I finished my zipper pouch a while back. I think I need remedial training on how to put that zipper in more invisibly. Trial and Error and there is always next time. I am using it for templates and such....
The close up pic is a detail from a stitch I saw in Annie's blog here on day 35.
http://www.loopylace.com/anniescrazyworld/
Some adverisements in the store...
Friday evening after Galbi, we went to the Baskin Robbins in Waegwan. They have such great ice cream- especially on a hot summer's day! Upon entering the store, I saw two monks- a man and a woman- eating ice cream with a child and her mother presumably. I assume they were family. They were eating from a bowl with balls of ice cream fondue style where you dip the fruit and ice cream in the melted chocolate in the center bowl. Looked good- and I thought how I would like to try that one day. After they left, I looked at the plate/bowl combo they had left on the table- and the unfinished 'dippers'- and I realized that there were tomatoes amidst the bananas! Tomatoes? Yes, tomatoes! Puts tomatoes in a whole new perspective. They, after all, are a fruit! =)
I decided to dust off my pedometer and join some of the other stitching ladies into counting steps for a week of progress.
I have always loved to walk. I really don't mind distance so joining in the challenge wasn't something I had to 'make' myself do. (I didn't have to look very far for finding my pedometer either!) They really are handy little gadgets. I prefer the ones with a timer on them and mine does not have that feature.
Monday found me replacing my pedometer battery allowing me to start counting with half the day gone. Three days out of five weekdays I was able to walk on the treadmill and play a game of raquetball with my husband. Also walking around errands around town. Even though we now have a car, I find myself preferring to walk if I am not in a time crunch. The weather has gotten hot and humid too. I also found that for a few mornings every week I had forgotten to put it on after I had been plodding through housework first thing in the morning. Jumping on the scale this week found me two and a half pounds less also including dieting. (Low Fat)
Ah, and good shoes are a neccesity.
I look forward to next weeks tally. Hopefully I can push farther.
Friday night we went to eat at the Galbi Mart. This little man was sitting at the table next to us absorbed in his bowl of bibimbap. (Rice with vegetables and seaweed) Occasionally his Mom would feed him some meat and he would happily go back to his own bowl. Picture taken with permission of course...
Many Koreans wear shirts with English words and American slogans on them that don't quite make any sense. They can REALLY tickle your funny bone. (Some are not even fit to post and I am not sure the wearers know what their shirts say!) Take the back of our server's tee shirt for example! =)
If you missed the post about Galbi (Kalbi) it is in the archives of June)
Baskin Robbins is on the agenda tomorrow...
Yesterday I went to Taegu to go shopping with some friends. We happened upon this flower store that was literally overflowing with fake flowers. I had passed this place many times, since it is right by the market, but never went in until yesterday. 
The aisles were so narrow so I really had to be careful not to knock everything over with my backpack. The last pic is what I purchased for my stash. (I am TRYING to be VERY good! ) The ribbon flowers were probably cheaper to buy assembled then it was to purchase the ribbon. They are about an inch across. I couldn't resist the swag lace that can be cut apart.
Another project using the same paisley funky fabric I was so smitten with a few years ago. I think it was inspired by one of JBM's books.
Have a great weekend all! I am off to do some shopping! Look out Taegu- HERE I COME!
Last Spring, I visited a Korean Drama Village in Andong. It is the scene for a Korean historical drama that aired on television and is a replica of a Korean village complete with walled city. I have heard that outside of every Korean city there are totem poles (I apologize since I don't know the correct name to call them) that are supposed to keep good fortune upon the town or village.
Here's another one of my silkies- a gift to Debbie. I think I need to get my silkies out and start playing with them again. I think I'm out of practice. =)
Debbie has sent me pics of a few things that I had made years ago before I ever thought of buying a digital camera. This was one of the first silkies I embellished and sent it to her as a gift. She took it, made a wonderful pillow out of it, and I am hoping she will share the completed work on her blog.
Hee hee- Long ago I made some tissue case covers that fit in your purse as gifts for many friends. The pattern came from Suzanne in Michigan, listmom for the CQ Embellishers.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CQembellishers/?yguid=251264892
Here is the link to the tissue holder at Suzanne's blog.
http://suzannemi.blogspot.com/
Seeing it, I had a mixed reaction. =) I still loved it, but couldn't believe my stitching is so big and clunky!
At that time, I was very smitten by the paisley fabric that had orange, tans, purple, fuschia, and went perfect with some batik fabrics.
