gift card holders

gift card holders,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

All has NOT been quiet on the NWestern front....or whatever one i'm on! LOL!!! As previously blogged and kindly supported and chatted about by Mary Frances of Frequently Wrong But Never In Doubt...I finished the block for the New Orleans Australian fund raiser. Voting is taking place now, so I better get over there and pick someone to vote on!!

Anywhoo, I also made a handful of little holders for the bonds that we purchased for the grand-kids. I'm in a snowman phase this year and I added little touches to some of them to make them special to each personality....ie: a bee on "Busy Izzie's" and a ladybug on Seviahs, etc. They'll stand in nicely as ornaments on their little trees too! I have also completed five wall hangings, a christmas jacket for mother, the two cq blocks for the RMCQ banner....OH....and three felt tree skirts i'll post a sampling of them later. These will stand in for the heirloom cq tree skirts I will complete this coming year. Right now....i'm just glad the bulk of it is done and I can breath a bit! Packages are all mailed...a few stray cards to do and it's over for the year! Phew!!!

ATJ Skyline

ATJ Skyline,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This pic kind of gives an overview....I wanted to get closer shots but its not cooperating. This show the piano I appliqued on with a clarinet, fiddle, saxophone and some notes floating. I also embroidered the skyline of New Orleans depicted in the evening and placed a tree of life in the center to show not only the fruits that are a necessity for life, but music notes that are the heart and sould of this city. Then you can see the swamp with the cpress trees and spanish moss hanging from them while a heron and "mud bug" hang out. There is a magnolia in the top right and wisteria in the bottom. I'll try to get a better pic up later of that as there is an iris...a state wild flower there. This particular image is cultivated but similar in appearance to its wild cousing and I thought it appropriate as its called Hurrican Party!

ATJ Riverboat

ATJ Riverboat,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Finally stopping long enough to do post a pic or two of the closeups on the New Orleans block! This one shows the Steamboat Natchez with music sailing off into the night along with a mask to celebrate the mardi gras. In the bottom corner you can see the symbol of the brown pelican. He's standing on a pier pole....as sooo many do!

All That Jazz block

ATJ block,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Celebrate!!! Celebrate!!! Stitch to the music!!! :_) Couldn't resist! I am 99.9% DONE with the "All That Jazz" block. Just a finishing touch here and there to tie up a space and it's OUTTA here!!! Can you tell i'm happy? I'll explain more of the story behind each of the designs later. Right now...my fingers are worn to a nubbin' and a furkid needs to have her ball thrown...again!!! LOL!!! Enjoy!

CQ Sheeba

CQ Sheeba,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is a "just for fun" shot! I happened to catch my furkid, Sheeba...napping in her favorite place and postition and thought it would be perfect for an "All Stitched Out" pic! Sooooo....here she is in all her glory...worn to a frazzle from stitching on all these blocks! :_)

FW block1

FW block1,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is one of three pics of a block for a Spring Fling rr. Very last block I had to work on!! I was left with seeral small patches and those patches were patterned and challenging for me to decide what to do with them that would do the work and the block justice. Sooo, this is a vines of various flowers and a bumble bee thats turned into a mainstay for me on most blocks. I like creating them in brazilian embroidery and generally get them to come out looking pretty good. I also wrapped some grapes around the bird bath to help fill in that bit and help it combine with the other flowers more fluidly.

bb block2

bb block2,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Here's the other block for the banner. The color combos are a bit odd I admit, but it still seems to work, I think. I pulled colors from the oriental brocades that are in abundance in this block. It's done...now I can solely concentrate on the New Orleans block. I'm a little worried about time on this one. Guess we'll just have to see! Hopefully I can send it on its way shortly and there won't be any "travel" issues! :_) Off to stitch!! If I can, anyway!

