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Showing posts with label Fiber Arts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fiber Arts. Show all posts

Saturday, May 8, 2010

QUILT HEALING!

Singer sewing machine - 31K32 (detail 1)Image via Wikipedia
Having suffered clinical depression and anxiety most of my life, the sudden death of my sister manifested as Agoraphobia.  My counselor was unable to find a "day program" to take me out of my comfort zone and lead me into the path of recovery.  The only programs out there were for the mentally challenged.  Not sure what to do, but wanting recovery so much...I found some peace in meditation to begin with, and then things just came my way.  I was focused on healing and so the resources to "heal" came to me.  Had I stayed focused on "being disabled," I would have remained there.

I took up painting by watching Donna Dewberry on PBS late one night.  I began to create hand painted crafts, many of which I was able to sell.  I began making a new angel every year around Christmas, and I wrote a cookbook with my family which we now sell on ETSY.com and donate the proceeds to Cancer, Heart and Autism research. I returned to college to complete my degree (at age 60) by taking my classes online. The greatest resource I found was in "quilting." I began by researching online and finding patterns, learning rotary cutting, and attempting to make wonderful quilts.  I wasn't very good at it, but I loved doing it.  On a whim one day after leaving my counselor's office I found a little Quilt Shop right near her office.  Unable to just pass by, I went in. I entered on the side where they were having quilting classes and moved my way over to the material section.  I inquired about classes and they told me a new beginner's class was starting the next week. Without hesitation I signed up.   

The first day of the class I got there 30 minutes early and sat in my car, feeling anxious but almost giddy that I had gotten myself there; and with sewing machine and materials in hand I was going to "learn" to quilt the right way and end my frustration.  Although the class was three hours long, I managed to get through the first one and was shocked at how smoothly it went, but even more by how I was feeling.  I managed in those three hours to separate myself from my anxiety, and like a fly on the wall, I saw myself relaxed and happy, and the time flew by quickly. I felt healing when I left the class.  I am so content to see what I accomplished, and am embarrassed to say, I love the praise I get from my friends when they see how much I have improved.

Having always believed that success comes from focused attention on one's strongest desire, and the continued effort in the direction of one's intention; I was reminded of an experience I had many years before and had to abandon, to take care of my mother when she was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer. "When you believe in  your purpose and keep faith while always going in the direction of the intention without wondering where the resources to accomplish the task will come from, the resources come to you.

I have created my own "day program" called "our Gratitude,"and have applied to the Pepsi Challenge for the funding, but I know that even if I don't get accepted, the resources will show themselves as long as I keep going in the direction of my ultimate desire.

Watching the movie, "The Secret," was what reminded me of what I already knew, and it also renewed my continuous gratitude for all that I already have. Living a life of purpose is all that is expected of us, and with faith in your intention you will see the results in your own  life.

I hope everyone will look for my project next month at PEPSI CHALLENGENGE 
and vote for me to fund my "day program" for high functioning disabled  adults, designed to lower the number of people on disability and increase jobs and income to the state.


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Wednesday, March 24, 2010

The Lost Art of HAND QUILTING

quilted seat cushionsImage by dannie4852 via Flickr


With progress things change everyday. In my world I am always on the lookout for new crafts to learn and create wonderful things from. One such craft is quilting. I am new to it but I get lots of help from different resources, and Penny Halgren shares the most information resources on the internet.You can join her newsletter HERE:
Here she talks about hand quilting. I like to do mine on the machine but hand quilting makes it convenient to take it with you when you want to. Check out her techniques and tips on how to hand quilt.
Learn from her expertise, she is a professional quilter and knows her stuff.

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Tuesday, March 23, 2010

HOW TO BIND A QUILT

{{cs|Patchwork - detail zpracování. Jsem autor...Image via Wikipedia


What appears to be one of the most difficult steps in creating a quilt is the binding, but Penny Halgrentakes you through the steps in this easy tutorial. Take a look at it before you begin binding it will make life a lot easier. She also talks about creating a Landscape Quilt which sounds really beautiful, I might try one myself.
If you haven't signed up for her FREE NEWSLETTER, you should. She is a master quilter and I have used so many of her tips in creating mine. She offers 10 free quilt patterns per month when you sign up HERE.
Stop letting the frustration of quilting get to you, sign up with Penny and get the help that will make thin gs easier for you.

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Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Talking Crochet: February 16, 2010: Pattern From the Past ... National Crochet Month ... Free Pattern

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Talking Crochet Newsletter
February 16, 2010
SUBSCRIBE – IT'S FREE!   |   LET US HEAR FROM YOU Volume 7, Number 4

Dear Crafters,
It's always intriguing to take a look back at the past, especially if it relates to a subject that we find fascinating or enjoyable. In this issue, we'll step back in time and visit what could be an ancient forerunner to our modern craft of crochet. Also included are some fun bits of crochet trivia that give us a glimpse of crochet in more recent historical times.

Next month is National Crochet Month, so we've got some great suggestions for ways you can enhance your crochet experience and expand your stitching horizons. And to celebrate that "other" big occasion in March (it has to do with the color green), we've got a cute free pattern for a festive Irish Greeting door decoration.

