Building the hearts

This morning I took some time to start filling in the hearts as they were overtaking the block and I did want them to set a mood। On the first one. I added a collage of sequined daisies and to the centre of this delicate little soft yellow sequins added a seed pearl. Of course, it covered up all of the gold herringbone stitches, but then this must have been for a reason. I then took some vintage heart beads as well as a few rice beads and an irridescent bead and did a collage that dangles from the centre. I did attach it to the block as swining items would have a way of being moved to easily.

I then moved down to the larger heart. I was getting braver. I had already selected some pale pink to white overdyed silk ribbon in 7 mm and made a collage of flowers and buds. I then went back in with some soft mint green 7 mm ribbon and added little leaves. I do want to add some beads and little bits of baby's breath. On the opposite side I have added rusched 15mm rayoln ribbon. I will also add beads to this and collage something special at the top. I can also picture a heart hanging inside a heart here.


Not being overly sure of what I wanted to add to the opposite side of the block I decided I had better do some work there so I came across a spool of antiqued beads and let them meander over the block and have them tacked down for now. I also want to add some bleeding hearts in a bowuet and try and see if I should bring the other large heart to life. I have it stitched in line art so I can just pull the threads if I decide not to..............then on to paisley heart buttons and beads.

This block is very addictive, but then they all are once we start on them.

What no pictures of progress yet?

I must admit that I have been taking pictures as I work along each day, but as we have had company have not taken the time to download them or resize them but will in a few days.

Today I wanted to infill more of a theme on my block. Leslie said she wanted " hearts " and I thought wow, how can I fill in with hearts now that I have centred so much lace so I dug out my paper and scissors and cut out some primitive and fancy hearts for embroidery. I am pleased to say that I have cut and recut and now can find that there is more than enough places for the hearts that I am choosing to put on my block for a theme.

I also tried a new flower it is done in the overdyed soft to medium yellow 7 mm silkribbon. I was reading an article where gathered sicruclar flowers could be made to look realistic and wanted to try this. You start with a double strand of matching thread. Backstitch so secure on the top of the fabric through a 2 inch piece of ribbon at one end. Now take the needle and gather to the other end, and before pulling loop it around like a bow and push it back through the secured ribbon on the bottom. More like joining elastic in a waistband. Pull and it falls ever so gently to the top of the herrigbone stitches I had created previouisly. I then went back in with some soft green 7 mm overdyed white to minty green and added some greenery ever so lightly.

While visiting my family at the nursing home yesterday we were in the garden's and I saw some gorgeous bleeding hearts and want to replicate them on this block as well. I also held and examined a real fuschia. I cannot believe the beauty and daintiness in these gorgeous flowers. All abloom in the walkway at a nursing home. Next time I take my camera with me.

I also laid out some buttons on the block in curly cues and want to add them as well to give some dimension to the block, will show this in pics before I add them with glass beads.

Off to get some rest and then to work some more on my block. I truly love working on this challenge piece.

Day One on Wedding Block

I have thoroughly enjoyed what I was considering a challenge and must admit it has taken me outside of my realm of work. Yesterday I started working with one strand of floss, silk, at that, and it was some that I had dyed myself many years ago. Andrea Avery sent me some silk floss and I used cake dyes to play with them and the colours are so subdued. I did one seam in herringbone with a fawn beige. I then went back in and used rayon sulky to add a dimensional aspect to the top of this.

I secured the double heart ruffle around the bride in the centre and then added an oval of braid to offset this. I will add some more ribbonwork and beads as time moves on.

I then got real brave and, although, I do not like the feel of dmc linen thread, I used one strand and did another seam in a soft salmon colour and it was worked with a wider stitch. I have now started to go back in with some sulky verigated mint to dk green, that is so suttle it hardly shows so I can see where beads are going to be a definite asset on these seams.

I dyed some ribbon in tea and will add some pics later before I start work on the block again today.

A new Charity Block for Leslie

My special friend Leslie of pinyoncreek fame has put out a request for blocks done out of wedding dresses for a ' cancer quilt ' challenge. I could not help but want to be part of this wonderful gesture. This is one lady who has just gone through a tornado and still plans on moving forward, the least we can do is help. My friend Dee brought this to my attention as I am not an avid reader of blogs lately, only due to lack of proper time.