bb block1

bb block1,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Phew!!!!!! I am DONEEEEEE!!!!! Goodness!!! After realizing that the colors on the block I was working on for the banner were NOT acceptable, I created two more blocks that DO fall in the jewel tone color profile...according to my search anywhoo, and this is one of them!!! I think I have permanently changed by fingerprint from all this stitching, but it's still fun!! And, if these two don't work for anyone!?!?!? I'll take em back...include em in my own wall hanging project and forgettaboutit!! LOL!!!! I used a ton of cretan, herringbone, chain and french knots in this pup. I'm finding it easier to come up with combo's as I let my mind wander and relax into the stitching! Anyway...enough rambling. I'll go post the other pic and call it good for the evening!

BB 1

BB 1,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is the "almost" completed block that I will be contributing to my local cq association. I decided since I took the pic to do something about the dragonfly that is woven into the silk in the upper left hand corner...to help it show up better. I have been reluctant to do beading on the two blocks I am making for this project because of how it will be used. I'm concerned that they will hold up even with silamide thread. I have added some buttoms, but have them sooooo secure, I don't think they will go anywhere. That's my hope anyway! At any rate, I'll get something figured out with em. Right now, i'm running a line of french knots around the wings, then i've got to do something with the veins and body. Any suggestions? I've thought about some brazilian embroidery maybe? There are sooo many options...I probably need to just stop thinking about it and just start stitching! LOL!!

Banner block2

Banner block2,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

I thought I had posted this pic...and just discovered I had not. This is going to be the second block for the banner that is being made for our regional cq group; RMCQA. We are planning on using it to advertise "US" and draw in more membership. Anyway...got to get busy on these things and get em done! Course, right this minute i'm feeling a bit insecure about whether or not they are bright enough to catch anyones eye. Hopefully with the embellishment! :_)

NO Block

NO Block,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Do you ever have to just laugh atyourself? And does anyone else out there dislike making blocks as much as I do?? Gracious!!! This attempt at doing a block for the New Orleans Australian project has been quite an experience! To say the least! As I posted earlier...I had started one block, set it aside because the patches were too small and I didn't feel like they would be good for this project and what I wanted to accomplish. THEN, I changed directions entirely, forgetting everything I had read and created a block that spoke of the flavor of the south to me. Wellllllllllll.....lets just say, that after I say Sharon B's block on her blog, I figured I better take another look at the directions and am darned glad I did!!! gggg The colors were sooooo far wrong it's just hysterical! I don't know what I was thinking!!! Guess thats the problem, eh?? I wasn't thinking. Wellll....I then whipped up another block yesterday, in the proper colors. You're not going to see that one, don't like it either! Onto to the FOURTH block in the show! :_) This one I hope will meet with everyones approval. If not...it will still work into something pretty! PLUS, I finally figured out how to make the fan blades look decent and I haven't put the medallion on it yet! I've just pinned it in the corner with some trim that I may or may not use to see how everything looks. TONS better and I will likely proceed with this one, but.....my little inner critic is chatting me up right now so I guess i'll let this one sit while I turn on the embroidery machine and get an order out of here! Soooo, Sharon???? Whatcha think??? Is it a possibility? Even without the embellishment? GRIN!!!

Banner block 1

Banner block 1,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is the other block that will be incorporated into the banner for our group. It will be really fun to see what everyone else does for this project and how the end product looks! More later!

NO block

NO block,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is a random block I pieced before I really sat down and looked at the guideliness, etc. for the New Orleans cq project that is going on. PHEW!!! Glad I read them or I would have been beyond embarrassed when the block got disqualified! The size is an easy one to work with tho so i'll just include it with some others at a later date! Now...to get a pic of what WILL be submitted for the project! :_)

