Spirit of Friendship Dolls

Over at my most favorite group, we have been having a

"spirit of Friendship" doll swap. I am the lucky one who gets to swap see em all in person and swap em out! I made three. Two are more ornate, then I simplified. This is the back of the last one of my dolls. She was done all in cotton fabrics and light embroidered and beaded.

I had a lot of fun with this swap and will be trying to make some more in the not so distant future I think. I certainly learned a bit too! I sooooo envy those talented ladies that create some of these AWESME dolls out there... like Stephanie Nowatski (sp?).

This is my bear that has a beaded, ruffled edge, embroidery and beading on both front and back. I hope my swap "sis" enjoys her!

And last but not least, is my "Tree" friendship doll!!!!! LOTS of beading, a hand created "wood" face and embroidery!! Enjoy!!!

7 ThingsMeme

AWCKKK!!! I've just been Tagged! LOL!!! Boskez just tagged me for the 7 Things Meme..... nowwww...... what to say? LOL!!!

Ok....
1. LOVE critters
2. Crazy bout cq
3. Have a commercial embroidery biz
4. Love gardening even though I don't remember the flower names all the time! LOL!!
5. A bit sad, but just lost my first "son" who was twelve and half. What a great pup he was!!!
6. Love snow, not cold....Love sun, not heat!!
7. Love the mountains, ocean and TREESSSS!!!!

A bit more than you wanted to know maybe. Now.... I will have to go figure out who to tag and come back here! :_)

Link

Closing of a chapter

Stitching is one of the many parts of my life. As are my dogs. Four legged pampered kids! :_) They bring such joy to my life and many smiles. They have also quietly shared much sadness without question. Today we had to help our beloved "Chocolate Chip" (VERY aptly named as he adored chocolate!!) over Rainbow Bridge. My heart is breaking and his brother and sisters are missing him sorely, but he is out of pain and hopefolly trotting thru the fields and around the mountains that he loved to explore. I will miss you terribly sweet boy.....

Leaf Tutorial

Over at one of my favorite groups, CQI, there has been discussion on how to make fly leaf and feather stitch leaves. I made a stitched sample of both and sent them off to a friend in need and then thought I would post a little graphic version of how to make these leaves for everyone here! Sooo, here we go!

First it is easier if you draw an approximation of the shape of the leaf that you would like to fill. It simply helps with locating your stitches more evenly. The first graphic is the fly stitch. You will bring your needle to the top of the fabric at A then down at B. Leaving the thread loose, come at C and catch the loop of thread, and go back down close to the same location you came up at, at C. I tend to work left to right with my fly stitch. If you work from right to left, please just flip flop the directions! Next, come up at D, just above A and repeat the stitch again. When you take the needle back down after catching the loop, try to place the straight stitch as close as possible in the joint of the previous stitch. Continue filling your leaf in the manner. Remember that as you draw closer to the tip, the stitches will be closer together. When you have filled the leaf with enough fly stitches, you can either complete the tip with a single long straight stitch as I have done in this example or you can place a small fly stitch with the two tips virtually side by side in the space. Totally up to you and the effect you would like to see! Another option is to place a bullion stitch at the tip for a bit of dimension!

Next, is the feather stitch leaf! Again, for an easier time, it is best to draw the shape of the leaf that you want to work in until you have become accustomed to creating the leaves. It actually is very similar to the fly stitch except the stitch that catches the loop is set at an angle and begins the next leg of the stitch. So, bring your needle up at A and down at B, being sure to leave the thread slack. Also, with this stitch, we are starting at the top of the leaf, not the bottom so place your two legs more closely together, making a smaller stitch and progressively grow your stitches as you reach the middle. Then you will reverse the process to complete the bottom. Come back up at C, catch your loop and proceed to the left to take your needle back down at D which will be parallel with the joint of the stitch, but set to the side enough to create a separate stitch. Leaving the thread slack, come back up at E, catching your loop and moving over to the right to place your thread just as you did for the previous stitch. Continue to fill the leaf until you are content with how it looks. If you prefer, you can place a small straight stitch on the bottom stitch to extend the stem and create a more life like appearance.

This is a fairly brief explanation. If any one has questions that I can answer,I would be more than happy to help at any time! Enjoy!!

Windsong DYBrr, Cher

Windsong DYBrr, Cher
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is the final block in the Windsong round robin. Cher choose such wonderful peachy colors and I tried to stay within that color range. I added some seam variation that I then beaded, a bit of a buton trail, a "fan" made out of an earring finding and a beaded cabbage rose with beaded fly stitch leaves and beaded feather stitched greenery! Enjoy!

