String-a-Long Quilt Guild show

S

A visual feast!!!!!    

String-a-Long web site link - HERE.

Facebook link HERE.

Quilts on exhibit

If you get the chance, stop by Lockport, IL
and see the quilts on display.

It is four miles from 355 in Lockport, Illinois.

I visited Sunday afternoon + caught the presentation, too.

NANI friend, Lynn, had gone and said some nice things about the information + quilts in the gallery. I headed out there (oh my, they really need to fix 80).

The display is up thru September 16, 2011 ....

Did I mention the Yarn + Tea store next door to the gallery?

Or the Quilt Store on the Corner? Oh yes, visited those, too.

Found this perfect size
Art Bin at the Yarn Store.

Yes, the size 20 fibers
fit well!!!

People who knit have the best stuff!

The Gathering of Quilters March 18-19, 2011

Heritage Quilters in Crown Point
host "The Gathering of Quilters"
March 18 - 19, 2011

Juried Quilt Show - vendors - speakers - challenges
- American Girl Doll raffle - Quilt raffle
- book + magazine sale - silent Auction
- Quilt Appraisals - trunk show - bed turning

schedule of events
speakers

Pre-register/prepay
or walk-in:
Saturday, March 19, 2011
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
$20.00.

--------------------
The Patrician Banquet Center
410 East US Highway 30
Schererville, IN 46375

The Patrician Banquet Center is located 1 mile East of US 41,
and 5.7 miles West of I-65 between Austin Ave + Cline Ave,
on the North side of US 30 (Schererville, Indiana)

21st Annual Gathering of Quilters

Happy Thanksgiving!

Flowers from my Mother-in-Law

Close-up of the lillies

This picture is for Karol, who wanted to see my yo-yos.
I need 54 small yo-yos to make a small bear.
More about yo yos in This Post.
I've also made 4 butterfly yo yos, 4 flower yo yos (2 sizes), several hearts, and circle yo yos in 4 sizes.
And, yes, I'm going to use them ; )

Lake Co Fair (1 of 2 posts)

HANDICRAFTS I
Class 708: Holiday Decoration - Not Spec
Second Place Ribbon

Spring Fling
c.2004 Homespun Elegance Ltd.
Designed by Sandra Sullivan

I made some changes to the design: For this project, I flipped the motifs & changed the over-dye fiber colors.
The flowers & bunny tail are french knots.
I used Buttercrunch GAST, Cadet WDW, Kudzu WDW, Camellia WDW, Bordeaux WDW & a small amount of Straw WDW + Molasses WDW on 32-ct Lambswool Linen.

To finish into a small pillow I used Mill Hill glass seed beads #02019 around the edge.

NEEDLECRAFT II
Class 1117: Counted Cross Misc - Miniature Item
First Place Ribbon

Mimi's Pin Cube
Olde Colonial Designs
C.2003 by Pamela D. Reed

This kit included 32-ct Fratelli Graziano Italian Cream Siena Linen,
Gentle Art Old Red Paint and Grecian Gold,
DMC 3052, 611 & 642.
The pins, cardboard, and padding also included in the kit.
I managed to lace the linen to
the cardboard & padding.
Whip stitched them together & pushed in the pins.



SEWING
Class 1378: Home Decor - Decorating Pillow
First Place Ribbon

My Original Design - hand sewn, hand applique

This is a patriotic theme I designed.
It was a challenge to select the red,white,blue fabrics from my slim stash.
Just fun to create something unique.
The applique and stitching is not perfect; however, I'm pleased with the way it turned out.

Porter Co Fair (2 of 4) Results

Section 101 -- Special Occasion (any Holiday, Special Event)
c Needleart

Free
c.2008 Teri Richards
Shepherd's Bush

Stitched with Simply Shaker Brethren Blue, GAST Cranberry, Simply Shaker Antique Rose, GAST Evergreen, GAST Black Crow, GAST Tarnished Gold on 28-ct Country French Latte. Flag Button w/pattern. 03003 Red Mill HIll Beads.

