First Christmas Swap Block Finished

Here is the first of my Christmas Swap Blocks. By using the BAS stitches I was not so lost with what to do next. I had great fun creating this block but felt a little restrained because I decided not to use any beads or charms because the block looked to me as if it could be used as part of the Christmas table setting in future and the beads and other embellishments would not suit the future use. Any how here is the first block with some closeups of the individual stitches.

This is the woven cross stitch, detached chain, pistil stitch, backstitch and reverse buttonhole

Another spider and web I love doing these.

A little try at ribbon embroidery it was supposed to be a white poinsettia but looks to me more like a Christmas rose. The leaves are closed cretan stitch and the little dots are colonial knots in gold thread.

The little apricot stitches are picot buttonhole a really pretty stitch and very easy.

And last but not least is the scalloped chain but I over sewed it with the loop stitch that is used in Peking stitch. The flowers in the center are buttonhole eyelet flowers.

I will get started on the next block now although I could keep on playing with this one because there are still some blank spaces.



BAS Challange and Cracker Swap

I wanted to do the BAS challange but had little time to indulge myself; then I thought wait a minute you have signed up for the Christmas Cracker Swap with the Crazy Quilting International Group so why not use these blocks to do the challange stitches on. I started on week 60 - naturally I have always been a little backward and here is the result.
I forgot to take a photo of both the naked blocks but here is one naked and one started. I just love the Woven Cross Stitch which is the challange stitch and the herringbone and detached chain that were one of the challanges but I cant remember the number.
I hope my partners will like what I am doing.

Crazy Quilt Block Bits

As you have probably guessed I am very new at this crazy Quilt thing but I just love seeing every ones' work at Crazy Quilting International Group. I thought I would show some of the things I have been working on. This was for the University of the Third Age and though I enjoyed doing the sewing not many of my fellow students though much of the concept so I am afraid I got a bit lost but these blocks will be a WIP to pratice ideas and stitches on.
I hope you enjoy and please feel free to give me advice on where I should go next.

At last I am able to upload the images from Meaghean's Graduation yesterday.

Here she is with Jim they both look pretty smug.

And here she is with me I am very proud of what she has achieved so far and know she will continue on her studious way until she has achieved her goal of a PhD.

Thank you and other important things...

I'm not very good at this Blogging thing yet and don't know how to thank you individually for your kind comments about my Blog , so please take this as a thank you ;-). I really appreciate your feed back but please don't be afraid of constructive criticism. I am learning like all of us and praise while good for the ego is not all that good for the soul.

I have not been working on anything for the last couple of days as we have been preparing for our daughter's graduation as a Master of Special Education. I am so proud of her work and dedication congratulations Meaghean on a job well done!!!

I don't know what is happening here I can't insert a photo so I will upload one as soon as my computer will co-operate.

Buttons, Buttons, Buttons

I love them!!! I read about Dorset Buttons and had to have a go so here are my first try at these gorgeous buttons. The two plain pink ones are a bit rough. They are my very first attempt but I think the two multi colouted ones are a bit better. To find more information about these and other embroidered buttons. http://www.britishbuttonsociety.org/20070401DorsetButtons.htm

These next ones are made with Colonial Knots embroidered over the woven framework I think they are rather pretty and look like little bouquets.

These last three are my daughter's favourite. The center weave is done with the same varigated thread I used for the Colonial Knot on the previous buttons.

The next lot I have to try are Singletons.

Button Challange

My Crazy Quilting Group is having a button challange so here are my contributions. These buttons were made a couple of years ago to go on some cushion covers that have since gone to the duster bag.
I could not throw away the buttons because I thought they were cute I hope you do also