Art Shows

My two amigurumis won second place at the Stow Munroe Falls Library Needlework Show. Yeah! The exhibit is up until 5:00 pm today (27th March).

Next year I'm going for first. I plan to finish my dragon, make a second one, and pose them in a fight scene. I think that a bit of action would really help my creations.

Last year, I wanted to enter the National Collage Society's Postcard exhibit, but I did not get my fabric art completed in time. This year, however, I was ready. Here is my collage and the inspiring photo taken at Put in Bay's Butterfly House.

Needlework Show

Well, I didn't get my amigurumi dragon finished in time for the Needlework submissions. Instead of stressing, I decided to take my time finishing the dragon for next year's show and submit two other projects that I already completed. They are not my best pieces, but acceptable.

The first is a wiener dog that I made for my daughter. The second is a chocolate cake with orange margarine topping.

The Needlework Show is at the Stow Munroe Falls Library and all submissions will be free to view starting Wednesday, March 23rd through March 27th.

Puppet Scarf

I just had to post this. I first saw this project on the Craftzine site. What could be better; it's super cute, fun, and easy to make. Oh, I know! How about free?

This pattern is from Red Heart and FREE! Click here for the pattern.

Red Heart has a lot of free patterns on their site with varying ranges of skill levels and project types. If this pattern isn't to your taste, look around their site and I'm sure you'll find something to occupy your time - which if you are snowbound like me is a necessity.

Mug Rugs

I just finished my mug rugs for the Quilting Gallery's Mug Rug Swap.

The two mug rugs I created.

I love the swaps from Quilting Gallery. There are more than just the typical block swaps. We've completed wall-hangings, candle mats, and lot of other fun quilting projects.

You can see other mug rugs created by other participants at the group's Flickr page.

Current and Past Projects

Wow, has it really been so long since I've posted? After the crocheting and fabric portrait-making frenzy last April, I was a bit burned out on crafting. I have not done much experimental crafting, but I have completed a few projects for competitions and fundraising.

I entered two amigurumi pieces in last year's Needlework Art Show at the Stow-Munroe Falls Library and both pieces took third place. This was quite exciting because it was the first time I had entered a competition.

The pattern for the panda was from the crochet-a-long that I posted about before. The sushi patterns were from Tasty Crochet: A Pantry Full of Patterns for 33 Tasty Treats.

This year I am working on a dragon. The pattern is by Lucy Ravenscar. I love Lucy's patterns. Not only are they super cute and detailed, the instructions are clear and easy to follow. I've purchased several of Lucy's patterns and have been very happy with the results. Here's Lucy's photo of the dragonet:

And here is what I've accomplished in the past two days:

After the Radcom Art Show, there was a fundraising auction for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I created this Daffodil Trail fabric portrait to be auctioned. Next to it, is the framed version of my Romeo and Juliet in Central Park.

The next competition I was going to enter was for the National Collage Society. Unfortunately, life got in the way and I didn't get it finished in time. Here is the finished fabric portrait and the photo I used. The photo was taken at the Butterfly House at Put In Bay.

I am also currently working on a Mug Rug Swap. I hope to have the mug rugs complete this weekend, so I'll have something to share on that.

Radcom Art Show

I have a really good excuse this time for not posting in ages. I have been preparing for my first ever art show. It is through my employer who is doing it as a fund raiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. All money that I make that day will be donated to the cause. I have a few more pieces to finish and frame. Here is some of what I will be selling:

Join me at the show, if you can. There are several other artists with everything from photography, to blown glass, to jewelry. Here are the details.

Saturday, April 17th, 2010

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Radcom

561 Boston Mills Rd. Suite 400

Hudson, OH 44236

330-650-4777

View Larger Map

You can also get more information or sign up as an artist at: http://www.radcomservices.com/art-show. Hope to see you there!

Teddy Bears with Heart by Deborah Chaddock Brown

Today's guest post is from Deborah Chaddock Brown. She has an incredible blog, Make or Break Moments. She is a freelance writer, speaker, and trainer. She provides her audience with real life solutions and examples that help to market their business, establish their expert status, and enhance the customer relationship.

She also has a passion for crafting, and she has been gracious enough to share information on her most recent project. Thanks Deborah!

Teddy Bears With Heart 
By Deborah Chaddock Brown

I’ve found a way to keep the memory of my Dad as a visible presence in my life. A couple of years ago he tried the South Beach diet and went from an XL to a L and sent my son some of his too large, colorful sport shirts. Occasionally, my son will wear one of them and it brings a smile to my face. We lost my Dad unexpected almost one year ago and seeing that little reminder of my Dad is a great comfort.

