August CQJP - Macrame

This month I returned to the 1970s and 1980s for my focus on a craft I dabbled in at that time - namely macrame.  It was quite the trend and almost everyone was using it to decorate their home.  There were wall hangings, flower pot holders, towel holders, wine bottle hangers and the list goes on.  As far as icons, the first one I think of is the owl.  I do recall lots of wooden beads, ceramic fish, mushrooms, owls, chickens/roosters etc. into whatever design I did.

August CQJP 2015 - Macrame 

The big challenge was recreating some of these things in a size appropriate for my crazy quilt block.  I went ahead and embroidered the seams of my block in coordinating floss so they wouldn't overpower any macrame pieces I would later add.  Following directions for a sampler in one of my stitchery books, I used a #10 cotton thread in a natural color.   I followed the directions for a full-size design and as a result wasn't sure what dimension my designs using a much smaller fiber would be when completed.  Below is the first sampler I created.  Please don't be too critical since it had been over 40 years since I had done any macrame.  Although it only ended up about four inches wide and five inches long without the fringe, this took hours!  In my opinion it took up too much space on the block also but was a great practice piece.

I ended up creating my own version of a sampler as shown to the left on my finished block.

I attached the threads with the Larks Head Knots.  The next row is the Horizontal Clove, a/k/a Double Half Hitch.  Below that are four columns called Sinnets.  The outer ones are Square Knot Sinnets and the two center twisted ones are Half Knot Sinnets.  The Half Knots create a natural twist.  The two Half Knot Sinnets are joined at the base with two square knots, then all are used to create the Alternating Square Knots.

Next, the middle section of the sampler is topped with another Horizontal Clove, followed by Diagonal Cloves with an added bird bead.  Below the bird is another bead, a Square Knot Picot and some more Square Knots spaced further apart.  A row of beads were then secured in place with Square Knots and another Horizontal Clove.

The bottom third following the last Diagonal Clove is Interwoven Square Knots, beads, and Alternating Square Knots.  Finally Overhand Knots were tied to secure threads, leaving some length of threads loose to form the fringe.

I tied two Josephine Knots to the securing thread at the top to finish it off.

Of course I had to have an owl somewhere!  Using the full size pattern which used Lark's Head Knots to attach fibers to a ring, the remainder was created with Square Knots and Diagonal Cloves.  A small twig was attached at the base, threads wrapped together at the base and cut to form fringe.

I had been wishing I would have kept my old macrame instruction booklets and wondered if it would even be possible to find the older ones anywhere.  God works in mysterious ways!  I went to our church's garage sale and there was a large cooler full of macrame supplies...and several booklets for $5!  Of course it would have been crazy not to snatch up those items.  In one of the books was this giant spider tutorial.  As most of you know spider webs and spiders on CQ blocks are good luck so of course I needed to make this in a small size.  Gulp.  

The spider was made using two Berry Knots.  I had never heard of Berry Knots that I recall let alone made anything with one, but decided 'nothing ventured, nothing gained'.  It wasn't that bad really (I can say that now that it's done).  To give due credit, the spider was in a booklet called "How to Make Plant Hangers" by author/designer Lynn Paulin.  The copyright date is 1974 and there are a couple of numbers including HP-420 and 13-99088 which may possibly help identify the booklet.  I actually Googled her and an Amazon site came up with this booklet listed.  You can find it HERE.  Also some on Etsy, HERE.  You have to love Google.  I didn't create my spider in exactly the same was as Lynn Paulin, but she deserves the credit for the idea.  Unfortunately I couldn't find a way to contact her.

The legs in the tutorial were made by wrapping cords over wire I believe.  Since mine would be stitched in place I didn't feel they needed the wire support which I envisioned as being very frustrating in this small size, so I simply braided three threads together for each set of legs, knotting the ends and joints.  I was going to do the macrame web also but opted to just stitch one onto the block with embroidery floss a shade darker than the spider.

 I'm hooked!  The box included all these wonderful booklets (not sure why this loaded sideways?)...

All these beads for macrame....

And a lot of fibers for full sized projects.

I can see where the knots used in macrame can be used to embellish crazy quilt blocks and I'm hoping to make more of the spiders eventually adding them to my (neglected) Etsy shop.  What a fun trip into the past!

Simple Shadowbox Tutorial

A few years ago I made this sort of shadowbox using two identical photo frames.  I thought I would share with you how I created it.  It was actually very easy to do and I know there are at least some of you who would enjoy it.  This would also make a economical display for a crazy quilt block or beadwork to keep it protected but not totally crush it.  It isn't real deep but does have a bit of wiggle room for some dimension.

As I stated, I began with two identical picture frames.  Remove the glass and backings and place flat backs together with outer edges lined up.

Most hobby stores carry the small latches and hinges as shown here.  I used the small nails included with each set to attach the hinges on one side and the latch on the opposite side.  You will want the latch to be somewhat tight so that it doesn't open too easily.  I didn't photograph it but did attach a saw tooth hanger to the back.  

