Don't be Conned or Pfished!

This morning...as with most morning...my email was full of notes from businesses and junk. And, usually I delete all of it. While doing so, I thought I'd share a simple little "trick" with you. You may already do/know this...but perhaps not.   We are our own 1st Line of Defense against con-artists that pfish the internet trolling for folks to give out there personal information.   Here is a screen print of part of my email list this morning.  

  I have "hovered" my curser over the note from fullbeauty.com about their Big Red Tag Sale. When hovering...their full email address will show on the screen. No clicking...just HOVER.
Now, Looks what happens with another Email I also received...

This time, while hovering over what is "supposed to be" PayPal...it is NOT actually a paypal email address but someone from "Maldonaados.com". THIS IS NOT a true email...but someone fishing for information. I did not open it...and I know that I SHOULD NOT open it..because I have checked the TRUE email against what the email name is showing on my mail list.
Do this...and save yourselves some headaches!
Hugs,

Clasp Purse Picture Tutorial

Small clasp purses come in a variety of patter sizes and shapes. Some are flat and others have a wider fabric (gusset) insert at the base and side. Some gussets go all the way up to the hinge, while others may be shorter and create a pear shape purse (as this one does).
I finished this short gusset purse recently, a project my friends Pam and Francis began with me. We are each creating our own versions. Thought you might like to see how this purse was created. The front and gusset pieces were reinforced with a piece of medium weight fusible interfacing. The front patter piece was traced on to the front fabric..and hooped to create the silk ribbon design you see in the above photo. All of your embroidery work (front and/or back) should be completed before you begin to assemble the purse. After you have done the stitching...cut out the purse shapes following your drawn (or baste stitching) outline guide for the shape of the front/back pattern pieces.

First, a bit of an apology...as I didn't think about doing the tutorial until I was already "creating" the purse...so this is not a very good beginning photo. The top pieces are the fronts/backs of the lining and the outside back of the purse. The bottom piece is the pattern for the gusset piece (which had already been sewn in by the time I thought about needing this START photo).  

Above, the gusset is pinned to the front of the outside front piece, and sewn in place. Begin pinning at the center of the gusset...matching that to the center bottom of the purse front. Repeat for the purse lining pieces as well (shown on the right side in blue).

Clip the curves to allow the seam to spread a bit...do not cut through the sewing however. Clip about every 1/4 to 1/2 inches on the curved corner areas of the gusset seam.

Now, the same will be repeated on the opposite side...which is a bit more cumbersome. Begin by marking the center bottom point of the purse backs and of the gusset (opposite side to the one just sewn).

Pin all the way around. Sew the seam and clip the curves (just as you did with the first side).

You now have finished the seams of the gusset for the purse and the purse lining.

Now, its time to create the purse by combining the lining and the outside purse layers together. Turn the lining INSIDE facing Out. Insert the purse into the lining, matching the top seams. (The front and back pieces are identical...so it is not important to worry over front/back unless you choose to add a pocket to the lining, or for some reason your hinge is not the same on the front as the back shape.) Pin all the way around this top area.

You will need to leave an opening to turn the purse (see left side of above photo); SO...begin your stitching near a top corner...continue to the gusset top the PIVOT your machine needle to sew up the other side...across the top...and down (repeat) until you have reached the open area for turning. Backstitch at the beginning and end of this line of stitching. Clip the curves.

Here is a difficult part...reach inside (through the hole you just left open) and pull the OUTER bag out, then push the INNER bag down inside this outer bag. Push and shift and poke until the seams are all pushed as far OUT as possible which will then resemble a bag once again...this time the lining is inside the outside purse shape.

  Turn under the seam allowance for the OPEN area at the top of the purse and pin. Stitch by machine close to the edge. This stitching will not be seen when the purse is finished. Next, the purse will be attached to the hinge mechanism.

