My First Pieces of Punchneedle Embroidery

Punchneedle embroidery is very relaxing for me. These are some practice samples I've done. When I first started I was interested in just punching anything to get the hang of using the needle. I started with a Ultra Punch and now I punch with just the needles of the Super Luxo Needles. I really like the feel of just using the tips.

As you can see, this is unfinished but you can see the progress I made from one to the next.

I really like this pattern. My technique and understand has improved since this was done. I will punch it again using different colors and vary the height of the threads (project 576,438, 129).

If you are new to Punchneedle or would like to try Punchneedle....don't be afraid to experiment...just jump in and start practicing. Before too long your technique will improve and you'll enjoy the relaxation of Punchneedle embroidery. You can use any thread that will go through the needle (told to me by my "Starr" punchneedle teacher). I have used sewing thread and rayon threads too. So when you see those spools of thread at rummage sales or garage sales....scoop it up for a dime and start punching.

Smiles,

Kelly

Freebies

Can you say, "Free?" I like to see what people are doing and what they are giving away. This blog lists lots of giveaways so stop by and check it out.

I'm hoping the Quilt Market has some freebies too!!! That is where I am right now....(posted in advance) so I'm hoping they have something fun to bring home and giveaway on my blog.

I love seeing what other people win too. I have never won on a blog but I've seen some really beautiful things and I always smile. I think most of us have the best hearts and really enjoy seeing other people happy with what we make.

Smiles,
Kelly

I'm in Pittsburgh

I have time for one quick post. I'm alive and well in Pittsburgh. I arrived at 1:00 yesterday and spent my afternoon in the Schoolhouse classes. These were offered by many different companies and individuals. I learned quite a bit and even got some pix of celebrities...I can't wait to download my pix.

I won a book, "Punchneedle The Complete Guide" by Marinda Stewart. I so thoroughly enjoyed her lecture and seeing her work. I had goosebumps when they called my name to win a book. Marinda signed it too!!! I had a hard time not hugging her to say thanks for this really cool book that was just released from the printer.

There were some other giveaways and freebies that I were given to me. I was thinking about a post Market Blog Giveaway.....that would be fun....to share a bit-o-de-market with others.

I stayed with my husband's Aunt last night here in Pittsburgh. She has a lovely apartment in a very pretty part of town. Aunt Linda is a quilter/artist so you know I'm in heaven :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Can you say, Accessorized?

Remember those back packs for Quilt Market that Mary Jane made? Well, she just could not stop until every last scrap was gone. She made a camera bag and a Kleenex holder to go with her back pack and name badge. I can't wait to see if she embellished her underwear with the salvage edges. Perhaps a toe ring? Covered button earrings? Imagine what all we could do with those little scraps of fiber remaining.

If I had brought my sewing machine with me I could have made myself a cool little camera bag too. I need one of those little tiny machines....hand held from the infomercials.....then I could sew up fun things over lunch.

Smiles,
Kelly

Oh Boy!!!

Oh Boy.....this is a picture of me in July of 2006. I had just returned from the Ribbon Outlet in PA. I could not believe the prices. $6.00 bought an entire bag of ribbon. Who needs one bag? How about several bags and enough ribbon to wrap a lifetimes worth of gifts or make a zillion hair bows :)
I'm hoping this does not happen at the Quilt Market Sample Spree tonight. I'm leaving in a few hours for Pittsburgh. I went to bed early last night and thought I would pack this morning. I set the alarm for 5am....but a storm woke me up at 3:30 and then I was wide awake.....so I'm up and running.

I bought a new camera last night. I got one that is more compact but still has a good zoom....for all those pix I'm going to upload when I get back!!!

Smiles,
Kelly

EQ6 Is Very Cool

I don't know about you but I'm one of those people who has a hard time with visualizing how certain fabrics will look made into different quilts. Often I avoid cutting into my fabric stash favorites because I don't want the finished product to come out wonky. Or because I did not realize they colors would have played better if I had separated them. I can scan in my fabrics and play with them to see how they will look in quilt patterns before I ever cut a piece of my "good stuff."

The EQ6 is for those of us with impaired visualization or I actually think it has something to do with seeing in 3D and engineers do this really well (I studied this stuff so long ago that is all I remember....all that money on my education and I can't remember...guess that is what Google is for!!!) and many other people who want to see and print what they are making. You can go to the EQ6 website and check out the various tools this software offers. I really liked this video on designing quilts .
I think their site offers quit a bit of information so if you are new to quilting or an advanced quilter you will probably see or learn something on their site. However you will not learn much from me about the workings of the brain....mine is mushy today :)

Smiles,
Kelly
P.S. Did you see the price: $149.00? My price is $109.00 that is 40 more dollars for fabric girls :)

Three, Two, One...and we will have lift off Huston

Well Huston, we have three days until lift off. We hope the weather is good for the launch and the sky's are clear. Destination: Planet Pittsburgh for Quilt Market.

I have been planning my clothes for the trip so I will be comfortable and able to walk for three days without sore feet. What do astronauts pack so they will be comfortable for their longer trips? Better call Huston I guess. Anyone have their web addy so I can enquire about the comfort of those diapers that you can ware for several days. Geez....I will hate to have to stop looking to go to the ladies room. I need NASA Diapers....if anyone has a connection please dial me right away!!! Do you think there is a tutorial on making Space Diapers on the web?

This is the Badge Holder we designed (I did the first name badge holder and decided it needed a wallet on the reverse side to hold money and ID etc. Mary Jane took right off and made some with really neat wallets on the back to match the backpacks she has made). I think we are going to be very spanky in Pittsburgh.

This is the area we will put our Badges in so we are permitted entrance into the Convention Area. These are sort of like the official tags the "Officials at Big Concerts" wear to go behind the scenes....but this will be much more fun. (it says unknown....but we really know who we are...don't worry....honestly we will be fine out of town by ourselves without knowing our names....what is most important is that we recognize one another right? :)

I will be sporting the backpack on the left....so if you go and you spot me....you can say Howdy!!

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day. I was greeted in bed with breakfast from my two boys. They were so excited and I got lots of kisses. They also made me gifts and got me a rose bush too. I felt really special. Then we went to my Mother's house (she is out of town for a month) and my husband, sister, nephews, brother and I did all the yard work and bush trimming and a few tree removals. It was a wonderful day and we all enjoyed ourselves. I just pray we can all walk tomorrow :)

Smiles,

Kelly

Happy Mother's Day

Please note the following was not written by me....I am sharing it from an e-mail I received. It refers to God....please substitute what ever is comfortable for you, Mohammad, Buddha, Mother Nature, Grandma, Mother Goose....what ever you like....it is not intended to alienate anyone or their beliefs.

A baby asked God, 'They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?'

God said, 'Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.

'The child further inquired, 'But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.'

God said, 'Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy.'

Again the child asked, 'And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?'

God said, 'Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.'

'And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?'

God said, 'Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.'

'Who will protect me?'

God said, 'Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life.

''But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.'

God said, 'Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you.'

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked,

'God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.

'God said, 'You will simply call her, 'Mom.'

I loved this and wanted to share it with all Mom's today. Smiles, Kelly

Dear Jane Quilts, Supplies and Tutorials

It seems everywhere I look I see more and more blocks from the Dear Jane series. I know Anya, Hills Creek Quilter , has been working on beautiful blocks for a long time and she posts her beautiful blocks on her blog. She has a slide show of her first one hundred blocks. She is using batiks and I just love them.

I found tutorials for the Dear Jane blocks by Anina from That Quilt Blogspot and they are great pictures for the tutorials. You will love the freezer paper she uses for paper piecing.

For those of you who are working on Dear Jane quilts or would like to start I have put a Dear Jane Supplies category on my website. The rulers, freezer paper to put through your printer, the Dear Jane book and the CD-Rom are all available at the lowest prices I have found on the web. You will also find some really great snips for cutting small applique pieces. You can't go wrong with I Have A Notion.

Tomorrow is Zach's 5th Birthday Party!!!! I can't believe my baby is going to be 5 (officially on Monday....and his sister is going to be 20....two born on the 11th of May).

Smiles,
Kelly

Who in the world would have thought.....

that people from all over the world have looked at my blog. I've only been blogging for a few months and I have had visits from the following countries:

Brazil, Belgium, Japan, Turkey, Macedonia, Hungry, India, Finland, Iceland, Switzerland, Singapore, Croatia, Venezuela, Iceland, Greece, Mexico, China, Spain, Russian Federation, Italy, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, France, Norway, Netherlands, Philippines, South Africa, Sweden, Israel and the United States.

People in 30 countries now know I exist as a person. This is amazing to me. Now I know you are there too. I feel like a top secret CIA person typing all these countries and I'm just a stitching enthusiast. I think I have stage fright now.....I'm being noticed.....ok...just kidding about the stage fright thing. I'm so thrilled that each and every one of you has stopped to read my blog. Thank you!!! I've had a total of 2736 visitors.....and I'm so glad I don't have to get each of you a cup of coffee and a sandwich :)

Guess I better get some baking done. If this keeps up, we'll need some cookies and coffee. I wonder if there is virtual cookie and coffee scent that can be transmitted through our speakers instead of sound....hmmmm....guess I better Google that one.

Please feel free to leave your comments so I can Hi personally and thank you for stopping by. If you have a blog or see things that interest you, please feel free to e-mail me as well. I enjoy seeing all parts of the world and things that interest other stitchers.

Smiles,

Kelly

More Beautiful Back Packs and Taglets

Mary Jane is on a roll. She has made two more back packs and she said she is making two more. I think these are so fun and I can't wait to wear one at the Quilt Market. I think Amy Butler will be very pleased....I would be :)

Way to go Mary Jane!!!

This little creation is my new Bag Tag....he is very small so I'm calling him my Bag Taglet. I got the idea from a business card my husband brought home from Best Buy. The card was the same size as this Bag Tag and the same shape. Since my larger tags are the same shape.....it struck a cord....how about smaller tags! As you can see...I'm extremely bright :)

Here is the Taglet next to a regular size Bag Tag. I think they are so cute and would be great on diaper bags and on the kids back packs and lunch boxes for school. I also think they would be great for identification when going to a Zoo or an Amusement park. Just fill it out and put it through one of their belt loops or shoe strings (perhaps a little smaller for shoes). You could put your cell phone number on it so if the child gets separated from you someone could call you on your phone. I always think about these sort of things because I have two little fellas.

Speaking of little fellas...Zach turns 5 on Tuesday. We are having his birthday party on Sat with a Scooby Doo theme. I still need to come up with games. Guess I better get busy on Google....unless any of you have any great ideas you want to share with me....PLEASE :)

By the way, I have added a new category on my website. You can now shop for "Dear Jane" books and supplies all in one category.

Smiles,

Kelly

Win Fat Quarters and Thread

Hey girls...thought you might want to know that there is a wonderful giveaway on the Mothers Cupboard. Check it out.

Smiles,
Kelly

"Calling All Critics" Follow Up

OK Gals.....these were the responses I received for the Love/Hate sewing notions and organizers. You may recall I have already posted mine in a previous post titled, "Calling All Critics".


"One of my favorite notions/quit tools is my Fons and Porters ergonomic seam ripper. I love the big easy to grip handle!" Susan http://hangingonbyaneedleandthread.blogspot.com/

Susan, I took this pix from another site...I hope I got the right one. I love your signature in your comments and on the e-mail. I've decided to put mine where ever I want it and if someone thinks I'm ignorant for doing so.....I'll just have to be ignorant :)


Shelly bought this rotary blade sharpener and says she can not get it to work correctly. I posted this to see if anyone else has bought one and if they have any tips or ideas. The jury is out as to weather these rotary sharpeners really work. So if you know of one that does...please do tell us all!!! Shelly said, " Here is the link for the particular sharpener I bought. I got mine from an online quilt shop so paid the higher price."

http://www.tooltron.com/productpages/crafttools/supplies/orbital_blade_sharpener.htm

"This will be a very interesting thread. I may not be doing something right if others have had good success with theirs...I could use some tips."

Shelley madmecyr@myfairpoint.net

Well Shelley....I hope we get some answers....if not I'm going to Quilt Market in Pittsburgh on the 15th of May and I'll try to find someone who is selling them and can demo one for me.


Mary Jane added this : "I think my favorite tool is the brass stiletto. I use it to un-sew as a seam ripper, pull out corners, hold seams as they go under the pressure foot, aide when ironing narrow folds and have even used it to pick out hickory nuts meats.
It is very strong and the point does not wear down, have had one for many years and it is still like new.

In fact, I have two...one at the sewing machine area and one by my nesting corner in the great room.

I really like the paper punch, it makes either 3/4 inch or one inch hexagons for doing English paper piecing that I use in making the Bosom Pin Cushions. The secret to English paper piecing is having an accurate foundation to sew your fabric around."

Mary Jane, Kelly's vintage friend from Pennsylvania

Mary Jane, you are not vintage......you are aged to perfection :)

Lastly, Behany Frerichs, posted her best and worst on her blog and you can just click on her name and it will take you right to the pictures!!! How easy is that?

Feel free to share your comments with all of us who are waiting to hear what tools or organizers you like or don't and if you have used a rotary sharpener with success.

Smiles,
Kelly

Wonky Wonky Wonky

I think I'm suffering from a mysterious condition. I'm not quite focused or sharp the last few days. Perhaps I should not have sat down at the sewing machine in this condition. But I did.

My goal was to make a MP3 Player holder for my Sister's birthday gift. I'm using a tutorial from Rebecca at Sew, Mamma, Sew . Now, please don't hold Rebecca nor her directions responsible for what I have done.

XQXGXRXZZZ I just realized I uploaded the pictures backwards...I'll be right back after I change those pictures to the correct order. See....I'm not all here....Mindy and Mork have stolen my brain.

I'm back from Ork....pictures were deleted and re-done. Am I the only one that is floating in outer space? I don't ever recall being so dis-con-bob-ulated.

So...picture one you will see that I layered the fabric incorrectly and what was to be the lining...is inside out.

Picture 2...you will notice the elastic that I was supposed to sew on the edge so it would be facing outward when it was flipped....is on the inside....

WONKY, WONKY, WONKY

OK....then I started over and chose a different fabric for the lining. Much better results this time (I don't think it had anything to do with changing the fabric....but you never know).

Here it is now....but you might notice....the elastic is a bit long.....

This is the button I made to go with the bag. I did punchneedle and then used a covered button. Well....the button does not work at all with the large loop and I needed to fill in the background. Live and learn.

I'm so glad my Sister will be satisfied knowing I made it. I will find another button....but I really wanted to make a punchneedle button cover....perhaps I'll do another one.....who knows.

Mork and Mindy are doing well if you were wondering. They are talking about building an addition for me to live in once I've completely lost my mind :) If you don't know who Mork and Mindy are.....well....I guess you can Google them!!!

Smiles,

Wonky Kelly

To Market To Market To Buy a Fat Pig

Home Again Home Again Jiggidy Jig. To Market To Market To Buy a Fat Hog, Home Again Home Again Giggidy Jog. That is the a great To Market song.....but I may just have one better!!!

To Market To Market To Buy Lots Of Fat Quarters, Home Again Home Again To Become A Better Hoarder.

We are getting ready to head off to Quilt Market in Pittsburgh PA here soon and we must have bags to carry our booty. These are back packs Mary Jane made for us to take to market. I think they are so cool....don't you? This is her own design. She quilted the bottom of the bags (difficult to tell by these pix) and she added a separate zipped pocket for our belongings.

I am taking my camera to share all the exciting news and photos of what I see. This will be my first visit to the Quilt Market and I'm hoping it will be very informative. I see all the things in catalogs and on the websites.....but it is a whole different ball game getting to feel and use the items.

I'm hoping to get some more Love/Hate e-mails about the notions and gadgets that you love and/or hate so I can include them in my post. I will be putting it together in the next day or two so please e-mail me with your list.

Smiles,

Kelly

Jenny of Elefantz

Well, well, well ladies and gentleman (are there any gentlemen reading this blog??? other than you Bill?) you are going to love what I have found. Many of you know that I love stitching and when I saw this site I was pleasantly surprised by how fresh and heartwarming Jenny's designs are. Flipping/clicking through each page and picture on Jenny's blog brought more and more smiles to my face. You can not look at these without feeling lighter in your heart....and if you can....you need to call me; I'll hook you up with someone who can prescribe meds for your condition :)

See, aren't they cheerful? She has a giveaway on her blog and if you mention I sent you, I will get two extra entries. If by chance I win and it was because of you....I guess I will have to share the prize won't I? Yes...you can have it for 6 months than I can have it for 6 months etc....agreed? Ok then Agreed.

The fabric Jenny chose is very pretty and reminds me of being a little girl. I bet it would be just as beautiful in batiks. I'll have to add this to my 7,897,406,104th project. See, I do plan on living a very long time :) There are free downloads for these patterns too....so you will have to stop by and look at Jenny's work.

"Jenny of Elefantz" doesn't that sound like a lovely title for a movie?

The number counters for UFO's don't go that high so I have learned to keep track of my projects myself using the old draw a stick method. It is a real pain to have to tally those sticks....but my projects are very important to me!!!!

Smiles,

Kelly

I'm In Good Company :)

Well...it looks like I'm in good company here after reading all my personal e-mails and comments on this blog.

Thank you all for the wonderful comments and e-mails. Perhaps these books are more concerned with corporate business and I'm a small time Quilt, Needlework and Notions retail person.

Everyone I have ever met loves to have their work shown. That is part of the joy of making things is sharing them. I do think it is important to say who made what...and I did that....so I guess the rest will come out in the wash :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Blushing with embarrassment

I sincerely apologize for errors in etiquette that I have made during the time I have had this blog. I was reading “Blogging for Idiots” and “The Everything Blogging Book” last night and learned of my mistakes. So if I have offended anyone, I sincerely apologize.

I learned that when you comment on another’s blog you don’t put your blog address. I have done this consistently and feel embarrassed that it is a mistake. I did it because I thought it would make it easier for people to follow up with conversations or learn who I am so I’m not a mystery writer.

I do know you don’t copy anyone else’s work and I have always written to people to get their permission to post their work or pictures.

I did not go back and re-read every one of my posts to be sure I did not make any mistakes. There are too many already to do that….and who wants to torture themselves looking for mistakes, right?

With all that said, I would appreciate any help I can get as this is a learning curve sort of endeavor. If you notice anything please feel free to e-mail me and let me know. Ignorance is not bliss after all!!!

I feel like I swatted at a fly in a Hindu temple…..not recommended by the way :)

Smiles,
Kelly

PS...the picture just mirrored what I felt but it is actually my oldest son eating chocolates out of his sisters Christmas stocking. He was so precious....he simply said....but I like her candy.

Inklingo and a Giveaway !!

Please be advised I made an error in posting these photos. I thought they belonged to Linda Franz of Inklingo and apparently they belong to Tilde Binger from Inklingoprojects. I have e-mailed Tilde Binger and I'm in the process of resolving this misunderstand.

Can you blieve I learned of this after I apologized for simply singing my blogspot signature on other people's blogs. Geez....little did I know I did this too. Guess making mistakes is a very good way to learn ay?


Two things I really like....something that is new to me and a Giveaway. My eyes just popped out when I saw the following pictures. I e-mailed Linda Franz and asked could I use some of her pictures to post to my blog about Inklingo. She said Great!!! So here you go:

Bruce made a great start on his Double Wedding Ring project.

Mary made this stunning batik version of a Drunkard's Path using (surprise !)
the Drunkard's Path collection.Size of quilt is 36 * 45"

Elly made this great little bag. She writes :The pattern was from the book "21 terrific patchwork bags" by Susan Briscoe

Kathi made the little purse from Tilde's pattern.

I love the double wedding ring in the bright colors. They just popped right off the screen and I instantly wanted to make one. But as you know by now....I want to make everything and I'll need to live to be 467 years old to get to everything I want to make and do.

Who would not want one of these purses? Oh please.....I'll take them both!!!

And the Drunkards Path....made me want to run back to Kathy Green's house to get some more fabric (I was there yesterday......I felt drunk when I left....intoxicated for sure with all those delicious fabrics!!!)

You can go to Inklingo blogspot and check out these and other wonderful projects people have made using Inklingo.

This is my first experience with Inklingo so I watched the video demonstration on Linda's site. It was very informative and I think this will be very easy to use. I'm adding Inklingo to my store today. If you have not visited my store lately....you owe it to yourself and your wallet to stop by and check it out.....invite a friend or two to come along with you....everything is more fun when you bring along a friend....especially a stitching friend :)

If you click on the link on the side of my blog you will go directly to the Giveaway. Please don't enter too many times because I want to be the one to win all those great gifts. Can you imagine??? Ok....back to reality.

Smiles,

Kelly

What do you get when you leave a 6 year old with a bottle of syrup?

You get French Toast Soup!!!! Aaron wanted french toast this morning for breakfast. So I put a piece of french toast on a plate cut up and the bottle of syrup on the table and I go back to the stove to make the second piece. Aaron says, "Mommy, I don't like this syrup, do you have any other syrup?" I turn around.....no wonder he does not like this syrup.....it is soup!!! So I had to fish the pieces out of the slurry and put them onto another plate with another piece so the syrup saturation would not send him into diabetic coma. Guess the lesson this morning is to put the syrup in a small bowl before I turn my back :)

Thank Heaven for Little Boys!!!

Back to usual programming as soon as he is on the school bus :)

Smiles,

Kelly