanted,
the Victorian in contrast to the Industrial. I individually stitched all bead on the project, so that if needed, Colleen could remove the single bead or set when stitching blocks together.

I used 6mm Bronze filigree bead caps and size 11 black seed beads on the center line of the Lace. I love beading, so anyone in a RR with me is for warned, I will use beads. LOL!

Black Loop Lace, also in my Etsy Shop, is used in the center and I used 3mm Copper Diamond shaped beads and copper tube beads over the top of the lace. These were stitch as a group as there would be no need to remove them for construction.

I used a lovely variegated yellow and red from Loraine's Etsy Shop on the red fabric at the top of the block, to carry the gold to the center and right side of block. Chain stitch was used to make to drapes across the seam and added a tiny Metal mesh bow and bronze key ring.

The telephone poles were made using the Gloriana thread in charcoal and I added the bronze airplane for that industrial and flight feel.

A bronze key with flowers and a watch face in the center was then added.   I did use a Bronze bead cap with a size 6 bead in the center to hold the top in place. To secure the bottom of the key and to keep it from moving, I used 3mm bronze seed beads around the key just under the clock face, it added a nice touch while adding security to the key.

The Mariner's Compass was attached to block using 3 strands of size 11 seed beads in bronze.

Lastly, came the Spider in the center. This took some doing. I knew I wanted to add a spider, but I also knew I wanted it to be of metal, like an automaton.

So, I found the 18mm center copper bead, a golden 6mm bead the diamond shaped copper 3mm beads and the copper tube beads and attached them to the front and back of the spider with copper Head pins.

The four center legs were made with antiqued copper twisted square 13x 1.2mm tubes and the diamond shaped copper 3mm beads held together with the copper Head pins and attached to the construction portion of the first two sets of legs.  Then stitched down with a monofilament thread to the block.

And that's it!  I like it, and I hope Colleen likes it as well.

 

First Snow of Winter 2014

It snowed last night, our first snow of the 2014 Winter. It is just a little over an inch of snow, and that may seem minor to some, but for a gal that grew up in the Los Angeles California area, it is major to see the snow fall and have it laying on the ground. LOL!

It is still snowing, but will end soon and then I will have to go back to knitting and working on Crazy Quilt Blocks. I just never get enough of watching it snow. Guess I'm just a kid at heart. Lucky me!

CQI Retreat - Steampunk Round Robin Blocks

While at the September 2014, CQI Retreat in Kansas City, several Round Robing groups were formed by the attending Ladies, that wanted to participate in with New Friends.

I chose the Steampunk Round Robin, and we Started on November 15th, 2014, with a short break for the Holiday Season.  I thought I would share the "naked blocks" I made for the RR.

I used a pinkish brown fabric and Lace, as well as Lavender, Light Gray, Dark Gray, Dark Brown and a Golden Cream fabrics for the blocks.  Liking the combinations laid out, I went for it and I like the results. 

Here is the Lot:

They are now in the capable hands of Lonna H. Will be interesting to see the results when the blocks return home in 6 months.

Retreat Christmas Ornament

Well, I was finally able to finish the Christmas Ornament for Donna D. We both participated in the Christmas Swap at the CQI (Crazy Quilt International) Retreat in September 2014, and agreed that we would do an Ornament for each other.

Donna chose Pink, Burgundy and Green for her colors, I chose the Star Shape.  This is a two sided ornament.

Ornament Side 1

 

 

 

Ornament Side 2

 

 

So, now I notify Donna that the package will be in the mail tomorrow morning! 

 



Holiday season again!

Where does the time go? Seems the older I get the faster time passes. Bummer!  I was hoping that with retirement, I would have more time to do things, but for some reason, it just seems to elude me.

Now we are in the Holiday Season and I'm already behind on several projects. I need to finish my Christmas Ornament Swap project by November 30th and then finish up the New Zealand Block for the CQI (Crazy Quilt International) Flag Quilt. Not to be forgotten, there are 5 ladies in a Steampunk Round Robin and I received some lovely blocks from Colleen A., and I'm going to have to have that finished to send off by January 15, 2015.

In between those projects, I must finish two pair of knit socks (almost finished) and a Afghan (only 1/3 is done), so I have to hurry and get things moving. LOL!

I do enjoy this time of year! Winter is coming and I am looking forward to Thanksgiving with family, as well as Christmas Day with my family. It is a wonderful time.

As one who was raised in a warm climate, I now enjoy the snow and long to see it on the ground. I know it is a hassle for those who live farther North, but for me, it is a wonder and makes me smile. It is like having my own giant Snow Globe to live in. 

I just received confirmation for the Crazy Quilt Journal Project for 2015, so I must get busy on the Christmas Ornament Swap and the Flag Block projects, so that I may get my CQJP2015 blocks made. 

