Sandi's Africa RR Block

Sandi this block was very challenging when it first arrived and it took me a few days to try and find a theme as Rita had already done such marvelous work prior and it was leaning so much to a show piece.

I started first on a purple seam and put some star flowers on this. I use caron wildflower for the herringbone stitch and the metallic yellow is from a krenink cord. The little star flowers are my gleam from Walmart.

I then wanted to do something to the beautiful " King of the Jungle " block so went into my cabs that were waiting to have something done and had one that I had made and put a metallic coat of nail polish on....it does make a difference. I then peyote stitched using a size 6 bead around the exterior and held it in place with a small piece of double faced tape while I stitched the bottom row down. It is large, but seems to fit the block well.

Following this I moved over to the lion and took one strand of the new dmc metallics in a copper tone and separated it into six strands and then into twelve strands and did an overlay on the mane of the Lion which makes his head look like stump work. The stitch used here is called exaggerated herringbone. I then wanted to bring him to life so added to size 12 champagne antique mill hill beads one in each eye. He is staring at me as I type now.

Below this is a chain of wooden beads that came from a collection that Barbee had and was in one of the boxes that the littlest angel sent so I knew it had to go here. I let the string of square beads stay as they are, did not clean them up and beaded over the chains. I then added three little butterflies flitting amongst them, another Walmart gleam.

I wanted to do more so went to the top and used a piece of gorgeous braid that Carolyn had sent and added it in a movement across a patterned block to accent it. I then added a collage of beads at the base of a very old metallic bead and went back in and beaded with assorted copper tone beads in size six.

I must now let this block go or will have to keep it, so travel safely to Marianna my little King of the Jungle.

African Round Robin

An African mask that I beaded with size 11 multicoloured and abalone style beads and then used some gun metal type size 6 beads for eye collages. I then outlined the complete mask with kreinik metallic braid in overdyed golds to oranges.

A collage of leopards peeking out from behind a cave. I used black anchor floche to outline the leopards and would, if this were my block, trapunto the leopards, by slitting the back lining and inserting some padding.

Also at this stage. I allowed the branches to fall onto the opposite block where the african beautiful lady is started.

I chose to also put a line of orange metallic rick rack and beaded the tops and bottoms.

Personally, I fell in love with this piece of ruffling and have had it for some time now and felt it would look wonderful on a curved seam. I then went back in with size 11 mill hill metallic green beds and tacked down the ruffle on the edge.

The line that is showing above is herringbone stitch in wildflowers by caron in the colour brass. I then went in with metallic dmc harvest and later added a bead at each straight stitch.

This was my first start and favourite piece of the whole block to work on. I chose to use graduated french knots using black anchor floche and allowed it to follow the lines of the hair and become three dimensional. I then added a spangle with seed beads for an ear ring. I used a solid colour in both green and orange for following the lines on the hair band and on the waist of the dress.

Overview of completed block that is leaving tomorrow to go to Marianna's for her artistic talents.

Verendah Views

This was the most adorable quilt I have done in a long long time. I truly enjoyed embroidering the little pictures from Willowberry Designs and then chose my own soft colours............well I added what I considered a two wide border and then decided to add some ruffled lace and ribbons to take away from the width, so now it becomes a wall or lap quilt. I have yet to do the label.

Art Bra Block 2010

I am pleased and sad at the same time to finish this block, very pleased as I truly enjoyed working on it, and sad because it is now finished and there is truly no more room for embellishment, a first for me.

When I started to piece this block I was scared as I am not a paper piecer, let alone a fabric paper pieced block, and dh looked at me strangely. He said wow, that is some block when it was pieced as he said he did not know what I was doing with all the fabrics, that seemed to be flipping over one and another. I am impressed.


I chose the bright colours as a fan to me is radiant and should show through and in the dull winter days something sure has to sparkle. I added all seams with krenik metallic threads. I then beaded them in size 12 to larger beads. After adding the lace at the bottom which was so much a part of the fan, I decided that a butterfly and handmade pansy were the only embellishments I needed in the wedge part of the fan.

