Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Open to Suggestions...Anyone?


I posted this on the Joggles Forum...and am opening it here...cause I know ya'll will give me some feedback!

Here's the front of my makeup bag so far.

Here's my plan, not yet executed...the top (will be next to the zipper) will have a beaded fringe...so, I'm not adding much more across that top line.

The dragonfly, gold charm in the center motif, and red butterfly are not yet attached..but planned.

The seam under the dragonfly will get crystal beads. The spiderweb will get a spider.

I'm struggling a little with the area where the red butterfly is...it needs something...and I'm not sure the butterfly is it. Was also thinking about a twisted ribbon of beads (bugle and seed)...in that area then moving "under" the button cluster in the center...and exiting on the other side...ending up in the area with the two floral motifs. That might help move the eye across the rectangle shape...but it might be too much.

Open to all suggestions. Thanks.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

One of my class blocks


I have stitched on one of my class blocks. I have all but one seam stitched and I'm starting to move into motifs. This is the most recent photo, I've done a little more work since this was taken, but not much.

And tomorrow is Lesson 4 already!!!!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

My first go at CQ!

Hi everyone,

Today I had a chance to finally sit down and try to put my first CQ blocks together (did I mention I've never CQ'd at all??). So here are my first 2 blocks:

The block on the left was my first attempt. On the second block, I added the lace in the middle. I could probably work on perfecting fabric size, shape and placement, but I think I will stick with these for the rest of the lessons. In the future, when I'm a bit more experienced, I can look back at these and learn from them. I don't want to waste too much time perfecting lesson 1 or I'll never make it to lesson 2, which is all printed and waiting by my bed for my nighttime reading!

Where I am so far...



I managed yesterday and this morning to stitch a little bit. Started on one side of the makeup bag and did seams. I haven't added any beads yet, as I usually do all the stitching first...so the thread doesn't get "hung up" in the beads.

Here is where I'm thinking of putting some lace/sequin motifs I bought.

Next, beading, SRE, ribbon...charms?...think this makeup bag should have been a suitcase for all I'd like to do. But, hey...isn't the term "Encrusted"...you might need a shovel the make you way around this block when it's done!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Also way behind

Don`t feel bad Kathy, I am so far behind, I might get caught back up with everything by July!!! lol
I still need to finish my mini quilt for the exchange. I need to get my work done on one RR, have a second one here to work on as soon as this one is done. I have not even started on my retreat items. T-shirt and challenge item
I finally this week got my squares cut for the Scraps to Treasure challenge. I have my FQers ready to mail on Monday for the Bingo game.
I am off on Tuesday and Wednesday so hope to get lots of work accomplished then.
And Jody, I still have to write the work for the button cluster lesson, but am going to get that done. I do have all the pictures uploaded to my computer.
Does anyone else get this far behind?? :)
Tammy

Running a little behind...

And, by the scarce number of posts...it seems we all are. I have not touched my Encrusted block in over a week...but hope to do so tonight or tomorrow.

I have been putting some time into loading some motifs and patterns into that new "handmade" site www.artfire.com and it takes longer than I thought to get things like I want them. Also, my shadow applique patterns were done some time ago...and needed updating...couldn't just "slap a new address" on them. I only managed to get the two fairy's up with work and "grandmother daycare" this week...but next week, I'm going to try and get the angels and florals up.

I have a CQ block sitting waiting, another that should be here but isn't yet, this class block, and Q's mermaid block that is calling to me. After Aidan goes home today (in about two hours)...my plan is to stitch all night...and get up tomorrow and start all over at it again.

And, I'm looking forward to it!! Soooo, very much! Will post pics of the encrusted when I get something done on it.

Hugs to all, and hope you're having a productive weekend!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Lesson 3

WOW hard to believe tomorrow is Lesson 3. I have two blocks pieced, but only one with the seam stitches. Need to take some photos of the seam stitches.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Looking good ladies

I just got back from a great week in Florida! And you have been busy creating some great blocks. I have today off yet and hope to get my block pieced before heading back to work tomorrow.

Friday, March 6, 2009

My Block, after much "to do abouth nothin'"

Now to read 50 pages of lesson #2. Libby

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Kathy's First Block - Makeup Bag


Well, I don't really do makeup...so this will be for some type of "organizer" of my supplies or projects I suspect. It will have the standard zipper closure, but the bottom will be 3" wide.

The sides of the photo will actually be the top of the bag where the zipper is. And the green strip down the middle is the bottom. So the photo is sideways...lay you head on you shoulder and you get the idea of the final project. The front and back are not identical, but are using the same fabrics in the same sequence. I probably will not use the same seam treatments on both sides...as I want each to be unique...but work together, if that makes any sense.

I usually have worked with cottons...so working with velvets and silks is new. I want a very opulent look...lots of beads and shiny threads!

Also, my daughter asked me yesterday to do the brides bouquet for a close friend. Her colors are white, red, sage...so, I'm also going to do a second bag...as a gift for her as well. Just trying to decide if I want to piece in color...or all white, and embellish with color...