I went through my white on white and fanciest pieces of lace that I owned and put together a square that is so gentle it makes me feel honoured to work on this. I would not have had this success if it were a block for myself, so I know my hands are being guided.

My so called ' sewing room ' still has not been saved since the last renovations and it has gone into a small corner of a bedroom so this was a learned experience. I am pleased to say it went well, even standing on one foot with the other on a foot pedal as there was not room for a chair in the room yet. Dh felt sad and said he would take the spare room bed out and it could be converted. God love him, but I can still see this going to the bottom of the ' honey do ' list, but we will see.

I have all of the lace and ruffles tacked down for now and want to start some actual stitching this afternoon and keep it as gentle as possible, and for me, that in, itself, will be a challenge.

I am taking pictures along the way and will share as time permits.

Prayer Bear

This line is dedicated to the memory of David Zimmer, husband of Carolyn Zimmer who lost his battle with leukemia and is at peace in his eternal home.

Beading Along at My Own Pace.

Needless to say I have gotten a whole lot behind on my journal and left it as a " slow work in progress ", and now I am bringing it to the forefront and working on it with vigour again.

I loved the challenge of making new and creating and learning new techniques and had to set it aside due to more pressing committments, but now the space is mine.

Today I continue on the journey and tomorrow I hope to post another finished object.

The Legend of the Prayer Bear

In a little valley between two mountains in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia lived a special little bear. His name was " Amen ".
"Amen " was created out of purple elegant and assorted fabrics into what was to be called a crazy quilt bear. Seams were lovingly stitched and fabrics placed just so on a muslin backing and sent on a tour of several Canadian provinces.

When he first started his journey he was wrapped up in muslin, placed in a protective bag and sent off to Mary Anne, who lovingly added some stitches to the seams that would hold " Amen " together. Mary Anne worked her magic and with a wish and a prayer "Amen " the little bear was once again on his way.

"Amen" loved to travel, but the stops at the post office and the thump, thump of the cancelling machine were weighing heavy on him as he was started to get some beadwork and precious stones added to his body. Handle with care had to be written.

Post office officials would wonder why each time they went to cancel the postage on a package marked assorted fabrics, no value, the sound of a little growl would come out from inside. Not wanting to admit that any of them were totally losing their minds and working overtime they let the time pass and forwarded the Parcel on to Jan .

Jan loved this little bear and she knew there was going to be more work to be done on him and she added her unique touches to this little creature and then said a prayer, " Amen ", all done and he is ready to be placed in an envelope and sent on his way.

He traveled back to Ontario to make a stop at Marie's and he was not at all pleased with that trip as he was getting heavier and heavier and the postal clerks were tossing him into the air and letting him fall onto the conveyer belt without any consideration for the little life that was inside. Even the postal worker said " Amen ", I am through for the night", and he went home. The little bear spent the night in a Canada Post bag amongst other large parcels that talked as well.

Some of the parcels, like him, were marked " recycled fabrics ", no value, but the little bear knew better. At the stroke of midnight they awoke and started to talk amongst themselves and a crazy quilting conference was held in the local post office.

There was a fan block that had agone across the seas and she was so tired of being packed and placed in one bag after another that all she wanted to do was go home and find a place for her, but she did not know what she would become.

A fancy white block with all types of gorgeous laces and beads piped up and said, I know where I am going. I am going to be a wedding pillow. I will be loved and passed down for ages and ages" and the little fan cried.

"Amen" could not deal with the site of tears rolling out from under the edges of the envelope and asked if it were alright if he made a suggestion. "Miss Fan...I can see you being held by regal and grand people to ward off bad dreams and cover the face of a beautiful geisha lady. You will have tassels hung from the arc and be held in highest esteem. " " Do you think so " Amen", said the little fan. I know so " Amen " said" as I am the only one here with eyes and I can read what is written in your notebook."

"Well, if we are all so important and have a place of honor in someone’s heart and home, then why are we marked " recycled fabric, no value ", said the green block, " Yes, said the other blocks all piping in at the same time.

"Amen" said I can answer that question. I remember when my creator was making me she thought long and hard about whether or not to put all of me or part of me in the mail as this was going to be a two- part round robin. She only sent out the back of me the first time, and now I have the fronts with eyes and can see where I am headed." "But what does that mean, I do not know what a round robin is "perked up another glittering block in the corner.

