Monday, April 17, 2017

Celebrate the little things...

Some of you know that I've been really "cranky" about the new Blogger platform...as it makes my life much harder. Well, I've found a simple way to "overcome" the limitations. It won't mean much to you perhaps...but, if you have a lot of blogs yourself...you might need this tip.

First, the problem:
 
 
Prior to the new blogger platform...all of the blogs were listed on the left by order of last read...so, this made it easy to "check" everyones progress in the courses. I didn't have to be concerned about "missing a post" as the blog name would be at the top. 
 
AFTER the platform changed, only the "3 newly posted" blogs were at the top. Every other blog is listed alphabetically. So, if there were four blogs with new posts...I never knew about that 4th one automatically. Instead, I had to go down the alphabetic listing and open every blog to see if there were any comments. And there are 40-50 blogs...so that takes some time. Just scrolling up/down to find the 2017 Class blogs takes a little time.


 
 
But, I have found a way to help a little. While I can't change the platform... I have gone in and added a little " ` " symbol to the name of the newer class blogs (2017 classes). So, instead of having to scroll down through all 40-50 of my blogs...I can see these at the top of the list and more quickly "click and check" for new comments. It's a way to "get around" the Alpha listing ranking system...by putting all of the 2017 courses "first".
 
A simple thing...but it makes my life easier. And, that surely makes me smile. So, for today...I'm celebrating the "small things". :)
Hugs,
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Friday, April 14, 2017

Weaving Ribbons Quilt Pattern

Good day to all! Hugs! The registration for ICQC-103 is still underway...but I wanted to also check in with some exciting news!
 
 
I've been working on a couple of new quilt patterns lately. The first one "Weaving Ribbon" is a simple quilt to assemble but looks complicated because of the position of the colors. The pattern includes five sizes beginning at a square "baby quilt" size, then some standard rectangle sizes and lastly a huge square king-size. Fabric requirements, cutting requirements chart, and full color instructions are of course included. There are also several pages of black/white layouts for you to play with using your colored pencils...before you go purchase any fabric.
 

I think this will be a very popular pattern as it is easy to create...but looks very complicated when done. So, hope you check it out and download it from my Etsy Shop.
 
I'm also working on a Celtic Baby quilt pattern. Well, actually the pattern is finished...but it is being "tested" by a quilter friend to make sure my measurements are all correct...since it is a much more "complicated" pattern to piece. Not difficult...just more pieces. I'll let you know when it is read and also on the site. I'm also going to list these on Pattern Spot. :)


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Monday, March 20, 2017

Working on the New SRE Class


I'm about 1/3rd of the way through stitching the samples for the ICQC-105 class. These are photographed (in progress) as they are stitched and here are the finished photos. I am showing them with frames, but they are not actually "in" the frames...just a visual help. 
 
 
Once the stitching for all samples is complete, all of the instructions have to be written. The patterns are finished for printable guides, so that's done. At present, I'm still working towards the open registration date of 28 March...although a lot needs to be done. So, "life" please no more interuptions. :)
 
I know that I have moved the course dates once...so don't want to do that again unless it is just too much to get done. I can always begin...and you can wait on me to finish a later task if you go too fast. Ha!
 
Thought you might like an update as to the status of work on ICQC-105 Silk Ribbon Embroidery Course.

There is no supply list yet for this class, but it will include 2mm, 4mm, 7mm, and 13mm ribbon. Green for sure in each...then "floral colors" of your choice. So far I've used: (2-2mm pkgs) (3-4mm pkgs) (3-7mm pkgs) and (2-13mm pkgs) of silk ribbon. You will be able to substitute rayon seam binding for the 13mm (harder to pull through, but the width is similiar); some flowers may work with organza ribbon (4mm), but the look would be totally different. So, you may want to just obtain some white ribbon in 2mm, 4mm, 7mm, and 13mm sizes. Then, you can dye, ink, or use as white for all examples we will be working on. This is a "heavy" class in terms of silk ribbon supplies....but I'll be as understanding as possible with you to allow for substitutions.
 
I still have several roses, daisies, sunflowers, violets, and mystery flowers to stitch. The course will have 10-15 tasks...not final on that yet.
 
Hugs,

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Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Keeping Busy...

This past weekend was hectic and I am so glad that Aidan was visiting. Together, we kept the chickens fed, the cat looked after and both dogs walked. Mom was visiting brother in the hospital, so it was nice to have help here at home while she did so. Brother is back home, doing better...and life is back to normal...thankfully!
Today, I'm on the laptop checking on classes and writing the module for the ICQC-105 course that is scheduled to open the end of the month. As usual...other things have gotten into my personal space there were un-forseen...and I'm scrambling to get back on schedule myself. I've printed off some of the silk ribbon embroidery designs so I can start stitching on these tonight.

But, just wanted all to know that I am busy...hugs! Reminder too that the ICQC-104 module will open tomorrow.
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Thursday, March 9, 2017

BCQC-2 (new basic course extension)

The BCQC-2 module is 
OPEN FOR REGISTRATION
9-11 March 2017
There will be three major objectives to this module:

* COLOR — Learning all about Color Selection
* PIECING —Techniques for successful Flip’n’Sew pieced blocks
* EMBELLISHING — Promote individual creativity while reinforcing the
    techniques learned in the BCQC

The Color portion of the module is intensive. It will cover the first six tasks:

· Planning for Color
· Impact of Color Choices
· Color Mixing
- Reading a Color Wheel
- Color Play
· Fast Color Selection Techniques

The Piecing portion of this course will focus on fabrics and the flip’n’sew method of piecing a block. It will not include a pattern, but does recommend using strips of fabric rather than patch pieces of fabric. So, yardage (1/4 or even 1/8 yardage widths is fine) for this method. We will be using cotton and silk for this course. This section includes the next two tasks:


· Fabric Selection
- Flip’n’Sew Method (pitfalls and solutions)

The Embellishing portion of this course will include:

· Lace/Trims
· Seam Embroidery
· Silk Ribbon Ideas
· Finishing with Beads, Baubles, and Charms

In total there are 1-tasks for this course. Just as in the BCQC each new task will be emailed to you after you have posted the prior task. 

