New Template

I just loaded the 4th template onto the CQ Wiki Site. It is free after you log in. Scroll down under the CQ Lessons and Info and select the templates folder.

Any/all of the template sheets can be printed onto clear velum. If you don't have velum, print them onto paper...and take that to any local office supply store that makes copies. Request a "transparency" to be made...they are less than $2 each...some places charge less than $1 each.

After you have your clear velum print or transparent copy. Cut the page into strips, allowing each of the individual template to be a single strip. Use a tiny (1/16th size) hole punch (available in the scrap booking section of any hobby store)...to punch out the marked holes. Each marked hole represents the "spot" for the needle to enter the cloth to create the templates' stitch.

This is an easy process...and a great time saver! It also produces uniform base stitches for this challenge...then follow along and stitch all of these combination of very basic seam treatments for your Crazy Quilt projects!

The templates are at http://crazyquilting.pbworks.com

TDiTM Stitch #89

 

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

This is the last of the half-oval base stitch.

This version is done in variegated pink with perles. As I post the picture, I can see that it is a little wobbly…guess I should not be stitching these at 3 a.m!

So, hopefully you can follow the chart and not my example with creating this one!

The next few stitches will use the half-oval idea…layering that image on top and bottom, in alternating curves. The charts are drawn using the template…but the same idea can be done using rickrack as it has alternating “peaks and valleys”. So, watch tomorrow for ideas using rickrack as a seam base to stitch upon.

TDiTM Stitch #88

 Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

The base of this stitch is the shape of a half-oval again; done in a wrapped back-stitch. The straight stitches and detached chain stitches are done in pink; and the French knots in the stitch chart have been replaced with perle beads in a medium rose color.

TDiTM Stitch #87

 

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

The base of this stitch is the shape of a half-oval again; done in a wrapped back-stitch. The French knots in the stitch chart (larger than normal) have been replaced with perle beads.

TDiTM Stitch #86

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

The shape of a half-oval was done in a wrapped back-stitch. The curve and straight stitches were done in the same variegated green. French knots in bright pink were completed last.

TDiTM Stitch #85

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

 

The shape of a half-oval was chain stitched in bright blue. The straight stitches in green, and detached chain in pink were then added to complete this combination.

TDiTM Stitch #84

 

Reference: Twelve Dozen Stitches in Twelve Months

This stitch was done using the template for the oval; turned sideways and only using the top half to mark the curves. After backstitching along the shape of a half-oval, the stitches were whipped in the same color thread.

Plum detached chain stitch and French knots finished off the stitch.

If you are just checking the blog…the templates are available at no cost for the base stitch. Directions on obtaining them are at the link above to the first post of this challenge.

Crystal Beaded Dragonfly Motifs

Recently I beaded up a dragonfly motif for a project. I made several different colors and shapes which I plan on loading into my Artfire Studio Site if I ever get a free minute to call my own around here!

Here is a photo...with the prices as well. If anyone would like one before they are on my studio site, just send me a comment with your email (I won't post it publicly). Also, I'd be happy to make you one in any color you need...like the red one.

All are done with Swarsvoski crystal bicones. The wings are glass on the smaller and metal alloy on the larger; each have round glass or metal beads between the crystals. The tails and body have wire armature, not thread. The tails have been slightly curved, but could also "fly straight" if you wanted.

It is also possible to make them with a ring for hanging (from the top of the head) if you wanted to use them for earring or necklace drops.

Hugs to you all!

CQ Vine Motif

Finally, I have felt like a little stitching. Still battling this sinus crud...good days and bad. Here is some work on a round robin that is due...so gotta stitch even when coughing!

The block had beautiful silk ribbon already...but needed some movement. So, I added a spider web first (my splash of color)...and then a vine that moves from bottom left up, across, and ends at right. Instead of more SRE, as I did not want to take away from the gorgeous work already down...I added flowers/buds of Swarovski crystal elements and Swarovski perles in two sizes.

I like working this!

Well Good Grief!

I can't even believe that I didn't get time to do a single post in November. Bad blogger, bad blogger! Shame on me...my head is hanging low.

Boy, life has just been a zoo lately! No major events, no weddings, or funerals (thankfully) or such! Just the same ole crazy life moments that just seem to eat at my time! And December is certainly not starting out any better!!

I have not gotten a single stitch done on my TDITM even though several dozen more are charted and in the computer...just not stitched, and therefore, not photographed! Obviously, I'm not going to make my timeline!! Who's crazy idea was this!! I'll have to console myself with the thought that I can and will do 12 dozen....even if it's not in 12 months!

And I can share the second mermaid with you...it was finished in November. Yeah, I know, should have blogged it then!! But, you'll just have to be happy with it now....hugs to all who follow this blog...and hope you have a great end of year, and a super great start of a new one soon!!