Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Registration is OPEN for ICQC-101 (Design Plans and Block Piecing)

Intermediate Crazy Quilt Course (ICQC)-101
Designing and Piecing Crazy Quilt Blocks
is now OPEN for Registration
 
You are "eligible" for this class IF you have finished the Basic Course (BCQC) OR are currently enrolled in that course (It's not easy to do both courses at the same time...but is possible; so I'm allowing that this year).
A change from last year: I'm offering ONLY ONE class of the 101, 102, 103, and 104 modules from this date forward this year. So, if you want to take them in sequence, as they are designed to be taken...sign up for this 101 module now.

Registration will close at midnight 20 May 28 Apr, Central Standard Time
 
The class will begin on 21 May 29 Apr and should take no more than 4-6 weeks to complete. This course is a per-requisite for ICQC-103 course.
 
These mini classes will comprise the ICQC-101 course:
 
A - Printing on Fabric
B - Color Theory
C - Selecting Fabrics
D - Designing Blocks
E - Adding Lace & Trims
F - Piecing CQ Blocks
  
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 different class tasks. 
  If you are interested in taking this course, please email me at shaw.kathy@yahoo.com and provide me this information to register:
 
Your first name
Your last name
You country of residence
Your state of residence IF you live in the USA
The email address (if different) you wish me to send class instructional handouts to.
The email address (if different) you wish me to use for Class Blog Access.
 
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. 
 
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. We will follow the same process you used in the Basic Class.
 
This is the first module of the Intermediate level courses; while it does NOT involve a lot of sewing or piecing...it does involve a lot of thinking! We will cover Color Theory...and you will select various groups of colors. We will discuss the various types of designs for piecing CQ blocks...and when to use which each design. You will be practicing these designs by applying the guidelines...and then designing your own blocks on paper. You will sew at least one block as the last task...using any of the designs covered in the course. So, while there is not a huge requirement for fabrics, etc...there IS a lot of thinking that happens.
 
Hugs, and I hope to see you in the class!
 
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Wednesday, April 13, 2016

OPEN Registration for ICQC-104 Module



Edited 4/16: Registration is NOW CLOSED FOR THIS MODULE

You must have completed ICQC-103 Prior to registering for this ICQC-104 Course.
This course is intended for those that finished the ICQC-103 last year.
(But, if you are currently mid-way into that class...you can ask about registration IF you can do both classes at the same time.)

ICQC-104, Mixed Motifs with Fabric
is expected to last 8-12 weeks

To Register: email me your Name, State/Country, Email address...just as for previous courses...to shaw.kathy@yahoo.com
 
The ICQC-104 includes these modules/tasks:

104A-Embellishing OVER Silkie Images
Task 1: Stitching Hair
Task 2: Stitching Flowers

104B-Framing Silkie Images
Task 1: Create a CQ Block with Framed Silkie

104C-Applique’
Task 1: Create a Broderie Perse Applique
Task 2: Create a Hand Applique Heart (or other shape)
Task 3: Design an Applique based on an Embroidery Pattern

104D-Raised Applique
Task 1: Create a Raised Applique (Bunny, Cat, or Teddy Bear)


104E-Working with Various Slips
Task 1: Create an Embroidery Slip
Task 2: Create a Silkie Slip
Task 3: Create a Beaded Slip

 
  There is no special supply list needed for this class. Standard sewing and embroidery supplies (as needed in prior classes) will be used. The need for some medium or heavy weight interfacing scraps and some thin felt/flannel scraps could require some shopping. 
 
The photos above are some of the techniques taught. The fox, bunny, and heart patterns are also in this course, along with other patterns as well. The mermaid silkie is an example of the over-stitching of hair...but you can use any printed image you want to try this technique.
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Monday, April 4, 2016

Intermediate Courses ARE BACK - New Guidelines

I spent some time this morning going over my calendar and "mental list" of what needed to still be done this year. There should be enough time for an offering of the intermediate courses again...so I updated the course roster information under the FREE CQ CLASS tab. Here it is if you want to mark your calendar.
 
There are also some changes to "how" these will be done this year.
 
The Intermediate Courses should be taken in order, as that is how they were designed. One class "builds" on the previous one's instructions. However, if you want to skip a class...that is allowed, it is just not encouraged.
 
The dates for the Intermediate Courses are spaced so that you should be able to take them in order and have sufficient time to finish one before the next. But, if you don't...that's allowed as well...you'll just be taking two classes at the same time.
 
