Confessions of a Completionist: September 2007

Halloween Door Topper

I don't have a picture of this week's project, but that's okay since the idea is for you to design your own. This is a quick and easy fused applique project and Wendy will lead you through sketching your own haunted mansion, bats, etc.

What to bring to class:

your name tag
your notebook
any and all sharing (maybe you've even finished the notebook cover from last week!)
any questions you have
a handful of unlined paper for sketching
a larger piece of paper (freezer paper, newsprint or a cut open brown paper bag) if you want to trace the arch shape of Wendy's door topper

Also bring an uncompleted crazy pieced project (chatelaine, armchair caddy or just a block if you want to join in the handwork time. Bring some scissors, embroidery floss and a needle as well. Handwork time will be following the class for the afternoon classes and from 6-6:30 for the evening classes.

Rey is gone

Today Reynard (Rey for short) passed away. He has had breathing difficulties for over a year, but never showed any distress. Today he was obviously in distress, but before we could get him to the emergency vets he died in Pierre's arms. He was a real sweetie and will be missed.

Here is a picture of him the first day we got him, just over 2 years ago.

Here's a more current picture. I'm sorry that I don't have a picture of his tail, which was magnificent. Rey was a Maine coon cat and very large, so much so that kids called him a monster cat. Despite this he loved to lay on my chest while I read in bed at night and he followed me around most of the day when I was home. I'll miss him.

Notebook Cover

This week I will be teaching you how to scrunch fabric and then I will demonstrate how to machine couch decorative threads on top. You can use this technique to create your own personalized notebook cover to keep all the notes from this semester's class.

Please remember to bring the following to class: 1 yard of fabric, 3 or 4 rubber bands and a baggie that will hold 1 yard of fabric. The fabric I prefer to use for scrunching is 100% cotton and has at least 3 or 4 colors and is a largish print. Once scrunched any recognizable image will be distorted so color is the most important factor to take into consideration.

Armchair Caddy

For those who don't want to make a chatelaine this week, Wendy has an alternate project: an armchair caddy!

Lisa's Sharing

One of my summer students was unable to bring her sharing on the final day so she sent me pictures. How great is that?! So here is more summer sharing.

Lisa's String Pieced Diamonds

Country Lines, not from the class, but great to see because we share everything

Another String Pieced Diamonds (I think she really liked this pattern!)

Thanks for sending me those pictures, Lisa. I hope more students will do the same :-)

Chatelaine

This week Wendy will teach you how to crazy piece the chatelaine. Here is a picture of mine.

And here is a closeup of some of the hand embroidery (and beads).

And a picture that shows the pockets I put in mine.

I hope you got a chance to try some of the surface embellishment techniques we discussed in class last week. They really are fun and might make you feel like you're in kindergarten again! Ah to briefly visit the fleeting memories of youth...

Please remember to wear a nametag of some sort to class next week and bring your notebook as well as a writing stick :-) And don't forget your sharing!

Lisa

The Last of the Summer Mega-Sharing

This is the last batch from the summer semester mega-sharing day. I hope you've been as impressed with their work as I have been! Fall semester classes start this week and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again. (Remember, no class at Mt Carmel on Tuesday night, just for this week because of back-to-school night).

Velia's quilt

Velia's Star Quilt

Velia's Hidden Wells

Velia's totebag

Valerie's Heart Wreath

Unknown maker. Anyone want to claim this?

Trudy's flamingo

Sue's redwork (blackwork)

Closeup of Sue's redwork (blackwork)

Sonia's hidden wells table runner

Sally's baby snuggly

Sally's quilt

Ruth's quilt

Ruth's baby gift

Ruth's baby blanket

Ruth's notebook cover

Ruth's machine reverse appliqued funky flowers

Patsy's embroidery

More and More and More Students' Work

Closeup of Nellie Ann's Hidden Wells

Nellie Ann's Hidden Wells

Nancy's digitization of the redwork pattern (all done by machine!)

Nancy's quilt

Nancy's Hidden Wells

Monica's quilt, wow!

Michelle's work in progress

More of Michelle's work in progress

Michelle's string pieced diamonds

Michelle's Twinkling stars in patriotic colors

Mel used the faced circle technique to make this Christmas pillow

A star quilt by Mel

Redwork (blackwork?) squares Marcia inherited

Joanne's (the back of her hidden wells?)

Joanne's Hidden Wells

More and More Student Sharing

Sorry about being so slow about getting these pictures up. I've had a bad cold/flu (I never can tell the difference) which was complicated by a strep infection. I'm on the mend at last, but still weak. Please bear with me if I don't have everything ready next week, it's been a tough time!

Lorraine's redwork quilt