Spring Fling block

Spring Fling block,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Thanks to LouAnne's reminder (of Getting To Crazy) here is the completed block....well, mostly completed. :_) I may do some work on the silk piece at the top that has the dragonfly woven into it. I enjoyed this round robin and it is, as always, neat to see the great work everyone does. I was THRILLED when LouAnne gave me one of her terrific spider webs and spiders! She truly does an awesome job with them. She added some super seam treatments as well! I was also the lucky recipient of a silk ribbon basket by Ronni a fellow RMCQ member...she can be heard lurking on many a cq list! PLUS, I am the benefactor of a gorgeous moth by a CCQ friend! The colors are great and help coordinate the others in this block. I made the block when I wasn't feeling very color coordinated, but....it actually looks pretty good now that it's home! I have some other wonderful SRE and embroidery on this block and truly appreciate the effort of everyone in the group! I hope you enjoy the little bit of eye candy! I will from now on! LOL!!!

Angies UTS block

Angies UTS block,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

I'm on the "winding down" part of several rr's! Woohoo!!! This is a pic of the work I did on an under the
sea block. Admittedly I was sort of low on inspiration when the block got here and I finally decided that I would do a little mermaid to take care of the turtle, seahorse and fishies! :_) I did a little bit of brazillian embroidery for her coral belt and bracelet as well as on her tail to give it some waviness. Then I added the flowers and assorted seaweed beside her. The face is one I made with sculpey and then applied some gold and copper leaf for an ethereal look. Hopefully she doesn't just look like an alien! LOL!!! I will be adding some more pics tomorrow. I have gotten the actual blocks made for my contribution to our local groups logo banner. I also have made a block for the NO project....not sure if this is one that I will REALLY do or if i'll make another one. I'm sort of stuck between what I want to express with this particular block. Anywhoo...more later!

Alis FFPC2

Alis FFPC2,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

I belong to the Fairie Goddess Mothers group....a sane quilting group that has recently been experimenting with fiber postcards and ATC's. This is my version for the Fairie Forest Fiber Postcard swap! It will be winging it's way to England tomorrow. I did pretty much all hand stitching...which is probably NOT the idea with this art form, but I enjoy it, so I did! :_)

DS Postcard 2

DS Postcard 2,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Just a quick note on this little quilt/ postcard! I made it for a swap with a friend in a stitch group I am a part of. I'm trying to convert her to cq sooooo....this is my contribution to her education in all things CRAZY!! :_)

mended hrt 1

mended hrt 1,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is the first heart I completed today for the Mended Heart project! I did a 4 pass combo of stitches over the maroon seam...cretan stitch, herringbone, chain stitch and pearl knots. I also added some BE sork in the middle of the light pink square..a little bullion rose. There is an SRE butterfly and folded sre roses on the white satin patch and then there are some buttonhole fans with chain stitches on the brighter pink blok along with a chain stitched heart filled with pearl knots. Easy to do and makes ya feel good to finish something along with doing it for a good cause! :_)

mended hrt 2

mended hrt 2,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is one of two little hearts I whipped up today to contribute to a "Mended Heart" quilt that will ultimately be donated to a hospital for auction. I'm liking these little projects, cuz I feel like i'm actually getting some things done!! I pretty much maintained one colorway for the stitching....I find it lends itself to more consistency thru the block. But that really depends on the project too. Anywhoo, enjoy!

bird pincushion

bird pincushion,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is the other pincushion that I completed....was sposed to be for a swap...but decided against...for a variety of reasons. Anywhoo....this little birdie is roosted on top of a little wooden pedestal with some silk ribbon loops beneath him to create the appearance of a nest. I also did a detached buttonhole type fringe on his back wings and tail to add to the appearance of feathers. I liked the fabric on the wings...it rather appears to be feathers as well. This little guy was originally patterned to be a purse, but I altered it a bit and made the pincushion. Came out ok for "winging" it, I think!

