Roses 3 RR - Ely

Just a quickie post to share Ely's block with you. This block is really cute in pinks with fairies. Again, I worked the lower left hand side of the block. Ely's block is now on it's way to person three in the rotation and I have Nicki's block to work.

Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

CQJP 2012 - C.O.P.

As you can see by the photo posted below, I have had a Change Of Plans on my project. I'm still working on the tree skirt but it just didn't work out for this project.

This is the first of 14 blocks that will eventually become a book. When I can find a set of batteries for my camera, I'll get some photos of all of the blocks and post them. I've also been taking photos and making notes for a tutorial later on.

You knew there had to be a spider and web! Although I'm not sure every block will have one. Each block is 7 1/4" by 9" (flap not shown) and are trimmed out by borders to a sewing area of 6" x 6". The blocks will go back to back to form one complete page.

For now I have met my deadline (for this month - LOL) and will keep plugging away at it. If you would like to see what others have completed for January, take a look HERE.

(****EDITED****)

Hope you're all having a wonderful New Year so far. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Tootles!!!!

Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

Roses 3 RR - Rita

Happy Saturday everyone! I'm just popping in to post a photo of the work I did on Rita's block.

This was a beautiful block to work on, and I always enjoy being the first to work on a block. Naturally, I worked on the left hand side. I won't restate the obvious items but I will point out those which are a little difficult to see in the photo. (Click on photo to enlarge).

The silk ribbon rose trail has tiny white beads running throughout and rests atop the 'net' seam work I added in pink. Notice that all of the butterflies, dragonflies, and lady bug are staying far away from the spider.

I realize that the spider is black and not necessarily in keeping with the color scheme - but I believe that a little black is a must for every block. The spider web is nestled among and attached to a semi-circle of white silk roses and white beads. And the bead enhanced ribbon is being carried by two little bronze birds, which are meant to mimic the birds in the fabric on the upper right hand side of the block. Sorry, but I cropped that part out...OOOOPPPPSSSS!

And finally, the red and green seam treatment running top to bottom is just a series of straight stitches and french knots. I hope Rita likes what I have added to her block. Today I mail it off to Lorrie in Canada so that she can work her magic on it.

Well, I'm off to help DH with some more Christmas decorations. Have a great rest of the weekend.




Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

CQ Gatherings - Winter Issue

It's out, it's out!!!! I bought my copy of the Winter Issue yesterday during the Cyber Monday sale. In fact, this is the only thing I bought (except for coffee and milk) for Cyber Monday but at least I made my contribution, right?


Now all I have to do is WAIT, WAIT, WAIT for it to arrive.....

Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

Christmas Tree Skirt

Yesterday and today I began working on my Christmas Tree Skirt project. I made a pattern for the skirt triangles - 12 each at 29 1/4" long by 15 1/4" wide and scallops - 12 each at 7 1/2" long at the center (tapering off to a point on the sides) by 15 1/4" wide and got them all cut out. I'm still trying to decide which part(s) of the skirt I'm going to crazy quilt.

The CQJP 2012 challenge requires each piece be at least 36 square inches, each month. For now I am leaning toward using the scallops. Not only would that be the easiest place to crazy quilt and attach at the end, I will end up with the 'pretties' and the weight on the outer edge. And since we typically pile presents under the tree (literally) I think I can minimize the wear and tear, and inevitable damage.

That then frees up the lower portion of the triangles for the snow globes that I want to applique. The snow globes are also a free pattern offered by Sindy Rodenmayer. She asks not to post a link directly to the PDF files, so....at her site, click on Christmas Designs (left hand sidebar), then click on Snow Globes (upper right hand corner). And if you haven't visited her site, you should. She is beyond generous in offering free patterns.

Each snow globe will contain one of the 12 Days of Christmas designs from Wright's Classroom. These designs are offered for gift tags but will be fairly easy to print out cotton fabric sheets and then embellish similar to what you see here.

IF, IF, IF I can get ALL of this done, I will finish up by adding a ribbon type banner at the base of each snow globe that will read which Day they represent (i.e., "12 Drummers Drumming"), and a decorative piping between each of the triangles. And I will have a beautiful new tree skirt for Christmas 2012!

TIP: Instead of printing reams of copies for patterns and tutorials, click print and save to PDF. That way you always have the link back to the site and a handy reference without waisting all that paper.

