DARE TO BE CREATIVE!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

9 Patch Pizzaz


Here is the project I'm working on today.  The pattern is 9-Patch Pizzaz.  I completed the quilt top while on vacation at our home in Kentucky last fall.  Once the quilt top was completed, I added some appliques of the flowers and leaves cut from the left over fabric.  Yesterday I pin basted the top to the batting and backing and began quilting by stitching in the ditch and diagonally across the squares.  Today, I am free motion quilting around the flowers and leaves.    The more I work on the quilt, the more I like it.  It is bright!  But I'm loving it.  One of my goals is to finish UFOs.  This is one of them.

Crocheted Scarf



This is a scarf I crocheted for my daughter-in-law's birthday.  As I posted in the past, her favorite color is purple.  I saw this lovely soft yarn at JoAnn's earlier this month and decided to crochet a scarf.  I looked at several patterns but decided to just use a simple double crochet and let the yarn do the rest.  I'm so pleased with the results.  It is so soft and I'm sure she will enjoy having it around her neck on cool mornings here in the desert.

I did a lot of crocheting in past but hadn't picked up a needle in years until last fall when I made a few of the crocheted dish cloths from cotton yarn.  Now that I'm back in the groove, I purchased wool yarn and  will crochet another scaft while on a cruise next month. 


Monday, January 25, 2010

Finished Pillow



Here it is all stuffed and ready to put in a gift bag for my daughter-in-law's birthday.  I found a pillowform in my closet and it fit perfectly.  I think I may make a few more of these.  Just need to go through my stash and see what colors I have.  Fun project.

Vintage Linen Pillowcover Completed




Just completed the pillowcover.  I'm quite pleased with the results.  I decided to add some of the lace from the vintage tablecloth around the edges of the pillow.  Hardest part was removing the lace without cutting the edge of the lace.  The lace had been attached to the tablecloth with very small handstitching.  Now to purchase a pillowform for the cover and the birthday gift is complete.

I'm so pleased that I completed the entire project by using items in my studio.  That's one of my goals this year.  So far I'm having fun using my stash.  I organized my studio over the weekend but now you can hardly tell it with projects going on!


Vintage Linen Pillowcover Part 2


Here if the final pillowcover top.  You will see that I added the edges cut from the smaller dresser scarf but otherwise I followed my original placement.  I used a tight zigzag along all cut crochet edges.  I'm hoping this will prevent stitches from pulling out.  The top of the doily was attached by hand.  All other stitches were done on my Bernina 165.  Now it's time to add back fabric.  I'll post finished pillowcover later.  Thanks for following my progress.

Purple Vintage Linen Pillowcover


Today I am going to work on a vintage linen pillowcover for my daughter-in-law's birthday.  Her favorite color is purple.  I found these vintage linens in my stash.  Each contains purple and were purtchased at thrift stores.  I decided to use new quilter's cotton as the background.  I also backed the cotton with a piece of cottton duck for stability.  This photo shows the final  placement (I think) of the linens.  Once I have attached the vintage linens, I will add a pillow back of the purple fabric.  I will describe my attachment method in a later post as it is a work in progress.  My concern is to attach the crochet items without having stitches pullout where it was cut.  This is my first attempt at a project like this.  So far I'm happy with the way it looks. I hope to have a finished pillowcover to show you later today.  Wish me luck!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Happy Pink Saturday

A Valentine for Teacher










Don't you just love these little vintage Valentines.  I found them in at a Flea Market.  They were from Mrs. Howell's class and were  in a plastic bag.  The bag included one signed by Mrs. Howell and 23 Valentines from students. 

Today I am sharing some of the Pink ones.  These cards are signed by Randall, James, Judy, Bobby, and Kathy.   They bring back memories of grade school days and exchanging Valentines.  It was so much fun to complete the little envelopes and sign my name on the back of each card.  I can remember reading the sentiments to make sure that everyone got the perfect card.  I'm sure Randall, James, Judy, Bobby, and Kathy did the same thing. 

Wish I had kept at least one of those wonderful boxes my mom helped me make from a shoe box.  Wonder if students still make boxes and exchange Valentines?  Hope you have similar pleasant memories of Valentine Days past.

