Stitched Musings

Crochet in 2012

2012-01-27T17:00:00.000-05:00

Loving Crochet this month! Look for new patterns soon on Etsy and my little forum, Sisters N Stitches.

2011-12-21T16:49:00.001-05:00

Update on Rhiannon's Bargello Quilt

2011-11-14T15:15:00.000-05:00

Almost halfway point. :D 570 pieces.

Rhiannon's Quilt

2011-10-26T15:46:00.002-04:00

I found a gorgeous Bargello pattern by designer Becky Botello, tomake for my daughter and journal the journey here on my blog. To view the Quilt Progress only just click on the tag that reads, Rhiannon's Quilt.

The Pattern is Bargello Heart by Beck Botello. Check out her shop on Etsy, and she also has beautiful quilt videos on youtube.

I completed my fabric key at 3 am this morning. For me that is the most time-consuming, thought provoking and CRUCIAL part of beginning a quilt, besides the actual pattern. Two of the florals that pick up the purple and dark green are repeated on the opposite side of the darks resulting in 13 total fabrics in the working tubes.

Family & Friends Lap Quilts

2011-09-26T15:37:00.000-04:00

I enjoy this size because its still easy to Free Motion the entire quilt without having to free motion sections and then put together later. The Peach-N-Pink one only needs the hand-work on the binding whipped stitched, and the other is just the top piece finished using tubes in a Bargello Style. No actual patterns used, just some 'figgerin' in my head as I cut.

English Paper Pieced Mini-Quilt

2011-08-26T14:54:00.006-04:00

A relaxing and fulfilling way to create intricate blocks. I enjoy doing one block and binding even the smallest endeavors accomplished with this technique.

Excellent tutorial on English Paper Piecing found at Applique'n Patch Quilting:

Block pattern is on How Stuff Works where they house 640 free block patterns.

Kitchen Cupboard Quilt WIP: Vase of Roses (?) and Ball Pitcher

2011-07-30T00:44:00.006-04:00

This is my first total original block for this quilt project. The lap quilting is getting easier (well, after I stopped the bleeding) and I used Erin Russek's applique technique from her videos. Very nice. Now the fingers that aren't pricked are burned. Just kidding! Ms. Russek's videos are phenomenal. Gotta keep our sense of humor... no pain no gain and all that. This block is still being dabbled with. That little blue blob is actually one of those teensie ball pitchers that I have from my Gram.

I haven't appliqued the opening yet so I whipped up a state of the art illustration of what I have in mind. Looks better now. Sorta.

Now, I have successfully combined my two blogs into one. It took most of the day but I am pleased now that it is finally done. What a marathon. We'll talk soon, I promise. ;)

Kitchen Cupboard Quilt WIP: plate and cup, Bock three

2011-06-24T02:35:00.000-04:00

More fun. I drew the plate (very difficult) and the cup. The beautiful flower featured in the center of the plate is from a design by Erin Russek. She has a wonderful blog called One Piece at a time. Fabulous tutorial videos on wax paper, starch & applique on Youtube too!!!

Why am I getting the feeling everyone already knew about this except me?

Kitchen Cupboard Quilt WIP: Squat Teapot-Block Two

2011-05-20T12:27:00.000-04:00

I am enjoying this wax paper technique. Tutorial. The meandering quilting is relaxing too. Uh.... how long does it take to get a callous on the under finger???? :( Decided to add a circle and a yo-yo and will add some embroidery too. I am more comfortable with that after I get a few done, or otherwise one will be more adorned than the others (probably still will anyways). Having fun!

This teapot is from Fatcat's teapot curio too.

Kitche Cupboard Quilt, WIP. Tall Teapot-Block One

2011-04-12T00:10:00.004-04:00

Continuing with the hand applique, but am trying wax paper on the right side of the fabric instead of the back or needle turn. Great tutorial found here on Creativity Among Chaos. Also, for the first time I am lap quilting by the block to be sewn together by machine later. This could get interesting, but hey.... gotta keep learning something new, right? I am not drawing any quilting lines either, just meandering my way through it. I am also thinking of adding some Big Stitch quilting on this one too. Whatta Rebel! :P

This block is from Fatcat's Teapot Curio.

My quilt will be in the shadow box style also, with some original blocks of my own. Eventually. :) But I fell in love with two of FC's teapots!