So, I guess that means I'm Back to Work!   See ya!

Garden & Flowers DYB RR

Another "do your own block" Round Robin. This time, it is all about Gardens & Flowers. What fun! This is the second month, and I finished working on Dana's block, but I should show you the April block, which was for Arlene.

Arlene sent me a lovely block with printed fabrics. Not what I'm used to, but it was fun to try something different.

 

A little on the sparse side, but Arlene is making a quilt of some 20 blocks, and plans to wash the quilt. I did add some charms, but was afraid to add any beads for fear they would fall off during multiple washings.  

I added the three Vintage laces and the vintage tatting. Because of the red in the upper right corner, I added the red flowers on the tatting circle. Added the basket charm then started adding the Silk Ribbon Roses and other flowers and leaves.

I then added the embroidered scrollwork and charm tools. The silk ribbon flowers were next, followed by the pink rhinestone dragonfly.

The feather stitch vine with lazy daisy leaves and bullion stitch flowers, was added last. I thought I was done, and then I decided to add the Cast-on stitch flowers with black centers and lazy daisy leaves on the vintage lace in the lower left corner. I used a Princess Perle Petite silk thread by Gloriana, the color was #084, Laura's Garden. I thought they came out quite nicely. Ok, that pat on the back was a little much!
    

Dana's block, which is the May block, just "grabbed" me, and I had to work on it. LOL! The greens were so vivid and exciting.

I started with the two vintage laces and added the roses using a 2mm silk ribbon, as I thought this particular lace looked like a trellis.

The feather stitch vine in a princess perle petite silk with 4mm silk ribbon purple roses and sage green leaves added a color pop.  Speaking of pop, I did the Vivid blue roses with a 4mm turquoise silk ribbon and the same sage green leaves.

Below the turquoise roses was a fabric that has a floral motif, so I used an outline stitch on the motif and placed a 4mm blue rose montees stitched on crystal. Dana likes bling!

Next came the Silver (Japanese silver wrapped silk) thread for the web and added two small white beads for the spider.  The Spider head is a 4mm white Cat's eye bead and a 2mm frosted white bead.  

The Yellow glass flower beads and leaves were added and then came the Dragonfly. I saved that spot on the block just for the dragonfly. Head is the same Cat's eye bead as spider, followed by three 3mm frosted beads, 6 2mm frosted beads and finished off with white seed beads to add length to support the frosted Dagger bead wings.

The Topiary came last. I used my thimble to make a circle, after finding center of circle, added a line for the center trunk and finished with the planter.

I used my favorite thread, the Princess Perle Petite in brown for the three trunks (two twisting around the center), in an outline stitch. The ball is a #12 Perle Cotton with Red Princess Perle Petite Colonial Knots. I seem to have more control over the Colonial knot than I do with the French knot.

The planter is stitched in seed beads and antique gold 4mm Daisy spacer beads.  

 

That's it, all done. Now I can work on a secret project the last week of May, while I wait for the June RR block, which I think will be Flora's block.  Thanks for stopping by!

What a Nice Surprise

I have been so busy with different tasks, that I have not had time to Blog. However, my news today was such a surprise, that I just had to let everyone know about my nice little news.

I ordered a 2014 Spring Challenge Kit from Crazy Quilting Supplies. This store is located at http://www.crazyquiltingsupplies.com/ , which is owned by a CQ acquaintance, Thearica. I had high hopes for the Challenge and started working out a plan. That's what I did last year too, but never got around to finishing the Challenge. LOL!

Here is the picture of all the supplies in the kit, that had to be used in the project. The kit also included Perle Cotton (4) balls and Silk Ribbon (4) Bobbins, all of which were in Greens, pinks and blues. I knew this was going to be fun.

So, this year I was determined to complete the task. I finally finished the project the day before the deadline date, and started taking pictures.  Emailed the pictures in and kept my fingers crossed for at least top 4.

But I Won First Place in the Experienced category! It is a big deal to me and I'm so happy to have met the challenge and faced my fears and entered the finished project. I'm pleased that the judges thought enough about my work, that the liked my idea and work.  I am thrilled, surprised and over the moon.

Here is the little guy/gal that won for me: I was to create a finished project that reminded me of Spring. Well, to me, nothing says Spring like a Bunny. So I took  the

 

Close ups of the different parts of Bunny.

Right side of head.

 

Upper Right Leg (outside)

 

Inside of Left arm.

 

Inside of Left Leg.

 

Inside Left arm

 

 

Inside Right Leg 

 

 

Inside Left Ear

 

 

Left side of Head 

 

Body Back

 

 

 Inside Right Arm

 

 

 Outside right Leg

 

 

 Outside right arm

 

Outside right leg

 

Right side of belly

 

Right side of Top of Head

 

Top of Head

New Round Robin for 2014

Well, I finally finished up the Lace and Pearl Round Robin and waiting for one more block to get home. While I wait, I've been working on My block of the Lace and Pearl RR.

