New Beginnings - New Adventures

Well, it is coming up on a year since I last posted in my blog.  What a crazy 2014 it was.  The year started out OK, but toward the end of Spring we could tell our old well was going dry, succumbing to the great California drought.  We were just finishing up on some construction projects and then had to dig a new well.  For about three months we were living on bottled water, prepared food and driving an hour to our daughter's home to do laundry.  Fortunately, we have a good contractor who used his influence to squeeze us in on this unexpected construction.  All this craziness bumped up my blood pressure, which eventually landed me in the hospital a couple days for observation of possible heart problems.  Well, the rest of the year was spent seeing my regular doctor, a cardiologist and an opthalmologist.  The eyesight has not cleared up entirely and I try not to do night driving, we are still in a deep drought, but things could be a LOT worse.  I am thankful for life and that I am able to enjoy my fabric and thread work projects. 

So, I did not achieve much the last six months in 2014, and I wanted a new direction for 2015.  When I was working, it was a pleasure to relax in the evening with  "non thinking" projects.  Machine embroidery provided a nice interlude from hand embroidery - it was quick.  Counted cross stitch is my mainstay, however I wanted to add to my repertoire.  There is not much reward in watching a machine embroider versus the freedom of being able to create and manipulate designs by hand.  For that matter, I am always looking at traditional quilting with an eye toward manipulation, too.  Well, just as I embarked on education during my working career, I decided education was going to be my focus in retirement.


ART QUILTS
As luck would have it, one of my friends wanted to attend Empty Spools Seminars at Asilomar on the Monterey coast.  She asked if I would be interested in going with her for a 5 day seminar end of April and I leaped at the chance to not only learn a new technique, but enjoy an ocean setting.  The class I chose (there were not many choices left by the time we decided to attend) was an Innovative Organza and Mixed Media Collage class offered by Esterita Austin.  This was something totally new to me, as I don't think of myself as a fiber artist or a painter.  Well, I surprised myself with the "almost" finished product.  I want to do another version or two, or three and then choose which to finish with quilting and backing. 

We started out with our own photograph.  Naturally, for someone who has no painting experience, I chose a difficult subject for a first try.  I was about ready to scrap the whole thing, but kept at it.  The rock wall, looks like a rock wall and the roses look like roses.  I can see this spot in my garden.  I am pleased with the result for never having painted before.  This piece is about 17" x 22".  The technique is not hard.  Now to invest in some Lumeire metallic fabric paints, as these worked best in the transfer/fusing process.

 The above two photographs were the models for my art project. 

 My friend and I had so much fun this year at Asilomar, we have already chosen our 2016 seminar choices.  I do have to add that the quilt artists all step outside the norm in their creations, something I truly enjoy.  Many include embroidery (machine and hand), crochet, sequins, beads and other glitz in their quilts - and I thought I was strange.  So nice to be with kindred spirits. 


HAND EMBROIDERY
Making a decision on what to do in hand embroidery is a little harder.  I wanted to join an embroidery guild last year.  The nearest one to me is Hanging by a Thread Chapter EGA.  It is over an hour drive up and down curvy mountain roads.  The eyesight issue and not driving at night put a stop to that.  I am thinking of becoming a Member at Large, but there are other educational opportunities I am still researching.  In the meantime, the Internet is my saving grace.  I found Mary Corbett's Needle 'N Thread website and her wonderful stitch videos for a starting point.

Several years ago I picked up a copy of the "Inspirations"  embroidery magazine.  It is quite expensive, but I took the plunge and started my subscription.  I have seen so many of the premiere embroidery magazines come and go.  I hope with the resurgence of hand embroidery, this magazine will stay in publication.  The projects are absolutely beautiful.

I have also updated my library with books by needle artist Trish Burr and Hazel Blomkamp, plus several other instructional books on Candlewick, White Work, Stumpwork, Beading, Silk Ribbon Embroidery, Brazilian Embroidery and other general interest technique publications.

Now, I am all set for the next 20 years!!!

I've been playing around with my projects......nothing really in mind other than to play with stitches and thread and practice, practice practice.  I won't show my doodles, they are really messy and it takes a while to translate right handed videos to a left handed person!!!  Here are a couple practice pieces.......

A little scissor keep I made.  Practicing my bullion knots.

A couple counted cross stitch pin cushions using some odds and ends.  I did beaded Palestrina Knot stitch around the perimeter of the cushions.

Another counted cross stitch pin cushion.  I was going to put this on an embroidered and quilted project case, but it turned out too large.  It is calling for some additional embellishments to spice it up a bit, but for right now, she looks nice setting on my work table. 

                                                      

I love hearts!!   This heart has beads, a machine tatted center medallion , and some star sequins.

