Pam's Challenge Block With Some Beads
Ok, I can admit now that it's looking better. I started adding some beads last night. It still needs more work but it's better. I might take off that little red rosebud applique on the large green fan and replace it with a pink or white one. Looking at it here, it's a bit too red. I'll have to see what else is in my stash.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 9:40 AM
2 comments
Pam's Challenge Block
Well, I think this is starting to look better! It needed some curves, some movement, so I first added the lace applique at the bottom of the floral print. It needed some more movement at the top so I added the vintage the daisy trim curving it as I sewed it on. Later today, I'll see what else I can do to improve it. I'm sure with some beads, buttons and other trinkets, it will come out fine. I really like what I've done so far but it has been a challenge. I spent more time staring at it yesterday than stitching on it!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 10:23 AM
1 comments
Pam's Challenge
Well, I knew I would be finishing my Peacock Block shortly (and it is complete now) so last Thursday, I decided to sew up a few more blocks.
After a number of phone interuptions while trying to sew, this is what I came up with.
I'm not at all happy with it and I was so frustrated that I gave up on sewing and put everything away.
I was actually going to trash this block but my husband suggested that I take it as a challenge and see what I could do with it. So that's what I will do!
The floral piece in the center is a cotton print of vintage postcards. I bought a yard of it thinking they would be great for CQing. Not so sure now.
The bright pink is a Brocade, the cranberry color fabric is crushed velvet and the green is a cotton print with metallic gold sparklies on it.
The pins are there because I kind of got backed into a corner on this block and didn't have a way out. I'll have to hand applique that patch down.
Ok, so join me in yet another CQ Journey as I attempt to take a less than mediocre block and make it into something pleasing to the eye!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 10:52 AM
2 comments
Jewelry Pieces For Crazy Quilting
Another set of bargins for me! I found these clip earrings and they were 50% off of the marked price! Wow! And, they're in really nice shape. I almost hate to break the clip off the back but I bought them for Crazy Quilting so that's what I'll use them for.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 10:40 AM
1 comments
Flea Market Finds - More Transfers!
Continuing on with my Flea Market treasures, I found a whole envelope full of these little floral designs. 
For the large version, please click here.
For the large version, please click here.
For the large version, please click here.
For the large version, please click here.
I'm not sure what these would have been used for. Maybe clothing or baby things. But I can see some of them used on a Crazy Quilt!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 10:30 AM
0 comments
Peacock Crazy Quilt Block Completed!
I just finished this a few moments ago! I really love sewing beads on! I added some small white pearl like beads and some tiny purple beads to the lace at the bottom, some green sead beads to the seam embroidery above the peacock and delica beads to the tiny holes in the lace where the purple beads are. I also sewed on a few silver star sequins to the blue trim on the top left.
I also did a simple floral motif to the blue patch above the peacock and last but not least, I added a bit of rayon floss to the peacock in a light shade of blue to highlight his little body and wing.
By the way, sorry for posting the large photos of my iron-on transfers. I meant to use the small ones but as usual, was trying to do too many things at once and my brain crashed for a moment!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 5:39 PM
2 comments
Loulee's 2nd Embellishment Challenge Project!
Well, Loulee is really enjoying the creative process! She's completed a 2nd design using the Embellishment Challenge Chart!
This is lovely Loulee! Thank you for allowing me to post a photo of your work.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 1:22 PM
0 comments
Flea Market Treasures!! Transfers!!
Well, my husband Scott and I braved the extreme heat and high humidity yesterday and went to the Flea Market and Antique Show in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. We went out early, about 7:30 am and arrived shortly after 8:00.
Ooh, I found some really great goodies!! A bunch of Vintage Iron-on Transfers, some inexpensive costume jewelry pieces for my Crazy Quilts, a Vogart Embroidery Lesson Chart from 1946, a ton of unstitched stamped pillowcases, an unstitched stamped dresser scarf and last but not least, a Chicken Scratch Gingham Apron!
Over the next week or so, I'll share pictures of my treasures! I'll start with some of my transfers:
These 2 are Vintage (not new) Aunt Martha's transfers. Both envelopes are still sealed! I really like the "Poinsettia & Holly" designs. I'm not sure if I'll ever stitch the "Horses & Deer" designs or not. I bought that one because I didn't have it.
I love this one! I'd love to stitch every design on here! 
Again, I bought this one because I didn't have it and it needed a good home! The only one I would probably stitch would be the flowers with the butterflies.
Now I just love this pattern and I actually already have it but it's a cut pattern and the bluebird on the violin is missing. This transfer is complete and uncut so that's why I bought this one.
And one more that I didn't have! I love poppies!