As we approach the one year anniversary of his passing I wondered what I might do for the family that would be meaningful and yet fun. I saw the shirts in my son’s closet and convinced him to donate a couple of them to the cause. Going through my embarrassingly large collection of craft books, I stumbled upon a classic: Two-Hour Teddy Bears by Anita Louise Crane.

This bear is called Bearheart. I made him for my Mom. The body of the bear is made from one of Dad’s Ralph Lauren sport shirts. The heart I constructed from a quilted placemat I found at the Dollar Tree. “Always” was the song my folks fell in love to and was considered their song. I thought it would be a fitting sentiment to cross stitch on the front of the heart. 

I am making a different bear for each member of the family using scraps from his shirts. In some cases the shirts will be used for a vest in others for the wings on an angel bear. In every case, the bears will be constructed with love and a gentle reminder of someone dear to our hearts.

If you have lost someone close to you, consider using one of their garments to accent a craft piece so that you have a loving reminder of how special they have been in your life. 

Tips for Paper-Piecing Quilt Blocks

I finished my Fall Swap wall hanging and will have it in the mail by the deadline. YEAH! I wanted to use a pattern that allowed me to incorporated all the great fall colors. I selected a paper-piecing pattern from Bright and Bold Paperpieced Blocks by Carol Doak because her patterns use - obviously - bright and bold colors. Perfect. The patterns also have a kaleidoscope look, which appealed to me.

I have never had luck with paper-piecing because the instructions I had were not very clear. I wasted a lot of fabric guessing what size to cut my pieces, and I had various other issues trying to line up the fabric, removing the paper without pulling stitches, and a lining up finished blocks. Carol's instructions looked clear and detailed, so I gave it a try.

Overall, Doak's instructions worked for me and I really like the results. The greatest feature in the book is the cutting instructions and measurements for each piece. I did not have to guess what size to cut the pieces.

As I completed my wall-hanging, I created a list of tips for paper-piecing that will make your experience easier.

1. I am all about saving money so I used ordinary printer paper to print the block patterns. It worked, but with unnecessary difficulties. I highly recommend that you spend the few extra dollars and purchase the foundation paper. Foundation paper clearly shows the pattern through either side, it allows you to see the fabric through the pattern, and it tears easily when it is time to remove the pattern from the fabric.  

2. Though it takes longer, take the time to fold the paper-pattern back on the line between the two pieces you are about to sew together. Align your ruler so that it extends 1/4" over the paper and trim the fabric. This will help you properly align your fabric pieces accurately.

3. Even if the instructions say to stitch 1/4" on either side of the pattern lines, don't. When it is time to fold the paper back and trim the fabric to 1/4", you will have to rip the paper where your stitch goes past the line.

4. Do not just finger press the fabric pieces open. Take the time to iron them. This helps to reduce the bulk where several pieces come together.

5. Check out these other tips from Quilter's Around the World.

Paper-piecing takes longer, but the results are fantastic. I have not had points so sharp or pieces align so accurately.

If you have any tips for paper-piecing, please share them in the comments section.

Squiggle Crochet

Squiggle crochet
Originally uploaded by sarah london textiles

Have you heard of Squiggle Crochet? I hadn't either until I read my morning blogs.

Sarah London featured this beautiful square she crocheted on her blog and Flickr. I have not been able to find instructions, but she does promise to have the pattern available in a Hip to Hook 2010 pattern.

You can check out her blog at http://sarahlondon.wordpress.com/2010/01/14/squiggle-crochet/.

Cute Patterns in Amigurumi Too! by Ana Paula Rimoli

I am still enthralled with amigurumi. For my niece’s third birthday, I crocheted more of the little critters in Ana Paula Rimoli’s book Amigurumi World and the birthday cake. I loved making up these patterns so much, that I purchased Rimoli’s second book Amigurumi Too!

I crocheted this tea set from the second book over the holidays. I love how it turned out. The little spoons and chocolate chips really make the set.

After today, however, I am getting back to my quilting. I joined the Fall Quilt Swap on Quiltinggallery.com. I decided to give paper piecing another try. My first attempt turned out okay, but it took me longer and I wasted a lot of material. I purchased Carol Doak’s Bright and Bold Paperpiecing book. The instructions look clear and easy to follow. I will let you know how it turns out. Hopefully by next week!

