Monday, December 31, 2018

Challenge Completed! - Day 31 - 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge

Hooray! I've made it through the #31DayBlogWriting Challenge. 

It was definitely a bit of a challenge, though I did prove to myself that I can easily blog more often on a regular basis. I plan to commit to blogging at least once a week for this year, and most likely beyond! It is good practice for writing, and also a nice way to collect your ideas and share your work with others. 

Thanks again to Cheryl Sleboda of www.Muppin.com for setting up this event. You can visit the blogs of the other participants in the challenge by going to http://muppin.com/wordpress/index.php/the-2018-31-day-blog-writing-challenge/


It has been snowing here today, something that doesn't happen very often in our part of the country! Here is a little photo of the Pecan tree in our yard with snow. I have been working on a little quilt with a drawing of our tree, called Pecan Tree in winter (title may change once completed!). I started it last year, but may have to add "snow" to the image now! 

Pecan tree with Arizona snow!




















As promised here are some images of the Angelina Fibers I have been working with. I have had it in my art supplies for a long time (years!), and got it out to use on my little "Heat it Up!" Reader Challenge quilt.

Angelina fibers before fusing. A non-stick pressing sheet is used 
to protect the iron when fusing.

Angelina Fibers enclosed in non-stick pressing sheet.

Angelina Fibers after pressing - the fibers stick to themselves and 
form a sheet of fabric, which has an iridescent quality. You can cut 
up the sheet to use as embellishments, or to 
create appliques to use on a larger project.

Fused sheets of pink and lime green Angelina Fibers 
on a blue paper background.

Detail of fused fibers - I combined pink with 
another color to get a mixed result.

Angelina Fibers used as a sewed on embellishment 
on my little quilt (in the middle of the photo).







































































































You can find a lot of information on how to use Angelina Fibers on the internet by searching for Angelina Fibers. I still need to do some more experimenting. I enjoyed working with them, though they are a little messy. The fibers are a bit static in the dry air and want to stick to your clothing a bit! They were fun to fuse and use for embellishing. The fibers change color somewhat when you fuse them. They won't fuse to other surfaces (paper or fabric), so you need to glue them or sew them in place. 

I have read that you can use them with needle-felting, and they can be mixed in with roving. I like to machine and hand needle-felt, so I will most likely try that next.

A quick search found many places to purchase Angelina Fibers, so you can definitely comparison shop for them. I will order some more in the future, they are fun to work with.

Happy New Year 2019, and Happy Creating in the year ahead!

Blessings,

Denise A. Buchwalter-Losczyk

Sunday, December 30, 2018

Days 28, 29, 30 - 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge

Good evening!

Yes, I did miss 2 days of the #31DayBlogWritingChallenge, so I am counting today's post as 3 days! I know that may be cheating a bit, but I have been busy working on a project, which I had to complete to meet a deadline.

Here is a little update, I have been finishing my quilt entry into the Quilting Arts "Heat it Up!" challenge. I finished the quilt today, and sent in my entry so we will see how it goes.

Here are a few photos taken during my work in progress:

Quilting done, and edges trimmed.

Detail of quilting

Angelina fibers in bags, before experimenting with them!






















































I will post a final photo in the future and tomorrow I will write a bit about Angelina fibers, a material I experimented with while creating my little piece.

Enjoy the last day and hours of 2018!

Blessings,

Denise A. Buchwalter-Losczyk

#31DayBlogWritingChallenge

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Pincushions in my Studio - Day 27 - 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge

Pincushions are one of those items that just multiply at times. Here are some of mine to share with you today (there are a couple more!).

Group photo: 2 top pincushions are from my early sewing days, 
the velvet tomato is very faded! Star pincushion on left I made 
from a pattern and gave several as gifts. Poodle on right is my first 
pincushion I hand sewed it in Brownies, when I was seven.

Faded Velvet Tomato Pincushion



Close up of Hand-stitched Poodle









Another view of my original pincushions.

I love these pincushions made in China. They are beautiful
 designs. They were purchased either in Chicago,
 San Francisco or New York. The large red one was 
a find at a thrift sale. 

These wrist pincushions aren't quite as 
visually exciting, but very useful.









































































They do seem to multiply! Sometimes they follow you home, they are fun to design and make, and useful too.

How many do you have? I know I can always find ways to use them, and they are fun to display.

Pincushion Blessings,

Denise A. Buchwalter-Losczyk

#31DayBlogWritingChallenge



Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Update on my current Work in Progress - Day 26 - 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge

Hi!

Here is a photo update of my current WIP (work in progress). 

Little 7 inch by 7 inch project final design layout, 
before glue basting to batting and quilting.