All of these are complete and uncut! I found some other misc. loose transfers as well and I will share them later this week.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 11:18 AM
2 comments
Peacock CQ Block Continues
I didn't have alot of stitching time yesterday but I did finish the peacock feather. I also embroidered the seam above the peacock and I added some beads to the lace trim on the top right side.
We're planning on going to a flea market tomorrow (Sunday) morning if it isn't too terribly hot and then we have our nieces graduation party in the afternoon so I don't know if I'll have time to post an update or not. If not, I should have one for you on Monday.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 4:49 PM
0 comments
Peacock CQ Block
I did alot of stitching on this block last night. Well, maybe it doesn't look like I did alot but I spent quite a few hours on it.
I finished adding the beads to the seam embroidery on the top left. Added beads to the seam embroidery on the bottom left. Added beads and sequins to the white scalloped lace, oh and some Swarovski crystals!
On the blue trim across the top, I added some blue glass pearl-like beads. On the right side, another piece of lace along with some vintage strung silver sequins.
Last but not least, I started embroidering the peacock feather on the light blue patch. It isn't complete yet. I plan to finish it later today. The feather is worked with 2 strands of DMC cotton floss along with 1 strand of Kreinik metallic gold and one strand of Kreinik metallic turquois. That was a challenge! Only due to stitching through the tracing paper. Oh but so sparkly!
More on this block tomorrow!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 10:28 AM
0 comments
Janet's Embellishment Challenge Project
We have another Embellishment project today! Janet completed her piece yesterday. Janet doesn't care for extreme embellishment so her stitched heart is rather simple and quite charming if I may say so!
Janet found the little kitty in her jewelry box. It was a piece that she no longer wears and I think it's a lovely addition.
Thank you Janet for joining in on this fun project! You did great!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 9:34 AM
1 comments
Peacock Crazy Quilt Block
No guesses huh? Well, the theme for this block is obvious now! The minute I finished sewing it, I knew I had to do a peacock.
A few weeks back, I bought the rhinestone earring at a flea market. When I saw it, it looked like a peacock tail to me and I knew this block would be perfect.
I sketched up the little peacock and traced him on tracing paper. I pinned the tracing paper to the black velveteen and outline stitched the peacock and the branches. Then I carefully pulled out the tracing paper using tweezers and then filled the peacock in with long and short stitches.
I added the rhinestone earring (after breaking off the clip on the back) but it still needed something. I went through my stash and found some eyelash yarn in the exact colors as the block! How lucky was that?!!
Today I'll work more on the seams. And I'll be adding an embroidered peacock feather to the light blue fabric on the right. I have some real peacock feathers but I think they're too big for that space.
More tomorrow!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 2:00 PM
2 comments
Blue CQ Block
Some of you may remember that I sewed up a couple of CQ blocks a few weeks back. I've already stitched the Pink/Green Block and the Pansy Block so now I'll be starting to embellish the blue block.
The black fabric in the center is Velveteen, the purple fabric is a Batik, the white with silver and the dark blue fabrics are both Brocades and the light blue fabric is a cotton with gold metallic sparklies on it.
I've finished my design work for the day so I'm off to fold a load of laundry and then stitch.
Judging by the colors,can anyone take a guess at what the theme will be for this block?
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 2:19 PM
0 comments
Embroidered Basket
I stitched up this little basket yesterday. I haven't rinsed or pressed it yet. I'd like to sew up a few more CQ blocks later this week and I might work this little piece into one.
Besides Crinoline Ladies, little flower filled baskets were a popular theme for embroidered linens back in the 30's and 40's.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 10:06 AM
5 comments
Loulee's Embellishment Challenge Project
Another stitcher has finished her Embellishment Challenge Project! This is Loulee's stitched piece:
I love this! It has a very classic Valentine's Day feel to it! Very creative Loulee!
Loulee has also sewn her project together and has posted a photo at my EZ Board. She has also included comments on her project which I'm sure you'll enjoy reading. You can find them here.
Thank you Loulee, for sharing your work with us!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 2:24 PM
0 comments
Bead Embellished Bonnet Lady
I finished my little Bonnet Lady last night. With the exception of the hair, face and arms, all embroidery was worked with DMC Varigated threads. I replaced all of the French Knots with beads. Petite white Mill Hill beads are on the bodice and sleeves and the flower centers are glass seed beads.
On the transfer, the flowers on the hat looked like apples to me so I used some larger rosey pink beads there.
At the bottom of the dress, I added a piece of lace and again embellished it with some Mill Hill glass seed beads.