I know the answer to that one a vintage victorian block answered. A round robin is where you piece together pieces that someone else would have set aside or tossed out as left overs and make a magnificent block. You then find several people that you can trust and send it along and they work their magic on the seams. When one is done, they forward it along to the next one, and so on, until the block eventually gets back to whoever created you.

"Then why are we marked recylced and no value" said a sassy purple and red hat block from the bottom of the pile. "I know how important I am to my owner. I have her mom’s purple dress, her daughter’s hot red prom gowns, and laces and buttons from years of collection, and I am not going to call myself recycled."

"Amen " stretched out his arms and said..........we are all loved this much and what one person considers trash ,crazy quilters consider treasures. They take pieces of the past and create them into pieces for the future so that you and your families will never be forgotten."

With head bowed slightly the little bear said. " All this time I thought that I was going to be called " Amen" as this was the ending to the most beautiful prayer in the world, and that people were just plain glad to have finished with me, but they were saying a short prayer that I would travel safely. I feel so much better and I am so glad that I did not get sent back to Kentville earlier this evening."

"You see I was the last one on the conveyer belt and destined to be placed in this bag and not released until tomorrow, and if I had of been placed on the shipping truck and went home I would not have had this time to realize how important that I truly am." I am so glad that we all landed in the same postal bag. There sure must be a lot of love out there as I can hear rumblings in the other bags as well.

Miss Vintage Victorian stated " My son, you will never know what passes through these conveyer belts or the stories these parcels could tell. I love the book that comes with mine so someday someone can read and know that I am not to be used under a hot pot to protect a table, but instead I have a place of honor."

"Amen " was heard coming from all around the dark corners of the postal bags.
Now I know what will happen when I go home. I will be finished stuffed and sent to someone who needs to hold me and know that I am in their prayers. I sure hope that they call me "Amen " as God has blessed me with all of you as my friends this evening and a greater gift He could not have given me.

He has given me the wisdom to know now why I am needed, when I am needed and when my Master cannot be there or my creator present, then all that they have to do is hold me in their arms and know that all of their prayers will be answered.
"Amen"

This story is copyrighted by Linda Boudreau, Kentville, Nova Scotia

May 14th, 2008




" Amen" left for a new home where bears are truly considered art and perhaps someday may even be able to visit the Cave Junction, Oregon Bear Festival", but his new home will be with his new friends David and Carolyn Zimmer. 14.05.2008

David lost his battle with cancer and is in heaven.

Prayer Bear

Hiding under the fake tree next to the sewing station hoping that he/she can escape the turmoil of being packed in a box and sent on a journey to be loved and cared for. " I heard " Amen " the prayer bear tell me that he/she wanted to really stay right where she is.











Sitting proudly in a comfy chair waiting for someone to claim him/her and give a good home. Love the detail on the back where it is prevelant that Jan Ede has used some of her gorgeous mother of pearl flowers and precut leaves, they are gorgeous.



On the back close to the top is work by Marie Alton and infamous Melanie rose's in all of their glory. Marie has also added the bullion swags that are on the bottom.





Beadwork and beautiful stitching from Mary Anne Richardson leaves this bear with such personality that he/she just wants to walk away on her own.






Not knowing what to do to give some dimenison to the face I added some real wide lace across on side of the face and it seems to of fit the spot just right. I also wanted this bear to smile and be a happy bear.





The eyes are little gold tinted metal beads and they snug in really well into the face.

This is my beautiful aussie watching over my purple prayer bear that I have just given eyes of gold and a bow of deep wine to.

This poor little bear lay at the bottom of a ufo box waiting for me to finish. It was far from being done as it was in two small round robins and it needed a reason to be finished. I have found that reason and can hardly wait to pack his precious little soul in a lined box and mail him away to a special friend who needs a " prayer bear " at this stage of her life.

This bear is decorated to the nine's in the most beautiful work from such artists as Maryanne Richardson, Jane Ede and Marie Alton, their work speaks for itself and I will share some of their work as well as mine in the following pictures.