You can use thread, perle cotton, etc to attach your hinge to the purse...match the color of thread to your fabric if you do this. Or you can using clear filament (fishing line) which is what I'm going to use here. This is a 6lb test weight line. Begin by tying a knot in your thread and needle up through the purse from the lining side at the TOP CENTER point through the center top hole in the clasp. Then needle down into the next hole (on either side) and continue this needle-up/needle-down in subsequent holes until you reach the edge of the clasp (hinge area) as shown in the above photo. This cause a series of  RUNNING Stitches to form along the hinge...and through the outer/lining fabrics. Work to keep the purse fabrics pushed into the hinge a you stitch.

Now, reverse and stitch in the same manner until you reach the center point of the hinge again. This covers 1/4th of the hinge in secure stitches. Repeat this for the opposite side of this same hinge side. End again at the center.

OPTIONAL: Repeat this process for decoration purposes...by adding beads as you repeat the stitching. Work your needle back through previous holes or previous beads to completely fill the space with beads.

End your thread by taking a couple of tiny slip stitches into the hinge area of fabric, and knot off the thread. Repeat the process of attaching the hinge on the opposite side of the hinge in the same manner at for this first side.

You can further decorate your purse by adding beads along the seam line and creating a little beaded Fob for the purse chain fastener loop on the hinge (if one is on your hinge).

Hope you will be inspired to create your own hinge purse soon!

Are you Over Christmas yet? ...perhaps not just yet...

I know, I know...if you are like me...you are just now getting your "feet back under you" after all the holiday activity that seems to fill November, December, and January!...BUT, you really need to think about Christmas just a little longer. Why?   Well, because Pam Kellogg is looking for examples of Christmas or Hanukkah Crazy Quilt blocks to include in a special HOLIDAY ISSUE of Crazy Quilt Quarterly Magazine. Just click on here NAME in this paragraph to real all about the details.  

  Santa is busy creating something special...how about you? You have until May 1st to get some quality photos to Pam...so think FESTIVE!
Hugs,  

Win a Long Arm Quilting Machine!

APQS is giving away a long arm quilting machine...AGAIN this year!   Click to enter! 
Good luck!

Storage Solutions

Today, I thought I share with you a new Storage Solution that I found, and am SO happy with. I know...a boring topic...but still, it might be helpful...so here goes.  

 Sterlite Cabinets! These shorter ones (measuring about 35" tall by 26" wide) are in my galley kitchen (was the front porch at one time). They each contain 2 adjustable shelves...and are study enough to hold my heavy stand mixer nicely. My kitchen is full of windows...and No Cabinets (except the one under the sink). So, it is nice to have something that holds the extra "things" like my crock pots, mixers, etc. You may notice that these are sitting on a dresser (which holds my family photo albums on one side and kitchen linens on the other). You have to get creative with storage options if you don't have kitchen cabinets!

This tall unit (measuring about 69" tall by 26" wide) has four adjustable shelves. I moved almost all of my bead trays and perle cotton into this cabinet. Plus had room for the empty trays for beads behind the ones you see, since the shelves are 18" deep!
When funds allow, I'm ordering more! I need to get my fabrics in these...and out of totes! These are available through Amazon or Walmart sites online...and each took me about 15 minutes to put together...no tools needed!

January Block for CQJP 2016

This year, my challenge to myself it so "simplify". My goal is to get blocks finished that could be easily washed as a traditional quilt might be. I hope to get these assembled and given to my Mom this Christmas...to put across the foot of her bed. She does wash her quilts, so this one can be no different. Any silk ribbon work has to be tacked securely in place. Beading is another issue, as a washing machine can "beat up" glass beads badly...and plastic ones are not my favorite. So, NOT beading is the best solution...which is SOOOOOooooooo difficult for me to do!   We shall see how these go!   If you want to see the start of the basic piecing...check out my earlier blog post about the construction of these blocks.   Hugs,    

