A Karen Eckmeier Zoom Class - Color Twists and Leaves

 Hi Everyone! I cannot believe how long it has been since my last post. I'd like to tell you that I have been having lots and lots of exciting adventures and have spent days immersed in creative endeavors, but that would be a big, fat, colossal fib!!! The days seem to be passing swiftly by, and except for some cross stitch pieces which I will show you in my next post, I have not accomplished much of anything. Though with the arrival of spring, I think my creative mojo is beginning to come back.

On Saturday, I took part in a zoom class through Cannizarro Creations in Rockand, MA. Karen Eckmeier presented a three-hour class on "Color Twists and Leaves."  A guild that I belong to in Watertown has offered a number of zoom classes over the course of the pandemic year, but I had not signed up for any of them. In fact, I wasn't sure whether I would enjoy a zoom class. Still, when I saw mention of this class in the Cannizarro Creation newsletter, I jumped on it as I love Karen's work. Well, let me tell you this class was great. What did I like about the zoom aspect of the class? There was no need to pack up my machine and lug it anywhere, and  I was able to spread my "stuff" all over the dining room table. Of course, the best part was the instructor who was extremely organized and comfortable presenting her material. 

Here are some links that you might want to bookmark:

             The Quilted Lizard  - Karen Eckmeier's website - While checking it out, be sure to sign up for her quarterly newsletter, "Quilted Lizard Tales."

            Cannizzaro Creations - Be sure to sign up for their newsletter as Mary said she and Jen are going to try to have some other zoom classes, and with zoom you do not even have to live in this area to join the fun!

I had prepared for the class diligently consulting a color wheel to select my fabrics, but truthfully, I really didn't like my selections. I did each step to learn the techniques but chucked the pieces later. I know myself well enough to know that I like to listen to the presentation knowing that I will probably change everything when I do it for real, and so I did. I mulled it over all Saturday night and then on Sunday morning pulled out some different fabrics including what may be one of my all-time favorite fabrics. :-)

I did not need another table runner, wall hanging, etc., but cross stitchers can never have too many project bags. 

I used a dragon fly charm that says "Create the life you love" as a zipper pull.

 

Sadly, here is all that is left of this sweet piece of batik which has been used in many projects.

I spent this afternoon prepping three wool applique projects, and for me, from now on it is going to be Wool Applique Wednesday."  I'm thinking that Friday might become "Finish it Friday." Sounds good . . . let's see how long it lasts.:-()

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Covid Deaths - April 27, 2021

World - 3,121,688

United States - 572,000

Massachusetts - 17,562

I am now fully vaccinated having received my second injection of the Moderna vaccine at the beginning of April.  Twelve hours later I had the shake and bake reaction, high fever and uncontrollable shaking. It was a small price to pay to be fully vaccinated. 

In Massachusetts as of Friday, we will not have to wear masks outside. Yeah! The exception would be at large concerts or sporting events where masks will still be required. 

Stay safe and creative.

Llama, Llamas, Llamas

I hope you had a lovely Easter if you were able to celebrate with your family. This sweet little lop eared bunny and plant were a gift from my godchild and her family and her pets. :-)

 My sewing machine was pleasantly surprised to have gotten a workout lately. I wanted to make an oversized project bag to accommodate my large 11x17 Q Snap frame.  

 

 

I also made a matching grime guard and a bitty board. What is a bitty board you ask? Well, it is a tiny version of a design board. Still confused? Wondering how they are used? Then head on over to Lori Holt's Youtube episode where she explains how to use them and how to make them. Quilters please take note: the designs boards are geared to you, so definitely check them out.

 

 

 

I enjoy making project bags and finding fittings to make cute zipper pulls.  This little llama charm was perfect for this project bag.

Let me share this poem from Ogden Nash. . . 

The Llama

 

The one -l lama, 

He's a priest;

The two-l llama,

He's a beast.

And I will bet 

A silk pajama

There isn't any

Three-l lllama.

 

I remember pointing out to my English teacher back in high school that we do indeed have 3-alarmers when we have serious fires. (Note to those not from this neck of the words. We sometimes drop our "Rs" when we speak; we also sometimes put them in when they should not be there. :-)

A llama tip . . . Kimberly Jolly of The Fat Quarter Shop in a recent floss tube talked about taking her children who were on spring vacation to a ranch with all kinds of animals including llamas. While feeding the llamas, the guide warned Kimberly and her children that whenever a llama puts his/her ears straight back, get out of there quickly as the llama is about to put his/her head back and spit!!! That's your tip for the day; file it away in your memory bank. :-)

Readers have asked what weight vinyl I use in my bags. I use vinyl with the green printing sheets from Joanns. Their vinyl comes in various weights, but I find this the best weight for my bags.

Here's Emma after her Thursday trip to the groomer. 

St. Colettas School is just down the road from the groomer’s shop, so I stopped in there to see their new shops and to learn when they would again be accepting clothing items and other items for their thrift shop. The new shops are boutique-like, and I found two items. This small gold frame will be perfect for a cross stitch piece.

I also picked up this tiny Campbell Kids item which I will use for a sewing kit. I couldn't help thinking of my mom who said when she was little, folks would say she looked like the Campbell Soup girl.

Oh, one more thing, WHOOPIE, I received my second vaccine shot this morning!!!!!!!

Have a wonderful week. Stay safe and stay creative.