TradeWinds DYB rr, Jo

TradeWinds DYB rr, Jo
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is another block that I stitched on for Jo in the Tradewinds round robin. I wound up being a "stitch angel"! LOL!!! On this one I tried to give her more of a flavor of Colorado. There is a small mountain scene on the upper left wit a beaded reflection of the sunset. I put some lilac and Colorado columbine in the lower right corner, a pinyon pine tree in the center and a pine cone and needles off to the right. The seam treatments are varied , but pretty much my standard. One day i'll get caught up enough to go back and do some exploration with TAST! I also added a butterfly motif and complimented it with beading.

Ramblings....

I'm not one to typically sit down and chronicle.... I just meander around in my head, checking out a myriad of paths and thoughts. I've been working on one though for several days (it originated from reading a blog of another cqer) and decided that its just plain screaming at me to be physically expressed.... SOMEWHERE! So, I chose here! Who knows, might start a new trend for myself! LOL! I am going to refrain from "pointing" to the post of my cyber friend. I don't know all of her story, but I do feel her pain and disappointment. I too have had that experience and am trying to find ways to help deflect further negative experiences from happening if possible.

I LOVE crazy quilting!!! It is the best overall way to express EVERYTHING that I am or could be. All kinds of "art" processes are used and many, many more are just coming into being as TONS of creative folks explore textiles and its assorted mediums. There are a bunch of online groups, such as those at Yahoo groups and Quiltropolis, that help support the addictions that go along with this form of creative expression....and within those groups are sub groups of folks that participate in what is called a round robin.

What is a round robin? It is an activity where a person creates one or six cq blocks. That block(s) is then mailed to an assigned partner within a group of 5 or 6 people. It will be stitched on by that partner, adding stitch variations, embellishments, fibers....whatever "means" they want to decorate their portion of the block. Then the block(s) are moved on to the next person in line. This is a great way to see new ideas and LOTS of creativity.

Hand in hand with this, however, comes the occassional problem and disappointment. Not everyone puts the same amount of effort into their work and at times do no more than add a button or two then send it on. The reasons for this could be as simple as they had "life" get in the way, but couldn't find a way to tell anyone about it. Maybe illness, maybe they got overwhelmed seeing all the other work being done or had too much on their plate to really be able to give the block the appropriate attention. This wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the fact that, that person is very likely to get a wonderfully embellished block back without putting forth any true effort.

I don't know where the answer or solution to this problem really lays. I do know that we all are easily distracted and can quickly become overwhelmed with projects because there is SO much out there to learn and experiment with. I would like to encourage (whomever may pass this way) to stop for a moment, before committing to a new swap or round robin and think about everything that has to be done in your world. Maybe you will discover that the timing is just right for that particular rr and you will be able to show your best work and skills. Or... maybe you'll find that there is a little too much going on and need to wait for a different opportunity. Regardless, it is important that we ALL give our very best when sharing with one another so that disappointment or hurt feelings do not occur. Think how you feel when you get your gorgeous block home.... the excitement and wonder it creates! Lets ALL try to give that feeling back! We are, after all, Crazy Quilting Buds!!!

Trade Winds rr block for Emiko

DYBTWEmiko
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This block is for Emiko! The last for this round robin! I really enjoyed working on this block! The colors are so soft and I can almost smell the roses! :_)) wanted to maintain the garden feel of this block so I created some vines over the blocks. I also added some seam variations from TAST (altho i'm waaaaayyyy behind there) and finally added a cameo and created some fimo flowers and a little hummingbird...to show a bit of the US/Colorado for Emiko!!! I hope that she enjoys the block! It was fun working on it!

Art Bra Quilt Block 2

abqb2
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Hhere is the second block for the quilt. LOTS of sre, some beading, dimensional embroidery and stitch variations. This block is symbolic of life bursting forth on sparkling wings from a "broken" heart flying joyously to health and happiness!

Art Bra Quilt Block 1

abqb1
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Hi everyone!!! Goodness, I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted! I've been busy stitching and changing email addies and, and, and!

This is the first of two blocks that I did for the Art Bra Quilt project. The quilt itself will be hung in a cancer center in tribute to women and breast cancer. The theme this year was hearts and the colors were to be purple (primary) and jewel tones or victorian tones. Purple is NOT one I work with a lot so this is definately a challenge for me! :_) This particular block is a healing block. I have stitched lemon citrine and aquamarine into it along with a lot of other beads (of course)!!! On the left side I embroidered "dream", on the right side "hope" and at the bottom "life". All the blocks were to have our name and city/state or country in the bottom right corner. I have lots of stitch combos on here.... a tribute to TAST (www.inaminuteago.com) along with silk ribbon embroidery,dimensional embroidery, lace embellishment... hmmm....did I leave anything out? LOL!!! At any rate...enjoy!!!

