Pin cushions again!

  This is the last batch for now, anyway.

   The first 3 are fairly plain ones. The two on the left used part of a damaged linen doily I first showed.  Some machine quilting on them.  On the others I made I did not add machine quilting.  Vintage crochet trim on the one on the right.

 
  A small one with a bluebird print with lace and a bird motif added.  It's about 3'' square.  A favorite!

  The one is front turned out really nice.  The print featured butterflies on tan and I just framed one of them with fabrics and lace.  It's about 6'' long.
  The larger one on the right is about 5'' square.














  I had several emails with questions about the technique.  First I was inspired by Kelly Cline and her vintage linen pincushions. 

 I figured out what way worked for me.

• I used batting as my foundation to attach fabric and lace in crazy patch technique.
• I added lace as I went and motif or special bits when foundation was covered.  
•  My filling is crushed walnuts shells purchased from Amazon. 
•  I fill thru the back rather than in the side seam....see photo.  It is easier to whip stitch the opening on the back for me.  

   I am not selling them.  I will sell lace and trims...contact me via email if interested. 
I plan on donating these to the quilt guild's boutique for next year's show.  So I have plenty of time to make a few more....such fun.

  I also uncovered a small dresser scarf that I embroidered way back when......I guess I was in my teens when my neighbor, Betty, taught me to embroider.  She was also instrumental in teaching me to sew.  I plan on seeing if I can get that machine quilted soon.  I cleaned the sewing room yesterday.....all fabric back in its place, and the lace container organized and put away for now.  I can see table tops and Hot Legs can breathe again. LOL.

  I count this all as a win as I am now motivated to work on a project.  Pain or no pain, I hate being so down that I don't want to stitch a bit.  It may be partly the heat but a greater part of the blame lands on the monster called Covid 19.  It has sucked the interest and mojo from my creative spirit.  I am so over this, and really want and need to find some normal in my life.   I know most of us feel much the same way, so you know where I am at.
Stay cool, and happy stitching.

Three pincushions

  Three pincushions done!  They are quite addictive, as there are so many variations to explore.  The long style on the right is strip pieced with batik scraps and added a couple of pieces of lace.
  The daisy trim one on the left turned out so pretty.  The rose motif was from a bridal lace I was given.  And the one on the bottom features a section of a lace collar for a young girl's dress. 

  I have more to fill and finish up but this morning was devoted to clearing off table tops in the sewing room.  Stacks of bits and pieces to put away, but all is now cleared and sorted. 








 
 The heat is relentless and the humidity is thick and heavy.  Much too hot to even sit outside. 
  Sir Old Man came home with a surprise after a trip to Ace Hardware.  We added  it--- small flag with a special symbol---to the back walk by the Japanese Maple.  It's like the one shady spot near the house and can be seen from the  back patio.

  Stay cool.  Stay safe.
happy stitching. 

Mid month progress....

  July is here....and we are all so hot!  Our common remark is, you can wear the air here.  At least the sun is shining.  Right?
 


    Little by little I worked on the batik project.  One or two rows joined every few days and finally it is a top.  Now I see a few spots I should have moved.  Isn't that the way it goes?  But for now it is what it is.  It is just intended for a sofa throw.  I need to order some backing fabric and then it can get quilted.

 








   In between the joining the rows I started on the annual leader and ender block from Bonnie Hunter.

  Once I got into the rhythm of the block, one row joined made one block!  It worked perfectly for this project. 
  So I set up a tray of  pieces clipped together for a block.  As I work thru scraps and such I will put more together thru the year.  I have about 8 completed here!

  The last few days have been dog days of heat that just sap your strength and energy.  After a quick doctor's appointment this morning, I determined I was going to sew, be creative, push myself to do something.  Anything! 


  So I had seen a small doily in the sewing room.  I don't remember when I pulled it out originally, but it had a small tear in the corner and thus did not get used for what ever I was working on.    I cut off part of it and sewed.......   Inspiration came from Kelly Cline quilting on FB.   Her pincushions are beautiful!

  I stitched it down to a soft tiny print piece of fabric.  Then added some small quilting in the plain areas, and put on a backing.   This will turn into a pincushion for the guild boutique  (probably) next year.   I just need some crushed walnut shells.




  Just completing this little one, inspired me to find my own style for special pincushions.  And within and hour or so, I was moving right along. 
  Note:  My first love of quilting began when I discovered crazy quilting.  All that beautiful embroidery and lace!  I have since sold most of my threads and embroidery yarns, but I still have a large tub of laces and trims.  Many are antique, some were gifted to me, and others culled from sale bins at Mary Jo's. 

  So the natural part for me is to mix accent fabrics with lace and trim, mixing the new ones and the old ones.  I am going to have a very difficult time sharing this purple one!  But I think I will make a few more in a similar vein :)   I wonder how the laces will look on some of the batiks scraps?  Just thinking of combinations.  This could be a few days of fun.  Now to send Sir Old Man to the store for more crushed walnut shells!
Happy stitching.

Looking for motivation

  I am beginning the month of July, looking for motivation.  Hoping for inspiration too!   The month of June was very slow, and non-productive.   So I was very happy to see Bonnie Hunter post a new leader and ender challenge for the year today.     Just in the nick of time for me....and it is squares which I have tons of :)

  I have been doing some simple sewing and I mean really simple for June.  

 I found a project sheet saved from somewhere years ago, and decided to sew up batiks.  I have lots of batik scraps and a huge envelop of charm squares.  I know I won a couple of packs years back and never used them.    The original design had everything lined up so that the inset strips matched up.  So for a couple of reasons I decided to flip the arrangement in pairs.

  First, this is a scrappy mix of batiks....each side of the brick is not always the same fabric.  I tried to be close in color and value when possible.  My goal was to use up all the charm squares in the baggie.  

  Second, visually for me the mixed version was more interesting, not as modern looking.  The arrangement seems to keep the eye moving, so the unmatched fabrics are not as noticeable.  It reminds me of the old madras plaid look.  

  I have another couple of rows of bricks to sew and press before I begin to join it all together.  That's why I was happy for the new leader and ender.    

  While the weather is better and I am having less pain, I hope to make a dent in prepping the leader and enders  before beginning the assembly.  

    On Facebook, the challenge is going around this month to share a quilt each day for 10 days.  And to name and challenge another to do the same. No details or such required just quilt photos.  Sure makes the world a prettier place....lol.   I am on day 3 of sharing .   Just an idea to pass on that others might want to try in their areas.

 The fragrant Lilies are in bloom right now.  It is heavenly to catch a whiff of them as you walk past.     The blooms are huge and so pretty.

 I am trying the new Blogger....not sure I like it.  Why the change?  Oh, well, new and improved it not always better.  

Happy stitching.