Delayed

I'm still trying to get to work on my silk bowls. Have had the flu the last week & a half. It just
won't let go. Hope to get back to it soon. Will try & post pics of my process.

Silk Caps

I'm still working on my free motion quilting. I'd like to be able to free motion quilt these caps. You
don't need a special sewing machine. Just so the feed dogs can be lowered, that's all you need.
Here's the materials list for these bowls:

*One pre-dyed silk cap (layers of silk cocoons that have been stretched out & flattened into a bell shape.

* A suitable selection of machine embroidery threads

* A spring-clip embroidery frame with a platic outer hoop & a metal inner hoop.

* Lightweight, transparent water-soluble stabilizer, enough to cover both sides of the cap. (I use Sulky Solvy)

* Fusible polyester fibers, such as Angelina or fantasy fibers

* A selection of beads & sequins

* Fabric Stiffening Spray

* Sewing Machine

* Beading needle & suitable thread

* A cling film-covered vessel for shaping the bowl

Some of these are optional, like the beads, but add interest. This technique & the materials list is
from an article I read in my favorite magazine, Quilting Arts written by Kath Danswan.

You start by cutting 2 pieces of water-soluble stabilize big enough to cover the cap.
Lay the silk cap onto the stabilizer & add any additional fibers you may want at this stage.

Cover the silk with the second piece of stabilizer to make a sandwich. Place the layered cap centrally into the embroidery frame, gently easing it until it lies flat.

Start working from the center. This  is where the free-motion embroidery comes in. If you are a
beginner, it's good to choose an organic type of theme. Nature is never perfect, so if you make a mistake it doesn't matter. My theme is flowers.
Work your way out from the center.

Once the machine embroidery is completed, remove the bowl from the hoop & carefully wash away most of the stabilizer.
Place the bowl over the covered form that you are using to shape it. Prop up the form so the edges of
the bowl don't touch the worktable.

Leave it preferable overnight. Once it's dry, completely spray it with the fabric stiffening spray & let
dry.

Remove the bowl from the form & add any beads or embellishments you might like. I'm planning
on adding beads & Angelina Fibers to add interest.

Stay tuned for my finished bowl. I haven't finished yet but I'm planning on making several.
 

Life in Georgia: Back in business

Life in Georgia: Back in business

Found these silk caps on Etsy. Fiber Charmer has great threads & silks on Etsy.

Back in business

These Silk Bell Caps will be changed into bowls. I'm working on adding a tutorial explaining how to turn these caps into bowls. They are embroidered, beaded & will shape up & be stiff enough to keep their shape. Stay tuned as I learn along with you to turn these beautiful silk caps into wonderful, decorative bowls.

Garden Song Table Runner

Add caption

 Well I've been working on my latest design. It's called Garden Song. The design is actually a Nancy Halvorsen design & I did love making it. The fabrics are a collection my mom bought me for Christmas & it's just so pretty.
It's just such a great way to dress up a table &/or use it to redecorate & change a mood.
People have no idea how easy it is to redecorate a home & how cheap it can be. I love adding quilts to my home & changing them for each new season or if I just want a change.
Now need to finish my brother's Raggy Shaggy.
Will post a pic when that is done.

Close-up of Garden Song

New Home

Well I've been gone awhile due to the fact my mom passed away May 11th from Ovarian Cancer. She's
happy now & was actually at peace with going to heaven.
So I'm now trying to take care of her estate & my husband & I would like to buy her house from
my siblings, after probate. Probate is quite a crock! Stupid really when we all agree on everything.

So I'm trying to pay final bills & cleaning out her house. WOW, had no idea she was quite a
collector of papers! lol If we buy her house we'll still be in the country. The town we live in  is
about 600 people & very, very small. My grandparents were from this tiny southern Georgia town
& I'm pretty much related to everything. Very different for a city girl.

I'm still quilting, although have taken a break. Still trying to sell on my Etsy site & actually got
a question from an Australian lady! Wow, my first international sale, if she buys it.
Also working on my doll for our childrens story. My sister is writing the story & I'm going to
make the little girl doll to match. Our little girl has only one hand, like me, & the story will be
about her struggles & the friends she makes along the way.
I think we may try to pitch our story & doll to the Childrens hospitals or pediatricians in the
area. Kids with physical problems have such a hard road, I know I did. Aside from the physical
problems, there is the emotional side & feeling like you aren't normal. Guess what? We ARE
normal!
I'd love to help kids with physical problems know that.

Is anyone out there?

Spring in the country!

Our Japanes Magnolia is ready for Spring. This
pretty purple bloom is so pretty & soft looking.
We also have a regular Magnolia tree & those
blooms are huge & white. Both these tress bloom
usually twice a year. They bloom in early Spring, like February, & later in the year around August or
September.
I'm finally getting a little better at the picture
taking. Took the pic on close up & on night
scene & it came out much better.

Another pretty bloom on our Japanese

                                              Magnolia.



Working on my Easter & Spring crafts.
This little bunny pot holder looks great in the
kitchen to welcome the Holiday!
Hmmmm what else can I come up with?? So many
ideas but very little time it seems!