Mary's Special Project

Good morning, Friends!

I just have a quick minute to blog this morning, as I am absolutely pooped and the bed is calling me VERY loudly!

I finished work on part one of Mary's Special Project. For those of you who don't know about it, then I'm sorry, I can't tell you. If you are a member of CQ for Newbies, then you SHOULD know!

Anyhoo....here's pics of the front and back of this little bag I made. It's about 8" tall and 6" wide. I really had fun working on it too....so many pretty things!
Here's the front:

And here's the back:
Well, what do ya'll think? I have yet to get any comments on my work, which is giving me a real inferiority complex!!! LOL!

Okay, I'm heading to bed, maybe I'll have a chance to blog more when I rise!

Have a glorious day!

Christy

Old Friends

Hello Friends!

I hope this post finds anyone who reads it happy and well!

No pictures to share this morning, just some odd ramblings that I thought I'd jot down before I head off to bed.

First of all, for those of you who are still young and in school, keep in touch with your friends. No matter what it takes, keep it touch. I recently joined up on MySpace for the sole purpose of finding out what is all about, and I am finding friends that I haven't spoken to since highschool. Ten years have gone by without as much as a hello to them, although, I must say, I have thought of many of them often. I think what bothers me the most is that I don't know anything about their lives since highschool, and that hurts the most. I sure do wish that I had kept in touch with some of them!

For those of you who don't know, I'm pet crazy! I love my fur and feather kids to the full extreme and the loss of one is generally devastating to me. I currently have 5 cockatiels, a lovebird, a robin, a rabbit, a rat, 4 guinea pigs and a cat. I wouldn't trade anything in the world for the bonds that I have with each and every one of them. I had an adorable yellow parakeet up until Tuesday when she suddenly passed away. I have been absolutely distrought over my little Tweety and I think I have been trying to fill the void by just keeping myself busy sewing and surfing the internet. She was such a great girl, and totally attached at the hip with her Momma. In fact, I nicknamed her "Buzzard", because she had to be on me every second that she was free to roam the house. It was so much fun knowing that as soon as I walked into the living room, she'd been flying like a madwoman to me and fussing at me. Now that she isn't here, I find myself avoiding the living room. I'm sure having a hard time adjusting to this loss, I miss her dearly.

Well, it is snowing again. We actually had a few days of decent temperatures, and now it is snowing again. COME ON SPRING!!!!!!!!! I love winter, don't get me wrong, but I am ready for the Tulips and the DaffyDucks to bloom! Now, I'm not quite ready for the mowing and weed pulling that come along with spring, but, I will be when it's time.

My husband and I have recently "re"developed our love of board games, thanks to our wonderful friends, Lisa and EJ. We have been having weekly, (when the weather permits) get togethers to play board games. I had forgotten just how much fun they can be! I have a few favorites too, and we are adding to the selection often. I love playing Battle of the Sexes, Taboo, Mad Gab, and Boxers or Briefs to name a few. Lisa called me yesterday to let me know that she had picked up a new game for us to try this weekend called The Last Word (I think), and I am excited as all getout to try this one out! Lisa and I are both the type that MUST have the last word, so it will be interesting! Not to mention when you add a few Strawberry Daiquiri's into the mix the guys will be giggling like schoolgirls! Ha!

Well, I suppose I have rambled enough for now, I have seen 3 emails come in while writing this, so off I go!

Have a super day!
Christy

It's been a while....

Hi Friends! It has been quite a while since I've sat down and typed out a blog entry, and boy oh boy have I been busy!

I've made several gifts for my wonderful friends and family, done a couple of Round Robins and made some 3 inch squares for a swap! So, let me take you on a photo journey of the past month or so!

First, this is a little fat notebook I made for Lisa. She's the closest thing to a sister I have these days! The picture is Alyssa, her daughter, my neice, last Christmas. I thought it was so cute!