Marianna's Challenge

Completed and ready to mail. Marianna made a series of blocks following last years convention and asked if any of us oculd help her to finish them and I am pleased to say I was able to do my utmost and hope that this block blends in well with her others that she will put together into her own labour of love.

Block for Auction

This is my finished block in route to my special friend Rita, who will add this to her collection and do a most gorgeous setting. This is also a memory block for a dear friend Barbee who lost her battle with cancer and lingers forever in our hearsts.

Marianna's Block Challenge

One of my special angel friends Marianna came back from conference last year and went about piecing blocks from fabrics she had obtained and overdyed.

She asked if any of us would take a block and embellish it for her and I very willingly did as I love a challenge and there appeared to be a long time to work on this. I did not allow for family time etc.

As I stitched on the block I made great use of the herringbone stitch and then took it a bit further and decided to add some daisies and hand embroidery. When I felt a bit of confilict come into the block I thought of what I would do if this needed filling so I added a silk lady, put some nice trim around her and worked from there out. I now had a theme in place. I crocheted a little pink dimensional butterfly and attached this. I also worked some pearl roundelles and added little clippings of victorian style hearts. I did some silk ribbon work and added seamed treatements with beads, ribbons and strings of beads.

Friendship Block completed.

Take It Further Challenge - January

This will be worked over the weekend as well as I do want to finish this one before I start the new fan piece. I am working with very long and wide stitches as well as overstitching to make them larger and staying away from a lot of frills on this one. I like how the angel is reaching forward and the wedge will be filled with a picture of a mentor either surrounded with a floral base or some reverse image beadwork to highlight the silk.

Block for auction this year at Omaha

This block is nearing completion and will be finished when the overdyed lace and the little silk print of a young girl is attaached. I will also add some more silkribbon flowers and a special little pin that means a lot to me and would have meant a lot to my friend " Barbee ". It is a collector pin from the Martha Pullen series. I chose the deep pink overdyed to make pop up flowers on one long line as "B" had a love for deep pink. Hopefully this will bring some sunshine into a rather wintry weekend that we are expecting, and I can mail this off to Rita who is taking on the challenge of putting this quilt together.

Art bra Wallhanging Block 2008

I stitched almost every day and some of the evening on this block. It finished at eight inches and is pieced at nine to stitch at eight and half inches.

I truly enjoyed the theme this year of butterflies and spring. It makes the storm that is headed our way this evening seem a whole lot easier to bear. I started with a sprig of lavender and tied it with a 15mm organza bow. I used overdyed brown caron wildflowers for the sprigs and a deep purple silk ribbon for the lavender........the organza bow is from Bucilla. I then moved to another wedge and embroidered a wandering rose and two buds. I used wildflowers spruce for the stem and veins and silkribbon that is a series ofoverdyed yellows for the rose and the two rose buds, the green is from Bucilla. I used a challenge of herringbone stitches and finished with a cascade of flowers on top. I used a lot of small embellishments and miniature butterlies as well as the word " HOPE", and that is something we can never forget, " HOPE" for a cure and ""HOPE" that we live to see a cure in our lifetime, we have come a long way. I also added a three dimensional butterfly in the centre that is touched with yellow to represent both peace and the daffodil that is the actual flower for cancer. I truly enjoyed working on this block and found the charms, buttons and beads all seemed to blend in. Hope it works. If I were to do anything different on this one it would have been to have a large butterfly with a swirl of miniature roses flowing from behind. I saw this on a website once with gorgeous porcelain butterflies and the work was out of this world, wish I could remember where.

2008 Art Bra Quilt Block

This is my 2008 art bra quilt block for the wall hanging. I hope to be able to get some work done on this over the weekend. The theme is butterflies and spring and I have thoroughly loved piecing this block. It finishes at the size shown although the working size is nine inches. This is an eight inch block.

Tote & Roll

This is a picture of my 17" wide tote a roll that has more than one block stacked in it for stitching purposes. It rolls closed and has room in the tube for storing scissors, rulers, threads etc. It also has a matching tote bag that goes with it for carrying larger items such as hoops etc. I designed this several years ago and just love the versatality of using this as it does not flattern a thing., it is closed with a taseel tie.

