Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

I hope you all have a beautiful Memorial Day Weekend!  I'll be back here on June 1st to announce the winner of the free pattern from http://catsongstitchery.etsy.com   If you haven't entered yet, just "follow" this blog and you are automatically entered!

Crazy Quilt- Azaleas

I just finished this wall quilt (approx.36"x36").  I started out with piecing 3 large flowers, but then decided it wasn't enough.  I appliqued 3 more azaleas on top and then added beading too.  The background is all free motion machine quilting.  This will be displayed in an art show coming up, after that it might show up in my shop http://catsongstitchery.etsy.com

Don't forget to enter my contest to win a free pattern from my shop!  Just "follow" this blog and you are automatically entered.  See previous post also.

Contest- Win a free epattern from Cat Song Stitchery!

I am running my first contest!  From now until June 1st at 8a.m.eastern, anyone who "follows" this blog will get automatically entered to win a sewing pattern/instruction booklet of their choice from http://catsongstitchery.etsy.com/ !  I will also enter those who are already following me!  "Following" means you scroll down and hit the "follow" button on the right hand side and then your picture will show up.  Tell all your friends.  Thanks and good luck to everyone!

Summer Classes at Quilting Adventures

New kids (and adult) sewing classes for summer!  I teach all 5 at Quilting Adventures.


http://www.quiltingadventures.com/classes.php#cat2

Chameleon Bag with Flaps

So here is my Chameleon Bag by Shirley Adams, finished. Fully lined, inside zipper pocket and back, outside pocket. The flap is removable and the purse closes with a magnetic snap. I made it out of upholstery samples of polyester suede. It already had the stitching on it. The coconut shark pin was my great aunt's. The purse was fun to make and I've already started another flap- green needle weaving!

Here are flaps made by Shirley Adams, showing how different the can look. Techniques used include applique, bobbin work, embroidery, needle weaving, and wool felting. A great way to get lots of looks from one basic purse! (The flaps below actually go with a black purse and a denim purse, but you get the idea!)

Pattern Manipulation and Surface Design by Shirley Adams

The past two days I was at a sewing lecture and workshop given by Shirley Adams. She is so full of ideas! Lots of pattern manipulation and surface design was shown. The second day was a purse workshop. She designed the Chameleon Handbag that features a removable flap, so you can have several to change the look of the basic purse. I still need to finish mine, but I'll post it soon.

This is a coat she made and then used machine free motion stitching to create stems/branches. The leaves are fused on, with raw edges.
More on the workshop later.

Cute Pet Pictures-Cats

I haven't posted any cats recently, so here are pictures of Alice, oblivious to the dinosaurs on the T.V. behind her! My son and I had a big laugh over this.

I finished a dress, but the photo is still on my camera. I hope you all had a lovely mother's day weekend!

Pattern Review: Kwik Sew 3195 Skirt

I sewed this recently and I'm very happy with how it turned out. I get loads of compliments because the stripes are so dramatic. This pattern makes an easy to wear elastic waist skirt, in two lengths, and includes a gored skirt too. Fairly easy to sew, just pay attention to the layout and label each piece. I am sure I'll be making this one again! www.kwiksew.com

Serger Sample Vest

A serger is a sewing machine that sews, trims and finishes the seam all at once. It is extremely handy for garment sewing. A couple of years back, I took a class on other, more decorative, applications. This is a vest I made during class. There are ribbons inserted in the stitches.

Flat locking with decorative thread and rolled hemming.

It is amazing everything a serger can do! You can even quilt with one (although, I admit I use my regular machine for that!)

Quiltathon for Cancer Support

Thank you Team 7 and supporters! You did great Friday night! These are just 2 of the quilts worked on during the 30 hour event. It was a lot of fun for a great cause.