I'm not sure which manufacturer did this transfer design. It came in a batch of misc. loose transfers that I found at a flea market.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 8:56 AM
6 comments
Days Of The Week Rooster Towels
You may remember back I was blogging on my EzBoard that I started a set of "Days Of The Week" towels with roosters. These were from a vintage Vogart set of transfers that I purchased from a seller at Ebay. The transfer was complete and uncut and in fact, the package was still sealed and never opened!
Well, I completed the the towels last week and over weekend, made time to rinse, press and starch them.
These are a gift for Christmas so now they're ready to pack away for the next few months.
I'm currently working on a crinoline lady. When I complete the project, I'll post it.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 12:20 PM
7 comments
More On Crinoline Ladies
There's been much discussion and interest in Crinoline Ladies on the CQ Embellishers Yahoo group. I did a little research on crinoline and was surprised to discover that the term crinoline actually refers to the hoop skirts that women wore in the mid 1800's! And crinoline skirts were made of horse hair! Yikes! I had no clue!
Crinoline is no longer made of horse hair, thank goodness! And now it actually refers to a type of fabric. It was used alot in the 50's under dresses to make them poofy. Rememeber the movie Grease?!!
For those of you interested in reading the eye-opening articles that I found, here are the links:
Fashion-Era
Victorian Era
For those of you interested in stitching some old-fashioned crinoline ladies, southern belles and bonnet ladies, Design Originals has published a wonderful book titled, "Ladies Of Leisure".
The book contains many reprinted iron-on transfer designs of all sorts of ladies, many of which are crinoline ladies. This book is in my collection and I promise, it could keep you stitching"pretty ladies in fancy dresses" for years! They're gorgeous!!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 1:50 PM
2 comments
Pansy Block Is Complete!
I completed this block last night. As you can see, I added alot of beads! I started with some beadwork in the centers of the pansies to make them pop out more. I also added some beads to the seam embroidery.
I had planned on using some Mother Of Pearl buttons on this block but for some reason, they just didn't work. That kind of surprised me because they've worked on every other CQ piece I've done. I have tons of Mother Of Pearl buttons, in all different colors, but the white ones didn't look white on this block. They looked creamy colored and just didn't look right.
I kept looking at the block and my eye was being drawn away from the pansies and over to the ribbon motif on the right. I decided it needed something to pull the eye up from the ribbon motif so the eye would then move around the pansies.
I know the yellow rhinestone button is quite unexpected but it seemed to to be the best option. I tried some blue and some purple buttons and they just didn't work.
I also added on a pewter basket charm. I wasn't sure it showed up enough against the moss green fabric but now that it's daylight outside, I'm quite pleased with it and am sure I made the right choice.
CQ'ing isn't as spontaneous or random as one would think. I did alot of ripping on this block. I started embroidering seams only to find that the thread color didn't show up or the stitch was too small or too big. I sewed some do-dads on and ended up taking them off because they weren't complimentary.
I don't usually have a lot of trouble with my blocks. But this one was rather challenging.
This block is a gift for my mother. I will sew it into a doorknocker (pillow that hangs on a doorknob) for her sitting room. I need to pick up some twisted corded edging over the weekend. I hope to find some in purple but not sure they carry it. I might have to go with the moss green.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 10:12 AM
3 comments
Pansy CQ Block Continued
I spent a few more hours on this yesterday. I decided I was in the mood for SRE but unfortunately, didn't have the ribbons in the right purples or blues. So I sewed on a few purchased ribbon flowers and then did a bit of SR work. The SR isn't really embroidered on, but ratherI gathered some of the green and then stitched it down. The tiny purple SR flowers are also gathered beforehand and then sewn down. I added some purple beads to look like grapes and then some pearly white plastic leaves.
I hope you can also see that I sewed on alot of sequins! I can't find enough sparkly things! I also added several tiny rosebud appliques to the tatting.
Next, I plan to do some beadwork on the pansy fabric in the center so they pop out a little more.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 1:36 PM
0 comments
Corticelli, Last But Not Least!
This is the end of my Corticelli booklet. There are several advertisements in it but this one is my favorite. Can you guess why?
This is the back cover.
For the large version, please click here.
This is the end of the booklet. There were some other ads, a page or two on crocheting and a list of "proper colors for flowers". Since my book is starting to fall apart, I've shared with you what I thought would apply most to embroidery and crazy quilting. I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I've enjoyed sharing it with you. It's time to pack my booklet up and store it in a safe place. Now that the pages are stored in my computer, I can work from the files instead of having to handle the book.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 11:24 AM
1 comments
Corticelli Patterns
Well, we're coming to the end of my Corticelli booklet! Here are the last 3 pattern pages. Wouldn't these be beautiful stitched on a Crazy Quilt!
