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.

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!!!!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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

Now to read 50 pages of lesson #2. Libby

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...

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.