CQI Retreat 2010

Can you believe that our retreat was nearly three months ago already? I'm telling you...time is passing way too quickly for me!

Anyway, here are the list moms Hideko, Leslie, Kerry, and Cathy.



Cathy, Ingrid, Kerry, Juli, Hideko, and Josie.



Colleen, Lauri, Leslie, Ilys, Janet, and Freda.



Diane, Claudina, Connie, Shari, and Ilys.



Colleen, Cathy, Jacque, Connie, Freda, Josie, and Ingrid.



Needless to say, the views were just gorgeous!





This is the crazy quilted teddy bear that Lauri made for the Chinese auction. The photos don't even come close to doing it justice. Its about 16 tall (standing) and has jointed arms and legs. The stitching and bead work is to die for!!! But then again, we've come to expect that from Lauri's work. Josie took this little beauty home with here to Texas.



This is the dress form pincushion that I made for the auction. Lauri took her home.

For the dress form and the apron I used free internet patterns and tweaked them a bit. Finished she stands nearly a foot tall.



Because 'she' ended up being so busty, I felt compelled to add an extension/bib to the apron for modesty's sake. I added the cameo necklace to fancy her up and of course, had to make her a set of pretty pins to show off.

The apron was meant to be an adult scalloped apron but I shrunk it down to doll size. Each scallop section is cut and sewn separately. I also added the crossing straps and neck strap, and the scissors hanging from the pocket area. To finish it properly, I lined it.



For the base I stained a wooden dowel and the wooden base. Wrapped thread around some craft spools, used a vintage spool and thread that I had, added a couple of sewing notion charms, as well as a couple buttons and mini clothes pins.



Sadly, I didn't take any other photos of of the auction or of the TONS of wonderful goodies given away. From beautifully crafted needle books, a lovely embroidered tea cozy, stunning Obie's from Japan, darling little rocking chair pincushions, a fabulous 'crazy quilter starter' gift package, and even an Ott light!!!! How cool is that?

As for the give away goodies, these are the gifties that I gave: Bookmarks and matchbook needle books.



Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

Crazy Quilted Faberge Rabbit

This is a little something that I made just for me. I was so taken with Lauri's crazy quilted bear that she made for our 2010 retreat that I just had to have my own little stuffed CQ something.

Lauri's bear:



My rabbit: (Completed she stands 8 1/2" tall; 10" tall including the bent ears)













This rabbit was made using a free online pattern from Joann's. I followed the pattern fairly closely on this rabbit. Although I did not/have not made the egg yet.

Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry

Christmas Projects

I found myself with a few extra minutes today so I thought I would pop in and post to my poor, neglected blog. I've been making aprons for my four nieces for Christmas. I was originally going to make matching chef's hats but opted instead for matching oven mitts and hot pads.

(Remember to click on the image to enlarge, then click again to "SUPER SIZE" it)

This is Monique's Teapot apron, mitt and pad. For the main fabric I used a Mary Engelbreit's Cup of Kindness, a yellow polka dots on black for the accent pieces and bow, and a solid yellow fabric for the lining. It's difficult to see but I attached an ME Teacup button to the center of the bow.



This is Alyssa's Bistro apron, mitt and pad. For the main fabric I used a vintage reproduction fabric which has an allover kitchen/food motif, a multi-colored, stripped fabric for the accent pieces, and a solid burgundy fabric for the lining and bow. Attached to the bow is another ME button. This one a bowl of cherries.



This is Sydney's Birdhouse apron, mitt and pad. For the main fabric I used an allover birds and birdhouse fabric, a multi-colored stars on red fabric for the accent pieces and bow, and a solid beige for the lining. On this bow I've attached a little bird and birdhouse button.



This is Emily's Fairy apron, mitt and pad. For the main fabric I used an all over purple on white fairy fabric, a purple and red on purple "Hot Mama's" confetti fabric for the accent pieces, pockets, and lining. And of course, added the purple rick-rack trim, and accented the top with an organza and beaded flower.



The first three aprons were made using Simplicity Pattern #3746. However, I did have to modify/resize the pattern for two of these aprons. The last apron was made using Simplicity Pattern #2492. On this apron I merged the "A" and "B" apron to achieve the look I wanted. I also modified the pocket and the ties by eliminating the ties at the back of the neck so that it criss-crosses in the back (like the others).

On all of the aprons I made and added the bows, and the linings, and created my own pattern for the oven mitts and hot pads.

Each one of the girls will receive their ensemble with a package of cookie mix, a gift box of cookie cutters, a small rolling pin, wire whisk, spatula, and wooden spoon.

The only other sewing that I did for Christmas was to make a couple of 12 x 12, button up the back pillows and covers but forgot to take photos - oh well..... I guess I'll just have to make a couple more!

For now though, everything has been mailed and is under the tree where it belongs.

Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry