Lucky Me

I received a most wonderful gift via e-mail this past week.  It is an Advent Calendar by Jacquie Lawson .  Each day I click on this snow globe and I see a wonderful scene that is interactive and absolutely beautiful.  I was so taken with this idea I purchased several and sent them as gifts.  An inexpensive way to say "I'm thinking about you."

During the "Giving Thanks Blog Hop" sponsored by Michele at Quilting Gallery I was fortunate enough to win a gift given by Quilting Sparrow Company.  I received 11 of the prettiest holiday fat quarters in the mail this past week.  I loved their business card...check out how cute it is edged in fabric.  You know I'll never forget the Quilting Sparrow Company after seeing this fun business card....very smart!!! 

Thank you Quilting Sparrow Company for making my holidays bright :)

Most everyone who reads my blog knows I rarely post pictures of food on my blog.  There are several reasons for this.  The fist is I no longer enjoy cooking.  The second is because all those in AU who read my posts typically will be awaking to my posts.  I have spent many a nights reading their morning posts and when they post photos of food I swear I take in more calories than ever were necessary for one human being.  This time I'm making an exception because I made a beautiful pie this past week and I was so tickled.  Mind you, I used Martha Stewarts recipe but, hey those were my hands that did the work...LOL.

My girlfriend, Diane, made this beautiful felt  Christmas tree and she brought it to show at one of  our sewing groups.  She kept this at her cabin and only worked on occasionally while visiting there.  It took her 10 years to finish it and I'm so very glad she did because I think it is absolutely beautiful!  So cheerful and what a wonderful thing to pass down to her children.

It must be the little kid in me that goes nuts for all the sparkle and the sweet faces.  We are fortunate enough to have a tree skirt that my MIL made and gave to my husband. 

Gifts were exchanged at our group and we all received lovely gifts.  Diane received this beautiful wall hanging made by Carol E. It is an embroidery design by Anita Goodesign.  What a clever gift...three fun blocks...why don't I think of such cute things in advance?

I know this post is getting long, but there are lots of photos I want to share and I'm not always able to get to posting them as soon as I would like.  Just 4 more photos and then I'll smile at you :)

Lights at the Toledo Zoo is a special holiday event here in our area.  The weather has been unusually warm so this past week we went over to the Zoo to see their beautiful display.  Unfortunately I didn't take my camera and had to rely on a friends photos.......there are only 4...but they are fun none the less.

I hope you have a magical week!

Next week I'll have two giveaways...so come one back and visit again soon.

Smiles,
Kelly

Yes, I Am Spoiled With Anita Goodesigns

I am no expert when it comes to Machine Embroidery or for that matter Quilting.   I don't need to be when I am surrounded by wonderful women who have achieved excellence in Machine Embroidery and Quilting.  This is not to say that I'm not knowledgeable, because I am....but expert, nope, not me.

Knowing that the holidays are right around the corner, I started making gifts for my co-workers teachers....and of course the bus driver, the secretaries and I can't leave out the school counselor!  Yes, I have a lot of gifts to make.   I have a secret to share for making amazing gifts quickly....its called Machine Embroidery! 

Another secret is excellently digitized designs by Anita Goodesign.   I was introduced to Anita Goodesign by  my friends in the Machine Embroidery Guild a few years ago.  When I saw how wonderful the designs stitched out I knew these designs would be a great addition to IHAN®.

 Nutcrackers by Anita Goodesign

I am making these pillows for some of the teachers and I thought I'd take you along on the journey with me.

The instructions are so well written that even I can follow them.  Each and every step is supported with excellent directions and photos.  The instructions suggested that I add some fusible interfacing to the back of my fabric because of the dense stitching.  Next I used Floriani No Show Mesh Cutaway as the stabilizer and hooped all layers.  Nice and taunt so I would not have any puckering.  I'm not a fan of puckering! 

Above you can see the stippling stitches and the base of the Nutcracker being stitched.   I chose white thread on white fabric because I wanted the Nutcracker to be the focus but I could have just as easily used another color.

Anita Goodesign has been using Floriani Thread in their designs and conveniently enough, I happen to love  Floriani Embroidery Thread so this is excellent!   TIP:  You can always share your embroidery thread with another machine embroiderer.  Who says you can't split the cost of all of your ME supplies with a friend...that cuts down on your inventory of stabilizers and thread.  Just a money saving idea.

 

The Nutcrackers pants are being stitched in this photo.  Wouldn't you think the stitches would start out uniform?  You are seeing the under stitches being laid down.  Wait until you see how beautifully the pants turn out.

Beautiful ay?  Yes indeed.

Now the jacket is stitching....

Ta Da....and a Nutcracker is born :)

In this close up you can really see the beautiful detailing of the digitizing and the rich texture the Floriani thread brings. 

Given I can't get to my fabric stash I am not able to put the side panels on just yet.  Wheelchairs and stairs just don't go together.  However, I do have an example from Christmas Classics that I finished before my ankle was broken.

 

These two pillows will be given to teachers/school staff as gifts this holiday season. 

You can make pillows, quilts, wall hangings, table runners, placemats, coasters,  embellish clothing....anything goes and you know you can't go wrong with the quality digitizing by Anita Goodesign. 

