Progress on my crazy quilt project "Hats" .

First I would like to show a view of my work set-up.  The day's here have been beautiful so as much as possible I like to work outside.  If the wind is quiet then sitting on the patio or under a tree is the best for stitching and listening to music.

Before I head outside I pick one square to focus on. I then go through my stash and find the various threads, lace and trims I think may work for that piece. I look for a variety of weights and colors of threads, and I try to find a special lace or trim for each piece. Just a plain box top works fine for a clean safe way to move inside to out.

Then it's time to stitch.  These pieces are all in the first phase, meaning I like to do all the embroidery stitching  at this time.  I try to make an even amount of stitching across all the squares. 

When this phase is done I will move on to a phase two where I will start to add the ribbon work.

Then it's on to phase three with beads, buttons and trinkets. I find this works for me as my threads don't get caught on the beads, etc.

I hope you enjoyed phase one.  If you noticed odd open spaces or unfinished areas that is because there is a plan for those areas to have buttons or beading or maybe a surprise!  I hope you check back to see what might happen.

Thanks for stopping in.

Have a wonderful day!

MaryEllen

Gelli Printing!!

My gelli plate arrived and I'm experimenting!!!

What a mess!!

The FIRST RUN.

experimenting with papers and fabrics.

For now I'm working with what paints I have on hand and scrap paper and fabrics.

Oh boy, this is like eating potato chips you can't stop at just one.  Look for more crazy pulls in the future.  And then, of course, how I end up using them.

Thanks for stopping in.

Have a wonderful day.

MaryEllen

The Butterfly Challenge--Making Fidget Quilts

Hi everyone! I'm so sorry it's been a few months since I posted anything but travel and just working on projects has been keeping me busy.  I'm sure everyone can relate to that!

Today's post is really about making something out of a mistake.  Ever have one of those projects that just didn't work out?! Now what do you do with something that's not really something you want or need.  

My local BEE had a summer challenge to use this wonderful panel.  Each member of the BEE received the same panel and we could do whatever - large, small, use lots of the panel or just a bit, our choice.

 

The panel was beautiful and so full of color!

"Awaken' by CHONG-A HWANG For Timeless Treasures Fabrics.

I jumped right in making a wall hanging, adding extra blocks, lots of sashing and tons of quilting.  The finished piece was fine but not my vision.  I didn't really have a space to hang it.  I hadn't planned on it as a baby quilt so I didn't use the best soft fabric for the backing.  Now what?.

Awakening panel. My attempt at designing a butterfly blocks.  Poppy blocks - patterns and tutorials may be found by several artists on Pinterest.  Cotton backing. 80/20 batting. Free motion quilting on my domestic machine.

If you follow me you may remember that I enjoy making fidget quilts for an Alzheimer/dementia charity.

So I picked up the rotary cutter and slash--4 pieces!

I then went to work adding the fun stuff.  Ribbons, yo-yo's, lace rick-rack. and various trims.

    A stitching detail to show how it can be used for extra texture.

I stayed with mostly trims and stitching.  Buttons and other things can be added to fidget quilts but great care must be taken that they are firmly on, so I decided to pass on using them for this project.

In the end I was super excited to use this colorful panel in a way that will truly brighten someone's day!

Thanks for stopping in.

I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful day

MaryEllen