DON'T call me CRAFTY

Seam Inspiration

2012-02-19T10:44:00.000-07:00

http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2012/1/29/sunday-sweets-fun-and-fondant-free.html

Hello All
What may you ask does a cake have to do with CQ? Well that bottom border looked like a seam treatment to me

What do you think? Did I catch it?

This is the lace border I did on one of the fans for the "Janet's Fault" project

Here's the rest of the block

And here are the other 3 plus some seam closeups

That's about all for now

Later,
Lauri

CQJP 2012- January

2012-01-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies

I know it's been quite awhile since I have posted. I haven't been completely idle. I have pieced over 200 hexagons for ANOTHER huge project. I never seem to learn. I have so many huge projects and smaller ones going that n all honesty could never be done if I worked 8 hours a day for everyday for 5 years

Here is what I have done. This is my block for the CQJP. It is quite different from my usual work. Red is not one of my favorite colors to work with. The original plan was to do all the seamwork in Hot Pink but all I had was perle 8 in that color. With the bold patterns done onto the blocks size8 was not strong enough to stand out.

All the fabrics except the red/white stripe started out as solid color pieces. I liked the idea of the geometric surface embroidery juxtaposed with the curves of the patches and the seams

Perhaps I will get brave enough to take pictures and post them of all my undone projects. Maybe I will even give a few of the unstitched projects away.

Later,
Lauri

Hideko's Bear

2011-10-21T20:15:00.000-06:00

Hello All,

This is the secret project I was working on all summer and couldn't post about

I met Hideko at the 2010 Retreat , She ended up loosing that years bear. She lives near Sendai and was affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

I got in contact with the ladies that attended that retreat and asked them to contribute something small to make a bear of Hideko's own.
This is the finished result

She received it today and seems very happy with it

Well off to another project!!

Later,
Lauri

This Year's Bear

2011-10-14T14:01:00.001-06:00

Hello All,

As some of you may know I usually make a cq bear for the the Chinese auction for the retreat.

Usually the are quite blinged out. Not this year!! I kept myself under control. There is not one single bead anywhere on this bear. All the seams were done in a variegated threads ( some of which I dyed myself) with a coordinating solid. All the fabrics were black, with a few black/colored prints thrown in for good measure

For me this is quite a departure. I love my beads and bling

This little guy took me about 80 hours to do. I've been asked how much I would charge for a bear like this. I'd say the "bear" minimum would be $300-$400. Why should I value my work for less. If I was getting minimum wage ( which I think I deserve more than) it would be over $580

I really liked how it turned out. The black background makes the colors POP

This bear got to go home with Helen Thorkleson

Next time I hope to show my progress and the saga of the great color disappearing pink quilt

Later,
Lauri
PS a BIG thank you to Connie for all the pictures! She is a much better photographer than I am

Stacies Gypsy block

2011-08-05T12:47:00.001-06:00

Hello All

Stacie stated she would like a gypsy wagon and horse. So I did some slips of those. Then I added the chain stitch loop seam treatment which is now fairly obscured

But the slips just looked out of place wherever I put them. So I added a couple trees. Then I got stuck, then I had a brainstorm to add the road, as Stacie had mentioned the wanderlust. Then I needed more trees. Naturally making them each a different season came next

I enjoyed doing this block a lot. Maybe my creative mojo is finally back!

Later,

Lauri

added 8/8/11 too bad my writing skills seem to have disappeared when my creative mojo came back!!

Missing Quilts

2011-07-19T12:03:00.000-06:00

Re Printed with permission from Kerry's blog

Please be on the look out. This is one reason I have been reluctant to enter contests and exhibits. It doesn't happen often, But more than you think.

Missing Quilts!

CT Publishing has recently announced that a few quilts, in their guardianship, disappeared after Spring Quilt Market. They've done everything they can do to find these quilts and are now asking for our help to find 3 cover quilts and a table runner.

The quilts have gone missing from a quilt show. Please take a good look at the photos, and watch for these turning up somewhere. CT Publishing, who had these quilts in their possession, has offered a $4,000.00 reward for the return of the quilts. If only one quilt is found, the reward will be pro-rated on the appraised values of the quilt.

It breaks my heart that Allison Aller has lost her beautiful crazy quilt especially. This quilt is such a work of art from Allison's heart and hands, and is definitely irreplaceable.
................
.....................

These quilts that are missing are not something you can replicate or replace.

I hope you will help increase awareness of missing quilts and help in the effort to get missing quilts back into the hands of the creator and/or respective owners.

Pink

2011-06-08T14:18:00.000-06:00

Hello All,

Once again I have been struck by an idea that hits me in the middle of the night. These ideas come to me full formed and relentlessly. I call them "Athena" ideas
So I get the bright ideas, then I piece them , then there they sit. I WILL get this one done
I have been struggling with an easy idea to have done in time for the County Fair, this isn't it
Lately I have noticed how many ladies are afraid of pink. "Oh you're so brave to wear pink at your age!' What the heck? You can wear it any age you want and just because you like pink and like being a girl does not mean you are a pansy. Believe me. I love pink and no one pushes me around
This centerpiece is MUCH brighter than the photo shows. Embellishments will include lots of lace, beads( of course)and GIRLY things.
I will live with it pieced for a day or two to see if anything needs changed up.
See NuMom I can do monotone, It's just a very bright monotone
Comments are always welcome, so let's hear it :)
Later,
Lauri

She's HERE!!!

2011-06-02T14:50:00.000-06:00

Hello All

As some of you may know. I've been trying impatiently to wait for the birth of our first grandchild.
She finally arrived May 31st
Astryd Samantha weighed in at 6lbs 11 oz and 19 inches

Now I just need to figure out how to live in 2 places at once

Later,
Lauri

Alice's Gypsy Treasure RR block

2011-05-26T13:35:00.000-06:00

Hello Ladies

Here's my finished work for Alice. I hope she likes it

Later,
Lauri

Gypsies

2011-05-22T12:46:00.000-06:00

Hello All

Wow. I'm impressed. You figured them out. I am more than a little happy that you could tell what he was. I am always afraid my little sketches don't look like what I think they look like

These little guys are 2 inches tall. I have a couple more I need to do before I add then to the block.

First I draw out my design on paper, then using a light box and a mechanical pencil I transfer them to my fabric ( in this case white Kona)

I usually then use crinoline behind them when putting the design into an embroidery hoop

Most of the stitching is done using DMC floss, 2 strands. sometimes I will use Wildflowers varigated if it is a larger piece

Next do all your outline on the pencil marks. Usually black , either a back stitch, tight stem stitch or tight chain stitch.

The filling is done by chain or stem stitch depending on the size of the open space.

Then using clear nail polish go around all the edges sealing the fabric and edge stitches completely

When this is dry cut very carefully NEXT to your outline stitches. You can add wonder under to the back before trimming if you wish

Next place it where desired then using clear thread going through your outline stitches sew it down.
Once in a while you might want to add another row of stitching right next to the outline, using one strand of matching embroidery floss

Back to the gypsies!

Lauri

What is it?

2011-05-21T15:26:00.000-06:00

Hello All

Any ideas what this is going to be? Hint...it's for a RR I am in

Hey Ann

2011-04-27T09:36:00.000-06:00

Ann
I am so sorry! It's been so long since I posted that when I got your comment ( the first one for this post) I accidentally deleted it. I don't know what I was thinking
I am so sorry!!
No offense intended I assure you:)

Ahhhhemmmm

2011-04-24T11:26:00.000-06:00

Hello All

I am sorry to have been absent so long.

As usual the winter blahs got me and that got me really early last year.

Then when I finally got my act together I have been so busy that I couldn't find the time to post.

