Tyler's Peeps

I had this brilliant idea to capture Tyler's people drawings on fabric!  I think they'll make up something cute for Christmas next year.

Here is the first person:

I've Been Busy...

Well, it seems that I have been working on quite a number of things over the past few weeks.  I guess I have absolutely no ability to work on just a single project at a time...

First we have Laura Roth's blocks, part of the Winter/Xmas DYB RR on CQI.  Because we are short a member of the group, we have to work the whole 6" block like normal and do a bit of work on an extra block as well.

Next up is my block for the Hearts IV RR, also on CQI.  This time it is a traditional round robin, so only one block to make here.

I tried my hand at lace painting the other day (only one piece).  This piece actually turned out well enough that I will do some more.  I used Jaquard and Pebeo paints that were watered down.

I've also decided to learn how to do Brazilian Embroidery.  Let me tell you, this stuff is great!  I love the dimensional look that this type of embroidery gives to the overall presentation!  It takes a bit of practice to learn how to tame those wild rayon threads, but it is well worth the frustration.  The picture is my first stab at it (pun intended).

And, last but not least, there is another fantastic giveaway!  This one is being held at The Teakettle Corner, stop by and have a look.

It's time to open the Christmas Crackers!

Christmas Cracker opening time is here!  Boy was it fun to see all of the things that could be crammed into these paper towel tubes!

These are the contents of the cracker from Karrin!  All in a Christmas theme, which is a current theme of blocks that I am working on!

These next three pictures are the block and contents of the cracker from Nicki Lee.  I love the colors!  These will work perfectly for the next traditional round robin, Hearts, that I am going to participate in at CQI.

These next two pictures are the block and contents from Carolyn!  I love the black and red blocks!  It will be fun to come up with a series of blocks to match.

Giveaway at Skye Jewels

The giveaways are rampant this year!  Here is another fabulous one.  It is being hosted at Skye Jewels.  Visit for a chance to win.

Giveaway at Robin's Egg Blues

Another fantastic giveaway is being hosted at Robin's Egg Blues!  Boy oh Boy is there something for everyone!! 

Paper or Plastic?...Wait...Fabric!

During the Sew Mama Sew giveaway week, I won a Green Bag Lady bag and kit. I put the kit bag together, and since it was such a breeze to do, I made a few more of my own. I did modify the pattern given by Green Bag Lady a little bit. I used french seams and did my handles a bit different. I think each bag took about 20-30 minutes to make, so not a lot of time at all. Here are the bags after a shopping trip. If I had one more bag made, I wouldn't have needed a bag from the store. So, gotta make a few more!




Link to the Green Bag Lady's Blog where this bag pattern can be found: http://greenbaglady.blogspot.com/

Get into the spirit of saying no to paper and plastic! Make some bags and earn a chance to win at Sew Mama Sew: http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=3925

Christmas Crackers

At CQI, we had the annual Christmas Cracker swap. Basically, you take a paper towel tube and fill it up with all kinds of goodies and wrap up the tube in a cq block or fancy fabric. I had to split my tubes down the middle so they would expand to fit everything in there. LOL!

Here are the Crackers I made:

It was actually really fun to make these up. I have three gorgeous crackers in return that are awaiting their opening until Christmas!

The Winner is....

Sewfunky!!

I sent you an email. Thanks for everybody that stopped by to look at my blog!

Tis the Season..for Giveaways!

That's right, giveaways must be ringing in the air! So, I am going to join in on the fun. I will be giving a small stash of fabric (cottons and fancy), some fibers, seed beads, and buttons...suitable for a CQ block or two. Here is a picture:

Post a comment that includes an email address to contact you (if you aren't a blogger member) so that I can get an address if you are the winner. I will do one entry per person and another entry if you link this giveaway from your blog. (If you do link from your blog, please let me know that you did in your comment.)

Post comments by December 9th at 1200 EST. A random drawing will be held to determine the winner shortly thereafter.

Not so Plain Jane

In the current issue of Cloth Paper Scissors, I was inspired by the dolls created by Nola Hart. She had a basic body pattern in the issue, so I decided to make an attempt at my second art doll. (The first one was never completed...lol)

What came of it is: Not so Plain Jane.

She started out as a piece of plain old natural muslin. I started out with a purple metalic followed by a lime green fabric paint by Pebeo (setacolor). Her "shoes" are black setacolor and her "stockings" are a green acrylic. Jane's hair is silk throwster by Stef Francis (which I still don't know if it is attached well.). Her clothes are various scraps of ribbon, brocade-ish type, and silk fabrics.

A close-up of her head:

My husband thinks that I am some kind of lunatic for making this, but I enjoyed myself. So, that is all that counts!