Thanks for joining me for Pink Saturday.  For more Pink posts check out the list on Beverly's How Sweet the Sound.    To see more lovely Pinks check out Some Place in Thyme.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Composition Journal Cover








We recently had a composition journal trade on FAT (Fiber Art Traders).  This is the front and back of the journal I received from Merrie Jo.  Isn't it lovely.  We were to decorate the front and back of your standard composition journal.  I plan to use the journal when we are on our Mexican Riveria cruise.  It will be inspiring to write in such a lovely journal.  You can see to journal I sent to Merrie Jo  here. 

Monday, January 18, 2010

January Fabric Postcard


This is my January postcard for the Postcard Swap on Fabric in Altered Arts 2.  This month I mail to Pam in Maine.  Norma, our hostesss, is moving from Arizona to Florida and wasn't able to participate this month.  Norma is very organized and even in the middle of her move she took time to assign partners.  However, we only had two participants this month (Pam and Pam). 
This postcard is made from a sample I felted when I was experimenting with my Huskystar ER 10.  Bits of fabric and fibers were felted onto a black felt background.  I think it made a lovely fabric postcard and helped me achieve my goal of using "stuff" in my studio.  Also a recycling project by using fabric scraps.  Hope Pam likes it.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Valentine Garland



These Valentines were made for a swap on Fabric in Altered Arts 2.  Cathy, our hostess, provided the heart pattern and we were to design fabric hearts to exchange.  The hearts are approximately 5".  The hearts will become a Valentine Garland.  I used items in my studio.  The photo transfers were left over from a project last year.  The hearts have a fabric front and back.  I keep doublesided fusible Timtex in my studio for this type of project.  Fabrics are from my fabric stash and trims from stash of trims.  Most of the decorative trims in my stash have been purchased at the thrift store.  Usually they are small pieces and perfect for these small projects.  I used my Bernina 165 to satin stitch the edges. 

Friday, January 15, 2010

Pink Saturday

Pink Saturday in my Studio


For this week's Pink Saturday post, I will show you a pink shelf in my studio.  The walls of my studio are pale pink with pale green accent wall.  I love the colors.  They remind me of springtime.  I love to create here.  This shelf began it's life as one of my thrifted items.  I think it originally was designed for a bathroom.  When I found it, it had dark wood stain and the top compartment had a mirrored door.  I could see possibilities and purchased it.  My DH removed the ugly mirrored door and the pressed wood back panel.  I then painted it this lovely pink.  I use the shelf for ribbon and to display treasured items.


These old wooden spools on a vintage spool holder were a gift from my California Sister.



This cute little pin cushion is a gift from my Arizona sister.  I use it to hold sewing machine needles.


This candle and holder were gifts from my beautiful granddaughters.  It is part of a set that also included a lovely heart shaped wire basket.  The basket sits on my desk and holds ATCs.


I found this lovely lady at the thrift store for 75 cents.  She is ceramic and was the perfect color for my studio.  I think she is handpainted.


Tag book made at a wonderful little scrapbook store Devine Memories.  They recently closed.



This is one of my favorite altered books.  I made it at a class at Mystic Paper (a lovely scrapbook store in downtown Mesa).  The class was taught by Susan Johnson.  Susan is a local artist and I love her classes.  I was lucky enough to have Susan design an altered book for my 60th birthday party.

Hope you enjoyed seeing my Pink Shelf and it's treasures.

For more Pink Saturday post visit Beverly's How Sweet the Sound.  Beverly is the hostess for Pink Saturday. I'm sure you will enjoy her  blog.  You will also want to visit the Bunny Cottage to see a great pink collection and a prayer for Haiti and it's people.

Please continue to pray and support the people of Haiti as they begin the long and difficult process of recovery. 



The color for January is Blue




I love visiting the local thrift stores and finding interesting items.  I am especially found of vintage pottery and china.  I've decided it's time to display these items in my great room.  I have a shelf that I have designated for this purpose.  The shelf has a quilt holder below and I hope to coordinate a small quilt with each of these displays.  I will choose a  different color for each month.  This month's color is Blue.   I quilted this small quilt by hand in the 1980's.  I thought it looked great with the blue pottery and china.  The blue metal candlesticks are from a local thrift store (75 cents each).  I'm quite happy with the display. 


The Tab Handled Platter, Water Pitcher, Creamer and Sugar Bowl are Blue Haven Dinnerware by the Royal China Company.  They were first produced in the 1950's.  I love the color and the abstract designs.  The shoe planter is vintage.  I think they were used by florist for small floral arrangements.  The Madonna is from my MIL's house.  She still has her price tag ($1.63) on the bottom.