Registration for ICQC-103 (Embroidery Motifs) is OPEN for Registration

This class is open to those individuals that FINISHED the ICQC-101 or the BCQC Course last year. This is the LAST offering of the ICQC-103 Course.
 REGISTRATION will remain open until midnight (CST) on Saturday, January 30th   ICQC-103 Embellishing with Threads   This class covers Surface Embroidery Motifs to include beaded and silk ribbon monograms. Additional seam treatments are also part of the course.    The class is FREE, you will not be charged anything for the instructions.
  If you are interested in taking this course, please email me at shaw.kathy@yahoo.com and provide me this information: Your first name Your last name You country of residence Your state of residence IF you live in the USA The email address you wish me to send class instructional handouts to.   After you register, I will send you a Welcome Email and Google/Blogger will send you (at my request) an Invitation to join the Class Blog where the class will be held. Watch for BOTH of these emails, check your spam folder. If you do not receive by Friday afternoon , email me to let me know.   Supplies needed for this course include various colors of embroidery floss and/or perle cotton thread. A pattern will be provided for the creation of a series of pieced blocks; or you can use plain fabric and work the items as technique samples only.    Hopefully you have completed the ICQC-101 class before this one...but it is no longer a "requirement". You do however need to have finished the BASIC Course.   Hugs to all,  

Round Robin Block Completed for this month...

Still have to write in my little booklet for the owner (Pat Freeman), then it is on it's way to the next lady in our Robin. I asked Pat if there was anything special she might like, and a ribbon lady was desired...so here she is.

Here is the total block to date, only Cathy Glover and I have had our hands on it so far...but Carmie Anderson and Marcy Wyatt are going to add their beautiful stitching to the block as well before it mails back to Pat Freeman. Here are some seams for you to view as well...

And, here is the total block to date...

Hope everyone is enjoying some Stitching Time today! Hugs!

Basic CQ Course - Free - (January BCQC)

EDITED TO ADD (1/16/16): This registration is not now closed. the next registration for BCQC will be 16-18 March.

 

OPEN Registration for Basic Crazy Quilt Course (BCQC)

January 2016

 REGISTRATION will remain open until midnight on January 15th (CST)   The class is self-paced, and expected to take 4-8 weeks, depending on the time you have available to complete the 12 assigned Tasks. This is the first class for 2016 registration. If you miss this registration window...the next Basic Course will be available in March.   

  These 12-Tasks include:   1 - How to Use the Class Blog 2 - Selecting Supplies 3- Design Principles of CQ 4 - Sewing the Block 5 - Surface Beading Techniques 6 - Template Seams 7 - Shape Seams 8 - 11 Various Silk Ribbon Flowers 12 - Finishing (lace, charms, etc.)   The class is FREE, you will not be charged anything for the instructions.   Link to the Basic Supply List    You WILL be required to get your own supplies to complete the about 8 x 10 size block. Basic CQ supplies include silk ribbon, pearl cotton threads, tiny beads, etc. as the photo above indicates. None of these are in large quantity for a single block.   You will be required to use a quilting hoop (Q-snap is fine). You WILL be required to access the private class blog (upon an invitation sent to you) and post photos of your work as you progress through the class.
  If you are interested in taking this course, please email me at shaw.kathy@yahoo.com and provide me this information: Your first name Your last name You country of residence Your state of residence IF you live in the USA The email address you wish me to send class instructional handouts to.   After you register, I will send you a Welcome Email and Google/Blogger will send you (at my request) an Invitation to join the Class Blog where the class will be held. Watch for BOTH of these emails, check your spam folder. If you do not receive by Thursday morning, email me to let me know.   This is an ON-LINE internet class.    You will need to follow some simple instructions to register and gain access to the private class blog. Your name and email will need to be entered; but NO social security or credit card information is required. Just basic information to "recognize" you as a class participant.   You will need to be able to take a photo of your work, and upload it to the class blog. You will get instructions on "blogging" so don't worry if you don't currently do that now; you will learn. But, you DO NEED to have an operating camera and be able to take photos. You do need a basic understanding of how to save these photos and then retrieve those picture files   NOTE: You will be given class handouts/instruction in the form of emails and pdf documents.  The pdf files can be opened with Adobe Reader (free software on the Adobe.com site)
 You need to be able to open these handouts/instructions and save them. You can also print as you desire. In total, the course contains over 200 pages of information...so paper/printer will be required if you want to retain a hard copy of this information.   Hugs, and I hope to see you in the class!    This class is REQUIRED before you can sign up to any of the other courses offered this year.  