I wanted to do some silk ribbon work so chose to do a variety of different flowers that I enjoy making and haven't made in a while. I also chose to put a pearl angel that I had made into a pink cluster of silk ribbons as it looks like she is flying down the fox glove to the ground.

Hope you enjoy this as much as I did piecing and thanks for the challenge. This one will be mailed out on Saturday.

Getting Some Projects Finished.

I have added some ufo's to my list of major things to do while the snow falls in our little portion of the world, and as they are finished will share. From time to time will share patterns that are originals as I finish these.

I am proud to announce that I have gone over the 125 pay if forward hat challenge for myself and had such a heart warming response from the recipients that I will continue to do this for the coming year as well.

I have given to the local hospital, Inn for the Night - a place where homeless people can be kept warm, given a meal, and now a warm hat, Chrysallis House - a shelter for women and children who will receive their bag of hats this week., the local nursing home children's unit who fell in love with all of the hats. I also will do little gowns and cocoons for the neo natal unit of the local hospital.............but most of all............it feels so good inside to be a silent giver. I have not shared all of my hats on my blog as it would appear boring, but Jackie Young crocheted six of my hats for me and they went to the children's cancer ward and will be treasured.

I am going to start a new blog in the new year for " Comforting Angels ", which will be dedicated to making something for someone else to make them happy and will have free patterns as well as pictures of what I am working on with sewing, knitting, crochet, and of course, my quilting.........

In the immortal words of Tiny Tim " God bless you All "

Pink Mohair mittens and Hat

An original pattern for a front and back hdc pink mohair hat and knit mittens.

Angel of Christmas

Add lace collage of flowers over shoulder and down front of dress. I also added small beads using tacky glue to the neckline along with one single rose. I allowed a half metre section of ribbon to fall down the front of the dress. I have yet to find my wedding doves, and when I do there will be one placed in her hand.

Back of angel showing wings added with stitches and tacky glue as well as one single flower to the centre of the wings.

Angel is now complete and ready to take her place of honour on the top of your tree, or Christmas display.

Pattern is a gift, and a gift is a present that you give someone to make them happy and is not to be sold as a pattern.

(c) Linda Boudreau - Bunnies & Lace 2009

Add lace to bottom of velvet and seam raw edges of velvet and lace together. Running a strong gathering thread at the top and pull to fit under bust line.

Sew side seams of slip, turn up bottom hem one inch and stitch. Using strong thread gather slip to fit snugly under bust line on head. Squirt a bit of glue front and back and allow to dry.
Cut lace piece in half and hem raw edge. Break thread and the slip lace over arm and chenille stem and gather top very tightly. Insert under head and add a dab of glue to hold in place. Repeat for other arm. Set aside to dry.

Gather lower edges of sleeves and secure tightly around arms about half way up. I add a dab of glue under this and then tightly tie a six inch piece of ribbon into a bow on each section. Puff up sleeves and allow to dry.

Insert chenille stem into each arm and secure with a touch of tacky glue. I bend over about one half an inch before inserting, set aside to dry.

Heirloom Christmas Angel Directions

Materials as pictured above.

Medium sized porcelain head and arms.
Chenille stem
Angel wings
12 x 32 inch piece of white cotton for slip
12 x 32 inch piece of white velvet for skirt.
12 x description on how to make the angel and attached you will find photos as well as brief32 inch piece of wide lace for bottom of skirt ( three inches wide )
24 x 4 inch piece of scalloped lace for sleeves.
Ribbon for wrists and front of dress. approximately one metre.
Purchased wedding collages of flowers ( if desired ) in white ( your choice ) for draping the dress.
Thick tacky glue of choice. I do not use a glue gun.
Cone or plastic cut to cone shape.
Heavy duty sewing thread for gathering.
Tiny beads and a bow for embellishment.

