Quilt finishes at the end of 2013 and start of 2014

For the last couple of months in 2013, I had two quilts hanging over my head and stuck under my sewing machines. Both of the quilts were for my husband and were gifts. I finally found some quilting mojo in December and finished them.

This was his Valentine 2013 quilt gift - the color choices were based upon a single Michael Miller fabric I found. I loved the sweet fishing motif and the cheerful colors.

My husband's favorite part of the quilt? He loves the single block on the back. My quilt backs are usually very boring and I'm happy that this small departure is appreciated.

The second quilt was from Luke Haynes' QAL at WeAllSew.  The QAL is for a wall hanging, but I've made so many deer art quilts for my husband, I felt the need to break away. I pulled from a collection of his old jeans and created a small lap quilt. It's the prefect size for him while he relaxes in the recliner with a beer.

He loves it and doesn't share it often with anyone else. I'll take that as a compliment!

One of my first quilts for 2014 is inspired by a line from a poem..
"I've loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night."
It will be another liberated quilt in dark shades of black with a pop of a white star here and there. I'm very excited and always looking for time to sneak off and sew a bit more on it.

I'm still enjoying my Paperclay as much as ever. I have two figures under contruction right now. I'm almost done with this piece - The Hand Quilter. It was fun to blend my two favorite past times..

Have you started any projects yet?

XO,
Jenny

The Stitches That Bind

Oh my, this was just too much fun to make! I have been itching to do another encaustic / textile mixed media piece. My girls both had the flu this past week and there has been little time to sleep nor play. As soon as fevers subsided and laundry cleaned, I ran to the studio for some art therapy!

This was done on a mounted canvas. I pulled out one of my easels and acrylic paints with glee. I then layered it with the quilting cotton fabric (they are from Blend, Charlotte Lyons line - Walnut Hill Farm) I embroidered on linen the following quote - "Reinforce the stitch that ties us, and I will do the same for you". They were embedded into the canvas with warm, hot beeswax.

I wanted something more.. Something organic. I wanted to have some free motion sketching on the canvas, but I did not want to cover up more of the paint with chunks of fabric. I had an idea!

I knew that you could create free standing lace by stitching soluble stabilizer and tulle. I wondered if I could do that with just free motion sketching and if the hot buttery wax could melt the stabilizer. And it did! Looking back I could have washed off the stabilizer, dried it and then embedded... Oh well, maybe I will try that next week.

This was such a fun treat to make after a week of some ickiness.
I think it is the perfect Valentine art and just placed it on Etsy.. 

Putty In My Hands

Wah! I'm still fighting with my Yudu original machine & Cardshop.. Hopefully in the next week I can report back all my findings...

In the meantime, I was able to screen print these for Kiddo's Valentine party at school! In one container, there is home made Kool-Aid play dough and the other one is chock full of chocolate.

Why the green paint instead of traditional red or pink?? Well green is Kiddo's favorite color and her request!

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for our Valentine card to you!

Creating From The Heart

This is my latest piece of soldered art. I'm so ever thankful to Lauri Grimshaw-Cox for her class that I took last month. I'm no longer sad when I see my soldering supplies, in fact I've dedicated a portion of my studio for it. There are so many things I want to create! I love shadowboxes and little assemblages; you better believe the next one is going to include some quilting..

Even though I'm so happily married, I do remember the sting of Valentine's Day from years ago. I still have mixed feelings about the day... I think this piece of art reflects that for me. Our hearts are fragile and hidden away..

I hope this piece inspires you! And well if you are so inclined to want to purchase it, I have it up for sale in my Etsy store..

Valentine Sweaters For The Girls

I have been wanting to make the girls special Valentine clothes. It dawned on me after I made my homework for Jenny Doh's class, that my little crochet heart applique would be adorable on a shirt! 

There are NO plain shirts at Target, my favorite place to shop with the girls. Not a single plain white, pink, or red shirt in sight.. I couldn't believe it. I ended up getting a matching set of dark pink cardigans. This is actually a better idea since we are still getting snow in Utah.

OK, are you ready to see how it's done? Here we go..

*This project involves basic machine sewing and crochet stitches*

What do you need?

*5" square of fabric (the heart applique)

*starch

* item of clothing to decorate

*pearl cotton, size 5, in coordinating color

*embroidery needle

*size 1 crochet needle (don't be afraid!)

