A Short Sharing Post – Crazy Patch

Making it around to my blog has been next to impossible for over a month now.  I’m very behind in sharing the crazy quilting things I’ve received or worked on.  This day is not fit for man nor beast outside so maybe I can manage getting a post up when I take a break from pickle making.  Would you believe I found over thirty pounds of pickling cucumbers…fresh and pretty…in December?  You may, but I was amazed.  I believe finding the cucumbers was a huge hug from God.  My pickle stash was almost gone, and He knew I needed the cucumbers to make more.  (God definitely cares about the little things.)  Now back to crazy patch…but I had to praise God for His goodness.

A while back I took part in a three-way heart swap.  One was from Stephanie and the other was made by Cris.  I’ve not yet shared it.  It’s another beauty.

I also swapped a heart with Marianne…she said she loves it, but o how I wish I could make changes to it now.  I’m not at all happy with the work I did on the top portion of the heart.  Still, it was made with love and well received.  I don’t know why I didn’t trim it before I took the picture and mailed it Marianne…

Since my last round robin update I’ve taken my turn on two blocks and mailed them on their way to the next stitcher.  I worked on a Kate Greenaway block and a gray study block.  I’m trying to add something I’ve never done before on any block I work on (after testing it on a doodle cloth).

The Greenaway block belongs to Nark (Nancy from Arkansas).  It’s from the Kate Greenaway Round Robin going on at WWCQ.  The block is made completely of beautiful silk.   I don’t seem to have a picture of her whole block so I am sharing close-ups of the work I did.  Here is one taken before I started working on the it.

I beaded a grape vine on Nark’s block.  This is the first time I’ve stitched a beaded grape vine on anyone’s rr block.  I love the outcome and hope Nark will, too.  The technique is one I learned from Nancy Eha’s Bead Creative Like Crazy.   I also stitched the scalloped seam treatment with detached chain and bead flowers.

This shot is a close-up of the spider web and spider I added to Nark’s block.  I also stitched the sheaf stitch above the spider web to embellish a tiny seam and the seam treatment below the web.  For it I used the straight stitch, bullion stitch and colonial knot.

The last picture shows an overview of the work done by me.  I also added the pretty Nicki Lee Venice lace butterfly.

What started out to be a short post has ended up being a bit long so I am going to close this one out and share the gray study in another post.  I didn’t realize I’ve completed two gray blocks rr blocks and a one gray one of my own (my July CQJP 2013 block…I’m a wee bit behind) without posting them.

Until next time…

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.  Hebrews 1:3

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A Memorial Heart

This past December a long-time internet friend’s sweet, great-grandbaby girl passed away.  Even though I never met sweet Violet and never held her in my arms, the final days of her life touched my heart.  Her family’s loss transcended the limits of geography.  I could not imagine the depth of their sorrow and pain.

Last week I completed a small keepsake for Violet’s grandmother…an expression of my sympathy and love.  She received it on Friday and said she loves it.

Made in memory of sweet Violet…with love and heartfelt sympathy.

Until next time…

And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live?   But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.  2 Samuel 12:22-23

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My Baby Meets My Dog and Two Hearts

This morning I let my German Shepherd puppy out of her kennel to spend quality time with me.  We do this several times a day in an effort to teach her how to behave in the house.  She’s full of energy and a real mischief maker.  Just like a wee child going through the terrible twos, Bella has to be watched every second she is freed from her kennel.

Bella looking apologetic…and for good reason.

Several days ago I set my Baby Lock Natalie on our dining room table so I could construct a few crazy quilt projects.  Even though I know better, when I finished sewing yesterday I left my little machine plugged in and sitting on the table.  The cord was draped several feet away from the table and was attached to an electrical surge protector strip.

Sometimes when Bella is running free she turns our house into an obstacle course and literally runs laps around furniture and through the open spaces.  This morning she made several passes through our living room,  dining room and around the kitchen island.  I guess that route became mundane, because she added a pass between the dining room table where my Baby sat and the room divider between the dining room and living room.

To make an already long story shorter, I heard a heavy thud as my Baby Lock hit the floor.  My heart sank.  Bella ran for cover.  I went to assess the damage.  Would you believe my machine is not a bit compromised?  I am amazed whether you are or not.  The Natalie is a lightweight, portable.  I bought it so I did not have to drag my heavy Ellegante II with me when I want to take my machine away from home.   I was afraid I would find a broken machine.   I picked her up, brushed her off, reattached the arm cover thingy, rethreaded her and made a test seam.  She sews perfectly!  I use the Natalie almost exclusively for block constructing these days and was so thankful when she stitched a perfect seam.

When my machine hit the floor my heart sank…I bought Natalie when it was a discontinued model for $99.00.  That was at least two years ago, and knew she couldn’t be replaced through a dealer.  I figure it was the bottom of the line when she was sold.  It’s a no frills machine, but it sews a beautiful seam.  I tell you all this, because I would not hesitate to buy another Baby Lock if I were in the market for a new sewing machine or if Natalie had been broken in this accident.   I love my Baby Locks!

Over the past couple of weeks I received two swap hearts.  Today I am sharing pictures of both.

The first one I received is from Angie.  I love pink and the heart she made for me spoke to my love for delicate pink.  It is lovely.  One of the projects I am working on is a heart for a friend whose granddaughter passed away earlier this year.  Angie’s couched ribbon treatment was so sweet, I used her idea on the one I am making.

And two shots showing detail…I love the maiden hair fern seam treatment and the curved feather stitch motif.

Feather stitch is one of my favorite.  Angie used it creatively in different ways.  The lace she chose is double sweet…and I really like the way she couched the satin ribbon.

The second heart I received is from my friend Stephanie.  Stephanie’s work equals any I have seen…bar none.  She is a great source of inspiration and pushes me to do better than I think I can.  I love the colors and the beautiful silkie anchor piece.  The little girl reminds me of someone I used to be…Stephanie’s heart touched my inner child.

And a couple of close shots…I really can’t pick an element I like the best.  The little feather stitch and colonial knot seam treatment is precious…the button cluster is supreme.  Her silk ribbon rose is so sweet I can almost smell it.

I love the dragonfly and necklace…such pretty pearl beads.  Her wheels and colonial knots are perfect.

That concludes my heartfelt show and tell…

If you have not taken the opportunity to put your name in the hat for a chance to win a set of Robbie Field’s Creative Stitchery Success Strips, please feel free to do so.   If you have a set already and love them, why not tell your stitching friends about the giveaway so they can learn about them, too.  If you would like to have a set but don’t want to wait…you can order from Robbie by visiting her page Creative Stitchery Success Strips.  Robbie has quick service.  Disclaimer…I am in no way connected to or profit by the sale of Creative Stitchery Success Strips.  I just really like mine and think every free-form stitcher should have a set!

Until next time…

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.  2 Corinthians 8:9)

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A Heart For Angie

I finished this heart for Angie and remembered in the nick of time to take a picture of it so I could share it.

And that’s a wrap…

UPDATE:  Angie’s heart landed.  She sent me a lovely email I found in my inbox this morning.

YAAAA…finally got your heart.   I’m afraid the envelope was a little worse for wear.  It was pretty mangled.  it was put into on of their damage envelopes.  your return address was totally not there.  Thank goodness mine was pretty in tacked…

Judy, the heart is absolutely beautiful. I just love everything about it.  The A is perfect. and of course the spider web and spidy are great. I love the flowers and the beading.  Thanks for the extras on the side….none fell off.  I wish I could make the cris/cross as well as you.  yours are so evenly spaced.  I can never get them right….that’s why I don’t do them…. mine come out lopsided. Do you mark them or just eyeball them.  I see you love french notes…me too. LOL

Thank you again for swapping with me.   OBTW…Sorry my heart is so small compared to yours.  I love the bigger heart.  more room to CQ on.  Hope mine wasn’t a disappointment.

