Whimsicals Threads

:: the final projects ::

It is always so interesting to see which projects are the favorites and which ones intrigue people.  Believe it or not it is seldom the ones that I would have guessed, so thanks for all the comments!

And from the comments, it sounds like there are a lot of you who have not yet tried the paintstiks, so I guess I need to work on some sort of tutorial.  In the books that have projects where the paintstiks were used, I do have detailed instructions on the technique that I use.  I don't leave you wondering what to do with them!  But my best advice is to just experiment with them.  I should put a big note where I use them saying  NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY because believe me, anyone can do it.  I've seen people with no painting experience get really great results!

If you want to purchase some of the paintstiks, I found a website, www.artsupply.com, that has them for a good price.  Although I've never ordered from them before, you might give it a try!

With that being said, I have one more project in the Make It Merry book that I used the paintstiks on.  It's a little ornament called A Little Joy.

Again, I felt the need to add some additional texture with the lace trim, but that's what makes it so fun!

And I had some of you ask about the little box that was in the picture with the pincushion, so I'm pleased to let you know that it is in the book as well.  I show two different versions.... One of them I did with the fabric from Winterberry Lane, so it is very Christmasy (is that a word?!) and the other is one that can be used for just about anything.

I leave one on my counter to store my tea bags in because it is the perfect size for that.  Wouldn't it be fun to fill it up with hot chocolate packets and peppermint sticks to give to a friend?  Or tea bags, like I did, and have some friends over for tea and scones?! Ah, too many ideas and not enough time!

Here's another project.  How could I do a Christmas book and not include a tree skirt?

I called this Simple Gifts.  See the big border stripe from Winterberry Lane?  Because there are two distinct portions of the stripe, I tried to make the best use of the fabric and cut them so that both could be used, resulting in very little waste.  I can't wait to put this under my tree next year!

My mom helped me out a little with this book by designing this Christmas Star...

This little quilt is the perfect size to place in the center of your table to give it a nice festive look.  And you can complete your table with the Jolly Holly Placemats....

Anyone who did the Cross Country Quilter's Blog Hop a few years ago will recognize these.  This was my projects that I shared when I was a part of that.  I love the big holly leave and the big rick rack.  What a statement!

So, there you have it.  I think I covered them all and I hope that you like them!  Don't forget to leave me a comment to have a chance at winning a fat quarter bundle of Winterberry Lane and a copy of Make It Merry!  You can check out my website and see all of the fabrics included in this line by clicking here. 

I'm going to wait until Monday morning to draw a winner, so keep the comments coming!  Hope you have a great weekend!

Terri

 

:: a few more ::

I was a little remiss yesterday in not answering a few questions in the comments.  I have yet to really figure out how to answer them within the comments section.  Yea, I'm that slow when it comes to the blog world!  Actually, I think I'm doing pretty good just getting something typed up and posted here!

Anyway, about those questions.....

The little purple flowers are crocus.  I love these little flowers because they are so hardy.  Every year, they insist on showing their beautiful colors right after the snow melts and the tempatures warm up past freezing.  The problem is that in Indiana, the warm weather is always a tease.  It doesn't stick around.  There have been many years where the crocus are in bloom and all I can see of them are the tips of the petals peeking out from yet another snow. 

The other thing that amazes me about these flowers is that they come back every year, despite the fact that every year I take off the remaining foliage after the blooms are gone.  I've been told that I'm not supposed to do that with bulb type flowers like these, but I do it anyway because I don't like to look at the wilted remains.  And I guess they don't mind, because they come back to greet me every spring!

And about the book....

I hope to have it available by the end of next week.  Some of that depends on how fast my printer can get it finished and sent to me, but that is the plan!

Now, on to some more of the projects in the book.

This is one I called Peppermint Truffle.

 Now, don't ask me what a peppermint truffle is, because I've never had one.  But these blocks just look like a peppermint that has been wrapped in chocolate, and when I think of a truffle I think of chocolate.  However, when I did a google search I found out that a truffle can also be made from mushrooms!  Not being a fan of mushrroms, that does not sound very tasty to me.  I think I'll stick with the picture in my head, thank you very much!

And here is a little pincushion....

This is a really quick pincushion that can be made as a gift for someone special, or just make it for yourself.  I filled this one with walnut shells, which I got at the pet store, of all places, but I love the way it feels.  It's squishy and fun to pick up, and it stays put wherever you decide to set it down.

And the final one for today is A Simple Wish.....

Once again, my fascination with fonts, words and textures becomes apparent.   I made the letters for peace using the paintsticks then stitched the words on earth with embroidery floss.  And for those of you who have not tried the paintsticks, shame on you!  They are fun, addicting, and EASY!  In the book, I give directions for the technique I use and maybe, just maybe, if I can get my act together, I will prepare a tutorial that I can post here on my blog.  Hmmmmm..... I'll add that to my list!

So, that's all I'm going to show you today!

Remember to leave me a comment so your name will be in the running for a fat quarter bundle (which will include the panel print) and a copy of the Make It Merry book.  

Let me know what you think!!!

:: make it merry projects ::

So, yesterday, I showed you the cover for my new book. Make It Merry.

Today, I'm going to show you a few of the projects!

The first one is All Wrapped Up....

One of my favorite prints in this line is the one that I call a "wrapping paper" print because, well, it looks like wrapping paper!  It makes a great border print on this quilt because it looks like you've taken lots of time to piece together all those squares, but really, it's just a print!

I also did these really sweet little stitcheries I called Tiny Tidings....

I think the simple little words on the big background really draws the attention to the message, making a big impact for something so small. 

And the final project for today is a full picture of Tree Trimmings, which became the cover for the book....

This one was fun to make because of all the different techniques and textures.  The "believe" on the ornament was stitched on, where the "peace on earth" was cut from the large border print in Winterberry Lane.  Then, I painted the branch onto the fabric using Shiva paintstiks, added more embroidery for the needles, and finally added the rick rack trim that each of the ornaments is hanging by.  So much fun!!

And as a bonus, another version of Tree Trimmings.....

No, this is not the exact same layout as the other one.  This one is smaller than the first, but it is another option if you don't want to paint the branch on.  And can I say that I just LOVE the fabric in the center ornament and no, it is not mine.  When I saw that fabric, I knew that it would be a great print for an ornament and just had to use it. 

So, that's it for today.  I would love to hear your feedback....

Oh, and just in case you're wondering, I used a lot of the fabrics from Winterberry Lane on these projects, but also mixed in some from previous lines, and even snuck in some from my stash of other fabrics to balance things out.  You can't imagine how hard it is to create so many projects from just one line of fabric, so I like to mix things up by throwing in something unexpected, like someone else's fabric!

Hope you like them!

 

:: spring is here! ::

Happy Spring!!!!

I was so in need of a good weather day, and today did not disappoint.

This morning as I was sitting in my room working, I glanced out the window and saw this.....

And I realized that it was the first day of spring!  And the sun was shining.  And it was warm.

I don't know about you, but it's been a long winter and I am so excited to think about putting my winter coats and boots away.  My flip flops were calling to me from my closet this morning and although I ignored them, I know that it won't be long before they become an intrical part of my wardrobe again.  Woo hoo!

And another thing to celebrate....

Last week I sent my new book off to the printer!

Can I tell you what a relief it is to have this book completed?!  AND how happy I am to not work on anything Christmas related?!  I know, that's probably not what you want to hear, when the Winterberry Lane fabric is starting to show up in shops about now, but I feel like I have been stuck in Christmas mode since October.

And because I'm so over the Christmas thing, I'm going to give away a fat quarter bundle of the Winterberry Lane fabric to one lucky person along with a copy of Make It Merry when it shows up sometime next week!

So, over the next several days, I'm going to share with you the projects in the book.  All you need to do is leave me a comment on one of those days, and you'll be in the running.  It's that easy!

Good Luck and Happy Spring!

 

:: silent no more ::

Hello?!

Is anyone there?!

I know, it's been a very long time since I've posted anything, but believe me, I've been really busy.  Wanna see what I've been up to?

The first week and a half of February, I was snowed in.  Well, ok, not really for a week and a half.  It was probably more like 3 days.  But it sure felt like a week and a half.  And it wasn't really snow, either.  It was ice, which would explain why I couldn't go anywhere, since my car doesn't do well on the ice.  Or snow for that matter.  But that's all beside the point.  This is what it looked like....

It looks a little bit mad, don't you think?  My feelings, exactly.... 

There was ice everywhere and I felt like I was never going to escape.  But I finally did.  And my car did too!  And there was much rejoicing!

We had a lot of snow this winter; more than we usually do, which usually puts me in a grumpy mood, because I don't like snow.  But one day as I was grumbling, pulling into the snowy driveway again, I saw something that made me smile.  

My son had been outside and randomly made this little snowman on the little patio table that sits in the front yard.  I don't know why, but I had to laugh.  And then I had to grab my camera to get a picture.  This was before the ice storm.  AFTER the ice storm, this same table made me laugh again.....

How funny is that?! 

I have no clue how this formed, but this sheet of ice hung on like this for several days.  It was the wierdest thing.  No one in our house could figure this one out.  Finally, it just melted away.

So, while everyone else was happliy stitching away when they were "iced" in (get it? Instead of snowed in, we were iced in?!  Ok, that was lame, I know.  I won't do that again...) I spent most of my time at my computer, trying to get patterns written, a book completed, and a new fabric line designed. 

And I have two out of the three done. 

Not bad, but I was hoping to have my book done by now.  Just a few more weeks, though.  I'm finishing the final projects this weekend, and then it's back to the computer for writing, layout, photo touch-ups, etc.

But, I did get the new patterns completed and printed.  I even got them up on my website this week.  And just in time too, becuase I've heard that the Winterberry Lane fabric is starting to show up in the shops already!  So, just in case you haven't seen them, here are the new patterns to go with the fabric....

I also have a new hat pattern and my very first apron pattern!! 

I have to say that this hat is by far my favorite one that I've made.  I take it just about everywhere I go, just in case I'm having a bad hair day, which is more often than I like.  And every time I wear it, I get compliments.

I can't say the same for the apron though, because I think it usually works best to wear an apron in the kitchen.  And since I spend very little time in the kitchen, well....  Let's just say that the apron has not seen a lot of use.  But, it is a fun one!  I made it so that it can be reversed, which also gives it a bit more thickness.

So now, all I have left to do is finish this book.  I'm working on it, believe me.  And I'm hoping that everyone finds that it was worth the wait.  It's been fun, making all these Christmas things, but I'm ready to move on now.  Ready for some spring, not only outside, but in my sewing room too.  Just a few more weeks, I know.  I can feel it....

:: it's cold! ::

I hope that everyone had a merry Christmas! 

In the past month, I've started several posts and not completed any, so today, I'm going to try compiling them into one, so stick with me here......

We've were hit with cold weather really early this year, which is a major bummer to me, but it sure doesn't seem to bother our dog, Yukon.  The first snowfall we had was at the beginning of December and there has been snow on the ground ever since.  One day while my son was out shoveling the driveway, I happened to look out the window and notice Yukon patiently waiting by a tree for him to come back and play with him....

He is so funny. I think Yukon is the only one in our family who really likes the snow!

Yes, I know.  He blends right into the snow, right?!

Ok, here he is, ready for a chase through the yard......

Yep, he's a great dog for the snow!

So, what else have I been up to? 

Well, you may have guessed that I'm not a huge fan of the cold weather in Indiana.  Already, I'm wishing for those warm sunny days of June.  But instead of donning my beloved flip flops and shorts every morning, I've been layering up with sweatshirts, scarves and wool socks, just trying to stay warm.

So,I decided that what I really needed was a new winter coat, and when I couldn't find one, I took matters into my own hands.  I dug out some black heavyweight wool that I've had for years, threw it into the washing machine and felted it so that it was even thicker, and decided to make my own coat, using a pattern by Serendipity Studio.

 

(Image taken from www.sewserendipity.com)

 Ahhhhh...... all those memories from my 4-H Clothing days came flooding back.  

As you might imagine, I've never been one for following the directions, so I made a few minor changes as I made the jacket..... I added pockets in the side seams, (because pockets are a must for carrying my ipod and keys), and because wool against my skin makes me turn all red and blotchy, (which IS NOT a good look), I added a lining. 

I did have a few challenges.  One being the mix of fabrics and the faux suede that I used on the collar, facing, and cuffs.  It kept shifting on me as a stitched, but it didn't take long to figure out that it worked better to have the suede on the bottom and the wool on the top as I fed it through the machine.  And with 4+ layers of heavy, coat-weight, felted wool my trusty Pfaff with dual feed was a huge plus.

It is in no way perfect, but I love the way it turned out.  It's warm enough without being too heavy.  It's long enough to cover my bottom.  And the best thing is that both of my boys (who are really young men at 17 & 20) think it's so cool that I made a jacket!

It's been a busy month spent visiting with family and friends, making it hard to get any real projects accomplished.  I did get the patterns for the Newsboy Cap and the Little Apron sent off to the printer.  Now, I'm moving on to the patterns and book to go along with the new fabric line, Winterberry Lane.  I will keep you posted as to when each one becomes available.  In the mean time, I pray that you all have a SAFE and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Terri

 

:: off to market ::

 

This is just a quick note to say that we're on the road, headed to Houston, with a van full of, um.... stuff.

Yea.  That's what I would call it.  All the stuff to fill and decorate a 10 foot by 10 foot booth.  And what could all this stuff possibly be?

I've been hard at work the last several weeks.  Not that I'm ever NOT hard at work.  Just ask my family and they'll tell you.  But it's been non-stop. Trying to decide what to do, which projects to finish, which ones could wait.  And then deciding that the best thing to do would be to wait until spring to release my new book, Make It Merry.  And before you say anything, let me explain.....

The fabric line I did this time is called Winterberry Lane, and is really a winter/Christmas theme.  Do you want to see the swatches?!  Click the link below to see them.....

 Download WinterberryLaneSwatches_sm

Anyway, since the fabric will not start filtering into the shops until March, it didn't make sense to rush getting a book finished before then.  So, guess what I'm going to be doing when I return from Quilt Market?!  Yep.  Making Christmas quilts.  Which should be fun and easy since it will be the Christmas season anyway and my brain is already stuck in that mode.  

BUT, I did manage to get several things made before I left.  In addition to the book, I will have two separate patterns that make use of the panel print from Winterberry Lane.  One is a large quilt that uses all four parts of the panel and the other is four separate wall quilts, each using one part of the panel and a different border.  These will be available in February.

 But, I didn't stop there.  In the midst of all this, I was having a really bad hair day.  Seriously!  And when I have a bad hair day, what I really want to do is just cover my head.  So, what did I do.  Why, I made a new hat to cover up my hair, of course.....

 

This is kind of a blending of the hat from my Pumpkins and Spice book and the hat in Tangled Up in Thread, with a twist.  Well, really, it's a fold (on the brim), not a twist, but you get the idea. And it will be an individual pattern, which I plan on having ready sometime in November.  

Along with the pattern for this.....

Oh, and the book?  It will be called Make it Merry.  I've done a "mock up" of the cover in Photoshop.  I can't guarantee that this will be the final one, but look for something similar in February.  And check back in the next few days to see sneek peeks of different projects that I already have finished, along with pictures of the booth in Houston!

Now, I'm off to bed to rest up for Quilt Market!

 

Merry Christmas!!

Hope you all have a wonderful, blessed Christmas!  

 
 

December in a Nutshell....

Oh my gosh, I can't believe it's been so long since I posted something here!

If you were to see how many times I've started one, then gotten distracted or fell asleep from exhaustion, maybe you'll forgive me?!

I mean, let's see, what have I done instead?

Well, the first week of December I spent participating in a production of Miracle on 34th Street....  

 

This is a picture of the cast, director, and stage crew.  It was TONS of fun and exhausting all at the same time, with 2 full dress rehearsals and running the show 5 nights.    

I also spent a little time on the computer making gifts for the directors and cast.  Can I just say....... I love messing around in Photoshop!!  I took the postcard that was sent out by the church and added photos of each of the cast members.

 

After resting up for a few days, I finally got some Christmas decorations set out.  Here are a few pictures of my favorite little corner, complete with my special edition Boyd's Bears that were made with fabric from my Snow Wonderland line.  I had to search all over the web last year to track these down, but I was so excited to have them use some of my fabric that I had to have one of each!

 

 

 

I have managed to make a few Christmas gifts (no, I can't show pictures right now...... I don't want to give them away!) several of which I had to chase all over trying to find the perfect, um, "supplies" for.  

I also helped organize and make a gift quilt for a friend who recently had hip replacement.  I did take a picture of the quilt before we gave it to her yesterday, but still need to get it off my camera, so hopefully I can share that with you another day.

Then, there's the computer issues..... the freezing screen, the dreaded spinning ball (you mac users will understand this) and trying to organize my millions of files in order to transfer them to a new computer that I ended up buying just a few days ago (a new 27" iMac!)

And, of course, there's that work thing, so yes, I have been working on Whimsicals things also.  Mostly new fabric designs, which are supposed to be in by Christmas.  I'm thinking that I'm going to be a little late with these too.... I think that is the story of my life!  But for those of you who are curious about the theme, here's a sneak peek!

 

  

Thank goodness I didn't have a lot of shopping to do this year.  Both of the boys got their Christmas presents a bit early (that's what happens when they find the perfect guitars three weeks before Christmas), but here it is three days before Christmas and I still need to get out to buy just a few small things.  And hopefully, today I will be able to finish the Christmas cards so that I can send them out for friends and family to at least get them before the New Year!

Whew!  What a month!  Busy, busy, busy!  

I'm really going to try getting a post done for Christmas, but if it doesn't happen, have yourself a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

O Christmas Tree

It didn't happen yesterday like it was supposed to.  

I think we were all just too tired from all the "together" time.  

But, today.  Well, today we finally got the Christmas tree out.  

I know, I should be excited.  But let me explain myself.  We've had this Christmas tree for at least 18 years. We bought it to fit in our previous house.  That house had a big open family room, with a loft area overlooking it, and it needed a BIG tree.  But since moving to this house 15 years ago, we go through the same thing every year.

Where to put this big honkin' tree?! 

We stand there.  Look around the room.  Try to visualize how things will fit if we move this over there, and that into another room.  In our family room there aren't a lot of options, but I think we've tried them all.  Most of the time, we end up moving furniture into another room for a month, just to have space for this tree.  And every year, I long for a skinnier tree.

Ah, well, it's up, has lights on it and half the ornaments.  

The kids got theirs on. 

I, however, got sidetracked.  I started, but it takes me longer (probably because I need to untangle all the hangers after tossing them all together when I take them off each year) and when the kids were done hanging their ornaments, they went off to do their own thing, and I was left there by myself.  Where's the fun in that?!

Then, I heard my sewing room whispering my name.  And since it's been a while since I've spent any serious time in my sewing room, that's where I'm hiding out for the rest of the day, hoping to get some creative juices flowing.  

I did spend some time last week working on a quilt with some friends.  I can't divulge any details, but here is a little sneak peek:

 

Ok, so I know that I'm not showing you much, but I can't give it away!  Suffice it to say that it's all pieced together and ready to be quilted.  Now, I get to make another one.  Yea, you heard me right.  This one is a gift, and I'm going to make another one using fabrics from my previous lines that will eventually end up in my next book.  When I start working on it, maybe I'll share a little more of what it all looks like.

But right now, I have to get back to that tree.  Because Lord knows I don't want another unfinished project hanging over my head.  My stack of unfinished quilt and knitting projects are enough.

Ta-ta for now!