Comments by Judge: "Wow! Very nicely done Good color selections"

Section 505 -- Needlepoint & Quickpoint
a. Canvas

Project Encore by Carmen Rupert

DMC 312 PC#5 & Watercolours by Caron 068 Mediterranean
Beads are 3mm round corrugated

Comments by Judge: "Nice choice of colors. Even Stitching. Nice finishing"

Section 110--Home Decorating Articles (Not Quilted)
c. Pillows

Honey Bee

Judge's coment: "Verry pretty. Well done! Corners should be stuffed a little more"

Porter Co Fair (1 of 4)

Congratulations to my Mom my NANI + blogging GFs Debbie Elaine Karol Pat & Sue on their ribbons & awards at the Porter Co Fair: Pat & her Mom came to the Home Ec exhibit Sunday afternoon & took some pictures It is so much fun to put entries on display! And so kewl to see what others put on their blogs link here Sharing some of My Results: Section 110a -- Home Decorating Articles (sewn) This is one square of a 4-block I entered more pictures here Judge commented: "Great color choice. Well done--good craftsmanship. Nice pattern" Section 103c -- Dolls (Not Stuffed Animals), Other Inner Child Doll Judge commented "What fun. Good choice of color and materials. Good craftsmanship. Section 507b -- Miscellaneous Needlecraft -- Other (smocking, tatting, latch hook, etc) Punchneedle Fob Judge commented: "Nice scissors fob"

I won! I won!

My desk:
Did you notice the tower of fabric??? It is Miss Jump's Scrap Bag by Linda Brannock, moda
"Small charming prints in the warm colors you have come to love by Linda Brannock. Perfect for those primitive and civil war quilts"

I entered a contest via the Facebook Page American Patchwork & Quilting Magazine ; Jill's Blog - Rag Lady.
Check it out -- Become a Fan!
I have to figure out what quilt pattern to use. There are endless possibilities. Any suggestions?

Here is a close-up:

Thx to Jill & the American Patchwork & Quilting Magazine for offering this special prize. I'm delighted!

Quilting Bees

Quilting Bees are being held at the Deep River County Park in Wood's Historic Grist Mill:

Sun. May 24, Jun 28, Jul 26


The quilt on the frame is the Lotsa Potsa Flowers assembled from blocks donated by people in the community.

New quilt block pattern will be available for the next quilt Friendship Star. Patterns are available at the quilting bee or request a pattern anytime the Mill is open -- deadline for these blocks is Sun., Oct 25th @4pm

Questions? Contact:
Lake County Parks and Recreation Department Corporate Office
8411 East Lincoln Highway
Crown Point, IN 46307
Phone: 219-769-PARK (7275)

International Quilt Festival

I enjoyed the Quilt Festival! I was gobsmacked by the display of quilts. The variety & creativity was unlike anything I've ever seen! Was double-fun being with GFs & spotting unusual details in the textiles.

If you missed the festival, check out this link: Quilt Festival Gallery On-line
In addition to the beautiful quilt display, there were classes (which I didn't sign up for), demonstrations, and shopping -- row after row after row of vendors. What fun to view the sites & locate those hidden treasures! I found some nice notecards (for Mom) and couldn't pass up a 'pin' as keepsake.


I couldn't leave this book Bunnies & More behind. It has the most charming bunny outlines w/buttonhole edge. Loved the shapes. And, if you go to this link, there is an on-line bonus pattern.

crazy quilting

I had mentioned the crazy quilt kit I got from the Quilt Show:in this post , and am just getting around to taking some pictures of the fabulous ribbons & kit, including the silkie or ciggie image on cloth. I picked the bride & groom as DH+I celebrated our 25th anniversary Oct 1st. I thought the ribbons so beautiful, I've pinned them to the wall!! Don't forget to swing by Pat Winter's blog, blog link here, for beautiful photographs & a showcase of her artistic talent. I bought her book, link here, and have enjoyed every page. I've gone thru it several times. Not sure I'll ever be as good at this as she is, but then again, there is always her Etsy store for finished projects, and more supplies.

