Another cute little dress done

Love the circles on this one! This is the Kwik Sew #3907 again, size 18-24 months. I didn't have enough of one color of buttons so I alternated between pink and green for the back closure. Matches the dress so I think it worked out.

Wanted to get this one done so I can concentrate on the outfits for Marci since the patterns came in yesterday.

And another dress finished

After cutting out the last dress pattern, with Truffles' help, I sewed the bodice and skirt up and attached the skirt to the bodice then had to go to bed as I needed to get to work early the next day. I needed to leave early for a dentist appointment so didn't want to miss too much work as a result.

After the dentist appointment, where I had two teeth extracted, I tried to sew a bit but the pain meds made me dizzy so I took a short nap. After getting up, I finished the dress by sewing the bodice and bodice lining together, top stitching the bodices, and adding the double ruffle.

And here it is, the dress for my little cousin Kasia:

Pattern used: McCall's M5835

I accidentally bought two copies of this pattern (sizes 1, 2, 3, 4), so if anyone (U.S. only) would like it, let me know. Listed price is $11.95 but I got it on sale for $2.99, so I'm willing to let it go for $4.00 (the extra is for shipping).

The patterns I'd ordered for Marcie came in this morning so this weekend will be spent cutting out the pieces and starting to sew them together. Not sure yet if I'll cut out all of them first then sewing them all at once, or cut them out one at a time and sewing together before moving on to the next one. I don't want to make a decision right now until the pain meds wear off a bit though ... :P

How my cat helps me sew

This evening I was cutting out another little dress and, as usual, my cat Truffles decided to help. When he wasn't sitting on the fabric or pattern pieces, he was helping me place pins by nudging my hand to the correct location. Truffles is 19 in people years and the gray hairs have started to show up among the dark chocolate. Truffles has dark chocolate fur with a milk chocolate under coat, which is how he got his name. I've had him since he was four when a co-worker at Boeing needed to find a home for him after he got married and his wife was allergic to cats. Even though I'm also allergic to cats (and dogs), I really needed a cat at the time and agreed to adopt him. Fortunately, God found me the perfect cat as I don't seem to have any problems around him. Get me around just about any other cat and most dogs, and my hands and eyes start itching and swelling, the nose starts running ...

Here is Truffles helping me figure out where to place the pattern pieces:


And here he is taking a short break while trying to figure out why Mr. Darcy was moving around in his bed:


And finally, here he is holding down the fabric so it doesn't slide off the table:


Fortunately, Truffles doesn't mess with my yarns, unlike Mr. Darcy who has been known to chew through projects and yarn balls, especially if they have wool or alpaca in them, and hopelessly tangle recalcitrant skeins.

My Junior/Senior Banquet, 1982

I thought I would post this photo from my Junior/Senior Banquet in high school during my Junior year. I went to our church school so no prom. This was in 1982 and I was obsessed with Princess Diana. I decided I wanted to make a "copy" of her wedding dress and found a pattern that was sold as "inspired by" or something. Anyway, the dress is made of white dotted swiss with the lining made from a white cotton sheet (cheaper than buying the fabric). We rented a hoop from a local costume shop and my Aunt Mary did my hair and makeup.

I still have the dress hanging in my closet although I'll never be able to get into it again!

If you can't sleep ... sew

I've been having a lot of trouble sleeping lately so I've been spending my time sewing and finally got several dresses finished, buttonholes and buttons added, etc.

First up are the outfits I started last year for a cousin, Isabella. I finally got the buttonholes done and buttons added. My new sewing machine actually makes buttonholes that don't chew up the fabric!

This is the little dress with bloomers:

And the romper which can be worn alone or under the matching dress above:


Next are the dresses for Anya and Gabriella, although I'm only showing one of them. Since they are the same size, I put zippers in that are their favorite colors so they can tell them apart.


Finally is this adorable outfit that should fit either Isabella or Kasia. I originally bought the fabric as fat squares to make project bags for but decided to see if I could get a dress out of them. I tried to get more of the rose and green fabric but the store only had one rose one left and no green so I got the pink instead. Since the fat squares aren't that big, I added a 1/4" seam allowance on the front skirt where the fold should have been and just seamed it up. The hat is reversible and I made the inside all green. There are buttonholes on the sides so that the straps can be pushed through to use when the hat is reversed.