pincushion

pincushion,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Soooooo many choices and possibilities and soooooooooo little time!!! I entered a pincushion swap and have started about three total pincushions....finally decided at least ONE needed to be completed all the way thru....and this is it. I made individual leaves with some pretty cotton batik fabric I have. The center is more of a purpley hue while the outside leaves are lighter. I also cut a circle out of the darker color, stitched a running stitch around the outer perimeter, gathered it and stuffed it. I then placed it on the little wood pedestal I had made and glued it on along with sort of tying it in place. Then to the petals themselves...I had stitched them with a layer of peltex to give them some texture and then added some machine embroidery on the outside edges with some variegated rayon thread. The method of attaching the petals was cumbersome and I really need to figure out a better way if I make another. I used a combo of glue and stitching to hold them in place then put some lace and ribbon over the lower edges to disguise it. THEN.....I added a little brazilian bumble bee to add a finishing touch. I think this idea would be cute maybe with a cq'ed flower or a pansy or.....the possibilities are actually endless. I have another on the brink of being complete so i'll be posting that pic within a day or two. It's a completely different one and was rather fun to do. I have to laugh at myself, as thru this whole process I find that I just "wing" my way thru instead of using tried and true methods. This has been good in a TON of ways for me as it's allowing me to get back in the swing of thinking and being more creative. The down side is it can be REALLLLLY frustrating if something doesn't work out quite the way I first envisioned it. In the end tho, everything seems to miraculously come together! :_) Enjoy the little pic! I sure hope its future owner will enjoy it!

Clairees block

Clairees block,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Just finished up on another round robin block. The owner wanted a BE tree but someone beat me to it so I gave her some SRE tree limbs that hopefully are springy and offset the fall tree nicely. Also added the heart, the flystitch lace and some buttonhole fans on the seam! I can't wait to see how this block turns out!!! Its shaping up to be very pretty!

Alis ATC

Alis ATC,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

The Fairie Goddess Mother quilting I belong to is currently having a lot of exchanges of what we are calling FTC's! They are great fun and way to share a bit of oneself with others! This only shows a friend I am thinking of her on her special day and hopefully will also bring some loving support to her thru her tough times with work! It's nice to think about anywhoo!

Alis Needlebook

Alis Needlebook,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Ths s a little needlebook I stitched up for a friend that is new to quilting and hand work! She is a lover of Halloween and animals, both of hers are represented here! I included her name done in various holiday type items and basically had a great time coming up with something a bit different for her to enjoy!

Tracies ATC

Tracies ATC,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

I've been on a bit of an ATC binge of late....and made one for a friend in an online group that I belong to that is going thru a tough time. These are a neat way to express yourself and send positive energies, I think! I'm hoping the "mother bear" will help provide protection and love when she is feeling a bit low! And the oak I hope will provide some strength to face the troubles ahead....or...be a shady spot for her to rest and look at the sunset after some strenuous fly fishing! :_) Enjoy!

cq1

cq1,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

I am sooooo excited! Hopefully this quilt will look as good in person....I just got it thru auction. Sposedly circa 1890 out of Boston, MA. There is well known appraiser close to me, Cindy Brick that i'll have to consult on this puppy and see if it is actually worth the little I paid for it and can repair it or if I am lucky enough to have made a good investment!!! More on THIS topic later! :_)

angelas block

angelas block,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is a pic of some work I just finished....I did the usual seam treatment with the stitch combo of cretin/herringbone and fly stitch. Then I added beads. I also decorated the doily fan with bullion roses, sre roses and sre leaves the I added an antique metal flower button and a bouquet of sre roses trailing down from it. SRE is challenging for me...does it make big difference in the brand of ribbon used? I really struggled to get it to work...but I haven't done a lot of it either so maybe practice is the issue. I'd like to hear from others on this and what their favorite techniques are!!

swan

swan,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is a close up of the BE swan on the rr block. This is the second one i've done and I dedided to change my methodology on this one. I first did the outline for it in a stem/outline stitch. I then did a curved line in a light grey to pull out the direction of the wing then did the chest in one direction and the wing onto the tail in another...this one came out looking more realistic. It's just a bunch of cast on stitches and easy to do....just tough to make realistic! For me anyway! Enjoy!