I made this about 6 months ago and keep all of my stitching tools in it for easy use. So if you are wondering why it isn't pristine- it is because it gets used OFTEN! =)
I purchased a placemat in the United States and also some large freezer bags. I hand stitched the doiley's and the buttons in the center for decoration, although some of the placemats would be nice with no decoration. I staggered the freezer bags on both sides of the center of the placemat and sewed right down the middle through all layers of plastic. Depending on how many layers you have, you might want to put two pins to hold everything in place. I hand tacked a ribbon to keep my scissor available for easy use and voilla- easy and fast. You can add handles if you like-it would be easy to carry and look like a purse.
I have seen others make these for traveling bags to put shampoo and personal hygiene in them. You can also make them with small pot holders and small ziploc baggies for sewing kits. Makes a neat little gift for students or those away from home.
I daubed the motif with a teeny bit of water on a Q tip cotton swab to remove the blue water soluble pen marks. In the end, the stitches do even themselves out even if they werent perfectly spaced in the beginning. I am not sure if I want to add a button or not. I can't seem to make up my mind. VBG!
Wow! What a difference! Debbie sent an e mail telling me how to change the settings on my camera for close ups and what a difference! Thanks so much Debbie! Literally, a day late, but I am learning in the process! =)
I first saw these feather stitch circles on one of Betty Pillsbury blocks in Carole Samples 'Treasury of Crazy Quilt Stitches'.
Barbara was asking if I could give some tips on the feather stitch circle so I took some pics while I did one this morning. These are really quick to make- and easy too. I usually choose a fabric that can tolerate a teeny bit of water since I use a water soluble marker to make a circle with. I would be careful on silk fabric since it might leave a watermark. In this example I traced around a spool of thread.
In pic one, I started the circle with the outside arm of the feather stitch on the line.
In pic two, The center of the feather stitch is on the line and it is straddling the line...
Keep stitching around in this manner until you come full circle. If your stitching isn't perfect it will be 'rounded off' by the lazy daisies and colonial knots added later. It might look crooked, but in the end it will be okay. Also, when you come to joining the circle, you might have to take out a few stitches to get the correct length for joining. (You might have to make a few of the stitches a little bit longer or shorter as needed) You want to have an innie arm connected to an outie arm. If you don't. it will have an extra outie arm in there and it won't be as symmetrical. BUT- I have left them like this and they still worked out. Never got a dirty look from someone when they saw it had an extra arm! =)
Clear as mud??? I will embellish it more tomorrow. =)
And, BTW, I sure wish I could get better close ups on my camera! Argh!
I know! I know! Not another project!!! I still haven't finished my gypsy purse yet! But I thought I would make these into a zippered pouch to carry things in. I think it will be embroidery only, with nothing that can get snagged while in usage.
This is Debbie's block from the Treasury Round Robin. I have kept it far too long and will be mailing it soon. The difficulty for me is that the ladies before me (I am the last working on it) 'set the pace' and have made it a mostly stitching block and it is mostly a geometric block. Talk about a challenge- at least to me!
I added the feather stitch seam. I might add some flower beads... not sure
I am pleased with the feather stitch circle around the button but think it is too close to the other seam stitchery. If I stitched closer to the edge of the block it probably would get cut off in the seam allowance. =( As much as I tried, I coudn't get a good close up of this motif.
I also added the tatting on the top patch on the geometric fabric.
Have a great day everyone!
At the yahoo hand embroidery group (http://groups.yahoo.com/hand-embroidery/) we are talking about Valuable Lessons Learned in Embroidery. It is very interesting what everyone has to say about what they have learned/are learning about embroidery. I have compiled comments and tried to use names- please forgive me if I have erred-
Ripping- if the stitching is satisfactory, leave it in. (They will be overlooked in the whole composition of a crazy quilt) Don't take it out unless you really HATE it!
We are our worst critic! Elizabet shared how she was 'down' on her stitching and yet, her work was accepted by cqmagonline. Isn't it true? We are our worst critic!
Planning- Should I or shouldn't I? that is the big dilemna in Crazy Quilting.
Don't use iron on transfers on dark fabric or it will dull the fabric. (Linda)
Don't compare your work with others! Stitch because you love to stitch and it is something you must do out of creativity and neccesity. I don't think a stitcher can be truly happy with their work if they are comparing to others all of the time. I was in a lurch for a long time because I wasn't satisfied with my work. I think when I put those thoughts away and stitch to my hearts content, that I am a much happier stitcher! I enjoy it.
Use other pics for inspiration but do not be dissapointed with your work when it isn't exactly like it. You have your own expression and style.
If the stitching is the best you can do- leave it! (dd)
Comparing saps the joy- the reason for stitching- out of the whole creative process!