WSDYB Kari

WSDYB Kari
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Another block done and i'm caught up on rr's! Woohoo!!! This one has more TAST (www.inaminuteago.com) variations. I saw this block as having a window in it with herbs and flowers drying on the beam above. I did a fly stitch lace on the ledge and the usual of the herringbone beaded variations. On the left side I did a seam with algerian eyes and detached/beaded chain stitches and above that, is a doubled herringbone with detatched chains, pearl knots and beads. The yellow seam treatment is a small fly lace (one row) with detached chain rosettes and pearl knot below them. Then, the yellow patch contains a neat little glass pansy bead and some glass leaves with lilac beads scatter around them all over a seam of detached chain stitches. Enjoy!

WSDYB Clairee

WSDYB Clairee
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Hi all!!! i'm late getting this posted, but wanted to share with everyone! I have played with some of the different TAST variations (to date). www.inaminuteago.com ...and really enjoyed this block. The maker had requested a tree from me....i'm hoping she is happy with it. I tried to stay withing the color schemes of the block and it felt like "fall" to me! I added the leaves on the tree doing a rather random herringbone stitch that I over lapped in different colors and added a few detached chains as well. I created a "rock" out of a neat bead I found in my stash. It looks neat in person anyway. :_) and placed a fly stitch bush around it. Above it are some fall mums blooming away! Off to the left are some glass bead leaves, and the leaf that was embedded in the pattern of the fabric, I stitched with some silk to pull it out and show off it's colors. Above the leave is a beaded, herringbone, cretan seam treatment with algerian eyes that I varied just a small bit. Last, but not least, is the herringbone seam treatment on the right with beads and detatched chain stitches.

DYBTW Cheryl

DYBTW Cheryl
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is another block from a DYB round robin that has been completed..... more additions for the TAST (www.inaminuteago.com) project! I did herringbone for the dragonfly wings, a chevron/fly stitch variation and herringbone curly cues. The flowers on the cotton print are spruced up with some cast on petals and a bit of satin stitching to carry them over to the other block. I also added the metallic DMC thread web with a little spidey to bring luck to the block! I also added a brazilian embroidery bee! One of my favorites!! Enjoy!

DYBTW Ana

DYBTW Ana
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is a pic of a block I just completed for a DYB round robin i'm in. There are versions of the detached chain stitch, a herringbone varition so those are my small contributions to the TAST project (www.inaminuteago.com) and lots of beady butterflies and a teensy beaded dragon fly! The vines are topped off with cast on leaves, which I like to play around with for shape and size. This was challenge for me due to the cotton fabric patterns....but hopefully the owner will enjoy it.

Special project

PamWallet
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Here I am with another marathon posting session! I haven't figured out how to keep up with blogging AND do everything else that needs to be done! :_) This is a special project I undertook for a friend. It is a small bag for her husband. He owns a Citroen and this is a stitched version of it. I added the border to keep it from rolling off the side of the bag! This was all done to her specifications and is stitched on ultrasuede. I added another layer of ultrasuede to the interior as I put it together to make it more substantial and hopefully absorb some of the wear with use.

Gaga quilt restoed (closeup)

gaga5
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is just a closeup of the restored quilt and the initial that was embroidered on it. I bracketed it with the feather stitch to stay in the basic "flavor" of the original quilt. All the embroidery on this piece was redone as the thread on the original was disintegrating, pulled or missing. I tried to match the color as best I could, but chose to use a perle cotton instead of the stranded floss to help with wear.

Gaga's quilt restored

gaga3
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is a pic of the full quilt restored. Whew!!!! I hope my son will cherish and it lasts another 25 plus years!!! :_) The only differences on this quilt from the original is that I did a couple of variations on the feather stitch and added a bit of herringbone here and there! I didn't realize how tiring it gets to use the same stitch for a project this size. Great learning experience! I also added the family name initial and the approximate year it was made along with the year it was restored on the front. I wish the makers had realized the importance of documenting their information in years past....but....alas...we have to rely on our own memories there! At least I had the opportunity to fix that problem on this quilt! Enjoy!

