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

July

This is my July project, which I am proud to say is an original, and it is shown in sketch form further along in the blog.

I wanted this to represent the beautiful lilies that grow down the outside ramp that leads from our patio deck. All that was left to do were the few leaves at the bottom to be filled in. This is stitched within the constraints of a cd rom pattern. It also has the bottom left so that this portion can have an adorment of a tassell, beaded, or charm at some time.

I just started to work on August's " A Daisy A Day " yesterday and will keep posting as time permits.

June Project

This is a Ruth Wilson design that was destined for a bookcover, but as I have learned so many new techniques and added a few of my own along the way have decided to include this as my first piece of work in the Challenge. All I had to do was the leaves yesterday and now it is done.

Crochet from Past Challenges

This little Irish doll was crocheted and given to a young lady who is dealing with cancer treatment and was a true labour of love. It was my first Annie's Attic Bed Doll. More pictures below.







After many years of not crocheting I chose to tackle this doily designed on line as a mystery and a challenge and it opened a new world of crochet for me. This one is in the home of my mother-in-law in Cape Breton.






This was the second doily that was started as a mystery and
completed and taken to my daughter's home in New Brunswick.









These are more photos of the doll as well as a small pineapple sachet, that I did keep for myself.

- Tulips Too Late

As you can tell this is a new adventure for me both in sketching and in creating with beads and fabrics.\\This will be the September challenge and will work on this as I go along and have to yet select the silk fabric, back it, and pick out some unusual beads and techniques to embellish with.

A Daisy A Day

I have sketched out the August flower of the month, being a daisy in memory of my mom, and one of her favourite songs " A Daisy A Day .' I am not sure if there will be little faces in them or rose centres and or what, but will work it as I go along. These are all sized as in the last two, same as a cd circle. Not sure what I am going to do with these when they are done, but that will come before I cut them out.

Sunbonnet Sue joins the Red Hat Society

First of all I had some of these little seven inch blocks ironed and ready to stitch on a recent week visit and did not get a thing done on them because of the heat.

I started one on the weekend and used dmc 75 verigated reds and not sure of the number off hand of the deep purple but it is equivalent to a dmc 550 in verigated's.

When I finished I went in with a good name brand coloured pencil and shaed close to the stitching lines on both sides. I also did a swirling circular motion on the arms and added some fleshtone, I left the rest as is. I then, without heat setting, went to the sink and scrubbed roughly with hand soap and then rinsed in warm water. I ironed this dry, and then added some spray starch. Very little colour was lost.

This is stitched on tone on tone beige and if I were to use this technique again would preset the colours to be sure as this was an experiment. It can always be added to with colour as you are only shading next to the lines, similar to crayon tinting without the wax. It does look like an antique block and it highlighted well.

Off to find some more ufo's.

Organize or Agonize

These are little angels that I make and place on my windowsill until I see someone who needs one for a special reason.

This one went home along with a hand crocheted afghan to a great lady who is fighting another battle with cancer, her disease is out of remission and I know this little angel will watch over her and take care of her while she is going through new rounds of chemo.









This little angel went to a special little sister on her birthday. She treasures anything that I make for her and she will treasure this as well I am sure.

I can hardly wait to start making more of them.