Let's see what has happened?

I found out that Hubby and I are to be grandparents, she is to to make her appearance in about a month. So I have been busy crocheting baby booties, blankets and sweaters. Sewing quilts and clothes and many other baby doodads

Then in April I went to the CQ Adventure in Connecticut. Which I enjoyed greatly. I met a lot of ladies I have only known through my cq groups and met some ladies who are new to CQing. Hello Janis, Carole and Sandy!!!

There is also a secret special project that I can't tell you about right now. But the ladies who went to the CQI Retreat in Colorado last year know what I am talking about. When it is in the hands of the recipient I will post lots of pictures.

Before going to the CQ Adventure I decided that I needed a new hussif. So a 3 day project turned into 14. As usual for me :)

I see that I don't have pics of the whole completed project. I will need to do that soon

This is the bear I did for the Chinese auction at the Colorado Retreat

This new blogger will take me a bit to get used to.

Thank you all of you who have stuck around. I do promise to attempt to do better at posting

Later
Lauri

The Winner is....

2010-08-22T19:37:00.002-06:00

Hello All

Well it's seems we actually only had 3 who were interested in joining in. So I will print out 1 more page and ALL of you get one.
Please send me your snail mail address and I will get them out to you ASAP!

Thank you for wanting to play along

Lauri

Something Different

2010-08-14T12:18:00.003-06:00

Hello Ladies

The other night I lay in bed wide awake. Then I was hit by a brainstorm for a new CQ project. It will be entitled either "Live Famously" or "Live Infamously". I am leaning towards the second.

We have
Amelia Earhardt
Eve
Cleopatra
Queen Elizabeth 1
Marie Antionette
Mata Hari
Helen of Troy
Queen Victoria
Joan of Arc

I experimented with 2 different printers and settings. So I ended up with 3 sets

Here is the challenge. I will have a drawing for the 2 extra sets. Then in 2 months we will compare our blocks and see how different out interpretations are. You only have to have 1 done by then

Since the margins are small you may want to use some wonder under to keep them in place. This works for me as my silkies are the first thing I put on a block

Feel free to let others know about this drawing. Entries will be accepted through Midnight August 21

Let the fun begin!!

Lauri

2010-07-16T07:55:00.001-06:00

What I've Been Up To

2010-06-08T19:45:00.003-06:00

Hello All

Well it's been awhile! I have been trying to load a new post but Blogger is being screwy. I can't get my pictures to load

So I loaded a bunch of photos to my Flikr site. There is a link over in the sidebar. While there you can click ( or double click) on the photos to make them bigger and see the detail better

This is what I have been obsessed with. I have looked at it every day for over 2 1/2 months. Some days something clicks other days it doesn't. This purse was to be done for the contest on CQI but I am just now almost done

Now to the part I hate. The assembly. I am trying to be very careful and meticulous about assembly. I want to enter this into the County Fair and don't want the finishing details to kill my chances

As you can see it is quite colorful. I can't seem to do monotone or tranquil. What do you think of it NuMom? Enough colors?

It's also quite heavy, maybe 4lbs?

I know some of you would like more commentary . I will try. I am just not a very talkative person. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. I will do my best to answer them

I have decided to go to the Adventures in Crazy quilting Seminar in Glastonbury, Connecticut in April so I am sure I will see some of you there.

Hope you enjoy this piece of obsession!

Later,
Lauru

May 25

2010-05-25T11:28:00.000-06:00

New Posts

2010-04-25T08:59:00.002-06:00

Hello All

I haven't been posting anything new because I am getting hit by spammers.
I have had to delete my most recent post plus several old ones.
These spam commenters are ridiculous!!! On one post I had over 50 of them
I have no clue how to fix this
I have been working on several projects. Hopefully I am now up tp dealing with all the spam.
Have any of you been sending comments that I haven't published? I assure it isn't because I don't want to hear from you!!
Maybe later today once I figure out the new camera I will post my most recent work

Later
Lauri

2010-03-11T14:38:00.000-07:00

2010-03-04T10:27:00.002-07:00

2010-02-28T16:17:00.000-07:00

WOW!! Words

2010-02-21T10:44:00.002-07:00

Hello All

I decided to add a few words this time. I just haven

t had much to say lately so I've just been posting eyecandy

I want to thank all of you who have been leaving comments. It is much appreciated. I am sorry i haven't been able to respond to each one of you personally. I'd say 90% of my posts come through as coming from Janet and if I don't have your name and email on file in my address book, it is difficult to respond.

If you wish a reply then please include your name and email in your post

Above in one of my first CQ projects. It is from 5 years ago. As you can see it is far from finished, but there is hope maybe some day it will be

Later,

Lauri

2010-02-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

2010-02-14T18:02:00.000-07:00

2010-02-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

2010-02-06T20:50:00.000-07:00

2010-02-01T16:42:00.000-07:00

2010-01-29T18:43:00.000-07:00

2010-01-27T07:08:00.001-07:00

2010-01-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

2010-01-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

2010-01-19T21:53:00.001-07:00

2010-01-17T16:25:00.001-07:00

2010-01-14T10:51:00.000-07:00

2010-01-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

2010-01-08T15:41:00.001-07:00

2009-12-25T11:50:00.003-07:00

Hello All

I haven't been too much into Christmas year. I may have sent some of you this before but it always make me giggle.

Merry Christmas

Just clock on the red dot to start and you have to put a name in

Free Myspace flash at Magicthoughts.com

2009-12-18T15:20:00.002-07:00

Well we have it all sorted out it looks like. I did not get everything arranged quite as I would like but I couldn't stand the idea of waiting 2 months to lay him to rest
The service will be January 4th in Denver, if any of you need more info, just drop a message in the comments section at the end

Thank you to all of you who have sent condolences. It does make things a bit easier

I am just thankful his pain is over and he can be with my Mom where he wanted to be all along
Thank you
Lauri

Venting

2009-12-08T07:01:00.003-07:00

Hello All

Warning!!! If you don't want to hear some venting turn back now

I usually try not to post too many personal things going on in my life. Other than some pics of the kiddies. However I have a major.....................complaint? dilemma? I don't know just something that ticks me off

My Father passed away on Sunday. We were expecting it, just not so soon. I did get to go see him the Saturday before. So we were okay and have don't have any major regrets. ( Don't you always have some shoulda, coulda, wouldas when someone dies?)

When my Mother died my Father was in bad financial straits and I was in absolutely no position to help and neither was my sister. It took Dad 5 years to pay off her very modest funeral

So he made sure when he passed that he had insurance and at least some plans in place, which we were so grateful for.

Now for the part that ticks me off. My sister found out at 7:40 pm that he had passed, she called me 5 minutes later.

The funeral home that picked him up, and will only be holding him until he is cremated, called her at 8:25 and wanted to know how she was going to pay for this and had to have an answer right away. My sister finally grew a backbone and told them where to go. They would get paid when his insurance came through

Ok fine, got that sorted out kinda

Dad is in Missouri , we are in Colorado so he is coming back here to be laid to rest with Mom.

The VA will now only pay $600 towards his burial costs at the National Cemetery here. WTF?

His ashes will be sent by US Mail, for God's sake . Another WTF?

If he goes directly to Ft Logan, by law they must inter him the next day. And they can't say for sure what day they will get him. I can't possibly get to Denver with 2 hours notice. So I guess he will either have to come to me, my sister or a Funeral home

All the funeral home needs to do is receive his ashes. We would then need to rent a room for the memorial , have those little cards with his info and a guest book. That plus a VERY simple urn.

The cost?Around $2000.........................?...................... Okay I guess. Dad has an insurance policy that will more than pay for these things plus the Funeral home in Missouri , cremation and the price of mailing ( again WTF?). Not sure on the cost for this

Now the part that just kicks me in the a$$ . They refuse to wait for the insurance money, even if we can get the insurance to tell them personally that it is coming. They want $2000 up front. I do not have this, between a 5 day trip to go back to see Dad before he died and Christmas for my kids ( albeit a much smaller Christmas than planned, but I only have presents for 1 child so far and I refuse to ignore the rest, plus my dad would kick my butt if I didn't give my kids a Christmas) I don't have that money and my sister most definitely doesn't

SO.................... they want to run a credit check, then they will allow us to wait to pay until the insurance money comes in..........in about 6 weeks if we are lucky

The problem? My sister and I have about the lowest credit scores on the face of the earth. So that won't work

My question is how the hell do people afford a funeral? I hope to God no one I love and must pay for the funeral dies soon.
How many people have great credit and at least $7000 lying around waiting for this? Isn't that what insurance is for?

I mean he tried very hard to be sure we would have the money, and we wouldn't have a hardship. But for what?

We will probably have to wait until almost 2 months after his death for his interment and memorial

This just isn't right

If I ever get my hands on Eric Chamberlain in Rockport. Missouri. The funeral director with no tact and huge love of money. I will personally wring his lilly white mortician neck.
This a$$ and his family have been burying my family for over 35 years and they get worse everytime. His family is the only cause of cursing I ever heard from my Mennonite Grandma

My hubby must have the right idea. He wants to be cremated than have a huge Irish style wake ( even if he Swedish) than some ashes dropped somewhere in Disneyland. The rest of his ashes he wants put into a replica Viking ship, set on a lake and blown up. No muss no fuss. I must say I am thinking this way

IF I had $10,000 setting around just waiting in case someone dies, then I would have $10, 000 setting around to pay off everything on my bad credit and still have money left over.

I am sorry. I just had to vent

Later
Lauri

Remember This?

2009-11-18T12:01:00.004-07:00

Hello All

Do you remember this?

It is the Color Study Crazy quilt I made for the Mesa County Fair. I won a blue ribbon and a Judge's choice ribbon

Last Friday I took it to be appraised by Cindy Brick. She has written several quilt books. If you are a Crazy Quilter I am sure you have heard of her.

This quilt is only 30 inches across, so it is fairly small. She did seem impressed by the quilt. At least I think she was LOL

I am very happy to report that it was appraised at $795 . Not bad at all. I was going to be happy with $ 500

I was also encouraged to enter it into some big quilt shows. So I am looking onto that

Cindy also looked at my unfinished Under The Sea quilt top and gave me a lot of hints and suggestions, I am hoping to get that one done after the new year

If you want to follow the saga of the Color Study Crazy quilt, you can follow the archive link in the bottom right hand column of this blog. Go to 2008 , about half way down. I think the first few posts around February sometime

I have been having alot going on in my family life lately. so yo may not hear a lot from me for awhile. I will try to post some of my RR work I have been doing soon

Later
Lauri

Mehhh

2009-11-04T10:05:00.002-07:00

Hello All

This is about all the CQin I have been doing. Above are my Nekkid Flower Fairy blocks for a DYOB RR

And this is my Lady of the Lake for Amber's Camelot block for the Fantasy Landscape RR

That's about it. I've been crocheting lately. Which is a nice change of pace. But now I remember how much it hurts my elbows and shoulder
Oh Well

Later,
Lauri

My Birthday Babies

2009-10-15T19:53:00.004-06:00

Hello All

No CQing going on here! Not in the mood

But here are pics of my October babies. Son#2 and daughter #2. They are 9 years and 2 days apart. 21 and 12

In the 3rd pic is Daughter#2 and Son#1's girlfriend who is also an October baby

Aren't they cute?!
Later,
Lauri

It's Back!

2009-10-03T17:45:00.002-06:00

Hello All

By popular request, I have put back up the pic of me in 4th grade, in te sidebar. It is the last good picture of me.
One of my senior pics and one of my wedding photos were ok.
Let's just say the photographers for the senior pic and my wedding were happy when I left!!

Later
Lauri

Think About It

2009-10-01T12:57:00.002-06:00

HelloAll

Gives you something to think about hmmmmm?

http://www.slate.com/id/2231002/?gt1=38002

Not opening this one to comments, cuz I don't want any fighting.
Just think first before you use this term

Later
Lauri

Off to the Retreat

2009-09-23T18:54:00.002-06:00

Hello All

I am off to our Crazy Quilt Retreat in Breckenridge . If I can get a wifi signal I will try to post some pics. I might even get brave and set up the webcam so you can see some of our CQ friends. Though you won't be seeing me. Taking pics of me is not allowed. LOL

Later
Lauri

Old Friend

2009-09-16T10:51:00.006-06:00

Hello All

Here's an old friend?....... enemy? Both?

I haven't touched old Orca here for about 3 weeks. I got tired of seeing it.

I am taking it to the retreat for the other ladies to see. I am not sure if I will work on it there. It would take over the whole table.

Trying to get a clear photo of this is proving to be a bear. You can click on the pics above to get a bigger and better view

Later,
Lauri

Thank You

2009-09-11T15:57:00.003-06:00

Hello All

Thank you so much for your advice and good wishes.
I do feel better, just writing my rant helped a lot.

You are right I should just ignore the nasty person. I know that in my head, but as I said I lead with my heart.
Plus I just can't stand to give in, it makes me feel like they win. I have a hard time letting someone get the better of me

Believe it or not I handled this situation better than I would have 10 years ago

Thank you so much for your support

Onto other things. I think one reason I have been in a funk is my clothes. I know very superficial. I don't mean they are old or I don't have enough. I mean they are BLAAAAAhh. Blue jeans and some sort of knit top. Boring!!!
I like COLOR and unusual . Back 5 years ago when I was skinnier and worked in the fabric store, I wore overalls and not just any overalls. I had some with aliens, mummies, Mickey Mouse, candy and a whole bunch of other things. In fact I had over 30 pairs I had made. But I 've gained 20lbs so they don't fit.
I am planning a whole new wardrobe of fun clothes. Maybe you ladies at the retreat will get a sneak preview

Off to fondle fabric

Lauri

Progress

2009-08-19T12:59:00.004-06:00

Hello All
Contrary to evidence before your eyes. I have not disappeared. I have been working on this quilt. My old digital camera decided to start acting all funky. The dial would say it was off, then the lens would come out and it would be ready to take a picture even though it says off. HMMM?

Then I could not find the correct of 2 cables for my hubby's. I'd find one when I needed the other.

All 9 blocks are now sewn together. I just cannot manage to get a good pic of it. So here are some pics of what I have done.
The treasure chest is not done. I am still waiting for some crown charms. There will also be a skeleton

I have figured out I made a miscalculation on my finished size. Each side now is 36 inches. But the diagonal is 48 inches . So to make it round I have to add at least 12 inches to it/ I am good at math just not geometry. Oh Well!!
Good thing I did not have the frame made before I finished. I was afraid something like this would happen

Enjoy the pics

Later,
Lauri

Recent Additions

2009-07-27T13:13:00.003-06:00

Hello All
Here are a few closeups of my recent additions to the Under The Sea Quilt
Enjoy!!

Later,

Lauri

Yo!!! Retreat Ladies

2009-07-24T16:27:00.004-06:00

Hello All

As some of you may know I am going again to Crazy Quilt Retreat. This year in Breckenridge. Hubby and I and the girls took a detour thru Breckenridge on the way to Denver this afternoon. to check it out. Hubby likes me to know where I am going so I get familiar with an area before I drive there by myself. It really does forestall a lot of problems.Such as me loosing my temper when I get lost. Not that I do that very often ( yea right:)

So above is a pic of the house most of the ladies will be staying at

And to whet your appetites for the mountains . Here are a few pics to get you started

There is quite a bit of touristy shopping there which is always fun. Also a few bead stores and a brand new Christmas Shoppe. I love Christmas Shoppes!!!

I think it might be fun if we went on a picnic one afternoon to Lake Dillion which is about 20 minutes away. It is a crime to come to Colorado and not see the Mountains and do a little bit of sight seeing

Hope to see LOTS of you there. We are up to 17 so far

Later
Lauri

Ain't Gonna Happen

2009-07-15T14:48:00.005-06:00

Hello All

Just some pics to get you up to date. It ain't gonna happen. This quilt will not be done by the 17th. I could have rushed it and got it done. But I have put so much time, effort and money into this that I don't want to rush it just to get it done,
I'd say the embellishments are about 80% done at this point. Then I need to put the 9 blocks together and do MORE embellishing.
Then I need to add some pieces to the sides so this will be round
The act of actually putting this quilt together with its false back and the quilting, then the real back and the binding will take at least 10 days

So this will be for next year. Stay tuned though I plan to keep working on this to have it done for the Retreat in September

Later
Lauri

This and That

2009-07-04T12:53:00.001-06:00

I Have Been Working

2009-06-27T14:24:00.003-06:00

Hello All

See? I have been working. Just not blogging it
These next 2 blocks are not complete yet. I have been just adding beading, laces and trims. Later all the other gee gaws will be added

Later,

Lauri

Slips

2009-06-27T14:20:00.002-06:00

Hello All

Here are some slips ( motifs) I have been working on to add to the Sea

Lauri

From This.................

2009-06-15T10:29:00.002-06:00

Hello All,

Well here is the fishy block. I really had a time with this one. I needed to bring the bright colors of the fish to the rest of the block. It was much harder than I thought. It took all week to do this and it still isn't done. But I think it is close enough that I can move on to the next which is moving along surprisingly well.

Here it is now. The net with the spangles in the corner is from Nu Mom . She found it at the thrift store and thought it would be perfect on this UTS quilt. I had auditioned several different things there first. The doily just didn't cut it by itself. The colors were OK but it annoyed me that it was upside down and it just didn't seem right to hang things on. Then I found the scarf lurking in my box of UTS goodies

I think the whole thing needs more beads. Of course!!

Later,
Lauri

Here Fishy, Fishy

2009-06-09T14:20:00.003-06:00

Hello All

You know if I would stop doing little projects that take 15 -20 hours each I might get this quilt done.
There is also a problem that the block I put it on is very pastel-y so now I need to bring in more color to the rest of it

Later,
Lauri

Forging Ahead

2009-06-06T14:09:00.003-06:00

Hello All

Well I finally got this block almost done. The bottom left corner may have more added to it after all the blocks are joined

I really like how this block turned out also. After I figured out what I was going to do on it

See Ing!!! I can do bullions. I have just have never showcased them before. Don't you just love this surfboard? I found it at a bead store in Arvada, I also got some really nice lampwork fish and eels that will be making their presence know on this quilt somewhere

This silkie was taken from a photo taken of my 3 youngest and me when we went to Disneyland the first time, If you notice this is the inspiration for the drawing I did that appears on the right hand column of this blog.

After picking the photo I put it into a photo editing program ( I can't remember which) and there is a process that makes it into a cartoon.

Then I added some BE flowers to the corner

A close up of that da**ed castle. I estimate it took at least 20 hours to do all those knots

Well onto the third block know. Hopefully it will go faster!

Later,
Lauri

I'm Stuck!!!!

2009-05-28T10:28:00.003-06:00

Hello All

I only have until July 17th to get this quilt done and I have struck a wall.
I don't know what to do next. I have this piece pictured in my mind as one continuous piece. BUT that doesn't necessarily translate into Crazy Quilting, unless you plan VERY carefully beforehand as you piece and embellish your blocks
As we have discussed before I am not much of a planner for my CQ. I like to go with the flow
After a discussion with the hubby, we have decided that I should treat each block on its own and then let it go where it wants
So ok I think I can do that

But first I have to do this. The sandcastle sent straight from you know where!!

First of all it took me a least 3 rough drafts before I got a drawing that I liked that wasn't too complicated. Then I had to dye the thread as I wanted some color to it. Not just plain sand colored, so I dyed white perle cotton with persian gold, blush, seamist and saffron
Next I decided to do it all in small bullion knots so it would look more sand like. BIG MISTAKE!!! I have already put almost 15 hours into this and this is as far as I have gotten. Of course I didn't dye enough thread so I had to try to match it to the first batch ARRRGGGHHH!!!
Can I set this down and work on another block? NO I can't . That's how I am. I like to do my CQ in a logical manner ( oxymoron I know) (See above about going with the flow)

So maybe I will get this done in time but I don't think I will have time to get the border done I want on it. We shall see

Then as if thousands and thousands of knots weren't enough I decided to bead this for Lyn's UTS block. I call it a dolphin but everyone else sees it as a whale. So I guess we will leave it at that

On another topic.
Is it just me or am I a poor writer? When I was in school taking writing classes we were told not to use the same noun or pronoun repeatedly
BUT as a blogger, it is very difficult not to keep saying," I did this, I did that, I made this"
I ( see here it is again) find it very annoying myself especially when I ( again!!) keep doing it.
It is just difficult not to do when describing your own work
Any suggestions would be appreciated and please forgive me for atrocious writing style. Mr Kirch would be hitting me over the head if saw what I have been writing!!!!
Maybe I (!!!) will refer to myself in the third person. Lauri, Mrs Burgesser, Dennis' wife, Sam's Mom, Zac's Mom, Caleb's Mom, Molly's Mom, Katrina's Mom ..........Etc .
Lauri could go on forever with this, as she has lots of kids, pets ,nieces and nephews.

Back to the knot factory

Later
Lauri

2009-05-11T10:52:00.003-06:00

Hello All

Remember this block?

Well here it is now. I wanted to do this one first as I have been patiently waiting to get the castle done

I think I might have overdone but I love it, so no looking back. I just need to make sure the other corner block weighs as much or the whol equilt will tilt to the right .LOL

Later
Lauri

Blocks 8&9

2009-05-08T20:15:00.003-06:00

Hello All

Here are the last 2 blocks

See this pretty seam ? It took me 2 hours to do. Well don't get attached to it. I forgot I had the perfect piece of lace and the only place it fits is right there.
See? I told you I don't plan this out

And here is the last one.

Now I get to audition all the lace, trims and fibers

That should take a week in and of itself

Check back soon, the fun part is now starting

Later,
Lauri

Marya's Spider block

2009-05-07T16:36:00.002-06:00

Here is my addition to Marya's block. I spent 2 weeks looking at this everyday trying to figure out what to add.
This magpie fairy is one of my favorite prints. Once I thought of it the rest was easy . I particularly like the magpie's nest button cluster

Now I am off to do what I consider the fun part of CQing , the embellishing

Later
Lauri

Blocks, 5, 6 &7

2009-04-30T11:39:00.004-06:00

Hello All

Of Course the pics loaded backwards. I can never seem to get them in the order I want

Here are a some seam details. I am in a quandary here. I want the seams to be able to stand on their own, But I have a 2 1/2 gallon bag of trims, laces and fibers I want to add. So some of these seams will be covered up. I can always go back and add to the thread embellishments later.

I am not the greatest at planning projects out before hand. Therefore I have some AHA moments and some ugg moments as I go

Obviously here are the blocks

This one is pretty plain but I do have some nice lace pieces that will liven it up

The mermaids are embroidered then colored in with crayons. Obviously some of these girls need a few more layers of wax.

I think I will add that last

Only 2 more to go

Check back soon

BTW I am so informative lately aren't I? Hopefully the pics speak for them selves

Later
Lauri

Pam's Under The Sea Block

2009-04-23T09:17:00.002-06:00

Hello All

Here is a pic of the block I did for Pam. She lives in Cornwall, in England so I decided to incorporate a selkie ( seal) from Celtic legend.

Her email nick name Moroven which is either Welsh or Celtic ( can't remember which at the moment) for mermaid.So I included one here too. You may have to look for her she's a bit shy

Enjoy
Later,
Lauri

Blocks 3 &4

2009-04-20T08:51:00.003-06:00

Hello All

Here are the next 2 blocks . I know it is at the boring stage right now. But you have to lay down the foundation before you can get to the really fun stuff

Be sure to double click on the pics for a larger view. Sorry about the picture quality

Later
Lauri

Block 2 Under the Sea

2009-04-11T14:49:00.002-06:00

Hello All

Here is the 2 nd block all nekkid, in other words before any embellishments

Here it is with all the seams embellished

And some closeups

By the time I am done with all the laces, beads , shells, silkies appliques and thread paintings you probably won't be able to see much of these. But In my mind all the seams need to be embroidered or it isn't a Crazy Quilt. Even if you can't see them later

Go Figure!!

Later
Lauri

Here we Go Again!!

2009-04-04T17:19:00.003-06:00

Hello All,

Well it's that time of year again. County Fair time. So I am getting another quilt ready for it.

This time I decided to do an Under The Sea theme. I orginally had 12 blocks , but I got a brain storm idea so I only need 9 squares for now. I will show you that brainstorm if I get far enough along

This is how it was when I began

Then I took out a few patches here and there and replace them so it flowed better

This is the first block I did the seams on it

Here is is after

And a close up of some of the work

I have hundreds of ideas of things to include. We will jus have to see how many I can include on here. The way I like to embellish this will be a VERY crowded piece

Stay tuned, I hope to post once week on my progress. Hopefully you won't get bored

If you have questions on anything I do, be sure to ask. I am so used to doing some of this that I never know what too tell you about

Later
Lauri

Gerry's Spider Block

2009-03-21T13:28:00.002-06:00

Hello All

Here are some pics of the part I did on Gerry's block. The bird is my first attempt at beading a design. I think it looks a little more Picasso than I intended

The web was done with hologram thread so it changes colors when it is moved

I hope Gerry likes it!

Later
Lauri

Well I Did It

2009-03-04T10:34:00.003-07:00

Hello All

Well I did it. I picked up a needle for the first time in months and actually got something done.
I have some sort of muscle and nerve damage done to my left shoulder from where a bolt of fabric dropped on my about 8 years ago when I worked in a fabric store. And from time to time my shoulder and whole arm will hurt like (*&(^^$$# and go numb at the same time. Have I told you this before? I think I might have. It's just been so long since I posted and I am too lazy to save this post and go look. So there you go

Many months ago I signed up for an Underwater Fantasy RR, I completely forgot about it then one day out of the blue Igot a notice that it was full and ready to go. I didn't really feel like doing it but I went ahead.

And this is the result

This is Karrin's block. Poor Karrin, she used such pretty batik fabrics and I completely obliterated them. In my usual style, I encrusted it. Over encrusted probably. But I LOVE it so I feel not much remorse.

I found a pic on the net years ago where another CQer had done a castle this way. I knew someday I had to do it myself.

Believe it or not every seam on this was embroidered in some sort of seam treatment. You just can't see for all the beads

I hope Karrin likes it.

BTW you can click ( or is it double click on the photos and you can get a much larger view of them)

Back to work,
Later
Lauri

Tagged

2009-02-10T13:38:00.002-07:00

Hello All

I've been tagged. I am to post the 6th picture in the 6th folder of my photos.

This is my youngest daughter with her Birthday twin cousin. They are 16 years apart. I believe this was his college Graduation. Bug was trying to hook her 2nd grade teacher up with him. But she could never get the 2 to meet

Now I am to tag 6 people but I am no good at this so feel free to play along on your own blog!!

Later
Lauri

2009-02-09T09:55:00.002-07:00

Hello All

Well what can I say? Things have been both hectic and eventful, yet also more of the same old same old

Since we last were together we have had 3 car accidents, 2 visits to the doctor, 1 ER visit, 1 trip to after hours care, about 6 xrays, 1 broken toe, 2 jammed fingers, 2 screwed up necks and..............

The only injuries from car accidents were a sore neck and some stiff muscles. 1 truck was totalled, this is the same one that almost rolled over in ravine the week before. The only thing that stopped the roll was the step put on so I could climb in and 1 lone rock

Other than that we have a smashed radiator and a fence that will be fixed by insurance.

Broken toe from a dropped lap top computer and jammed fingers from Basketball during PE

The other screwed up neck and shoulder and elbow and wrist and hand and fingers. Yes everything on the left side of the body is mine. When I worked at a fabric store years ago I dropped a 40lb roll of fabric right on my shoulder where the arm joint is.

I woke one day last month with a sore neck ( again) and by the middle of the week I was basically immobile

Nothing really major, no body extremely hurt ( other than the cursed truck) just a whole lot turmoil in the midst of utter sameness

On another matter. Hubby reconnected with an old family friend we haven't heard from in 20 years. Then his cousin he doesn't ever remember meeting found us through Hideko's blog.

Isn't it a small world?

Sorry to be so boring but that's all I have at the moment

Later
Lauri

Don't Faint Now!!!

2008-12-29T10:04:00.006-07:00

Hello All

I know it's been months since I've posted. I have never been this long in between posts before.I just haven't felt like it. Much like my baby here. Of course Nigel is a dog so he is entitled to act like this. I am told I am not.

My winter blahs didn't leave until April and came back in September.It was a short year. I have been working on a present for a friend for months now and I have had a RR block since October and can't get myself to work on it.

Oh Well enough of that

For only the second time in 22 years I didn't sew any Halloween costumes. Though we did buy everything there was a lot of thought into them so I don't feel bad. It isn't like they came straight off a hanger at Wal Mart

This is Molly's idea of a neon Butterfly. She is so tall that with her wings on she had to duck down almost to her knees to get out the door

I bet you didn't know that Goth Tinkerbells rode Hannah Montana scooters.

Though I have had the blahs it hasn't been completely bleak. Sadly our 13 yo cat Hootie passed away at the beginning of October. He was a real sweetheart and is missed. But he lived a long Happy life

All the kids were sad but they aren't used to a house without an indoor cat. So I sent Hubby to get a kitten......................................................He came back with 2!!

Meet Jack and Will

They are the epitome of kitten-ness

Now to prove I am not a complete slacker. I made this purse from a cigar box for #1 son's girlfriend. We share a love for the artist Josephine Wall so I knew she would like it

I also made 12 stockings and some tree shaped ornaments for a Craft Sale that Janet and I did. That was pretty much a bust

I'll leave you with this image and hopefully the next year I will have more energy

Later
Lauri

Breast Cancer Block

2008-10-23T12:17:00.002-06:00

Hello All

I have been working on a block for a breast cancer quilt.
We were given pieces of old wedding dresses to work with. Only white and cream were to be used, along with touches of pale pink, green and yellow.
Hope you enjoy

Later
Lauri

Where have I Been? With Pics at the End I Promise!

2008-09-19T12:03:00.003-06:00

Hello All

Where have I been?
Well first of all is this little thing called CHILDREN

School started over a month ago, but before that even started there were Volleyball tryouts. Did I ever tell you how much I hate Volleyball? It is so boring and all the girly girly screaming, the obvious shouts of "OUT" well duh we are watching too, don't need you to tell us that. The need to high 5 and hug after every point , serve or good spike. I am not a huggy type of girl.

Then school started and between driving one girl to school, picking up 2 girls from practice, then the dreaded VBall game themselves , Girl Scouts and driving the 17 yo to work cuz I was mean and wouldn't let him get his license because he couldn't get to class on time............ I have been busy

Plus I drove to the CQI Retreat in Windsor, Colorado. For people who know me that will acknowledge this is a huge feat. I don't drive long distances or on the high way ever ................I mean ever........................maybe 6 times in the 27 years I have had my license

I had a very nice time at the retreat. While there I met some very nice ladies. Gerry K says she wants me to marry her 50 yo son, alas I am taken. but I think she just wants me as a stitching buddy. So I decided she can be my NuMom, as my real Mom left me 7 years ago

I stayed at this Gerry's house. I was their first guest in their new house. Gerry and her husband Gene were both so nice to me. They even helped me in getting new tires put on my Expedition and took me out to dinner. Thank you so much!!! It was so nice to get to know both of you. I am sure we will be meeting again in the future.

Leslie hosted the retreat at her home. I don't know how much time and energy she put into all of this but I am sure she was exhausted having all of us there and driving everywhere. Thank you so much!!! You did a great job

Of course Janet went with me. We talked the whole way there and back. Neither one of us usually talk that much so were talked out for several days.

We also met Connie, who learned to paint buttons from Gerry K and learned very well I must say. Then there was Cathy who was very entertaining. And Jill who's house we visited and had us all for dinner.( Thank you so much)

Then there was Debbie from Maine, she is not at all what I expected. I expected some young little thing in her 30's and about 5ft 10. Well no Debbie says she is 5 feet but so am I. I think Maine feet are shorter than Colorado feet. What a character!!!! Debbie next time we wall meet you will have to go take a smoke so we can go through all the stash you acquired on this trip.

I can't wait until next year!!

Here are some pics I promised. This is the Cq bear I made for the Chinese Auction. Gerry H got to keep this one. I am thinking I may make some of these to sell. What do you think?

And his little hiney.........I have a thing for backends.. I don't know why

Here is the block for Lyn for the Magic Moments DYB, she asked for Victorian and Romance. I figured you can't get more Victorian than Queen Vicky herself

This is the dragon I added for Ati's fantasy block. It is for her grandson, so I just had to put a boy with his dragon.

The block for Ati's Christmas theme. Just had to add the elf button for a touch of whimsy

And lastly Cobi's East Indian block. I like how the elephant turned out

So I have been doing things, just not in a talkative mood I guess. I have dozens of pics I need to show you of all the wonderful work I have received in RR and swaps. I promise I will get to that

I have also been tagged by Lin Moon and someone else( I am so sorry! I forgot who at this moment) I will get to those too. I just am all typed out at the moment

Off to make a few surprises for the Gerrys

Later,
Lauri

What Next?

2008-08-05T16:51:00.002-06:00

Hello All
I am trying to decide what I want to work on right now. Here are a few oldie but goodie WISPs.
My Star Trek inspired quilt "Boldly"

Or maybe " Janet's Fault"?

Or another one of these?

Or I could make up some stuff for the craft fair in December or some stuffed dragons or maybe some CQ bears.

Maybe I'll just go take a nap

Later
Lauri

Mesa County Fair

2008-07-27T17:58:00.004-06:00

Hello All

First up a very shaky video of a Demolition Derby for those of you who have never seen one. If you listen carefully you might hear my evil laugh I seem to do I every time there was a good smash up. It was in every video I shot. I wonder if I should be concerned?

Next an artful shot of the Fair and carnival

The Bookcliffs, north of town

Mt Garfield

And oh yeah these too!!!

I got a First place and a Judge's Choice. Needless to say I was very happy. The only halfway negative things the judges had to say was that my corners weren't perfectly square and that there wasn't alot of quilting. Well duh! It's a Crazy Quilt, and it is heavily quilted in the inside layer it was just covered up since it very irregular based on where it was needed.

The kids rode the rides and we pigged out on Turkey legs, funnel cakes and fresh lemonade. YUM

Later
Lauri

TA DA!!!

2008-07-16T13:26:00.006-06:00

Hello All,

Well here it is. FINALLY!!!!!
You can click ( or is it double click?) on all these pics to see better detail. It took me several days fighting with the backing, binding and trims.Not to mention the buttons on the front and the back.

Jo suggested that I add a bit of color before the final binding. I was leaning that way to begin with , but it is always nice to have some one else independently confirm your thought. Thank you Jo!! I wanted a multi colored piping but couldn't find any. So I ended up with rat tail , which was nice but had to be sewn on by hand on both sides

Here is the inner border. This is not the trim I wanted to use, but it works well. Jjust could not justify $25 in gas to buy $4 worth of trim. I can see from this pic that I need to tack down that corner piece better. GASP!! I know it is almost sacrilege but may have to glue it. Don't tell the judges please.

And the back, a satin with glitter. Never again will I use satin to back at quilt!! ( Yea right, she says so now)It slid everywhere, including directions I did not know were possible

So that is it. Thank you for journeying with me on this 3167 day odyssey. The judging is Sunday and Monday I believe. I will let you know the results. Will try to hold out until Saturday when we go to the Demolition Derby again

Thank you so much
Later,
Lauri

Top Finished

2008-07-10T16:16:00.003-06:00

Hello All

Well here is the finished top. I have been working on it for the last week. Not every seam in the border is beaded. I had to try VERY hard not to encrust every one. I have included pics of a few of the black and grey blocks. Also one of the beaded spider I had to do, since spiders are a CQ tradition.

I have already reinforced the piece with fusible knit interfacing. Next I will quilt it using Allie's false backing technique. I can't find the exact method on there for a link right this moment, but if you search you should be able to find it

Then I will put the real backing on it, tie with some iridescent buttons on the front and put on a very narrow binding maybe 1/2 inch wide and also a hanging sleeve.

The longest part will be quilting with the false back.

As this piece is only 30 inches square it shouldn't take really long.

I also dug a piece of sequined trim out of my stash that goes perfect. One or two slight problems though. I only have 1 yard and I need a little over two. Secondly I got it in Delta, over 5o miles away. Factoring 50 miles X 14 miles to the gallon in my new love ( a new to me "99 Expedition) X $4.06 a gallon. I am not sure it is worth it, BUT it so PERFECT to trim the middle section.

I am so proud of myself that this piece actually is square. It took me an extra 3 days to square up the middle section before I added the black and grey blocks. This meant adding small pieces to several colors but it was well worth the extra time.

I don't want to give the judges any ammunition against me. Crazy Quilts already have a notoriously rough time in judging. It is almost an impossible task to get all the blocks to lie completely flat. Due to the very nature of how crazy quilting is done and the fact that so many pieces are cut against the bias in the piecing method itself.

So we shall see if I get this done in time. Both Janet and I plan to take our quilt out to the Fair together next Friday. We both did colorstudies and it is very interesting how both interpreted them so differently. I think it will give the public a wider a view of CQ in general as our styles are so different. Though we have definitely have influenced each other .

So off to the store to buy some 'Warm and Natural' batting and the backing fabric

Later
Lauri

RR work

2008-06-27T14:09:00.003-06:00

Hello All

Here is some work I have been doing on some RR blocks

First up Cobi's Fantasy block. I added a silky of a Sidhe. Then added the leafy bower around her and the music song they sing to lure we mere mortals

Secondly, I added a wizard and his magic cloud.

This is a DYB block for Simona. This will be in a quilt for her baby daughter, so I couldn't add any beads or buttons. It didn't turn out like I wanted. Simona says she likes it so I guess I am happy

And a closeup of God's homliest little angel

Well off to day # 1887 of the colorstudy

Later
Lauri

Colorstudy Day 1398 ( give or take)

2008-06-19T12:06:00.002-06:00

Hello All

Here are the last of the colorstudy color blocks. Huh? As oppossed to the black and grey blocks for the border I guess

Obvious caption # 1- Peach

Blue block with top right corner redone

Orange block done
And all of them together

So that is the end of this fascinating tour today. Please watch your step on the way out

Later,
Lauri

3rd Place

2008-06-07T11:53:00.003-06:00

Update!! Here's a link for the purses

http://www.crazyquiltinginternational.blogspot.com/

Hello All

Well the contest is over and I won 3rd place!!!
My prize is $60, so I see some stash buying in my future.
The purse that won I knew as soon as saw would win. Does that make any sense?
I'll see if I can link to the other purses,
Back to work on my quilt for the County Fair and off to Denver tomorrow to see #1 son

Later
Lauri

Red, Yellow,Purple and Orange

2008-06-02T11:59:00.003-06:00

Hello All

Well here are more blocks. The orange and purple ones aren't quite done yet. I am also thinking of taking the red leaf beads off the bottom left corner. BTW the colors are off in these pics, the pic below of the whole piece are much closer. I think this must weigh 4 lbs already
I decided to do 16 mostly black blocks for the border. I plan to try to keep the embellishments really basic but I don't hold out a lot of hope for that one
For those of you who asked these blocks are 6 inches
And for those of you who want to see the purse, I think voting is over Saturday then I will post pictures of it. It turned out pretty well if I say so and I am using it everyday as planned, what use is a purse if you don't use it?

Later
Lauri

No Pics Today

2008-05-21T09:44:00.002-06:00

Hello All

I have nothing to show you today.
That is not to say I haven't been busy. I have. It's just that I am making a purse for a contest on CQI and there will be voting and we are not allowed to post any pics as to not influence the voting. I will say though that if you are familiar with my work you will probably be able to pick it out.
On another front, I am in a Secret Sister swap also. I keep meaning to add pics of what my SS had sent. There is only one problem. She sends such great stuff that I tend to tear it out of the package and use it right away. So I never get a chance to take a picture of me. She must know me pretty well or is just good at picking things I will like. Thank you whoever you are.
Not much work being done on Colorstudies right now. Though I do have 8-9 black fabrics to use for my borders.
Sorry for such a boring post. Just not getting a lot done with the girls home for Summer vacation now
I'll find the camera ( wherever it is) and post some more pics soon
Later
Lauri

More Colorstudies and Molly

2008-05-10T13:32:00.002-06:00

Hello All

Here are the hot pink and turquoise blocks for my colorstudy project. I will be putting an all black cq border on with black and silver embellishments. Probably also a big spider web and spider in one color also

Here it is all sewn together. I thought it would be easier to put together before all the beading is done. I tend to put embellishments too far into the seam allowance and have to take them off and then resew. Unfortunately this makes the piece very heavy and it makes it a pain to get to the center blocks

And here is a pic of Molly on her Confirmation day, Tomorrow is her 8th grade Graduation. Just FYI for the family. Molly is now about 5'9" and only 13

Later
Lauri

Colorstudies

2008-04-23T07:05:00.002-06:00

Hello All

Over on CQN they are doing a color study RR. I wasn't really interested in joining. However due to happenstance and indecision regarding some DYB s( do your block) I ended up with 9 blocks in varying colorways.
I think the green one turned out great, however the blue one doesn't thrill me. Especially the top right corner.
I guess I will live with it until I figure out what I want instead

Later
Lauri

Thar be Dragons

2008-04-18T11:08:00.004-06:00

Hello All

These are some dragons I have been working on for the Fantasy RR on CQI.

The top one is on my block and is my own design. The bottom one is the one I did on Debbie's block. I used a clipart outline for the basic pattern.

Of course I had to include a dragon hoarde. Now I have an excuse to go buy more buttons!

Later,
Lauri

Mindy's Prize

2008-03-30T16:46:00.002-06:00

Hello All

You may remember that to commemorate my 100th post I had a giveaway. Mindy was one of the winners. She gave me free rein to make whatever I wanted. I made her a small wall quiltlet. If you go to her blog you will understand why I put on her block what I did.

So Mindy if you are reading this your prize should be at your door in the next day or so

Later,

Lauri

Janet's Garden Block

2008-02-27T08:43:00.005-07:00

Hello All

Now I know some of you may have seen this on the Yahoo groups I am in , but I really like how this turned out and wanted to share more about it.

The idea of this RR was to have 1 focus fabric, then the owner would make a block as a sample of what they had in mind. We were then each to use the focus fabric to make a block ourselves. Janet's fabric was the black one you see with the flowers on it.She told me to do it my way and go crazy, so I did.

Here it is at the nekkid stage. There are "NO RULES" in CQ ( that's why I like it so much). But there do seem to be few that people tend to stick to and I broke a cardinal one here.Supposedly you are not to use too many prints, especially next to each other. Well technically every piece of fabric in here is a print. And I like it this way. Plain fabrics bore me and I like to use fabrics with pictures in/on them. I think it helps to tell the story. All my best blocks are themed. I don't know if it is laziness or creative, ( Definitely NOT crafty) to let the fabrics help with the theme. Maybe a little of each

Now here is the block after the laces, appliques and most seam treatments are done. A huge change already
Now here is the finished project. It took me 4 days to sew on all those beads and buttons. I have been gathering and hoarding for this project for almost a year.

Janet likes creepy crawlie things and has a major thing for spiders and frogs. I have a thing for fairies and butterflies, so we go together perfect huh?

IF I remember correctly there are: 7 spiders, 9 ladybugs, 23 butterflies,1 humming bird, 6 fairies, 4 frogs, 1 inchworm, 8 bees, 8 dragonflies, 1 snail and 1 hidden Mickey. See if you can find them all.

Close up of the beaded Fairy

And of course Janet's big Hairy Spider I just had to include

I have 4 of my 5 Create Your Own Theme blocks back and will post on them in a few days.

Off to work on more stuff

Later,
Lauri

And the Winner is..................

2008-02-18T08:25:00.007-07:00

Hello All,

Now before the big reveal, first one observation.

Don't let the puppy pick! He has no attention span, won't sit still for a good photo op of the drawing and picked more than one.

SO .... there are 2 sets of winners. These are the ones that stuck to his face.Yummy huh?

Ati, Mindy and Debbie from Maine get to pick your prizes. Either a purse ( I can send you pics), a needlecase in your choice of colors or something like a pillow or small wall quitlet.

But not this:

http://tinyurl.com/2nkyve

or the puppy.

These are the ones he knocked out of the bowl while picking. I'll make each of you a heart.

Here is a beautiful pic for you to think of all day long

Everyone who won drop me an email and we'll discuss.

Next time Katrina picks!!

Later,
Lauri

100th Post Party

2008-02-11T07:56:00.001-07:00

Hello All

This is my 100th post on my blog. In celebration of that I am having a giveaway!!!
You will have a choice of one of the purses I made OR a needlecase made especially for you with your favorite colors . IF you happen to be one of my readers who just drops by for Eye Candy and doesn't sew I am sure we can work something out.

This will be a random drawing and will close next Sunday night, midnight February 17th.
Just leave your name in the comments area below and please be sure to leave your email address.

Let the melee begin!!!

Later,
Lauri

Winter and Spring STS Blocks

2008-02-03T21:28:00.000-07:00

Hello All
Here is the winter block after I did the first half. Notice the leaf trim in silver this time. Also the same fairy button in pewter and again a fairy print by Jo Wall

Here it is after Helina's work. I just love the tatted snowflake. I have always wanted to learn how to tat but just don't have the patience to learn at this point. I think it turned out great, don't you?

And this is my Spring block nekkid
After my embellishments. Same vine in green and button

Love this fairy print
I will be sending it to Gerry tomorrow. I have a block I have been working all week. Will post on it tomorrow. I guess I am finally getting into the swing of things again

Later
Lauri

Season To Season Block- Fall

2008-01-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

Hello All

I am in Seasonal RR on CQ for Newbies. The first block we did was Fall.

This is the block "Nekkid" as we call a non embellished block

This is what it looked like after my half of the embellishments. That in the left corner is supposed to be a tree spirit

This is how it looked after my swap partner, JK, added hers. Her stitching is delicate and straight! I love what she added.

Here is what it looks like now. After I made my Winter block I realized I had the silk leafy trim in 4 different colors perfect for each season and that I had at least a dozen of the fairy buttons so I decided to make it an ongoing theme in all 4 blocks. So here it is in it's finished state.... I think

Later,
Lauri

OK I Get It..

2008-01-18T19:59:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
I get it I need to post more, but as I said I am not a winter person. I HAVE been CQing. I just finished up Jo's Beaded RR block, plus did my bit on 2 more Your Favorite Song blocks. So I haven't been completely hibernating. I will post on those later, but first I wanted to show you my finished Beaded block. Thank you so much Jo, Carol, Cheryl and Leslie for all the work you did on it, It is beautiful!!!
The only thing I want to do is bead the yellow flowers in the center patch and maybe cover up some of the black lines in the drawing. I am so happy with this block.
Here it is naked And here is the finished product. I am sorry I chopped some of it off

If this doesn't give you inspiration I don't know what will.

Thank you again for all your work girls!!

Later,
Lauri

Blah Blah Blah Blah BLAHHHHHHHHHHHH

2008-01-04T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hello All

I am deep in my mid Winter doldrums. I am not a winter person. From November through the end of March I want nothing other to sleep ALL day long and I would if I could. I find little joy in anything during this time. My poor winter baby ( who will be 17 on January 8th) is the only time I felt half alive in the winter. Though he did have to deal with a very drowsy mother. I think I overcompensated with him when he was a baby. Being born 2 weeks after Christmas in the middle of a Colorado winter and the 10th Grandson in a row without any girls. (There are still only 6 girls out of 23 grandkids) I think we were the only ones to be excited to see him. So I called him "The Baby" until he was almost 4, I don't think he knew his real name until he was 3

Ain't he cute?

Though on a better note ,that is the winter I discovered the Internet. I have had the same email address for 16 years. Though there were so few people on that I don't think I actually got a non spam email for about 4 years. LOL

I have some RR commitments due. One is due tomorrow and I haven't even started. ( Don't listen to that Gerry!!) I know I can get it done I just need to get off my sleepy butt. I have even hit all the stores ( Joann's , Michael's, Hobby Lobby. Wal Mart and 3 other local stores)and haven't even seen anything I wanted to buy. Man !! I must be in a slump

Here is a pic of the kiddos at Disneyland. I'm off to take a nap

LAter,
LAuri

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

Hello All

Merry Christmas from Disneyland!!!!
I am so happy, having all 5 kids here. The above pics are of New Orleans Square

Here's a few for Janet, I thought she would appreciate them

And the castle of course!!

No family picture yet, we can't get the kids all together long enough!!

Later,
LAuri

Finally!!

2007-12-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

This is Nancy's block for the Fairy Tale RR. This RR started in January. We have been PLAGUED with some really bad mojo on this one. There have been a few people who have not held up their end of the bargain. They were in several groups and received blocks to work on and kept them for months, we are talking at least 6 months if not more. This block is finally getting back to Nancy. I got my Last Unicorn block back from this group, ( I forgot to post pics of it, I will soon)but my Little Mermaid is still missing in action. We know where it is, but she refuses to respond to any of us to return them. Anyone want to play enforcer for me in Portsmouth, Virginia?
AARRGGHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Anyway................................

Here is the block now. I wanted to do more but this is a huge block and I just could not finish it. I added a long evergreen and berry seam on the left.The blue candle seam in the middle, plus the red and green tree one at the top. the star seam and the white lacy one by Santa. I also added the plate of cookies and carrot, the mice, Ho Ho Ho and the big silver star. I have had that for a while, it is pretty big , but I knew I would find a home for it some day!LOL

I hope you enjoy Nancy.I would do a RR you anytime, none of the duds in these groups were your fault and you did all you could.

Later,
Lauri

Lesa's Favorite Song Block

2007-12-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

Hello All

Lesa's song was Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. Now you would think that might be easy to do as there are a lot of images but I ask you, "What the heck are rocking horse people?"

So I took the easy route and did the bridge by the fountain and the flowers that grow incredibly high.

The first pic is what the block looked like before I worked on it, The second is how it looks now. I particularly like the knight statue in the middle of the fountain. But I that might be cheating as all I did was sew it on.

Hope you enjoy it Lesa

Off to make overalls

Later
LAuri

Katie's Christmas Dress

2007-12-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

Hello All

Here is a pic of Katrina in her Christmas dress I made for her last week.

I also finished my pirate shirt, which you won't see a pic of me in, cuz I DON'T do pictures of me. Then I made a Jacobite shirt for the hubby to wear with his kilt to the company christmas party. Which didn't happen because the cleaners closed at 12 and I went at 12:30. I weren't a very happy camper!

Later
LAuri

Lydia

2007-11-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

Hello All

Here is the work I did on Flora's block. Lydia the Tattooed Lady. I incorporated my tattoos into my work. First I sewed on the applique of the Chinese dragon. My 7 dragons are Celtic but I couldn't find any like that.I just did not have enough umph to thread paint a dragon.
Then I added a silkie of Tinkerbell that I printed out. This is the exact tattoo I have on my leg.
I also did the butterfly border because I have one of those too. Then I put on the "Jesus Loves me AND my Tattoos" I have T shirt that says that. Some people at my old church used to give me a hard time and dirty looks when they saw my tats. So I wore the shirt and they had to at least be quiet about them
BTW I am having a hard time resisting the urge to get another one ( or 5) It is a very addictive thing to do. I am thinking of putting Cinderella's Castle behind my Tinkerbell, then I can add stars and fireworks around it to represent Grandkids when I get them. I also would like a mermaid but I don't know where to put it. I don't want any on my arms, ( Don't want to look too freaky) And I am too cheap to put one on my back. If I pay that much money for something I want to be able to see it

And now a really boring picture of the bunch of ties I bought at the thrift store for 50 cents each. I don't know what I will do with them yet, but I felt the compulsion to buy them.

Well off to try another pair of overalls. The last pair I made was so huge I could be 12 months pregnant and they would still be too big. ARRGGHHH

Later
Lauri

Beaded RR- Carol's Block

2007-11-23T16:49:00.000-07:00

Hello All

I am involved in a Beaded RR on CQI, all the seams are supposed to be beaded.
The top pic is of the block after Leslie's work when I got it. Don't you love the peacock? The next 2 are of my work. The feather took about 8 -10 hours
I hope Jo doesn't mind I snitched her pics of my work, my camera was set to internal memory and then I couldn't transfer to my computer, ( couldn't be one of 2 young girls played with it do you think?)

More sewing to do

Later
Lauri