Quilting in progress - still a little more to go, then I will sew and 
hot fuse embellishments, and perhaps add some 
hand stitching and embroidery, we will see!

Detail of some of the quilting - I have more confidence 
quilting on the machine now, than in my earlier days.
The more you do, the better you get! 
(I am always improving.)





























































Keep warm and enjoy the rest of the year!

Denise A. Buchwalter-Losczyk

#31DayBlogWritingChallenge

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Season's Greetings! - Day 25 - 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge

Season's Greetings!

I hope you are having a good day, and if you are celebrating the season a good celebration!

Our celebration is a quiet one, enjoying each other's company and some good food.

Here are some photos of holiday ornaments/decorations I have made in the past, hope you enjoy seeing them! 

Embroidery on paper with sequins

Tatting with my hand painted threads and buttons on mulberry paper

Close up of tatting on mulberry paper

God's Eye Gift Tag Ornaments

Machine and Hand Needle-felted Ornaments

Holiday Gift Tag Ornaments

My Yo-Yos's Cubed Ornament

Star Needle-felted ornament and a little elf by 
my mom (a good remembrance of her.)

Have a fun day!

Denise A. Buchwalter-Losczyk

#31DayBlogWritingChallenge


Monday, December 24, 2018

One of my favorite fabric sources and a sale - Day 24 - 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge

(Please note - this is not a sponsored post, just shopping information I am sharing!)

Today I am sharing one of my favorite online places to purchase fabrics. I know many sewers and quilters prefer to purchase their fabric in person at a store, but for me that hasn't always been that easy a task.

Currently I live in a small town, miles away from fabric stores. I personally don't drive, so I like the feeling of independence in ordering my fabric online. Even when I lived in a large city there were a surprisingly small number of fabric stores in the city, let alone near where I lived. I would visit the ones I could and see what was available, but I often had to order fabric through catalog and online.

My favorite online fabric store, especially for quilting fabric, is www.equilter.com. They have a large assortment of fabrics available, so if you can't find a fabric locally you can often find it on their site. 

My favorite feature on their site is their online design board. You choose the fabrics you like, then place them on the design board. You can view and compare the swatches together and get an idea how the they will work together in a sewing project or quilt. It is a very useful tool and also great fun. (I also use it to make purchasing decisions, so I don't go over my fabric budget!)

I often feel overwhelmed by the multitude of fabric choices in a store or even online, and the design tool makes it much easier to choose fabrics.

I haven't been able to purchase as much fabric lately, and I do have a large stash to work with, but even when I can't buy I like browsing their site.

EQuilter also gives a percentage of your purchase to charity. You have the option to choose among various charities when you check out your shopping cart.

My favorite time to shop is during their clearance sales, which are usually around a holiday. (Though they always have a clearance category you can check out.) Right now there is a year end clearance sale, so if you would like to purchase quality fabric (most cotton quilting fabric, but there are other fibers as well) at a great price, check out their sale at https://www.equilter.com/category/40/clearance-bargains.

Happy shopping, browsing and quilting,

Denise Buchwalter-Losczyk

#31DayBlogWritingChallenge

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Craft Supply Sale - Day 23 - 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge

Today I'm sharing news about a sale on Craftsy, check it out if you like!

This is a sponsored post, I receive compensation if a purchase is made through this link:

Thanks for looking!

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Have a good evening! Happy Crafting and Creating,

Denise A. Buchwalter-Losczyk

#31DayBlogWritingChallenge

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Day 22 - 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge

Happy Belated Solstice!

I missed blogging yesterday, it was just a busy day, no time to even think about writing.

  Today I am sharing a progress photo of my 7 inch x 7 inch "Heat it Up" Quilting Arts Reader Challenge quilt.

The words were applied on fabric with a hot foil pen. Hopefully I will make good progress on this project, since the photo entry is due by Jan. 2!

Work in progress!



















Take care,
Happy Quilting!

Denise A. Buchwalter-Losczyk

#31dayblogwritingchallenge

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Work in Progress - Day 20 - 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge

I can't believe it is Day 20 of the #31DayBlogWritingChallenge ! Only 11 days to go, then a new year begins. I'm hoping the new year will bring new accomplishments and pleasant surprises for everyone.

Today I'm sharing some photos of my current work in progress. It is for the Quilting Arts magazine "Heat it Up" challenge. I still need to experiment with some new materials, and my design may change. Feel like it is a bit of a slow beginning, but fun, also. It will be a little 7 inch by 7 inch art quilt.

Design in process. Using some enameled samples left over
from my enameling classes.

Detail, mulberry paper behind sunflower on cloth, transferred using TAP paper.





































Have a good evening!

Denise Buchwalter-Losczyk

#31dayblogwritingchallenge

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Learn New Skills in 2019 - Day 19 - 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge

Today I'm sharing an offer from Craftsy/Bluprint. Their classes are excellent, and they are a great resource for supplies for many crafts, hobbies and creative endeavors!

Sponsored Post:



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Missed Black Friday? Our lowest prices of the year are back, and everything you need to get creative is on Bluprint! If you’re looking to try your hand at a new project, save on supplies, and get inspired, this is the place. Now through 12/31, you can join at our lowest prices of 2018 — and own 12 Craftsy classes of your choice forever.
Coupon Code: No coupon needed.

Expiration Date: 12/31/2018 11:59pm MST
Restrictions: By clicking the Subscribe button you agree to the Terms of Use, Membership Agreement and Privacy Policy. You authorize Bluprint to charge your credit/debit card at the above stated price and before each subscription term at the then-current rate plus applicable tax. You understand that your plan is continuous and will auto-renew until cancelled or changed by visiting the Account page. For plans with a trial you must cancel during the trial to avoid being charged. One (1) redemption per email address 12/01/2018 12:01AM Mountain Time through 12/12/2018 11:59PM Mountain Time. Monthly and Annual subscribers will receive two Craftsy.com class credits immediately upon subscription. Class credits can be redeemed for any class on Craftsy.com with the exception of classes produced by The Great Courses. Class credits expire on 3/26/2019 11:59PM Mountain Time. Annual subscribers will receive one $25 coupon every quarter - amounting to four total coupons over the course of one year. Annual subscribers will receive their first $25 coupon immediately upon subscription. This coupon will expire on 3/26/2019 at 11:59PM Mountain Time. $25 coupons can be used towards the purchase of all kits, supplies and classes on Craftsy.com. Coupons must be redeemed in a single transaction. Any unredeemed discount cannot be saved or carried forward to a future transaction. $25 coupon amount is in US Dollars. Credit/debit card required. Offer cannot be combined with other offers, and is not redeemable for cash. Current Craftsy Unlimited and current Bluprint customers are not eligible for this offer. Monthly and Annual Bluprint subscribers will receive free shipping and 50% off the full listing price of Craftsy.com classes, DVDs, kits and supplies December 1st through December 31st, 2018 11:59PM EST. Annual subscribers will receive free shipping throughout the full year of their subscription. To redeem this discount, customers must sign in with their Bluprint email address and password on Craftsy.com This offer does not include a free trial. Discount cannot be combined with other offers or promotional codes and is not redeemable for cash. 50% off Craftsy.com discount is only available upon the completion of free trial. Discount cannot be applied towards the purchase of the following products: all classes regularly priced at $9.99, Fremont Tote Bag Kit,Embroidery Kits, Creative Grids products, Karen Kay Buckley products, Zirkel products, Malabrigo products, and Bluprint Boxes. Free shipping is only available for orders shipped within the US. Subject to additional terms. Bluprint and Craftsy may end or alter this offer at their discretion.

Happy Crafting and Creating!

Denise A. Buchwalter-Losczyk

#31DayBlogWritingChallenge

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Auditioning Supplies for a New Challenge - Day 18 - 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge

Today I have begun auditioning supplies for a new challenge. I've decided to try my hand at creating a mini quilt for the December 2018/January 2019 Quilting Arts Magazine Reader Challenge. 
If you are interested in entering the challenge you can read more about it in the December 2018/January 2019 issue of Quilting Arts magazine. Their challenges are fun, even if you aren't chosen. If chosen, you have the chance to have your work published in an upcoming issue of the magazine. The finalists of this challenge will be published in the June 2019 issue. 

The challenge is to make a 7 inch x 7 inch quilt based on the theme of "Heat it Up!", incorporating the element of heat in the art quilt. The quilt entries are due electronically by January 2, 2019, so I need to get busy.

Here are the supplies I have gathered to possibly utilize in the quilt. I'll post more photos as my work progresses:

Supplies I've gathered for possible use in my little art quilt.
Close up of photos of flowers in our summer garden, 
sunflowers and cosmos, transferred to TAP paper.

Close up of Angelina Fibers - I have had these in my stash 
for a while, and have not worked with them yet. 
Also fusible stones and brass embellishments, from my stash.

Embroidered silk that I like, I've used it in some of my other projects, 
I like the hot orange color for this project, perhaps. 
I may include the blue batik fabric on the right, also. 
It is one of my favorite fabrics and I only have a little left!


Hope to get busy in the studio these days! It seems like it takes me a while to make my way into the studio many times, but I plan to keep returning to my creative spot!

Happy creating, keep creating, and don't give up creating!

Denise A. Buchwalter-Losczyk

#31DayBlogWritingChallenge