Gardner's Alphabet - A is for Autumn

Well now that the Snowman A - Zzzzz is done I just had to pick up another hand work project!  I probably should have picked up a smaller one but I couldn't resist Crabapple Hill's Gardener's Alphabet!  I've got A for Autumn completely done!

I've traced and colored B is for Bees and will be taking that one on the plane with me to Houston!  What are you working on?

Happy Quilting!

Margaret

A - Zzzzz Snowman

I finished the A - Zzzz Snowman designed by Crabapple Hill Studio!  I've had some questions on how I did it so here's a picture of the entire quilt and some close ups to explain!

The Stars - I filled in the stars with French Knots!  I did a 3 wrap French Knot and made as many as I could possibly fit into the stars.  I really liked the way they turned out!

Carrot noses, I did do some of them with the Stem Stitch but most of them were done with the Backstitch.

The Christmas Lights were done with the Padded Satin Stitch.  I like the way the Padded Satin Stitch looks, it (in my opinion) gives the Christmas Lights some dimension.

With the exception of where special stitches were called for the piece was worked in the Stem Stitch.  I like working with the Stem Stitch more than I do the Backstitch.  I feel like it goes faster and looks nicer.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Enjoy!

Happy Quilting!

Embroidery Envelope Completed!!

I am so excited to be able to share this completed project with everyone!  It feels so wonderful whenever I complete a project!  Crabapple Hill Studio's is one of my favorite designers, I absolutely LOVE her designs, Meg has so much talent and the instructions on her quilt patterns are wonderful!  Here's a few pictures of my completed project::

This is the first time I've made up this pattern so this was my sorta 'test run'.  I made it out of wool felt, used Cosmo floss and Piecemakers needles.  I've been using Cosmo floss now for a couple of years and have to tell you how wonderful it is!  It may cost a little more but it is TOTALLY worth it!  It feels like I'm sewing with silk, very rarely knots and the colors are wonderful!  If you can't find it at your local quilt shop let me know.

Here's the inside completed!  It has a fantastic envelope for my floss, a place to secure my absolute favorite scissors in the entire world, my marking pen, straight pins, sewing needles and my thimble, stick this is my project bag and I'm ready to go!!  I've got a tutorial on how to make a Quick and Easy Project Bag on YouTube as well as a tutorial on how I made this Embroidery Envelope Part 1 & Part 2 & Part 3, check them out if you get a chance!

Happy Quilting!

Crayola Crayons Aren't For JUST Our Children/Grand Children!

I am so excited to have finished this project!  Isn't it the absolute sweetest thing?  With Valentines Day quickly approaching I think this may be the PERFECT little something for Valentines Day or as a Easter Bag/Basket!  This pattern is by Meg Hawkey of Crabapple Hill Studio and is called Crazy Love.  I really enjoy hand work for many reasons but most of all because it is so very easy to travel with.  This project was completed in no time at all, I really was amazed at how quickly it went together.

I'm teaching this project on Sunday February 3rd at O'Susannah's Quilts and Gifts in Watkins Glen NY.  I'll be teaching Meg's Crayola Coloring Technique and the following stitches:

English Daisy

Forget Me Nots

French Knots

Lazy Daisy

Satin Stitch

Circle Flower Rose

Feather Stitch

Fly Stitch

I hope you can attend!  If you can't attend the class but would like to have a on line tutorial please let me know!

Happy Quilting!