Crazy Quilted Christmas Tree Skirt Tutorial - Release

It's been too long since I've posted.  So much has happened, so I'll make a couple of posts to tell you all about it.  My Christmas Tree skirt that I made back in 2012 has been published in Pam Kellogg's CQ Magazine.  Click here for the link.

To coincide with the release I have finally created a tutorial so you can make my Tree skirt also.
Here is the link to my Etsy shop where you can purchase the tutorial.  The tutorial comes complete with instructions to create this masterpiece as well as the Gold beetle tutorial, Silk Ribbon embroidery Basic stitch Booklet, and Embroidery Stitch Booklet. Great value for only $19.95 (AU).

Christmas Gift making.

Well whilst I've got the sewing machine out, I figured I might get some more sewing done. Back in early August when we were up in Brisbane, I spend a couple of days out at my brothers place. They purchased a little pop top van. I made new curtains and a table cloth in matching fabric for Donna. I took the scraps and promised I would make her some accessories for her and Peter for Christmas. So this is what I made with the scraps. Two place-mats, two drink coasters, two tea towel hanging towels and a pot holder. I did buy some extra fabric to match. The fabric that the curtains were made from is the same in the top of the tea towel holders. Love the colours, very bright.

 This shows the full set.

 The coasters

Two place mats

 A pot holder that was very fiddly to make. Certainly won't be making another one.... ever.

And two towel holders.

I'm pretty sure Donna will like them, as she is always appreciative of the things I make for her.
Arlene

Latest Project - Stumpwork embroidered Crazy Quilted box.

I have to admit it is easier to make things in a house than in the caravan.  I was commissioned to make a gift for a friend for their friends up coming birthday.

 Embroidered Basket with silk ribbon roses and beaded flowers.

 Inside view of box

 Top view of box, Buttonhole lace Butterfly, Stumpwork Goldwork beetle in pink, Silk ribbon flowers.

 This is the brooch I made as an extra gift

Buttonhole embroidered butterfly.

And of course my signature beetle.
The lady who commissioned it has received, she is over the moon with the result as am I.

Tutorial - Poinsettia Christmas Ornament (updated)

Late Change:  I have added to this tutorial to make into either Thread version or Goldwork version.

Thread version

Goldwork version

Now available for purchase and download. Kits are also available.

Ornament Tutorial Link

Kit Link

Arlene

Christmas Stitching and swaps catchup.

Now that school is finished I have had more time on my hands, so I have had time to finish off some stitching.  I have made my hubby's mum a reversible bag.

My son has a lady friend who is coming to lunch Christmas day.  So that she didn't feel left out I made her a stocking.  I think she will like it, I did ask for some input about what colour etc.

This is the full view.

 Close  up of the candle, and the heal.

 The toe, her name is Rachel, so it makes it personalised for her.

The button trail at the top.

I was in the Lion's stocking swap again this year, here is the one I sent: (without the holly brooch).

This is what I received in return, I received one of Lyn's, the rich red and blue roses are amazing. A lovely notepad and a length of tatted lace.

For the Southern Cross Crazies Swap I also received my cracker which was made by Viv, absolutely stunning.

Lastly for the Fat Quarter swap Xmas gift, for Maureen I sent a needle case purse with needles and a pair of fairy scissors.

These lovely gifts I received in return.

A lovely pink purse and wonderful Christmas bag with pouch.

Lastly I was presently surprised by this gift. Eva and Alison pinched some of my completed CQ Blocks. Four of these blocks from a Round Robin I completed some time ago were made into a stunning cushion.  Summer DYOB - 2009, the blocks were embellished by Karrin H,  Rita C, Rebbeca B and Lyn G. There are still two more blocks, but they are being made into something else I believe. 

I have such wonderful friends. Have a very stitchery Christmas my friends.....

Here's to a prosperous 2014.

Thanks for following

Arlene

CQJP 2013 - Block 5 and catch up

It is so hard to believe that it's now December and Christmas is only a couple of weeks away.  School has only a week to go and their closed for the Summer, well, what shall I do in the meantime?, loads in fact.  First off I want to finish my 6th Block for CQJP, I have finally completed no 5, and here she is.
Block 5 without the Ornament:

When you add this ornament, 

5 Gold rings becomes more clear.

So we now have the first 5 blocks completed, 

in fact 1 and 2/3 panels are now complete.

Now working on Block 6 - 6 geese a laying.....

I have also finished my cracker for the Southern Cross Crazies Xmas cracker swap.

Plus I've also done some other embroidery, but I can't show them right now, but stay tuned, January will reveal all.....to give you a hint, there are Australian Animals, Flowers and sea life involved.

Also been cleaning up, as I am getting a studio too soon.... hope to be in by Christmas..... The new carport is up, and the garage is now tidied ready for the partition wall to go in, then the wall into the spare room gets 'holey' and were in.....

Don't forget to download the app if you have an iPhone-iPad-iPod.... yes we're working on the Android......
Also don't forget to leave feedback on the app and here - all welcomed.

Arlene

Classes on Joggles

Hi All,

Just a reminder that two of my classes are coming up on Joggles.

On November 7th: Two styles of Christmas Boot in the one class, plus a miniature version in a Christmas Ornament and a lovely Christmas Holly brooch.

Jump on across to Joggles and book in, there is still time.

While your there you might want to also book into my Beetle class. He's scheduled to run on December 3rd, just in time for Christmas. Would make a lovely gift on a trinket box or bowl.

Whilst your on Joggles site, you can browse though my other classes and put them on your wish list, or make a selection of wonderful stuff that Barbara sells on her site.

Don't forget there is only a couple of days left to enter in my giveaway for the Release of 'Arlene's Crafts Embroidery App'.

Arlene

App update and stitching catchup

Re the App.... Watch this space over the next two or three days, something exciting is about to happen....

In the mean time I have been catching up on some stitching...

DYOB Stumpwork: Susan's blocks
Can't remember what her theme was, but I gave the block a very "Australian' theme with the idea of the Kookaburra sit's in the ole gum tree.......

 One of my fibre friends gave me this Kookaburra button, and he was just perfect for the block.

Some more close-ups:

  

We have the Townsville Stitches and Craft Show up here last weekend, and whilst I was there manning our exhibits I got to finishing my block 4 of the Twelve days of Christmas. This first picture show's with the removable ornament, (which all blocks will have). 

 

 This is the Ornament removed from the block. A 3D 'Cally' Bird landing on a branch.

 Here is the block without the orny.

 Most of the braids, beads and embellishments came from one of the shops at the show, Zenozam.  They had so much stuff, just so cool. Make sure you visit their shop.  These lovely blue flowers were on their stand, they sold out of them.

 The flower beads above the bird was from their shop too.  Here is a close up of the 'Cally' Bird.

I have also finished a couple of our Fibres challenge pieces. Here is my iPad cover which was made from two 6 x 4 inch pieces of fabric.

This will eventually be one of the new projects in the first update of the app.
There were a few other items, but I forgot to take pictures of them.

Come back in a couple of days and there will be very exciting news and a giveaway, so click on the side to receive an email when I post.....

Arlene