Update

My where dies time go when you are working. Our daughter and son in law moved into their new home yesterday and things will get back to normal. I miss the confusion and I can't believe that I said that. After six weeks of two families under one roof, furniture and all we did it, they have their first home and we are now going to start helping them finish renovate this.

I have surpassed my 100 hats and will share the patterns that are mine and some pictures this week. I have made another very bright quilt that is yet to be quilted, but it will do. I want to make a couple of dozen bean bags for the nursing home.

I have dolls that need to be dressed for the shelter for Christmas Eve and I am getting a bit excited about all of this now.

I also have finished another " Comfort Kitten ", as well as a few small items.

As a special favour I am going to rewrite a ladybug hat patter in both crochet and knit, one that will go up to size 4 and I have a hope and prayer that I can also include dimensional wings that actually look, oh so real.

Off for a bit.........promise to log on later.
Hugs
Linda

Pay It Forward

I will share more pictures of my hats that are done this week. I have completed close to ninety crocheted and knit hats and will reach my goal soon, but will not stop as there is such a need for a warm head and heart.

More works in progress

These little projects are nearing completion and will have mroe stitches, beadwork and decisions before they are finished. I have to work on these this evening and hopefully they will be ready this week to be posted.

Needle N Thread thread painting.

I am so pleased with the tutorial offered on the Needle N Thread blog that I had to get mine started and not in the sequence of lessons. Heaven forbid if I should be that one person who follows things line for line. I love the detailed lessons and now I am starting to work on the round sections...........I know the squares were first and then some leaves.......I can see room for improvement but I am not used to stitching with just one strand of thread for this type of work, but I am loving the lessons.

Prayer Pouch - Falling roses.

I truly enjoy designing prayer pouches with special people in mind. This one has a cascade of falling roses that are held down with little green silk ribbon leaves. A tear drop falls from the base of one rose, and the antique lace sets off the sprig at the top. It is also embellished with a touch of gold ribbon on the front and a pink prayer bow on the back. The straps are silk ribbon and they are fully lined. On a prayer and a wish and this little pouch leaves for a new home.

Prayer Pouch - Bleeding Hearts

This little pouch reminds me of bleeding hearts. I chose to make the flowers in a gathered style and then added long dangled beads from the centres. I also used 7mm over dyed green ribbon and did some matching leaves. The lace cuttings are from a larger piece that I have been cutting from and I have been debating on whether or not to dye the rest with tea dye, but decided on the simplicity of white. The little pouch is lined and made with love. All I have to do is say a prayer and mail this one out.

Willowberry Designs - Verendah View

I have finished embroidering this gorgeous little quilt from Willowberry Designs called Verendah Views and used a few more colours. I also went with a log effect rather than the little one inch borders that set them apart.

I have them pinned and ready to be basted and put in a frame. I love to hand quilt and this small quilt will be one of my favourites when done. I have pressed where I will end the quilting and add a wide border or lace or scallops, not sure which as yet, but I am so pleased to be able to start hand quilting this one this week.

I have totally enjoyed reading and stitching Verendah Views as we all can attest to the designs in each of these blocks.

Gail Pan Sesign - Christmas Wish Quilt

Having returned to sewing mode again I decided that if I drew on the designs on the little blocks and then embroidered them they would not get finished and just sit in a basket like a lot of my little blocks do, so this time I selected two feature fabrics, one I had more of than the other and i chose to set it together with the first border in a solid green so that the above colours would be added when the embroidery is finished. I love the sentiment and time that Gail has put into these designs.

This is phase one, the blocks are all drawn onto and set together with two prints, one red and one green and bordered. I am now picking out the threads that I will chose and will put this in my special stitching corner to start right away. These are so inspirational. I also have one block extra for the back and hope to be able to put the word " Family , and Pray, what a treasure this little wall quilt will be and hopefully it will share this Christmas with us.