Monday, March 2, 2009

1st block pieced


Well, I've read the lesson several times and created my 1st block for the class. I plan to create one more so that I have two blocks to stitch on for the class.

I like the "color" sites that are listed in the lesson. I think I understand the "lines" information in the lesson, but not sure if that really matters to me when I'm piecing a block. I think the look / design changes with every addition to the block.

Wish I had more time to work on the "color" chart/journal. I'll just have to keep track of these lessons and work on it a little bit at a time/over time.

I think I'm ready for week 2 lesson.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Still Looking


Hoping to make final choices of fabric today and complete block tomorrow. This so much fun. Libby
Didn't get block made, still evaluating fabrics. This is a few options.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Let the learning begin

I got my class and spent about 1 hour reading and learning. I have always had trouble picking out fabrics for my quilts and usually ended buying a lot of kits in the colors I liked.

The color topic in this lesson has helped a great deal.

I have also signed up at the forum and introduced myself there. This whole process has been very easy.

My printer is on the blink and I tried to copy this to my jump drive where I could open it any time I wanted to with out tying up space on my laptop and it would not let me do that.

I will email Barbara and see if there is a problem with them or just my computer.

LET THE FUN BEGIN

Linda

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

I am ready!!

I am off tomorrow and ready to play!! I wander what time we are getting our lesson. Guess I better go read my class instructions one more time.
I have all my stuff ready to play. I am hopeing to make a gift for someone special with the lessons.
Tammy

Tomorrow is the day!!!

Ready? Tomorrow is the first day of class :-) A little different then the "First day of School". Instead of a new box of crayons we have: fabrics, threads, beads, buttons, and "bling".

Can't wait for the first lesson.

Monday, February 23, 2009

My supplies are puny :)

Oh WOW! I have been looking at the pictures posted and have "supply envy" big time :) The picture of the kitchen island gave me a wonderful idea - DF built me a cutting station that is basically a kitchen island just my height with very deep shelves with some drawers on one side and some not so deep shelving on the opposite side. It is this opposite side that I can dedicate to my CQ goodies - other than fabrics. So, thank you for the idea. I was actually considering buying another rolling card but wasn't sure where I'd keep that. And since my supplies are very small compared to what I've seen here - no problem. We're going to need a bigger house - shh, don't tell DH, he wants to move big time :) I am so looking forward to this class and am very glad I have "friends" to share it with.

My supplies so far




Decided to step out of my comfort zone with this class. After all, Sharon is an internationally recognized leader in Crazy Quilting...so why stick with something I already know...I want to learn!

So, am going with things I love...velvets and brocades and might still put in a couple silks as well! And bling!

After 5 Fabric

I read somewhere that if you use spray startch on the slippery fabric it will handle better. I'm making some test strips for Shawkl's seam treatments and I kdid use the spray startch. I will let you know how it works. It did not damage any of the material so far.

getting supply list covered




I told Dh that I was going to the sewing room to clean up yesterday afternoon and he came out about 4:30 wanting to go get something to eat. My studio looked like Hurricane Camille hit.


He just shook his head and went back in the house.




Please dont look at the mess. I keep all my supplies in plastic containers under this kitchen island. The island came out of a house that was getting an upgraded kitchen. It makes a perfect cutting table and work table. I croped the mess out. LOL
I think if I am going to have to make a purchase it will be fabrics and silk ribbon. I have never done silk ribbon embroidery and crazy quilted, but I am an avid cross stitching fan. I have always enjoyed doing the Mirabilia, Just Nan, and Teresa Wentzler designs. I never go for the small projects unless it was Mill Hill Christmas ornaments. I have a huge selection of left over beads from all these projects.
All my krienik comes from doing the Serendipity Christmas scene for my mantle that was done in 5 pieces and took me 10 years to finish. It was frames in a frame with hinges on it so that it stood on the mantle. I am rattling. Sorry

Friday, February 20, 2009

Supply pics




Pics of my supplies for class.






Thursday, February 19, 2009

"after 5 fabrics"

I just want to put my 2 cents in. I am no longer afraid of the slippery fabrics. I am by no means, no way, no how any kind of expert. But I am a fast learner and always copy good ideas. I read about this on a blog.

For slippery fabric to become stable (so that it behaves like cotton ) all you must do is use fusible interfacing on it. I have started using easy knit fusible interfacing and have had much success. Try it at least once. I promise you won't regret it.

Ready, Set, Go!

I'm ready...have all the supplies I need. No need to "gather" as they are in their usual spot awaiting my block to be pieced. A little short on lace perhaps, but Nicki has already taken care of that, just waiting on USPS. Was short on buttons, but have been buying them up lately..so, good to go!

I agree that cotton is my preference, and think I'll mix that with some light textured upholstery type fabric I have...and velvets. Not a big fan of the shiny stuff...so probably not anything too slippery will be included.

thinking of using a couple pieces of doilies...but guess that will wait until we get the first lesson handout.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Supplies

I think I am good on all supplies, just hoping I have enough silk ribbon, that is the only thing I have a small supply of. That wonderful Holee sent me a package today and it was full of buttons and 3 photos on fabric! I love her!! She is such a sweet lady. I will probably not lay out my stuff until ready to use, as I will try to match what I have with the colors of my block.
Tammy

Class Supply List

Supply list

I'm hoping others post a pictures of their "supplies" once they get them gathered for the big start next week. I've taken a snow day - turned out I didn't need it - so I may as well start gathering mine. Can you say "excited" - By the way, Quiltsewpieceful - love the preview of what you did with my quilts that feathering is stunning. Now I know exactly who it will be intended for :) The B&W with red is MINE!!