The next set of pictures, is another little fat notebook I made for Lesa, Co Owner of CQ for Newbies. I made it as her something special for her birthday baggy, and to say a hardy thank you for running a great list with JK!

The next set of pictures are of a heart shaped pouch I made for JK, my dear friend and almost Mom! She has been so good to me for the past few years! It is amazing how close people can become that never meet face to face.
This is another fat little notebook I made, this one is for JK as well. I got to use the hot fix crystal set that she sent me for my birthday on this one! I was so excited! I think they made a lovely accent for the scalloped seam treatment.

Yet another gift I made for JK, this one is a brag book photo album. I used oriental fabrics for this one! I have never worked with all black fabrics and I absolutely LOVE how this one turned out!




Next is the 3 inch squares that I made for a swap over at CQ for Newbies. I had a ball working on these little fellas!



I hope the ladies that recieve them like them!




The next set of pictures are of Sue's Round Robin. It's the next in the Your Choice Round Robin group. Her block is going to a photo album cover and it's theme is Red Hat Society. I had too much fun working on this for her! It is really big, so I went nuts!



This first picture is a red hat applique I added, along with the red and purple stars and the seam treatments around it. On the left, I added funky purple yarn, and along the bottom I did a cretan stitch with detached chain over the top with a seed bead.

This patch I did a silk ribbon weaving pattern that JK sent me when I first started into CQ a year ago. I used plain white silk ribbon for the actual weaving, then I dyed the purple ribbon for the roses and the leaves using the microwave dyes from RibbonSmyth. I also added the seam treatments around it. On the left is groups of detached chain stitches with a small metallic bead. Along the bottom, there is a row of cretans with a row of herringbones on top of them.
This patch, I added a purple butterfly applique, and did all of the work around it. The curlicues are topped with metal flower beads. On the left I added a piece of red braid that has red bead woven into it. Along the bottom, I did a diamond pattern with straight stitches, and added fargo roses with a red seed bead on top.
On this patch, I added the silk ribbon roses, the necklace and the camera. The roses are dyed with the same dyes from RibbonSmyth, spider web roses using 7 MM ribbon. The necklace I used my wonderful hot fix crystals that JK sent me, and added the pale pink heart as a charm. I also added the camera since it IS a photo album cover!
On this patch I added yet another applique. This one is so pretty! I also added the seam treatments all the way around this patch. Across the top I did the curlicue thingy, down both sides I did feather stitches in varigated EdMar threads. Across the bottom I added a piece of heart lace with straight stitches. At the top of the straight stitches I added a french knot.
This is a lonely seam that didn't have anything on it, so I did it too! This is a row of Chevrons with 3 detached chain stitches nestled in the point with a seed bead.


And for the finale....Lori's Ariel block! I was the first to work on this great block, and I had such a hard time starting! Of course, once I got started I had a hard time stopping!

This block, I started off adding the piece of ribbon with Flounder on it. Across the top I added a row of lobsters, or Sebastians. on either end of the ribbon I added gold starfish. Underneath the ribbon I did a patch full of seaweed. The pearls are supposed to be bubbles. Along the bottom, I added clam sequins with pearls in the middle. Down the left side, I added some red funky yarn that I thought looked like a sea anemone. Down the right I did little fishes with pearls in between.
This is an adjacent seam that I did on the same block. It is a row of herringbones with 5 straight stitches in the middle of each herringbone. On the tips of the herringbones, I added 3 pearls in decreasing size.
Okay, that's the end to my photo journey of what I have been up to for the past month!

Have a wonderful evening all!

Christy

This n' that

Happy Hump Day all! Today I have a few pictures of some things I've been working on for the past month or so. First off, I have some more pictures of the work that I did to Linda's Tribute to New Orleans vest. I did a couple more seam treatments on it before I decided I had better send it on to the next Robin. I really had a ball thinking up ideas for this vest, it was so great!

Here is a close up of the beaded piece of fabric that I did on the vest, I realized that the picture wasn't the greatest and thought I should capture it a little closer before I sent it off!

