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Thursday, December 30, 2010

Dresden Heart, Pieced Applique.


Ornaments very dear to me. Four generations worth.



Fatcat's Dresden heart pattern

I substituted a button & yo-yo for the center, and doubled my work again. Needleturn first followed by blanket stitch and now that I feel my blanket stitch is looking reasonably even, I may try and do both in one step next time. ;)

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Paper Pieced quilt block



I have done paper piecing in the past, and was very pleased with the outcome here. One block of paper piecing a year is enough for me. I jut don't have the discipline required. :(

But I have the link to credit the pattern!!!!!!! (Was filed under button suppliers :S)

Paper Panache Quilt Patterns

Friday, October 29, 2010

Butterfly, Fabric Applique and Embroidery



More needle turn Applique practice and some blanket stitch. At this point I am doubling the work on myself, because I could logically use the blanket stitch for the purpose of adhering the design and decorative purposes at the same time. I need the practice.

I have to look for this pattern. It was a freebie I found somewhere and I try my best to give credit and links when I can do so. Jeepers, my bookmarks are in dreadful shape. :S I thought it was fatcat's but can't find it there, but since she is so FABULOUS I will link her anyhoo. ;)

Fat Cat Patterns

Here's one of my own designs. I am often attracted to 'tile' applique. Its when you leave some background showing between each piece and when finished it resembles a mosaic. This pattern is on my etsy, btw.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Vintage Embroidery and Reverse Applique



An old embroidery pattern I picked up off the net, and my first 'stab' at reverse applique. I was satisfied with the result. :D

You can still see the washable pencil I used around the edge of the muslin, but it will disappear soon enough.

Free embroidery pattern can be found here.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Needle-turn Applique'



I've been working on quilt blocks the last month or so...... giving the crochet hooks a rest. :D

This was my first stab at needle-turn applique', all in all it went well and I am very satisfied with how the block came out. I used wax/freezer paper for templates and I find it very easy to draw them off, iron them on fabric and then cut out allowing quarter inch seam allowance. There are some great applique tutorials on the internet and I found this one to be very helpful. Appliqued flannel scarves would make nice gifts for the holidays wouldn't they?

note: the muslin block is just laying on the blue background for the photo and not part of the block. My work ain't that bad. :D

Also, the pattern used for this applique quilt square I can sketch up if anyone likes. I just 'winged' it and didn't really think about keeping a pattern because it was my first try. :D

PS, I did some experimenting with embroidery on this square. I liked how it came out except for the leaves with I outlined with stem stitch (:P). I love the blanket stitch the best.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Filet Crochet Dragon Completed



Filet crochet is a very peaceful pastime. I print my graph and with a highlighter marker & mark off each row as I go. I also used an extended DC to keep my squares tall enough which lengthens the project time, but would otherwise result in short and fat squares and ultimately a short fat design.

The Dragon was worked in sz. 10 bedspread weight white cotton with a #7 hook.

The pattern can be found here: Dragon Walking Upright

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Crochet Bodices for sundresses


I enjoy crocheting a bodice for sweet sundresses. The skirt is a simple gathered fabric tube with button or tie enclosures.

Here's a white one with a couple of embellishment ideas:



Thursday, June 3, 2010

Mudpie's New Hat!



Mudpie the Bear loves her new hat! She has lots of crocheted clothes but was bugging me for a Happy Hat, so I made her one. :D Here's the link to the free June Pattern-of-the-Month on my crochet forum "Sisters N Stitches". Register there for an email notification when new free patterns are posted!

Baby Doll Sack Hat (clickable) :D

Enjoy!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Pinwheel Flowerette Crochet Applique



Here's the instructions for another Crochet Applique I have added to the "By the Sea" bodice.

