February CQJP 2013 Block

I had, of course, planned to have all of my blocks finished within the first two weeks of each month.  And, of course, I did not take into account things like life, family, and creative blocks. 

The first roadblock was the teddy bear.  I decided to use the punch needle and make an adorable teddy bear as one of the things I think of for "family" and "home."  Easy.  Except I forgot that I really don't have the hang of needle punch.  And I ran out of the brown thread and had to wait for a trip out of town to find some more, which isn't a perfect match.  Which turned out okay because if I had used just one color, the bear would have been a bigger blob than it already is.  After lots of finagling, I added more outlining, a lace bow, and a lollipop.  I think it looks more like a bear now.

After I "finished" the block the first time, I still found it lacking.  I was trying to leave a little bit of unfinished patches to give the eye a place to rest, but it just didn't work.

The first problem was with the ink pot and quill.  They needed something, so I added "love" and changed the angle of the quill. 

The bee and his path was another after thought that seemed to click.  Now I can call the whole thing done and go on to block 3. 
By the way, the picture is the only one we have of my Bohemian grandfather before his marriage to my grandmother.  He is on the right with his older brother and sister.  I am in the process of making a family memory quilt for this years family reunion.  More on that later.
When you have time, stop by Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe and leave a comment to enter the Spring Floss Giveaway.  Mention that I sent you and I will get 10 extra entries. 

Corpus Christi Quilt Show

Well, my quilt and I (and bosom buddy, aunt, and cousin) went to the Corpus Christi quilt show this Saturday.  We walked off with a third place ribbon in the "other" category.  I am seriously thinking about putting it into the embroidered quilt category in the next show.  What do you enter your crazy quilt in?

I picked up some cool threads and a couple of fat quarters at the show.  Then hit all of the other local hot spots.  You know, those dangerous places like Joann's, Half-Price Books, Hobby Lobby, etc.  I also got a little bit of vintage lace at the Cathedral rummage sale.  Next trip we will have to hit the second hand and antique shops for some more. 

Lots of Bits and Pieces

Happy Ash Wednesday! 
Last night my friend Lisa and I shared a booth at the local ladies Mardi Gras shopping extravaganza.  It is an event used to raise money for our local hospital.  This was my first time attending and I had a lot of fun.  I got to visit with tons of people that I never see.

First of all, this is the "Prayer Pillow" that I made.  For us Catholics, the crocheted pocket is a nifty place to store your rosary.  For other denominations, the pocket is great for tucking away your prayer intentions.  The pillow top itself is a hand embroidered crazy quilt block.  I sold this one last night, but I am definitely making one for myself.  My inspiration came from Chris at Redwood Mountain Musings.  She makes the most luscious prayer books dripping with lace. 
These are some of the other pillows (Lisa did the Virgin Mary one with hand beading) that I made:

And these are random pictures of our booth.  This was our first time joining our various stuff, so it was a learning experience.  Lisa makes body products (lotions, soap, etc), jewelry, and pillows.  I, of course, have the fat quarters, patterns, kits, etc. 

Bad Blogger!

I know, I haven't posted in two weeks.  It's not that I haven't been busy, just that I've been too busy to take pictures!  And at that, the ones I am posting today do not do justice to my hard work. 
My good friend Lisa regularly participates in a local annual show/fundraiser on Fat Tuesday.  This year she invited me to share her booth space, so I am rushing to get some simple projects finished.  I am planning on selling fat quarters, embellished throw pillows, and lace motifs made with my embroidery machine.  Not sure about anything else.  It's hard to squeeze a lot in with work and all of the activities my children are in. 

I bought these cute crocheted hearts at an estate sale.  I dyed two to go with some fabric that was handed down from my aunt and cousin.  These will be the two bright pillows that I'm making.  The other stuff is more muted.  I come from a long line of pack rats (hoarders sounds so ugly!) and am blessed that at least two of them occasionally decide they have too much stuff and pass it on to me.  The last several months have seen lots of of fabric, notions, and embellishments come my way.  Case in point, these fabrics and the awesome green flower pin on the blue pillow.  I actually got two of the pins.  One is staying with me.  I love the color.

Just a few of the embroidered pieces.  There are also locks and keys, birds, rabbits, hearts, etc. 

I will try to be more diligent in posting.  I know that I hate checking on a blog that hasn't been written on in forever.