This, That and the Other

I've been wanting to blog about a few things but just haven't had or taken the time to do it. So, today is the day.

CQ Swaps:
Let's start Crazy Quilting and these blocks. Aren't they beautiful? They come to me from Lesa



and Lauri as part of the Egyptian Theme Swap on CQN.



I've posted the close ups because I'm just fascinated with the way they have both stitched and embellished the patterned fabrics. The dimension it adds is just wonderful. I've tried this a time or two in the past and haven't come close to getting that effect. I guess I need to practice some more!

Crazy Quilts and Projects:
I would also like to share with you some truly amazing Crazy Quilts. Here is a link to the Floral 9 Patch quilt that Allie made. And Debra's Day of the Dead which is her entry for the Madonna Idea. If you follow the links you will be led to more of her very interesting and inspiring works. Annie has just completed this Memory Quilt as a gift to her mother. It's quite an incredible piece. She has created some of the most unique charms and accessories to add to these blocks. Each block tells it's own story. It's definitely worth taking the time to browse through her posts and see it come together. This last quilt is a Prayer Quilt. And might possibly be one of the most stunningly beautiful quilts I have ever seen. It was made by "Bunnies and Lace" at the Threads of Love blog. These links will take you directly to the block details and the finished quilt.

For those of us who CQ (Crazy Quit) it's a common saying that Crazy Quilting is addictive. A perfect example of that it Julie's post about her recent CQ Project. She is an exceptional altered art and mixed media artist. And it looks as though she might also be a natural for CQ. BTW, Julie's project came to her as a 'kit' which might be the perfect way for beginners to....well BEGIN! This particular kit came from Cat's Etsy shop. To view more of her work, visit her blog.

And finally, to wrap up this part of my post I have chosen to list a link to Pam's Tarot Card Bags. These are, as all of her work is, gorgeous. What I found fascinating about them is the fact that Pam seems to have a true knack for tapping into 'new markets'. I mean, Who Would of Thought????? I guess a talented business woman, that's who!

CQ Resources, Projects and Tutorials:
Sharon B also offers helpful links in her post Resources for Crazy Quilters. Julie has some very helpful SRE flower making videos on her blog. Just look in the sidebar. Also, while you're there be sure to check out her doll house and mini bed cover set. If you're looking for something a little different to work on, Julia has a tutorial for a really fun Twin Hearts Door Stopper project. Linda has an interesting post about needle books. And she offers a link to Annie's Needle Book tutorial. Susan also provides an excellent example of a needle book. Sunshine has done some really creative and colorful work with embroider butterflies. She gives numerous examples and styles. I really enjoy her blog. She does such a variety of things that it seems she's in to "everything!". Be sure to check her sidebar for lots of patterns, freebies and tutorials.

Debra has a great block piecing tutorial where she uses patterned fabrics. Which is a nice change of pace because it's very easy in CQ to tend to use only or mostly solid colored fabrics. She has done an excellent job of bring these patterned fabrics together in a number of blocks in her Flapper Series. Jess offers a varied selections of links for projects and tutorials in her Stuff to Make post. And I must mention Mary's blog because she not only provides wonderful video tutorials, she also routinely lists links for "freebies". And who doesn't want a freebie now and then? I also have a number of piecing (and other) tutorials listed in my sidebar if you care to take a look.

Now, on to my passion for dolls...
Rivkah was recently featured by Linda Walsh of I Love Crafts & Craft Blogs. I visit Rivkah's blog and Linda is correct in stating that, "If you love dolls and love doll making then Rivkah's "Doll Makers Muse" is a must read." And "Best of all her blog is filled with a zillion what I'll call "Tips and Tutorial" posts. Rivkah so generously includes the how-to's with pictures in all her posts."

Another doll blog that I adore is Stephanie's, Novasblossoms. To say that she's talented is a gross understatement. She uses such vibrant colors and creates such fun and unique works that you simply must see it to understand.

Patti Medaris Culea has done something so fun, recently. She has brought her incredible doll making skills in to the CQ/Embellishment arena with her "New Flat Things" purse. This is truly too darn cute.

And finally, the Hoffman Doll Challenge 2007. Well...I'm still trying to find the entries. I can't seem to locate anything on it. It anyone out in BLOGLAND happends to know of some links, please let me know.

Other Stuff:
I like to read Pat Sloan's blog. She recently had a post about the New 7 Wonders of the World. For me that sounds like a really strange concept. It never occurred to me that the Wonders that I grew up with would actually change. It's definitely worth a look!

Another really great blog is While She Naps. Abby's work is just too cool. She makes 'stuffed' animals of sorts. But that description seriously over simplifies her talents. I think her best works are her birds. She currently has nine pieces on exhibit at a gallery in New Hampshire. Her exhibit is called Things With Wings. She has such a flair for the exotic. While you're visiting her, why not stop by her Etsy Shop and see what I mean.


Well, I better get back to my life for now. Thanks for taking the time to stop by. Enjoy your evening and Happy Needling!