And a little swirly heart with lots of stuff going on.  I have since found a technique for making beautiful dragonfly wings I want to try later on.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QUILTING
Last, but not least.......I did complete one custom quilt this year, finished some hand embroidery on a full size kit quilt, and several other small custom jobs. 

This is a twin size quilt for a special little granddaughter.  Can you guess what she likes?  It is embellished with scattered rhinestones, machine embroidered princesses, lace, ribbon and a personalization.

 



That about brings me up to date.  One year in one blog post.  Hope to make a few more as I get going on my projects, not just practice pieces. 

Peace and Joy,
Jan

Bags and Pillows

Had to take a break from the lavender sachets.  I've been wanting a smaller purse for a while now since I don't carry around that much stuff anymore.  I could never find anything in my bag.  So, I decided to prowl the various craft sites on the Internet to see if I could find something easy to do.  Through clicking links, I ended up on the So Sew Easy blog and found the "Make it Yours" one piece clutch bag.  How much easier can you get? The pattern comes in a small and a larger size. I first made the smaller bag using dragonfly designs From the Needle of Ann.  Decided I needed just a little larger, so made the next size up using designs from Mountain Thread Art.  The pattern calls for magnetic clasps, but I didn't have any so Velcro came in handy.  I also used key rings for the strap and tabs and used fabric scraps from my stash. I've since ordered some magnetic clasps, so the next bags I make will be finished a little nicer.  I think I will also alter this pattern some by making the flap a little longer with more rounded corners. I will be making some for sale in our local gift gallery. 

This is the front of the dragonfly clutch I made with some scrap home decorator fabric.

And the back of the clutch.

I added a little pocket and the lining was also a piece of scrap material.

This is the larger size made with denim from my scrap stash.  Front.

Back

Well, I didn't want you to see the purse contents.....the lining is nice flower design.  Forgot to add the inside pocket on this one.

Then I was going through all my completed counted cross stitch designs and found some pansies I stitched several years ago.  Just happened to have some coordinating material on hand and decided to make a small tote bag.   This pattern is  Kwik Sew pattern 3133.  (These patterns are available in fabric stores and I believe in Walmart, too.)  Another easy pattern.  Couldn't make just one, so another one came after using Carolyn Shores Wright graphic designs from Betty's Original Embroideries.  I kind of like the simplicity of these bags as the embroidery is not obscured by highly patterned fabric.  However, I might embellish the upper bands if I use plain fabric with some coordinating designs and include more pockets and maybe a hanging key chain with charms.

Carolyn Shores Wright graphic artwork.  Designs by Betty's Original Embroideries.  Front of bag.

Back of bag.

Inside with some pockets. Nice to have articles with no unsightly seams showing. 

My counted cross stitch design.  No pockets on the inside of this one.  Just a plain carry tote.

Well, a couple small pockets on the outside.  I do like embroidery on both sides, though.

Have I told you yet that I really like the designs from Betty's Original Embroideries?   She makes some really cute designs and always includes a project or two to highlight the designs.  Each month Betty provides a complimentary set of designs for a monthly contest.  I entered her contests a couple times several years ago, and have not been following her on the Yahoo Group until this month.  For her June contest she created a "Smallest Things" set of designs.  I decided to try my hand at making a pieced pillow top using the designs.  I might make something else for the contest as the pillow top includes strawberry lace designs from Sonia Showalter Designs.  Don't think it would be appropriate to submit a project in a contest that also features another digitizer's designs. I might make another pillow cover in my heirloom style.  At any rate, I like this cheery little pillow and those strawberries look very delicious.

Front of the pillow.  This is an 18 inch pillow form.  I used fabric scraps from my stash to make this pillow.

Back of the pillow.  I added some velcro tabs to tack down the top flap.

Next on my agenda is to make some small coin purses.  Am in the process of ordering the decorative top clasps.  Hopefully, by the end of the year holidays, I will have an assorted inventory of gift items for our local gallery. 

Until the next time....

Best Regards,
Jan

Lavender Sachets and More

Well, I had meant to post something new before now, but work in my studio and yard occupied available time.  I did manage to complete a sachet set and get it posted on my Heirloom Expressions Etsy site.  I am still waiting for a shipment arrival in order to complete a few other sets for posting.

So, on with the pictures.....

This set is from the Cardinal Country Design Petit Violet collection.  I originally purchased these designs from Oregon Patchworks, but this digitizer no longer sells through the mall.  She may have gone out of business as I cannot find her designs on the web.  The designs are very pretty and I may make a pillow or table runner.  These designs would look nice on some clothing, too.  But, first I am having fun with the sachets.  In this set, all the articles are travel size.  

Cardinal Country Design Violet Petit.  This set includes a personal tissue holder, four pillow sachets, and a little case with a removable sachet.  The case could be used as a jewelry pouch.

Here is a close-up of one of the sachets.  The material is a sparkly yellow.  The little butterfly is a lace design from  Criswell Embroidery..