Thanks again,

Hugs,

Angie in NH

I am so glad it landed!  And…of course I reassured her I love and treasure the heart she made for me.  The only disappointment there would have been in this swap would have been the one I made for her never arriving!

Until next time…

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.   (John 1:12)

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Hearts…Broken and Crazy…and Other Bits (Giveaway Coming Soon)

Once again days have turned into weeks since my last post.  My dear husband and I took a trip to north Arkansas for a few days for a little rest and relaxation.  While we were visiting that part of the country we had the pleasure of visiting with my crazy quilting, online friend Hollie and her husband Mark. (picture of Hollie and me in the post before this one)  When we returned home we needed a few more days of rest and relaxation to revive from the road trip…If you are over fifty, you know what I’m talking about.

When we went out of town we left our dogs at home with our oldest daughter.  They love her dearly, and we never have to worry about them when they are in her care.  Our Great Dane started getting very finicky about eating while we were gone this time, and when we returned things went downhill from there.  We were hoping he was just being sensitive, because we left him and he would soon return to normal.   His hips had been getting bad for a while.  He showed signs of old age.  I’ve seen the “handwriting on the wall” for several months.  On Tuesday of last week he completely stopped eating.  Nothing I offered him would entice him to eat.   On Monday of this week we called our vet in to euthanize him.  He was beginning to show signs of suffering, and we had to gulp up the courage to do what was best for him.  Hence…the broken heart.  Bubba was a great dog and will be missed greatly.

Moving on to crazy hearts…Late last week a crazy quilting friend’s husband passed away.  My words are not adequate for expressing the sorrow I feel for her loss.  I’ve never walked that mile…I can only imagine the pain she is feeling.  This heart will be embellished with her in mind, and I will send it to her.  Hopefully I’ll have it completed and ready to go by weekend’s end.

The next heart is for a one on one heart swap…just because.   I constructed it a little bit bottom heavy and have not decided how I will handle that.

Speaking of one on one swaps…My friend Pam and I have entered into a one on one block swap.  We chose an 8 inch block.  Each of us made a naked block and exchanged them to embellish and return home.

Here is the one Pam sent to me.  She dyed all the fabrics herself.  Aren’t they lovely.   The colors are vibrant…brights are her favorite.

The block I sent to her is made of fabrics in far more muted colors…The trim along the edge of the curved patch was salvaged from a thrift store pillow case.  I call this block “two friends” because of the silkie I used for the anchor patch.

Last but not least, I worked on the final block I will angel stitch for in the World Wide Crazy Quilting encrusted RR.  The block belonged to Carol.  For my part I stitched the vine on the long blue patch, added stitching to the existing stitching on the anchor patch, and added the spider web and spider.  I tried a different web-making technique and have not decided if I like it as well as couching the web.

Before I go I want to announce my next giveaway.  Robbie Fields has generously offered to share two sets of her Creative Stitchery Success Strips to be given away one set at a time on my blog.   I will be featuring her success strips in a post very soon (or as soon as I can manage to get another post ready).  I recently bought a set of these strips from Robbie after hearing about them from several of my very accomplished stitching friends.  I’m so glad I did, because they make it so simple to space my embroidery stitches evenly and give them a more professional look. That’s a big plus when stitching compound-stitch, seam treatments.   I think every crazy quilter should have a set of these great stitching tools, and I have to wonder why I waited so long to buy them.  Click on the link and see how affordable they are.

Just for the record, I am hosting this giveaway because I really like the strips.  Robbie did not ask me to.  Only after I asked her if she minded if I featured her strips on my blog and told her I wanted to give a set away did she offer to furnish the sets.  I appreciate her generosity.  I expect nothing in return for hosting the giveaway.  It is my intention to share a wonderful stitching tool with those who are not aware of it.