Patterns Used:

• Toddler Dress and Romper - New Look 6794
• Girl's Dress - Simplicity 2688
• Precious Peony Dress - Kwik Sew 3907

One thing I found on the Kwik Sew outfit, the bodice back indicates that you should cut out 2 of the fabric and interfacing. It should have you cut out 2 of the fabric, contrast, and interfacing.

I've got some more fabric that's just waiting to be cut out ...

Sewing Tip #1 - Using all pattern sizes

While I like being able to get multiple sizes in one pattern purchase, it is not always easy to actually use all the sizes you get. Since I have large family with lots of first, second, and third cousins (may be some fourth cousins in there too), I need all the sizes. I also prefer to use paper patterns over tissue ones since they last longer - for me anyway.

My solution is to trace the different sizes on to sew-in interfacing or butcher paper. The interfacing can be purchased in yards off the bolt and in a fairly thick version. Make sure you get enough to trace off all sizes of all pattern pieces. Some places, like Clotilde's, have pattern tracing cloth you can purchase but they tend to cost more. You can also use craft or butcher paper but you will also need tracing paper and a non-serrated tracing wheel since you can't see through the paper.

Supplies:

• Medium weight sew-in interfacing, or
  
• Craft or butcher paper with the following:
• Tracing paper
• Non-serrated tracing wheel or embossing stylus with 1.5 mm tip
• Scissors (don't use your good fabric scissors!)
• Straight pins
• Ink pen (Bic or Pilot pens work great) or permanent fabric marker
• Straight edge (ruler) if needed
• Gallon sized plastic zip-lock bags (for pattern storage)

Steps:

If using sew-in interfacing or tracing cloth:

1. Cut out the patterns from the sheet they came on. You don't have to cut them out on the lines, just close enough to get them as individual pieces.
2. If using the sew in interfacing or pattern tracing cloth, lay it out on your work table. Make sure it is supported on any end that hangs off the edge of the table, either by placing it on a chair or folding it up on to the table and placing a book on it (or a cat if one is convenient and willing).
3. Place your first pattern piece under the cloth and pin the cloth and pattern together. Don't pin it as much as you would when actually cutting out the fabric. Pins at each "corner" and one or two along longer edges should be sufficient.
4. Begin tracing the first size. If you want to save the original patterns, start with the largest size, otherwise, start with the next size in.
5. Trace the outer lines first, including any notches.
6. Move the cat as needed.
7. Trace all other lines, including grain arrow, shorten or lengthen line, center back, fold lines, etc.
8. By this time, you may need to move the cat again. If needed, place a pillow where you want him to stay but that's no guarantee he'll stay there.
9. Mark text for pattern company, pattern number, piece number, number to cut, etc. Add size somewhere where it is easily visible, i.e., Size S, Size 12, etc.
10. Mark text for locations, i.e., Center Front, Back Seam, Neckline, etc. (optional but might as well). Don't move or look away or the cat will move on top of the piece you are working on. He may also call in the dog (or dogs as the case may be) for reinforcement.
11. Check over the pattern to make sure you got everything. Remove pins.
12. Move pattern piece over to a blank area, pin in place, and repeat until all sizes have been traced for the piece.
13. Shut the cat into the master bedroom with a treat and a toy or two. Ignore his complaints. Be strong.
14. Continue with each pattern piece until all are completed.
15. Cut all pieces out. Again, you don't have to be perfect since they'll be cut that way once you use them to make a garment.
16. Pin all sizes of each pattern piece together and place all pieces, along with the instructions and pattern envelope into the plastic bag for storage. Make sure the front of the pattern envelope is on the outside so you can see what pattern it is.

If using craft or butcher paper (see steps above for specifics):

1. Lay out the paper on your work table, supporting it as needed.
2. Lay the first pattern piece on the paper with tracing paper under it. Pin as needed.
3. Use the non-serrated tracing wheel or embossing stylus to trace over all lines.
4. Remove tracing paper and pattern piece.
5. Trace over all lines with a pen, add in text as noted above (steps 5-11).
6. Repeat until all sizes and pieces have been traced, cut out, and stored (steps 12-16).