TAST Button Hole Stitch

TAST BH
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

I am participating in Sharon Boggons Take A Stitch Tuesday. http://www.inaminuteago.com/stitchdict/stitch/Buttonhole.html. This is my sampler of some buttonhole stitch variations so far. I've a lonnnnnggg way to go yet, but this is a start. I'm really enjoying the varity of ideas that folks are coming up with for this. First are the flowers that can be made with the button hole stitch. These can be seen at http://www.needlenthread.com/2006/11/embroidered-flowers-using-buttonhole.html. I've actually used this stitch on pansies for some DYB rr's i've been in. It's a great idea for Holly hocks, etc. Then there's Pam Kelloggs ideas that can be found at http://kittyandmedesigns.blogspot.com/ She always comes up with some good information and ideas to use with different stitches. Give them a try! I better get going and see what else I can conjure up! :_)

Bee diagram

Bee diagram
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

A few days ago, I did a brazilian embroidery bee tutorial. I have since been asked to add a diagram.....and finally got a chance to make it. Each line running across the body of the bee represents the row of cast on stitches. Beginning with the rear row, the sequence of stitches is as follows: 3, 5, 8, 8, 5, 3. That is the number of cast on stitches that you will need to add for each ros. The head is made with a french knot....or a variation of it...I wrapped the needle 5 or 6 times to make a good sized knot. The antennae are made with the fly stitch and the wings are created with bullion knots. I wrapped the needle 35 times approximately. If you want a fatter looking bee or larger wings, all that is necessary is to increase the number of stitches or wraps. I have also made this little "hummer" with all bullion knots! That version is not as fuzzy looking, but is still cute. Another option would be to use the turkey stitch and cut the loops! Now THAT would be a fuzzy, buzzy bee!!!

Cabachon pin

cab swap
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is also a result of my Fimo explorations! I joined into a beaded cabachon swap and needed to get this done and mailed. I layered the royal blue and the turquoise colors, cut a slice and pressed it in my noodle maker and came out with the base. I cooked that, then decided to add some metallic Fimo shapes which I attached with Liquid Sculpey and baked again. I then glued the cabachon to some interfacing, and started beading. I had no plan (as usual) but simply played a bit and this is the result. I'm a little worried about the loops at the top being a little too much, but...well...since i've already added some ultra suede to the back, i'm gonna have to leave it I guess. It was fun to do and the little group I belong too will be continuing to have swaps, so more are likely to come! Enjoy!

Fimo explorations!

cabs
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

I have also been exploring the wonderful world of Fimo and all that can be created with it. I mixed and mashed and pressed and played and this is a sampling of what I came out with! I think they are kind of interesting....especially the ones that look like wood. But....then.....I love wood and trees and nature and.... :__)

New additions!

Caleb
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Other happenings on the home front, the day after Christmas....Caleb joined us! He popped into the world, weighing in at a mere 6 pounds, but if he's anything like his dad he will soon be chomping his way thru all the food in the house!

Snowwwwww!!!

122806 snowc
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

I'm not always the best at keeping up with this blog...and this isn't really stitch related. BUT!!! It is precisely why there hasn't been as much stitching going on as i'd like there to be!!! I have had to keep on bundling up and going out to shovel this WHITE stuff!!! :_) Here in Colorado, we have been absolutely covered up since four days before Christmas! The first snow we got about 31 inches here at my house with five foot drifts. We lost our blazer for a while there! LOL!! Next week we got about 8 inches of it and now THIS week we are supposed to get another 12 inches!!! Sheesh!!! What happened??? I like snow....but....WOW!!!! I thought this was rather a pretty rendition of our frosty covering tho!

Honey Bee tutorial cont.

Bee10
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Voila! Completed honey bee!!! I just love to make these little dimensional gems! Sometimes, I will do a twisting, run stitch behind the bee to symbolize the movement and flight of the bee! Let your imagination run wild and have fun!

Honey Bee tutorial cont.

Bee7b
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

It should look a bit like this when you have pulled the thread through. Take your thread back to the back of the fabric, right next to where you came up. That will complete the wing. Repeat the process for the other wing. When you are done..........

Honey Bee tutorial cont.

Bee7a
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

When you are done, it will look like this. Also, if you are using Edmar rayon thread, you will want to wrap the thread clock-wise instead, to accomodate the "z" twist of the thread! Now, you need to hold the wraps and pull the needle through, completing the bullion. If the bullion twists a little bit, either tickle its tummy by running the needle gently under the loop or turn it a little bit between your fingers until it straightens out.

Honey Bee tutorial cont.