For the large version, please click here.
For the large version, please click here.
For the large version, please click here.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 11:13 AM
2 comments
Corticelli Laundry Instructions
I almost forgot to post this page! 
For a readable version, please click here.
106 years later, this is still the proper way to launder embroidery. I use Orvus rather than Ivory. For those of you who haven't heard of Orvus, it's an Equine Shampoo. To read more about it, visit Martha Beth Lewis' website.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 12:33 PM
0 comments
More Color Plates From The Corticelli Booklet
Here are the last 3 color plates from my Corticelli booklet. I just think these are so beautiful!
For a larger version, please click here.
For a larger version, please click here.
For a larger version, please click here.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 12:18 PM
0 comments
Pansy Block Embellishment Started
I worked on this for several hours yesterday. As you can see, the feather stitch is a favorite of mine!
I tried something different with the tatting. I had some #3 Perle Cotton that I hand overdyed a couple of weeks back. The colors looked great on this block. I did my usual simple tatted edging but along with the Perle Cotton, I added a strand of Kreinik #4 Braid in silver. I really like the way it looks! I might try this again with a #5 or #8 Perle Cotton!
Later today, I plan to add some SRE to the unfinished seam. If I feel like doing SRE. You know it's not my favorite type of embroidery to do so it will depend on the amount of patience I have at the time. If I don't feel like doing it, I'll sew on some prefinished ribbon flowers.
Usually, I add beads as I go along. Many CQer's avoid this as threads get caught on them. This time I decided I'd try covering all of the seams first and then start adding beads. Who knows, maybe I'll get some unexpected and pleasant results!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 11:10 AM
3 comments
Pansy Crazy Quilt Block
Some of you may remember from when I was blogging at my EZ Board, I sewed up a couple of 8 inch Crazy Quilt Blocks. I promised I would post my progress on each block as I embellish it. This is the Pansy block.
The dark green is crushed velvet, the dark purple fabric is brocade, the light green is a shimmery cotton, the pansy fabric is cotton with metallic silver outlining the pansies and light purple fabric is a cotton with shiny threads running through it. The light purple fabric was left over from my prom dress. My mother made it for me. That was 1980. Yikes! Is it vintage yet?
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 10:56 AM
0 comments
Kay Susan's Embellishment Challenge Project Side 2
This is side 2 of Kay Susan's project. How creative! I love her use of fancy stitches and beads. Goes to show how a stitcher can do alot with a handful of pretty threads!
Thank you Kay Susan for doing this project and sharing it with us. You did a lovely and very creative job!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 1:02 PM
0 comments
Kay Susan's Embellishment Challenge Side 1
Kay Susan has completed her Embellishment Challenge project! She actually stitched the design twice, one in Spring colors and one in Autumn colors. She made a little bag putting one on one side and one the other side.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 12:58 PM
0 comments
Last Page of Stitch Diagrams.
Next time I'll share the "How To Launder Embroidered Linens" page with you.
For a larger version, please click here.
There's also a rather large section devoted to "Correct Colors For Flowers". I'm not sure how interesting you would find this to be since the color #'s suggested are for Corticelli threads. There are more patterns and a few more Color Plates so I'll share those next time.
In the meantime, I hope you're enjoying this booklet.
More later!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 11:46 AM
1 comments
More Stitches continued
Another page of stitch diagrams.
For a larger version, please click here.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 11:40 AM
0 comments
More On Stitches
Take a close look at Fig. VI g. Has anyone else known the feather stitched to be referred to by these names?
For a larger version, please click here.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 11:37 AM
0 comments
More On Stitches
Back to the embroidery stitches.
For a larger version, please click here.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 11:32 AM
0 comments
A Pattern Page
I stitched the violets last Summer using DMC Rayon thread. I also enlarged the pattern just a bit. I thought I had a photo of it but it hasn't turned up yet!
The rayon threads are so shiny and although difficult to work with, the finished piece was well worth the extra time and patience on my part.
For a larger more readable version, please click here.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 11:29 AM
0 comments
Corticelli Stitches Continued
The stitches are facinating to me as many of them, I have never heard of or seen before!
For a readable version, please click here.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 11:23 AM
0 comments
Stitches Continued
Continuing on with the stitches.
For a readable version, please click here.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 11:19 AM
0 comments
Corticelli Stitches
As promised, the "Embroidery Stitches" pages of my Corticelli booklet. The "Kensington Stitch" is the stitch used to work the patterns in this booklet. I'll include one of the patterns today.
For a readable version, please click here.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 11:10 AM
0 comments
CorticelliInstructions5
To be honest, I think these instructions would have intimidated me to the point of not wanting to stitch!