These are pictures of my revamped stitching area. Dh got me the latest piece for Christmas and it is a desk where there is no computer hidden, it is for stitching on and storing supplies on the side. Each of the other pieces were purchased as gifts over the past few years and all match. I love the storage system for threads, works in progress, and fabrics. Needless to say it is a very well travelled area in my home, and my comfy chair is just what I need to keep me out of trouble and stitching.

This is a healing/memory block for a special quilt for a very special friend, it is nearing completion and will be mailed out this coming week. I have loved working on this one.

These are five little hats that I finished crocheting this week. I added little roses and white buttons to the decos and one has a tie that will hold it tighter to a head. I also finished crocheting the little white dress in the background but have to add the ribbons to this one. It finished adorable.

As shown I have started to place some stitches into the fan wedges on the block. I have also added a very wide white border which acts as a cover when I put this in the frame so that there are no marks.

The angel at the bottom was made by an angel from " Chatty's Angels " known to us as Barbee and is so special.... I have chosen to take this block and use the base layer to add layer upon layer upon layer of stitches and to use them large and without the aid of measuring points to make perfect stitches. Sewing machines sometimes make perfect stitches.

I will not add the bead work, encrustment or silk ribbon work until the block fan is complete as the fan is the focal point. The medallion for the mentor will be placed in the wedge surrounded by glorious silk ribbon flowers, encrusted beads etc. at this point. Not sure what or how.

Must admit that I did start with a blank 14.5 inch backing and made the five fan block into seven fans, and then added the arc and the wedge and this is getting close to the sketch that I made. I even invested in a sketch pad, something I had never thought of using before and will keep records on this as I go along. I have also come up with ideas on how to finish each block but that will change I am sure as time goes by.

Sun is shining and more work to do before I can take some time and work on this block. Happy Birthday dad. I know you are not on the Internet and that you do not even know what a blog is but it makes me feel good.

Pictures of Work in Progress on Block

Finally working along

After giving in and using another machine and making goodness knows how many adjustments I chose to make my block 14 inches square finished and did a fan to fit within this space. Now normally I would just cut a wedge, arc and setting piece and due to lack of proper organizational skills after a month of company I ended up winging it and I am pleased.

I ended up with seven wedges instead of five, and chose the colours that Sharon has suggested. I will take a picture later on and post this. I have all of it basted down.

This afternoon I pulled some threads and got about four seams done in larger than I would work stitches and rebuilt stitches. I must admit I am liking the stitches done this way.

I have a silk of the mentor in my series and it will be placed on point so that the fan can hang from a wall. I have also allowed myself room to do some silk ribbon work and rusching and pleated fabrics and lace, but, have decided as I work along I will allow it to grow. I will probably leave the bead work to the last, which is unlike me as I like to see the design as I work it out, but time will tell.

Off to get some housework done, supper on, and perhaps a few more stitches before I have to get back to work.

Colours Pulled & Ready To Go

After copying and enlarging the colours that Sharon gave us to work with it was a real treat to look at them and say these are colours I have used in cross stitch patterns. Looks like 3041 - 3042 dmc and 500 - 503 - 504 in the greens, and then my mentor had already not only sent me the basic fabrics, but she has sent me the back-up fabrics as well and this makes me want to make the block larger. I have so many plans on what to do with this colour range and to incorporate the over dyed silks on the end into the pattern that I have to let my mind rest as I do not want to cut into those precious over dyes until ready. When I eliminate the precious colours that are over dyed there is still lots of room for comfort and growth in the block in the colours chosen. We have to learn to go with our heart and not with just what is laid out. I took one look at the palette and thought, no way could I work with these colours without laying in some prints on prints or tones, and within a few minutes with a collection of gorgeous fabrics from my cyber sister and friend on our angel list was able to pull them out and wow..............the white on white quilt is now history for this month.

These colours seem to want to call out the passion in the sky and earth and were we without the ability to see beyond blue and brown we would not be able to bring forth the beauty that a gorgeous Nova Scotia sky can bring on a quiet summer evening as it slowly settles into the horizon............trees gently swaying in a warm breeze that has decided to cool the air and the stream with the little fish is full of little ripples, while the flowers are bowing their heads and bidding us goodnight.

Now to sketch out my plans, which is also another first for me, usually I wing it on the seat of my pants, but I want to try and capture what Sharon is calling us to do. See you tomorrow and we will find out what size block and is it going to convey what I want it to, or just bring out the colours that we are encouraged to use.