Strutt your Stuff for Summer!

The cold winds of Winter are blowing...BUT, we at Crazy Quilt Quarterly Magazine are thinking of Summertime!
We're looking for submissions for the Summer issue of Crazy Quilt Quarterly magazine.  Anything with a Summer theme like butterflies, birds, fruit, sunflowers.....because that upcoming issue is being created, and we'd love to see your versions of crazy quilt motifs for summer themes! So, share your work by sending us photos. A single motif or an entire block would be fine!
What is a Summertime Theme? Well...think birds, birdhouses, butterflies, dragonflies, fruit (grapes/watermelon/cherries), cottages - (Ah...warm beaches and bathing suits!) anything that reminds you of the season of SUMMER!   If it feels like Summer, we want to see it!  Send your submissions to Pam's email address!  

Cathy's Block

It has been a few months since I signed up to participate in a round robin, but I just could not pass up the traditional "Batik Me" one at Crazy Quilters International FaceBook group this past fall. Here is my work on Cathy Glover's block...my first round to be received.    

 Being the first to work on a Round Robin means you are also "setting the tone" for that block. I loved the pinks (of course) and purples that Cathy chose and the patches were large enough for some nice motifs in the center. So, I went with that...and added some lace just so there would be a bit there in case the other ladies wanted to include some small pieces in their rounds.

 This ribbon lady is done in thread embroidery for the top, and the skirt and accents are done in silk ribbon. She is one of the patterns in my next book: Crazy Quilting Volume II - Working with Ribbon that is in the "writing stage" now.

 Here is my hedge row of roses. I just could not stop myself! It IS busy, but looks great on the block and balances nicely with the other seams so far.

This darker rosebud seam anchors the lace pieces and adds some depth to the colors of pink throughout the block.

This little purple plum tree really is so cute! Since this tree (with different leaves) was on the cover of my first book (Embellishing Crazy Quilts workbook)...it has become a sort of "signature" for me...so I include it in a lot of works. I do try to change up the types of leaves however.
Are you stitching on something today? I hope so...it's a great way to begin the new year!

A Fine Project for the New Year!

As this year comes to a close...we are thinking of the New Year about to begin. I'd like to take a moment to remind you of a Calendar Contest that was announced this past November. If you have not thought of a "personal challenge" for yourself next year (or are looking for a good one that deals with stitching)...why not consider this: Create a crazy quilt block for publication!   The shape needs to be horizontal and measure 8 inches tall by 11 inches wide to get a good horizontal photo that will "fit" the calendar format. ONLY the photos are needed for this challenge so you get to keep your block for framing and display! PLUS you get a chance to win prizes as this is a contest!   Read all the instructions that Pam Kellogg has already shared about this challenge...and begin thinking of a design for your own "My Secret Garden" block!    ~ I double dog dare you!! Ha~  

  Hope to see your entry cross over the judges computer screens...hint, hint!    

Whew!

Boy, I feel like I just got off of a roller-coaster! This year was just a whirlwind of activity for the Christmas holiday...and I enjoyed every minute of it! Today, I'm feeling "extra old" and tired however...so will have to get my wind back!   I was fortunate enough to spend the week of Christmas at my daughter's home...and the grand-daughter and I  so enjoyed ourselves! Plus, my daughter got engaged; which is so exciting!    I'm knee deep in finishing up my round robin block for CQI and still working on my next book. So, will have photos of the block for you soon.   Hope you also enjoyed a glorious Christmas (let's not talk about the parts we did not enjoy)...and only remember the good things!   Sending hugs out to everyone~  

Updates and Reminders

Well, not many blog posts this month! I HAVE been working on things...just nothing that I can post a public photo of...without ruining the surprise!   Wanted to jump on real quick and remind everyone that the CQJP Registration closes on the 20th of December...so IF you are still on the fence...hop on board soon! You can go to cqjp2016.blogspot.com to read the rules and guidelines for joining in.   Also, I'm checking OUT of the computer TOTALLY from about the 22nd through the 27th...no internet at all. Going to enjoy my Christmas with family...and hope you can do the same.   Hugs!