I think it's really important for you to be yourself and stitch what you enjoy, not just what everyone else it doing.
Stitch what inspires you- and not what inspires someone else
(From Barbara who is actually talking about Tole Painting- but it does apply) When I taught tole painting thestudent would often say "it doesn't look like yours" and I wouldalways reply, "that's because I didn't paint it", to me nothing isworse than walking into a shop and seeing a painting that looksexactly like the person whose method it is. I believe that my talentcomes from "interpreting" that pattern, method, stitch, whatever. Itreflects me, still using the basic premiss of method but "doing it myway" so to speak. At our ages, we don't want to dress exactly likeeveryone else, so why would we want our projects to be exactly likeothers. Make it yours and you might just be surprised at what happens.
I have a friend who teaches children. When they do a craft, she NEVER does a 'sample' or 'model' for the kids to copy. If she does, they want to copy it exactly as she made it. But if she said 'Today we aremaking.....' then their imagination has free reign and they are not bound by what their mind has limited them to see...
I welcome any thoughts you have on what you have learned also!
Taking a well needed break. I think I am getting old!
We went to the ice rink to watch the ice skaters and to cool off since it was hot outside. There were two classes being given at the time, figure skating for girls and speed skating for boys. I asked if I could take one of their pictures, and he got all of his class buddies into the act. Now, I ask, you, how cute is that??? =)
Another 'aerial' view from the top of the roller coaster.
On the fourth of July weekend we went to Woo Bang Tower Land. It is an amusement park, skating rink, and aquarium. You can also go up in the tower to the viewing deck. It is similar to the Space Needle in Seattle with a rotating restaurant. Since coming to Korea, I always wanted to get a birds eye view of Taegu from here, and now I can say I have-
More pics tomorrow!
What a view that last pic is, upside down and all, eh? =)
A few months back I took an online class with Sharon B. What an experience that was and I look forward to doing it again when she offers stumpwork and seam embroidery! With Sharon's background in art and theory she gave us guidelines on how to put a block together, motif placement, making the eye wander around the block, and it was a great experience. If you want to look at Sharon's work I am including links-
http://inaminuteago.com/crazyquilting/cq-samplerquilt/quiltindex.html
http://inaminuteago.com/crazyquilting/buttonquilt/buttonboxgallery.html
I want to share my class block today. The focus fabric was the orangey fabric in the center. It has metallic running through it and little flowers of pink and lavender. What a combination! Who wouldda thunk?=)
I haven't completely finished it yet, but someday will... =)
Thought I would post the remaining pics of Dong Ah temple. The building pic is directly across from the Buddha Statue.
I hope to get some stitching done today! Hooray!
I have been crazy quilting for about 7 years. I 'blame' it on my dear friend, Debbie, who showed me her first Crazy Quilt back then.
I had made a few sane quilts, and always became frustrated with the points having to match, (mine never did) and the perfection of having to sew a quarter inch seam. I don't remember which CQ she showed me (If you remember Debbie I would like to know and see pics too) but I do remember the fascination! It was so freeform, the perfectionism of piecing did not exist...I was free to use any fabics I wanted, free to use any embellishments I wanted including buttons, lace, charms. I thought to myself. "I REALLY CAN do this!' After sewing and embellishing a block , and when Debbie and I were finally able to visit together,( we live at opposite ends of the earth most of the time) I remember her oohing and ahhing over MY creations! MINE! How could this be? This was Lillian's work- a beginner's! But her oohing and ahhing was heartfelt and genuine! I will never forget it! Never mind that it didn't compare to her work. Never mind that it wasn't perfect! I really felt that she liked my stuff and what a boost that was to my creativity!
When I started doing CQ, I remember ALL of my embellishments (including thread) could fit into a shoebox! (That really is a hilarious thought!) I thought I had ARRIVED! I won't mention how much 'finery' I have now, but I will say that I am grateful for a husband who is very understanding. =) VBG!
So, saving the best for last, I will leave the link to Debbie's blog. I am so glad she taught me how to crazy quilt and is such an inspiration to me- in more then just her stitching.
http://needle-lil-more-time-2-sew.blogspot.com/
The silk ribbon in this motif was dyed using the white dyers ribbon and dyes from ribbonsmyth.com. When you buy in bulk you really save SO much money and can have any color you want lickety split- about 5 minutes. Quicker then ANY trip to the store. I have also dyed lace motifs with great results even if is wasn't recommended. (a bit of experimentation!)
The seam to the left was made using Carole Samples templates, and what a great resource they are.