But, what in the heck do you do with the dolls that you make? I'm not really a nick-nacky type of person, so it seems strange to me to just have it sitting out on a shelf or something.

Another Fantastic Giveaway at...

Here is a picture of one of several lots of items that Cathy from Crazy by Design is giving away on her blog! You can check it out here: http://cathyscrazybydesign.blogspot.com/

In the spirit of the holidays (and the fact that I have so much stuff), I think that I am going to put together a giveaway as well. Check back soon...

Meadow Street Rose

While perusing blogs this evening, I ran across a link for a fabulous giveaway! A gorgeous rose that can be used for any variety of things! Here is the link for Wayside Treasures: http://waysidetreasures-sandi.blogspot.com/

Peggy's Xmas DYOB

At CQ International, I am participating in a Christmas/Winter "Do Your Own Block" round robin. Peggy's blocks were the first ones for me to work on. On top is the blank block and below that is the picture of the block with my additions.

Above is another of Peggy's blocks. We have one less member than expected so we each have to add a little something to one other block that was sent. I added the beaded wheat ear seam treatment and the gold reindeer.

Totally Useless SAL Progress

Well, it certainly has been a while since I posted my status in regards to the Totally Useless SAL. http://dragonmyneedle.blogspot.com/ I definately have been filling my vessel though.

Now, since the end of the year is coming up, I need to figure out what to do with all of the threads that I have collected. Anybody have some good ideas?

Xmas/Winter DYOB II

Here is a picture of the blocks that I made up for a new round robin. This is a "Do Your Own Block" series in Christmas/Winter theme done on CQ International. The blocks are 6" each.

I love the Christmas theme and have been working on several larger size blocks. One of which participated in a recently finished round robin. Eventually, all of these blocks with the Christmas theme will be put together into a wall hanging for above the fire place during the holiday season.

Pin Cushion for Secret Pal

I kept seeing these fantastic pincushions on ebay. Essentially, they were CQ'ed fabrics that were somehow fastened to a pedestal of sorts. So, I thought that I would try making one myself. Here is what I came up with:


I gave this to my secret pal in the latest Secret Pal swap held on CQ Secret Pals. I really hope she liked it!!

Blue Color Study RR

These are pictures of blocks that I stitched during the Blue Color Study RR on CQforNewbies.

Blue satin ribbon attached with button and french knots. (above)

Bead roses with fly stitch stems. (above)

Blue button seam treatment. Fly stitch stem with french knot flowers and bead and sequin flowers.

More From Whatever Goes

Here is another block from the Whatever Goes RR. I added the brown seaweed with maroon fly stitch. There are also random fish thrown in there as well.

The Past Few Months....

Well, I am clearly behind in my postings, so here is what I have been doing for the past few months...

These are from a round robin called Whatever Goes.


Above is a satin ribbon with french knots and buttons on the end.

I also added stem stitching and french knots to the already stitched flowers on the fabric. Then I added flower beads to the ends of some of the stems.

Another shot.

For the above picture, I added french knots with gold metallic thread to the already existing print.

Rebecca's Block

This is Rebecca's block for the Blue Color Study Round Robin on the CQ for Newbies group. I added a seam of buttons, another seam with herringbone stitch done in Caron Impressions silk-wool blend color 7035.

The patch I did has fly-stitch branches in DMC cotton floss. There are french knot flowers and cast on stitch buds done in DMC perle cotton #5. 4mm Silk ribbon leaves were added to the buds. There are also sequin and bead flowers as well.

Sarma's Block

These are pictures of Sarma's block from the Whatever Goes Round Robin. I added french knots out of Kreinik metallic braid to the central flower. I also added a couple seam treatments...herringbone stitch and fly stitch. I also stitched (stem stitch) an oriental motif to tie in the fabric.

Totally Useless SAL

Well, I had completely forgetten to post my initial picture for the Totally Useless SAL hosted by YoYo at Dragon My Needle. There is a button on my page to go to her block. Also, here is a link to the information if you would also like to participate in the SAL: http://dragonmyneedle.blogspot.com/2009/01/progress-and-new-sal.html

Here is my wee bit in its temporary location:

Kathy's CQ Block

Here are a couple of pictures of the work that I did on Kathy's block for the Royal Blue Group for the Blue Color Study on CQ for Newbies. The first picture is of a sea treatment that I did. It has a light blue cotton DMC herringbone stitch with french knots and glass butterfly beads.



This next picture shows another sea treatment and two patches. The seam was done in perle cotton #5 and is a feather stitch. The patch on the right is a herringbone circle with lazy daisy silk ribbon flowers and sequins with beads. The patch on the left is encrusted with beaded roses, blue buttons, lazy daisy silk ribbon flowers, french knot flowers, and yo-yo flowers with beaded centers.


Below is a picture of the whole block. I was the first one to work on this!