ronni spring2

ronni spring2,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Here I am!!! Been stitching away...trying to get caught up! Just about there! Wahoo!! This is a phot of a rr block I did with a group of ladies here in Colorado! I did a BE swan under a flowering branch, a BE bluebird, a couple of seam treatments..one being a fav stitch combo of mine using a cretan/herringbone stitch for the first round and a flystitch with a lazy daisy stitch at the end. Creates a nice lacy effect I like even though I still have to practice more to get the stitches more even! I also added some old mop's, an old metal flower bead held on with an overlay of cast on stitches (came out kind of cool) and the dragonfly charm! Phew!!! I hope she likes it! It was fun to do regardless! Smiles!

Healing ATC

Healing ATC,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This a pic of a "Healing" ATC that I did for a friend and her family. Just a little something to let them know I cared. Hubby had a surprise quadruple heart bypass surgery....made it out with minimal problems... At any rate, the significance of this particular card is that my friend is always sending rose colored waves of comfort and the fabric was colored a rather rosey peachey color that looked like waves. I assembled the fabric on Peltex then I added an embroidered heart along with a heart charm, BE roses and a fairy charm by the sun rays to remind her of her imagination and how we met (thru the FairieGoddessMothers Yahoo group)and some fiber that was couched down to accentuate a wave. She loved it and it even brought a smile to hubby's face apparently. Definitely worth making and not toooo bad for a first time I think!

Genias block

Genias block,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is a block for a spring fling rr i'm participating in. I used silk and rayon and created some bullion roses and violets...the added the greenery with lazy daisy stitch and stem stitch. I also added a little bee that I adapted a pattern for. I prefer to use the cast on stitch instead of bullions as it gives the bee a bit more of a fuzzy, full look! I seem to be obsessed with using BE on cq....but it sure is fun!!!!

Elsies UTS block

Elsies UTS block,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

The second Under The Sea block I have been working on....I couched down some fibers and added the turquoise bead fish. I added shells and beads then went over to the right and played a bit and came up with a crab. Not perfected yet, but still came out pretty cute I think! I just did a satin stitch for his body and some cast on stitches on the front to give him the shel look. I added a backstitched line on the back of him to help create definition and some french knots up on the head . Then...onto the sea horse....I like adding the french knots and using different colors for this one. It adds more fun to the critter! This is done with bullions for the most part and the the fin is blanket stitch. The original pattern didn' ask for the french knots...but I like how they look so I added them! Anyone else create some patterns in BE that they would like to share?

Debbies UTS block

Debbies UTS block,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

In my ever elusive attempt to get current on my rr's, here is a pic of some work I did on an Under The Sea block. I created a little octopus along with the jellyfish, then the variety of seaweed a rock and added some shells and beads. The little yellow fish poking his nose out in the lower corner is not my creation...though i'd like to claim him...it's really cute! The jelly fish is created with bullions and then some cast on stitches on the back side to give that frilly look. I think the next time i'll change colors or use a variegated thread for more contrast. This was lots of fun and i've got to admit that it's nice to be able to see everyones work and ideas as the blocks fly through!

Blue Rose FTC

Blue Rose FTC,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is an ATC that I just finished for a trade. I'm trying to get caught up on commitments, so..hopefully i'll be able to post more often!

At any rate, I did quite a bit of brazilian embroidery on this one. The lobster, which is comprised primarily of bullions then the claws are cast on stitches. I made up the little jelly fish. That was done with overlapped layers of cast on stitches and the the outline/stem stitch for the tentacles. The There are the sea flowers...really simple....lazy daisy's and pistil stitches with cast on stitches for the calyx's or whatever they would be for sea flowers! LOL!! I also added some beads and some french knots to create more texture. Lots of fun...a tad more labor intensive than I initially planned on...but it came out ok. Enjoy!

