Designing

 I spent some time designing today. These are my first steps... print a pattern and draw. I love the outlines Lady Armstrong Designs have, so I used them. I eventually need to make my own so I am not copying.

 The person who is ordering this tunic wants something based on Princess Celestia, but not something that screams it so badly. I'll post more designs as the project progresses!

Gwee Fleece Blanket Part 3

The Gwee blanket is all done. I left his arms, wings, horns, feet and tail free to move.

Most of his embroidery is by machine, but I did his eyes with a stem stitch and added in a couple nose slits.

Close up of the cute little feet.

The blanket itself is rather large... 36x60. I had a hard time deciding where to put the little guy on the blanket and which way to face him. I finally settled on this because I thought it would wourk best for the many ways a person can swaddle or fold.

The baby shower is next Sunday, so hopefully mom and dad love it.

Gwee Part 2

I wasn't feeling well today, so I didn't get as much done as I had hoped. I lightly stuffed and sewed the parts then hand embroidered the eyes and nose. I will likely finish soon. I am having a hard time deciding how to place it... in the corner, the center, facing up or down... too many options, I think!

Gwee Fleece Blanket, Part 1

So, I'll admit that I really don't know what a Gwee is beyond a super cute baby dragon. When I was talking about needing to make something gender neutral for an upcoming baby shower for an Amtgard friend, my cousin suggested a dragon blanket with arms, legs and wings that were free to move. She also suggested that I use a Gwee for the pattern, and after showing a picture to me, I was sold.

I still have a bunch of details to stitch on, and I need to quilt him into place, but I am super happy with houw he is looking so far. I am debating whether or not to add just a bit of stuffing to the parts that are sewn down, but I haven't decided. Likely I will test to see how it looks and then decide.

Anyway, cute little break while I wait for the other special orders to return my messages.

Two Commissions - Owl Belt Favor and Checkered Tabard

So, today was a good day of sewing. I finished both these projects in time to take them to the field and had fun designing a pattern (next post). This owl was a commission, and I believe it is the most complex machine applique I've ever attempted. I was pleased with the outcome.

I hate to admit that I can't tell if this is a boar or a wolf. I did it exactly like the picture, so he was happy with it. The stars made my machine unhappy. so I am glad I was able to fix it rather than needing to start over. The sides crisscross and tie so that  he can slip it on and off over his armor easily and not have to wear a belt.

Since he also ordered the owl, I added a touch of gold to make the heraldry pop a bit more.

That's all for today.

Puppy Fun

My cousin, Nathan, was born when I was in the middle of going back to school and then dealing with breast cancer, so I never made him a baby quilt. This weekend is his 4th birthday, so I asked him to tell me about the things he liked, and I made him a more kid-like quilt.

The colors match his adult-like bedspread, and the puppies sort of look like his dog, Isabeaux. I tried a new quilt pattern, and it was pretty fun. I think it would have worked better with more colors, but I am not unhappy with it.

I really love this green dot fabric. I've been wanting to use it in something for a while. The puppies are super cute too.