Thursday, April 24, 2014

Java Junkie Pattern

A couple of you asked for the pattern of Ms. Java Junkie so here she is.  Left click images then open in Microsoft Word.  Images should be enlarged to 8-1/2" x 11".


I have included a pattern for her frame also.  To make the frame, fold two pieces of 8-1/2" x 11" paper in half and trace around pattern.  Cut pattern out, then tape both pieces together at joining line indicated on pattern.  Unfold pattern piece.  Measure and draw a 1" border on bottom and sides of pattern, and a straight line approximately 2-1/2" from top of coffee pot.  Cut out the inside, leaving a 1" frame for your coffee pot.  From the pattern cut out a handle and spout and tape to the frame.  Use your completed frame as a pattern and trace it onto poster board, then cut out. Cover the poster board frame with fabric of your choice.  Glue finished needlework to back of frame and finish with another piece of poster board cut to match.  Glue decorative button to top.  Finished frame is approximately 11" x 14".  





Monday, April 14, 2014

What is Your Super Power Hop


TA DA!  It's revealing day for my Super Power!

 

When I first saw Madame Samm's stitchery challenge I thought how much fun it would be, and then reality set in.  Super Power?  Me?  I love to quilt and craft and paint and write . . . the list goes on and on, but none of those things give me super power.  As  I poured myself another cup of coffee and pondered what it was that made me feel empowered, it hit me -- caffeine!

I love coffee!  I am a true java junkie.  It wakes me up in the morning, refreshes me in the afternoon, and soothes my weary self at night.  I even cook with it.  Who doesn't love mocha frosting on chocolate cake?  I confess I even add it to stew, chili and gravy recipes for heartiness.   So what would be more fitting than for me to choose coffee as my super power?  Popeye had his spinach, Samson had his hair, and I have my coffee!
 
Armed with a strong cup of joe at hand, I began to sketch what I wanted as my Super Power banner.  Satisfied with the drawing of my perk-y gal, I embroidered her on white cotton backed with a square of white felt as a stabilizer.

The embroidery went fairly fast since I mainly used the outline stitch.   There is a small amount of fill-in work.  Her pupils and head band pattern are French knots.


To finish my project, I made a frame out of cardboard in a coffee pot shape and covered it in fabric.  I cut my embroidery piece to fit and sandwiched it between the frame and a poster board backing.  A big red button was glued to the top.  I intend to attach a ribbon hanger on the back so I can hang her on my pantry door. 

This is my first hop and it's been great fun.  A big thank you to Pauline for organizing this hop, Madame Samm for the fun challenge, and DMC Threads for their sponsorship.

Thanks for stopping by.  For more fun, check out the Super Powers of my fellow bloggers on today's list.

Monday, April 7, 2014

Baby gift in a hurry

Recently my neighbor told me her daughter was expecting a baby boy any day.  Yikes!  I needed a baby quilt and fast.  Of course I could have gone to the store and bought something, but I like my neighbors and wanted to do something special.

I started going through all of my books and magazines to find something appropriate that could be made in a weekend or less.  Imagine my relief when I came upon Erla Gudrun's darling baby blanket in her book Fast & Furious Home.   


This pattern was just perfect for a new baby boy.  I found the cutest circus material and was amazed at how quickly it came together.  Needless to say my neighbor and her daughter were thrilled and the nice thing is that I got the quilt done before the baby arrived.  Whew! 


I really liked the simplicity of this quilt pattern and, of course, I was pleased it whipped up so fast.  This pattern is definitely a keeper!  


 

Friday, April 4, 2014

Who's your Fairy Quilt Godmother?

Meet Grimoira, my personal Fairy Quilt Godmother.  She hails from the website of Paper Panache, one of my favorite sites.  If you're interested in finding your own godmother, visit Paper Panache and follow the selection process (a fun survey-type questionnaire) and "she will spring from the ranks."  All godmothers are different.  Check out the parade of Fairy Quilt Godmothers already made.  Some are even funnier than mine!



I had to share with you my paper-piecing adventure.  Believe me, this was a trial and error process.  I ripped out more seams in this tiny project than I ever have on a big quilt.  Although it was a lot of fun, paper piecing is not fast (for me anyway).  If paper piecing is your thing, make sure to check out http://www.paperpanache.com/index.htm  There are lots of free patterns, as well as unique ones for sale.