Lillian's Tablet Pouch/Cover

 My dear friend Lillian had sent me tons and tons of crazy quilting stash and in it was one of her blocks that is soooooo stunning!  I knew I had to make it into something special for her to use!  Lillian also has a Galaxy Tab so I decided to make her a pouch/cover for hers.  Here is a link to the tutorial on how to create an easy pouch.  The CQ block was already in a U shape but in order for it to fit onto the flap I had to shorten it about an inch but it wasn't a problem since it was the bottom and didn't have embellishments all the way to the edge.

I used an easy applique method and then sewed it to the flap and sewed some purple ruffled lace around the edge as well.

It's nice to create useable things, so that instead of being put away somewhere we can enjoy all the work that goes into crazy quilting and see something gorgeous everyday!  Her block was definitely one of those blocks that needed to be enjoyed!

Before I sewed on the block applique I sewed in place some Velcro for a closure.

Baby Gifts!

Here is a little bib that I added a applique strawberry and back-stitched in a "R".

This monogram I just used an air-erasable quilters pen and roughly drew an "R" then I feather stitched in the shape.  Next I added lazy daisy in one color of pink and then a second lazy daisy in the inside of that one in another shade of pink.  Last I added tiny lazy daisy leaves.

Receiving Blanket with Monogram

For this blanket I cut out 3 hearts out of flannel and then appliqued them on using different embroidery stitches.

I used chain stitching, blanket stitch, and running stitch with colonial knots placed in between.

On this bib I cut out a rose from a print and appliqued it into place.  Then I "quilted" in specific spots to define the rose even more.  Then I used an air-erasable quilters pen to write "Rosalee" and back-stitched it in.

I jazzed up a plain white bib, and with a name like Rosalee I couldn't resist a Rose Theme!

These butterflies are iron-on applique's...hey don't knock it, I messed up and in order to fix it the iron-on appliques hid the mess...LOL  Then I added a running stitch flight path.

Easy way to cute-ify a plain onesie!

Tarnished Gold: Silk Ribbon Embroidery

 I added more sweetheart roses with a pretty variegated silk ribbon.

 Then I added a vine with size 15 seed beads, some silk ribbon leaves, and some pale lilac flower beads.

I added a touch of darker color to the butterfly and flower lace and then puffed it up by tacking a few of the edges in place to keep it puffed as I liked it.

Tarnished Gold: Silkie Motif Progress

I started working on more embellishing around the silkie!  I coffee dyed a piece of lace and added a bit of lace for her collar!  I also started adding sweetheart roses around the frame.  You can see how I start on a motif, I didn't really have any plan just wanted to start with my touch of red and just sprinkled the roses around.  I have a few other colors of silk ribbon picked out to fill in.  I know some plan or pre-draw but I like to just wing it and go with what feels right.  I do that a lot with design in every area of my life, from my garden, to by home, to putting flowers in a vase, to silk ribbon embroidery!  There are times I like to plan to get a general idea and then hash out the details as I go, but this time I just went with my idea and sprinkled roses.

I remember back when I first started creating my own designs instead of using a pattern and I used to be so scared of the unknown, all the what if's, that things can go wrong, get stressed out and fall into analysis paralysis! LOL  But now that I've been doing it a while it gets easier to go with the flow and let it just form.  To step out in faith and do it.

Huh, interesting, I say that and think this is a reflection of my life recently too.  I have been learning to step out in faith, to trust God and go.  It's amazing the peace that you have once you start living it out, taking risks, choosing to ignore fear, not let fear control me or control the choices and actions I take.  I've been growing in that area of my life and because of that, fear has become smaller, faith has grown larger, and peace is the result!  I find it fascinating that it is translating over into creating too!

Tarnished Gold: Silkie and Lace

 Ok so looking at the block I think that a Silkie might be a nice addition...I don't usually use them and I thought why don't I use them?  Usually I'm saving them for something special, yet whenever I make something with a purpose they never seem to fit the idea so I figured since I have no purpose other than to just make something pretty that I like why not use one that looks PERFECT!  She kind of reminds me of the second sister in Downton Abbey!  LOL

 I held some tryouts and this lace seemed so perfect!

 Then what do you get when you add a tiny delicate piece of lace with a star sequin and a vintage rose montee?

A pretty little adornment for her hat!

So far I'm really loving how things are going!!!

Tarnished Gold Block

Yup I actually created a new block yesterday!!!  Shocked?!?!  LOL  I haven't done much work in a very long time, but my Hubby encouraged me to do some just because.  With no reason attached, no purpose behind it.  That was some of the reasons why I haven't created in so long so with those out of the way I thought why not?!  It's a 10 inch block and I just felt like using gold and bronze-ish, maybe it could be considered tarnished gold?  Anyway I liked the center print with it and I figured I can embellish with those colors.  I'm dreaming of luscious silk ribbon embroidery which is my fave and I haven't gotten to do any in a long time.

Small Group Birthday Gift: Cell Phone Pouch

Every year I make a gift for each girl in my small group at church. This year I will be making cell phone pouches for each of them. The common thing will be the fabric, each will have this black and white polka-dot but have differing embellishments to suit their personality. This girl loves vintage right now so I picked a vintage lace and embellished it with embroidery and beads.

Christmas Ornament for Wendy

Every year I have a tradition to make and exchange a Christmas Ornament with Wendy! Here is what I made for her!
I used a red rose print with another red fabric that has tiny white polka dots. Then I added lace and embellishments! Lots of vintage on this heart!
Love you Wendy!

Little Embroidered Pillow

I used a font to create a pattern and used a light box to transfer with a pen onto the flannel fabric. I then back-stitched it using a green perle cotton thread. I even sewed a little pocket on the back for a pouch of lavender to be tucked in.

Cover for my Tablet

I used a polka dot print cotton fabric with some gorgeous coffee colored lace! Now I have a simple yet pretty cover for my tablet!

Flower Pin/Hairclip: Fay

This flower I made using a couple of purple fabrics, some large hole tulle and some bits of purple lace. I glued a vintage style gem in the center!

Couple of Phone Pouches

These pouches are for friends of mine who are mother and daughter! I think you can guess who's is who's by the appliqué!

Flower Pin/Hairclip: Randi

Here is a simple sweet little flower made using three different green prints, topped with a fussy cut butterfly!

Flower Pin/Hairclip: Cheyenne

For this flower I used a purple leopard print mixed with an organza print, and some purple netting. In the center is a silver flower sequin topped with a star sequin and a purple bead.

Flower Pin/Hairclip: Stephanie

This flower is made using Black and White prints, a touch of red with some black lace, a pretty black button, and a couple of black feathers!

Pretty Pouches

I whipped up a couple of pouches tonight just for fun. It feels good to have finished something pretty for no other reason than to just do it. I think these will probably end up in my purse, but they could end up little gifts too. LOL

Flower Pin/Hairclip: Ashley

For this flower I used black velvet and lace with some pink and leopard print fabrics, finishing it off with a pink gem button and black feathers.

Flower Pin/Hairclip: Andrea

This flower is made using black velvet and lace with some purple fabrics added in. The center is a folded piece of organza that is tacked into place.

Antique Clothes

Aren't these dresses and boots so pretty?  I just had to take photos and share!