TDiTM Template Loaded

Morning All!

The next few (dozen) stitches will be based on a circular shape...as I'm tired and bored of zigzags!! (And you probably are too!)

We'll still keep the basics the same...french knot, lazy daisy, straight, and chain stitches. So, if you can master these simple elements...you can do the entire 45 stitches I have already posted....and those scheduled to follow.

I'm considering some other stitches after we pass the first 10 dozen completed...but we'll just see how that goes!...nothing too radical however; cause this is supposed to be for us "newbies"...

You can get the new stitch template at http://crazyquilting.pbwiki.com

Just scroll down and find the Templates by Shawkl (Kathy) area...and click. Three templates are available that you can use for marking Crazy Quilt seams...

The site does require that you create a login/password....sorry, that's just how it works...but we don't do anything with the information. You'll just need to remember it to download files.

Look around while you're there...as there are great photos of CQ endeavors...and lessons...from us gals at the HGTV.com message boards. Heck, while you're at it...come on over to www.HGTV.com and say hello. You'll have to scroll down to the very bottom of the front page....on the left side "message boards" will be in a tiny box of "additional things" on their site. They have lot's of active message board topics...like gardening, decorating, etc...but we're under the "Crafts" category...and then "Needlework and Quilting".....

The templates files are pdf format, so all should be able to print them out. They fit standard size paper. Take the printed sheet to your local copier and have them create a transparency for you (or print them on transparent sheet if you have them)...Cut the "rows" of stitches out...then punch holes where the little black dots are. This will create seam templates you can use to mark your stitch base (circle, half circle, oval, zigzag, etc). Just lay the little plastic seam strip down, and use a regular #2 pencil to place a "dot" in each hole you punched. Voila!! Now you have a guide to stitch perfect seams!

Oh, and use a tiny hole punch...you can find them in the scrapbook section. Get the single hand held type...they're less than $10.

Now, I'm off to daycare for a little while...then, will try to get the first few of the half-circle base stitches loaded for you to try out!

TDiTM Stitch 45

Here's the next stitch...a long time coming. It is a simple variation using my favorite 5 point fan stitch (my name for it)...and the chain stitch zig zag base.

And...after looking at the posted stitch...I realize I didn't stitch all the french knots!! Oh bother!...Well, you'll just have to do better than I did...cause it would take another week for me to redo the photo again!!

It is taking me a while to get accustomed to this new laptop...and VISTA operating system. And my camera software is not compatible...so it has been a real effort to try and find a work around to getting my photos loaded. Even then, they are way too large...and I'm trying to manipulate them in my scanning software to get them at a reduced pixel count that will load on web sites and message boards. What a chore! I'm not totally comfortable with the process yet...hopefully it will get better as I go along.

Sorry to be so long in posting this stitch, LIFE really happened for me these past few weeks....

Coral Reef

I've been working lately on a round robin "mermaid" swap block.

I'm the first to touch the block (well, after the owner). She added some lace and a large starfish to the center.

Upon it's arrival, my head was immediately filled with a definite idea for a coral reef filled with fish...but I was nervous because it is not a traditional CQ effort (but I just love the artsy blocks so much more!).

This swap is not a hidden swap, as we are posting photos and such for inspiration...so I talked to the block owner to describe my idea and she was very accommodating to my vision. For which, I am so very thankful!

Here is the whole reef, and three closeups for your enjoyment.

Now, I'm going to play around with that sea chest in the block center, and get ready to pass this along in a week or so.

TDiTM Stitch #44

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

Here's a little combination of Stitch #43 and #41. It is a little more visually complex because the design keeps changing, but is very simple to stitch.

TDiTM Stitch #43

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

This is a very simple stitch. It is good to use on smaller projects like CQ hearts, to cover ribbon. The ribbon is placed first, and the zigzag is stitched over the top. If you use a straight stitch zigzag, the ribbon can be woven under the stitching.

TDiTM Stitch #42

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

If you liked (and understood) my stitch directions at Stitch #40, then you'll really like doing this stitch as well! It is made of two "rays"; one smaller and one larger...with a french knot in between. I stitched all the smaller rays then came back and stitched the larger ones, leaving space for the knot between them.

TDiTM Stitch #41

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

If you've been stitching along with me, then you surely already know that I just love this little five ray fan. It just looks so good with so many combinations!

And, it's so easy to stitch! I do the center vertical stitch first, making sure it is the height I want. Then, I imaging a base line at the bottom, so I can visualize a 90 degree angle. Next I stitch the outside rays...at 45 degrees of the center vertical and this imaginary base line...and make it about one quarter to one third the length of the center vertical. Lastly, I look at the tip of the center vertical and the tip of the 45 degree angle...and imagine a line between these two. The last stitch is started on this imaginary line and ends at the base of the other two stitches...and is placed halfway between them. Hope you can figure out what I'm doing by these directions!

TDiTM Stitch #40

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

All of the Easter eggs on blog posts make me happy, as I love pastels! So, the next few continue along those colors. We're still using the medium zigzag template.

This stitch give plenty of room between the peaks of the zigzag and straight stitch area. It would be super to add a silk ribbon rose or larger bead there.

TDiTM Stitch #39

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

The large teardrop should be stitched a little longer I think, but I'm sure you'll get the idea.

TDiTM Stitch #38

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

I had intended to have the straight stitches taller, but somehow forgot that when I was actually stitching. These chain zigzags are easy to do if you strive to make the side of the zigzag the same as 4 stitches...two will get you to the middle, and two will get you to the top/bottom...making the zigzag uniform.