Bobbin Lace velvet purse

Hi, all,
Christmas is coming...........you must get started on the bobbin lace activity to make presents for this big event. Look carefully at all the pictures to know how to do this. I used a fusible wash-away stablizer for the base of the snowflake. (children's coloring books have big pictures to use for angels, trees, snowflakes,etcl)Trace the pattern onto the stablizer, then hoop it up; and using straight line stitching, completely fill the pattern with circles that overlap. You must overlap, so that the stitching stays together. Outline stitching is great but be sure to catch all of the circles to be sure that they all are tied together. Metallic thread is wound in the bobbin (not filling it except about half full. Regular thread is used on top of the machine. Such fun and so effective! Once you have the pattern completely full of thread, spray with water to remove stablizer. Let dry several hours. I used a dinner plate for a large circle pattern for my black velvet. Cut two bases, and two lining circles. Fuse them together with your favorite fusing material. Pin pattern to center of front circle. Use invisible thread to attach it to the center. (I added a gold button for more embellishment) Right sides together, sew the two circles together stopping about 2" from the top. Cover raw edges with seam binding, fold inside purse, and hand stitch to lining fabric. Add braided ribbon for handles.

"Old friends" are so wonderful!

Just got an email from a dear friend named Jody,from my "other life" in Texas. She sent me a picture of her "autumn wreath" that she had made using my Christmas wreath idea from this blog back on Dec. 7th, 2010. She plans on making a wreath for each change of season! What a neat idea that is! I love to see people getting creative with the ideas that I give, as so many of you are so talented! All you need is a little idea and you run with it! WONDERFUL!
Can't you imagine how cute this wreath will be in February with Valentine fabrics all over it and hearts added. This wreath starts with a styrofoam circle and fabric "prairie points" that are so simple to make, pinned onto the circle with just plain pins!
Check the archives from years past that are also on this blog. They have many ideas that you are welcome to use! Happy Halloween!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN from "Charlotte," my spider,and me!

Block #4 visual directions: see written directions below this entry

Mystery Quilt Quilt of Valor Block #4

Block #4 is so pretty. You only have to make 4 blocks. Remember to use SCANT 1/4" seams on this one. Friend of mine said that she always added a 1/4" extra on outside squares to be assured of having a 12 1/2" block when she squares up. Now, there is one smart lady. For some reason, some 1/4" foots for some machines, do not actually give you a 1/4" seam. BE SURE TO CHECK YOURS!
Follow the directions carefully.

Halloween pumpkin delight

This is absolutely to die for. I gave the recipe last year, but some of you haven't tried it, so here it is again. This has replaced pumpkin pie at our house. It is much better and even better for you!
1 15oz can pumpkin
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup sugar or Splenda or sugar substitute that you use
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 (18.25oz) package butter-flavored yellow cake mix
1 cup chopped pecans (if you like nuts)
1 cup butter melted
sprinkle of ground nutmeg
Lite Cool whip optional
Stir first 5 ingredients together. Pour into a lightly sprayed Pam 13 X 9 in. baking dish. Sprinkle entire box of cake mix evenly over pumpkin mixture. Sprinkle pecons on top. Drizzle butter evenly over top of all.
Bakd 350 degrees for 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 min. or until golden brown.
Remove from oven and let stand 10 min. before serving. Serve warm or at room temp. with Cool Whip or whipped cream if desired. sprinkle nutmeg on top of topping.
I used a Betty Crocker Super Moist Butter Yellow Cake Mix.

Applique Project Album

This applique project album is sooooooo easy to make. I love antique sewing notions, however, I made an
appliqué album to carry around with me with all of my appliqué projects in it. I found a beautiful flowered fabric that has an antique look to it that I used for the cover material.
Here are the directions: Cut the outside cover fabric 22 1/2" X 13 1/2"; cut lining fabric the same; cut polyester low loft batting, the same. Before sewing the cover fabrics together, cut a pocket of the flowered fabric 22 1/2" X 6 1/2". Turn under 1/4" at the top and then another 1/4"; stitch down to finish pocket.
Pin the pocket to the lining fabric; layer the cover and lining right sides together with the batting under the cover fabric. Stitch all around using a 1/4" seam starting at a side, leaving an opening of at least 4" to "flip and turn" right side out. Blind stitch the opening together.
Cut 4 pieces of fleece that fit inside the cover without showing. Stitch down the center of the sheets of fleece, attaching all 4 pieces to the cover. This makes 8 single sheets of fleece.
Ribbons are attached for closing album.