This is like a mystery project waiting for the next month to see if the colours will mate or if the eye has to wander even further.........and what challenge will it be..............So, this month, I am going earth, wind, air and fire......................well starting it now as we all know a block is never completely done until it is stitched.

Take It Further Challenge

I am getting ready to pull some fabrics for my challenge and set them into motion. I am also looking for an excuse to use the beautiful fabric stamps and paper stamps that I have placed away for some time so this should prove very inspirational to me. I hope to have a quilt and a journal at the end of the challenge.

A mentor:- to me is someone or something that has touched your life in such a way that it or they have caused you to become stronger, more active and assertive in both mind, body and spirit.

A mentor not only comments, helps create, but forces you to step outside the box and give you the inner strength and peace to persue what you desire to do, not only in how you live your life, but the quality of life that results as a part of that mission.

There are a number of mentors in my life and as each block progresses I hope that they or I am able to find the courage to create one block a month that will bring me closer to being the person that I want to be - A heart without borders............a sea without waves............a beach without sand............a garden without flowers............a brook without water............a path without stones.......a sky without birds...........a tree without fruit...............all of these would exist if we did not allow a mentor to come into our lives and put the frills around our hearts, waves in the ocean that form sands of time, that continue to nourish a garden with flowers.......a few rocks to cause the brook to babble......so that birds would fly and all we can do is sit under the tree of life and enjoy the fruit of our labours.

Tomorrow I will start to journal my beginnings of this beautiful challenge that Sharon B has challented us to communicate through stitches this year and in doing so stitch the fabrics of my life into the heart of my future and help me to continue on my special journey of creativity and love.

Challenge

Due to some redecorating the Atkin's bead journal project has been on hold and will be caught up before the middle of December..........I have the August, September and October in progress, and know exactly what I want to do with November and December and will make an honest effort to keep this committment. I thoroughly enjoy artistic beading and want to get back into this art form soon.

For our local hospital

These are hand knit charity blankets and caps for preemies that will be going to the local regional hospital. Dh particularly loves the neon green glow in the dark one.......I love the pink set.........and there is also neon pink, a little red, hat, a pumpkin hat and a gorgeous eyelet with ribbons blanket. Makes me feel warm all over...........The power of giving.

Patterns for the blankets will be posted soon.

Memory Block for a Quilt

I have delved deeply into this block as it will be going to an auction in memory of a very special friend who was and still is through the spirit of her beautiful dil a member of " Chatty's Angels ". Her love of life and sewing have brought great joy to all of us over the years and will never be forgotten. Our special Angel Rita will put this one together and the beauty of an angel will live forever in stitches and be auctioned off at Omaha next year.

I am working with a lot of different techniques, adding and removing as I go with this block. I am trying to use a vast variety of threads as well as incorporating my love of beads, and sequins into the work. Barbee actually made the angel that is in the lower right hand corner and I will add a cross to her hand. There is so much more to be added to this block but I promised to share my progress so far.

Prayer Block

A prayer block for a special friend that I met on a silkribbon list some years ago who has not had the best year yet. I totally enjoyed working this block from adding the rusched ribbons around the prayer given to me by my special friend Carolyn, to the fimo face that represents an angel with one wing.........when one person need a little lift, you loan them one of yours, just until they can fly on their own. Thanks for the challenge Vicki.

New doll on the horizon

Today I was determined to learn to do peyote stitch around those precious little fimo heads in size 11 beads rather than the monster ones that I was using. I also decided that these ladies needed a change in body and shape and more detail to them so I spent the afternoon beading my first small bead fimo face and she is a keeper. She has a gentile look and will have to have a silk shantung body to meet it and not sure if she will be beaded, embroidered or silk ribboned to pieces, but can hardly wait to work on this one hopefully tomorrow.

I must admit that I get such a feeling of love in my heart as I work on these little dolls of dreams and cannot imagine how it must feel to know that this little character will soon change the frown to a smile on the face of someone not as lucky as I am to be on the creative side of the fence.

Always remember an angel never flies alone...............now you must make her one...........

Pics to follow............