Bee7
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

You will now thread a needle with some white thread, knot it and pull it through the fabric directly to the side of the body of the bee. Pull the thread completely through. For the bullion stitch that makes these great dimensional little wings, you will need to take a tiny bite right beside the spot that the thread originally came through. Like the cast on stitch, DO NOT PULL THE NEEDLE THROUGH THE STITCH! giggles..... Wrap the thread around the needle about 30 to 35 times.

Honey Bee tutorial cont.

Bee8
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

For the next set of black stitches, move your needle slightly outwards from the yellow stitches to accomodate for more stitches. This will create some dimension to the body and make the bee look more "pudgy". Now you will create eight (8) cast on stitches with your black needle and eight stitches with the yellow needle that will follow. Thennnnn....you will be back to the black thread! Reduce the number of cast on stitches to five (5) and again, park the needle. Yellow is the final row of cast on stitches and will consist of three (3) stitches. When you take the thread to the back of the fabric, knot it and cut it off. You're done with the body! Next, we will make the head with a french knot. If you prefer to use a colonial knot, go for it! I like the french knots (which for some reason I keep calling them pearl knots giggles...), as I can increase or decrease the number of wraps on the needle as I want and affect the size of the knot accordingly. In this example, I wrapped the needle five (5) times then took the thread to the back of the fabric again.

Now, for the antennae, bring your needle and thread to the top of the fabric approximately a quarter of an inch and to the right of the head, pulling the thread completely through the fabric. Move directly to the left, about a quarter of inch ( I eye this to make it look more realistic. All the "measurements" I am giving you are just approximations) and take the needle to the back of the fabric, then back up in the middle, right beside the pearl knot. Take this slowly, making sure that you catch the loop of thread. You will then tack the thread down by pulling the needle over the loop and back to the back of the fabric. Repeat these fly stitches four more times for the legs as shown here.

Honey Bee tutorial cont.

Bee4
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Repeat the process and create two more stitches. You will then want to take hold of the the needle AND the stitches and pull the needle through the fabric and cast on's, closing the circle. This will create a little ridged loop over the fabric. Your thread will now be on the right hand side. You need to push the needle through the fabric at the base where the thread was originally brought up and draw the thread completely to the back. We will now need to switch to the yellow thread, so just "park" the needle and black thread to the side for a moment. Repeat this process with the yellow thread, only increase the number of cast on stitches by one stitch. Draw the needle and thread through to the back of the fabric, just as you did with the black thread and temporarily park this needle and switch back to your black thread.

Honey Bee tutorial cont.

Bee6a
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Once you have place the loop on the needle you will pull the excess thread towards you, tightening the loop and draw it towards the opening where the needle came back out of the fabric. It should look similar to this photo when done. (For those of you that are left handed, reverse the direction of the needle and use your right hand to loop the thread over the needle.)

Honey Bee tutorial cont.

Bee5
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

The cast on stitch is done the same way that you would cast yarn onto a knitting needle. Basically it is a slip knot....for lack of a better term. Once you have placed your needle thru the fabric (taken a bite out of the fabric) you will start "casting on" stitches. Pick up your thread with your left hand, creating a semi circle that will allow you to loop the thread over the needle. Twist your hand in-ward, counter clockwise to close the circle and drop the loop over the needle. The first batch will be only three stitches. For more visual references, check out Sharon B's Stitch Dictionary..... http://inaminuteago.com/stitchdict/stitch/caston.html

Honey bee tutorial cont.

Bee3
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

you will want to bring your thread to the top of the fabric about three quarters of the way up the stinger. Take a "bite" of the fabric, from right to left, bringing the tip of the needle out next to the thread. DO NOT PULL THE NEEDLE THROUGH!!!! Here we will start making cast on stitches that create the body of the bee.

Honey Bee Tutorial Cont.

Bee2
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

To begin you will want to make a small straight stitch, approximately a quarter of an inch long. This represents the stinger so you will need to decide which direction you want your hummer to fly. The stitch itself will be partially covered with the body of the bee! Once you have made this stitch.....

Honey bee tutorial

to

Bee1
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

I belong to the Hand-Embroidery group over at yahoo. They are a super group of folks and the owner Lillian and moderator, Melissa are just great! Long story short, Melissa has a blog, http://www.honeybeesbliss.blogspot.com, titled such for the meaning of her first name! At any rate, she saw the dimensional embroidered bee here that I had stitched on a pin cushion and wanted to know how to make it. Hmmmm.... wonder why? LOL!!! Soooo....i'm going to attempt to do a little tutorial here. If anyone has a question about any of the steps, please let me know and I will do my very best to help out! Also, if you are not familiar with the cast on, bullion or fly stitches, I would recommend that you practice on a "doodle cloth" before you jump into creating the bee on a block. The stitches are easy once you are familiar with them, but can be a little frustrating at first. DON'T let it stop you! Like anything in embroidery, practice and just relaxing to enjoy the process are all you need to start creating dimensional embroidery!

