tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55690778093694660422023-12-13T04:29:35.344-08:00It Just Dahned On MeDahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-42444627137446219372010-08-07T06:20:00.000-07:002012-07-06T21:34:19.267-07:00Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-3095213976709904452010-08-07T06:02:00.000-07:002010-08-08T15:51:15.678-07:00Summer is here!<p><font size="4">Well it has been awhile and in order to play catch up, I am going to post some of the fun things I did in July. I am STILL on holidays for another week and am taking advantage of every minute to get quilts done, fabric dyed and yards and yards of fabric painted. Winter comes quickly here.</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4">Today I dyed about 30 yards of fabric that will be fill ins for fabric that is gone from my stash. </font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/cooler1.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4"><img style="display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border-width:0;" title="cooler1" border="0" alt="cooler1" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/cooler1_thumb.jpg" width="243" height="304" /></font></a><font size="4">   </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">I load this cooler with the fabric. </font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/cooler.jpg" target="_blank"><font color="#000000" size="4"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/cooler2.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="cooler" border="0" alt="cooler" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/cooler_thumb.jpg" width="400" height="301" /></a></font></a> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4">I nestle them in an Ikea bag so they don’t leak all over, then put a heating blanket on and close the lid. </font></p> <p><font size="4"> </font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/cooler21.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/cooler22.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="cooler2" border="0" alt="cooler2" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/cooler2_thumb.jpg" width="432" height="325" /></a></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Look how messy my steps got!!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">And here is the fabric before ironing. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52908.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="STA52908" border="0" alt="STA52908" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52908_thumb.jpg" width="435" height="327" /></a> </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4">It always looks so overwhelming, but becomes neat little bundles. I always seem to use yellow and blues, but when I look at my work, I don’t see how that can be..</font> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52913.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="STA52913" border="0" alt="STA52913" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52913_thumb.jpg" width="412" height="481" /></a> </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">And here are some of the soy wax pieces. Love doing this!</font></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">     <a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52910.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="STA52910" border="0" alt="STA52910" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52910_thumb.jpg" width="320" height="426" /></a>                  <a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52909.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="STA52909" border="0" alt="STA52909" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52909_thumb.jpg" width="324" height="430" /></a>                  </p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p>Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-4147294607824856412010-08-06T11:34:00.000-07:002010-08-08T15:51:15.644-07:00Flowers in the Yard (and This and That)<p><font size="4">I had some really nice flowers come up this year.  Since I don’t know much about flowers, I am just going to post some nice shots.. </font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52820.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="4"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="STA52820" border="0" alt="STA52820" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52820_thumb.jpg" width="326" height="433" /></font></a><font size="4"> </font><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52817.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="4"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="STA52817" border="0" alt="STA52817" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52817_thumb.jpg" width="326" height="433" /></font></a><font size="4"> </font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52787.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="STA52787" border="0" alt="STA52787" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52787_thumb.jpg" width="401" height="302" /></font></a><font size="4"> </font></p> <p><font size="4">My garden is doing terrific this year. We have been eating lettuce, radishes, carrots, broccolli, cherry tomatoes and cauliflower—so everything I planted is coming up. Yah! </font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/meforfacebook.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="4"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="Me for Facebook" border="0" alt="Me for Facebook" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/meforfacebook_thumb.jpg" width="215" height="395" /></font></a><font size="4"> </font></p> <p><font size="4">And I was getting my Nova Scotia trip pictures together and so am sharing a picture of me! Hi!!  This was at Peggy’s Cove. Hubby and I said we could easily live in NS and will go back again..</font></p> <p><font size="4">I am a messy painter, so I decided to make myself a </font><a href="http://lenealve.blogspot.com/2008/04/making-of-bog-jacket.html"><font size="4">Bog Jacket</font></a><font size="4">. The link provided has a nice picture, so if you can sew, you will get it from this:</font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/image1.png"><font size="4"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/image_thumb1.png" width="531" height="399" /></font></a><font size="4"> </font></p> <p><font size="4">So here is mine. </font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52755.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="STA52755" border="0" alt="STA52755" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52755_thumb.jpg" width="531" height="399" /></font></a><font size="4"> </font></p> <p><font size="4">It is still wet, but you can sort of see the trees that I started. </font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52754.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="4"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="STA52754" border="0" alt="STA52754" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52754_thumb.jpg" width="537" height="403" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">Here it is dry. Now I have to hem it and fix the collar. I admit I have never made anything to wear and it fits funny, but its for dyeing. No-one else will ever see it. (Now watch me forget and wear it out grocery shopping or something). </font></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/bogjacket.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="bog jacket" border="0" alt="bog jacket" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/bogjacket_thumb.jpg" width="343" height="375" /></a></p>Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-89438614381411389612010-08-06T10:02:00.000-07:002010-08-08T15:51:15.634-07:00It WAS hot.<p> </p> <p><font size="4">We have had an incredibly warm summer here in the Yukon and for much of it I was on holidays. Lucky, lucky me…</font></p> <p><font size="4">It is finally warm enough to swim in the river. Hubby and I take the ATV along  a trial about 15 minutes from our house to get there. It is fun to get all 3 of us on the ATV (I carry the dog) and whip along the trails. My hat usually falls off and hubby has to turn around and get it. Every time he says the same thing “If it falls off again, you’ll have to lump it”, but then he always stops. :-)</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/image.png"><font color="#000000" size="4"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/image_thumb.png" width="347" height="347" /></font></a><font size="4"> </font></p> <p><font size="4">Here is the Yukon River near my place. Yah OK, this is not my picture, but I swear it looks a lot like this. Even though I took my camera yesterday and got some GREAT pictures of swimming and my dog in her life preserver, somehow my memory stick didn't work and I had to reform it. Luckily I only had a few pictures on it, so I only lost my swim pictures. </font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4">As to crafting, last </font><font size="4">week I also did some Sox Wax batiks.  When the pieces dry, I leave them to settle for a week, then I iron out the wax with lots of newspapers. . </font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52824.jpg" target="_blank"><font color="#000000" size="4"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta528241.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="STA52824" border="0" alt="STA52824" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52824_thumb.jpg" width="304" height="229" /></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">It was actually too hot and the wax didn't melt very well, so I had to take the pieces in and put them in the basement to ‘cool’. </font></p> <p><font size="4">  <a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52834.jpg" target="_blank"><font color="#000000" size="4"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta528341.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="STA52834" border="0" alt="STA52834" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52834_thumb.jpg" width="304" height="229" /></a></font></a>  <a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52825.