For a readable version, please click here.
Next time, we'll move onto the stitches and stitch diagrams.
More later...
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 9:19 AM
0 comments
CorticelliInstructions4
This is facinating reading isn't it?
For a readable version, please click here.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 9:13 AM
2 comments
CorticelliInstructions3
Notice the stitcher's clothing! I sure am glad I don't have to wear all that on Summer days when it's 90 degrees like today! And they didn't have A/C back them either!
For a larger, more readable version, please click here.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 9:07 AM
0 comments
CorticelliInstructions2
I don't know about you, but if I took all this time to prepare my fabric, I'd never have time to stitch!
For a readable version, please click here.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 9:03 AM
1 comments
CorticelliInstructions1
Some of you have indicated to me that you're enjoying this little booklet! Since the book is becoming fragile, I decided to scan the entire thing so that I can reference it from my computer instead of handling the book in the future. I'll continue to share more of it with you.
For a larger, more readable photo, please click here.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 8:55 AM
0 comments
Vintage vs Antique
Linda at Chloe's Place has posed an interesting question, "What is Vintage and what is Antique"? What really blows my mind about this question is that I was thinking of including my thoughts on this last week before I got side tracked!
Well, my husband is currently restoring a 1929 Ford Model A Tudor so this is how he explained it to me regarding old cars:
Antique means 50 years or older. So at this point, anything made in or before 1955 is considered to be antique.
Vintage means 25 years old to 49 years old. So anything made from 1956 - 1980 is considered to be vintage.
Hmmmm......I would hardly consider anything made in 1980 to be vintage but that's just me! I graduated from High School in 1980. Yikes!
Anyway, I'm not sure if this applies to needlework, kitchen collectibles or anything else but that's how it works with cars.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 4:52 PM
1 comments
The Cinnamon Bear & The Crazy Quilt Dragon
Inspiration. I'm often asked where I find it. Many times, I don't know where it comes from. It's just there. But I think it's safe to assume that something always leads up to it. We just don't quite remember what.
Today, while Googling for photos of crazy quilts, I was reminded of one of my counted cross stitch designs and I do recall what inspired me to create it.
The Cinnamon Bear was a 26 episode radio show originally broadcast in 1937. Each weekday after school, between Thanksgiving & Christmas, one 15 minute cliffhanging episode would air on the radio.
The story was about a set of twins, Judy & Jimmy Barton who went up their attic to find the silver star for the top of their Christmas tree. They couldn't find their silver star but what they did find was a tiny teddy bear named Paddy 'O Cinnamon. The Cinnamon Bear told them that he saw The Crazy Quilt Dragon steal the star and run off with it to Maybeland. And so the adventure begins!
I first heard The Cinnamon Bear when I was about 5 years old. My dad had all 26 episodes on reel to reel tape but the sound quality so poor, I remember barely being able to understand what was happening. That was in the mid-60's.
Sometime in the 1970's, a Chicago radio station began re-broadcasting The Cinnamon Bear everyday after school during the time between Thanksgiving & Christmas. My sister and I would race home to listen to the adventure!
I've always been so fond of this story. Of course, I love almost anything from the 30's & 40's so it's no surprise to me!
In 2001, after receiving my invitation from Just Cross Stitch magazine to contribute an ornament for their special Ornament Issue, I knew right away I wanted to share one of my favorite Christmas stories. I designed a Cinnamon Bear along with Fraidy Cat, another character from the story. The Christmas Memory that I wrote of was the story that I just shared with you. Below is my finished ornament which appears in the 2001 issue.
Back to Googling today for photos of Crazy Quilts, I found a photo titled, "The Crazy Quilt Dragon". This immediately rang a bell for me! So I clicked over to the link and there I found more information on The Cinnamon Bear than I had ever read! The site is Radio Archives and it appears to me that they digitally restore old radio shows and other sound recordings.
This is basically the "story behind the story" of The Cinnamon Bear! Complete with photos of The Cinnamon Bear artifacts as well as notes regarding each episode!
Click here for the link.
I also see that they offer the complete adventure on CD. I already have the story on CD's but for those of you with little ones, this is a wonderful Christmas story and it would get your kids away from the TV and video games for a little while!
