Last post of 2011 - Glitter & Glisten Ornaments

It has been a busy December...



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are pics of some ornaments that I made this month.  They are from kits that I picked up on ebay earlier this year. The ornaments are called Glitter & Glisten from Lee Ward's and Carter's Dexter's - probably from the early 1970's.  Needless to say, they didn't want to have their photos taken and I couldn't get a good picture.

They look super on the tree -- but since the tree is already down, perhaps next year.

I hope you had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!

Pillowcases - tips that work for me

Pillowcase projects are lined up in my sewing room and I have completed three this week.  These are a great gift for any occasion.  Before I started this batch of cases, I browsed through the various instructions and tutorials as a refresher.

If you are new to pillowcases there are several wonderful photo tutorials as well as some great youtube videos.   There are a couple of things that can make it easier to complete the process.  When making a case using piping or trim, by the time you get the the final step -- finishing the french seam -- you will be going through 14 layers of fabric but the bulk of 28.  If you pillowcase is made of flannel it can be really hard to keep it moving and neat.

1) if available, use a walking foot.  this will help control the layers so that they stay even, helping the cuff/trim seams to line up.

2) I find that hand cranking the machine as I go through the bulk gives me better progress and control.  You might find that you will need to help the fabric along, I do.  Don't try to pull the fabric through the machine -- if you need to, lift the presser foot give a fabric a nudge (not more than a stitch length) put the presser foot back down and continue to hand crank.

3) wash and press (or rinse and spin) your fabric before you begin the process.  I know that there is quite a bit of dialog regarding washing prior to quilting -- this isn't a quilt.   As fabric is prepared for sale it is stretched -- washing helps it spring back to it's natural state.  You don't want your pillowcase to shift sideways or the cuff to go wonky after it has been washed.

On The Stove by N. Strelkina - Heaven and Earth Designs

"On the Stove" - original art by N. Strelkina

photo from -- http://public.fotki.com/strelkina/boxes-fedoskino/580.html

There are a few companies that create cross stitch charts that are massive, intimidating and amazing.  One of them is Heaven and Earth Designs (HAED) , they have an extremely large and diverse selection of charts available -- to date, I have purchased three and have my eye on a few more.  I'm a little reluctant to make too much of an investment in additional charts because most do not show a completed stitched piece and I find that a bit odd.  Based on the number of new charts that are added to the website I'll guess that they are using a program that helps to ensure accuracy.

Despite my concern, I have gathered all of the supplies to start my first HAED - "On The Stove" by Nadezhda Strelkina.  This is so beautiful that I couldn't help myself.  I suppose it would be much easier to order a print but this piece is speaking to me.  The chart count is 350 x 457 -- larger than anything I have stitched (or attempted to stitch).

"On the Stove" was included in my 2012 stitching goals as a new start.  There is no doubt that it will be a project that will span years.

Christmas Potpourri BOM Quilt Block 4

Today I finished block 4 of the Christmas Block of the Month Quilt.  I'm a little distracted this time of the year and managed to make one sewing mistake that I was not willing to change.  The star in the bottom right should be dark with a light background -- oops!  Not changing it.

New Year / New Goals - Stitching 2012

Last year was the first time I set stitching goals for myself. All in all, it worked out pretty well so I am going to try it again. The most important thing was that the goals could be changed at any time.  Having something to remind me of what I would like to accomplish was great since I am easily distracted with new projects.

2012 Stitching Goals

Projects in progress:
St Basil's needlepoint
TS Bear needlepoint stocking
Tish Celebration needlepoint (any progress counts!)
Christmas Potpourri BOM quilt
Knit bandages - on going (and very portable)

New projects:
Heaven & Earth Designs cross stitch On the Stove (nope, I don't expect to finish it)
Christmas ornaments - 3 each - needlepoint, cross stitch, bead/sequin & felt/sequin
HeartStrings needlepoint The Carolers - complete 3 of the set
Lap Quilt - using only kit or fabrics already owned
Two full size quilts - using only kits or fabrics already owned

This is a very do-able list! The trick will be to stitch in the evening rather than spend all night surfing the internet or playing games!