Dragonfly Purse Continued

I don't have alot to show on this today. I did get some stitching time in yesterday but I was rather restless and couldn't sit still for very long. Some days are like that. But I did manage to bead the Fan Stitches that run along the edges of the ribbon:



I'll have time to work on this later today. I just returned from taking Nightmare & Simba to the vet for their shots and now I have to run to Richmond to pay my rent for my showcase for the month of April. When I get back, I'll stitch and do laundry. I've scheduled some serious sewing time for next week and am so looking forward to that!

More tomorrow.....

Beaded Leaf Vine

I'm running a bit late today as today was my grocery shopping day.

Here is an update on my Dragonfly Purse:



As you can see, I did a beaded vine on the left. This was a bit time consuming but it's so pretty and quite 3 dimensional! The leaves actually dangle!

I've worked up a diagram pattern for you in case you would like to recreate these leaves on your own projects. You'll need size 11 seed beads and size 6 seed beads:



Click on the image to go to my Flickr site where you can download a larger version of the diagram.

These are actually quite easy to do. Work your beaded vine first and then go back and add the leaves. You can also make flower petals with this pattern.

If you do try this and have a blog or Flickr site, let me know and I'll post the link so everyone can see your work!

NOTE: I had about 5 phone calls while writing the directions so this is a quick edit!!!

When you get back to the size 6 seed bead, run your needle through that, then the remaining 3 size 11 seed beads at the top and then put your needle back down into the fabric.

I hope no one is confused. Feel free to email me if you are.

Dragonfly Purse

I started on this project yesterday afternoon:



Ok, I know what you're thinking. "Why is she using blue on this?" Well, there's a method to my madness! I decided to use this dragonfly as a focal point:



He looked great on this block so I decided to embellish with blues in order to bring it all together. I'll hand-paint the lace applique when I finish up my design work for the day. I also have some other cool embellishment ideas for this including some beaded leaves. Yeah! Stop by tomorrow to see that!

It's funny but yesterday, I had no clue where this one was going but today, I can already see it completed! I have some blue Silk Ribbon from Pat Winter that I want to use on here and I just received some beautiful silver butterflies from my friend Bennie. I will be using one of those on here too!

I'll be finishing this into a purse. Yes, you know me, I love making purses!

If anyone is interested in my dragonflies, there's a few left in my Etsy shop.

Ok, for now, I have to finish up a design project and then I can stitch the rest of the day!

A New Project

The sponge painting in my Living Room is complete! And am I ever thankful for Advil! Sponge painting walls isn't hard work, but there is a lot of stretching involved and a lot of getting on and off a chair to reach near the ceiling. I finished up around 6:00 last night which, after clean up time, didn't leave me with stitching time. But I'm happy to have this project out of the way.

There's still some small things to do. We still have to pick up the Crown trim, prime & paint that and hang it, still have to paint the interior door and I have to sand, prime, paint and sponge paint the risers on the steps going upstairs. I was into "country primitive" when we bought the house and the risers still reflect that being currently painted in barn red and stenciled with primitive white doves. Hmmm.....what was I thinking! My current tastes lean towards "cottage victorian", light and airy!

My husband rehung my quilt shelf when he came home last night so I'm ready to hang this:



If you're new to my blog, I made this quilt 2 years ago. It's currently rolled in a blanket and stored safely at my mom's house.

It's a whole cloth quilt measuring 29 inches square. It was stitching entirely in hand (no hoop). The cat is appliqued, and then hand-colored with oil pastels. The facial features are hand-embroidered. I designed the cat myself based on one of my charted designs. This quilt was 4 months in the making is titled, "Lucky".

At the moment, it looks my sewing time won't come until next week. But I will have stitching time! You may remember this piece from a few weeks back:



I will be starting on this today. I have no theme in mind as of yet and no clue where it's going so it'll be fun to see what develops!

BTW - if like Jo in NZ, you're looking for my signature cat on my Seascape pouch, you're not going crazy! He isn't there. I was so caught up in getting some things completed in the Living room that I completely forgot to add him! Thank you Jo for reminding me! That piece is still in the hoop and I think there's just enough room at the top to squeeze him in! He'll be there when I assemble it and share another photo.

Seascape Completed!

I mentioned yesterday that I was going to start the sponge painting in my Living Room. And I did that! I'm 1/2 done with it! Today, I will complete that task.

I also had time to complete the stitching on this little Seascape:



I added some more beads as well as the fish charms. I'll finish this into a cellphone pouch and add it to either my Etsy shop or my showcase at the brick & mortar store.

As for my next stitching project, I haven't decided yet. I have several blocks all sewn up and other things ready to stitch on. I may just reach into the drawer, close my eyes and pull out the first thing I touch. I plan to have "fun sewing" time this week too. Fun as in, foundation piecing which I so much enjoy doing!