Comfort Doll

Having finished my work early yesterday I decided to try a pattern that I had sketched out the day before. It was a simple doll with arms and an elongated heart shaped body. I had seen a video on line for working with dolls and must admit it is a real life saver. I wish I would have bookmarked the site as the lady shared her instructions freely. I had a gorgeous piece of fabric that I had done an overlay of antique lace on to make into a prayer pouch. Well, needless to say there was enough to make two pouches so I got brave and decided to start the doll instead. I cut one the size that I would need and the other one larger. I put a seam into the back and left an opening for turning. I then placed the fabric right sides together and centred the doll over the seam and traced around. I then stitched and started to turn......oh my, I envy people who like working with small turns and little hands but must admit that it worked.

I am not the greatest at peyote stitch with beads. I would rather embroider with them anytime, but I did peyote around a fimo face that was coloured with nail polish and added some swags of beads for hair.

I then took a disappearing marker and put some long swirls around the doll and onto the arms and then started the procedure of hand beading two beads at a time the swirls in a cluster. I was impressed as to how fast this went using the long skinny beading needles rather than the shorter ones, bear in mind the doll is stuffed and closed so we are beading on a firm surface and that means long needles.

When I finished beading the swirls I then went and added a little pink vintage flower that I had and hid a dangling bead cut from one of the trims by the yard. I cut close to the ribbon and used that to anchor it down. I was pleased with my first comfort doll and will post pictures later today before I mail them off to Pat.

I also have another half dozen comfort kitties ready to stuff, embroider and brush tails for and they will go in the mail next week. I just love the feeling of passing on and on and one.

Comfort Kitties

This afternoon the sun was shining and it was a most beautiful day. A perfect day to sit back and reflect on how lucky I am, and most of us are not to be burden with the fear of anger, abuse and lack of love. Be it the love of a child, a mate, a parent or a friend everyone needs someone to be a part of their lives.

I decided that rather than going outside to enjoy the weather that I would finish two more comfort kitties and get them in the mail to Pat Winters. She is one motivatinal lady, she has brought forth an inner peace in me that I just want to wrap my arms around the whole world and make them feel just as safe as I do, but seeing as I can't, I finished two more little kitties. I will take some pics of them in a bit and put them on the site with hope that it will encourage you to do something to make a difference in someone else's life, the way that Pat has made a difference in not only our lives, but in the lives of those who have no one to hug, no one to hold, and no one to tell their worst fears to, except these little comfort dolls of love. They do keep secrets and right now they are probably the one person these people trust. If you have love in your heart " Pay It Forward ", make a doll to comfot someone who does not have that love and before you send one out say a little prayer that maybe someday they will be on this end of line making comfort dolls for some one else, knowing what it must mean to them. We are blessed.

Comfort Dolls/ Kitties

After spending more time than usual trying to think of the perfect, but simple little doll that I could make to send to Pat Winters of " Gatherings " " Comfort Doll Project ", I found that I was being called to finish these two little kitties and send them along.

As a kitten has nine lives so must those who have to deal with abuse in order to live their daily lives. I am truly blessed that I have never had this fear, but my thoughts, and my prayers go to those who do. If these little dolls give one moment of love and peace to a battered or abused person they have accomplished their mission. I will now make angels and kitties for our local abuse shelter and make sure that I make a difference in someone else's life the way that Pat Winters has made in mine in just making these two simple little kitties.

Fall Inspirations

Fall is one of my favourite times of the year and it reminds me of the beauty of summer left behind. It also lends me to want to re-organize my priorities and sewing room at the same time, and as there are some minor painting of rooms to be done, a complete move was necessary.

Yesterday I spent the day organizing some of my precious whites and fancies and lace so that I can tackle a few more "overdue in my eyes " prayer pouches for special people in my life that are having problems. It is amazing what we find when we start cleaning and re-organizing, and what really becomes part of your future or a figment of your past. I toss lovingly to those who need to be kept busy and feel no guilt as I know they will be used.

I hope to be back on line with new finishes within a week and will share all with you as well as directions. I will share my way of designing what I call a " Prayer Pouch ", a special little fancy pouch that is made and can hold prayers. When I send mine out, they have a prayer, a motivational message, a specialty tea, and sometimes a little special charm or item that I know will make the persons day. Some are already shown on my site and have taken wing and arrived around the continent.

Hugs and pleasant fall changes to all