LouAnnes block

LouAnnes block,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is a pic from a Spring Fling round robin block that I worked on. I live in CO and the owner of the block used to...soooo I thought i'd give her a little memory! I created one of our gorgeous sunsets, a bull pin with a clump of our wild grass at it's base. I also played around with a new to me BE seam treatment (cast on stitches overlapped). I then added french knots and looks very much like a bit of lace. I also did a stitch variation on another seam combining the herringbone and cretan stitches. Hope she enjoys it!

Toni's block

Toni's block,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is a rr block from our RMCQ group. I did a BE seahorse, lobster, seashell, starfish, ruched ribbon seaweed and featherstitch behind that. I then created some cast on flowers for some sea "flowers" and color and did border treatment in....cretin I think! LOL!!! Have to look again. Anywhoo....enjoy the eye candy!

Victorian RR block

Victorian RR block,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is another of the rr blocks I just
sent on its way! The owner wanted a
tree soooo....she got one complete with falling blossoms! :_) I added the lupine the butterfly, the rail fence and the bush also...I'm sewwwww liking doing brazilian embroidery with cq!!! It seems to be becoming more popular on at least one of the cq lists also! Is there anyone else that enjoys BE and cq and combines the two in some fashion? I will have to ask about! :-P

Jackie UTS

Jackie UTS,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Guess I must be at once a week posts or somthin'! LOL!!! I'm in 4 rr's and feeling a little pressured...don't know why...anywhoo...heres the work I did on the UTS block from a person in the CCQI group I belong to! I did the jellyfish, the coral's with the pinkish type flowers in BE and the orange one's in BE, the rock with the BE lobster, star flower in detached chain stitch and the drizzles. I also added a little sea horse charm. Had to stop somewhere....it's so hard to figure out what's too much or too little in rr's cuz, at least I, tend to take the block on as my own and want to keep on working! :_) Anywhoo...hope everyone likes it!

needlecase front 1

needlecase front 1,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is the front of a needlecase I just completed for an exchange. The inside has a pocket area...one with a
little flap, the other open to slide a packet of needles into along with the felt to poke the needles into. This is my very first needlecase....I think it turned out pretty good. Hopefully the recipient will enjoy it!

Needlecase front

Needlecase front,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Don't know how to rename this sucker now that it's downloaded, soooo, i'll just say here that this is the back of a needlecase I just made for an exchange I am participating in.

Elsie's block

Elsie's block,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Been a busy couple of weeks of stitching! I have definitely mastered the french knot after this wisteria tree! I also added the seam trimmings of combo cretan/herringbone stitch on one side, the lace trim for the fan below, (not really visible cuz I was focusing on the tree) and eyelash trim swirled along the opposite seam with mops above. I added a little BE bee and snail also..don't think they are visible either cuz they are so small. Anyway....one block down, three more to go in the war of rr's!

MF blk 2

MF blk 2,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This pic is a follow up to one I previously posted. This is Mary Frances' block from a rr thru our RMCQ group. I didn't remember all her fur kids colors and she reminded me soooo, I stitched her up! Now the whole family of four leggeds is duly represented!! Hope you enjoy, MF!!!

jelly fish 2

jelly fish 2,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is a second block that I got out for a round robin. This one is Under The Sea. I added the turtles and the crab motifs and the glass fish. I stil have a ton of work to do on the beach and dunes when it comes home, but look forward to seeing what the talented ladies come up with for this block! This is one of my more favorite forms of "quilting" as it were. Landscape quilting....but...that said, I think i'm finally figuring out my style in the more traditional cq block realm as evidenced in the previous entry. We'll see. I LOVE this art form and how it is always evolving and mutating as new skills are learned!

vic belles

vic belles,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Just sent this block off on a round robin! Can't wait to see what gets done! The white circle is the moon face I blogged about earlier....I plan on beading around it when it comes home...time just didn't allow for me to do all the stitching on this that I wanted to before mailing. Anywhoo...I really love the colors of this one. It was almost tough to let it go! LOL!!!