No pictures yet, but will post when the block is finished.  I did, however, sign up for an new Round Robin for 2014, that starts April 1st, Garden & Flower DYB. Excited to get started, but will wait for April. LOL! 

I have finished creating my blocks for the ladies in the RR to embellish for me. I fell in love with some Garden pictures, and printed them on a Satin/Cotton blend fabric for the blocks.  I'm happy with the blocks so far, and look forward to seeing how they will be embellished.

I received the Blue/Green/Purple Flower fabric from a CQ friend at a Christmas Cracker Swap. The dark Purple fabrics and Greens were also a part of that same Christmas Cracker, Thanks Marci!

I think the colors work well with the Floral Linen fabric and the lovely Dark brown and floral silk tie, as well as the beige micro suede.  I had the lovely little lace and just had to use it on this set of blocks. I'm currently working out the final layout of the project. We'll see how it goes.
Thanks for stopping by.

Now that Holidays are over

With the Holidays over, I received Barbara's blocks for the Lace & Pearls Round Robin (RR) and have been working on the block all of January. Finally finished up the block tonight and decided to share photos.
I figured it was about time I finally got something posted to my blog.  LOL!

Ok, Barbara's blocks are based on a Vintage Silky she has of two bugs walking into the "Lace Shop" operated by Spider & Spider Co. (I'm smiling, because I've seen the Silky and I think it is a cute idea.)

Barbara's Block

I placed the Lace on the upper left corner, right corner with spider, and the brown lace on lower left corner.  Right lower corner has lace that Barbara put on the block. I beaded that lace with pearls and gold seed beads.

On the Upper left lace, which has two types of flowers, is vintage. I cleaned the lace and it suddenly matched the fabric beneath. So, I outlined the leaves and one flower. The upper flower is stitched with Bullion stitches surrounding pearl seed beads. The Treads of the Bullion Stitches and the Foxglove flowers in the Floral Spray, is hand dyed by Loraine. A CQ friend of mine, who has an Etsy shop called Color Compliments. Beautiful hand dyed fibers.

I used Silk Ribbon for my Floral Spray. The yellow/orange, green and purple were hand dyed by Gretchen who owns the Florilegium in Parkville, Missouri. Wonderful woman who has a shop that Crazy Quilters would die for. LOL!  It is wonderful to have something so close to home.

My last picture is of the Spider on the upper right corner of the block. I have to admit, that I enjoy doing cute and special things on blocks for my CQ friends. I decided that since this was for the Spider & Spider Co., who make lace, why not show a spider working. So, that's what I did. Red arrow shows you that the "silk" is coming out the back of the spider, and that she is making the lace on which she clings.   Thanks for checking out my blog, and I hope you enjoyed the eye candy and picked up some inspiration and information.

Gayle's Finished Block for the Lace & Pearls RR

Today I finished Gayle S's Block for the CQI Lace & Pearls Round Robin. I love these colors, they are my Christmas Colors. But I've said that before.

I just had so much fun working on this block and although I stayed in the block color way, I feel that it turned out very nice. 

Gayle didn't want it to be a Christmas Block, so I tried to make it as Winter as I could. And since I do see deer in my back yard during the Winter months, I thought I'd throw in the Reindeer. 

I took a Reindeer charm that is made of raw brass, painted it with Acrylic paints and then used a non-toxic gloss sealer. I was quite happy with the finished results, as this was only the second time I have attempted this process, and I was following the directions from a class I took years ago.  Good thing I keep all those class handouts. LOL!

I use a Rayon thread from Edmar, for the Feather Stitch and embellished with 6x5mm White heart beads and a small vintage blue pearl bead to accent each heart bead.

The flower cluster is made with satin ribbon and I put pearl beads in the center of the larger flower and a very small crystal cluster in each of the smaller flowers. Blue and white French Knots make up the Lilac type flowers to the Left of the larger flower. I added blue glass AB Leaf beads and finished off with the Silver butterfly charm with Blue crystals.

A  Cretan Stitch in White Silk thread and embellished with Blue 5mm cupped sequins held on with the vintage Blue pearl beads. Small white pearl beads decorate the upper center portion of the stitch and Swarovski crystal beads are at the end of the upper long stitch.

The silver fan is a small charm that is stitched on with silver metallic thread by Krenik and some silver seed beads were added to the base of the fan.

I used a White velvet Ric Rac for the last seam and embellished with silver flower spacer beads that are held on with a small white pearl bead. Silver metallic and Blue rayon threads alternate along the ric rac, with blue bugle beads stitched over the joining of the two threads.

