My Busy Stitching Fingers -- Embroidery

After finishing Avery's quilt top, I have been keeping busy working on creating some tea towels from vintage patterns I have found on flickr.com or from thrift shop finds.



I thought I would share some of the results. One of my favorites is the Scottie Dog. I found this pattern online free while searching for an applique' quilt block pattern of a Scottie Dog. I have not found the one I am happy with for quilting but fell in love with stitching the embroidery piece.








In getting more in the festive holiday spirit, I set out working on the PEACE, LOVE, JOY, NOEL, and FAITH towels. I love the cursive writing of these patterns. Which reminds me, I heard the other day on a news report that cursive writing is becoming a dead artform these days. I believe it is not being stressed to be used in the schools as much and people are more apt to be typing away on the computer than sitting down hand writing notes and correspondence to others.



My last favorite piece I just finished is the Celestial theme pattern. I have always enjoyed the sun/moon patterns and designs when used in decorating.



I must report, my tree is up and I was just looking outside at 2 a.m. to find the snow is falling. The holiday spirit is definitely on me now as I did some online shopping today and got most of my Christmas cards written out.

So no HUM BUG for me this year . . . I got to start saying HO HO HO!!! -- Hope you are too.

Bird Fairies!

Bird Fairies!, originally uploaded by Lisa Kettell.

Here is a photograph Lisa Kettrell calls: The Bird Fairies!
I believe these fantasy gals are Ziegfeld Follies Performers from the 1920's.

I love the symmetry in the photography and the costume styling -- like the birdies in the background!!

Get Excited and Make Things!

Brave People Make Things so get excited and make things…. The first five (5) people to respond to this post will get something made by me.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations so please read carefully:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. Whatcha get is whatcha get.
2. What I create will be just for you, with love.
3. It'll be done this year (2009).
4. I will not give you any clue what it's going to be. It will be something made in the real world and not something cyber. It may be weird or beautiful. Or it may be monstrous and annoying. Heck, I might bake something for you and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
5. I reserve the right to do something strange.
6. In return, all you need to do is post this text on your blog and make 5 things for the first 5 to respond to blog.
7. Send your mailing address - after I contact you. IMPORTANT: This offer is null and void if I do not see you post your own blog to pay this forward.
This is going around blog-land. I saw it first here.
http://stitchingandbeading.blogspot.com

New York Theatre Ballet

Amidst general bad news for arts organizations and the economy, as well as the poor general state of arts education, there's great news from New York Theatre Ballet: Fathom will broadcast six chamber versions of ballets to movie theaters next season.

Here is the company's announcement:


NCM FATHOM EXPANDS ITS ARTS AND CULTURAL PROGRAMMING WITH RENOWNED NEW YORK THEATRE BALLET SERIES CREATING "SEASON OF THE ARTS"
IN OVER 400 MOVIE THEATERS NATIONWIDE


New Agreement with MarQe Entertainment Brings Classic Chamber Ballet to Local Community Cinemas Beginning in August

LAS VEGAS - March 31, 2009 - NCM Fathom, the alternative entertainment division of National CineMedia, announced today an agreement with MarQe Entertainment Inc., (MarQe) to present a series of New York Theatre Ballet (NYTB) performances exclusively in select movie theaters nationwide beginning this August. The NYTB is historically known for its elaborate storybook sets, rich costumes and mesmerizing choreography where each classical story comes to life through the art of dance. The New York Theatre Ballet series will complement Fathom's existing opera schedule, offering audiences a "Season of the Arts," beginning in late summer and continuing into 2010. The series will include a live performance of The Nutcracker, which is slated to be broadcast live from New York in December. Each performance will feature exclusive segments that will only be seen by cinema audiences. The agreement for Fathom to exclusively distribute The New York Theatre Ballet series was announced today by Dan Diamond, vice president of Fathom, at ShoWest 2009, the largest annual convention for the motion picture industry.

Through this new agreement, Fathom in conjunction with MarQe will present The New York Theatre Ballet series featuring six performances of dynamic chamber ballet classics such as Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, The Nutcracker, Carnival of the Animals and The Alice in Wonderland Follies. The ballet performances are perfectly suited to the attention span of the youngest audience members, yet sophisticated enough for the most discerning adults. Hailed by The New York Times as "a discreet little pearl in the oyster of New York dance," NYTB has earned acclaim for its restoration and revival of small masterworks by great choreographers and for its innovative ballets based on children's literature.

The New York Theatre Ballet series will be offered across NCM's exclusive Digital Broadcast Network (DBN) - North America's largest cinema broadcast network that reaches nearly 500 movie theaters and performing arts centers in the country. Tickets will be available beginning Friday, July 10th. Visit www.FathomEvents.com to learn more.


About New York Theatre Ballet

Founded by Diana Byer in 1978, the NYTB is the most widely seen chamber ballet in the U.S. NYTB is the only chamber ballet company in New York to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2009 - an important milestone since numerous chamber companies have closed due to dwindling arts funding and increased costs.