There is also an 'extra' ICQC-104 happening this month...it is for those students that finished the ICQC-103 last year...and still need this course. New intermediate students are not eligible for this course.
 
So, here is the updated calendar. The registration instructions for each course will post on shawkl.com during these specific timeframes.

Remaining 2016 Open Registrations for Basic Courses (BCQC): 

 18-20 May
13-15 July
14-16 September

  for Intermediate Courses (ICQC):

ICQC-101: Design and Piecing Various Blocks
26-28 April

ICQC-102: Changing Colors (Dying/Painting/Etc)
21-23 June

ICQC-103: Embroidery Motifs and Seams
23-25 August

ICQC-104: Motifs w/Fabrics and Threads
 4-6 October

ICQC-104: Motifs w/Fabrics and Threads
*Requires ICQC-103 Completion First
 13-15 April (This is for those students that finished ICQC-103 last year)
 
 Hoping you can find some time in your schedules for this year's session...since you have the dates in advance. Hugs,
 
 
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Thursday, March 17, 2016

Emery (and Crushed Walnut Shells) for Pin Cushions




I have been out of Emery in my Etsy Shoppe for some time. But, I just got it back in...and the crushed walnut shells as well. These will be available in two different quantities (Set One and Set Two). The emery weighs a LOT...so is being shipped flat rate only. Because two sets of these will fit in a small priority box, I created these two Set options in the shop.
 
SET ONE:

2 cups of crushed walnut shells and
1 cup of fine emery

SET TWO:
2 cups of crushed walnut shells and
2 cups of fine emery

This emery is even finer in grade than the last the type sold last year.
 
If you love to create pin cushions, these are both a real MUST have item. The crushed walnut shells can be placed into a small muslin pillow to help weigh the pin cushion base. Use it along with your poly-fill (or other) type of stuffing to create a nice heavy pin cushion that will not topple over.

Emery is used to keep pins and needles sharp. Create a tiny little pin cushion (traditionally a strawberry) to accompany your larger pin cushion. Insert pins and needles into the strawberry before placing them into your regular pin cushion. This will help to keep them sharp.

I have researched the cost of these on Amazon. One cup of emery alone is about $16 and the single cup of walnut shells is about $13. So, getting both for just $12 is real good deal. If you need more emery, order SET TWO which has double the amount.
 
Since either set will fit in a small priority flat rate shipping box, I'm offering double the amount of emery in "Set Two" but with the same postage costs. Emery is heavy, even a single order weights too much to economically send first class. So, take advantage of the shipping savings by ordering twice as much with SET TWO.
 
Oh, SET ONE is $12 plus postage, and SET TWO is $15 plus postage.
 
Hugs,


 
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Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Basic Crazy Quilt Course - March - Open for Registration

 

OPEN Registration for Basic Crazy Quilt Course (BCQC)

March 2016

 REGISTRATION will remain open until midnight on March 18th (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 2nd offering of this class for 2016 registration. If you miss this registration window...the next Basic Course will be available in July. 
 
 
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. At present, I'm spending most of my time tracking the current classes underway and writing new books; the others classes for this year will occur after the Crazy Quilting Volume II: Ribbon Embellishments Book has been published (hopefully in April).

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Saturday, March 12, 2016

Such a Lovely Sight!

It is a beautiful day here at home. Spring has sprung all over the yard! We will have more cold days, always do...and plenty of rainy afternoons and nights ahead...for the past couple of days, it has been just glorious. Want to see what I see?
 








Just love all the different types of daffodils we have in the front yard. :) Also got 3 tomato plants in pots yesterday...so will have some nice juicy tomato in a couple of months! Love my painted rocks...which Aidan did when she was about 4 years old. How time flies!


Lastly, look what Mother has! These little chickens are less than a month old...and we have five other ones (tiny black fuzzy things) that are only a few days old; so not ready for this larger pen yet.



These are funny birds to watch, we are enjoying sitting outside during this nice weather and being entertained by the antics of these! (Of course, I'm not getting any stitching or writing accomplished...but am having some really good "down time")

Hugs to all..hope you have some joy in your life today! :)
 
 
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Friday, March 4, 2016

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,
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Thursday, February 18, 2016

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!




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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,
 
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Monday, February 8, 2016

Win a Long Arm Quilting Machine!

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

Good luck!

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Friday, February 5, 2016

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!

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Sunday, January 31, 2016

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,
 
 
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