CQ Encrusted Class List

YEAH!!! Just got the email with supply list for the CQ Encrusted class with links to supplies on Joggles.

Ok, reading the list I think I'm already not going to follow the rules....or I might have to make two blocks for this classs. I was really thinking about using cottons for this class, but the instructions say to use "after 5 wear" fabrics.

I think I have most of what I need for this class, maybe some more buttons.

Happy PreStitching Shopping.
Jody

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

posting pics



Ok I am going to try to post a pic.
This is the pic of the back side of Royalboomers quilt.
There are more pics on my blog which is new and not much on there. I am just now starting to get into this blog thing.

It worked but I can not find the "layout" option to add my favorite links!

helpme helpme helpme!



Okay gal...you have been granted permission as administrator. You should be able to get to layout...and add links to your section on the right of the page. :)

if all else fails read the directions!!!!!

I think I am finally in. I failed to accept my invitation first. I am bad about not following protocol. I usually have the swing set completely assembled with 50 parts left over before I read the directions.

I am excited about this. I am going to try to post a picture if this goes thru. Mind you it will not be a cq project as I have never finished one. But that is about to change right?

Pic of work in progress as vacation project.

Stacking 6 of these in a pyramid for my wall.

I'm In!! I think?

I hope I'm in. I thought I did this the other day, but nothing showed up. I am so Blog handicapped.


Julie

Monday, February 16, 2009

Playing with the layout.

I was just making a few changes, if you don`t like them, feel free to change anything. I did make the font a little larger as I have trouble reading the small print. I get my new glasses next month!!! lol
Tammy

Nancy's Here Too!

I did it. Yesssss! Now to learn my way around here. I am so excited to be part of this with you all. Woo Hoo

Talia is in!

rolling in at 7am but going back to sleep shorly after this ;) yayayay it's almost tiiiime!!!! ♥
Great job Kathy and everyone, this is going to be fun!
talia

It worked!

Somehow I think this part is going to be easier than the class work! If I knew it was going to want a gmail address I would have just used this one to start with, LOL.

Is it time for the supply list yet??!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Posting Links

For links...you don't "create a blog post".

Go to "customize".

Go to "layout".

Depending on how you have set up for blogging...(mine are on my dashboard, so I see different versions than you might)...

You want to look for "layout"...that will show you the structure of the blog. The personalized (i.e. your name) areas for posting links is found in layout.

ETA: Oh, I didn't realize that after you answer the invite...I then can go back in and change your to "administrator"...so the six that have already posted SHOULD be able to go into layout now and post your links. We still have five ladies that haven't seen their invite e-mail yet...and I'll do admin ya'll after you check in. The site doesn't give me the option until that point.

YEAH!!!! CQ Encrusted Blog

Thank you Kathy, for setting up the CQ Encrusted blog. Great way for us to communicate about the online CQ Encrusted class. Not to mention good outlet for our excitement as we wait for the class to start.

Made it :)

Took 5 tries but I made it :) Couldn't read the garbeldygook part obviously!!

I am so looking forward to the class and to getting to know all of you more during the process!

I'm in!...

....but I can't post my favorite links. When I go to my dashboard, I'm only allowed to modify the layout of the blog that I created. The other 3 blogs, which I only have permission to post to, don't let me go into the layout. Maybe we have to e-mail shawkl with our favorites since you created the blog.

Tisme is in

I got my invite and am here. I will post the link on my blog, so I know whenever this gets updated.

Libby aka SC Lady

Did I get here? SC Lady aka Libby

How to add your favorite links

Go to layout

On Right side is a block with your name, and "edit". Click on edit.

No need to change anything already there, or fill in all of the blocks.

Just go to "new site url" and type in the url (beginning with http://) for your sites. Hint: if your favorite site is www.something...type in http://www.something

Click on add site, and the new site will appear in the box near the bottom. Add as many as you want.

Click on save and your name with favorites sites will appear on the blog.

How to Post

Here's how to create new posts.

Click create or new posts.
You should see a "Title" box, and a blank larger box.

Type a title to your post.
Type the narrative in the larger box.
Click save now at any time to keep the information.
Look at the top of the larger box, you will see a photograph icon (next to the ABC check icon)

Click on the photo icon to load pictures. If you need to load more than one...click "add another image" BEFORE loading any pictures. Once you have as many blanks as you need...browse your computer for the photo and click upload. You can decide if you want the photo in the center or on the sides of your post...

Click "preview" and you'll see what the post will look like. If you want to change something click "hide preview" and you'll be back to the typing window again.

When you get it just right...Click "publish post" and it will be published. If you need to change it then, you'll have to click "edit post"