It's funny how something simple can trigger a memory and how that memory can be transformed into a piece of needlework. And it's strange how everything old becomes new again. There's a "Crazy Quilt" Dragon in my past and perhaps he'll show up again in my future!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 2:44 PM
0 comments
Last Corticelli Page For Now
Aren't these beautiful! I'm going to put my book back in storage for now but I do plan to stitch up a few of the patterns so you may be seeing more in the future!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 10:28 AM
0 comments
Corticelli Fruit
The Victorians certainly loved their fruit and flowers! Notice how realistic those strawberries look!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 10:26 AM
0 comments
More From My Corticelli Booklet
Well, I've noticed that more of the pages from my booklet are starting to pull away from the staples (it was well-loved when I bought it and even more so now!) so I thought I'd share just a few more of the color plates with you before putting my booklet back in storage.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 10:24 AM
0 comments
Another Chicken Scratch Heart
I decided to experiment with some different threads. For this heart, I used some varigated purple/pink embroidery floss along with 2 strands of Blending Filament for the outside border. For the snowflaking, I used 2 strands of white cotton floss with 2 strands of BF. I don't think I would recommend this for a beginner! I've been stitching with BF since the early 80's and I've never had so much trouble with it. I think I'll try some #4 braid next time. I must say, it's quite sparkly even though it doesn't really show up here well.
Since most of my early blogging over at my EZ Board is now gone due to their being attacked last week, I'll include the photos of the first 2 hearts I did as well.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 9:15 AM
4 comments
New Website Design!
Well, the newly designed Kitty & Me website has just been released! This is what the blog will look like in another week or so too! Take a peek and let me know what you think!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 5:27 PM
3 comments
Eye Candy at Chloe's Place!!!
Linda at Chloe's Place has posted new photos of her DYB's (a special type of Round Robin). These CQ blocks are so beautiful! I could stare at them all day and get absolutely nothing else done!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 11:37 AM
0 comments
Corticelli Page 3
Another Colored Plate. These designs were done using long and short stitches. I actually stitched a design from this booklet. I used DMC Rayon floss to mimic the sheen of the silk threads used in the photos. Yes, rayon is challenging to work with but the results were amazing! I don't know if I have a photo but if I do, I'll post it.
More later!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 11:27 AM
0 comments
Corticelli Page 2
A Colored Plate on Page 2. Aren't these beautiful? They were intended to be stitched with Corticelli Silk threads.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 11:24 AM
0 comments
Corticelli Booklet
I mentioned in my Sat. post that I own a little booklet published by Corticelli titled "Lessons In Embroidery". This is one of the booklets used to promote Corticelli embroidery thread. The price was 10 cents!
The copyright date on the booklet is 1899. Because the copyright has expired, I will share a few pages with you over the next few days.
So here is the cover. My booklet is in pretty good shape but the front and back covers are no longer attached:
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 11:16 AM
0 comments
Telephone Book Covers At Patra's Place
Gina at Patra's Place has shared photos of her telephone book covers. Gina, am I correct in my assumption that one is vintage and one is new?
I've never seen anything like this in my antique travels here in the US. Does anyone know if these were something that were stitched and used here in the US? They're really pretty!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 1:50 PM
1 comments
Crazy Quilting Resources
I was asked to repost my list of resources here so I'll go ahead and do it today. Kathy (Mad Stitcher), if I missed anything, please let me know and I'll add it.
Reference Books:
Judith Baker Montano is a good place to start. She has published several books on Crazy Quilting including The Crazy Quilt Handbook 2nd Edition, Elegant Stitches and Floral Stitches. She also has a book titled, The Art Of Silk Ribbon Embroidery. You can view all of her books on her website
Another really good book on Crazy Quilting is The Magic Of Crazy Quilting 2nd Edition by J. Marsha Michler. I couldn't find a website for her but I know Amazon carries this book. If you can only purchase one book, this is the one I recommend.
For fancy stitches and SRE, An Encycolopedia Of Crazy Quilt Stitches And Motifs by American School Of Needlework will certainly get you started.
For SRE Transfers, Dover carries one titled, Ribbon Embroidery With 178 Iron-On Transfers by J. Marsha Michler.
Supplies:
I purchase most of my fabrics from JoAnn's, Hobby Lobby and Walmart. A great source for really good quality fabric is Keepsake Quilting. Their focus is mainly on traditional patchwork quilting but they do offer some beautiful fabrics that can be used in crazy quilting.
For beads, I recommend Fire Mountain Beads And Gems. I've been so pleased with everything I've ordered from them.
For lace, buttons, charms, appliques and other interesting embellishments, Home Sew Inc. They offer a wide variety of wonderful embellishments along with lots of useful sewing tools and other sewing items.
Another nice place that I found online is Flights Of Fancy. I haven't ordered from them yet but I plan too. They have some unusual and quite lovely embellishments there.
And here's another online source for lace and trims, Lace Heaven.
How To's:
Beginner Silk Ribbon Embroidery will show you how to do, I believe, 10 different stitches.