To start out, you want thread two millners needles. I used size 11. One with black, the other with yellow. It's important to use millners needles as the cast on stitches and bullion stitches as the eye of the needle is the same dimension as the needle itself and will allow the stitches to slide easily off the needle. I prefer to use Edmar rayon thread, but don't always have it on hand, so will also use DMC embroidery thread (as shown here.) I vary the number of strands that I use as sometimes I want a bee that is larger (or smaller) than the example that I am going to show you. For this particular BEE I used two (2) strands of DMC thread. The bee will be approximately 1/2" when complete. We will be using the fly, cast-on and bullion stitch to create this little "Hummer"!!

HBVariation5

Another addition to my Take A Stitch Tuesday! (www.inaminuteago.com).

HBVariation5
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This bit I did before I accidentally "found" the fish! :_) I was experimenting with changing the sizes of the stitches withing the row as well as their location. I like this idea from the perspective of creating the image of a fence on a block. It has potential if lazy daisy stitches or fly stitches are added to it as well. I'll have to continue to play with this one!

HBVariation4

HBVariation4
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This time I played with increasing and decreasing the size of the herringbone within the row. I was pleasantly surprised when I created a fish!! This will be GREAT for a project I have to do for a grandson! Woohoo!!! I think i'll try making the stitches a bit more dense then some of the fish can be more distant, some more up close! Even running another color under them...or weaving some organza type ribbon thru the stitches would be cool! Ohhhhh, the potential!

Take A Stitch, HB Variation

HBVariation2
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

I played around a bit more last night and came up with some variations that are new for me. I thought i'd share them with you. This is a pic of them overall. Then i've got close ups i'll share of certain ones. Enjoy!

Melissa's DYB block

WSJ DYB Melissa
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

I'm trying to keep some stitching momentum going today. DH finally went back to work so I can focus on this! This block is from one of two DYB rr's I am in. I struggle with this for a bit....don't know why, but I got there and am fairly happy with it. Hopefully Melissa agrees! LOL!! You can see her work at www.honeybeesbliss.blogspot.com. I created a two tone rose on the bottom corner using bullions for the light pink and then added some cast on stitches in a deeper tone to accent it. The buds are made out of bullions. Just above is a herringbone variation. (I had already done this prior to Sharon B (http://inaminuteago.com/blog/index.php) announcing the stitch for TAST! SOOO, i'm pleased I have a couple of variations under my belt! There is another HB variation directly above the rose on the feather seam and again above the tree. Do you think maybe I like the herringbone? LOL!! Other variations I enjoy are a cross between the HB and the cretan or the chevron and cretan. I then typically get mired in finishing them off with lazy daisy stitches, fly stitches, etc. To break that habit I will experiment on my sampler and see what I find! I added a little bee charm, for Melissa, some beaded flowers and one of my trees! OH! I almost forgot, I also did a feather stitch variation, sweeping curves like a feather, floating above the tree in some kreinik (sp) metallic. Last but not least, I added a MOP button with some lazy daisy stitches and added a flower bead in the center to create a flower. Sooooo, thats it! I threatened Melissa I would do a tutorial on making a BE bee. Now i've got to get busy as a bee and start taking pics! 's

ArtBra Block

ArtBra Block
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

I am a part of a group of ladies that create Art Bra's and a special quilt for donation to various foundations for breast cancer. This is my raw block for the 2007 quilt. The theme is hearts and the primary color is to be purple. Well....that's a toughy for me, as I don't generally work in that color! I had to some digging to bet this one figured out! LOL!! But....this is what I created. I have my design ideas worked out on paper (also a rarity for me) and the thought behind this particular heart is that it was broken with disease and will be beautifully mended to create a new whole. I will add other heart motifs in the patches as well to show the strength of our spirits to overcome all obstacles! Enjoy! Stay tuned for further developments!