I'll keep you updated on my progress with photos and hopefully, not too many dirty words. LOL.

Well, that's it for now. Got to go trim Fritz's eye brows - YAY~


Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!
Gerry

Free Doll Pattern

I felt like I had gotten enough 'need to do' stuff done today so I've been surfing a bit around my computer. You know, looking at all the things that we save? All the possible, one day, maybe type projects and links we save? Or am I the only one who does that? I DOUBT IT! LOL.

Anyway, I came across a folder of free doll patterns that I've saved over time and remembered that, "I made that doll!" See post here. Notice that it was 5 Years ago! Good grief, where does the time go???? There are better photos here. I didn't win any prizes for my doll but I did enjoy the challenge very much. And I guess, technically, I can say that I've been published in the DOLL MAKING WORLD (VBG - realizing that anyone who really makes dolls is rolling their eyes and saying, "Paleez!"

Here's the link to the pattern offered by Shashi on her blog. She also offers a wonderful wing tutorial that could be really fun to incorporate into a crazy quilt block. Thank you very much, Shashi for your generosity!



Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

Crazy Quilt Journal Project 2012

Well, as difficult as it is (lately) for me to commit to anything, I have taken the plunge and registered for the CQJP 2012 challenge.

It's a year long, personal challenge to create (and hopefully complete) a crazy quilt project. And considering that it's almost December and I never got around to making the tree skirt I had planned to make last year, I'm hoping that I'll have the motivation to see it done this time next year!

There are minimal rules/requirements involved. A blog has also been set up with links to participants' blogs so that you can follow along with everyone's progress, see lots of eye candy, ask questions, etc. Best of all, it's a fabulous way to get the word out about Crazy Quilting!




So, if you've been looking for a some motivation and/or a new project, please pop on over, check it out, and JOIN IN.


Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

Roses 3 RR

Believe it or not....I've actually joined in a Round Robin, again. I know it's been ages but this one caught my attention. Here is my naked block that I will send out tomorrow. (OMG, look how crooked the right top and bottom look....I need to go fix this before it goes out - ARRRRGGGGG!)

As you can see, I have chosen a gold and black theme here. And quite a different shape than in the past.  The center piece is a silky that I printed out. I know you can't see it in the photo but it reads:

A gold rose signifies joy and friendship

I also used Martha Green's piecing method for all of these blocks.  But I have to admit, there was far more waste than I expected, and it took far more time and effort to piece than I had expected.  I'm happy that I actually tried it but I will probably NOT use this method again for piecing crazy quilt blocks.

Anyway, I can hardly wait to see what the other ladies in this RR will do with it. When it's finished, I'm hoping to make a wall hanging out of it. This photo is a rough idea of what I have planned for it.  I'm even considering making 3 separate panels.  But in the end, who knows what it will become.  The fun will be in the surprise!

The other 4 pieces also have a printed rose silky and they read:

Only is a rose so beautiful,

As to take your breath away.

To fill your heart with warmth,

And bring joy throughout the day.

Hopefully, the RR will stay on track and I'll have my completed block back, and the other four blocks worked, by the time the roses in my yard begin to bloom!


Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

2011 Crazy Quilt Retreat

This is what I made for the Chinese Auction this year. It's an altered wooden cigar box. I'm a huge Mary Engelbreit fan, so I tried to make this in HER style.

In this collage we see (working from left top to bottom) the front with tassel and closure, the back, and the side. The bottom view is with the closure unhinged. It pops open slightly automatically. On the right hand side we see the top and then the box fully opened.



Since this was just a 'empty box' to begin with, I had to add a lining and side pieces to attach the lining to. I lined the box with a really pretty green colored, soft and cuddly fabric. The dividers and liner pieces are cut from foam core board. The foam core board on the inside top cover was attached so that it would pivot and work like a hinge without actually having one.  And gives the inside of the box the look of a jewelry box.

The trim used are those that I would normally use in any crazy quilting project. The butterfly on the top of the box was a gift from a swap awhile back. I think this was the perfect use for it!

The top and sides of the box are slightly padded with a thin cotton quilt batting to help add some dimension to it. The closure/clasp is just a screw and round metal jewelry findings circle. The little jewels are scrapbook embellishments, and the legs are painted pieces of wood drilled out and attached with screws to the box. The adhesives used are a combination of fabric glue and hot glue.