The next two are small cross stitched motifs that I worked for one of the birthday girls in the group. I added something called "Floss Gloss" to the dark purple stitches and red seed beads as an accent on the lavender stitches. I think they turned out really nice!

This is a project that I must blame my husband for! He loves watching me create things and sometimes he will come up with an irresistible idea that just HAS to be put into progress. It is a photo album that I will be sending to my International Swap Sister, Ofie. I still need to take some photos to put in it, but I hope she likes it! It was fun to do and quick! I whipped this one out in about 10 hours.....of course spread over a couple of days!

I had a busy day yesterday, grocery shopping for the furkids. I have decided that it's a great thing that I spend more money at PetSmart than I do at the grocery store! I get kind of tickled when they total my sale and look so strangely at me. What they don't realize is that I have 16 furkids! (Plus my Mom's pony). It's okay, they don't have to understand, right?

I plan to start working on a few more projects today, my Fairytale Round Robin block and a couple of gifts for someone near and dear to my heart. Can't say who or what at this point as she has no idea yet! Once I finish those, I am going to work on organizing my craft room. Yeah.....it's bad! I have fabric everywhere, things stuck places that they shouldn't be and well, it's just general chaos! I'm a tad bit worried about it though, as organization has never been a strong point with me and well, I'll feel so lost! I always say, "I know the general location of things, but exactly where is beyond me!" By general location, I mean "what room it's in". So, this will be interesting to say the least!





Tonight is the premier of the new show, "Armed and Famous", taped right here in good ol' Muncie! I can't wait!!! If you have no idea what it is, well, let me tell you.....


Somehow, in the great big country of ours, Muncie, Indiana was chosen as the site to host 5 celebrities becoming a part of our police force. The celebrities are Erik Estrada, Trish Stratus, Wee Man, LaToya Jackson, and Jack Osbourne (Yes, Ozzy's Son!). Interesting, huh? That's what I thought. So, tonight we'll see what this thing is all about as it premiers on CBS. Like I said, I can't wait! I seem to be the only one of my friends that hasn't met one of these celebrities yet....and I must say, I'm not sure if that is a good thing or not! HA!

(Photo courtesy of Cliff Lipson / CBS, borrowed from thestarpress.com)

Okay, I suppose I should sign off for now and hit the hay.....have a great day all!



Christy

Goodies Galore!!!!!!!

Good Evening, Friends!



I've been busy today taking pictures to post here for you all to oogle! I have had a ball going through my goodies again, and I am totally amazed at the things that these girls sent to me! I have enjoyed being a member of CQ for Newbies over on Yahoo groups, and I have made some wonderful friends! First off, here are the pictures of the Victorian boot that Lori made for me, and all of the goodies that she sent me as well!



In this picture, you can see a whole baggy of buttons and beads, some Christmas tree ornaments, a wine bottle bag and an adorable bunny doll pattern! My favorite has to be the candle stopper! It's a lady sitting at a sewing machine in her PJ's and houseslippers. Oh, it is soooo me!



She sent some awesome stuff! Tons of ribbon and lace and fabric! Lori is a great gal, and I wouldn't trade her friendship for a million bucks!





These next pictures are from 11 wonderful girls in CQ for Newbies birthday group 1! I know, it's been a few months since I recieved these bags, but it was well worth the wait to see pictures!

First off is the baggy that Sue sent me! She really went overboard! (Not that I'm complaining!!!) She sent me tons of fabric, and some patterns, along with a gorgeous fabric postcard with candy canes on it! There is also an angel, some beads, a gorgeous brooch, and ribbon! Thank you so much for you thoughtfulness, Sue!

This baggy is from Lynn. She sent some great fabrics along with some adorable patterns with poodles! Too cute! There was also tons of laces and fancy yarns, thread and that beautiful postcard from Minnesota of a Pink Lady Slipper! Thanks for the great stuff Lynn!
This baggy is from Nancy. WOW! She sent a whole envelope of printouts to transfer to my blocks for embroidery! Plus, tons of fabrics and threads and ribbons! There is also a couple of printed fabric motifs that are just wonderful! Thanks so much Nancy!
This baggy is from Peggy. She sent me some of the most gorgeous things! I love that lighthouse! It's great! Also love the angel and the Monogrammed silk! I believe that butterfly is hand tatted.....and absolutely gorgeous! Thanks so much for all of your hard work, Peggy!
This baggy is from Rebecca. Great stuff! She sent lots of great fabrics and fancy yarns! There was a bunch of beads in this baggy too! I love the lavender lace and the lace frame as well! There is one particular piece of fabric that is standing out in this picture and I love it! The pink piece is beaded and I can't wait to use it! Thanks so much, Rebecca!
This baggy is from Renea. She sent two of the most adorable pins! Also, lots of beads and buttons and funky yarns! I love the fabrics that she sent as well, and the rose ribbon is spectacular! Great job Renea!
This bag is from Charlene. She sent excellent fabrics, along with great laces! There is also a beautiful glass lighthouse that is just breathtaking! I love ths lavendar silk ribbon as well as the funky yarns! The Kool-Aid is a great idea too....although, I've never tried to dye with it, I'll have no excuse not to now! Thanks a bunch, Charlene!

This baggy is from Debby. She sent the most adorable birdhouse patch! Also, I love the fruity pins and the lace bow! Tons of laces and ribbons in this baggy too, along with great fabrics! There is also a skein of light green thread and some beads too! Thanks so much Debby!
This baggy is from Crazy Judyth. She sent me some of her gorgeous recycled fancies and I absolutely adore the cat lady! That is so me! There is also tons of threads in this baggy along with the greatest buttons! Thanks Crazy Judyth!!!
This baggy is from Karen K. Great fabrics! I love, love, love the purple brocade! She also sent the most adorable bunny patches and a gorgeous pin that says sweetheart on it! I love lavendar leaf too! Good stuff! Thanks so much Karen!!!!!!
And last but not least is Lesa's baggy. She sent some gorgeous fabrics, along with some funky yarn and gorgeous ribbons! The fabrics are vintage kimono fabrics and so luxurious! I got a special gift from her back before halloween.....WACKY BAT! She sent him to me! I fell in love with that fella as soon as I saw him! Thank you so very much, Lesa!

Okay that is it for now all! I hope you enjoy all of the goodies that I have recieved as much as I am! Thank you to all of you wonderful ladies out there that sure brightened up the end of a vary hectic year for me!

Have a super night,

Christy

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year all! The holidays are passed and all that is left is a mess to clean up! I love the holidays, but they always leave gifts to put away, decorations to take down and messes everywhere! It's okay though, they only come once a year.....



I love working on the pieces that come in the Your Own Way round robin, and this month's piece is no exception! This month was Linda's vest, a tribute to New Orleans. What a great time I had thinking up ideas for this one! I have done quite a bit so far, and there is so much room to work with, I may do a little more before I send it off. Having a vest to work with is a lot larger than your typical pillowtop or smaller block! So, I thought I'd share what I have done so far. Aren't those fellas cute? Some crawdads fit right into the New Orleans theme!


Now, I didn't add the Jazzman.....just his melodic rainbow of notes!

Here I played off of the fabric and fancied up this gorgeous strip with some jewels and beads!

Here I added the pink flower ribbon with some beading and a double row of Herringbone stitches in yellow.

Fortunately, I'll get to hang on to this one more day as the mail isn't running today in honor of former President Ford's passing, so I will most likely do just a bit more before I send this on to the next robin to work on!

I forgot about taking pictures of my goodies that I recieved in my Victorian stocking, so keep checking back for those pictures! I'll get out the ol' camera today and snap a few to post!

For now, I must run....have a super day and a wonderful New Year!

Christy