Christmas Block

Here's the latest on my Crazy Quilt Christmas Block:

I used a combination of my waste canvas technique along with Sharon B's stencils to work my borders.  I'll start adding some beads later today.

For now, I'm working on typing up Lesson 8 of my online crazy quilt class.  We'll have it ready shortly. 

Antique Embroidery Books

First, I have a quick update on my Christmas Crazy Quilt Block:

I pulled some lace and trim for this block and sewed those pieces down so next, I can start stitching.  Which I'll do when I get offline.  It's very hot today so I don't plan to sit on my deck until this evening when it cools off.

In other news, to satisfy my insatiable appetite for embroidery techniques and information, I came across a site that is loaded with old embroidery books, all available to read online.  As I go through these antique embroidery books, I'll embed the links here so you can enjoy them too.  This one is called Wallachian Embroidery.  I haven't read through it all yet but I think crazy quilters may find this book useful for new ideas:



If I added the link correctly, you should be able to read this book right here on my blog.

If you look closely at the photos and read through the first page, you'll see that it's nothing more than the Buttonhole stitch.  But how it's worked produces some very lovely effects and the photos might give you some fun ideas to try with your crazy quilt projects.

Crazy Quilt Christmas Pillow

I'm pleased to say that I've completed the model for Lesson 8 of my Online Crazy Quilt Class.  Now that it's ready, I just have to type up the instructions and send it off to Jason who will put it together into a beautiful booklet.  I think ya'll will enjoy this one!  We're going to cover some new techniques! 

So now that I have that ready, I'm going to stitch on this Crazy Quilt Christmas Pillow:

The poinsettia is from a vintage hankie that I bought at a flea market earlier this Summer.  Be sure to follow my progress and see how this turns out! 

I have a new photo of my little Cotton for you:

I think his eyes are very sensitive because he always blinks when I use the flash.  He's 4 months old now and sweet as can be!  I tried to get a photo of Wrigley but he's always in motion so I'll keep trying!

Cottage Chic Crazy Quilt Pillows

Looks like my mom has caught the Crazy Quilt bug again!  She's made several Cottage Chic Crazy Quilt Pillows:

I've mentioned this before but if you don't know, my mom is legally blind.  She has a very small amount of vision and therefore, can't do some of the extensive embroidery that I do.  But she certainly makes a good effort doesn't she?  These are absolutely beautiful and you would never know to look at mom's work that she really doesn't see well!

Crazy Quilt Finishes

It's been a busy week.  I feel like all I've done is run around here and run around there.  Appointments, having to pick up things at the grocery store and then cleaning and laundry.  But somehow I managed to finish up a few of the projects that I was working on.  First is my Victorian Crazy Quilt Handbag:

I had crocheted some pink trim for the bottom but when I put it this purse together, it just didn't seem to work.  So I went a more simple finish for the bottom.  I think it came out nicely!

Next is my Snowman Pillow:

If you don't remember, I made this piece for my aunt for her birthday which is in October.  My aunt loves snowmen so I think she'll enjoy having this!

Finally, I finished up this Crazy Quilt Teddy Bear Doll:

This is a gift for a friend.  I want to get this in the mail either tomorrow or Saturday.

For those of you taking my Crazy Quilt Online Course, I'm working on Lesson 8 right now.  I thought I'd have it done by now but again, I feel like I've done nothing but run around all week!  We'll have it ready soon!