For a step by step guide to embroidery stitches, visit Craftown. You can also visit Sharon B's In A Minute Ago blog for good information on Crazy Quilting along with stitch guides and of course, lots of incredible eye candy!
For tatting, the book I learned from is Learn Needle Tatting Step by Step by Barbara Foster. Handy Hands offers tatting supplies as well as the book.
Ok, if I think of anything else, I'll add it later.
I did forget a couple of things! Betty Pillsbury is an award winning textile artist. She's been a guest on Simply Quilts and has photos of her beautiful crazy quilts in her gallery.
CQMagOnline is an online magazine for Crazy Quilters by Crazy Quilters. Lots of ideas and how to's here!
Last but not least, the magazine that started it all for me! Quilting Arts is a magazine for art quilters and crazy quilters. The newest issue was just released last week. They have reprinted their Premier Issue and if you can only purchase one, I would definately recommend the Premier Issue which offers information almost exclusively to crazy quilting.
Enjoy!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 9:43 AM
0 comments
Very Vintage Needlework Books
In my ever constant and so far, unsatisfying quest for more information on Chicken Scratch, I did some more Googling today. I decided to search "out of print vintage needlework books". I never did find anything on Chicken Scratch but what I did find was well worth my time!
Lademoiselle offers a unusual collection of vintage needlework booklets ranging from crochet, to embroidery and hardanger. The covers on these booklets are so just charming! Be sure to scroll all the way down to see the crocheted crinoline ladys!
Vintage Cat has quite a large offering of rare and some not-so-rare iron-on transfer patterns and vintage prestamped linens. Oooh, I could spend some money here!
At Fabrics, you can find a "Vintage Thread Chart & Photo Gallery of Thread Company-owned Magazines". This is a facinating look at needlework advertising.
I actually own a booklet by Corticelli. I believe it's copyrighted 1899! Maybe I'll share a bit of it with you another time.
For now, enjoy your visit to these links! I had a great time looking through them!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 5:41 PM
2 comments
Bonnets & Crinoline
Well, Linda at Chloe's Place has shared with us even more beautiful vintage embroidery from Gina's collection. Gina has her own blog too titled, Patra's Place. These are gorgeous Crinoline ladies! Please take a peek if you have the time!
I went through my house and my photos because I've stitched alot of Crinoline and Bonnet ladies from my collection of vintage iron-on transfers but unfortunately, I've only come up with 4 pieces to share. Maybe there are more photos still on the film in my regular camera. Anyway, onto my projects!
This is my most recent Bonnet Lady. I stitched the design on some hand dyed muslin that I did over the Winter. It's a gift for Christmas and it's already sewn into a pillow so I had a bit of a challenge getting it on the scanner! The stitching stands out more in person than it looks here. I'm really pleased with how it came out.
This is a small design, I believe from my mom's collection of Workbasket transers which she recently gave to me. The coloring is called "Crayon Tinting". I'll share more about that technique down the road a bit. I think this is my favorite so far!
I did this one about 2 years ago. Don't remember where the transfer is from but again, it's crayon tinted and sewn into a pillow. Yes, I'm particularly fond of gingham! I think that's why I'm so taken with Chicken Scratch!
Last but not least, another Bonnet Lady from my mom's collection of Workbasket transfers and again, crayon tinted. I did the lazy daisy stitches on the dress with varigated threads and I just love how it looks! I used glass seed beads for centers. This design is a doorknocker (pillow that hangs on the doorknob) and it hangs here in my office.
Speaking of varigated threads, over the years, many stitchers have asked me what these are used for and how to use them. Well, this type of embroidery is what they were created for! I love stitching with them! And they're nice to use because they are colorfast!
I use a washout blue pen to trace my designs onto fabric. After stitching, the piece has to be rinced to remove the tracing marks. Unfortunately, many of today's gorgeous overdyed threads are not colorfast and should not get wet. Which is ashame because they would be beautiful used for this purpose. The only alternative would be to carefully mark your pattern with thin lines and be sure that your stitching covers them. Still, you may run into another problem while trying to press out the wrinkles and hoop marks after stitching. I've found that steam is the only way and that too will make the threads bleed. I have used them, but it takes being careful when tracing as well as with ironing and of course, they can't be used on items that need occasional washing.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 3:08 PM
6 comments
A New Design Available In Classic Stitches Magazine
Normally, I post my design work messages at my EZ Board but since we're still dealing with posting issues there, I'll share this information here for the time being.
The newest issue of Classic Stitches magazine, No. 68, offers one of my latest Blackwork designs. Titled, "Timeless Classic" this lovely blackwork design is overlaid with a yellow rose and blue butterfly.
