Sugar Skull Doll, Free Pattern: Baby Doll Tri-flowered headband

For this doll headband I used sport weight yarn scraps and an 'E' hook.

1) First I measured the circumference of the doll or baby's head. In my case, I wanted a headband for my 'Shouggie' SugarSpun Skull ornament.

2) I then performed the chainless half double crochet foundation to the length I needed. I love this stitch because it gives headbands additional 'stretch' and because you don't have to guess about how many chains to do. Here is a brilliant tutorial for the Chainless Half Double Crochet Foundation.

Chainless Half Double Crochet Foundation

 

3) I cut my yarn leaving a pretty long piece, threaded a big needle, and whipstitched the ends right sides together.

4) Using the color of your choice I chain stitched between each stitch on the top and bottom edges, BO and weave in ends.

5) I  always start my flowers with a Magic Circle. I LOVE IT. Here's the tutorial for it (I love the Crochet Geek too, can't you tell? :)): 

The Magic Circle

Starting with the magic circle ch1 and sc in the ring. ch3, [sc in the ring, ch3] 5 times, and then slip stitch in first sc. BO. Make 3 (or more if you want) and position them on your headband.

6) Thread your needle with a contrasting thread and stitch the flowers to the headband in places that looks like little veins in the leaves. BO, weave in loose4 ends and put in on your Doll. TaDa! Enjoy!

Now the Shouggie SugarSpun Skullz ornament is ready to hang out! :) The 'Shouggie' Skull Crochet pattern is now on sale in my Etsy Shop! Click on link below. :)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/161438523/sugar-skull-crochet-pattern-amigurumi

English Paper Pieced Mini-Quilt

A relaxing and fulfilling way to create intricate blocks. I enjoy doing one block and binding even the smallest endeavors accomplished with this technique.

Excellent tutorial on English Paper Piecing found at Applique'n Patch Quilting:

Block pattern is on How Stuff Works where they house 640 free block patterns.

Kitchen Cupboard Quilt WIP: Vase of Roses (?) and Ball Pitcher

This is my first total original block for this quilt project. The lap quilting is getting easier (well, after I stopped the bleeding) and I used Erin Russek's applique technique from her videos. Very nice. Now the fingers that aren't pricked are burned. Just kidding! Ms. Russek's videos are phenomenal. Gotta keep our sense of humor... no pain no gain and all that. This block is still being dabbled with. That little blue blob is actually one of those teensie ball pitchers that I have from my Gram.



I haven't appliqued the opening yet so I whipped up a state of the art illustration of what I have in mind. Looks better now. Sorta.

Now, I have successfully combined my two blogs into one. It took most of the day but I am pleased now that it is finally done. What a marathon. We'll talk soon, I promise. ;)

Kitchen Cupboard Quilt WIP: plate and cup, Bock three

More fun. I drew the plate (very difficult) and the cup. The beautiful flower featured in the center of the plate is from a design by Erin Russek. She has a wonderful blog called One Piece at a time. Fabulous tutorial videos on wax paper, starch & applique on Youtube too!!!

Why am I getting the feeling everyone already knew about this except me?

Kitchen Cupboard Quilt WIP: Squat Teapot-Block Two

I am enjoying this wax paper technique. Tutorial. The meandering quilting is relaxing too. Uh.... how long does it take to get a callous on the under finger???? :( Decided to add a circle and a yo-yo and will add some embroidery too. I am more comfortable with that after I get a few done, or otherwise one will be more adorned than the others (probably still will anyways). Having fun!

This teapot is from Fatcat's teapot curio too.

Kitche Cupboard Quilt, WIP. Tall Teapot-Block One

Continuing with the hand applique, but am trying wax paper on the right side of the fabric instead of the back or needle turn. Great tutorial found here on Creativity Among Chaos. Also, for the first time I am lap quilting by the block to be sewn together by machine later. This could get interesting, but hey.... gotta keep learning something new, right? I am not drawing any quilting lines either, just meandering my way through it. I am also thinking of adding some Big Stitch quilting on this one too. Whatta Rebel! :P

This block is from Fatcat's Teapot Curio.

My quilt will be in the shadow box style also, with some original blocks of my own. Eventually. :) But I fell in love with two of FC's teapots!

String Block Crib Quilt

Pictured here ready for quilting. Since its for a new niece, I opted for machine in-the-ditch quilting so as to get it done and off the WIP list. Excellent tutorial for string blocks can be found here. This particular tute uses paper as foundation (I always use muslin so as to use any old fabric that suits my fancy, like crazy quilt piecing) but has great pics and explanation! In fact this tutorial gave me the courage to make my first quilt a couple years ago. Now its one of my favorites for a 'comfort' project. :D Thanks, Ashley!

Her blog/website: Film in the Fridge


Amazing how much difference lighting makes. Outside it has more of a green tone due to the shade. The first image is closer to the true hues in this quilt. I see in this image the handwork on the binding was not yet completed, but I finished it. Scout's Honor! :)

Irish Crochet

I became fascinated with Irish Crochet after seeing a video by Teresa, Freeform Doily and a two part Irish Crochet series by Ira Rott.


I began compiling my endless motif bookmarks and experimented with different fillers and techniques. Sometimes I just winged them off the cuff. My collection grew slowly.

Some were rather simple and others quite elaborate. When I thought I might have enough to even ponder joining them, I scattered them on black felt five or six at a time. When I thought a few together were pleasing, I pinned them down and began trying to figure out WTH I was doing. :D The videos do a better job of explaining than I could ever do, but the key part is not to give up and flush your motifs. :P

I thought Teresa's idea of surrounding with bruges lace a great idea as a means to stop and take stock of the situation. The plan is to continue with another round of joined motifs, and when I like it, again frame with the Bruges. I am beginning to think I should have started this when I was 4. Still fascinated by it though, and if you are curious, the first image of the first level or stage of the design is 12x9 inches at the widest part. :O

Oodles of motifs done though, and if I decide to leave it relatively small there will be enough christmas ornaments to starch for the next decade. I want to incorporate motifs into my quilt blocks too, so........ never enough white motifs to go around, IMO. ;)

***~ Edited on January 6th.  Olga Krivenko is providing amazing Irish Crochet tutorials on the MyPicot Club forum. Join today for some wonderful inspiration from a master! :) ~***

Crazy Quilt Pillow

Another crazy quilt project, this grew up to fill a pillow's shoes. Added a bit of embellishment, but nothing like some of the works of art out there on the 'net. The Yo-yo edge was blanket stitched and then a bit of thread crochet edging. Just your basic ch3 and ss or sc. I do these yo-yos alot when I am 'watching' TV. I'll do a tutorial on them soon. Very easy but some may not know how. :D



I'll link a crazy quilt tutorial I love again, in case you missed it.
Needlework Tips and Techniques.

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.

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.