CQJP and Hexagons!

Last year, a lot of hexagon quilt photos began popping up all over Pinterest...many were of crazy quilt blocks. One of my most favorite is a set of blocks by Rhonda Dort. Here is a link to my Pinterest page of these blocks and more.   Perhaps YOU will be inspired...I know that I was. So, for next year...more hexagons! I have the blocks all ready to stitch on. Thought I'd share some photos with you today.  

 The first important fact about these blocks is that they are "whole cloth" blocks. Sometimes referred to as faux crazy quilt blocks...because they have NO seams. The illusion of seams will be created by the addition of the trims...which will have combination seams along the sides.

The second piece of important information is the size. Each side of the hexagon measures 5 7/8 inches and across from point to point is 11 3/4 inches. This larger area is needed to showcase the corners of some handkerchiefs AND allow me to use some larger pieces of dyed lace.

 This block looks void of hankie...but the "mother" is on a corner of one. This also has a beautiful pink lace heart from a friend in Romania (Thanks Annamarie!) and from a pal in the United Kingdom (Thanks Pippa!)

Most all of the trims have been purchased at Vintage Vogue, on different swap groups, or gifted to me in various swaps. While I don't remember exactly which came from where...I'm really glad to have an opportunity to use them all...finally! You know I don't do trims very often.

The blue machine embroidery on this block is from the front of a blouse. I got it at a yard sale because I liked this front panel...and planned to cut it up. The collars are also used in these blocks.

The heart in this block was dyed by Cathy Kizerian and the blue butterfly (as well as most other butterflies) were machine lace done by Phyllis Latham.

The base of all these blocks is a heavy weight linen fabric, so no other layers are present. The linen was chosen because the "blank areas" can be stitched directly to. My plan is to use these as areas for embroidery motifs. 

While there are some beads present in the blouse I've added to these blocks...my current plan is NOT to add more. We'll see if that holds true! The reason is that the final home for this quilt will be a display daily...and the item should be washed therefore. If I use any beads, it will be minimal (which will be really hard for me...hence my on personal "challenge" for CQJP2016).

I do plan on adding some ribbon to these. Ribbon will need to be very secure so it will be couched or appliqued into place. The trims, hankies, lace, etc. will all need to be sewn securely in place. The trims that have white edges were machine stitched down already, but the others will be appliqued in place by hand.

This bottom silk ribbon grouping is a special motif I got from Vintage Vogue in a de-stashing group...thanks Janet!

A great many pieces of lace are from my own dye stash, but others are from a beautiful envelope of dyed lace from Nicki Lee Seavey of Raviolee Dreams given as a "Secret Pal" gift a couple of years ago. I have not had the heart (or a large enough project) to use these...so am really enjoying placing them in this project!

The handkerchiefs are mostly from another de-stash group and purchased from Thearica of Crazyquiltsupplies. I have only used a few of these so could keep going with more blocks if needed.

Some of the handkerchief have enough "white space" that some embroidery can be added in these spots as well.  

Not all of the hankerchiefs have lace edging, this rose bouquet one did not. So, a piece of organza trim lace was tucned under and stitched in place. Now, it is one of the most delicate looking hankys in the quilt. I wish you could see the embroidery on this specific motif...it is teensy weensy little cross-stitches! Amazing!

When placing handkerchiefs lace and trims...I decided NOT to be concerned over color. This is the reason there is "orange" in this quilt! The embroidery will also be in all colors. I know that the same linen background and the repeat of the different hankies all over the quilt will tie all the color together and balance the quilt when completed.  

 It will be interesting to match these block together once they are finished. The backing will be cotton, reinforced with some medium weight fusible interfacing. The edges will be stitched closed and then the blocks will be attach to each other.   So, if you are nervous about taking on a large quilt OR perhaps just don't enjoy the "piecing" part of creating blocks...think about a whole cloth project such as this one.   Hugs to all!