Herringbone variation

Herringbone comma
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

I decided to join in the fun and participate in Sharon B's TAST project! You can find more info on this at www.inaminuteago.com. I began "playing" right after I saw the posting last night. I was struck with the idea of creating a swirl with the herringbone stitch. Soo, I made these litle herringbone "commas" with some variegated dmc. I kinda like them! I think I will try to do some more, varying the sizes more dramatically starting with really small and going to super larger! The herringbone is one of my favorite stitches so this will be fun to play around with! I will continue to post work ideas as I get them stitched! Hmmmm......even layering these would be fun...or making them into swirled medallions or.....:_)

Family Heirloom

gaga quilt a
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This is a pic of a lap throw that was made for my son by his great grand mother. She did this for all the great grand kids one Christmas manyyyyyy moons ago. It was made with quite a variety of men's ties and some ummm....interesting polyester from blouses and dresses. (I presume anyway.) As can be seen there is a considerable amount of damage to it, inclusive of the feather stitch embroidery done on all of the seams.

I got a wild hair just after Thanksgiving and decided that it was time to get some projects (mmmmhmmmm) completed and dove head first into re-storing this quilt. There was more damage to it than met the eye. Like mildew damage to the foundation!!! Awckkkk!!! Sooo... I took some light weight flannel that I had and put it on the back. Keep in mind that i'm not a "planner" by nature and was flying by the seat of my pants on this one! I used the flannel as added support. Hind sight....should have traced the pattern of the original, taken apart the blocks and re-pieced it. Then...I could have made it straight, but then it wouldn't be an accurate reflection of the maker and the love she poured into this project. I then took out every piece of fabric that was damaged and re-placed it with pieces of ties that I have on hand. The embroidery overall was disintegrating, so I decided to take it out completely and re-do it pearl cotton in a similar color with hopes that it will hold up better under use. I wasn't worried about the monetary value of this piece, more about it's sentimental value to my son. I also wanted it to hold up for another 26 years without need of repair! LOL!!! It was with a HUGE feeling of relief and pride in the completion of this that after 80 hours, I can say I am done!!! I re-backed it, tied the edges, wrapped it up and fooled my son by saying it was from his great-grandma! :_) Oh! And the difference on this quilt....besides the fabric....and admittedly a bit of the stitching....I put a quilt label firmly on the back, documenting the date it was originally made, then re-stored and what was done! No one will ever wonder about this puppy again!! Now to get a pic of the "new" version so you can see the changes. I did quite a bit of reflecting while I worked on this and wonder how on earth a piece can be accurately restored with fabric from the period? The very thing that causes it to deteriorate would cause other "like" fabric to disintegrate too, wouldn't it? Hmmmm....something to explore! Enjoy!

CQ'd hearts

hearts
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

I belong to the Hand Embroidery yahoo group and there is a heart swap going on there right now. soooo, I thought i'd jump in and join the fun. I don't normally work in purples, but had it out as I was making a block for the Art Bra Ladies quilt. I then did some stich variations on the seams and utilized the butterfly lazy daisy that Sharon B of In a Minute Ago shared with us in her first class last spring. On the top heart, I had a MOP button that I thought would look good, but didn't have holes or a complete shank. It was a part of some vintage buttons I purchased awhile back. Anywhoo, I created a web over the button to hold it down and added some lazy daisies and french knots along with the litle butterfly. I tried to keep a more garden effect with doing a buttonhole stitch, adding fly stitches on top and the some french knots for flowers. It was stretch to work with these colors, but I like how they came out, especially the bottom heart! Can't wait to see what comes back my direction for the swap!

Tradewinds DYB 2

TWDYB Hideko
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

I don't post forever and here I am posting a ton of stuff all at once! Sighhh..... I wish I could learn to post more regularly. New Year's resolution, right? Welllllll????? LOL!!
This is a block I worked on for Hideko who keeps a blog... http://hideko-windfromtheeast.blogspot.com. This is a luscious block of silks, velvets and some metallic brocade fabric. I was stumped by what to do at first, but finally got in the swing of it. I decided to create a monogram in the lower left hand corner. A beaded rose is in the center, some feathers and some of my seam treatment variations. Gonna have to definately start challenging myself on my stitches! But then....that's what Sharon's "Take a Stitch" Tuesday will be all about, right? http://inaminuteago.com/blog/index.php?tag=take-a-stitch-tuesday I will be participating in this with some members in a small group I belong to. We thought it would be a great way to nudge each other along and develop or stitching repertoire! Should be fun! Now....just got to remember to post about it! Enjoy the pics!

Windsong Jewels Block 1

WSDYB 1
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

I jumped into another DYB rr and this is the first block for this one! I decided to keep it light and more victorian to compliment the young girl. I, in fact, rather envisioned her looking out of a window so I gave her "lace curtains" done in the fly stitch. I outlined the pattern that was on the satin and gave it a small boost with some pearl beads and added the seam treatment variations that I seem to naturally drop into these days.... herringbone, lazy daisy and cretan. I really like the way they make things look victorian. Up top I added a feather with an outline stitch and feather stich then two fans on either side of the block. Soooo.....another block done! Yeahhhh!!!!