I finished off with a silver flat back button with blue crystals. This button looked like an icy snowflake to me and I just couldn't resist using it on this block.

I hope you enjoy this block as much as I enjoyed working it up.

Gayle's Block

I have received Gayle's block for the Lace and Pearls Round Robin (RR). Although I have enjoyed each of the ladies' blocks, I must admit that I was looking forward to getting this set of blocks.  Why?

Well, they are in my colors. I'm not into Red and Green for Christmas, I'm a blue ice, white snowflakes and Crystal and Silver individual. It just screams Winter!  Besides that, my eyes are blue and that color has always made me look good. Need I say more?

While working on the block, I used one of my favorite seam treatments. Velvet Ric Rac, decorated with silk or metallic threads and beads. I always work it differently for each project, but it always looks rich with detail and is a striking treatment.

I carry this Ric Rac in several different colors in my Etsy shop. It is such a lovely trim and has a multitude of uses. This is NOT your Grandmother's Ric Rac. LOL.

I used the White on Gayle's block and used blue silk thread and silver metallic thread, as well as blue bugle beads and  lovely little (ok, they are tiny) silver daisy spacer beads and size 15/0 white seed beads. 

This may be a technique you would like to try sometime in the future.  You can find my shop at: 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sewvictoriancrazy

I'll have Gayle's block finished early next week and I'll post it here for those of you that are interested in seeing the finished block. So far, I'm very pleased with it and rather wishing it was my block. LOL.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. 


 

Lace & Pearls Round Robbin Too

I have been busy these past three months working on some Round Robin blocks for ladies at Crazy Quilt International (CQI).  One lady I have know for years now and think of her as a very special friend.

Cathy K. is very special and such a joy to be around. We met in Omaha, NE some ten years ago, at the Crazy Quilt Society Retreat. It has been fun to be her friend since that first day.

There are five of us in this Round Robbin (RR) and we each made our own blocks. So, each individual will work on one block for each person in the RR. Then at the end, we will finish a block for ourselves, to complete the work. What fun this has been.

We have two months to go, so I thought I might share the blocks I've done with those of you who are not members of the Yahoo Groups CQI.

The first was Connie's block, which I have posted earlier. It was the Fan block made with the vintage handkerchief.

The Second block was Andrea's. Andrea lives in India and used some lovely paisley fabric. I could not help myself, I love paisley and I just had to make one for her block. It just called to me. LOL!
I also tatted the orange lace for the block.

 

 

 

I did the feather stitch beaded line across the bottom seam and used orange beads (3) at each point on the feather stitching. I used a flower chenille trim below the tatted lace and placed pearl and gold beads in the center of the flower.

 

The pearl strip across the upper seam just seemed a little plain, so I trimmed it with Gold Delica Beads.  While the center was bordered on the left side with Blanket Stitch Fans. The fans have beading along their tops made in clusters of 3 white beads, to look like lace.

 

I worked the paisley before I added anything else. It was the image that came to me based on the fabric that borders the center fabric. I drew the paisley, stitched the lace down, worked the green sequins with small white seed beads and finished off with the orange Delica seed beads. I knew the oval MOP (mother of pearl) beads and the pearl button would be the center point of the paisley.

 

Although I'm not real happy with the overall look of the block, I'm pleased with what I have done. This block was finished in September.

 

I finished Cathy K's block two days ago and I have to admit, I am really happy with the way it turned out. Cathy placed a lovely metallic lace on each block. I chose the block, because I thought that I would use the lace as a headdress for an embroidered lady's face.

 

However, as I spent time with the block and lace, it suddenly came to me. Oh my! It just has to be a Peacock!   So, I drew the peacock on a sheet of paper, reduced it on my printer until it fit with the lace. Traced it onto a separate piece of fabric (because I didn't want to damage the block) and started with the satin stitch on the face and body of the peacock.

 

 

 

The peacock's comb is done in Fly Stitch. The crown of the head is in pink bullion stitches, to give it dimension. I appliqued the peacock body to the block once the lace was placed and then added bullion stitches to the back and rear of peacock in the colors of the lace tail, to try to blend the peacock in with the lace. The half circle where the peacock body is, was a flower spray. I cut that from the lace before I started working, thinking I would use it elsewhere on the block.

 

When I finished with the peacock body, I realized I had open space and needed to find a want to make it look natural.  I took that floral spray I had removed from the lace, cut it in half and put it on either side of the peacock body. This make the whole thing come together.

 

Stem Stitch and pink & white seed beads make up the vine. Stem stitch and flat back buttons where used for the three flowers.  While gold spacer beads and pearl bead and seed beads were used in the design at the top. Laces and three metallic lace butterflies complete the look.

 

Here is a close up of the peacock for those of you who have waited. LOL! Enjoy!