Scooby Doo CQ For My Dear SIL

This is my latest project. My favorite SIL just had a birthday. I managed to get the card sent out but ran late on the gift. I just got it finished and framed today. It will go out on Monday.

She is the world's biggest Scooby fan. This might me the ONLY Scooby item she doesn't have. She even works for a company that sales Scooby stuff.

Obviously my camera skills are lacking today. I didn't get a picture before I framed it, so now I get my choice of 'flash' marks or a dull flat look. DUH. Somedays, I wonder where my head is at!




The frame is for an album cover. It has self adjusting/spring type fasteners. It worked out perfectly because I had the bulk of the buttons, beads and charms. I put batting behind the CQ to absorb that bulk. Here are a few close up shots.




I had fun with it. I hope she likes it! Well, I'm outta here for now. One more project off of my list. On to the next one.....

Things I Need To Do --- Catching Up!!!!

Okay, I was a little worried for awhile. But I seem to be making some progress. More actually than I expected. So here's the run down thus far....

1. Mail out both swap hearts: Susan & Renea-----DONE

2. Finish Halloween Art Doll project: Photos due by 10/31/06-----DONE

3. Work on/finish up Victorian Christmas Boot Stocking: Mail by 11/17/06-----DONE (mailed 11/20/06)

4. Work on/finish up pin cushions for craft shows: 11/11/06-----DONE (1 dozen) and 11/18/06 (2nd dozen scratched. I didn't need them after all)

5. Work on & finish 2 more COH swap hearts: by 11/10/06 (extended to 11/27/06)-----DONE

6. Put together and mail Birthday Group #2 squishie for Susan (11/06): Mail by 11/10 (extended to 11/13/06)-----DONE

7. Mail rick-rack to Elizabet: (extended to 11/13/06)-----DONE

8. Swap Heart for Maureen in AU: (extended to 11/27/06)-----DONE

9. Arty MeMe Challenge: Maureen & Jeri (extended to 12/05/06)-----DONE

I think that's it for now!

2006 VBCS - Finished

It's done! It's done! My Crazy Quilted Christmas Stocking, aka Victorian Boot Christmas Stocking (VBCS) is done! And as I look at it, I'm pleased. I will be mailing it off to my swap partner on Saturday. Of course it will be stuffed with goodies and warm Holiday Wishes, too.

I had such a good time putting this boot stocking together and I'm so happy with the way it turned out that I'm going to gloat (some) and share with you the steps I took getting it to where it is now. At least the ones that I remembered to take pictures of (DUH). It's so easy to forget to do that.

As I put in a prior post, I ended up designing this boot stocking from a miss-match of patterns that I had. I had expected that when finished it would be approximately 11" long by 5 1/2" wide at the top and 6 1/2" wide at the bottom. I was surprisingly close. The only difference is that it's actually 12 1/2" long. The cuff at the top accounts for most of that difference.





I started this project in early September, still very much a 'newbie'. And I mean newbie! I joined my first CQ group, (CQN) in July, and attempted my first block in August. That block BTW is wadded up and at the bottom of my ever growing UFO and WIP pile. Anyway, I found it very interesting that I was actually able to see the improvement that I was making with my stitches while working on this project. In the beginning I was really tickled when I had 3 stitches down, fairly 'pat'. Now, I have about 6 of them working for me. LOL. The point being, that it gets easier, and practice really does make a difference.















The pictures above show the embellishing finished, the front and back pieces sewn together, and a wide(ish) strip of ribbon sewn down both sides. This I must confess was not planned. I obviously didn't leave myself enough of a seam allowance in the beginning. And as I worked on it the muslin frayed. In the end, I was able to get a 1/4" seam in it (because I put beads and things too close to the edge) and when I turned it right-sides out, I didn't catch enough of the block pieces. So, it seemed like a perfect idea to just cover it up. It took a lot of little 'by hand' stitches but it worked out nicely. I think it adds depth and dimension to the look of the piece, too.

