Embroidering

The expression "bitten off more than you can chew" must have been coined by some cockeyed optimist that took on a project that was far more complex than she anticipated! Yikes! I've never designed a pattern for anything this complex before. When I made my crooked house, I winged it. Far more complicated trying to duplicate it for others to make. I'll just say it's been a learning experience... but in a good way. 

I was hoping to have the pattern posted today, but I don't see that happening! I'm getting close, though, and I'm very happy with the way things are going. I have the pattern pieces designed and they're ready to be made into a PDF, but I still need to write up directions. Also, I'm turning this first piece into a pillow, which requires quilting, and I'm not done with that yet, either. PLUS, I need to write up directions for making the pillow. Did I say YIKES already? Anyway, the grandbabies were over today and I had the partially completed pillow, as seen above, pinned to a walling hanging quilt. The kiddos took one look at it and said, "Gammy, that's soooo beautiful." The girls were thrilled to know it was going in their room. (And this is why we do it!)  As expected, my grandson then asked, "What are you making me?" And so it goes!

I will have a little time to myself this weekend, so I'm hoping to get it finished for Monday, or at least the beginning of next week. Look for it then.   

Edit: The pattern for the Owl Doorstop can be found HERE.

This evening at 9:00 p.m. est the contest for Percy the Owl Doorstop Giveaway will be over. As promised, I have completed the directions, and they are now available in the FREE Crafting Club Patterns. Percy is made in the same fashion as the Puppy Dog Doorstop and the Kitty Cat Doorstop. Now Percy can now hang out with Horace and Jasper.

The grandbabies have fallen in love with these 3 little guys and I apt to find them just about anyplace. In another month or two we'll be throwing open the windows and doors and this darling trio will have their work cut out for them. It's my guess, however, when the wee ones are about, they'll probably abandon their posts for a frolicking romp!

So, now you have the directions for the trio. Make 1 or all 3. But since I have 3 dogs so they can keep each other company when we're otherwise occupied, I would plan on making all of them! Grab the Owl Doorstop Pattern here. Enjoy!

There was a crooked man and he walked a crooked mile,
He found a crooked sixpence upon a crooked stile.
He bought a crooked cat, which caught a crooked mouse.
And they all lived together in a little crooked house.

Several months ago I shared a project I had just completed. Actually, I just shared bits and pieces of it. It was always my intent to revisit this project and to share the pattern with everyone. So, over the next several weeks I will be sharing this pattern in several different ways.

I will include all 3 pattern blocks and directions for turning them into the banner you see her. But, each time I share one of the blocks, I will also give directions for a different way to use the block. The plan now is to make a pillow, a tote bag, and, hmmm... haven't come up with a third use yet, but I will!

Originally, when I made these houses, I used a form of crazy quilting. I did not have a pattern and simply created 3 different strips for each block. If you're familiar with crazy quilting, you might want to use that technique, although I will include actual pattern pieces for anyone who wants to make this in a more traditional manner.

So, watch for the directions. The first block will be available at the end of the week, and next week there will be directions on turning the block into a pillow.

Often when I'm sitting around doodling, I draw cupcakes. (Second only to my old dog, Fred, doodle wise!) I'm not sure if it's because they are relatively easy to draw, because I'm hungry, or because they are just so darn cute! Anyway, it only makes sense that it would be one of my first block appliques. Easy to make, and with the popularity of cupcakes today, I'm sure you can find many places to "stick it". As with all other block appliques, this is sized to fit on a 6" x 6" block, but you can enlarge or reduce its size to fit your needs. There are 2 different options for adding the cherry on top. You can either cut out a piece of felt and blanket stitch it on, or like the picture above, use a chain stitch to completely fill in the circle. I started on the outside of the circle and embroidered my way in! I want to make a set of contour clip barrettes for the girls for Easter, and cupcakes will definitely be on a set. I'll include directions after I make a pair. In the mean time, you can get the directions for the Cupcake Block Applique here. Enjoy!