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

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

CQI Retreat 2011

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