Yes, I am trying to tempt you....and in my effort to do so, I've also taken $30.00 off the price of the Christmas Classics and  $15.00 on the Nutcracker designs.  All Anita Goodesigns ship for FREE at IHAN® (United States Only) so what are you waiting for? 

As far as I can calculate, that leaves you plenty of money for at least one wild fabric shopping spree and lunch or some more money to tuck back into your mattress :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Welcome to the IHAN® Machine Embroidery Blog Hop Sponsored by Anita Goodesign

Hello, this is SewCalGal back as a guest blogger today.  And, Jean is also helping out with this post too!

Kelly has organized a wonderful blog hop this week that we hope you'll enjoy.  Before I share insights with you, I do want to invite you to join us in wishing Kelly a Happy Birthday and hope all her special wishes come true!  SewCalGal and Jean also hope you'll leave a comment on this post to wish Kelly a Happy Birthday too!




Time to talk about the blog hop.  Anita Goodesign is the sponsor for this wonderful hop and they have also donated prizes that will be offered on the blogs in this hop. Everyone is invited to join the fun this week and we encourage you to visit all the blogs for inspiration, tips, some tutorials, as well as more opportunities to win a great prize!

SHHHH....Kelly here.....
I snuck into this post, those girls thought I had my plate full (I have some of the best friends on this planet) but I just have to share with everyone what I made on Sunday for my Mom.  I choose the "Art Quilts" designs by Anita Goodesign for this blog hop.  

"Art Quilts" a Premium Design Collection from Anita Goodesign

I'll show you more of the designs later....now I'll share my process with you :)

The instructions for these designs come in booklet form as well as on the CD. The instructions were very easy to follow.  The recommended stabilizer is Floriani No-Show Mesh.  I hopped it with some muslin as suggested.

Then I put some batting on top of the No-Show Mesh, the machine basted it in place.  Then I laid the background fabric over the basting stitch lines.  (It doesn't get any easier than this.....really.)  

 Lucky for me, the software  indicates which colors of Floriani Embroidery Thread to use.  I just had to change a few based on the colors of fabric I choose for the appliques.  All of the thread in this design is Floriani Embroidery Thread other than the bobbin thread.

I use Wonderfil Prewound Bobbins when I do machine embroidery....I like the convenience.  Winding bobbins is not anywhere near the top of my list of fun things to do.

The quilting lines were stitched first and then an outline stitch showed me where to place the fabric for the background of the angel's wings.  After they were stitched down, I simply cut around the outline.

Taking photos of every step would have bored you to tears so I've jumped forward a bit.  I used silk for the dress and the skin on the angel.  

Knowing silk can fray, I decided to use some Mistyfuse and fuse the No-Show Mesh to the back of the silk.  I could have used the Fusible No-Show Mesh but I didn't have a package open at the time.  

It always seems that I am stitching a project when the local quilt shop is closed.  I didn't have any flesh colored fabric but fortunately I remembered I did have some small pieces of silk dupioni. 

Believe it or not, I actually got all the way through most of this design without any mistakes....up until step 30 something.  The thread color that was indicated was a dark brown and it said it was for an outline.  Thinking it was for the bird, I just put it in the machine and hit the button.  YIKES....in a minute or so I noticed the dark brown was outlining the hair.  I specifically made the angel with red hair and didn't like the dark brown outline.

The most difficult stitches to take out, in my opinion, are machine embroidery stitches.  I used my Famore Seam Rip and Famore Micro Fine Tweezers to remove that dark outline.  Where would I be without those tools? 

Here she is, a beautiful angel holding a dove....sans the dark brown outline!  

As promised, here are the other designs included in the Premium design collection, "Art Quilts."

 

The designs can be made into greeting cards, wall hangings, post cards, mug rugs or added into quilts....your imagination is really the only limit.

I hope you have enjoyed this little journey with me....I sure had a great time making this angel for my mother.

Now....back to post written by SewCalGal :)

Schedule for this blog hop that will share tips, tutorials, inspiration and oodles of giveaways:

Mon., March 18th 

          I Have A Notion® aka IHAN®- Kelly Jackson

SewCalGal

Tues, March 19th

Cindy - Sew Cindy
Trish - AllThingsCrafty.com

Wed., March 20th

Marjorie's Quilting Bee
Margaret - The Average Quilter

Thurs., March 21st

Rebecca Grace - Cheeky Cognoscenti

Fri., March 22nd

Gene Black - Alabama Artist
SewCalGal

And, don't forget today is sweet Kelly's birthday.  Happy Birthday Kelly!

SHHHH...it's me again....Thanks for the Happy Birthday thoughts....I've been bowled over by people remembering my birthday.  Sure does lift the spirits :) :) :)

If you leave a comment on this post you will have an opportunity to win a Special Edition Embroidery Software from Anita Goodesign.  (Value: $99.95).  Make sure you leave a comment on each of the participants blogs....there will be one winner from each blog!   Please join me in thanking Anita Goodesign for their incredible generosity.

THANK YOU ANITA GOODESIGN!!!!!

Smiles,
Kelly