Below you can see the 'FINISHED PRODUCT", so to speak. The boot stocking is lined and to my absolute amazement, the lining fit like a glove. First time ever I haven't struggled with a lining. The cuff at the top presented a little more of a challenge but worked out as well. There is an equal amount of the cuff portion on the inside of the stocking, so it has a really nice finished edge to it. I'm also very happy with the way the heel turned out. Actually, the boot shape in general. I was pretty concerned about it right up until the end.















And finally, just to wrap things up I've included a front and back view. There is a loop for hanging the stocking and I secured it (and hid the stitches) with a couple of buttons. I think it's a nice finishing touch.

Well, that's it for now. It's getting late and I still have loose ends to tie up for my Craft Show/Bazaar tomorrow.

Two Days and Counting - 1st Craft Show

Well, here we are. Or more accurately, here I am. I have my first craft show of the year on Saturday and I'm swamped. I only had 11 months to prepare but as 'Gerry' would have it, I wait until the 11th hour and then I find my motivation. Just for the 'fun' of it, I thought I would post photos of some of my items. The first set being Christmas stockings.

The "Victorian" stockings were really quite fun to work with but much more work than I bargained for. The beads and buttons were all stitched by hand. In fact, all of my stockings have a considerable amount of hand stitching on them and they are all fully lined.











The second photo shows a faux crazy quilt design and two patchworks. I made the patchwork out of vintage fabrics and was originally going to make a bed quilt. However, it got really busy looking in a queen size so I cut it up for stockings and saved the rest for later.

I've gotten some mixed comments about the black brocade stockings. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with black decorations for Christmas. I believe that black is a necessary color, no matter the setting. And the nautical stockings were inspired by a pair that I made for friends who wanted to decorate on their sailboat last year. The last set are curly toed stockings. I did these just for a touch of whimsy! I had started making these stockings before I caught the CQ and embellishing fever. LOL. Otherwise the entire bunch would have been CQ'd.











The next category is table runners. I have a bit of a thing for 'Red Hat' even though I'm not a member of any clubs/groups. Yet, my favorite of the bunch is the 'country' runner. This fabric has to be vintage by virtue of the number of years that I've had it, and the number of years my mother had it prior to that. If this one doesn't sale this year, it's going on my antique buffet in my dining room.

While the more traditional runners are what most people are looking for, there are always those who, like me, just can't settle for straight, boring lines. So, to satisfy my creative 'inner being' I had to alter the patterns to create curves and layers.

The last bunch are tote bags that I pieced together. When DH and I vacationed in Denmark this summer, I took one of them with me and did my own R&D . It worked out so well for toting my maps and sight-seeing info, and my umbrella and camera, that I decided to keep it. I wish that I had brought more of them because I had a number of people ask me where I got it. Oh well, you just never know where a potential sale will be. LOL.

And finally, bringing up the rear are fabric hanger
covers. I just love these things for my 'special' garments. IMHO there's nothing worse than having a nice jacket or dress misshaped by using a regular hanger.



Well, here's hoping that none of it needs to be hauled back home Saturday evening.

CQN - Halloween Art Doll Challenge

The CQForNewbies (CQN) group just completed our Halloween Art Doll Challenge. The challenge was to make an art doll with a CQ feel. And while there were only four entries, it was a lot of fun.

Elizabet came up with the idea, and JK, one our 'list mamas' assisted with it. Elizabet, as hostess will be providing goodies to the winner and to the other entrants. Knowing what lovely work she does, I can hardly wait to see what she sends. It might even be a piece of hand dyed lace or ribbon!

So, who won?

Well,.....(drum roll)....Christy with her 'Bat Lady.' Is this clever or what? She did a fantastic job with those wings! And of course, don't over look the spider on her belly. I'm not sure what pattern she used or if she designed it herself. She claims not to be a dollmaker. And in fact stated that this was her first doll. Obviously, she is too modest! She might just be a natural.



This little cutie, named Winnie, was submitted by Linda. I wish I could have enlarged the photo. Linda has used the most darling Halloween fabrics, and her face is sculpted. I'm actually shocked that she had the time to make a doll. She has been frantically sewing, organizing, and preparing for her daughter's wedding. You really must go to her blog. She made her daughter's dress and it is beyond gorgeous.



This 'Little Witch' was submitted by Karen. Don't you just love her little hat, with the spider? She's so cute peering out over her sun glasses, and wearing those tiny purple shoes. You can't see it in this picture but she also has a little "ZOOM" broom.



And finally, the "Cat-Faced" doll was submitted by me. I don't know why but I seem to have a flair for creating seriously gruesome dolls. I gave her 6 legs like an insect, and she double-dips with her 2 trick-or-treat bags. And no, the cape does not help her fly. LOL.



Thanks again to Elizabet for the idea, JK for the organization, Christy, Linda, and Karen, for without whom I would have been a 'shoe-in' (LOL), and thanks to the group members who took the time to vote.

Full Moon But No Werewolves

For those of you who don't know, I got a new digital camera not too long ago. And I've been taking pictures like crazy with it. These are my first night shots. I think it was the full moon that prompted me to run into the house and grab it last night. I really like this shot becasue the sky was completely clear.


I just love a full moon. Not only is it sort of spooky, I also find it very romantic. Just like two of my favorite movies: MoonStruck, with Cher and Nicholas Cage; and Wolf, with Jack Nicholson and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Between the first picture and this one clouds started to form and the moon was nearly covered by them. But by the time I took these pictures (over a two or three hour period) the clouds had started to break up and moved on.



These pictures (above and below) were taken in the back yard beneath one of our trees. One with the 'night shot' setting, the other with the regular manual setting and no flash. If you click on the picture, you'll get the 'bigger' version. They are really quite cool. Very eerie!


This last picture was taken looking out over the roof. The clouds were just starting to break up and move on. Again, if you click on the picture, you'll get the 'bigger' version. It really is an awesome shot.


I'm very happy with this camera. It's a Canon PowerShot A710IS, in case anyone might be considering a new camera.

Houston Area Animal Lovers - Please HELP!

The Miniature Schnauzer Rescue of Houston (MSRH) is in desperate need of foster homes for rescued mini's. If you can help, by fostering or better yet, adopting, please contact them ASAP.












Thank you. Gerry, Fritz & Bella






*******************************************

Email from MSRH 11/02/06:

DESPERATELY SEEKING FOSTER HOMES FOR 5 SCHNAUZER BOYS !!! PLEASE HELP !!!

Good Morning Everyone,

MSRH is in desperate need of foster homes for 5 Schnauzer boys that will be
ready to go Saturday morning.

They are currently being boarded at Bingle Vet ... 2025 Bingle Road ...
Houston, 77055 ... 713-468-1676. All have been fully vetted.

Caesar Alexander ... Dark S/P Schnauzer boy ... natural ears and docked tail
...about 2 years ... 22 pounds ... Caesar is h/w positive ... he will need
foster care until his treatment begins in about 4/6 weeks

Eli ... White Schnauzer boy ... natural ears and docked tail ... about 2
years ... 17 pounds ... Eli and Payton were found as strays together ...
MSRH wants to keep them together in both a foster home as well as a forever
home

Henry Winkler ... S/P Schnauzer boy ... natural ears and docked tail ...
about 2 years ... 14 pounds

Payton ... Silver Schnauzer boy ... natural ears and docked tail ... about 2
years ... 17 pounds ... Payton and Eli were found as strays together ...
MSRH wants to keep them together in both a foster home as well as a forever
home

Terry Albert ... S/P Schnauzer boy ... natural ears and docked tail ...
about 2 years ... 15 pounds

If you can open your heart and home up to any of these Schnauzer boys please
contact Karen or me. [Email: volunteer@msrh.org]

These boys really need your TLC.

Thank you,

Sherry

*******************************************

Contact rescue@msrh.org for general information about our rescue organization.

Foster/Volunteer
Foster homes and volunteers are always in need. If you are interested in joining our rescue efforts please email Bev Smith, our Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteer@msrh.org.

Fundraising
We are constantly involved in some sort of fundraiser, usually sent out via email. If you would like to be on our mailing list, or would like more information about a current event, please send your name, address, phone number and email address to fundraising@msrh.org.

E-Newsletter
In order to keep everyone informed about MSRH and many more things, we have created a monthly newsletter, The Schnauzer's Paw. Some of the features of this newsletter are recipes, success stories, info on MSRH, and many more things. It is definately worth a look!! Please e-mail newsletter@msrh.org to sign up for the newsletter.

Website
For questions, concerns, and/or feedbacks regarding this website. Please contact website@msrh.org. We value your opinion and would love to hear from you.

My Latest Project - A Pin Cushion

I got the idea for this pin cushion from some photos on a web site. It could have been an online magazine, or a blog, or something I ran across jumping from one link to another. I didn't note it, DUH, but I know I saw them in more than one place. And if you're anything like me, you've already run across them surfing. LOL. I know that if you do a search for 'free pin cushion pattern' a lot of sites will be listed. It's just a matter of browsing through them. Sorry, but I'm just not motivated enough to try and back track.

**Correction**
(Thanks to Frederique at Quilting, Patchwork & Applique, I have been directed to the tutorial on this pin cushion. It was at Whip Up. BTW, Frederique, very cool blog you have!!!! Thanks, Gerry)

Anyway, I used a bread plate as my template. It seemed like a good size, and in the end it was. I cut 24 tops, and 24 bottoms. I sewed them together, turned them inside out leaving room (about an 1 1/2") to stuff them. They are stuffed with run-of-the-mill fiberfill. I used regular yarn to wrap it and sewed on regular shirt buttons, top and bottom to cover up all of the yarn running through the middle of it.











Not counting time to cut the top and bottom fabrics, it took about 15 minutes to put it together. That's probably the quickest project I've ever worked on. And with everything that I have on my plate right now, that's a real BONUS!

Although these are easy and fun to make, I'm going to have to enlarge my pattern and make a few of them CQ'd. After you get used to the impact that 'eye candy' has, anything else looks sort of plain.

Faces Only A Mother Could Love!

Well, for any of you wondering what we really look like...this is it. LOL. Halloween is the one day of the year when we can really be ourselves. From left to right we have: Me, DS, and DH. I'm sure you can see the 'family' resemblance just a clearly as we do. I do apologize for spilling my dinner down the front of me. But doesn't DS have beautiful teeth? We paid a mint for those babies. And I do love my DH dearly, despite the fact that he's such a PIG. (Ha, Ha, Ha)



All kidding aside, and I'm not really sure what the story is but we got very few Trick or Treaters last night. The weather was wonderful (warm and lightly breezy). Maybe Halloween is just fading away. That would really be too bad because I love Halloween! All of it, from dressing up the yard to costuming out. I don't dress up my fur babies though. I don't think they would like it very much.

What I really miss are the days of getting dressing up just to walk around while my DS did his trick or treating, or to scare the trick or treaters who came to the door. I scared A LOT of them last night. I even scared a couple of parents. (Chuckle, Chuckle)

Now DS has decided that he's too old to trick or treat anymore (and I agree) but he does still dress up and roam the neighborhood with his friends. Now, that's scary! This is DS and his best friend just before they took off last night.


'Til next year....

Arty MeMe Challenge

Okay, I've jumped in and accepted this 'pay it forward' type challenge from Rissa's blog.

How it works:

1. The first 5 people who respond and accept this challenge in the 'comments' section to this post will get an email from me asking for your snail mail address. I will then create and send you some artsy craftsy goody. It could be anything from a crazy quilt heart, or some type of embroidery piece, or a pin cushion, or fabric art, etc. Please note that I will do my best to get your challenge gift out to you quickly but with the on-coming Holiday Season, I cannot promise that you will receive your goody before Christmas. However, I will promise to create something just for you.

2. After accepting the challenge, you would then post the "Arty MeMe Challenge" information to your site (blog, 360, etc.), and 'pay it forward' by doing the same thing as mentioned in item #1.

PLEASE NOTE: That you are not expected to and PLEASE DO NOT send me anything in return. This is not a swap or exchange. This is an act of kindness. Something that comes from the heart, without strings or obligations. The reward is in the giving!

As soon as I receive all 5 takers, I will post your first name and a link to your site on my blog. If your 'comment' does not link back to your site, please either post it with your challenge acceptance comment or email me with that information.

This is going to be GREAT FUN....Let the games begin. :-)