*lightweight fusible stabilizer

*fusible fleece

This starch technique is not mine - I read about it on Piece N Quilt, an awesome site & tutorial worthy of your time. You basically want to oversaturate your fabric square with starch and lots of ironing. Hop on over to the site to get the full details. This will prevent your fabric from unraveling. Yes, you can use fusible webbing if you prefer, but I think this is just as effective and quicker.

After lots of starching & ironing, I freehand cut two hearts out (one for each of my girls).

Here are my two heart appliques. I was thrilled to find a scrap Valentine fabric with green hearts - green is Kiddo's all time favorite color!

Next I spray and pin basted the fabric heart on top of the cardigan.
Then cut a small piece of lightweight fusible stabilizer - large enough to cover the size of the applique, but not too much bigger. Place the adhesive side of the stabilizer to the backside of the cardigan, right behind where the applique is going. Iron, iron, iron..
Most likely whatever clothing item you are sewing the applique to, will be a stretchy material - this stabilizer will cut down the curse words you say while you sew.. Don't bypass this step, it is important..

Now with a fairly small zigzag, sew the heart down. You don't want it so small that it doesn't catch the fabric well, but you don't want it too large either. I used a size 3 on my machine and that was pretty close to perfect. I did use white thread, but monofilament is my favorite...

Take a length of the pearl cotton thread and thread it on the embroidery needle. Then complete a backstitch outline of the heart. You want the stitch length to be about 1/4" long. If you make the stitches too much smaller, you will fight with your crochet needle later. You also don't want to make the stitches too much larger or it will be loose on the fabric. It's not imperative that they are absolutely the same size, just as close to 1/4" as possible.

 Here it is all stitched up.. Now time for the fun!

 Using the same pearl cotton thread, at the bottom of the heart begin crocheting single stitches through the 1/4" backstitch. For some of my stitches I was actually able to fit two single stitches in. This part doesn't matter.. The important part is to single crochet all around the perimeter, using the backstitches as a base.

Here it is all done. I think it looks pretty adorable just like that! But I continued on to make it a bit more ruffly..If you want to stop there, just sew in your tails and iron a small piece of fusible fleece on the back of the cardigan, covering your stabilizer and stitches.

If you want to continue..

Slip stitch into your first single stitch; you will be creating a picot edge.

In every single stitch, you will: 

slip stitch, double crochet, slip stitch.. all the way around. 

It gives it a little bumpy ruffle.

Once you reach the last stitch, slip stitch into the first and sew in your tails.

Iron on a small piece of fusible fleece and you're done!

I hope you love it! It's a fun technique that you could use a lot of different ways. Wouldn't this be fun on a set of tea towels or pillow case?

If you make some, please let me know! I would love to see it..
And if you need clarification on any steps, just let me know..

Learning From Jenny

A few weeks ago, I saw Jenny Doh post about her publishing class. I told myself I couldn't afford another class that month. Then I reminded myself that I've had one book deal fall through  and had yet to finalize the two that are under review.. I wondered if there was something that I was missing.

There was..

I remember when I first presented my super secret book idea to the first publisher. I was excited, I had a book outline, I had project instructions.. I didn't have completed samples, I didn't have evidence of it on my blog. It was a secret! I couldn't share it online. What if someone saw it and ran with the idea before I could? What if someone could get it published before I could? What if the publisher thought there would be no reason to create a book of projects that I had already shown the world? What if, what if, what if?? And so I didn't share on my blog. And so I didn't  show evidence of an art that I'm passionate about. And so the book deal was dropped. Maybe the publisher was concerned that I didn't have enough experience. How could they know if I didn't give them reason to believe?

I accept that my worse fears may still come true, but I also believe that unless I take that chance, my art is without purpose. I truly want to inspire others and help break ground on a new genre of mixed media. I hope you will take that journey with me.

So what is at the heart of this secret. my super cool book idea? Well I've become passionate about mixing the art of crochet with quilting and sewing projects. I have researched and developed methods of incorporating the two art forms. Below is a picture of my homework assignment from the fabulous Jenny. It is a quilt square with an appliqued heart and crocheted trim. The crochet is done actually on the quilt square! 

Do you like it? Do you want to learn more? I sure hope so.. This week I'll show to create this project as an adorable Valentine shirt! I hope my tutorial will be something you want to make. I hope you DO make it and show me.. I hope I can get you excited about this...

Whew.. see that wasn't so hard. It's amazing to me that I thought I had truly learned the lesson to create with my hand open. To share, share, share.. And last night I realized my fingers were still slightly clenched.. Thank you Jenny Doh for helping me relax and enjoy this crazy journey..