Other seams on the cotton crazy were using Kelly Gallagher Abbott's templates from jukeboxquilts.com. I love CQ goodies- can you tell? =)
I wanted to share some of my favorite blogs since I CANNOT figure out how to make links on the blogger page. Believe me, I have tried! So here they are in no special order- and don't forget to check out the archives if you have the time. Wonderful things lurk in the archives!
Sharon B's blog
http://www.inaminuteago.com/blog/
Linda B's blog
http://chloesplace.blogspot.com/
Allison Aller's blog
http://www.allisonaller.com/cblog/index.php
RibbonWiz's blog
http://creativeribbons.blogspot.com/
Pat Winter's blog
http://gatherings100.blogspot.com/
Plays with Needles
http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/
Pam Kellog's blog
http://kittyandmedesigns.blogspot.com/
And I have to say that they are all very kind people. They have answered questions via e mail, provide wonderful helps and inspiration to those who love to Crazy Quilt and Sharon taught an online class! Who could ask for more in our online stitching community?I follow these ladies blogs daily, looking for inspiration and eye candy!
Thought I would share more work from my cotton CQ.
The top photograph is a motif that I made up to fit around the rectangular button. I think it is rather vintage looking.
The second pic is Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery using pearl cotton. I think I prefer this better instead of using the rayon thread. For some reason I never really liked the sheen of the rayon thread.
Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
Lillian
From Top to Bottom:
1. I wish my camera could give the painted ceiling on the temple clarity. I have heard that there are special painters that only paint temples for a living. It is so brightly painted and beautiful. I am sure they have to repaint often since it is in very good condition. In days gone by, only temples are allowed to have the brightly colored paint.
2. Neat angle of the path leading to the main statue.
3. This is the Buddha statue that everyone prays to. I wondered what that 'thing' is under his left hand... turned out to be a wasps nest...
4. I found this one of the more interesting things... If anyone can shed more light on exactly what is the purpose I would appreciate it. In the main courtyard ( I really don't know what else to call it) there is a stone wall with nooks and crannies. In these rock shelves people had placed rocks and trinkets. Could it symbolize the prayers of the people?
5. Praying Buddhists. I visited the temple as purely a historic site. Many of you know (and might not know) that I am a Christian and that my husband is a pastor. The Buddhist followers were very devout in their praying/bowing (full bows to the ground from a standing position and touching their heads to the ground and standing from this position with no aid of the arms) consecutively hundreds of times. I must say, that I found the whole experience grieving to my soul. While there was great beauty in the scenery and great interest in the importance of Buddhism in Korea, I couldn't help but thinking that it is a man made statue of cement and my thoughts were continually thinking of Dagon falling to the floor at the feet of the Ark of the Covenant in the temple of Israel. While in the beginning of starting the blog, I had said that I would keep to my stitching and pics of Korean, but I find that it is difficult to not mention the reason for my living here in Korea and the focus of my life. How can I not mention my Lord and Saviour? I mention this not to berate anyone- that is not my purpose, but to share what the Lord has done in my life and what He can do for others- for you.
Okay, Okay! =) I know I am slow in stitching, especially with the Independance Day Holiday and four day weekend. I did a bit of stitching today and here are my latest results. I want to add some beads to the cretan/holbein combination and do something in the top right corner but am not sure exactly what yet.
Last night, Kim Jong Il, the dictator of North Korea fired missiles into the Korean Sea (Sea of Japan). I don't think there is any irony that it was fired on American's Independance Day. When we lived here previously (1994-97) there was much tension between the two countries with North Korean spies bodies being found washed up on the East Shore and defections from North Korea to the South. I remember how thick the tension was since we lived up North by the DMZ (demilitarized zone) There were checkpoints with armed guards and air raid sirens were being tested weekly. There was a very real threat of war with many Americans leaving the country because of that threat.
The reports are conflicting right now- some say one missile was fired and others say three short range and one long range. Here are some links if you are interested-
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060704/wl_asia_afp/nkoreamissilemilitary_060704202919
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2006-07-04-north-korea-missile_x.htm?csp=34
This is one of my favorite pics- which is an entry to someone's gate near to our house. The hill in the background is called 'hill 303'. In the Korean War, this is an area of intense fighting and many Korean and American lives were lost. Taegu (and southward)remained unscathed. There are memorials in the hill and many graves on the mountainside.
Just wanted to share a tote bag that I had finished recently! The bag pattern came from Barbara Randell's Crazy Quilting with Attitude book. I used lace instead of the gimp trim with tassels.
If you look carefully in the reflection of our front door you can see Soja the dog carefully watching me. More about Soja later...