String Block Crib Quilt

2011-03-21T02:38:00.001-04:00

Pictured here ready for quilting. Since its for a new niece, I opted for machine in-the-ditch quilting so as to get it done and off the WIP list. Excellent tutorial for string blocks can be found here. This particular tute uses paper as foundation (I always use muslin so as to use any old fabric that suits my fancy, like crazy quilt piecing) but has great pics and explanation! In fact this tutorial gave me the courage to make my first quilt a couple years ago. Now its one of my favorites for a 'comfort' project. :D Thanks, Ashley!

Her blog/website: Film in the Fridge

Amazing how much difference lighting makes. Outside it has more of a green tone due to the shade. The first image is closer to the true hues in this quilt. I see in this image the handwork on the binding was not yet completed, but I finished it. Scout's Honor! :)

Irish Crochet

2011-02-02T18:20:00.003-05:00

I became fascinated with Irish Crochet after seeing a video by Teresa, Freeform Doily and a two part Irish Crochet series by Ira Rott.

I began compiling my endless motif bookmarks and experimented with different fillers and techniques. Sometimes I just winged them off the cuff. My collection grew slowly.

Some were rather simple and others quite elaborate. When I thought I might have enough to even ponder joining them, I scattered them on black felt five or six at a time. When I thought a few together were pleasing, I pinned them down and began trying to figure out WTH I was doing. :D The videos do a better job of explaining than I could ever do, but the key part is not to give up and flush your motifs. :P

I thought Teresa's idea of surrounding with bruges lace a great idea as a means to stop and take stock of the situation. The plan is to continue with another round of joined motifs, and when I like it, again frame with the Bruges. I am beginning to think I should have started this when I was 4. Still fascinated by it though, and if you are curious, the first image of the first level or stage of the design is 12x9 inches at the widest part. :O

Oodles of motifs done though, and if I decide to leave it relatively small there will be enough christmas ornaments to starch for the next decade. I want to incorporate motifs into my quilt blocks too, so........ never enough white motifs to go around, IMO. ;)

***~ Edited on January 6th. Olga Krivenko is providing amazing Irish Crochet tutorials on the MyPicot Club forum. Join today for some wonderful inspiration from a master! :) ~***

Crazy Quilt Pillow

2011-01-14T15:58:00.003-05:00

Another crazy quilt project, this grew up to fill a pillow's shoes. Added a bit of embellishment, but nothing like some of the works of art out there on the 'net. The Yo-yo edge was blanket stitched and then a bit of thread crochet edging. Just your basic ch3 and ss or sc. I do these yo-yos alot when I am 'watching' TV. I'll do a tutorial on them soon. Very easy but some may not know how. :D

I'll link a crazy quilt tutorial I love again, in case you missed it.
Needlework Tips and Techniques.

Dresden Heart, Pieced Applique.

2010-12-30T15:30:00.001-05:00

Ornaments very dear to me. Four generations worth.

Fatcat's Dresden heart pattern

I substituted a button & yo-yo for the center, and doubled my work again. Needleturn first followed by blanket stitch and now that I feel my blanket stitch is looking reasonably even, I may try and do both in one step next time. ;)

Paper Pieced quilt block

2010-11-17T15:17:00.000-05:00

I have done paper piecing in the past, and was very pleased with the outcome here. One block of paper piecing a year is enough for me. I jut don't have the discipline required. :(

But I have the link to credit the pattern!!!!!!! (Was filed under button suppliers :S)

Paper Panache Quilt Patterns

Butterfly, Fabric Applique and Embroidery

2010-10-29T14:37:00.000-04:00

More needle turn Applique practice and some blanket stitch. At this point I am doubling the work on myself, because I could logically use the blanket stitch for the purpose of adhering the design and decorative purposes at the same time. I need the practice.

I have to look for this pattern. It was a freebie I found somewhere and I try my best to give credit and links when I can do so. Jeepers, my bookmarks are in dreadful shape. :S I thought it was fatcat's but can't find it there, but since she is so FABULOUS I will link her anyhoo. ;)

Fat Cat Patterns

Here's one of my own designs. I am often attracted to 'tile' applique. Its when you leave some background showing between each piece and when finished it resembles a mosaic. This pattern is on my etsy, btw.

Vintage Embroidery and Reverse Applique

2010-09-29T13:59:00.004-04:00

An old embroidery pattern I picked up off the net, and my first 'stab' at reverse applique. I was satisfied with the result. :D

You can still see the washable pencil I used around the edge of the muslin, but it will disappear soon enough.

Free embroidery pattern can be found here.