Until next time…

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (Revelation 1:8)

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Hearts Times Two

A month or so ago two crazy quilting friends and I committed to a three-way heart swap.  The hearts I made are completed and delivered.  The yellow one was made especially for Stephanie.  The blue one was equally  especially made for Cris.  Making them was a pleasure…they’ve been well received by both ladies.  Each heart is made in a color considered a favorite by both instances and stitched heartfully with love.

Steph’s yellow heart.

Cris’s blue heart…

Speaking of crazy quilting friends, my husband and I took a few days last week for a much needed getaway.  We decided to visit north Arkansas, an area we both really like.  I contacted my never before seen friend Hollie and arranged to meet up with her and her husband.  Meeting both of them in person was a blessing.

Hollie on the right…I’m not sure if that makes her Mutt or Jeff.  🙂

That’s a wrap for this post.  It’s time to wrestle Bella into the car for a visit to the vet.

Until next time…

Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.  Isaiah 51:1

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18 Years Ago Today…

Eighteen years ago today my best friend and I married…one man and one woman…as God intended.  These have been eighteen years of what a marriage was meant to be…we’ve had our ups and downs, but we’ve worked through them.  We’ve loved each other and grown together.  I thank God for my dear husband and look forward to our remaining time together…until death do us part.

Another month managed to slip past since my last post.  Bella, the German Shepherd puppy I got for my birthday last month has all but sapped my energy.  She’s not quite four months old, but she is strong as an ox.  Bella is a good puppy, but she is ALL puppy.  Unfortunately her breeder had already started “aggression training” before I brought her home.  We are now trying to untrain her and teach her the manners that will make her a valuable companion and best friend.  For my purposes she won’t need aggression training.  These pictures were taken at the vet’s office yesterday while we were waiting our turn.

This one is a little blurry, but it shows how big she has gotten in such a short time…

Even now I am “forcing” myself to write a blog post.  My sweet friend Pam called me on the phone this past weekend to see if I was okay.  She had not seen me online for a while and just wanted to make sure something was not wrong.  We had a delightful visit, and I now feel closer to her than ever before.  I knew in my heart of hearts she is special and we have much in common, but our phone visit confirmed it.  It is because of her call that I am making the effort to update my blog.  (I appreciate you, Pam.)

While Pam and I were talking we decided to do a one-on-one crazy quilt block swap.  I’ll be making a block for her to embellish and return and vice versa.  I look forward to it and will share my naked block when I get it made.  We decided on an eight inch block.  It has been a while since I did a one on one swap and all my round robins have come full circle except for my blocks returning home, so I am ready and very happy to be doing this swap.  I am still expecting at least one more block I will be angel stitching on,  but I do not have a block in the round robin.  I also have one more one-on-one heart swap heart to finish and then all my commitments will be filled for June…for the summer, for that matter, so I am very glad to have the block swap with Pam to work on.

I have done some crazy quilting stitching since my last post.  Most of it has been on other people’s blocks.  I made my May CQJP block and called it finished although I may return to it and fill in some gaps.  Yellow is not one of my favorite colors and though I enjoyed working on it in spite of that fact, I tired of it and my ideas of what I needed to do next seemed to fizzle out.  I’ve started work on my June block and once finished I’ll revisit the yellow one.  Sometimes all it takes to come up with new ideas is a break.

Here is the May block…the corners are mighty bare.

A few close ups of detail…

Left upper…

Left lower…

Right upper…

Right lower…

Center…

Because yellow is a favorite color of a very special friend, I made this yellow heart for Steph in a one-on-one heart swap.  She said she is pleased.  I sure hope so.  I enjoyed making it for her.

I’m going to call this post to an end even though I have more crazy quilting updates to share.  Hopefully I will get back soon and finish what I started.  🙂  My washing machine is making terrible noise, and I really need to check on it.  (Ugh…a new washer is not on my list of things I would love to have, but ours has some years on it so it probably won’t live much longer.)  Bella needs to go outside, and even though it is miserably hot outside I really need to answer her distress call.