The frames will now open like a book exposing the original backs of both frames.  From the inside insert the glass into what will be the cover, either tacking along the edges with framing tacks or glue/silicone in place.

For the other side I layered some batting and fabric of choice, tacking my items in place.  This was wrapped over card stock and either stitched or glued on the back side.  The back was then covered with the backing that came in the frame.  Set in place.  It should stay in place fine but can be tacked in place if desired.  You can see the layering in the following photograph.

I use mine to display my very first ribbon embroidery piece made from a kit many years ago.  The faux pearls were given to me by my great aunt when I was very young, probably 5 or 6.  I still remember her going to the back bedroom and coming out with it, laying it in my hands.  It is interesting, the things that we remember from so many years ago...special moments.

The silver button is so unique.  It is a raised 'Little Bo Peep' that sets above a convex disc.  It was in my grandma's treadle sewing machine drawer.  We found it after she had passed away.  Before giving it to me my aunt took it to a jeweler and had the shank cut off, adding a ring to hang it on a chain.  I think that probably ruined any money value it might have had, but to me it is special and I would never sell it for any amount.  I still have her treadle sewing machine too.

I hope you enjoy this tutorial and find it useful for displaying some of your treasures.

Revamping a Small Suitcase

Got away from my stitching for just a bit.  I bought this small suitcase at a sale recently for $1.00.  I love the size.  It was originally blue so I started by painting it white.

I have painted a floral bouquet on the top.  I will also be distressing the edges.

The next step will be to begin work on the inside of the suitcase.  More to come!

Trip to the South and Work on Another Project

I am so excited.  My DH and I have now both retired (technically that is) and have decided to take a long driving trip down south.  We will start by heading east to Washington DC and West Virginia and perhaps Virginia Beach depending on the weather.  Of course if the weather is bad heading east we will skip step one and go directly south.  But the plan for now is to first head east.  We will then drive to the Myrtle Beach area, then over to Ashville, NC to visit the Biltmore and some friends in Jasper.  Next on our agenda is the Savannah area, including dinner with some relatives.  Then on to Orlando's Disney World to join up with our daughter and her family who will be vacationing there for the week.  We will spend a couple of days there before heading north an hour or so and spend some time with a favorite cousin.  If we still have energy left we will go to New Orleans to visit a niece and her family, then on to San Antonio to do some sightseeing and visit with a dear lady I used to work with.  My husband went to college at Emporia, KS and thought it would be fun do drive through there on the way home.  Hope we can hold up!  

What is really eerie, as we were researching San Antonio we saw an image of a famous landmark and I instantly recognized it...from one of my dreams.  I can't remember just what the dream was but knew I had been in that very spot.  Strangely I have never been to Texas or really researched the area.  Has that ever happened to you?  Isn't it a strange feeling!

As you probably know, I love to visit great shops so if you know of any really fabulous places to tour, visit or browse, I would love to hear your suggestions. 

I have done some more work on my mini crazy quilt but have also been 'playing' with ideas on another project when I need a break from stitching.  

I hand painted some roses on the tops of these jars and have played around with different labels and/or ribbons, lace etc.  I am also thinking I might like some tapered corks in a natural color instead of these lids.

The lids themselves could work as pegs on a board since they have a shape conducive to that.  The jars and lids were in rough shape when I got them.  There was a sealer that had decayed and stuck to the glass rim, in the glass and on the stoppers.  The lids and shelf were stained and scuffed up quite a bit also as you can see in the two photos that follow.

It all looks much nicer painted up but needs a little more I think.  These stoppers don't fit snug at all since the sealer had melted into a yucky mess.  

I have some fun ideas for how to use the jars once they are done and can't wait to share those ideas.  It likely won't be until the end of December or first of 2014 though.  I need to try to locate some corks in the meantime.  

Focus! Finishing Projects

My goodness this year is flying by!  At the beginning of each year I, like many of you, decide I am going to accomplish certain things, change some of my ways and enjoy many opportunities.  As I sit here today I realize it has been another 'oops' year.  I meant to finish this before I started that, I was going to (fill in the blank) take that class, get together with this old friend, spend more time...  Well, here it is the end of September and I find myself surrounded by more projects than I started with last January.  My inspirational word this year was "explore".  I have already chosen a new word for next year and my next year needs to start right now.  My new word is "focus".

Explore was actually a good choice for me.  In the photo above I explored more stitch combinations and also using complimentary colors for a project.  The heart was stitched and now I am looking into what to do with it.  I dug out some trims as shown.  I took the project to the fabric store also and found this purple denim that seemed to go color wise and also contrasted texturally.  I'm probably going to end up making a pillow.  What are your thoughts?

Above is a rack with jars that I purchased at a garage sale and cleaned up and painted.  I am trying different ideas for embellishing them.  I actually really like them used as a small photo display with just a touch of lace.  I also considering finding some cork stoppers for them rather than the wood lids they have now.  I can probably find another use for the lids later on.  See!  See how one project turns into more than one!

Remember my CQJP 2012?  I have been searching for the right lace to put between the blocks and finally ended up buying white lace and dyeing it.  It didn't turn out exactly the color I intended, but close enough I am putting this off no longer.

I am in the process of hand-stitching the lace in place.  I am stitching down the center of each row and will probably go back and tack the edges of each section after this.  I am working on it a little each day.  I have the backing and binding for the hanger already cut and ready to go as well as a rod to hang it on.  Focus Connie, focus!

Above are two necklaces I recently (almost) completed.  I am reinforcing the threads in the first one and need to purchase a clasp for the lower one in order to have them completed.

In the meantime, I have the tote, insulator, old brush and scrolls found in dad's tool shed and some lace pulling at me to make them pretty and functional again.  FOCUS!  Can you see why I've decided to start using next year's word now?  I admire anyone who can start and finish a project or two before moving on to the next.  Those people do exist don't they?  Please tell me it is possible.

Decorating and Enjoying Mid-Winter Sunshine

I thought I would get away from my CQ and other projects for a bit and share something else we have been working on here.  We recently had windows added on our back porch because the rain was always blowing in and in the winter we would have to wrap the windows with plastic to keep the snow and frost out.  When we painted around the windows the paint didn't match the room for some reason so we ended up repainting the entire room!

Now that we have windows we have been able to really enjoy the room, especially when the temps are above freezing and the sun is shining brightly.  We bought a radiant heater to take the chill off.  It is just amazing what a difference the windows have made.

The theme of the room has gravitated toward 'bicycles'.  I have shelves on either end above the windows.  Below are the bicycles I have displayed on each.

Although this hanger doesn't fit in with bicycles it is a bit of sparkle for the corner of the room.

This hanging candle holder was really picking up reflections from the bright sunlight when I took this photo.

I purchased the stained glass hanger one year when I was in Chicago.

The candelabra below is one I designed when I worked as a product designer for a catalog company.  It was originally ivory and had cheap plastic beads hanging from it.  I painted it black and have it dripping in beautiful (real) chandelier crystals.

The tote below is one I cleaned up, painted white and then painted pink roses along the front.  I love the rustic look with notches, knotholes and all.  It is fun to imagine where it has been and what it has been used for previously.  When I painted it I found some initials carved in the handle.  I imagine the person that made it would never have imagined it looking like this ~ lol.  It holds my gardening tools which are waiting for spring to arrive.  It is sitting on an old sturdy bench I also painted white.

Another bicycle sets on the shelf my son made and you may remember the bicycle wheel I painted black and repurposed as a wall clock.  

It feels so great to have this room all cleaned up.  There really is nothing like a fresh coat of paint and a lot of sunshine to brighten a room.  I look forward to spending lots of time with family in this room!

TAST, My New Etsy Shop and Shrinky Dinks

First off, I finally got the nerve to open an Etsy shop.  I have only added one item at this point, but I have several pieces and prices to add to it, so please do check back.  I always value your feedback, so let me know what you think and maybe suggestions on any changes I could/should make.  http://www.etsy.com/shop/CEOriginals

This week's stitch for TAST was the Portuguese Border stitch.  Another new one, among many, for me.  Sometimes you don't know how much you don't know until you start learning.  I am learning there is a lot I don't know!  I'm not sure what type of tree this is or if it even qualifies as a tree, but I am calling it a tree.  The Portuguese Border stitch was a fun one to do and really pretty easy to control.  It is definitely going to find a place in my future projects. 

I had visitors overnight on Thanksgiving so my daughter could take her oldest and some friends Black Friday shopping.  I refuse to leave my house and join the craziness in the stores.  My twin granddaughters spent the night with me and they know I will always have something new to teach them.  Yesterday we played with Shrinky Dinks!  Actually I had never used them before and was looking forward to seeing what the girls came up with.  I had them do their drawing on paper and then trace it onto the Shrinky Dink page.  They then used colored pencils to color in the design.  It was fun watching them in the oven as they curled up, shrank and layed flat again.  It only took three minutes in the oven and they came out about one fourth of the original size.  Grace made a package with a bow on top and Sarah drew a cross.

The finished projects are going to be ornaments for their tree.  Their mom loved them and the girls were pretty proud and excited - as was I.

Recycling and Repurposing An Old Bicycle Wheel

Super easy project!  Found this old rusty bicycle wheel with a couple of missing spokes and other "issues" in my dad's shed.  I instantly had an idea for it, so I brought it home, cleaned off the cob webs and spray painted it black.

Bought a wall clock kit at Hobby Lobby.

I put the two together and now have a fun wall clock!

It will work perfectly in my bicycle themed sun room.  The best part is that it is large enough we can easily see it from the yard and can keep track of time.  I know, a watch works for that too, but I don't always have that on. 

The bad news is that the clock works didn't work, so I have to go exchange it :-( I think Murphy's Law follows me everywhere I go. I am still excited about the project and will continue to pat myself on the back for coming up with the idea ~ lol. What else could/would you do with an old wheel like this?