This is the "follow-on" class to the BCQC, which you should have completed first. It builds on the techniques learned in the initial basic course and gives you experience in selecting COLORs for your fabrics/embellishments that will work together nicely. 

To register:
Send me your name, email address, state/country information via email to shaw.kathy@yahoo.com

Hugs!

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Thursday, March 2, 2017

Basic Crazy Quilting Course (BCQC) - March 2017- is open for registration...

 REGISTRATION will remain open until midnight on Saturday, 4 March (Central Standard Time)
 
NOTE: I do not accept late registrations for classes...you need to register within the dates of the open registration period. I'm sorry, but I just have too much going on to keep up with early or deal with late registrations.
 
The FREE class is self-paced, and expected to take 4-8 weeks, depending on the time you have available to complete the 12 assigned Tasks.

 
 
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. You will need to obtain your own supplies as I do not sale kits.
 
Link to the Basic Supply List 
 
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 that measures about the size of a sheet of print paper.
 
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. This is an ON-LINE course, so basic computer skills are needed (printing documents, uploading photos, etc.).

  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 morning, 14 October...then please email me to let me know. I don't want you go get "behind" in class right at the start. :)
 
Because 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. IF you use an IPad to take photos...you will need to email them to yourself, download them to your computer, and then upload to the class blog. If you use a phone or camera...follow the instructions for that specific camera to upload photos to your computer.
 
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 Basic CQ Class (BCQC) is a REQUIRED course...before you can sign up to any of the Intermediate (ICQC) crazy quilt courses offered throughout the year.
 
HUGS!
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Friday, February 17, 2017

Class Schedule has Changed

 The 2017 Class Schedule has Changed. So, if you are "waiting" on a class registration, please check ou the new dates. Here is the link:
 
2017 Class Schedule
 
At present I'm working on the BCQC-2 Course and the writing is coming along, but not as fast as I'd like. My head is full of ideas and I'm spending hours each day at the computer drawing and typing...but still life is calling me to other things.  
 
Winter "head colds" seems to have all of us down; and I'm glad to see the daffodils popping their heads up in the front yard. The down side to all the beauty of yellow and white however is that the pollen count is going up that means doctor's visits for Mom. I'm doing okay myself so far; but time must be taken to take care of my "driver duties".

This weekend is a long one for school children as we celebrate President's Day on the 20th (no school). The state also has a teachers in-service day on the 21st, where students don't have to attend school but the teachers have special work that has to be attended too. So, it's a wonderful weekend for the grand-daughter to come and spend some time with Nana. I'm all smiles about that! She arrives tonight...and will not be heading home until Tuesday.

So, between the visit and the winter colds...my work on the new courses has not gone as fast as I would have liked. But, I have been successful in getting the "ideas" down on paper...just need to finish expanding them and drawing the diagrams, etc. So, I'm pushing the new BCQC course back a couple of weeks. Also, since I've been working to get the writing done...there have been things added that were not first envisioned. The major item is that I'm re-doing the Color Theory of the intermediate course retired last year, and pulling that into this Basic module. So many folks ask about "picking colors".
 
 This has changed my idea of having it as an alternative to the existing BCQC-1 course. Instead it is an optional "follow-on" course and the original BCQC will continue to be the required course.
 
The extra work for the BCQC-2 has pushed my work on the ICQC-105 course back some. But, at the same time, my brain is working and more new ideas for it keep jumping in as well. So, expanding my thinking...which also means more writing. Therefore, I've pushed the date for that new course back by about a month and even then it will take constant effort to keep it on track...but I'm going to try.
 
So, anyway...the dates are changing...so please print out the new schedule if you are interested in registering for courses this year. So far, it goes through May.


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Thursday, February 2, 2017

Free Basic CQ Course - Open for Registration -

Basic Crazy Quilting Course (BCQC) - February 2017 - is open for registration...

 REGISTRATION will remain open until midnight on Saturday, 4 February (Central Standard Time)
 
NOTE: I do not accept late registrations for classes...you need to register within the dates of the open registration period. I'm sorry, but I just have too much going on to keep up with early or deal with late registrations.
 
The FREE class is self-paced, and expected to take 4-8 weeks, depending on the time you have available to complete the 12 assigned Tasks.

 
 
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. You will need to obtain your own supplies as I do not sale kits.
 
Link to the Basic Supply List 
 
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 that measures about the size of a sheet of print paper.
 
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. This is an ON-LINE course, so basic computer skills are needed (printing documents, uploading photos, etc.).

  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 morning, 14 October...then please email me to let me know. I don't want you go get "behind" in class right at the start. :)
 
Because 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. IF you use an IPad to take photos...you will need to email them to yourself, download them to your computer, and then upload to the class blog. If you use a phone or camera...follow the instructions for that specific camera to upload photos to your computer.
 
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 Basic CQ Class (BCQC) is a REQUIRED course...before you can sign up to any of the Intermediate (ICQC) crazy quilt courses offered throughout the year.
 
HUGS!
 
 
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