Bears that Care

I'm working on writing an article with a new slant. Years ago this little piece was published in 'Inspirations' an Australian sewing magazine and I received so many emails from readers I thought maybe I can query out a new article or two to see what happens.

Bear's that Care are hand-sewn cuddle bears, made by volunteers, donated to emergency services personnel (police, emt, hospitals) to be given to children during times of trauma to help comfort them. There are literally hundreds of volunteer sewing projects and groups around the world making a difference in the lives of recipients of these labors of love from strangers. It was such fun interviewing and speaking with people for this article so I dug out some of my old notes and will see what I can come up with.

Paris Christmas Roses~It's finished!

Christmas in Paris raw edge applique is quilted, binding on, washed and ready for the holidays! After starting this two years ago, I have finally finished it! No, it didn't take me that long to do just other projects and life was in line before it was. Looking at my 'to do' box I now get to pull out another project that has been waiting for my attention.

Redwork Santa Claus

Redwork embroidery is a form of needlework worked in monochrome, or a single color thread. As the name suggests it is normally worked in red thread as at the time it was first popular (the 1800's) the dying technique used for red thread was colorfast whereas other colors weren't. After the extravagant use of decorative embroidery on crazy patchwork, the late Victorian stitcher began to use redwork to stitch useful items for the home, such as dish towels, pillow covers or shams, and quilts.

Several years ago I was given this Santa pattern at a club meeting of 'Ladies in Red' in Las Vegas, NV. I finally finished stitching it and am thinking this antique red velvet ribbon may be unique with it. It will probably turn into a holiday decorative pillow but we will see how the inspiration comes as it is finished.

Pumpkin's n Spice

Fall is definitely here! Pumpkins, falling leaves and spice colors make up this fall quilt. A flannel backing makes this quilt a definite fall cuddle quilt. I saw Egg Nog at the grocrey store this last weekend and I know it's definitely time for pumpkins and spice.

Quilt Market time!

I will miss not being at the International Quilt Market & Festival in Houston, TX this year. This time of year is busy with preparation for the largest market in the world. What fun I had teaching as well as creating samples for the booth as an Educational Consultant. Market is a time to see the latest as well as fulfill all shopping desires a quilter could ever have.

A slant on tradtional 'Redwork' but done in Brownwork. This quilt featured machine embroidered designs and was featured on display at the market.

A small wallhanging that was on display at the market booth. Bright oranges, fuschia and yellows were fun to mix with modern prints.

A camisole and jammie pants with a romance and drama. Utilizing the programmable decorative stitches and heirloom techniques on cotton batiste and silk charmeuse.

Roses! Roses! Christmas Roses!

Christmas roses! The first steps of raw edge applique with 'Christmas in Paris' line. The quilt is all quilted now and am finishing putting the binding on. Next step is to wash it and see how the edges ruffle out! I will post a pic of that as soon as I get it finished! Yes, I love roses!

Baby Blessings

I've been fortunate enough to be asked to make quite a few blessing gowns over the years. My passion for French Heirloom sewing started over 25 years ago (oh, that makes me sound old!) My introduction to heirloom sewing was from Susan Oliver who came to a local sewing shop. She taught heirloom sewing by hand!!! Yes, I said, by HAND! I learned the basics and immediately fell in love with the soft silky touch of 100% cotton swiss batiste. Cotton laces and fine tiny stitches seemed to just melt in my hands. It felt like I was in heaven. As I completed each new technique I would often sigh to myself, 'it's soooooo beautiful!' I was in love! It has been many years since that first class and many many projects later but here are a few pics of baby blessing gowns.