"We are thrilled with the opportunity to work with MarQe and NCM Fathom bringing NYTB's 30-year legacy to the screen for audiences across the country to enjoy. In this current economic climate, it is more important than ever to make the arts accessible and affordable and we're doing just that by bringing the rich experience of the NYTB to local cinemas nationwide," said Byer, artist director and founder of NYTB.

Stunning Striped Icebergs

Amazing striped icebergs!



Icebergs in the Antarctic area sometimes have stripes, formed by
layers of snow that react to different conditions.

Blue stripes are often created when a crevice in the ice sheet fills up with meltwater and freezes so quickly that no bubbles form.

When an iceberg falls into the sea, a layer of salty seawater can
freeze to the underside. If this is rich in algae, it can form a
green stripe.

Brown, black and yellow lines are caused by sediment, picked up
when the ice sheet grinds downhill towards the sea.

Is this amazing
Antarctica Frozen Wave Pixs - Nature is amazing!
The water froze the instant the wave broke through the
ice. That's what it is like in Antarctica where it is the
coldest weather in decades. Water freezes the instant
it comes in contact with the air. The temperature of the
water is already some degrees below freezing.

Just look at how the wave froze in mid-air!!!

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.'

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute. look at it and really see it...... live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.

Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us!

A Drop Of Alice

a drop of alice, originally uploaded by identityseven.

I love exploring the internet to find pictures and interpretations of my favorite book character.

Bet you can't guess who....

I find this creative & lovely.

This would be fun to turn into an embroidery piece.

I know I have in me a quilt with an Alice in Wonderland theme . . . another day . . . another dream!

This Alice inspired item also has a different twist to it, but I could stitch this into an embroidery square also. The colors in the photo make me think of redwork stitching.

Owl Mosaic Mural

Owl with owls, originally uploaded by Gilberto Viciedo.

As I am heavily involved in packing for our big move from Nashville, TN to Great Falls, MT, to relieve my stress, I find playing on the computer helps a great deal.

All my supplies for working with stained glass and mosaics has been carefully placed in boxes. I am missing playing and feeling spontaneous in this art form.

Isn't it astounding the detail found in this mosaic mural of an owl?

Also, notice each miniature tile has an owl inside of it.

Photo by Gilberto Viciedo as found on Flickr.com

Fabric Shopping

This past Saturday, my daughter and I picked up a couple friends and headed out on an adventure to find the Stitcher's Garden in Franklin, Tn. We had read after some online research that the store has over 8000 bolts of fabric.



I was going not only for fun, but on a mission to locate reproduction fabric known as Aunt Grace. These are reproductions from the 1930's. (As a part of a surprise Christmas present, I had received some partially finished quilt blocks. No materials had come along for the completion, thus the mission.)


I had located these specialty fabrics at an online store and was pleased with the selections. The prices I felt were a little steep for fat quarters and then the purchase would have had a high shipping charge with a total of $50.

At the Stitcher's Garden I did find a lot of different patterns as pictured here. I did purchase a few fat quarters but then also decided to go ahead and purchase quite a few of the 1/2 yard pieces. My total (also including a little from my daughter), came to $69.

Now, I will need to get to rotary cutting my strips and sewing up the rest of my blocks. A friend of mine has suggested embroidering borders for the blocks. I am just tempted to do so, but know this will make my project last longer. Do I have the patience -- I wonder!!

Unspoken Messages

A wonderful married couple years ago set me up on a blind date to come to dinner at their house to meet a friend of theirs they knew I would love to get to know. I arrived on time (a chore for me). We talked for a while, then a while longer, till Sandy could resist no more and went to call the missing stranger. She got no answer and both she and Don were embarrassed. Dinner went on without the stranger. A week passed by and Sandy called me asking if the "blind date" that stood me up could call and explain. He did and I gave him one more chance. Upon arrival at my door to take me out to dinner, he presented me with a beautiful bouquet of yellow roses. What impressed me more than the roses was his knowledge of their meaning. Yellow roses signify "Please forgive me." Did I end up marrying this man you ask? -- NO, after 4 years we went our separate ways -- he to his list of golf courses and me to the man I adore. (We are coming upon 16 years of marriage very soon.)

I have simply fallen in love with my fresh cut flower bouquet and pulled out the digital camera to capture the blooms at their peek. I kept snapping shots till I got my most favorite to share with you here. Then I got interested in finding out what meanings of flowers are and found a wonderful site called Florapedia and another one http://www.clareflorist.co.uk/meanings.asp. Check them out for tons of information when choosing your next floral arrangement.



The traditional flower meanings for the Gerbera daisy is beauty and innocence. However, the gerbera variety holds an added meaning of cheerfulness, which stems from the assortment of colors available.



The flower meanings traditionally associated with Stargazer Lilies are innocence and purity, but the more modern connotations are honor and aspiration.



Pink carnations are often given as a sign of gratitude





Zinnia (mixed)--Thinking / In memory of an absent friend



Red roses are the traditional symbol for love and romance, and a time-honored way to say "I love you." The red rose has long symbolized beauty and perfection. A bouquet of red roses is the perfect way to express your deep feelings for someone special.