The china above is from Homer Laughlin China.  I have a complete set for four.  Displayed here are the sugar, creamer, and dinner plate.  The pattern is Prima Donna Swing Eggshell.  The Swing Eggshell dinnerware shape was introduced in 1938 and was offered into the 50's.  I found the set at a Salvation Army store in East Mesa and paid $4.00 for the entire set  (4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates, 4 bowls, 4 cups and saucers, sugar and creamer).  All in perfect condition.  The swan and bluebirds are vintage planters.  I have a collection of swans that include a few blue but mostly cream colored swans. 

Hope you have enjoyed my Blue January display. 


Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Heart Quiltie



This is my February quiltie for Fabric in Altered Arts 2.  Our theme has been letters of the alphabet.  February's letter is H and Penny, our hostess, added an additional theme "hearts".  I decided to find a heart quote for this quiltie.  I found this one and thought it was perfect for my "H" quiltie.  The red heart is a sample that I did with my embroidery machine before embellishing the napkins in the previous post (goal: to use "stuff" in my studio).  The flower is a costume jewelry pin I found at Goodwill  (another goal: to recycle and reuse thrifted items),  We are going to be quite busy the first of February so I have decided to work on projects in advance.  I'll mail the quiltie to Penny next week.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Machine Embroidery Projects



This is a pair of pillowcases I monogrammed for my niece's wedding gift.  I have been making these monogrammed items recently as gifts.  Momograms are the thing right now and people seem to love them.  Pottery Barn has a variety of monogrammed items available.  I first checked her registery for colors: khiki and white for bedding.  I hope these will be a close match.  I completed them yesterday afternoon after the Cardinal's exciting game using my Janome 11000.  I love that machine and the monogramming is built in.  No need to download or transfer from a disk.  I have a monogramming program that allows me to do a variety of monograms but for the pillowcases this seems to work just fine.

Another Machine Embroidery Gift



Last evening I decided to continue working with Janome 11000.   It was out and ready to go.  I found these placemat and napkin sets at an after Christmas sale.  There are four placemats and napkins in each set.  I decided to make a Valentine Placemat set for my friends Nancy, Corri, and June.  We have a great little group that has been meeting for dinner or lunch for many years.  We are all retired department chairs with Mesa Schools and started our little group many years ago during a horrible in-service class.  We try to meet once a month.  Each year we select a holiday or season of the year and bring goodies to the group.  This year I selected Valentine's day and these placemats will be part of my Valentine's gift.

My first idea was to embroider on the placemat.  This involves removing the backing and replacing after the embroidery is in place.  I later decided to just put embroidery on the napkin.  This allows them to use the placemats at other times of the year (Fourth of July, Christmas, or anyother time they want something red).  I decided to keep the design simple and in one color (white).  The original design called for three colors.

I now have one set completed and two to go.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

1 Million Pillowcase Challenge


Have you heard of the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge sponsored by allpeoplequilt.com?  You can go here to download patterns and find the names of shops in your area that are participating.  These pillowcases are easy to make.  I completed these three last evening using their Basic Pattern.   I again used fabric from my stash (goal for the year).  The chocolate fabric is left over from a chocolate themed apron I made for my friend Sara's retirement gift.   I purchased the striped fabric and when I got home I realized that the apron pattern would not work with directional print.  So it was added to my stash and now it has become a "Calorie Free Chocolate" pillowcase.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Happy Pink Saturday





Pretty Pink Flower


When deciding what to share for Pink Saturday, I came across this lovely plate with a pink flower in my china cabinet. This is the story of that plate.

I began collecting Blue Ridge Pottery Plates when we moved into our 1950's ranchstyle home a few years ago. Since the home is in a historic district, I decided to keep the kitchen cabinets and vintage pale green tile countertops and blacksplash. I choose red as my kitchen accent color with vintage red plastic canisters and spice rack. I purchased a vintage Blue Ridge plate in the crabapple pattern (red). Once the first plate was found, I began my search of thrift stores, flea markets, and antique shops for more Blue Ridge pottery. I now have Blue Ridge dishes displayed through out my kitchen. Blue Ridge was manufactured by Southern Pottery.