Here is a close-up of another of the sachets.  The heart pendant is from Sonia Showalter Designs.

These three sachets are embroidered on an off-white Dupioni Silk.  The designs are from Louisa Meyer Originals, Something Pretty Collection of designs.

Most of my sachets are pillow type sachets with a muslin insert filled with a polyester fiberfill and a generous amount of lavender.  I have switched to the culinary lavender which is the lavender buds devoid of stem and leaf pieces. 

The machine embroidery on these sachets are also done on Dupioni silk.  The designs are from the Martha Pullen Collection from Zundt Designs, the leader in the fine art of Swiss embroidery. 

I added a bit of lace on the back. 

Here are three fun little owl designs from Ace Points available at the Oregon Patchworks Mall.

These three sachets have embroidery from the Weddings and Romance collection of designs from Elsa's Designs available at the Oregon Patchworks Mall. 

These are such beautiful designs.  They are from the Mini Blossoms design set available From the Needle of Anne at her website and also available at the Oregon Patchworks Mall.  I just love the little heart pendant from Sonia Showlater Designs, so I made one in coordinated thread colors for this sachet. 

Another sachet.  I have been adding some pintucking to my sachets.  Adds just a little heirloom quality. 

I made this design as a hang-up pouch with some lavender buds. 

Here are the three sachets in the collection. 

This inspirational design is also From the Needle of Anne in the Mini Blossoms design set.  The pillow is 14 inches x 14 inches. 

For the back of the pillow, I added a Mini Blossom Border. 

As I continue making the sachets and pillows, I am adding more embellishments to give them more of what I consider an "heirloom" quality.  I like the touch of a few rhinestones, lace and ribbons.  I have in mind to make some fabric ruffles, too.  But, my next run of sachets will have more lace or beads for the edgings. 

Hope you enjoyed viewing and perhaps became a little inspired.

Jan

Hats for Loss of Hair or Chemo Hats

I was asked if I could knit 2 "fun" hats....one for a little 3 year old girl who lost her hair due to chemo and one for her 6 year old sister who is showing support. After hearing where the request originated, I thought it would be more in line with an Easter celebration. This is what I came up with for my customer, who likes the product. So, I guess I was not too far off base. Nice pastel colors for the holiday with a little furry fringe and very soft yarns and a chenille edged flower with bead center.

Seems the mainstream department stores have taken the knit and crochet hats off the shelves until next Fall.   Now I think I will make a few more for my Etsy shop that are more appropriate for Spring and Summer.  I like the ones with the brims.

Wishing you a fun day.
Jan

My Etsy Shop

Well, March is almost over and I have been busy both in my shop and working outside preparing for the hot Summer season.  I don't think we had a Winter, we are going from one Summer 2013 to another 2014, forget about Fall and Winter.  California is in a deep drought.  Mother Nature is presenting us with teaser rain episodes.  Not enough to end the drought and not enough to fill the water reservoirs.  I think this crazy weather is just going to get worse.

Anyway, since I cannot change the weather, I am enjoying my new studio.  Finally, after a couple years, my Etsy shop is open.  I have a few items for sale.  In between restocking our local artist and gift gallery and the Etsy shop, I am busy building my inventory.

Here are some items you will find in the Heirloom Expressions Etsy shop.

For the tweens to adults I have for sale a green crochet bobble coverlet in an overall diamond pattern.  It has a very nice textured fabric.  The back is smooth.  It is approximately 52 inches by 69.5 inches.   You can see the listing here:  Diamond pattern bobble coverlet.

Here is a closer view of the front and back.

All folded.

For the little infant and toddle people I have another green coverlet.  This one is just the right size as a cuddle blanket or a carry along in the car or stroller.  You can this coverlet here:  Knit Baby Coverlet.

All folded.

For this coverlet I incorporated four counted cross stitch woodland babies.  This one, too, is just the right size to use as a cuddle blanket, or carry along in the car or stroller.  I have it listed on Etsy here:  Woodland Babies Quilted Coverlet.

A close-up of the kit fox and the fawn.

Close-up of the squirrel and bunny.

Can't forget the back.  I kept it simple.

I also have in my shop something for the sewing enthusiast.  A couple sewing caddy sets and some small machine embroidered pin cushions.

This is my green sewing set.  It comes with all the items pictured and can be seen here:  Green Sewing Caddy Set.

This is the yellow sewing set.  It also comes with all the items pictured and can be seen here:  Yellow Sewing Caddy Set.

Then, I have a small selection of pincushions which are listed here:  Heirloom Expressions Etsy Shop.

So, now it is back to the cutting, piecing and sewing.  I have some custom quilted blanket orders to complete.

Hope you enjoyed viewing these little cuties.  Until the next post, have some wonderful fun-filled days.

Jan