Furry Nice Embroidery Class--Weeks 1-3

Nicole's Furry Nice embroidery class began a few weeks ago.  The class focuses on techniques to give embroidered animals a more textured appearance. The first several weeks are devoted to gathering together the supplies and transferring the pattern.  I got a white cotton in a slightly heavier weight that I normally use in order to support the denser stitching.  Then I used my light pad to transfer the pattern.

 First, I laid the pattern on the light pad and held it in place with painters tape.

Then I laid the fabric on top of the pattern and secured that in place with more tape.  I turned on the light board and used a pencil to trace the pattern onto the fabric.

Now I am ready to start stitching up this adorable polar bear!

Fair Enough, Part 5: La Resistance Lives On

It's hard to believe, but the deadline for the Iowa State Fair Fabric & Threads competition is only three months away!

In order to inspire more people to enter their work, I have started a State Fair Takeover Facebook Group.  It's a place for us to remind each other of deadlines, bat around ideas, encourage each other, and plotting world domination.

My group is focused on the Iowa State Fair, but there is no reason that you can't start your own groups in your respective states.  Have you visited your own state fair?  What is the competition like?  Does it need some new blood to shake things up?

Happy Birthday to Me!

As you can tell from this clip of the Ramones on the Simpsons, it's this blogger's birthday today!  I'm getting some crafty gifts this year.  Tomorrow is the start of Nicole's Furry Nice embroidery class, which is like the gift that keeps on giving . . . for seven weeks.

I also got this light board from my parents.

I think that's the reflection of a Bob's Burgers episode.

When you plug the board into an outlet and switch it on, it emits an even source of light.  Then you can use the flat surface and bright light to trace patterns onto different surfaces.  I'll use it to transfer patterns onto cloth, which will be necessary for my upcoming projects.

Instructions in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and . . . Dutch?

Thank you to everyone who helped make my birthday so special.  May this be another year of crafting success!

Project Round-Up--4/1/2014

With rough March weather this year, the square from Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery's Once Upon a Time Sampler was especially appropriate.

The pigs are adorable, and I love their unique knitted sweaters.  And with this square, the first row is done!

Next week is the start of my online class, Furry Nice.  Keep watch here for some adorable, fuzzy animals.  The class is full now, but Nicole is planning on offering another class in the fall.

I recently discovered a new source for patterns, Satsuma Street.  These designs are colorful, retro-inspired patterns that look great framed or sewn into a pillow.  The "Little City" patterns are especially cute, and would make a great gift for a globetrotting friend or relative . . .