In the mean time, have fun with your crafting endeavors, and I would love to hear from you.

Amigurumi World and Panda Crochet Along

I've been away in amigurumi-land again. Making these little crocheted animals is addictive. I just cannot get enough. I have wanted to make every critter in Ana Paula Rimoli's book Amigurumi World: Seriously Cute Crochet.

I have a pretty good start, too. These guys are easy, quick, and I think the cutest out there. There are instructions for large amis, but I like the little guys. This book is well worth checking out.

Also, I've joined a Crochet Along. This is a new experience for me. I know how to crochet, so I was not sure if I would get anything good out of crocheting with other people, but I could not resist the ami. It is a fuzzy panda. The yarn is brushed to make it look like fur. I figured that joining the Crochet Along is worth it, just to learn the brushing technique. If you hate working with those special fuzzy yarns, then this is the perfect alternative.

Check out the first lesson. There are several YouTube videos to demonstrate special techniques for the Fuzzy Panda. The best tip is to give your yarn an extra little tug at the end of completing a single crochet. This makes your stitches tighter so the stuffing does not show through.

Here are some tips that are not mentioned in the lesson videos for brushing your crocheted amis:

1. I found it easiest to collapse the piece so that it was a double thickness. This helped to protect my fingers from the brush and it did not pull the piece out of shape.
2. Be careful when brushing near the edge. Those stitches pull easily.
3. Start with a gentle brush stroke until you get the feel of the yarn's resistence. It is easier to brush more to get the desired look than it is to try and hide pulled stitches.
   

Friendship Bag Swap

When I saw the photo of this bag, I knew that I had to make one. When I saw that this is also a swap, well, I signed up immediately.

This bag is for the Friendship Bag Swap, hosted by the Quilting Gallery.

Here's the run-down,

• Sign ups are going on now and end August 20th.
• You receive your partner's information August 25th. It is a secret swap, so no telling who your partner is.
• People from around the globe are participating, but you have the option if you want to ship internationally or not.
• There is a simple online form to complete to sign up.
• There is an optional Flickr group that you can join to share your journey.
• The instructions are simple to follow with a lot of pictures.
• As of now here are the stats: 221 participants, 23 countries, 6 provinces, and 39 states.
  

Something that is not listed on the swap site, but I found when I looked at the Flickr site - people are filling the bags with goodies for their secret friend. I do not know if there is a dollar limit or any other restrictions. Once my registration is accepted, I intend to ask. -- UPDATE -- See Mishka's comment below. Goodies are optional in the swap.

Even if you do not join the swap, consider making these simple little bags to hold gifts for family and friends. Autumn weddings are starting and the holidays are closer than you think!

Have fun!

Amigurumi! Super Happy Crochet Cute

I am hooked (I swear, the pun was unintentional). I love the Japanese art of amigurumi. It is pronounced ah-MEE-goo-ROO-mee. Previously, I made a Frodo amigurumi. I recently found a book at my local library with several patterns for animals an food. What I like about the book is the introduction information. It details materials needed and helpful tips for working with the smaller hooks and embellishments.

The patterns progress from easy beginner to difficult advanced. I am not fan of decorating the house with crocheted items, but some of the food patterns are so cute, I could see them in little bowls in the kitchen. These patterns introduce working with stitches you may not be accustomed to and working with some embellishments like beads. It is a good place to begin practicing with increases and decreases before you get into the involved and time consuming larger amigurumis.

I strongly advice picking up a book about amigurumi from your local library or bookstore for all the tips and practice patterns before trying those awesome patterns you can find all over the web and esty.

2009 Dear Jane Siggie Swap

I received my blocks from the 2009 Dear Jane Siggie Swap. If you don't know what a siggie swap is, it is a signature block swap. Each person sews a specified block for each person that signed up for the swap. For this one, I made 79 of the same block. I then signed the center block with my name, city, state, and country. The blocks are mailed to the swap hostess. After receiving blocks from everyone, she sorts them so everyone receives one block created by each person.

I love receiving the package in the mail and then looking and touching each one. You cannot look at a block without wondering about the person that created it.

I received blocks from as close as the next city over and as far away as Australia. The creativity in these simple blocks is astounding. My favorites where the ones the used a stamp that represented their state. Such a simple idea, but so effective.

If you have never participated in a quilt block swap, I recommend that you do. Do a little research to make sure that the organizer has done a swap with success in the past. Do not hesitate to email the organizer and ask how many swaps they have organized. Remember, organizing and participating in are very different.