Crochet News, Views & How-Tos
Pattern From the Past
Take a look at the ripple design in the photo at right. It looks like an old-fashioned crocheted chevron afghan -- a favorite standard in the pattern repertoire of crocheters for generations. But although it may look like a ripple afghan, it's not. Amazingly, this piece is ...   Read more »
Acrylic Yarn
c
Fun Crochet Trivia
While we're on the subject of the past, I'd like to share some fun crochet trivia tidbits with you. For example, do you know why most crocheters in times past held the crochet hook in their hand like a pencil?  Read more »
c
Celebrate National Crochet Month!
March is almost here and that means National Crochet Month! Isn't it exciting to have our own national celebration that recognizes crochet's important contribution to the needle-arts industry? It's the perfect time for us to stop and take ...  Read more »

Free Pattern
Irish Greeting
National Crochet Month isn't the only big celebration in March. There is, of course, St. Patrick's Day. In honor of this beloved holiday, we've got a pattern for a cute and inviting ...  Read more »
Spring Meadow Doily

Fasten Off
We love hearing from our Talking Crochet readers. While we are not able to individually respond to e-mails, be assured that we read each and every one we receive. We really enjoy receiving your great ...  Read more »

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Table of Contents
Crochet News, Views &
How-Tos
Pattern From the Past
Fun Crochet Trivia
Celebrate National Crochet Month!
Free Pattern
Fasten Off



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Sunday, February 14, 2010

Heart Quilts for Valentines Day

Closeup crop of :Image:Detail_of_sun_quilt.Image via Wikipedia



Greetings Quilter,

It's all around us – whether we are watching TV, reading a newspaper,
or even listening to a 30-second news blast on a radio station.  And
I'm sure it's the same story all over the world.

It's the economy. And how bad is it really?

It probably all depends on your individual situation, but suffice it
to say that most folks have been pulling back on their expenditures
for many months.

And we quilters are no exception.

But that shouldn't stop you from making quilts – especially heart
quilts that show your love for a friend or family member.

Most quilters have a stash of fabric and fabric scraps that gets
bigger with every quilt, just waiting for the right moment in time.
And now is probably the perfect time to make a scrap quilt!

You can enjoy creating beautiful quilts while showing your family
and friends how thrifty you can be. Who knows? Maybe some of your
family and friends will give up their expensive hobby and take up
quilting!

The thing is – you can carefully plan a scrap quilt and make it
look like it was made from fabric purchased just for that quilt.
Or, you can pull an extensive assortment of fabric from your stash
or scrap bag and create a beautiful quilt.

With the popularity of scrap quilts now, more professional
quilters and workshop teachers have come up with ideas to make
scrap quilts "work."

I've gathered some simple ones for you:

* combine large, medium and small-scale prints

* use bright accent colors sparingly and consistently throughout
 the quilt to keep your eye moving

* use neutrals to give your eye a rest (black and/or white could
 be considered neutral

* pay attention to the amount of dark and light contrast within
 the individual prints of the fabrics you choose

If you've never designed a quilt before, and are reluctant to
start, begin with something simple, like hearts. Everyone loves
hearts, and it is the perfect scrap quilt, since each heart can
be made from a different fabric.

You'll find pictures of different styles of heart and scrap quilts
when you visit:

http://www.how-to-quilt.com/articles/1135-scrap-heart-quilt.php

Using these examples, perhaps you'll get some ideas for making
scrap quilts that will put a smile on your face.

Happy Quilting!

Penny Halgren
www.How-to-Quilt.com
www.TheQuiltingCoach.com
www.QuiltBlockLibrary.com

P.S. Remember that those "rules" are made to be broken, so make
your quilts the way that makes you happy:

http://www.how-to-quilt.com/articles/1135-scrap-heart-quilt.php
www.How-to-Quilt.com
www.TheQuiltingCoach.com
www.QuiltBlockLibrary.com

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La Mesa, CA  91941


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Your Featured Quilting e-Pattern for February 14, 2010: Little Trip to Bali

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e-PatternsCentral
e-PatternsCentral e-PatternsCentral e-PatternsCentral e-PatternsCentral e-PatternsCentral e-PatternsCentral e-PatternsCentral e-PatternsCentral
Dear Crafter, Best Sellers
Here is your featured quilting e-pattern for today. Click the link below and see it for yourself.
Little Trip to Bali
February 14, 2010
Little Trip to Bali
Showcase batik scraps in a little bejeweled quilt with the flavors of Bali using Trip Around the World blocks and a sweet baby elephant applique. This e-pattern was originally published in Keepsake Baby Quilts From Scraps.

Quilt Size: 46 1/2" x 46 1/2".
Block Sizes: 6 7/8" x 6 7/8", 6" x 6".

Skill Level: Intermediate
Category: Quilting
ONLY $3.99
order
February 13, 2010
Simplified Log Cabin
Simplified Log Cabin

Quilting
$3.99
February 12, 2010
Wrapped in Prayer Shawl
Wrapped in Prayer Shawl

Quilting
$3.99
February 11, 2010
Butterfly Hoedown
Butterfly Hoedown

Quilting
$4.29
Sincerely,
Your friends at e-PatternsCentral.com
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