While searching for Blue Ridge, I found this lovely plate with the pink flower that closely resembled Blue Ridge but was not. It is from the Stetson pottery company. In the late 1950's Stetson employed one of the Southern Pottery's most famous creators, Lean Watts. With her came many look-alike patterns. This is one of those patterns. I do have a few pieces of the Stetson on display in my kitchen but the majority is Blue Ridge.





My first Blue Ridge Platter (bottom)



For a list of more Pink Saturday posts check out Beverly's How Sweet the Sound. I also recomment Eclectic Pink Rose.




Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Purple Dress for Felicity

Another UFO completed. I started this purple dress as a Christmas present for one of my granddaughters. My first plan was to make a black velvet dress for one and this purple dress for the other. Then changed my mind and did two black velvet dresses (avoiding a possible conflict). One dress was trimmed in silver and the other gold. This way they can tell the dresses apart. I finished this little purple dress last evening and am displaying it on my Felicity doll. Both the black velvet and purple dresses were made from recycled formals bought for $1.00 at Goodwill's Dollar Days.

Felicity was a thrift store find a few years ago. Price $2.98. She was complete with her original outfit. She is one of the older dolls from American Girl. Over the years I have found a number of American Girl items at the thrift stores. Some have been given to the granddaughters and some I keep here at home in the girl's playroom. They love to dress the dolls while visiting Mema. My husband found the American Girl trunk for free. The girls store the doll's clothing in the trunk.

When they were four, each girl received an new American Girl doll for Christmas from Mema and Papa. One has Marisol and the other Josephina.

This project met two of my goals for the year: recycle and finish UFOs.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Glitzy Garment Quiltie


One of my Yahoo groups, Fabric in Altered Art 2, is having a monthly quiltie swap. The theme has been letters of the alphabet. Our hostess, Penny, decided to throw in an additional theme for the "G" quiltie - "Glitzy Garment". This is my little Glitzy Garment quiltie. The dress and accessories once belonged to Barbie. I purchased them at the Goodwill some time ago thinking I could use them in my altered art and now I have! (goal to use "stuff" in my studio in my fabric art) I added the gold bead necklace from my bead stash and the purple background is from a purple jacket I purchased at Dollar Days.
The outfit also included a pair of black boots but I couldn't figure out a way to include them on the quiltie. Maybe someday I'll do something with Barbie shoes!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Journal Cover




Diana of the Fiber Art Traders (FAT) is hostessing a Journal cover trade. The journal photos are to be posted by tomorrow. Here are the photos of the front and back of my journal cover.
I finally decided to use some of the "stuff" in my studio (a goal for 2010) to make the journal cover. The cover is made of leftovers from a Cowgirl fabric book my sister and I made a couple of years ago. The "stuff" was still together in a box. I'm quite pleased with the journal cover. It is removable and the pocket on the front could be used to hold a pen, pencil, or other journaling items. We will receive our trade partners on Wednesday. I'm anxious to see which journal I receive in return.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Pink Saturday


Welcome to Pink Saturday


Happy New Year to all. I have decided to share my quilted bear with you on the first Pink Saturday of the new year. He is made from a quilt top that was sewn by my grandmother and great-grandmother sometime in the 1930's. I don't know why the top was never made into a quilt. By the time I received it from my mother in the 1970's, it had some very large stains. I made quilted pillowtops for my nieces from the largest unstained sections. I used some of the remaining quilt top to make this bear. He sits on a shelf in my studio and watches over me. He reminds me of my heritage as a quilter and fiber artist.
I don't have one specific project that I will be working on in 2010 but my goal is to be true to myself in my art and go where my creative self leads.


If you would like to see more pink, check out Beverly's How Sweet the Sound. I also enjoy visiting Sue's Collecting in Texas. Please stop by and tell her I sent you.


Have a wonderful 2010.

Putting Away Christmas











I've decided to put away Christmas decorations one room at a time. Today I packed away the kitchen and breakfast nook decorations. I've decided to keep the snowmen in my bathroom for awhile longer. As people visit and see my snowman collection, they ask if I leave them out all year. I don't but have decided that I like my blue snowman bath so much that I'll leave until the end of January.
I purchased the towels and shower curtain at an Old Time Pottery in Indiana this fall. It is perfect in my yellow and blue bathroom. I added a few of my snowmen and little signs.
Hope you enjoy the pictures.