Windsong Jewels DYB RR

WSJ DYB Blocks
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

I seem to be on a mission to avoid straight lines (basically) in my cq blocks these days! I don't know WHAT has gotten into me, but i've been playing around more with various shapes and patch sizes. It will be really interesting to see what everyone comes up with on these!!!! I'm not so sure what I would even do! Actually i'm hoping it will encourage my compatriote stitchers to explore outside the normal boundaries and carry stitching past the seams! We shall see what they come up with! It will great fun, I think!

Tradewinds DYB Block - Jo

DYB TWJo
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

I am involved in a couple of DYB rr's. I believe I have posted the pics I have sent out and this is the first block i've done for this rr. I played with stitch variations for the seam work, i'm finding I truly enjoy handwork and that it has a meditative effect on me. If I don't get a little time everyday to stitch i'm lost! :) The combo's you'll see here are the buttonhole stitch with a lazy daisy popped onto the top of every other stitch. The a little french knot in between for contrast. Above that is a wide herringbone stitch that has been done twice, with little fly stitch flowers on top. To the left is a cretan, chevron combo with a fly stitch and straight stitch on it. The there is the herringbone with a fly/lazy daisy combo above that and then to the right is the feather stitch with french knots and lazy daisies. I stamped the butterflies on the patch then embroidered them. All the other embroidery, I free handed the pattern first. I did a feather to represent flight, a "dove" created with a padded beaded body and french knot wings. The pansies are just a rather favorite flower for me and touch of me to to the block. I added a beaded wind goddess to finish the block off along with some crystal beads on the feather. The little button is from my grandmothers button box soooo.....it's a nice vintage touch to the block, I thought!

Art Meme

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I've decided to take up the challenge of the ART MEME. I responded to Elizabeth's offer( http://www.veridianeyes.blogspot.com/ and need to post here. So the first five people to respond to the challenge via comments on this blog will get a small piece of art created by me. It will be something drawn, sewn, beaded or embroidered, maybe molded. I'm not quite sure what, but you will get something that I have made with love in order to 'spread the love'. The catch with this is that you also have to make the same sort of offer on your own blog. That means, this is not an exchange, you do not have to send me anything in return, but you must try to "pay it forward" though your own blog. So get commenting, and once I see you've taken it up, posted it and got people taking part then I will start making things.I can't promise how soon you'll get them, but you will get them. If you could post your snail mail addie to me privately, i'll be set! :_)

Tradewinds DYB Blocks

Tradewinds DYB Blocks
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

This isn't a super pic, but I thought I would post them all together then as they are completed I can share them with you. I have joined another DYB rr. Truly international! I'll try to figure out how to get everyones blogs linked here. :-] Emiko and Hideko are from Japan. Jo is from New Zealand, Anna is from Portugal and Cheryl is in Wisconsin! It will be great fun to see how these well traveled blocks turn out!

Sad fur kid!

Sad Sukha
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

While not about embellishment (for the moment) I just had to post about one of my furkids. What a face, isn't it?? Poor girl developed an oral hematoma at the base of her ear and had to have surgery to drain it. She's been good about the bandage so far. I may have to make her a cq ear warmer tho cuz she's completely bare from the top of her ear down her throat! Can't have her getting a cold from this! Sooo.....many dollars later and a few trips to finally locate a vet who wouldn't scare her to death, we have her home and recovering! There has been talk about Noni juice on one of the lists and the miracles that it can work for allergies and such, so i'm going to try to locate some for her and see if her ear infections will clear up! More on that later!

Painted buttons

buttons
Originally uploaded by Pinyon Creek Stitchin'.

Goodness time flies!!! I've been busy with stuff and forget to keep up with my blog! Welllll....you're in for it now!

In one of the online cq groups I belong to, a class for painting buttons is taking place. This is a sampling of my beginning adventures! I think my favorite isthe black button, but some finishing touches still have to be done on these....like the top coat (minor detail) giggle! Plus I need to add more definition to the flowers for depth. But....for a first shot at doing something like this i'm pretty happy with the results. These are mostly roses, but I tried out some poinsettias and what I had hope would be some pansies but turned into more of a clematis! LOL!!! Then....of course....I had to do a tree! I will definitely have to do more of them in different styles! This is certainly a techinique worth trying!