Sz 10 crochet thread (bedspread weight)
Sz 7 crochet hook.
Special Stitch: triple treble cluster=
1) yo 4 times, insert hook into designated stitch, yo and pull through.
(yo pull through two loops) 4 times. (leave remainder on hook)
2) {yo 4 times, insert in SAME stitch, yo and pull through.
(yo and pull through two loops) 4 times. Leave remainder on hook)}

3)Repeat { }
yo and pull through ALL remaining loops. Cluster made.

For beginning cluster substitute step one with a chain 4.

With white chain 5, sl st to join ring.
ch 1, 12 sc in ring, sl st to join.

With yellow
sl st in front loop of first sc. ch6, (dc in next sc front loop, ch 3), repeat 11 times, sl st in third chain. Break off.

With lavendar, sl st into back loop of white sc.(from round one)
Beg tr/tr/cluster stitch, ch5 sl st in third chain from hook, ch2
{tr/tr/cluster stitch in next back loop of white sc (from round one)
ch5, sl st in third ch from hook, ch2}
Repeat { } 10 times, sl st in top of Beg cluster to join. Break off.

Click Here for all entries with free patterns.
Click Here to visit my Crochet Forum "Sisters N Stitches" with more Free Crochet Patterns.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010


"Sprig of Leaves" Crochet Applique pattern (clickable):D
Working on a girl's custom boutique design for Etsy, and started with a crazy quilt theme bodice applied to a muslin foundation. I added some leaf sprig crocheted applique followed by embroidery. Loads of fun!
The design has been dubbed "By the Sea". :D
I will post images as the project progresses but I have already learned several things for the next time.
This embellishment (applique and embr) would look better on a simple solid fabric, next time I will stick with some lace, braid and or/ small amount of embr on the seams. :P

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Squiggles



Squiggle Crochet Pattern (clickable) :D
I love crochet Squiggles.
Lets see what all we can make with them!

L to Rt: Flower tendrils, caterpillar(?) and a square! :D

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

The Road Home



As Spring awakens and rustles its excitement, the memories of sweet mown grass and pony rides carry me softly along the Road Back Home...

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Hearts and More Hearts.....


Here's a quick pattern you can use to create ornaments, coasters or afghans, embellish jeans,handbags and more.

I used sz. 10 crochet thread and #7 hook in this example, but you can experiment with other yarns and hooks for more versatility.;)

This one starts with a traditional Granny Square.
1) With burgundy thread ch4, join to form ring.
2) ch3, 2dc, ch2, 3dc, ch2, 3dc, ch2, 3dc, ch2, join. Break off or carry.
3) With sage green attach in ch2 space, ch3-2dc- ch2- 3dc (all in ch2 space) ch1, 3dc-ch2-3dc in nxt ch2 space. ch1 3dc-ch2-3dc in nxt ch2 space. ch1 3dc-ch2-3dc in nxt ch2 space. ch1 and join. Break off .
4) Attach or pick up Burgundy thread (sl st into ch2 space if necessary). ch3-2dc-ch2-3dc (all in same ch2 space). ch1 3dc (in nxt ch1 space) ch1. 3dc-ch2-3dc ( in nxt ch2 space). ch1, 3dc (in nxt ch1 space), ch1 3dc-ch2-3dc (all in same ch2 space) ch1, 3dc (in same ch1 space) ch1 3dc-ch2-3dc (all in same ch2 space) ch1, 3dc, ch1 and join.
5) sl st to corner ch2 space. Find the center stitch in the side of the square (for me it was the middle dc in the center of the middle 3dc group) 7 treble crochet stitch into center stitch (forms half of the heart's curve) sl st into nxt corner ch2 space and 7treble crochet into next center of the side. Second curve is made. break off.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Crochet and Rain

Sewing Link for Today: How to Machine Piece Crazy Quilts (clickable) :D
Crochet Link for Today: Rectangular Granny Square pattern (clickable) :D
Image for Today:


Anytime is a good time to Crochet, but the gentle murmur of the rain, the silent journey of fluttering snow, or the tinkle of icy branches moving in the breeze is a perfect backdrop for reflection and introspection that melds my heart with the yarns ....... spinning memories and dreams.