And since you just can't give someone an empty box, these are the goodies that I managed to STUFF in to it!



I walked away from the Chinese auction with one of Gerry Krueger's fabulous Victorian Pincushions. Isn't it gorgeous? Look at the base...so very Celtic like! Love it, Gerry :-)



All in all the retreat was a great time. It was so wonderful to see old friends again, to make new friends, and to share several days with a truly talented bunch of MAD STITCHERS. I'm looking forward to future retreats. Especially, since there will be some long over due and much needed changes.


Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

Spider Webs in Winter

I thought this was so pretty. Frozen in time on the back deck. I'm afraid the spider didn't make it, though. So, so sad!

But we do still have spiders (of sorts) on the front porch. LOL.



Now if some of the snow would melt off we could get the grave yard set up!


Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

BoHo Bag Craze

Okay, who doesn't love these darling bags? I know I do. And if you've been following both Pat's and Gerry K's blogs you already know that the eye candy cannot be beat!

Now Pat has a BoHo Bag book out and Gerry K offers a tutorial on her blog.

Gerry K also is also having a Give Away for a BoHo Bag kit to make it even easier for you to get started. And even if you don't win a kit, you can BUY ONE HERE.

If you're making one of these little darlings for yourself, or for someone else, I would love to know so I can pop over and that a look at it!

And don't forget that the newest edition of Pat's Crazy Quilt Magazine will be out in a few weeks! In the mean time...the previous three issues are on SALE!!!! Just in case you don't already have them :-)


Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

Visiting My Poor, Neglected Blog...

Please hang in here with me while I triy to muddle through this. There was a time when posting to my blog was a piece of cake. Now that I've pretty much forgotten how to do. I'm finding it a bit of a struggle. LOL.

Besides, this is what I woke up to today...

It's still snowing but at least it's also trying to melt off - YUCK!!!

Be back later with something to share :-)



Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

5 Years Today - Oh MY!

I've been so out of touch for so long that I, only by accident, realized that today is the 5th year anniversary of my blog. It's also National Left Hander's Day!

I'm hoping to be able to get back to blogging regularly before too long. Life dishes out the unexpected sometimes and that must be addressed above all else.

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to check in on me. And I sincerely apologize for not having anything here to read, see, or share in.

Good night all.

Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

Basement Finish DONE!!!!

Done, done, done....on time and on budget~ At least with the contracted part of the job. And even though DH and I did the painting, there is still a little touch up to do, a bit of staining, grout to be sealed, and of course, sorting through boxes and getting stuff stored/restored.

Somehow I think that part won't be so bad. The garage has been put back in order and the cars are off the street. The main floor has been straightened up, and I'm getting a handle on the dust. Life is slowly returning to normal!

Here are a few photos of where we are presently. Just FYI and to help with orientation, the stairs are basically in "the center" of the space, leaving the rest open. Which means, we will be walking in a circle on our little tour today.

(see the BEFORE photos)

Okay....down the stairs (railing moved over, new carpet and curved step out)



a few steps and we're at the bar. (I still need to stain it the railing color)



turning to your right, we have the TV room/Lounge area (couch is ordered and should be in, in about a month)



turning right again, we are at the pool/game room area. Dart board is up (and works great!) Pool table has since arrived, and we are still looking for bar stools.



turning right again, we enter the hall with the bathroom on the left.



heading down the hall we arrive at the studio (East end). These are our old kitchen cabinets sanded, painted, and rehung with new Formica counter top.



turning right, still....this is the West end of the studio. This is where I'll set up my quilting frames.



and finally, turning right again, we walk down a short hall and are back at the bar.



Thanks so much for stopping by but I must run (dust cloth in hand)!


Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

Hearts and Hands for Sendai

***EDITED***

Just a quickie post to share a photo of my naked block for this quilt project. I've posted it to both my Flickr site and the Hearts and Hands Flickr site.




Finished Block:

(No charms this time around, and no lace either but lots of beads!!! All of which are sewn with hand quilting thread, 2 to 4 strands thick, and each individual bead is knotted. I just dare them to fall off. LOL.)







Please feel free to join in and/or to follow the progress of this project.

Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry