Stash Enhancements: Printed Fabric and Embroidery/Sewing Pattern

 

  In the last couple of weeks these, in the picture above, made it to my stash!  

  The Spoonflower printed fabrics are by Kathy Schmitz. I have both of her booklets; Simply Sweets and Tiny Treasures. Now I will not have to spend time tracing all the cute little designs in the booklets. When I first got Tiny Treasures (blogged here), I was tracing by hand. However, life gets busy and I prefer to stitch rather than trace. Maybe will prewash the fabrics to reduce shrinking. In that way if I need to  wash the final product then the embroidery will not pucker. 

  The "Wildflower Eyeglass Case" pattern is designed by Alice Makabe sold by Zakka Workshop. It comes with one clasp, and the embroidery design already printed onto water soluble stabilizer ready to be applied on your choice of fabric. The embroidery design drawing is also provided in the pattern. I also ordered an extra clasp.

  Not sure when I'll get to these, but is nice to have them within reach!

Notes: Non-affiliated links. Kathy Schmitz's booklets on her Etsy shop, and her printed fabrics on her Spoonflower site.  Alice Makabe pattern on Zakka Workshop Store on Etsy.   

Winter Theme Lap Quilt: English Paper Piecing Update

All ready to be hand sewn! Related posts here and here. The embroidery was modified from a freebie on Mollie Johanson's blog. I'm using precut 1.5" hexagon pieces for English paper piecing. Most of the fabrics are from a bundle that I got from Joann Fabrics and Crafts store a few years ago.

Tiny Treasures: Embroidery Completed On Hexies no.4 and no.5

 

Sneaking in an update on these two completed embroidery designs from Kathy Schmitz's most recent book. I've completely forgotten that I had finished them. When opening the bag/organizer that holds the project this past Sunday... surprise! It is amazing when you get really busy with more weighty responsibilities some things get filed away in your brain. I have even started the design for hexie no.6. Of course, once seeing the project, my recollection of working on these immediately came back. 

Was able to complete this one on Sunday, but by the time I was done the natural lighting was not the best so no picture taken. Will post it on my next Tiny Treasures project update.

English Paper Piecing: Last Embroidery Design

This will be the last embroidery design for one of the English paper pieced lap quilts I've been working for quite awhile. This is the last hexagon flower that will be done with fabric prints, the rest hexie flowers will be white ones with a solid color center. Almost done with the embroidery but forgot to take pictures. We've been really busy with volunteer work this month, which honestly brings me greater joy! Stitching still occupies a special corner in my heart though ;-).

Tiny Treasures: Sheep

The stitching was completed on hexagon no.3, the sheep, few days ago. Lots of French Knots!

Notes:

Design from Tiny Treasures: Miniature Hand Embroidery Designs book by Kathy Schmitz.

Tiny Treasures: English Paper Piecing and Hand Embroidered Hexies

 

Started stitching the designs for the center of the 1" hexagons. Was able to complete 1 and 2, and working on 3.

A progress shot of the 1st while in the midst of it ;-), and below the 2nd hexie design completed. 

Above picture... currently half way of the 3rd hexagon design. Lots of French Knots! This weekend is a busy one, not sure yet if I'll have time to stitch a bit. Until next time!

Notes:

Project is Tiny Treasures design by Kathy Schmitz.

All Set To Begin Working On Tiny Treasures Project

The Valdani threads arrived! There are 12 called for colors. Ordered 9, had 2 in my stash, and substituted 1 for another Valdani color I had on hand. Still waiting for my triangular paper pieces.

Also that travel make up bag is super convenient, it is very sturdy and has adjustable compartment. It is suppose to be water repellent, but haven't test that yet. Already removed two of the dividers and adjusted the others to my needs. It accommodates everything perfectly for me! Found it on Amazon, just in case you want to check it out.

It was hard to choose, so many options plus prices vary between brand/sellers/listings. 

I'm excited to begin stitching these cute tiny embroidery designs that fit 1 inch hexagons. Must admit that I printed mine at 85% scale. My personal preference is having a bit more margin between the centered stitcheries and the edges of the 1" hexies. 

Would love to start today, but not sure if that will be possible. We are having pizza night so I do not have to worry about cooking or too much cleaning in the kitchen. However, I have a couple of grocery deliveries on the way that need to be cared for (you know what that entails during a pandemic). Also an upcoming Zoom meeting with an old family friend that we have not seen in a very long time, we are so looking forward to catching up!

Perhaps in the evening I could squeeze embroidering at least one of the designs, and basting my first hexie. We shall see!

Winter Theme Lap Quilt: Update

 

I'm not sure if this winter theme lap quilt project will get done this time around.  At least I got it out, transferred the embroidery design, and got the hexies ready for the last flower in prints. The rest of the hexagons will be mainly in white with a few maybe in gray. Need to get those ready.

Also got out the spring theme lap quilt project... but more on that one next time.

I'm still waiting for my Valdani and triangle paper pieces for the new EPP project (on previous blog post). The mail has been running behind in many areas for some time, however just now we are starting to feel it here too. Oh well! Patience is a great quality to cultivate, plus the two old projects will keep me busy until the supplies arrive.

Notes:

Embroidery designs from Wildolive on Etsy (Mollie Johanson)

"Tiny Treasures: miniature hand embroidery designs" by Kathy Schmitz

Have you seen Kathy's Schmitz latest book release? So much cuteness! She self-published this one, and right now (in my understanding) you are only able to find it on her website or Etsy shop (depending on which version you prefer). 

Already getting ready! I had in my stash the fabric, sewing and basting threads, the hexagon paper pieces, and some other basic notions. Decided to order Jeana Kimball's Foxglove Cottage straw needles in sizes 9 and 10 from Amazon because was having a bit of difficulty with the size 11 that I had on hand. Also placed an order on Etsy for triangular paper pieces, didn't feel like doing them myself.

My husband treated me with the called for Valdani threads. Can't wait for them to arrive in a couple of days, and on my triangular paper pieces that are supposed to be here tomorrow! Kathy also gives DMC alternatives for the threads, and you could also draw and cut your own paper templates for the hexies and triangles. 

Sometimes February can be a difficult month for me, this year even more so. Hoping this new project, along with other work in progress projects will help keep me distracted on those rough days.

Non-affiliated link:

Kathy Schmitz' Tiny Treasures. Info on both formats given on her web-shop here.

English Paper Piecing Dilemma: Solved

Finally was able to make it to our local quilt shop to find the fabric I needed to continue working on this English paper piecing project. This was my first time visiting the shop since our moved to this area. Couldn't browse long because my family was patiently waiting for me in the car, we had just come out of our meeting for worship and the kids and hubby were ready for physical nourishment. Decided to go with those three solid colors. My plan is to alternate between these solids, with what is left from this project's fabric prints. 

Need to get these cuts of fabric ready, before continuing with the fun part of basting and joining hexagons. Maybe I can get it done before the weekend. Also need to finish hand embroidering the rest of the centers. No more being bummed by the initial setback... now I'm very excited to continue working on this lap quilt!Today my older daughter and I have plans to meet with some friends and spend the day doing volunteer work. Once home will prepared a quick dinner and afterwards we have family night, so I don't think there will be time to get these cuts of fabric ready today. 

Perhaps tomorrow ;-). 

Take care, until next time! 

PS: Blogger is acting funny, my blog entry is not posting as drafted :-( . Sigh. 

Notes and Non-affiliated Link:

Hand Embroidery Patterns design by Mollie Johanson.

Bummed Out

I was so excited to continue working on this project (same one posted previously), and I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH FABRIC :-(. This fabric was from Joann, purchased about 6 years ago. Checked on Ebay and Etsy just to see if someone have listed it trying to destash, but no success. Not sure what I will do. Was thinking that perhaps making a few EPP hexie flowers in coordinating solids... what do you think? Feeling so bummed. 

Another TBT: Spring English Paper Piecing and Hand Embroidery Project

I think this might be the year of dusting unfinished projects and doing my best to complete them.

Here is another project that I've blogged about awhile back. I really like the process of English Paper Piecing, and love how it looks mixed with hand embroidery! This particular one is to become a lap quilt for one of my daughters. Designed by Mollie Johanson, but I modified it a bit by adding some other embroidery designs from other patterns by Mollie. The original pattern has 12 or 13 mini embroidery designs (can't recall exactly at the moment) and I needed more to complete 24 EPP hexagon flowers. May still add a few more mini embroideries from other sources to make the lap quilt larger.

It has been worked while traveling with my family through the East Coast. It has been worked while in various rooms/areas of our previous home. Since we moved it has been put away, waiting for me to pay attention to it once more.

Things are finally calming down in my household, my other half had his surgery couple of weeks ago and he's recuperating slowly but steadily... thankfully! While things are a bit less hectic, perhaps I should let this project see the light again ;-).

Slow Stitching is a thing. It provides calmness, meditation, peace, joy, patience. Maybe it should come out along with the Daisychain sampler from the previous blog post. 

Plus the colors are gentle and happy, very springy indeed! Yes, I've convinced myself! Once I post this will go find them and leave them out on my stitchy area in plain sight so I remember to pick them up every now and then through out the rest of the week. Whenever I can sneak a bit of stitching.

Until next time! Be well!

PS: EPP design is by Mollie Johanson, in her Wildolive Etsy 
store here.

Fall Is In The Air

 Going thru old photos and wanted to repost a few.
Fall is in the air around here!

 I think my hand embroidery bug is bitting again.

Will I or will I not? Haven't touch my hand embroidery needle in 
some time. Was working on some cross stitch, but as of late.
A lot going on around here. Hopefully things settle a bit soon.

Throwback Tuesday: Autumn 2016

Autumn is my favorite season. Today is beautiful here, my family went out to do a bit of volunteer work. I stayed behind in order to have some time alone and go over my younger one's homework, get it ready to go over any errors once she's back, and have a few minutes of me time with a cup of massala chai (aka: chai tea latte). 
Browsing thru old pictures while sipping chai, found these two of autumn of 2016. Above, a bit of english paper piecing on the the deck of our previous home, interestingly with a cup of chai ;-).

This other one, also on our previous home, of my craft desk full of projects... getting ready a towel for my older child to stitch. It took her quite awhile to complete (she started it here and completed it here). 
Sudden weather changes don't do me well. On a recent Dr. visit, she suggested I approached things a bit different, too soon to tell but so far it seems to be working. Still love Fall and all it's wonderful colors, flavors, scents! The sunlight and crisp air are wonderful, it puts a smile on my face just by looking out the window. Hoping you are enjoying the weather wherever you are, and that it is not causing you trouble!

Notes: 
The english paper piecing pattern on first picture is the Spring Stitching Club is by Mollie Johanson from her shop Wild Olive on Etsy.
The Flower design on the towel is from the book pictured on both photos: Beautiful Stitches by Susan Bates .... this is her website.

September

A month full of all kinds of activity besides needlework.
Just getting back to it this weekend, however as you can see 
I'm not hand embroidering but english paper piecing ;-). Still haven't forgotten about my blue work birdie towel, perhaps I'll finish it this weekend.

One more appointment in few days to be done with my medical round for the 2017 year. Everything seems ok, just needing to add a supplement to my daily routine to see if it makes a difference, so thankful for that!
Homeschooling officially started in this household, plus was able to increase my volunteer work although not to the amount I was aiming to, maybe in November I try again. Baking has increase too!
Need to go now, hoping everyone is well! Till later!

Project(s) Update

My family and I were traveling for a couple of weeks, and of course I took with me some projects.

Was able to complete the Calendula from the Flower of the Month, Aunt Martha's transfer pattern. Although reading in a moving car makes me sick, embroidering doesn't ... thankfully!

From the two hexagon flowers I took to hand-piece, was able to complete only one... better than nothing, right? This one was done in the hotel room while listening to upbuilding songs. For some reason hand-piecing in the car doesn't appeal to me... lots of tiny even stitches, while trying to match hexagon sides, a bit of a challenge on uneven highways.

Well, that's it for now... have to run! 
Enjoy the week, until next time!

Spring Stitching / English Paper Piecing Project

I've slowly started to make more progress on the english paper piecing project. The last three flowers (of the first group of twelve) need to be whip-stitch.

It is always fun to see how, little by little, an entire garden of english paper pieced flowers grows!

I'm halfway there! Below you see the preparations for the other group of twelve hexagon flowers. The flora supply case that one of my dear friends made for me will house the embroidery part of the project... it is perfect for keeping all the floss, hoop, embroidery designs, blank squares of fabric, and the rest of the supplies needed to make the embroidered centers.

Another dear friend sent me a lovely gift, which in part included that super cute and practical see thru pouch in the background. Can't wait to put it to good use!
Haven't been feeling well today, but hopefully I'll get to do a little bit of stitching... hopefully. May this weekend do you well!
Until next time!

Progress?

Very little. April flew by and I wasn't able to make significant progress on my wip's, but I knew that was going to happen and I'm ok with that. 

This month will be as busy as April if not more.... especially since we are approaching the end of our online/homeschool year and even though my dd is ahead on her work, this momma is behind with uploading her work. Until I catch up, my wip's progress will be super slow. As you see in the pictures, I'm still working on the Carnation and on the Spring Stitching Club english paper piecing project. I truly enjoy whatever little time I get to spend adding a few stitches here and there on these projects!

Need to squeeze time to keep working on some "hush hush" embroidery projects: redwork, owls, and on a belated housewarming gift that I just started. Maybe I give you a peek of it next time ;-). It's already posted on my IG... just in case you like to take a look. Enjoy the week ahead!

Notes: Linking to Stitchery Link Party

Organization

Ta da!!! Here are, practically, all my embroidery work in progress projects, ready for me to continue working on them!

Ikea utility carts have been around for quite awhile now. I've always wanted one, but not in the pretty aqua/blue most crafters have. Not because I don't like aqua, I actually love aqua... however it doesn't match with my needlework desk (yes, I'm the matchy matchy type of girl).

However, these carts went on sale recently... and I thought, well perhaps I could get the girls one each in order to keep certain things tidy and easy to move around, so went to the Ikea website and to my delight there were available in beige and gray as well... hooray! Ended up getting 4... LOL. One in grey for my husband's office, and 3 in beige for the girls and I. They were pretty easy to put together, did the four of them myself!

Now I have all my WIP's on one place, easy for me to see and noticed what needs to be completed. Plus can be rolled away out of sight, for when my schedule becomes too tight to have stitchy distractions. A good feeling of accomplishment to have organized all these in this handy cart. Perhaps now, finally, I'll be able to finish most of what I start! How are you keeping motivated to finish your WIP's? Do you need to keep them in sight, or do you work on them methodically?
Until next time!

Basting Hexagons

  Basting hexagons for English Paper Piecing (aka: EPP) is relaxing! A couple of nights ago -thanks to my not so dear friend insomnia- I was able to finish basting the hexies that will become the petals. My Summer and Winter hexagons were basted with needle and thread, this time around I've been glue basting all the hexagons that will become petals and thread basting those that will be for flower centers.

  Now I need to finish the hand embroidery on the pieces of fabric that belong in the center of the hexie flowers, rinse them to remove the water soluble stabilizer, let them dry, give them a nice press with the iron, and baste them. Will love to have all 12 EPP Spring hexie flowers pieced before autumn. We'll see!

Hmmm, just realized that I may have not posted a picture of my Winter finished hexie flowers yet. Will do soon!

  FMS is really hindering what I can do this month for my volunteer work so I'm just alternating the way I normally do things in order to have my share, with the byproduct of a joyful heart and peace of mind. 

Have a great week!

Notes: The patterns I'm stitching on the pictures above are part of Mollie Johanson's Spring Stitching Club at Wild Olive on Etsy.