Modern Cowboy

For this week on Project Quilting we were asked to create a work based off a song title. I knew immediately that I wanted to work on this quilt for my family. I've envisioned this quilt for several months and just haven't had the time to dedicate to it. My song inspiration was "Modern Cowboy" by Tesla and I was also inspired by my family.

I wish I could photograph this piece in a way that does it justice. There are a number of painted layers with thread painting as well.

I can't wait to hang it in our bedroom. I know my Cowboy's life is nothing like he envisioned, but more importantly, I know he loves it with every bit of his heart..

Chocolate Kisses

I love rag quilts. They are so fluffy and only get more cuddly after each wash. The only thing I don't love about rag quilts..is cutting them!

Don't you agree? Well if you do agree and you're in Utah, you are in luck! Early this year at Thimbles & Threads I will be teaching this Valentine baby rag quilt and the best part? I will have all the fabric & batting precut & fringed for you! Yup! You get to come to class and enjoy the best part of quilting - the quilting! I alternated between traditional X's and free motioned hearts, but you can do whatever you like.

  

Now, I have the same fabric on the back - I personally love this look. It's like a whole new patchwork blanket on the back.

Don't live in Utah? Don't want to quilt, but want this? I have them available on my Etsy store and will custom make it for you.

Warning - Sweet Factor Reaching Maximum!

OK.. I had no foresight into the possible Project Run & Play themes

otherwise I would not have made

Isabelle's first Valentine dress a couple themes ago.

What to do??

Well several friends suggested making a dress for their little girl.

And I'd be happy to, but usually there are tons of little revisions

that require fittings.

((Even my bestest bestie suggested I make a dress for

her little boy..he's just that darn pretty..lol!))

And I'm addicted.

I couldn't miss a week.

I am learning so much by forcing myself out of my comfort zone

and creating these items without a pattern.

This week is my favorite outfit!

Her sweet black velvet tank and silky bubble skirt

is all Valentine in my book.

She looks ready for a special dance with her Prince Daddy.

Iron Craft #5

This week on Iron Craft, we were to do a Valentine.

Since last week my Valentine was dedicated to my girls,

this week I made one for the love of my life - my hubs.

The man I love, the way a fat kid loves cake.

I'm not sure where I first heard the saying, but I *love* it.

And since for part of my childhood I was chubster,

I feel entitled to be able to say it without feeling like it is offense.

((That's my way of saying, I hope it doesn't offend you))

For this project I did free form cross-stitch.

Cross-stitch was probably my first needle craft when I was a youngster.

There is a lot of satisfaction and it's not technically difficult.

Unfortunately I look at it now and think it is so antiquated.

And I'm not a fan of subversive cross-stitch.

Odd, huh?

I would think subversive + crafty = right up my alley.

But it's not.. I typically find it crude.

I figured there HAS to be something in the middle.

Something between a bunny dressed as a bear and embroidered cuss words.

This is what I came up with!

I drew the words with a transfer pen - trying to emulate a child's writing.

I then dove in with my needle.

I had to make 1 change while stitching without a plan.

Lucky me I had some fabulous cupcake fabric in my stash.

I love food fabric, but rarely can come up with a good project.

I adore my little cake and fork on this mini quilt.

It's rare that I can think of a craft that my hubby will like.

He likes beer, hunting, and his girls (us..not some random girls..anyways..)

I know he will like this =D

And I hope you do too..

So go buy or stash hunt for some good ol' cross-stitch fabric,

and try it out without a pattern!!

On the Weekly Round-up At Tatertots & Jello

Results for WOW #4 - Details for #5

For a long time I cringed at Valentine's Day.

No someone didn't break my heart..well no, they did.

I lost my maternal grandmother many years ago on Valentine's Day.

It never seemed right to smile on the day

I lost someone I loved so much.

My sweet husband had plotted to propose to me on Valentine's Day

and then I lowered the boom a couple days before his big plan.

So..we got engaged on February 17th.

A random night when I was looking anything but beautiful.

And then I had my first daughter.

And I love to celebrate above and beyond with her.

I started to let go of my pain connected to the day.

In fact I realized that it was bittersweet.

The day is supposed to be about love, not Hallmark love..

but real love.

Now I embrace the day with those I love

without $80 roses or overpriced dinners.

We only exchange cards and gifts priced less than $5.

It keeps it in perspective.

And it is also a day I remember my grandmother.

So for my WOW #4 - a valentine without traditional red or pink,

I choose to do a quilted wall art piece

I call "My Sunshine in the Fog".

My girls drive me nuts some days,

but they DO brighten every single day of my life.

We didn't reach 5 entries yet..but I think we are getting close!

I loved Jen's digital art.

I think this would be adorable done up as an embroidery

or printed on a card.

Super cute - love it!!

And Kathleen's quilted Valentine is so sweet.

A perfect piece for the entry way or living room.

Even in non traditional colors,

it still such a romantic piece!

Thank you ladies!

I hope you enter again this week - and invite those crafty friends!!

Challenge #5

This week I challenge you to:

1. Learn a new technique

2. Include letters in the project.

It can be a cookie, a quilt, digital art, a card, etc.

Anything you create with your hands is eligible!

I hope you push yourself and look for some new technique

you've been waiting to try!!

I can't wait to see what you do!

The prize for this coming week is

ANY Valentine Photo card from Andrea Gerig Designs

Love her modern cards!

Please leave your links on this post by Tuesday at midnight (MTN)

You can read more about WOW here.

Have fun!

Linked up at the Crafty Chica's Crafty Corazon

Toddler Dress In A Nap.. I Mean Snap..

While searching for even more crafty challenges online,

I came across Project Run & Play

Very similar to Project Runway,

designers are given challenges and voted off each week.

However, they have decided to let readers submit as well.

Granted the readers are not in the running for prizes,

it is still an awesome creativity generator.

And I'm a glutton for punishment.

And Isabelle told me yesterday that I am to make

her a Valentine dress.. with hearts.

(She tried to throw in a Halloween motif as well

but luckily I was able to veto that without a tantrum)

This week we were tasked to reinterpert

Leila and Ben's "Sweet Dress"

I love this dress!

Now.. the sleeves were done in a way

I have never done before, so I just had to trust them..

and it's fab!

Totally do-able in an hour

(if you don't have a gassy baby waking every 10 minutes

grumble grumble grumble)

Now since this was my first time working with the dress

and I am by no means a pattern designer,

I only made a few changes.

I made it with 2 fabrics,

I added the pockets,

and the ruffle on the bottom.

The pockets are simply a 5x5 square,

each sided ironed in 1/2".

I free motion embroidered the heart

(After spending a TON of money on a machine

that will do computer generated embroidery..

I favor my own free motion..go figure!)

The ruffle was just a long stretch of 4" fabric,

folded in half and run through

the ruffler at 12:1.

Looking back I wish I had serged the top of the ribbon

before sewing to the hem..

I did it after, and the serger caught a small

bit of the dress.

Not super noticeable, but it annoys me that I

could have *easily* avoided that..

Hope you like it!

Hope Isa likes it..

I will get pics of her in it after her nap..

**And not to be outdone by her big Sis,

I'll make a itty bitty one for Jules this weekend**

Results for WOW #3 - Details for WOW #4

I hope ya'll were able to find some fun with 7 deadly sins.

Thanks to Urban Stitches, I was able to

hand embroider this beauty.

After stitching the picture all in black,

I then went back and "colored" in with fabric markers.

I had seen this technique done by Mary Engelbreit,

and I have been wanting to do it for months.

So much fun - a grown up's coloring book!

My sin could be interpreted in a number of ways.. wrath, envy, lust

It's all about the original temptation.

Want it for the temptress in your life? It's in the store!

And I just adore Kathleen's Sue Envy!

Love the thought and love the art.

This kind of nails who I am too..

I've always loved the country & the city.

Too, too cute!

The challenge this week is

to do a valentine and do not use pink or red!

I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Please leave your links here by Tuesday at midnight (MTN).

It can be anything..quilt, food, photography, etc..

You can read more about WOW here

If we can get 5 crafters to enter,

the prize this week will be a

Sweet & Savory Spice Kit for Popcorn

by DellcoveSpices on Etsy

Wood You Turn Me On?

This year I'm opening my new and 2nd Etsy store

A Quiet Stitch.

I will be featuring my personally designed quilt patterns

and embroidery patterns that I have collaberated with another artist.

In addition, I will sell ready made gifts and DIY kits.

As I was working on my set of Valentine embroideries,

I came across The Iron Craft blog.

I love craft challenges - of course!

And this week I was able to incorporate their challenge of

"Lighting the Winter Gloom"

with a sample of one my embroideries.

This night light and collection of Valentine embroideries should be in the store next week.