But before I go…look how beautiful…

Until next time…

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.  2 Corinthians 5:21

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Still Playing Catch-Up

We know where good intentions are said to lead, but I really had hoped to have a follow-up to my last post written much sooner.  Time has a way of getting away from me…it stands still for no man or woman.  (Historically it did stand still one time.  Does anyone know when?)  April swept past without a single post, and May is half over with only one.  It was my good intention to post pictures of the crazy quilting things of interest from April and pictures of the beautiful blessings of spring around our home very soon after my last post.  I’m crossing my fingers the fruition of this post comes to be quickly.

One thing I wanted to share is the beautiful hearts I received in the past Crazy Quilting for Newbies heart swap.  To say I love them is an understatement.  The first one pictured was created by Beryl.  I adore butterflies and bumblebees.  Beryl’s stitching is lovely.  Her heart won a spot in mine, and I am so glad it’s mine.

The next heart I’m showcasing was created by Stephanie.   I had the pleasure of seeing it in stages as it was created.  It was my heart’s desire for it to be mine, but there was no was I was going to ask Lesa to make it so.  I did ask God.  He even cares about little things like heart swaps.  Yes, He does!  What a wonderful surprise it was when I opened the envelope the day my hearts arrived to find one of the two hearts Stephanie created.  I felt blessed beyond words.  Because Stephanie does not have a blog I want to share the other heart she made.  (I’m sharing without permission with hopes she won’t mind.  Sometimes forgiveness is easier to get than permission…so I will take a chance.  I don’t remember who received  Stephanie’s second, but I know they were as wowed as I was with mine.

Stephanie’s butterfly heart…it’s mine, mine, mine.  🙂  Is it not beyond gorgeous?

Stephanie’s fan heart…Wow!  I understand the fan was constructed of very vintage silk.  Exquisite is the word that comes to mind.

Snowballs in Southeast Mississippi are rare any time of the year, but I made two in April.  These were crazy quilt snowballs from the snowball fight at Crazy Quilting International.  I exchanged snowballs with Kristie and Nicki Lee.  Snowballs are a bit of a challenge for me, because the palette is so small.  Still I take the challenge when it is issued.

I shared the snowball Nicki Lee sent to me in a past post.  It was, as is with all of Nicki’s work, gorgeous.  She requested an under the sea theme (UTS).  What I did turned out okay, but I didn’t feel like it was anything spectacular.  My stash is not very UTS heavy, but I plan on working on that just a bit.

Kristie requested a snowball made from oranges, pinks, turquoise, golds and/or browns.  She left the theme up to the stitcher.  I guess it goes without saying, I went with pinks and a dragonfly.

The April TAT RR I worked on belonged to Linda.  Linda requested a “religious” theme.

Full block with all stitcher’s work to date…

I added a row of sheaf stitch representing wheat, a row of abstract angels, JOY (which should be in every Christian’s heart) and a row of little church houses.

I also added a pretty floral Venice lace motif and stitching.

Last but not least, I worked on Thearica’s block in the ALL THINGS PRETTY RR at World Wide Crazy Quilting.  After four block rotations I am finally getting into the swing of working on six-inch blocks.  Initially they were a challenge because of the smaller size and the fact that each stitcher in the round robin did one block alone.  Thearica’s blocks are all really sweet.

I think that is a wrap.  Currently I am working on the last block I will work on in the TAT RR.  It belongs to Sue S., and my work should be completed in the next few days.  I am trying a technique new to me and am finding it pretty tough on my fingertips.  (No, I don’t use a thimble.  I lost the only thimble I was able to get used to and have never seen another one like it.  All thimbles are not created equally.)  I’ve had to give them a rest in between stitching sessions.  I’ve also got a couple of World Wide Crazy Quilting Encrusted RR blocks to do angel work on.  My May CQJP block is still unconstructed.  I’ve selected the fabrics, but finding the time to sit at the machine to put the block together hasn’t happened.  In addition, I am mentoring the Color Theory Class at Stitchmap for the first time.  Mentoring is a great way to give back what has been given to you.

Speaking of time and it not happening…my time has been consumed with a new puppy.  Because our other dogs are older, mature dogs, I had forgotten what an enormous demander of time and energy a puppy is.  I do crate train her, so I get a break in between the time she is socializing and exercising to rejuvenate.  Meet Bella the newest member of our family…she is an almost ten week old  German Shepherd.  This picture was taken last Thursday shortly before we left the breeder’s house.  Look at the feet on this puppy!  Today her ears are much more erect than they were when the picture was taken…and there is no doubt she is bigger.  The little stinker weighed 17 1/2 pounds yesterday.  Bella is very smart and though she is quite absent of manners, she is learning quickly.  I believe she will make a fine dog/companion when she’s settled down and has a bit of training under her belt.  AND I plan on surviving the puppy stage.  🙂

Okay, that’s a wrap.  The pretty spring flowers will have to wait until next time.  I might even manage another post before May has slipped past.  🙂

Until next time…

And Jesus answering them began to say,  Take heed lest any man deceive you.  Mark 13:5

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Heart Two and March CQJP 2013

This morning I finished embellishing the blue heart I made for the Crazy Quilting for Newbies swap.  One of my daughters saw it, and asked why I put spiders on EVERYTHING?  Which I don’t.  But I told her spider webs were a symbol of good luck on Victorian crazy quilts.  Since these heart-shaped quilt blocks are swapped as a token of friendship, and I wish all my friends nothing but good things, a spider web and fantasy spider seem perfectly at home on my block.

Here’s a closeup of my harmless little spider…He wouldn’t bite anyone.

I’ve also completed my March CQJP 2013 block.

And a few shots of detail…

Right upper corner…

Right Lower Corner…another harmless spider.

Left Upper Corner…

Left Lower Corner..

Inner…

Another…

And last…beautiful lichens…

Thank you for looking.  Your feedback is welcome. 

Until next time…

And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!  John 1:36

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Let It Snow and A Purple Heart

There is a snowball fight at Crazy Quilting International, and living in Southeast Mississippi, the only way I’m likely to see a snowball is to join in this friendly swap. 

A couple or so weeks ago I received this snowball from Hollie.  I neglected to post a picture of it when it first arrived, so it’s a really good thing these snowballs are stable, and they don’t melt!  🙂  She and I swapped snowballs with an Under The Sea theme.  I love the creative under water creatures and bright colors Hollie used in this seascape.  I’ve got to take the time to learn the drizzle stitch she used.  It creates such a cool 3D effect.  Hollie left a generous margin so I could trim her snowball to the size I collect.  (Her picture was so clear I snagged it and used it…thank you for the use of your picture of my snowball, Hollie.  I hope you don’t mind me using it.)

Hollie received this snowball from me…

Yesterday I received a beautiful, girly-girl snowball created by Nicki Lee.  It’s made in a garden theme and features her hand-dyed lace motifs.  Nicki Lee’s snowball fits me to a “t”.  I love the colors and lovely laces she used.  I have not fulfilled my end of this swap yet…but I will.  🙂

Finally, I am sharing the first of the hearts I made for the heart swap hosted by Crazy Quilting for Newbies.  I decided to embellish it using one color of floss, some beads for a bit of bling and a few buttons.  I kept it simple. 

I’m still working on the green heart I constructed and will share it when it is finished. I’ve enjoyed working on the hearts so much, I might even make another one before the mailing deadline.  I appreciate you looking and hope you will leave a comment to let me know you were here.   I welcome your feedback.

Until next time…

A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.  Song of Solomon 4:15

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