Also, have patience. It always takes longer to receive the packages than what is stated in the swap instructions, but life happens. Sometimes the hostess decides to wait for a few people that are late in sending their blocks. Sometimes the turn-around is too ambitious. Sorting all of the blocks is a very time consuming process and then you have to package and mail. Don't even get me started on shipping international. The hostess deserves all the respect in the world! (Thank you giggles2. I hope you know how much your work is appreciated!)

I am working on a map that marks the location of everyone that participated in the swap. I am halfway done. When I complete it, I'll post the link. It is interesting how a swap can cross seas and bridge language barriers. (Okay, that was a bit sappy, but it is neat!)

Going Green Never Tasted so Good - Candy Wrapper Purses

While on vacation, we stopped at the M&M store which featured Candy Wrapper Purses. The purses were made from M&M wrappers. They were very nice looking, but they were a bit expensive for me. My mom then reminded me that when I was young we would make chains from our of candy wrappers, which is the base part of the purses.

I started looking around on the internet and found several sites for making these purses. First, let me mention that there is a site called Save the World Designs that sells these purses and other fashion accessories made from recycles items, but if you would like to make your own, here is where you can find out how.

• Wrapper Purses - Has step-by-step pictures for creating a purse using potato chip wrappers.
• eHow - High-level instructions but there are several links on the side to other ideas.
• Purse Project - Contains a lot of pictures for different ideas and instruction for making a purse from cigarette packs (Keep our roadsides clean!).
• Nahui Ollin demo video:

• Starburst Chain Tutorial - slower, step by step instructions for making the base chain.

You don't have to ruin your diet to make one of these purses. I plan to pick up wrappers and bags (that aren't too gross) from the roadsides and in the park during my walks.

Gardening, Baking, and Amigurumi

I finished my Square Foot Garden. It was quite easy, though a bit expensive. Since this is my first one, I had to purchase not only seeds and plants, but also the wood and soil. It was fun building and planting it. As the season goes, I'll let you know how it works out. I planted beans, peas, four kinds of peppers, leaf lettuce, spinach, carrots, radishes, and onions. You can get more information about Square Foot Gardens from the book or from the web site Square Foot Garden.

I'm not much of a baker, but I can appreciate a good cake. I came across this blog that lists 26 Cakes Perfect for Geeks. There are Yoda cakes, Mario Brother's Cakes, Kindle and cakes with glasses. There is a cake to satisfy the geek in each of us.
Lastly, the creator of the cute R2 D2 anigurumi I posted about has finally released the instructions. You can find them on Esty.

Dear Jane Additions

I have not been completely inactive these past weeks since my last post. I have completed a few more Dear Jane blocks, but I have spent most of my time reading All New Square Foot Gardening. I am learning how to plant a garden using 80% less space with perfect soil. I have finished the book and intend to start building my new garden this afternoon. I will post pictures when I am done and let you know how it went.

Here are the Dear Jane blocks that I have finished.

C-2 Streak of Lightning	C-3 Rayelle’s Fence
C-4 Tic Tac Toe	C-5 Eye of the Cyclone
C-6 Ashley’s Aura

Oh, I also expect to soon receive my signature blocks from the Dear Jane swap. I'll be sure to post pics of those. too.

Anigurumi

I have discovered a new love - anigurumi. That is, the Japanese art of creating characters out of yarn by knitting or crocheting.

Last weekend I found an amazing blog about anigurumi. It first appealed to me because the site had patterns to create Star Wars and Lord of the Rings characters. I am a huge Star Wars and LOTR geek! The patterns were easy to follow and the result - I think - was great. Here is the Frodo Baggins I made:

I even made the elven sword, Lothlorien pin, and of course the One Ring. The site where I found the patterns is Geek Central Station. The doll pattern was free, but I had to purchase the clothing and accessory patterns. The prices are very reasonable and the direction very good.

I am not working on a Legolas doll - and then maybe some Star Wars!

Fabric Easter Eggs

Happy Hop-Hop!

I hope the bunny brought you lots of yummy chocolate. Unfortunately, my daughter is under the impression that all the candy is for her. Maybe I can sneak a peanut butter egg later.

I bring you a special Easter project today. Many of you have probably already seen these. Since the pattern was posted everyone is raving about them: Fabric Easter Eggs.
You can find the pattern at Retro Mama. They are really quick and easy to make. They are also a great way to use up some of your fabric scraps that you cannot bring yourself to through away.