Photoshop with DJ

I am really excited, I have just paid for (read "committed") to an online photoshop class with DJ Pettitt. An American textile artist that I have followed and admired greatly for a long time. DJ is going to show us how to work in photoshop elements so that we can transform our photos into little works of art as she does. It starts soon so if you are interested go to her website and click on her workshop link to join up. I have already started going around with my little camera and taking photos of things I think look good.... Pan, a statue in mum's garden looked perfect and I can not wait to work with him.

I have been quilting, finishing off some Christmas presents for my class ladies, they have done some lovely quilts over the year and I am really more than happy to help out with those last minute panic "gotta get it quilted" moments.

The frame really comes into its own and I am getting much more confidence on free hand quilting - just love it.

This one was a large lap size quilt and I quilted it quiet heavily with gumnuts and gum leaves.

The owner Evol, was very happy with this and I will need to wait till after Christmas to find out if the lucky recipient liked my stitching.

A Little Bird told me....

I did this little guy some time ago but have only just got my camera sorted out and working again.

This is done using the embroidery machine to make the swallow, I then trim it around and layer it on some wool felt, paint and stitch on more detail, layer a bit more, then add vintage trim and cording, make some wire and pearl nest, a few dangles, a wire hanger - a frill of painted organza around the edge and viola a cute little wall hanging

I hope to have time to make more, it is very rewarding and doesn't take too much time or thought, just lots of fun and creativity

Ribbon roses for Baltimore

One of the things I love about Baltimore work is the ability to embelish like crazy. Hence the block shown, it is made up of 4 large ribbon roses, using french wired ribbon, about 2metres for each rose. The wired ribbon behaves well and allows the rose to be formed to look lovely and vintage, crush the rose after completion and you achieve an even older look.

The basket is made up of a rich brown fabric using a large bias maker to form it easily, I then slip stitch down some yummy thin obre ribbon as a highlight to the basket shape.

This is one of my favourite blocks, however I may not use it in the finaly quilt as it is not the most practical block for washing, using the quilt etc, but would work for a wall hanging. If doing this block maybe using a dior rose would work better for a quilt that will be used.

Bonzie designer

There are a few designers that I admire greatly and most of these I have been introduced to via "Belle Armoir" magazine. One of these is Bonzie an Irish design partnership, they do some of the most inspired designs I have ever seen, it is totally my idea of wonderful. They remake old clothes, restyle lace, ribbon, antique beads and baubles, jewelry and fabrics. I only have to click onto their blog to get goosebumps and feel totally inspired and ready to design for myself. And altho I don't do what they do and not anywhere near as well, I do love what I can achieve with a little playing with my growing collection of ephemera.

http://designsbybonzie.blogspot.com/

and some more..........

This is the heart block, I have completed half of the berries to show how much more interest the lovely red berry circles make, they are well worth the effort - I use the mylar template to create these, cut your fabric circle and place mylar plastic template circle inside, gather stitch around as normal, pull up so that the fabric is tightly gathered around template, spray with crisp spray starch front and back. Allow to air dry, finally press with iron, be carefull here as the mylar is heat resistant but will melt with too much heat. Allow to cool loosen tacking stitches and remove mylar, you may like to repress the circle again to settle down this lifted area. I do a whole lot at a time so they are done and ready for me to stitch down.

This is one of the lovely basket blocks, a tall basket with lots going on, I love them, I used a lovley chenille cord I purchased for the stem and couched it down with matching DMC - one strand.

I popped some blue in here as I had brought a gorgeous bundle of fabrics from Temora, Pieces for patching and wanted to use these with the browns. The berries this time are burgundy felt from Pioneer Patchwork in Narellan, little circles with red DMC french knots holding them down.

Today I have completed my 6 month class notes and will present the class on Monday. The girls will decide if we are going to do another class next year at Sewrite. This will be a finishing class and additional work with sashing and completing the top.

I will be presenting this class at Pioneer Patchwork at Narellan - (02) 4647 3555 in February 2010, just give Ingrid a call to reserve your spot.