motif 3

motif 3,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is a free standing lace motif done on my commercial embroidery machine. I can do this for anyone!
;-) I in turn, hand painted it and then stitched it down with hand dyed silk perle. Pic is hard to get cuz of the glittery fabric underneath, but the overall effect on this particular block is nice I think!

moon face

moon face,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is the beginning of some motifs that i'm going to show everyone! I am in the throes of discovering whether or not there is any interest in the motifs that I make. I can make just about anything and will taylor fit to individuals tastes!

I finally figured out how to make molds of things and this particular piece is now off on a rr block! I will be beading around her face to secure her when she gets back!

MF's block

MF's block,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Finally!!! I got this pic of Mary Frances block to upload! Sheesh!!! Me and technology!! LOL!!! I added the pansy...filled the block on the right with what was sposed to be daisies, added the vines to support the flowers that are over Pascal and then...not sure if you can see him....but Harry is perched amongst the flowers ready to pounce on said Pascal! I also did the seam treatment that is beside the daisies...several passes with a several different stitches! Great fun...hopefully MF will get a kick of her fur kids being represented on the block. I would have done her other kitty too...but couldn't remember the color sooooo...if she lets me know i'll tuck her in there somewhere! :)

Dusty's block

Dusty's block,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is another blog from the same round robin that i'm working on that I did a similar frame around the seams of the block. I read about this variation in a brazilian embroidery book and liked the effect! I then let this block sit while I explored the other possibilities. I really struggled with what to do here. I finally landed on a machine embroidered rose that I stitched in purples to blend in with the overall block. Then I stitched a brazilian butterfly and bee and put a bunch of french knots around the flowers to pull in some color. I haven't heard from the owner....i'm hoping she will enjoy the work that's been done.

Lissa's block

Lissa's block,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is a pic of the work I did on a block for a round robin. The block itself was a bit challenging as it is a mix of patterned cottons, so it was interesting to figure out what to do and where to allow the work to show up! I started with a machine embroidered design of the iris' then added a vase, butterfly and bee with some french knots sprinkled around the flowers to tie things together. Looking at it now, I probably should have digitized the vase so it would at least be more symetrical! LOL!! Oh well, hopefully the owner will still enjoy the charm or its simplicity. The butterfly and bee are brazillian embroidery. I'm really enjoying working with the Edmar threads and the versatility of the designs. I then framed the block with a chain stich variation that created a frilly look by looping thread thru the chain stitch. The I used the fly stitch with french knots to create a table cloth effect to complete the look.

Update

Wow!!! I didn't realize I was sewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww far behind on posting! Awful!!!! I have been busy tho and am going to download some pics of several round robin blocks I have been stitching on. On two of them I decided to supplement the designs with an embroidered motif from my commercial machine. I'm trying to redirect my embroidery biz and get more involved in providing motifs, quilt labels, etc. to the quilters of the world. Theres really a TON of possibilities here!! :_) I added french knots or other stitches around them to help the motifs blend in with the other hand stitching. Enough on explanation for now....off to load the pics and detail info there!

butterfly block

butterfly block,
originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Last entry....for today... This is the first block attempt for the rr...it's got a quasy attempt at a fan in a couple of areas, but doesn't really show it. I'm going to just embellish it in a free form way and see if that doesn't pull it together better. I find that when I start with the five sided piece slightly off center on a block, that I wind up with lonnnnnnnggggg triangular pieces that make me feel as though i'm looking into a vortex! I'm not quite sure yet, what i'm doing wrong and if I have to continue spending DAYS putting a block together, i'm going to just give up and buy the suckers!!! LOL!! This rr was a challenge enough for me because of the colors! I prefer the deeper, richer earth tones and jewel tones. Any suggestions on how to piece more efficiently?