Needle-turn Applique'

2010-08-24T10:49:00.010-04:00

I've been working on quilt blocks the last month or so...... giving the crochet hooks a rest. :D

This was my first stab at needle-turn applique', all in all it went well and I am very satisfied with how the block came out. I used wax/freezer paper for templates and I find it very easy to draw them off, iron them on fabric and then cut out allowing quarter inch seam allowance. There are some great applique tutorials on the internet and I found this one to be very helpful. Appliqued flannel scarves would make nice gifts for the holidays wouldn't they?

note: the muslin block is just laying on the blue background for the photo and not part of the block. My work ain't that bad. :D

Also, the pattern used for this applique quilt square I can sketch up if anyone likes. I just 'winged' it and didn't really think about keeping a pattern because it was my first try. :D

PS, I did some experimenting with embroidery on this square. I liked how it came out except for the leaves with I outlined with stem stitch (:P). I love the blanket stitch the best.

Filet Crochet Dragon Completed

2010-07-23T14:11:00.001-04:00

Filet crochet is a very peaceful pastime. I print my graph and with a highlighter marker & mark off each row as I go. I also used an extended DC to keep my squares tall enough which lengthens the project time, but would otherwise result in short and fat squares and ultimately a short fat design.

The Dragon was worked in sz. 10 bedspread weight white cotton with a #7 hook.

The pattern can be found here: Dragon Walking Upright

Crochet Bodices for sundresses

2010-06-13T10:27:00.003-04:00

I enjoy crocheting a bodice for sweet sundresses. The skirt is a simple gathered fabric tube with button or tie enclosures.

Here's a white one with a couple of embellishment ideas:

Mudpie's New Hat!

2010-06-03T11:55:00.010-04:00

Mudpie the Bear loves her new hat! She has lots of crocheted clothes but was bugging me for a Happy Hat, so I made her one. :D Here's the link to the free June Pattern-of-the-Month on my crochet forum "Sisters N Stitches". Register there for an email notification when new free patterns are posted!

Baby Doll Sack Hat (clickable) :D

Enjoy!

Pinwheel Flowerette Crochet Applique

2010-05-27T13:45:00.012-04:00

Here's the instructions for another Crochet Applique I have added to the "By the Sea" bodice.

Sz 10 crochet thread (bedspread weight)
Sz 7 crochet hook.
Special Stitch: triple treble cluster=
1) yo 4 times, insert hook into designated stitch, yo and pull through.
(yo pull through two loops) 4 times. (leave remainder on hook)
2) {yo 4 times, insert in SAME stitch, yo and pull through.
(yo and pull through two loops) 4 times. Leave remainder on hook)}

3)Repeat { }
yo and pull through ALL remaining loops. Cluster made.

For beginning cluster substitute step one with a chain 4.

With white chain 5, sl st to join ring.
ch 1, 12 sc in ring, sl st to join.

With yellow
sl st in front loop of first sc. ch6, (dc in next sc front loop, ch 3), repeat 11 times, sl st in third chain. Break off.

With lavendar, sl st into back loop of white sc.(from round one)
Beg tr/tr/cluster stitch, ch5 sl st in third chain from hook, ch2
{tr/tr/cluster stitch in next back loop of white sc (from round one)
ch5, sl st in third ch from hook, ch2}
Repeat { } 10 times, sl st in top of Beg cluster to join. Break off.

Click Here for all entries with free patterns.
Click Here to visit my Crochet Forum "Sisters N Stitches" with more Free Crochet Patterns.

2010-05-18T05:36:00.012-04:00

"Sprig of Leaves" Crochet Applique pattern (clickable):D
Working on a girl's custom boutique design for Etsy, and started with a crazy quilt theme bodice applied to a muslin foundation. I added some leaf sprig crocheted applique followed by embroidery. Loads of fun!
The design has been dubbed "By the Sea". :D
I will post images as the project progresses but I have already learned several things for the next time.
This embellishment (applique and embr) would look better on a simple solid fabric, next time I will stick with some lace, braid and or/ small amount of embr on the seams. :P

Squiggles

2010-04-22T10:04:00.005-04:00

Squiggle Crochet Pattern (clickable) :D
I love crochet Squiggles.
Lets see what all we can make with them!

L to Rt: Flower tendrils, caterpillar(?) and a square! :D

The Road Home

2010-03-24T10:44:00.001-04:00

As Spring awakens and rustles its excitement, the memories of sweet mown grass and pony rides carry me softly along the Road Back Home...