I had hoped the design would be available for viewing on their website but I don't see it. Hopefully, if you're interested, you can find a copy in your local bookstore. I'm very pleased with how the design stitched up as well as the beautiful photograph in the magazine.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 2:29 PM
1 comments
Frustrated With EZ Board BB
Hi everyone! For those of you anxiously awaiting more information on my "Garden Jewels" cross stitch mystery project, I've been trying to post info for you but unfortunately, I can't get it to post.
As you know, EzBoard was attacked on Tuesday and many bb's were down. Most are back up now but I'm having troubles posting and many previous posts are still missing such as the "Supply Lists" for all of the mystery projects. I do hope that they can recover and restore that information as I would really prefer not to have to retype it all!
As soon as I can get a post to go through, I will add the ordering info.
Thank you for your patience,
Pam
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 2:11 PM
1 comments
Embellishment Challenge
Many of my cross stitch followers have expressed an interest in trying crazy quilting. I know many beginners are overwhelmed with the idea and just don't know where to start. Well, I thought I would help by offering everyone an "Embellishment Challenge"!
Here's the challenge:
Print this simple charted blackwork design that I worked up for you using whatever thread(s) you like on the fabric of your choice. Be creative. You can use more than one color to stitch it.
Upon completion, embellish it with whatever you have on hand. Buttons, beads, ribbon, SRE, sequins, prefinished ribbon flowers...the only rules are, you must use what is already in your stash. Combine things, if you want. We're not looking for perfection, we're looking to spark your creativity.
I'll write more about the creative process another time but for now, give it a try. Have fun and go with the flow.
I'm not sure if you can post photos here or not. I'll have to check that out. But when you're done, you're welcome to post photos at my EZ Board and if you would like, you can email me jpg's and I'll be glad to upload them here. If I find that you can do that yourself here, I'll let you know.
I know the chart looks a little large here. Just right click on it and the click "save image as". Then you can open it in whatever program you have for printing.
Enjoy!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 3:59 PM
5 comments
Mother Of Pearl Buttons
A stitcher on the Quiltropolis CQ board was asking about MOP Buttons yesterday. She's trying to determine whether or not some buttons in her stash are MOP's or not. I promised her I would post a photo of mine and perhaps it would help her make that determination. Bonnie, this is for you!
I showed the backside of the two on the top. You can almost tell that they are made of shells although not all of them look like that on the back. I hope this helps!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 3:37 PM
1 comments
Kellogg - The Story Behind My Husband's Name
I was planning to share this story with you yesterday but then EZ Board went down and then I decided to move my blogging over here so I'll share it with you now!
I know I've told this story during one of our Sat. afternoon live chats but I don't think everyone knows. My husband Scott is related to the Kellogg's of Battle Creek Michigan!
Scott is the great, great, great nephew of W.K. (William Keith) Kellogg who invented Corn Flakes! How cool is that?!!
Because of this really neat fact, we are always on the look out for vintage Kellogg's collectables. Several years ago, while poking around in an antique shop, I found this great magazine ad.
As you can see, the ad shows a sampler hanging on the wall. Well, I knew I could chart it so I bought the ad and thought it would make a great gift for my father in law who also collects Kellogg's items. He of course, is W.K.'s great, great nephew!
Anyway, I charted the sampler, stitched it on Vintage Linen from Wichelt Imports Inc., framed it and gave it to my father in law for Christmas one year. He loved it!
2 years ago, after repainting my kitchen, I decided to stitch it again for myself.
It now hangs over a Barrister cabinet in my kitchen along with a reproduction tin sign.
I thought you might all enjoy that story!
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 3:07 PM
2 comments
Pink & Green CQ Block with Chicken Scratch Heart
For those of you who have been following my progress on this block, it is now complete! I'll post all 4 photos again so you can see it step by step.
I removed the rhinestone piece as I felt it distracted from the Chicken Scratch heart. I replaced it with some simple buttons.
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 12:58 PM
3 comments
Welcome!
As some of you may know, I started blogging several weeks ago at my Kitty & Me Ez Board . Yesterday, I decided it would be probably be easier on me as well as on my readers to do my blogging here. I will pick up where I left off at the BB. If you would like to see previous posts, please click on the link above.
So welcome to my Blog! I plan to share my love and knowledge of needlework, both old and new with you. I am a professional counted thread designer as well as a quilt artist.
I have some fun ideas for challenges that I plan to offer to you as well as photos of my personal stitching, my stash collection and my flea market/antique shop finds.
Please don't hesitate to post comments and questions.
Enjoy!
Pam
posted by Pam Kellogg @ 12:35 PM
4 comments