I browsed my closet & did unearth a couple books on ribbon embroidery, crazy quilting stitches, and seam decorating. In addition to that, I pulled out a past Indiana State Day project where blocks were passed out & stitchers encouraged to embellish. I didn't get very far!! Now that I have some inspiration & a sack of lace from GF Sue, I think I'll have to give this a try.

What is a "ciggie"?

As for the term "ciggie", which I used in my previous post, Pat was gracious to describe as: "For those inquiring, "Ciggies" are cloth images that crazy quilters use in their work. It refers to the cloth prints that were premiums in cigarette packs years ago to encourage sales, hence the word, "Ciggies". We also call them "silkies"."

Some on-line information about the early 1900's cigarette silks here, and here .

I'm looking forward to giving CQ a try!---------------------------I am still stitching on a sample for the 2009 State Day -- no photos for the blog.

I did finish up this:

As you can see, there is still a small sampler to stitch:I found my over dye fibers & would like to get the sampler stitched soon.

As for the pattern, I've had some inquiries and requests. Currently, I still need the picture & pattern. If you are interested, leave a comment here or send an e-mail. After I complete the sampler, I'll decide. It is out of print & the price was $6.00 -- not sure what it is going for on e-bay.

Lake County Fair: Sewing & Collectibles

Home Decorating (1376) Living/Family Room ItemFirst PlaceMore pictures & information HERE.

Home Decorating (1378) Home Decorating PillowSecond PlaceMore Information & pictures HERE

CollectiblesI thought it would be fun to try this section. Only one ribbon awarded. Maybe I'll do better next year!
(221) Doll/StandClothespin Dolls, made by my Mom

(243) Buttons 9x12 displayThird Place!

(244) Cookie Cutters (6)These were used by my Brothers & Sister while we were growing up

(263) Not Specified AboveThread winders

Porter Couty Fair: Home Decorating Articles

Section 110 (c.) PillowsMy Original DesignThird PlaceComments: Beautiful Craftsmanship. Good Color and pattern choice

SECTION 110 (e.) OtherBuzz My Grapes Tabletopper and BellpullDesigned by Claudia Dutcher, Dutch Treat Designs, c.2000,First Place
Comments:Very beautiful!! Thank you for all the extra effort on the back of your piece. The bee buttons are just adorable.

"Spring Fling"

"Spring Fling"c.2004 Homespun Elegance Ltd.Designed by Sandra Sullivan
I enjoyed stitching this charming design. I made some changes to the design. All explained HERE . To finish into a small pillow (looks too cute displayed in a basket on the table) I used Mill Hill glass seed beads #02019 around the edge.
I bought the thread winders at House of Stitches. I've had my eye on them for some time. I saw them on the Skinner Sisters web site. Says they are made out of cattle "bone and horn". Just had to add them to my thread winder collection : )
As for my pillow form, I did find the RIGHT size on sale at JoAnn Fabrics. Next time I ever make a pillow -- I'll have to remember to have the finished size measure 12", 14", 16" or 18" square!! Otherwise, I'm not sure how to make a pillow form. This one had a zipper -- so, I guess it goes on the bottom? I'm such a newbie with sewing. There is a picture of the pillow case I designed HERE. It is an original design. I donated the pattern to The Applique Society.

Q & A

Thank you for your kind comments! And, to answer some questions:

On May 5, 1998, I joined the local chapter, Needle Artisans of Northwest Indiana (NANI) of The Embroiderers' Guild of America, Inc. (EGA). TEN YEARS AGO!!! I've been stitching for 10 years : ) Happy Stitching Anniversary TO ME : )

- - o - o - o - -

The threadwinders seen in above photograph & pictured in this post are inexpensive, & purchased at Hobby Lobby. They were 50% off in the beading aisle. Called River Shell Pendant, Traditions, Natural Gallery. I bought a couple of them & use them as thread winders.

- - o - o - o - -
Yes, I finished a couple of blocks. I don't know which one to submit.More information on the Friendship Quilt, 2008 HERE .

- - o - o - o - -
Mary: Here is a picture of the needlebook (rabbit):

It is from:In The Woods, The Prairie Schooler, c.1994, Book No. 46. I also stitched the Chipmunk for another needlebook: