.....it all began with one thread....















Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Heart & Home


This is the first block in the Heart & Home quilt that is being offered by Shabby Fabrics as a Block of the Month. Now this one I did machine piece (lots and lots of tiny pieces!). That big open rectangle on the left will get an appliqued flower. I purchased the entire pack with the chart and all the fabric required. There is also a little peek of my Singer Featherweight machine. Only sews a straight seam, but is just perfect for moving around easily. It is very difficult to believe that this machine is over 50 years old!

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Block #4


Done! This one is big!! Sort of like the giant chocolate bunny you would get in your Easter basket.

I managed to cut off the pieced border on the left side in the photograph. The bottom border is pretty much the same as that one.

Block #5 - two more chicks (and two blocks that count as one, I guess!)

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Cuba - Part 1


Woohoo!! Finished Part 1 last night. Now I have not ordered the bead package yet. I was going to try and get it from European Cross Stitch this time. Plus I seem to always change the center to a charm, so I thought I would wait until I have a little more stitched.

Onward to Part 2 - shhh....I am getting a teeny, tiny headstart on Margit....she's so fast though...she'll be up to Part 5 in no time flat!

This one is stitched on 32 count Antique Ivory Belfast.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Block #3


Woohoo!! I finished this one late last night...I really do get quite a bit done while watching (listening) to American Idol. ;)

OK - is it me? Does anyone else find this to be a strange combination? A rabbit riding a rooster? Well, I guess the rooster does have spurs...but then...shouldn't that be the other way around? ;) In the description of the quilt it says that the bunny blocks were based on old chocolate molds...but when you think about it...isn't it quite strange to eat chocolate rabbits (or any other animal)? Of course, then again - you see chicks being pulled around the yard by rabbits everyday! :))

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Cuban Mansions

OK, I know I am crazy. I offered to be in a SAL with Margit! You know, the one with the speediest needle on the face of the earth! :) I told her she would probably not be able to work on hers for four days compared to my working on it all week!

Of course, her Part 1 is complete already. Mine - about halfway, take a peek!

Part 1 WIP(a)

I decided to use 32 count Antique Ivory Belfast.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Block #2


Block #2 - already! Wow! I have even impressed myself...just kidding! Of course, it helped a lot that block #2 had only five pieces that were a bit bigger than all those pieces in the first block. However, Block #3 does have quite a few. I'm sure there will not be as quick a finish on that one. Besides, I still have to cut out all the parts for that one!

Anyway, here's Block #2, (oops...I just noticed a little tiny piece of basting thread I forgot to pull out on that egg...)

I think it looks like the fabrics from this block and Block #1 do not go very well together. That's just my terrible picture taking abilities...the colors actually do look very nice together with the first block.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Chocolate?


Well....the name is "Rabbits Prefer Chocolate", you know, as in chocolate bunnies! This is a quilt pattern by Bunny Hilll Designs. Here is the entire quilt http://bunnyhilldesigns.com/store/products/details/?product=BM1061

The picture at the top is my block #1. Now my little chicks don't have their "eyes" yet, since I could not decide on a button, to stitch it or something else. (Not the best picture, as I see now that it is a bit crooked, but I just couldn't wait..)

Just as a note...I have not done any quilting for at least 15 years. Why this one? I really could not tell you for sure. It's sort of like a cross stitch pattern that just calls to you, you know?

Now block #2 is a bit smaller...;)

This quilt is not the original quilt that I wanted by Bunny Hill. The original one was Baltimore Bunnies:

http://bunnyhilldesigns.com/store/products/details/?product=BM1081

But the quilt store near me did not have it readily available...and I just had to have it, too, so I ordered it. But...there was the Rabbits Prefer Chocolate quilt hanging on the wall!! OMG...just too darn cute when you see it in person...so guess who walked out the door with the pattern and at least (gasp!) 15 fat quarters of fabric!

A little tease...

there's something new in the works....and it's not cross stitch! Hmmm....what could it be? What could it be? Once I finish the first portion, I will post a picture....

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

A little more Santa

Here is my Winter White Santa...now he has a little bit more on his tree, as well as some of the grey trim on his coat:

Winter White Santa(y)

Thanks for coming by!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Lookee!!


I hope everyone had an enjoyable Easter holiday! I know I did!

Look what I received in the mail late yesterday.

A beautifully stitched little drawstring bag (love the plaid fabric).

A little alphabet pincushion. Don't you just love the finishing on this one? The little stars on the folded over corners? Wonderful!

The little angel pillow - which is not for me - but for someone very close to me going through a difficult time...the finishing of the little angel cushion is so nice, too. Can you tell I am running out of descriptions??...and last but not least - see the fabric in the background?? A nice piece of fabric, which I can use in one of my many little finishing projects.

All - just absolutely gorgeous - and all from Isabelle! Thank you, thank you, thank you, my friend! What a great way to start the week!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Happy Easter!

Wishing everyone a wonderful and Happy Easter!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Part 2

Ta Da!! Here's Part 2 of my German Ostsee Mandala. I ordered the beads yesterday. As soon as they arrive, then all the sparkle and bling will be added.

Part 2 WIP(b))

I just love the seashells in the corners!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

German Ostsee - Part 2. . .


Not quite finished with Part 2...but a progress picture. A little bit more left to fill in on those "motifs", then onto the remainder of the shells. There is one there....just not backstitched with the specialty fiber, which I just ordered. Then it will be the Algerian Eyelets and Diagonal Eyelets to fill in. Some of those are in a brighter pink/coral color, which will definitely add a "splash" of color. = )

Monday, April 6, 2009

Woo Hoo!!

Part 1 of my German Ostsee Mandala (Chatelaine Designs) is done!! I still have to attach most of the beads and crystals (which I have to order!). Take a peek!

PART 1 (complete)(b)

Saturday, April 4, 2009

More Ostsee and a little tree

Santa's little tree (Winter White Santa/Mirabilia Designs):

Winter White Santa(w)

I did just a little more on Ostsee. Lots of colors changes going on here:

Thursday, April 2, 2009

German Ostsee

Another new design by Martina Weber (Chatelaine Designs)....my little beginning on this one.
Part 1 WIP(a)

I purchased a large (very, very large!) piece of 28 count Ice Blue Cashel linen for this one. The cut piece is 37" x 37"!! Huge....anyway I decided to try again with the paints. I had purchased a spray bottle of paint at A. C. Moore (turquoise) and gave it a try....

In the picture you can see where I folded the fabric at the top. The top color is the Ice Blue and the lower portion is where I sprayed the center portion with the turquoise over the blue. I did try to add a few clouds, but they have not shown up very well. May have to try again after I finish stitching the center portion. I'll probably use a stencil brush to try and apply those. :)