Sew Much Fabric -- So Little Time

Here is a picture of my newest finished embroidery piece, a Claddagh inspired (Irish design) as found at http://triciarennea.blogspot.com/

The Claddagh's distinctive design features two hands clasping a heart, and usually surmounted by a crown. The elements of this symbol are often said to correspond to the qualities of love (the heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown). The expression which was associated with these symbols in the giving of the ring was: "With my hands I give you my heart, and crown it with my love."


I am always searching the world wide web, books, magazines, catalogs, and designs/patterns in anything I see for inspiration on that next sewing project. I recently purchased a handful of craft magazines at our local Goodwill distribution warehouse. I was overwhelmed at the quantity of items to go through -- huge cardboard barrel type boxes with tons of printed materials to toss here and there while looking for items of interest.

Two years ago I started machine sewing my first quilt top. I completed 9 tops that year and also completed a king size yo-yo quilt by hand. (I will have to show pictures another time of some of them. They are packed away for an impending move -- going west!!)

A wonderful friend of mine (Judith) blessed my creative thoughts with a large plastic bag piled with 1 inch cotton strips and another piled with 2 1/2 inch cotton squares in an enormous variety of colors. Shown here in this log cabin designed block king size quilt top is a tiny indication of the wide spectrum of colors.

At first, I found myself intimidated in sewing such a small width. Soon, however, I was flying on the machine and a delight came over me of the color combinations I could use on each block.

Now I find I want to continue to add to this treasured gift. I am salvaging scrap pieces into strips and blocks. I am shopping for fabrics and certain colors to incorporate in the future.

I feel another sitting spell at the machine coming on. I hope you will take time to do the same if that is your creative pleasure.

Paper Cutting Art -- Scherenschnitte

Very recently in one of my outings to a thrift shop, I spotted a little colorful book and became very excited to find it. Paper cutting is an artform that I love, but have not done very much work in since I was a teenager. The book I found is in the pictures in this blog. Can you believe it -- such a find for 39 cents!!

Scherenschnitte means "scissors cutting" and is the German and Swiss art of paper cutting. Wycinanki also means "scissors cutting" and is a Polish style of papercutting. In Turkey, the practice is called "ka 'ti" while the paper artists are called "katta." Kirie is the Japanese art of paper cutting, while Kirigami, also called Monkiri, involves cutting and folding paper.

Chinese Paper Cutting or Jianzhi (Chinese: 剪纸, jiǎn zhǐ) is the first type of papercutting design, since paper was invented by Cai Lun in the Eastern Han Dynasty in China.

Chinese paper cutting is a unique artform and has existed for thousands of years with a long history featuring both national and regional themes. Paper began as a precious commodity in the Han Dynasty. Most of the people with access to paper for an entertainment cause such as art were usually nobles in royal palaces.


Today, papercuttings are chiefly decorative. They ornament walls, windows, doors, columns, mirrors, lamps and lanterns in homes and are also used on presents or are given as gifts themselves. Entrances are decorated with paper cut outs is supposed to bring good luck. Papercuttings used to be used as patterns, especially for embroidery and lacquer work.


In Chinese culture it can reflect many aspects of life such as prosperity, health, or harvest. Some cuttings represent stories about the happiness gained from the accomplishment of common goals.

There are two methods of manufacture: one use scissors, the other use knives. In the scissor method, several pieces of paper - up to eight - are fastened together. The motif is then cut with sharp, pointed scissors.

Knife cuttings are fashioned by putting several layers of paper on a relatively soft foundation consisting of a mixture of tallow and ashes. Following a pattern, the artist cuts the motif into the paper with a sharp knife which is usually held vertically. Skilled crafters can even cut out different drawings freely without stopping.

Towering Beauty

My son, Wynston (age 11) is bursting at the seams to have me blog about his latest wooden puzzle creation -- The Eiffel Tower.

I asked him if he knew where it is located and he did not answer correctly. In walks his brother, Avery (age 9) and says, "in Paris, France". I asked how he knew the answer and he said, "from the movie Rush Hour 3". Got to love those Jackie Chan movies -- educational too!!


So off we go to exploring information and here is what we found at Corrosion-Doctors online:

The Eiffel Tower was built for the International Exhibition of Paris of 1889 commemorating the centenary (100 years) of the French Revolution. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England, opened the tower. Of the 700 proposals submitted in a design competition, Gustave Eiffel's was unanimously chosen.


Some Interesting Tidbits:

15,000 iron pieces (excluding rivets)

40 tons of paint

1652 steps to the top

2.5 million rivets

300 steel workers, and 2 years (1887-1889) to construct it

In 1889, Gustave Eiffel began to fit the peak of the tower as an observation station to measure the speed of wind. He also encouraged several scientific experiments including Foucault's giant pendulum, a mercury barometer and the first experiment of radio transmission.

After Gustave Eiffel experiments in the field of meterology, he begun to look at the effects of wind and air resistance, the science that would later be termed aerodynamics, which has become a large part of both military and commercial aviation as well as rocket technology.