Not all pieces will need to be traced. If the size lines are straight, the pattern piece is easily folded over while cutting out the fabric for the size you need. Of course, you can still trace off each size if that's what you prefer. Large pieces, such as for skirts can often just be folded back, or the entire piece traced off with all sizes on one piece, then cut lines intermittently on any curved edges so you can easily fold them back to the size you need. This saves the original piece for later use or re-tracing as needed.

While this seems to be a lot of work, it is well worth it and will save you time and frustration later when you realize you need a size that you cut out when making a different size.

If you have any sewing questions or have an idea for a tip, please feel free to mention them in the comments.

P.S. Using an embossing stylus is a good excuse for getting a stencil and some note cards and making some sweet embossed cards.

P.P.S. Can you tell I have a cat?

Sewing for Family

My cousin Marci has asked me to make some costumes for some of her models to wear. The pattern she picked out is from pioneer days with a dress, chemise, and pantaloons. I'll be making three sizes and with the different pieces, she can get several different outfits from them. I'll also be replacing buttons and elastic with ribbons that she can change out for different colors and fit models that may be almost too big for one size but way too small for the next size.

Marci is an amazing artist and has won multiple awards and mentions for her work. Take a look at her stuff at her site - Marci Oleszkiewicz (betcha can't spell that last name with your eyes closed!). I love looking at her paintings and figuring out which family member she painted! I live so far away from all my family that it delights me to see them this way.

I spent this morning at JoAnn and Hancock Fabrics getting cream and white broadcloth for the outfits. With coupons and my VIP discount from Artfire, I saved about $20 from what I'd thought it would cost. Plus, I was able to get the patterns directly from McCalls for $3.99 as part of their BMV Club, plus $4 shipping for the two pattern packets. The pattern retails for $15.95 and even with Hancock's daily discount of 40%, I saved $8 even with shipping added in.

I also need to finish an outfit for my cousin Tony's little girls (just needs buttons), and cut out and sew two outfits, one for cousin Sarah's little girl and one for cousin Tony's older girl. Next, I hope to get two outfits for cousin Katie's two little girls. I've been trying to get them done for a while and finally decided that it was now or never.

Okay, off to pull the first load of fabric from the washing machine and into the dryer and start the second load .. then ironing will ensue ... :P

Catch up time ... again!

Finally got the Summer issue of Crochet Uncut published. I didn't get any submissions for it so I took a bit longer to get an extra pattern ready. There are only three patterns in the issue but I think they're ones that will keep folks busy.

The first pattern, and one I'm particularly pleased with is the White Crocodile Purse which uses the Crocodile stitch as the basis for the front flap. The result is an elegant purse that can be made in different colors to match any special outfit.

(Pattern page)

Next is a Lacy Coverup that is more elegant than using a piece of fabric. I included several options for attaching the coverup so you can find the one most comfortable for you. I've worn it several times at work with that pink top and it certainly makes me less self-conscious and gets compliments every time.

(Pattern page)

Finally, what I called Petal Panty which uses small flower motifs to make a special panty. If you've seen the crocheted lingerie on some Polish sites, this is what inspired me (I am almost half Polish you see ...).

(Pattern page)

I also finished something I've been trying to get done for a while now and that is to get rid of the PDF icon for each pattern as it doesn't work right. I was told it was because I was using non-standard HTML but they couldn't tell me what was the non-standard part. To replace the automatic conversion, I've manually converted each pattern to PDF and added a download link next to the Ravelry project page button. So, if you scroll down a bit on a pattern, locate the Skill level and Ravelry button then click on the PDF icon to download the pattern.

In addition, I shaded every other row in the patterns so they are easier to see. I think this helps quite a bit, especially when looking at the patterns on the web.

I would love to hear what you folks think of having the PDFs available and the row shading added.

The Fall issue of Crochet Uncut is in the works and I have several patterns ready to go. I'm starting off with a motif pattern then making several project based on the motif. I'm also working on a Christmas pattern that I think you'll enjoy.

My painting is going slowly as it has been so hot lately and the window A/C isn't working so well. We've checked the filter and such but so far haven't figured out why it is acting out. So, my studio is not the most comfortable place to work right now.

I did finish a commissioned painting of two dogs that took me way longer than I had planned. This is Sarah and Roger who were best friends before both of them passed over Rainbow Bridge.

I did get some soaps made but haven't had the time or energy to make more plus it's too hot right now to deal with melting soap base in a sweltering kitchen. I'll see if I can get them packaged up and on Artfire soon though. I've also been adding my paintings, bags, aprons, stitch markers, and row counter bracelets to my website, just another place where you can find my stuff. Here's a link if you've never been there - CatBird Studios.

That's all for now and I will definitely try to post more often.

More new paintings

Since my last post, I've been busy crocheting and trying to get projects done and patterns written for Crochet Uncut. It looks like the next issue will be a slim one with mostly reviews in it, but I still want to make sure I get an issue out soon.

I've also been painting ... one is a commissioned piece that I can't show yet but I do have several I can show off. I haven't taken any classes lately since I'm saving up for a workshop in November but I'm still able to go to Jon McNaughton's gallery and get advice when I need it.

These paintings are all acrylic on masonite, 11"x14" and unframed.

This first painting is called "Bridge of Light" from the February 2011 class:

This is "Wisteria Memories" from the March 2011 class:

This next one is an abstract, titled "Woods" that I painted in March 2011. I'm not a big abstract fan although there are some I do like and this one wouldn't leave me alone until I'd painted it.


The next two are ones I painted using a book by Pat Crum, "Painting by Design" but done in my own style.

This one is called "Spring in Europe":


And this one is called "Red Tree by the River":


I have a few more paintings in the works but not sure when I'll be able to finish them as I need to get the next issue of Crochet Uncut out.

In other news, my dog, Mr. Darcy, is a real hoot sometimes. He's learned the difference between "outside" and "bed" (and of course what "treat" is) so we have to spell them out. I dread the day he learns to spell!

Last night, he was lying at the foot of my bed when he jumped up and stood up with his paws on my lap desk and looked meaningfully at me.

"What is it Darcy?" I asked. He scratched on the desk with his left paw. "Outside?" Another scratch on the desk. "Do you want to go outside?" Another scratch. "No? Do you want to go to bed?" With this, Darcy's head perked up, he jumped off the bed and ran in circles. So, off to the living room we went where he ran into his crate and waited for his bedtime treat (bananas wrapped in chicken).

My sister has also taught him to ask for "more" when he's getting a belly rub. I'm hoping to get a video of him asking for more soon and I'll post it when I do. We got the idea from sister Jenny when she taught our youngest nephew to ask for more in sign language before he learned how to talk.

Painting hung and sewing news

I was finally able to put Dora Woodrum's painting over the fireplace. It's not hung yet but leaning up against the wall since I'm not sure I can leave it there because of an outlet behind the center piece which may be a fire hazard. If not, I'll move it to my bedroom across from my bed where I can see it all the time. I just love this painting!!!


Since meeting Dora on the HGTV Blog, we've become friends and exchange messages on Facebook and Twitter. I hope one day to meet this amazing lady.

On a side note, I was able to get my new sewing machine out of layaway at Nuttalls which is near me in American Fork, UT. Awesome place, tons of fabric and machines, classes, helpful people, and they let me bring my dog inside. He's only peed in there once on a plastic display and they just laughed. Apparently another dog had done the same thing and Mr. Darcy had to respond like the gentleman he is. They have some sweet embroidery machines that would be a dream to have but a very faint dream for me right now. (sigh)

The new machine is a Brother Limited Edition Project Runway Innov-ís 40. My old machine is a Kenmore 30-stitch that is at least 20 years old. It still works great and was recently serviced but it was just too slow for me now. My mother has a Kenmore that they purchased when I was about four or five and it still works too. It has these awesome cams that fit into the top of the machine in order to make fancy embroidery stitches. Of course, this was because computerized machines were a far distant thing but I loved using the different cams when I was sewing. Mom taught me how to sew when I was nine and I've been sewing on and off since then, including two years in the Costume Department at Bob Jones University as a student worker.

I was able to buy some soap making supplies yesterday, not the good stuff but enough to get me started. Hopefully I'll have some made within the next few weeks and up for sale at my Artfire store.

That's it for now as I need to go paint ...

This weekend is for finishing

I'm working on several paintings, one from my class this week, one from last month that needs a few final touches, an abstract that I think needs a splash of color, and a commissioned painting (that is super secret).

Hopefully I can finish most of them this weekend and post those that I can. I probably won't be taking another class until October since I need to go to the November Masterpiece class and can't afford to go to the classes each month and still pay for the masterpiece one.

I finally talked to Jon McNaughton about an apprenticeship which I'd been putting off because of the time involved and needing to attend workshops. I felt that I needed to get a good foundation in technique in the classes before I went all out since I'd have to stop the monthly classes for a while in order to pay for the masterpiece class.

I now am trying to make sure I get in at least 10 hours of painting a week, which I'm still struggling with since I've been on a Spring cleaning binge. I've been going through boxes that haven't been opened since I moved to Lehi or since I moved to Utah in 2006. If I haven't used it, thought of it, or needed it in two or more years, then I probably don't need it. I have boxes of receipts that need to go, home decor objects I don't use anymore, craft items, computer items (cords, connectors, modems, etc.), books, and more that are heading to a future yard sale or local thrift store.

The main consolation in this besides getting rid of stuff is that I'm probably driving my sister crazy with it all, especially when I drag her into helping out ... mwaaahahahahahaha!

Okay, lunch break is over, so back to documenting stuff.

If you like abstract art ...

While obsessing over the HGTV Dream Home 2011, I met an awesome artist who does a lot of abstract art. Now, I'm not a fan of most abstract art even though I've done a few pieces in digital format, but I enjoy this artist's work. Her name is Dora Woodrum and you can see her work on her website - NiceModernArt.com.

Dora's work is reasonably priced and she's very open to working with you if you'd like different colors (and probably sizes too!).

I particularly like the piece below, titled "Circle of Life." The gold background with the red and black remind me of both the sunrise and sunset of each day.

Dora's Fan page is located on Facebook, so feel free to visit and like her page!

We may fall but we will save our drinks!

A few weeks ago, after a large amount of snow had fallen, my sister Jessica and I were going out to get some fabric and a few groceries. Since we were also going to Petsmart to get some dog and cat food, we decided to take Mr. Darcy along with us.

Jessica had Darcy on the leash and was also holding a large styrofoam cup filled with iced tea. Darcy was so excited that he dashed down the stairs pulled Jess down the stairs as she slipped on the ice. She landed on her rear on the bottom step, still holding on to the leash and her cup.

This seems to be a family thing since I've fallen many times, usually by slipping on ice, but still managed to hold on to my drink and not spill any of it. Case in point, early last year as I was walking into work with my laptop case and purse over my shoulder, a small bag with my sausage biscuit in it, and a large styrofoam cup of iced tea. I was trying to avoid the icy spots but stepped on a spot of black ice and down I went. When I landed, both legs were spread out in front of me, my left hand had helped cushion my fall a bit, and my right hand was up in the air, with my cup intact. I was also still holding the paper bag and had not landed on the laptop or my purse.

And that's not the first time that has happened either. My mother can tell you that I'm clumsy or not paying attention, or both, so I'm constantly tripping over things, falling up or down stairs, bumping into corners, etc. And, if I'm holding a cup with something in it, I may break a leg but that cup will still be full when it's all over with. I don't think it's a conscious attempt to save the drink as I've thought back afterwards about what happened, it just works out that way.

Of course, now I've jinxed myself and the next time I'll not only drop the drink but land in the spilled contents too.

Only the beginning of winter and already tired of snow

Today I am stuck at home because of the snow. I left work early yesterday because of the threat of snow and boy am I glad I did! Twenty-five minutes later as I entered Lehi, it began snowing really hard, but more like ice chips than snow. This morning as I tried to leave, the streets were still covered in a layer of ice and snow, then, I couldn't get the doors open on my car as they were frozen shut. So, I'm stuck at home but at least I'm able to get some other things done in the meantime, like catching up on my blog. Of course, all I can think of is the work I need to be doing at the office. It'll get done but not as soon as I'd hoped.

Mr. Darcy loves the snow though. He bounds around the yard, digging his nose in wherever he can, and rolling in the drifts. Last night, the wind was blowing some of the snow around and he was trying to catch the swirls. It was too funny. Truffles thinks he wants outside but as soon as we open the sliding doors, he realizes that it's too cold and there's snow out there. He just turned 19 which is quite old for a cat. There's some white strands of fur among the chocolate and some patches above his eyes that are going bald, but he still seems spry for his age. One of his favorite spots is up on my cutting table where Darcy can't bother him and that's a pretty high jump for him.

Now it's show and tell and up first are my newest paintings, all acrylic on masonite, 11"x14".

From the August class, Sunset:

From the September class, Trick or Treat:

From the October class, Pumpkin Patch:

From my November class, The Wise Men:

And finally from the December class, Christ Head Study:

Along with the Chester painting, I think the head study is one of my favorites. I'm also currently working on a commissioned painting that is coming along more slowly than I'd like but still going well.

These can all be purchased at my Artfire shop or my Artbreak gallery.

My project bags and aprons are selling well, which I'm happy for. I'm also making a few baby blankets and one thing I've found out is that fun fur is not fun while you're working with it. It's bad enough when I'm trying to crochet or knit it, but when you're dealing with fabric ... oh man, it's worse! There's strands of yellow fur all over the place, the stuff stretches and doesn't like to stay in place no matter how many pins I use.

Of course, my dog loves the soft fabric so I have to keep it out of his reach or it won't be fabric for long. For such a small dog, he sure can tear things up! We've bought him toys that are supposed to be "tough" and within an hour or less, he's found the weaknesses in it and there's filling and fabric all over.

Another thing about the blankies is that the fuzzy fabric is so expensive. I'm lucky if I can get away with the fuzzy fabric and backing fabric for $15 and that's if I can get it on sale.

Okay, that's enough for now. I have some fuzzy fabric to wrangle into some semblance of a blanket.

Still catching up

Okay, crochet projects ... I'd have to say that everything I've done in the past year has been for Crochet Uncut, even if the items were for someone, the patterns went into the e-zine. Crochet Uncut has been well received and I'm getting a lot of items sent to me for review. So far, I've been fortunate in what I've reviewed and they've all been a pleasure to work with or read. One of my favorites was the Denise Interchangeable Crochet Hooks, which I adore using. For some yarn, I've designed patterns to use with them but haven't been able to do that for all the yarn. Hopefully I'll be able to work my way through them and publish patterns that show off the best of each one.

For the Summer 2010 issue, I had two patterns that I designed for my cousin Marci for her wedding, a garter and a keepsake bag. I also designed a bridal wrap but my dog decided it would make a good snack and ate it along with part of the remaining $18/ball yarn. I'm currently making a version of the shawl for a co-worker then will go back to the white version and finish it.

Take a look at all the fabulous patterns in Crochet Uncut at Ravelry. Each project page links to the pattern page in the e-zine and you can see who designed each pattern, how many folks like them, and how many are making the item.

I'm continuing to take painting classes from Jon McNaughton although it is getting harder each month to come up with the class fee. It's one of the few luxuries I allow myself each month. I posted the paintings I'd done over the last few months in my last post and since then, I've completed several more paintings over the last few days. I don't have photos of them yet except for one that I painted on my own based on a photo taken by a friend's SO. Some of you may know her as Bubbo at Ravelry and know that she has two dogs, Chester and Maddie. A few months back, Bubbo posted a photo that David had taken of Chester and I knew right then that I had to paint it.

I had my painting class on Wednesday and Thursday evening and I finished my painting for class about 45 minutes early so I went ahead and drove home. It was still too early to head to bed so I decided to finish the Chester painting and here it is:

(click on image for larger version)

I also posted three photos of the work in progress which you can take a look at on my Flickr gallery (click on image above to go there).

I have one more painting to finish up, then I'll varnish them and take them to Office Depot to get scanned in and saved to a CD. Which reminds me, if you'd like prints of any of my paintings, you can get them at Zazzle.com for about $12 for an 11"x14" print. Links are below to the different Zazzle sites for the U.S., Canada, UK, and other countries. Clicking on the link for your country will provide an affiliate commission for me no matter what Zazzle user you purchase from.
Fignations of Imaginment:

• @ Zazzle.com
• @ Zazzle.ca
  
• @ Zazzle.co.uk
• @ Zazzle.de
• @ Zazzle.fr
• @ Zazzle.es
• @ Zazzle.pt
• @ Zazzle.at
• @ Zazzle.ch
• @ Zazzle.se
• @ Zazzle.nl
• @ Zazzle.be
• @ Zazzle.jp
• @ Zazzle.au
• @ Zazzle.co.nz
• @ Zazzle.com.br
  

Almost forgot, I've also been making reversible project bags, half aprons, and needle/hook rolls in addition to my stitch markers and row counter bracelets. Sales of these items are used to pay the hosting fees for Crochet Uncut, so if you're looking for a cool items for Christmas, please take a look at my Artfire shop. The reversible bags can be used for crochet and knitting projects, treasure bags for kids, purses, gift bags, and more. The RapidCart in the right side bar shows different items available, just refresh to see different items, or just visit my shop!

• CatBird Studios @ Artfire
  

Well, I think I've rambled enough for now and it is after 1 am so I think I'll play a computer game for a bit then try to get some sleep.

Catching up

The other day I looked at my blog and was dismayed to see how long it had been since I'd updated it. I've painted several new landscapes and such, published several issues of Crochet Uncut, lost a beloved furry friend and adopted another one, made lots of row counter bracelets and stitch markers, and generally kept busy.

Not long after my last post, my little Shih Tzu, Kaylee, passed away after suffering seizures for some time. The medications weren't working any more and it finally got to be too much for her and she left us on October 19, 2009. A few weeks later, I adopted a Shih Poo from the local shelter that I named Mr. Darcy. He's twice as big as Kaylee was and now Truffles is smaller than the dog instead of bigger. Darcy keeps Truffles on his toes and still hasn't learned that hissing is not an invitation to play more.

The image below is of sweet Kaylee:

And these are of Darcy, the evening I brought him home and then five months later. He took to my sister right away.

The ladies at the shelter called him "Happy" because he was always happy to see people. His given name was "Wall-E" but that didn't sit well with me. My sister suggested "Mr. Darcy" so that one stuck.

Paintings ... now those I have quite a few of. I still have three I'm working on but hopefully will have at least two of them finished soon. The third one I just can't stand right now and it is now in the corner thinking about what it has done. So far it is unrepentant. I'm still taking classes from Jon McNaughton but trying to also find the time to paint on my own, which isn't easy to find time for.

The paintings are in no particular order, all are acrylic on masonite, 11"x14". They can be purchased at my Artfire shop (link is on the right-hand side of blog) or prints can be purchased at Zazzle. You can get an 11x14 print for about $12.

Springtime on the Farm

The Quiet Place

Old Truck with Sunflowers
(this one goes to my father)

Southern Utah

Self Portrait, 1983
(from my Senior High School Portrait)

Grandma's Garden

Cafe Lights

Girl with Flowers

Winter Wonderland

Garden of Weedin'

The Nativity

Okay, that's enough for now. I'll catch up on my crochet projects in my next post.

-dar

Benefit for Prune Belly Syndrome

TinkerAndPo was looking for folks to donate items for a benefit auction for Prune Belly, a devastating illness that kills 20% of infants before they are born and 30% within two years due to kidney problems.

I decided to donate a 5"x7" painting that I'm currently working on. It's a smaller version of one I finished earlier in the month, Mountain Stream.

Read about Prune Belly and the benefit at Prune Belly Syndrome. If you can't afford to bid on items in the auction, please consider making a small donation on the site (and be included in some raffles as a result). Every little bit helps.

I've recently donated to diabetes research and pancreatic cancer research but since I'm not always able to donate money to more causes (even if I'd like to), being able to donate an item to auction off is just one way I can help.

This month, I'm also working on getting donations for the American Diabetes Association. My paternal grandmother died from complications due to diabetes and my mother's older sister is suffering from diabetes and the results of having it for so long.

-darlisa

Halloween painting ...

New painting completed from the September class, titled "Welcome Home" ... Everyone's happy to see me come home except one troublemaker! Next month's class is a fall scene, with a pumpkin patch.

A few paintings to show off

It's been a couple of months since I last posted but I haven't been slacking off, I guarantee that!

First off, I've been getting ready for the Fall Issue of Crochet Uncut. I've been having trouble accessing the site, along with Salt City Gifts, and the hosting company determined that there were two scripts being run on other accounts that were taking up all the CPU. So they were disabled. A few days later, the same problem came up and they found another script using up all the CPU. Everything was fine for several days, then lo and behold, it happened again. So the hosting company moved my sites to a brand spankin' new server ... Of course, this has put me behind on the Fall issue, but so far so good on the site access.

I've also taken two more classes from Jon McNaughton and finished the paintings - which you can see below. Click on the images to see larger versions on my Flickr gallery.

This painting is called "Hollyhock Path" and while I still can't get the hollyhock stalks right yet (they're too "lush"), I'm still quite happy with it. There was also supposed to be a little girl on the path, but I decided not to put her in on this one.

Acrylic on masonite, 11x14

This next one, I'm not so happy with when it comes to the aspens (too uniform) and the clouds, but I love the mountains, pines, and stream - so I guess it balances out. This one is called "Mountain Stream."

Acrylic on masonite, 11x14

This next painting I went out on my own, kinda, using a lesson from Inspirations Vol. Two by Jerry Yarnell. I mixed his directions with my own style and some of Jon McNaughton's techniques and, so far, this is my favorite painting. This painting is called "Resting Wren."

Acrylic on masonite, 11x14

The class for September is a Halloween scene, October is a pumpkin patch, November is a Christmas scene, and December is a head study. Jon's also hoping to have a 3-day workshop next year on painting figures and I told him that if he did, I'd definitely take the three days off work to take the workshop.

I've been paying about $3.50 per masonite panel at Provo Art & Frame and while that's not a bad price (especially with my discount), it still adds up. I spent about $35 last weekend on ten 11x14 panels so this weekend, I decided to go to Lowes. There I found 4'x8' sheets of masonite and for a $9 cutting fee along with 4 panels, I paid $44 for the following (odd sizes were from scrap left after cutting the main sizes):

Main sizes:

• 5" x 7" - 48 panels
  
• 8" x 10" - 27 panels
• 11" x 14" - 71 panels

Scrap sizes:

• 4.5" x 8" - 3 panels
• 5" x 9" - 4 panels
• 10" x 11" - 4 panels
• 10.75" x 11" - 4 panels
• 11" x 11.25" - 3 panels
• 3" x 24" scraps

So now I have plenty of panels to do lots of paintings with. I'm planning on using the smaller panels to practice painting flowers on. I figure the small size will let me do one or two flowers without overdoing it. If I had purchased the main panels at the art store, I'd have paid $356 plus tax.

I'll post my progress here as I go and you can also keep an eye on my Flickr gallery to see what's been completed.

Getting back into the painting groove

I've been extremely busy lately but finally have a few minutes to post something.

The Summer issue of Crochet Uncut has been published and it is a very nice issue with plenty of patterns and articles. Go check it out!

Last week I took a two day painting class from Jon McNaughton, a local Provo artist. He does a lot of gorgeous landscapes but his religious art is absolutely breathtaking. I've been wanting to get back into painting since I haven't done anything since 1983 unless it was a digital painting or painting on nested dolls.

Anyway, I finished the painting from class and varnished it last night.



Click on the image to see larger versions if you'd like.

As soon as the varnish is dry, this painting will be on its way to my father for Father's Day.

I've started a second painting, same scene, so I can practice more and improve my techniques. I enjoy using acrylics as there are far fewer smells and stuff that can make me ill.

I'd really like to take one of Jon's three-day workshops, but I'd have to take three days vacation in order to do so. Maybe next year?