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="STA52825" border="0" alt="STA52825" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52825_thumb.jpg" width="304" height="229" /></font></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Then I painted on some Setapaints.</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52827.jpg" target="_blank"><font color="#000000" size="4"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta528271.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="STA52827" border="0" alt="STA52827" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52827_thumb.jpg" width="304" height="229" /></a></font></a><font size="4"> </font><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52830.jpg" target="_blank"><font color="#000000" size="4"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta528301.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="STA52830" border="0" alt="STA52830" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/sta52830_thumb.jpg" width="304" height="229" /></a></font></a><font size="4"> </font></p> <p><font size="4">The last step is to hit the Laundromat for a final set and to get the rest of the wax off. Very easy and I love doing this! I’m going this evening, so will post the fabric when its done. </font></p>Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-47168831742537798092010-08-06T09:25:00.000-07:002010-08-08T15:51:15.607-07:00My Favourite Pattern- The Table Topper!<p><font size="4">I meant to post the link for the table topper, so here it is.</font></p> <p><font size="4"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/dsc00664.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="4"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/dsc006641.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="DSC00664" border="0" alt="DSC00664" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/dsc00664_thumb.jpg" width="427" height="321" /></a></font></a></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4">It is a little hard to find just by looking up table runners, so here’s the  link.. </font></p> <p><a title="http://media.primediamags.com/mags/mccallsquilting/pattern.html" href="http://media.primediamags.com/mags/mccallsquilting/pattern.html"><font size="4">http://media.primediamags.com/mags/mccallsquilting/pattern.html</font></a></p> <p><font size="4">My only difference is that I chopped the corners to make it a hexagon. </font></p> <p> <br /><font size="4">Did I mention I have made FOUR toppers—I love this pattern.  :-)</font></p>Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-47596651529097780322010-06-10T15:30:00.000-07:002010-08-08T15:51:15.597-07:00Its Been A Long TimeI’m not even going to look on this blog and see how long it has been since my last post. My only excuse is that when spring comes to the Yukon, I tend to tuck away my quilting and spend time outside getting the garden going, planting my flowers and getting my 3000 ft lawn in summer shape. Mike and I have also continued clearing the brush in the forest, taking care of dead trees and just basically puttering. Snow is only gone for about 4-5 months here, so we all tend to enjoy the outdoors when we can.<br/><br/><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/sta52726.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border:0;" title="STA52726" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/sta52726_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="STA52726" width="326" height="433" /></a> The back stairs<br/><br/>But I admit I ‘have’ been doing some quilting. A co-worker was diagnosed with lung cancer so I made her this lap quilt to take with her:<br/><br/><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/sta52711.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border:0;" title="STA52711" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/sta52711_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="STA52711" width="363" height="483" /></a><br/><br/><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/sta52714.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border:0;" title="STA52714" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/sta52714_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="STA52714" width="453" height="604" /></a><br/><br/>I also got all of my co-workers to sign it with good wishes and gave it to her before she went away for treatment. I know she was overwhelmed—I know I would cherish something like this if I were in the same situation.<br/><br/>I’ve also made this very nerdy wall hanging for my office ‘wall’ (a divider):<br/><br/><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/startrek1.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display:inline;border:0;" title="Star Trek1" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/startrek1_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="Star Trek1" width="385" height="236" /></a> <a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/sta52742.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display:inline;border:0;" title="STA52742" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/sta52742_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="STA52742" width="316" height="238" /></a><br/><br/>What I think is funny is that ‘Bones’ looks like a vampire. I think its the peaks in his hair. And Scotty looks pissed about something—probably that Shatner stole his lines—again.<br/><br/>And finally, I am pressing Lupin to use later this summer. Here Lupin doesn’t last very long and last year I kicked myself that I didn’t work fast enough and get a few flowering parts. So this year, I’m starting early and harvesting a bunch.<br/><br/><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/sta52725.jpg"><img style="display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border:0;" title="STA52725" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/sta52725_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="STA52725" width="682" height="336" /></a><br/><br/>I’m also going to do something with these pics of immature fireweed I took yesterday. I really like the look of these. Maybe I will do a weekly photo of the fireweed and do a compilation at the end of the summer? Hmm….<br/><br/><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/fireweed-blog.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-564" title="Fireweed " src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/fireweed-blog.jpg?w=225" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a>Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-25650976100773698322010-04-01T17:30:00.000-07:002010-08-08T15:51:15.577-07:00Hand Embroider Landscape<blockquote> <p><font size="4">Another artist, whose work I admire, is </font><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colouricious/4419320031/in/photostream/"><font size="4">Gilda Baron</font></a><font size="4">. I have one of her <a href="http://www.gildabaron.com/">books</a> and have made some little scenes using french knots which is a component of her technique.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Tonight I was not feeling well and decided this was a good time to do some ‘hand’ work, while just sitting around.  I pulled out a piece of hand-dyed fabric that I had made at some point in bright pinks and muddy browns. I then added a few strokes of colour to simulate mountains. This piece is about 5”x7”.</font></p> <p></p> </blockquote> <p align="center"><font size="4"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/dsc00884.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="DSC00884" border="0" alt="DSC00884" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/dsc00884_thumb.jpg" width="456" height="501" /></a>  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4">I added a few strokes with a brown marker to give me guide lines for my stitching. </font><font size="4">Then I quickly (like in 2 minutes), sewed a few lines as background stocks and tall grass. </font><font size="4"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/dsc00885.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="DSC00885" border="0" alt="DSC00885" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/dsc00885_thumb.jpg" width="465" height="494" /></a></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4"> <font size="4"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/dsc00886.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="DSC00886" border="0" alt="DSC00886" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/dsc00886_thumb.jpg" width="464" height="483" /></a></font></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4"><font size="4">Another 2 minutes and I added some outlines of mountains. I should have done this before I did the grass, but whatever. </font></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/dsc00886.jpg"></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/dsc00888.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="DSC00888" border="0" alt="DSC00888" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/dsc00888_thumb.jpg" width="547" height="586" /></a> </font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4">All this took about 7 minutes. The next few hours I spent quietly adding french knots to the piece. I was going to leave the piece and crawl into a nice warm bed, but in </font><font size="4">in a burst of energy, a few minutes ago I stitched on the round leaves with a small zig-zag stitch. This took under 4 minutes. </font></p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/dsc00890.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="DSC00890" border="0" alt="DSC00890" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/dsc00890_thumb.jpg" width="613" height="664" /></a> </p> <p align="left"><font size="4">I’m glad I finished it tonight. This is a great project when you’re not feeling well and just want to curl up on the couch and watch mindless TV.  </font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4">Tomorrow I’ll look this over and see if this needs any more french knots or other adjustments. I see some stalks that look pretty bare, so I’m sure I’ll need to tweak it a bit.. </font></p>Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-18363214171197299462010-03-27T05:47:00.000-07:002010-08-08T15:51:15.532-07:00Plum Embroidery Art<p><font size="4">Here is the latest  embroidery piece that I made last week. </font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4">And here is the picture I used as a reference.I like the grey/purple dust on them And they look so delicious. </font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4"> </font></p> <p> <a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/plums.jpg"><img style="display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border-width:0;" title="plums" border="0" alt="plums" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/plums_thumb.jpg" width="437" height="458" /></a> </p> <p><font size="4"> </font></p> <p><font size="4">My embroidery is done mostly in this hoop as it is easy to position, but it takes some getting used to because the tension is not equal on all sides. Notice that I usually print out the picture on the fabric and use that as a reference to my work. I often move away from it as I work, but it gives me a great starting off point. </font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/dsc00872.jpg"><img style="display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border-width:0;" title="DSC00872" border="0" alt="DSC00872" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/dsc00872_thumb.jpg" width="493" height="656" /></a></font><font size="4"></font></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4">This is how I set up my work station. Thread in the nice holder, reference picture set up where I can see it, lots of needles under the table. Sometimes I want  to use a 90 needle and some threads even need a 100! </font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/1.jpg"><img style="display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border-width:0;" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/1_thumb.jpg" width="540" height="719" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4">Here is the completed piece. I am still not sure WHY that bit of light brown absolutely wanted to be in the picture, but it screamed until I used it. Diva!</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/dsc00874.jpg"><img style="display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border-width:0;" title="DSC00874" border="0" alt="DSC00874" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/dsc00874_thumb.jpg" width="672" height="505" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img style="display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border-width:0;" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/2_thumb.jpg" width="462" height="473" /></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4">And here it is cropped. I like it as I learned some things about curving thread for realism. And I’ve practiced some shading as well. I need to do more curved images as it is so interesting to see how this works…</font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/2.jpg"> </a></p>Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-67931493402034944392010-03-25T16:00:00.000-07:002010-08-08T15:51:15.517-07:00Mixed Media 3<p align="center"><b><font size="5">Dessert Pincushions</font></b></p> <p align="center"><b></b></p> <p align="center">I love this Japanese book that shows gorgeous desserts made from felt roving. I don’t have the book here and I don’t recall the name offhand. But I attempted this for a class and we made much better pincushions in class.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image0022.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image002" border="0" alt="clip_image002" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image002_thumb2.jpg" width="576" height="433" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="5">Contemporary Bag</font></strong></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I love Ton Schulten’s  work A LOT. And I love Ineke Berlyn’s work so much that I was ecstatic to receive her book Landscapes in Contemporary Quilts. I have made a few pieces from her book and used her pattern to make a gigantic handbag that I use to carry all my big rulers and stuff to classes. I love it a lot… </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image0042.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image004" border="0" alt="clip_image004" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image004_thumb2.jpg" width="609" height="458" /></a></p> <p align="center"><b></b></p> <p align="center"><b></b></p> <p align="center"><b><font size="5">Texture Class</font></b></p> <p align="center">I took a class early last year from Fibre and Stitch and it blew me away. Here is my beginning piece:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image0062.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image006" border="0" alt="clip_image006" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image006_thumb2.jpg" width="683" height="513" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">And here is how looks to date. I don’t know if I am done or not:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image0082.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image008" border="0" alt="clip_image008" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image008_thumb2.jpg" width="723" height="543" /></a></p> <p align="center">No, I won’t tell how to do this. You need to take the class and support your online artists. J</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">That's IT for now.  Hope you enjoyed these last few posts.. </p>Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-63860013562208060472010-03-25T15:55:00.000-07:002010-08-08T15:51:15.465-07:00Mixed Media 2<p align="center">More fun techniques!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <h3 align="center">Wrapping Paper Landscapes</h3> <p align="center">Just cause I could. This is from Stitches Mag (my favoritie British mag). I believe it is an online lesson if anyone wants to try it. Cut up metallic (sp?) wrapping paper, then add the grasses and delphiniums. My class loved this technique the best. And they got to use Blow Pens! I had to order these babies from Australia, but the were a big hit...</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image0021.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image002" border="0" alt="clip_image002" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image002_thumb1.jpg" width="548" height="412" /></a></p> <h3 align="center">Another Wrapping Paper Landscape</h3> <p align="center">Just cause I liked the dark one so much, I did another.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image0041.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image004" border="0" alt="clip_image004" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image004_thumb1.jpg" width="620" height="466" /></a></p> <h3 align="center"></h3> <h3 align="center"></h3> <h3 align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image005.jpg"></a></h3> <h3 align="center">Circles Inside Circles</h3> <p align="center">A technique online for making circles is at the FibreAndStitch website. I made a journal cover and a 'coffee cuff' with this technique. Its just way too much fun. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image007.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image007" border="0" alt="clip_image007" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image007_thumb.jpg" width="573" height="431" /></a></p> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center">Circle Journal</h3> <p align="center">OK-- I made about 10 of these journal covers cause I liked making circles. Her is another one. I used a 'feral bead' for a page marker. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image009.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image009" border="0" alt="clip_image009" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image009_thumb.jpg" width="658" height="494" /></a></p> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center">Idea</h3> <p align="center">I wanted to show how I remember which stitch looks good as a circle. Next couple of pics show how I label the stitch. I have a Bernina and used the number of the stitch here. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image011.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image011" border="0" alt="clip_image011" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image011_thumb.jpg" width="564" height="425" /></a></p> <h3 align="center">Example</h3> <p align="center">I just couldn't use a white (gasp!) piece of fabric to do my sampler. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image013.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image013" border="0" alt="clip_image013" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image013_thumb.jpg" width="570" height="428" /></a></p> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center">Paper Journal</h3> <p align="center">I took an online class with Sue Bleiweiss and we did a paper/leather look journal. I loved this technique and experimented with using fabric. See the crinkled fabric tree trunk for how I successfully did it in fabric. I fused the fabric to a piece of wool with the embossing tool. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image015.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image015" border="0" alt="clip_image015" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image015_thumb.jpg" width="430" height="572" /></a></p> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center">Painted Tyvek</h3> <p align="center">Again, I like to use SetaPaints.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image017.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image017" border="0" alt="clip_image017" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image017_thumb.jpg" width="490" height="368" /></a></p> <h3 align="center"></h3> <h3 align="center"></h3> <h3 align="center"></h3> <h3 align="center"></h3> <h3 align="center"></h3> <h3 align="center"></h3> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center">Painted Tyvek Example</h3> <p align="center">Here, and next 2 pics are how I used tyvek in a small piece. Painted tyvek, burned felt, chiffon, cocoon fibes and burned cellophane. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image019.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image019" border="0" alt="clip_image019" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image019_thumb.jpg" width="726" height="546" /></a></p> <h3 align="center"></h3> <h3 align="center"></h3> <h3 align="center"></h3> <h3 align="center"></h3> <h3 align="center">Close up-</h3> <p align="center">You can see the cocoon stuff and burned felt here. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image021.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image021" border="0" alt="clip_image021" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image021_thumb.jpg" width="472" height="628" /></a></p> <h3 align="center">Mixed Media--Soldered Felt and Chiffon</h3> <p align="center">From a technique in Quilting Arts Mag. This was a fun class and really got the students to play and have fun. It is good to teach some freehand quilting, how to use a soldering iron (or wood burning tool), how to make an interesting background with cheesecloth, tissue paper and paints, and how to pick a good composition. Inevidably I am asked, what do I DO with this piece. I always say; "Beats me. What do you think?" Anyone else have a better way to respond to this question?</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image023.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image023" border="0" alt="clip_image023" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image023_thumb.jpg" width="604" height="454" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image025.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="clip_image025" border="0" alt="clip_image025" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image025_thumb.jpg" width="537" height="716" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image027.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="clip_image027" border="0" alt="clip_image027" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image027_thumb.jpg" width="722" height="545" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <h3 align="center">Embroidered Flowers</h3> <p align="center">I have been digging British fussy stuff lately and this field of french knot flowers makes me happy. This was based on one of the techniques from Gilda Baron's book--The Art Of Embroidered Flowers. Love this book and Gilda's techniques</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image0025.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image002[5]" border="0" alt="clip_image002[5]" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image0025_thumb.jpg" width="656" height="491" /></a></p> <p align="center"><b>GELETIN PRINT</b></p> <p align="center">One of my favorite classes, but I don’t think the students liked it as much. They were all polite as I was jumping up and down and practically screaming at their work, but that’s it. Once again, I think students really like to see a finished piece as sometimes it is too hard to think of what to do with these pieces. Leaves are from my front yard. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image0045.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image004[5]" border="0" alt="clip_image004[5]" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image0045_thumb.jpg" width="653" height="491" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image0061.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image006" border="0" alt="clip_image006" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image006_thumb1.jpg" width="667" height="501" /></a></p> <p align="center"><b></b></p> <p align="center"><b></b></p> <p align="center"><b>Shrinking Thread</b></p> <p align="center">I sooooo wanted to try this thread out and made a class out of it. It was fun, but again I think I got more enjoyment out of it than the class did. J</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image0081.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image008" border="0" alt="clip_image008" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image008_thumb1.jpg" width="640" height="481" /></a></p> <p align="center">I made a square hoop like thing out of a round metal macramé hoop. I wrapped the shrinking thread vertically in rows and then horizontally to make a kind of loom/weaving look. </p> <p align="center">Then I added layers and layers and layers (about 3” thick) of chiffons and other burnable, shiny fabric with a layer of Angelina on the top. This was covered with solvy on both sides and then making small circles I quilted this with shiny variegated rayon and silk threads. When done, lay in hot (almost boiling) water for 5 minutes or so and watch the puffy thread </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image010.jpg"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image0101.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image010" border="0" alt="clip_image010" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image010_thumb.jpg" width="591" height="444" /></a></p>Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-37959455203995581962010-03-25T15:45:00.000-07:002010-08-08T15:51:15.444-07:00Mixed Media 1<p align="center"><font size="4">I have a number of past mixed media techniques that I decided to put in one location, so for the next few posts I will add a lot of these projects I have made over the past 3 years. It was like a trip down memory lane and I got excited over several things all over again. You should see the books I have stacked all over the floor of my craft room!   lol</font></p> <p align="center"> </p> <h3 align="center">Selected Feral beads</h3> <p align="center">Love the name, alas, it is not mine. These are one afternoon's frenzy bead making. I will probably get cancer from ignoring ventilation precausions. Made these as folows: **UTEE melted with embossing tool, wrapped with wires. **Others are scraps of fabric wrapped with funky threads. **Others are felt stitched to fabric then burned with embossing tool.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image002.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="clip_image002" border="0" alt="clip_image002" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image002_thumb.jpg" width="567" height="427" /></a></p> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center">Flower beads</h3> <p align="center">Pretty dark, sorry. The fussiest and hardest of the damn beads to make. I made six and said frig it. I think the instructions are in Quilting Arts Mag. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image004.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="clip_image004" border="0" alt="clip_image004" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image004_thumb.jpg" width="330" height="438" /></a></p> <h3 align="center"></h3> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center">Painted Fusible Web</h3> <p align="center">This was a fun class I took from my friend Ruth Headley (also my only quilt store owner). Her and I have taught fibre classes for over a year and when we don't teach, we attend the other's classes. I did this quick scenery pic to put in my technique page.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image006.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="clip_image006" border="0" alt="clip_image006" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image006_thumb.jpg" width="511" height="384" /></a></p> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center">Technique Plan</h3> <p align="center">This is just a look at how I do my teaching page and then I put it in a plastic protector in a 3 ring binder. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image008.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="clip_image008" border="0" alt="clip_image008" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image008_thumb.jpg" width="418" height="556" /></a></p> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center">Technique Plan 2</h3> <p align="center">The other side of my technique page. This shows all the types of fusibles I used in this class. **If interested, every different type of fusible does different things. My 3 favorites are WonderUnder, Steam A Steam and Stitch Witchery. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <h3 align="center"></h3> <h3 align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/image.png"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/image_thumb.png" width="449" height="598" /></a> </h3> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center">Example</h3> <p align="center">Another example I used for a class demonstrating a few techniques the students had already played with. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image012.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image012" border="0" alt="clip_image012" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image012_thumb.jpg" width="558" height="420" /></a></p> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center">Close Up Example</h3> <p align="center">Just to show how I label mixed media examples.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image014.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image014" border="0" alt="clip_image014" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image014_thumb.jpg" width="485" height="366" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <h3 align="center">Fibre Trees</h3> <p align="center">In an attempt to help get the creative process started, I did up the next series of "trees" using different processes. </p> <p align="center">This one is snippet leaves and puffy paint trunk.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/image1.png"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/image_thumb1.png" width="374" height="497" /></a> </p> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center">Puffy Paint Trunk</h3> <p align="center">Close Up. Dime added for perspective. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image0028.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image002[8]" border="0" alt="clip_image002[8]" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image0028_thumb.jpg" width="355" height="472" /></a></p> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center">Tyvek Trunk</h3> <p align="center">I use SetaPaints only for Tyvek. I prefer the shine they get when heated and don't add a 'paint' like feel to the tyvek. Also, it doesn't peel off </p> <p align="center">like acrylic paint does.. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image003.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="clip_image003" border="0" alt="clip_image003" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image003_thumb.jpg" width="378" height="502" /></a></p> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center"> </h3> <h3 align="center">Just cause its weird</h3> <p align="center">I don't even know what I "mean" by this one...</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image001.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="clip_image001" border="0" alt="clip_image001" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/clip_image001_thumb.jpg" width="351" height="617" /></a></p>Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-20536143098253177382010-03-13T08:34:00.000-08:002010-08-08T15:51:15.398-07:00Rusty Truck Thread Painting<p><font color="#ffffff" size="3">I have loved this truck picture for a long time and spent some months pondering how I would ‘paint’ it. Since I have a class in a few weeks on this very subject, I thought it was a good time to work on it. </font></p> <p><font color="#ffffff" size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"><font color="#ffffff">Here is the original picture. It is not mine, I got it in a Google search (and the original owner could be the winner of a lovely piece if they email me.)</font> </font></p> <p><font size="3"><font color="#000000"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/1936fordcoupe11.jpg"><img style="display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border-width:0;" title="1936-Ford-Coupe-11" border="0" alt="1936-Ford-Coupe-11" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/1936fordcoupe11_thumb.jpg" width="488" height="327" /></a> </font></font></p> <p><font color="#ffffff" size="3">I loved the one headlight and the sad, plump fenders.</font></p> <p><font color="#ffffff" size="3">From that photo I made this:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><font color="#000000"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/rustytruckcompleted.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border-width:0;" title="rusty truck completed" border="0" alt="rusty truck completed" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/rustytruckcompleted_thumb.jpg" width="622" height="467" /></a>Click for bigger picture.  (8” x 5”)</font></font></p> <p><font color="#ffffff" size="3">Note that this is not fixed or trimmed to size. I wanted to show that one can control the warping if one works smartly and in a number of directions. It does take some practice and lots of firm ironing as well.  :-)</font></p> <p><font color="#ffffff" size="3">Here is my setup when I work on piece like this. I like to have all my threads and a picture of the piece near my sewing machine for reference. </font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/rustytrucksetup.jpg"><img style="display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border-width:0;" title="rusty truck set up" border="0" alt="rusty truck set up" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/rustytrucksetup_thumb.jpg" width="610" height="458" /></a></p> <p><font color="#ffffff" size="3">I JUST realized that I reversed the picture when I was making it! The broken headlight should be on the left. You know, I actually thought something was ‘off’, but I couldn’t figure it out. Well shoot!  </font></p> <p><font color="#ffffff"><font size="3">Anyways, I like to have all of the threads I will use right beside me. I am lucky in that I bought a huge set (300 colours) on Ebay for a very reasonable price. I am soooooo happy I did this. It is spun polyester thread with fuzz on it, and I love it for embroidery painting, but would never quilt with it. It is dull, so I like to use some shiny rayon or silk threads with it. None in this piece as you can see from my sample. This little thread holder (by June Taylor) was picked up at Michael’s at Christmas when I was in the big city, and it works perfectly for my needs.</font> </font></p> <p><font color="#ffffff"> </font></p> <p><font color="#ffffff"><font size="3">I am glad this one is done and I am satisfied with it. It took about 6 or 7 hours in total to  complete, and that is about 4 hours more than I would normally take. I think I stopped and started a lot to get the design right in my head.</font> </font></p> <p><font color="#ffffff"> </font></p> <p><font color="#ffffff" size="3">But its back to my first love, landscapes now that I have this itch out of the way.   :-)</font></p>Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-81712331079366779332010-03-07T13:17:00.000-08:002010-08-08T15:51:15.387-07:00Just a quick note<p><font size="4">I am doing rather than talking lately, and today I had a breakthrough with my thread embroidery technique. </font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4">Thread embroidery is probably the ‘art’ I do the most. I don’t know if its because deep inside I am a secret painter, but I love to draw with my sewing machine. I have already bored you all with my love of Alison Holt’s remarkable thread play, and I have spend many a happy day making trees and flowers and leaves. </font></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4">Today I tried a different technique—a variation on this theme—and found out that I like this way of ‘painting’. </font></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/fireweed2010.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="Fireweed2010" border="0" alt="Fireweed2010" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/fireweed2010_thumb.jpg" width="644" height="422" /></a></p> <p align="left"> This is a picture of fireweed that I believe was taken near Braeburn after a major fire the year before.. I used to drive this road once a week and for several weeks the fireweed is beautiful. I used a variety of cotton, rayon and silk thread on this piece. </p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left">My next one is going to be a rusty old truck that someone gave me permission to use. </p>Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-68960755731980467222010-02-28T03:16:00.000-08:002010-08-08T15:51:15.360-07:00Reviews!<p><font size="4"> I have been neglecting you, dear blog, so because I have a few new books, DVD’s, and have taken some online classes, I thought I would do a quick review of some of them. </font></p> <p><font size="4">First off is Mickey Lawler’s new DVD:</font></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/image.png"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/image_thumb.png" width="204" height="263" /></a><font size="4">I LOVE this DVD!  It consists of THREE HOURS of tutorials. I have her book, Skydyes, and I use it all the time. It is my favourite technique. I thought the DVD would have the same info, just with demos and for the most part this is true. But it is so much more. Mickey is an excellent teacher, thats for sure.. </font></p> <p><font size="4">She has some extras on the DVD and she shares a lot of personal things at the end of the tutorials. She even cries--I almost started crying.. And she takes you on a walk through her local gardening centre. So much fun. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I give this DVD an A+++</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4">Here is Mickey’s book":</font></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/image1.png"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/image_thumb1.png" width="236" height="304" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><font size="4">If you have seen any of my blog, you might have noticed that I love to paint fabric. I read about it first in this book which I have had for several years. I have put a ton of handwriting in it, pages have gotten paint on them and some are warped and I heart this book a lot. If you don't have this one, go get it!  </font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4">I give this book an A+++ as well..</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4">Next is Beth Wheeler’s “Next Step in Altered Photo Artistry”. </font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/image2.png"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/image_thumb2.png" width="236" height="304" /></a><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4">I never really had a burning desire to use my computer to alter my fabric artwork, but I was reading </font><a href="http://threadsociety.blogspot.com/"><font size="4">Beth’s</font></a><font size="4"> blog one day  and she was showing some of flower pictures her classes do. I was intrigued and read up on her books. Not interested enough to actually order one, but it was interesting. Then our local quilt store had a copy and I had a credit, so there you go. </font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4">Ummm—I like it. I am very lucky to have Photo Shop and Elements, which is required for the projects. She includes a CD with a number of filters and brushes which are nice. </font></p> <font size="4"> <p> <br />While I really like this book, I think because I don’t have a project to do yet, I will just keep it on the back burner. </p> <p>I would give this book a B.</p> <p> </p> <p>Quickly moving on. I also previewed a DVD by Carol Taylor called “Strategies For Success” put out by Quilting Arts Magazine. </p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/image3.png"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/image_thumb3.png" width="229" height="304" /></a>I have been in awe of Carol’s work for several years and HAD to order this disk. Am I ever glad I did. She is so interesting and a great teacher. The technique she shows on the dvd is ‘arch-itecture’ . The video is about 2 1/2 hours long. She mentions that she has made 496 quilts since 1993! I love this workshop and plan on making some of these beauties—that’s for sure! Carol does not have a blog—probably because she is ‘making, not saying’.  </p> <p> </p> <p>I give this video an A++</p> <p> </p> <p>Hey, this was fun. I have a few more reviews I could do, so I’ll be back later..</p> </font>Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-9426008616830684932010-01-16T10:58:00.000-08:002010-08-08T15:51:15.301-07:00Contemporary Landscape<p><font size="3">One of the classes I am teaching (actually tomorrow), is a landscape. It uses mixed media techniques such as hand painted fabric, paper towel mountains, wrapping paper lakes and thread trees. </font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">Here is the process I use to make the fabric:</font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/dsc00750.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;margin-left:0;border-top:0;margin-right:0;border-right:0;" title="DSC00750" border="0" alt="DSC00750" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/dsc00750_thumb.jpg" width="304" height="229" /></a>   <a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/dsc00751.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="DSC00751" border="0" alt="DSC00751" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/dsc00751_thumb.jpg" width="304" height="229" /></a> </p> <p>      </p> <p><font size="3">Below:</font></p> <p><font size="3">Once the paint is spread on the table, I carefully place a piece of fabric over it and gently press it into the paint. </font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/dsc00752.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="DSC00752" border="0" alt="DSC00752" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/dsc00752_thumb.jpg" width="292" height="220" /></a>        <a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/dsc00753.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="DSC00753" border="0" alt="DSC00753" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/dsc00753_thumb.jpg" width="284" height="214" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="3">Here is the completed picture with paper towel mountains.</font></p> <p>   <a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/dsc00763.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="DSC00763" border="0" alt="DSC00763" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/dsc00763_thumb.jpg" width="292" height="220" /></a>   <a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/dsc00758.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="DSC00758" border="0" alt="DSC00758" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/dsc00758_thumb.jpg" width="293" height="221" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/dsc00762.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="DSC00762" border="0" alt="DSC00762" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/dsc00762_thumb.jpg" width="573" height="365" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">This lesson is done just in time for tomorrow! </font></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/dsc007531.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/dsc007511.jpg"> </a></p>Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-90558765040612685492010-01-04T15:36:00.000-08:002010-08-08T15:51:15.270-07:00Christmas Haul!<p><font size="4">So I am home and DH is home from the long road trip. It took me hours to unpack. I was watching "Hoarders" on TV and when I looked at my room and the one on the TV, there were marked similarities. I had a chuckle over that! </font></p> <p><font size="4">I know my trailer park is showing, but most of my purchases are from the dollar stores. I LOVE those places! I LOVE to find junk super cheap. My DH says that I can find more sh*t in an hour than most people can find in a year—he must mean men cause the woman I know could do some major damage as well... Since I only get 'outside' twice a year, I buy tons and tons of stuff. This is just the fabric! And I only had 45 minutes to shop! </font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/dsc00749.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="DSC00749" border="0" alt="DSC00749" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/dsc00749_thumb.jpg" width="443" height="333" /></a> </font></p> <p><font size="4">One of my purchases this time was some white cotton from Fabric Land. It was on 1/2 price, so only 4 bucks a yard. I didn't think it felt all that great, but hey, it was a good price. I bought the rest of one bolt (13 yards) and decided to leave the rest just because I didn’t think it was all that and decided if it was crap, I could use it for student projects. But wouldn't you know it--it is the BEST fabric I have ever used for painting. </font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/dsc00756.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="DSC00756" border="0" alt="DSC00756" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/dsc00756_thumb.jpg" width="533" height="401" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">This looks WAY better in person. I really need a better camera cause this piece is beautiful! Hello? Anyone listening?  </font></p> <p><font size="4">Now I have buyers envy—if ONLY I had bought 4 bolts of this stuff, I would be in fabric heaven for the year… Oh well, I ordered 4 bolts from Dharma and the cost is just about the same with shipping and money exchange. I love fabric. :-)</font></p>Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-53040307642192696422010-01-03T09:46:00.000-08:002010-08-08T15:51:15.262-07:00Liard Hot Springs<p>Today I was reading about polar swims that people do for charity.  That is people dumb enough to go in super cold water and swim around pretending they enjoy it. I have done this twice. I was nuts the first time but then I did it again! This is when I was younger and had a figure. But this Christmas hubby and I drove out to Alberta (which is above Montana for those who don't know Canada very well). About 10 hours away is a wonderful hot springs at Liard that we like to go to. I've attached a pic so you can see, this is not a fancy, done up resort but a rustic pond in the bush. You have to walk in about 10 minutes to get there and it was COLD! </p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/image4.png"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/image_thumb4.png" width="471" height="315" /></a> </p> <p>The vehicle said minus 22, but it had to be at least minus 30. The soak was wonderful but changing into clothes in that weather OUTSIDE was brutal. My feet stuck to the wood planks and my hair was a frozen mass. But the weirdest thing was that all the rest of the day my heart hurt. I told my hubby that I had gotten a “cold heart” and he was getting really concerned. So was I. I'm only 45 but I thought I was having a stroke or something. But a good nights sleep and rest was all I needed. </p> <p> </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/image5.png"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/image_thumb5.png" width="449" height="304" /></a>This is not my picture, I just really like it. It must not have been very cold since there is very little steam going on. </p> <p> </p> <p>The reason I mention the hot springs is that I have always thought the frost on the trees in winter were beautiful. I would LOVE to do this in a mixed media format someday.</p>Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-82492995124436546712010-01-02T15:58:00.000-08:002010-08-08T15:51:15.226-07:00Batik Fabric<span style="font-size:medium;">Today I finished the last of the soy batik prints I am making for an upcoming quilt class I am teaching. I don’t want to spoil the surprise so Janet—close your eyes.</span><br/><br/><span style="font-size:medium;">Here are soy wax flakes. I order them from <a href="http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/3632352-AA.shtml">Dharma Trading Company</a>. </span><br/><br/><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/image1.png"><span style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;"><img style="display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border:0;" title="image" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/image_thumb1.png" border="0" alt="image" width="400" height="283" /></span></a><br/><br/><span style="font-size:medium;"> </span><br/><br/><span style="font-size:medium;">Here are the pieces I made today: </span><br/><br/><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/soy4.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border:0;" title="soy4" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/soy4_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="soy4" width="364" height="484" /></a><br/><br/><span style="font-size:medium;">I find batiks a lot of fun to do and soy wax is way less fussy and messy than using paraffin wax. I didn’t use MX dyes today, so I made the decision to paint on Setacolour transparent paints since that was what I had on hand. I love these paints and I use them exclusively for fabric painting. </span><br/><br/><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/soy1.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border:0;" title="soy1" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/soy1_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="soy1" width="300" height="376" /></a><br/><br/><span style="font-size:medium;">I mix the soy wax in a double boiler on the stove. I put the flakes in a measuring cup and then melt the wax that way. I recently heard of a great tip that I tried this time—I heated up a crock pot with boiling water, set it on high, then placed my melted wax in the measuring cup over the rim of the crock pot. It kept the wax nice and liquidy. I do not have a dedicated pan for this--yet!</span><br/><br/><span style="font-size:medium;">I tried a variety of utensils to make the marks. The picture below does not show the difference in colours very well. I have a terrible, old camera and I cannot get good pictures from it. I even tweaked this one in Photoshop and this was the best I could do… :-(</span><br/><br/><span style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/soy3.jpg"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border:0;" title="soy3" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/soy3_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="soy3" width="522" height="347" /></span></a>In the orange/brown forefront fabric on the bottom left, I dipped a rectangle of sponge in the wax, and also used one side of a paper cup. There is also a piece of tubing used here I think. </span><br/><br/><span style="font-size:medium;">In the grey piece beside it, I used 3 toilet paper tubes held together with an elastic. I overlapped the rings.This was the easiest of all the pieces to make.<br/></span><br/><br/><span style="font-size:medium;">In the middle blue piece, I used the rings again and a spool of thread. </span><br/><br/><span style="font-size:medium;">The purple piece near the top was made with 2 coil type stamps. Very messy—I won’t do that again.And the paint was WAY too watery. I usually do 1/1 part Setacolour to water. This must have been 1/4 parts water.<br/></span><br/><br/><span style="font-size:medium;">And the orange piece at the top, the one you can barely see, was with a Tobleron chocolate bar that I found on my desk. When done using it as a stamp, I ate it.</span><br/><br/><span style="font-size:medium;">The green fabric below is made by dunking the end of a chopstick in the wax and also by splattering wax on the fabric. I want this for fish fabric.I noticed that adding black to any Setacolour makes it richer and darker for this technique.<br/></span><br/><br/><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/soy11.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border:0;" title="soy1" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/soy1_thumb1.jpg" border="0" alt="soy1" width="454" height="249" /></a><br/><br/><span style="font-size:medium;">When the wax has hardened, minimum an hour, I crumple the fabric to break up the wax and get some cracks happening. Then I use a paintbrush and stroke on the Setacolour. I usually use two colours to get some variety, but that depends on my mood. When that dries, I lay the piece between sheets of newspaper and iron very well—about 3-4 minutes in each area. For these pieces, I changed the newspaper at least twice to get the wax off, but I think I could have gotten away with less ironing. </span><br/><br/><span style="font-size:medium;">It was easy and less messy that other wax, that’s for sure! With paraffin wax, I have used at least 1 whole newspaper for each piece. And its toxic, not environmentally safe and harder all around.<br/></span><br/><br/><span style="font-size:medium;">You can even use a tjap! This beauty is from Dharma Trading Co.</span><br/><br/><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/image2.png"><span style="font-size:medium;"><img style="display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border:0;" title="image" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/image_thumb2.png" border="0" alt="image" width="304" height="244" /></span></a><br/><br/><span style="font-size:medium;">Look at this AWSOME piece by </span><a href="http://fiberstudio.blogspot.com/2009/01/fabric-more-soy-wax.html"><span style="font-size:medium;">Cathy</span></a> <span style="font-size:medium;">using a tjap.</span> <span style="font-size:medium;">BTW—her site is awesome.</span><br/><br/><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/image3.png"><img style="display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border:0;" title="image" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/image_thumb3.png" border="0" alt="image" width="382" height="256" /></a><br/><br/><span style="font-size:medium;">I left the pieces to cure overnight, then I rinsed them in hot water with Dawn soap. This combo helps the wax just fall off. Then I either let this dry again, then iron it OR sometimes I iron the piece when its wet. Some of the colour comes out in the rinse water and I am sure if I had used thickened MX dyes the colours would have been deeper. But I needed to try this technique for the class since I don’t want to use MX dyes that day. </span><br/><br/><span style="font-size:medium;">Overall, I think Setacolours work OK for this project. I have asked my hubby to see if he can find an old electric fry pan from a pawn shop or such place since he is still in the ‘big city’. I think that would allow for larger stamps—like a trivet I have and a wire circle thingie. </span><br/><br/><span style="font-size:medium;">Two classes down, 3 to go…</span><br/><br/><span style="font-size:medium;"> </span>Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-47264342734127491532010-01-01T03:19:00.000-08:002010-08-08T15:51:15.218-07:00Year 2010<a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/image.png"><img style="display:inline;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;border:0;" title="image" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/image_thumb.png" border="0" alt="image" width="283" height="409" /></a><span style="font-size:xx-small;">Golden Rain-- Victor Nizovtsev</span><br/><br/>I have been pondering the new year and what I hope to do with it.<br/><br/>Looking back, I am pleased about a number of things I wanted to do and accomplished:<br/><ul><br/> <li>reduced my fabric stash</li><br/> <li>fewer impulsive buys</li><br/> <li>changed my work outlook which led to a job change</li><br/> <li>taught myself more creative things</li><br/> <li>reconnected with friends</li><br/></ul><br/>Things I did not do so well was lose weight, watch my eating habits and didn't take my dog for enough walks.<br/><br/>So for this year, I want to get healthy, take the dog for more walks when the weather permits and I will continue to reduce my fabric stash.Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-4037617954478326102009-12-31T13:21:00.000-08:002010-08-08T15:51:15.192-07:00Snow Dyes!It is December 30 and I have less than a week to get all of my samples done for the new classes I am teaching this spring. I do not think anyone in my community knows I have a blog, so I feel safe in posting my pictures.<br/><br/>I belong to an online dye group who I think invented snow dyes. In fact one of our members who inspired us all to try it, recently published an article in Quilting Arts Magazine on snow dyes. We are sure proud of her!<br/><br/>I find that my snow dyed pieces look like Monet gardens--somewhat mid to soft tones. It doesnt matter if I use super strong dyes, I seem to get a really nice muted look on pieces. It contrasts nicely with my soda soaked deep parfait pieces I love to make.<br/><br/>I think all of us do the snow dyes somewhat differently. Some dye the snow, then add it on top of fabric. Others put the snow on top and then dye it. I even have a friend who lives in a part of the world where there is little to no snow and she uses shavings from a snow cone machine (Wil). Here is how I do snow dyes.<br/><br/><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00732.jpg"><img style="display:inline;border:0;" title="DSC00732" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00732_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="DSC00732" width="292" height="180" /></a><br/><br/>Gather dyes and get a syringe. I use about 110ml per fat quarter.<br/><br/><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00733.jpg"><img style="display:inline;border:0;" title="DSC00733" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00733_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="DSC00733" width="500" height="376" /></a><br/><br/>Put fabric (that has first soaked in SA for 20 minutes) in a small container, lay a layer of snow on top--about 4 inches, then lay on the dyes with the syringe In these examples I used older dye—some was at least a year old.<br/><br/><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00736.jpg"><img style="display:inline;border:0;" title="DSC00736" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00736_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="DSC00736" width="429" height="343" /></a><br/><br/>This is one of the pieces. It is wet in this photo. I am not happy with the look and I think the age of the dye played a role in the lack of sharp detail. I find that snow dyes, as opposed to other methods of dyeing, gets fabric to have a soft edge but with crazy sharp edges if one uses lots of colours. I think I will redo these pieces tomorrow.<br/><br/>I have a batch dyeing in a different manner (drained over a sink), with new dye and we’ll see if that makes a difference.<br/><br/>4 more classes to get going!Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-71746098342100560192009-12-31T13:11:00.000-08:002010-08-08T15:51:15.183-07:00Christmas 2009<p>This year, as always, my husband and I went away to visit family. But I still needed to do some decorating, so I put the santa’s on the mantle and the little tree on the sideboard. Today when I flew home, I was very happy to see some Christmas still around. </p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00723.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="DSC00723" border="0" alt="DSC00723" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00723_thumb.jpg" width="536" height="403" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00726.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="DSC00726" border="0" alt="DSC00726" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00726_thumb.jpg" width="406" height="540" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>I hope you all had a wonderful, stress free Christmas. And I hope to see you all in the new year.</p>Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-66832332475025697052009-12-31T13:04:00.000-08:002010-08-08T15:51:15.154-07:002nd Annual Christmas Quilt Party<p>I don’t like parties. I don’t like the polite chatter, the awkward silences and especially the drinking. Last year I looked at my mountains of patterns and fabric knowing I needed to do something about it. So I hosted a quilt party for all the ladies at work. </p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/1.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/1_thumb.jpg" width="488" height="417" /></a> </p> <p>I had the women pick a pattern and I made up the background pieces, they appliquéd the pieces, and then I quilted the pieces. A lot of work but a lot of fun. </p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/2.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/2_thumb.jpg" width="548" height="282" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Most of the ladies picked Pine Needle patterns. In some cases I hand-dyed the background if it was appropriate—like in the loon piece above. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/3.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/3_thumb.jpg" width="533" height="298" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Last year only 3 women were quilters, and no-one else had done appliqué. This year there was only 2 that had not done appliqué before. Last year we pieced the borders, this year I just did some painted borders. So much faster and I think it looks good for the bears.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/6.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="6" border="0" alt="6" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/6_thumb.jpg" width="542" height="212" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Even the little ones, like this, took me more hours than I want to mention to quilt. But I love doing them. And they are always appreciated. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00707.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="DSC00707" border="0" alt="DSC00707" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00707_thumb.jpg" width="453" height="341" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>The lady who did this piece made a mistake and fused fusible web on the top of the piece. She called me almost in tears. No problem, I just added lots of layers of fusible to make it look like the piece was underwater. </p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00711.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="DSC00711" border="0" alt="DSC00711" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00711_thumb.jpg" width="357" height="590" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Hard to see, but the fish really look 3-D.</p> <p> </p> <p> <a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc006771.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="DSC00677" border="0" alt="DSC00677" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00677_thumb1.jpg" width="443" height="333" /></a> </p> <p>I worked on this one, even though I didn’t need any more wall hangings. I decided to make it as a gift, then ran out of time to complete it…  </p> <p>But I did complete these ones!</p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00728.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="DSC00728" border="0" alt="DSC00728" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00728_thumb.jpg" width="348" height="445" /></a>  </p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00727.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;" title="DSC00727" border="0" alt="DSC00727" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00727_thumb.jpg" width="375" height="498" /></a></p>Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-3862798739169690272009-12-02T01:33:00.000-08:002010-08-08T15:51:15.061-07:00Has it been so long???<p><font size="3">I cant believe the last post I did was October—sigh—time goes by so quickly. </font></p> <p><font size="3">I have been in Christmas mode for awhile and so that is what I have been doing. </font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">I love Christmas fabric, I love pulling it out and just looking at it. </font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00675.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="DSC00675" border="0" alt="DSC00675" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00675_thumb.jpg" width="304" height="229" /></a> </font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">Then I had to get some ideas—I love surfing the net looking for patterns and ideas. I had forgotten I purchased a Kalea-ruler (or whatever its called) so I made a TON of table toppers.</font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00668.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="DSC00668" border="0" alt="DSC00668" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00668_thumb.jpg" width="304" height="229" /></a> </p> <p><font size="3">OK—I need to get better pictures and show some completed ones. I have made 5 so far.</font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00671.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="DSC00671" border="0" alt="DSC00671" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00671_thumb.jpg" width="304" height="229" /></a>  </p> <p><font size="3">I didn’t complete it like this, so I need to check into this further.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">This is the next wall hanging I started. Pattern by Pine Needles I think. </font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00674.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="DSC00674" border="0" alt="DSC00674" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00674_thumb.jpg" width="304" height="229" /></a> </p> <p>With borders:</p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00677.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="DSC00677" border="0" alt="DSC00677" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/dsc00677_thumb.jpg" width="304" height="229" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">I had to dye the large blue border with red so I got a nice purple. This was done because the blue in the main picture has a purple tinge…</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">I LOVE this one I made last year, and I will make a few Christmas ones with this pattern. Stay tuned!   :-)</font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/016.jpg"><img style="border-bottom:0;border-left:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;" title="016" border="0" alt="016" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/016_thumb.jpg" width="304" height="229" /></a></p>Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-61054704735388702572009-10-25T13:30:00.000-07:002010-08-08T15:51:15.052-07:00My Birthday Present<p><font size="4">Isn’t it the case that when one wants something, you get another ‘thing’ is more appreciated? This is the case of my birthday presents this year. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I wanted, and quite frankly, could use a new camera, but instead hubby got me this:</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/dsc00628.jpg"><img title="DSC00628" style="border-right:0;border-top:0;display:inline;border-left:0;border-bottom:0;" height="376" alt="DSC00628" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/dsc00628_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a> </font></p> <p><font size="4"><font size="3">(This was started Oct 5 when there was a bit of snow.)</font> </font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/dsc00635.jpg"><img title="DSC00635" style="border-right:0;border-top:0;display:inline;border-left:0;border-bottom:0;" height="382" alt="DSC00635" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/dsc00635_thumb.jpg" width="508" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>(no snow October23)</p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4">Then I bought myself a flat screen TV for my craft room that can just be seen in the last picture. The pink fleece is on top of Ripley’s pillow. I have wanted to get my vehicle out of the snow for years, and since hubby uses the double garage for his shop, both vehicles have had to live outside. Not anymore for me. :-)</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4">If that wasn’t enough, the hubster finally got his 52” TV for his den:</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/dsc00627.jpg"><img title="DSC00627" style="border-right:0;border-top:0;display:inline;border-left:0;border-bottom:0;" height="484" alt="DSC00627" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/dsc00627_thumb.jpg" width="644" border="0" /></a> </font></p> <p><font size="4">This was taken when we were still setting up so please don’t think the room always looks this junkie..  </font></p> <p><font size="4">Didn’t we both get great presents.  :-)</font></p>Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569077809369466042.post-72200415568626337322009-10-25T13:08:00.000-07:002010-08-08T15:51:14.983-07:00Another Shirt<p><font size="4">So here is the white shirt I did. I realize I didn't mention HOW I did it, so here goes. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I drew a straight line across the shirt on the front and back, including on the sleeves. Then I used dental floss and ran a straight stitch around the shirt on the line. The floss is tightened and tied off. Then I applied the dye only on the floss. I also did the sleeve cuffs, but I used an elastic band around it. I didn't think to use an elastic band on the shirt, so whatever. </font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4">Here’s the shirt.. </font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/dsc00648.jpg"><img title="DSC00648" style="border-right:0;border-top:0;display:inline;border-left:0;border-bottom:0;" height="894" alt="DSC00648" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/dsc00648_thumb.jpg" width="633" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><font size="4">The blotches on the top band part is not permanent (I hope). If so, I will dye it the same blue.. </font></p> <p><a href="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/dsc00647.jpg"><img title="DSC00647" style="border-right:0;border-top:0;display:inline;border-left:0;border-bottom:0;" height="420" alt="DSC00647" src="http://itjustdahnedonme.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/dsc00647_thumb.jpg" width="644" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><font size="4">That’s it for these shirts… </font></p>Dahnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12090828655736289009noreply@blogger.com2