February CQJP

Here is my February CQJP (Crazy Quilt Journal Project). I'm making a series of paisleys. I love the paisley shape and love crazy quilting! When the year is done and I have 12 paisleys, they will hang from the valance I made to showcase this series. I embossed the burgundy velvet with an Indian wooden print block. I used a fine gold metallic thread to embroider around the shape and added metal and glass beads. The seam treatment along the blue patch is embroidery and beads with the hummingbird charm added. Silk floss was used for the embroidered seam at the bottom. Of course, a fairy charm had to be added! Also, a heart for Valentine's Day.


I'll probably end up beading in between the individual paisleys to anchor them together, so they are fixed. I don't want them twirling around individually as they will end up getting tangled. We'll see what other ideas I come up with as the year progresses!

My artwork on the cover of The Essential Herbal magazine.

Tina, editor/owner of The Essential Herbal magazine, asked if I would lend some of my textile artwork for the cover for the Roses issue. Having much from which to choose, she decided on this piece. Actually, this is the center section of a larger piece. The roses I fashioned from wired taffeta ribbon. All the embroidery and beadwork is by hand.

I've also written a short article on roses for this issue. I have written a few articles for The Essential Herbal before. It really is the best grass roots herbal magazine out there. Always something interesting to learn!

Crazy Quilts are Quilts Too Blog Party

Thearica, over on Pigtales is hosting a blog party, "Crazy Quilts are Quilts Too!" They certainly are! I've been creating crazy quilts since around 1990. I've won many, many awards. I've researched, collected and written about vintage crazy quilts too. I teach about crazy quilting and all the myriad techniques of hand work that goes into them. I absolutely love crazy quilts. If you scroll down through my blog, you can see tons of photos and comments about them. (okay, yes, I also am into herbs)

My website, www.BettyPillsbury.com has more photos and information about crazy quilts too. I am starting an on-line class in March. See blog post below. And, www.GreenSpiralHerbs.com is the place to go for our hand-made herbal products.

On-line class starting March 27

I'll be teaching Paisley Peacock in an on-line class starting March 27. It will run for 4 weeks. You can sign up at http://www.maureensvintageacquisitions.com/servlet/the-Online-Crazy-Quilting-Classes/Categories

Valentine Challenge

In January, my quilt guild issued a challenge. Make a small quilted piece with the red heart provided and the theme of "My Funny Valentine". I stitched the cupid in stem stitch (a la redwork), added the heart and beads around, and quilted the words, "Fat, Naked, Dangerous". Yeah.

Bye bye apple trees. Stupid beaver!

The four feet of flood waters that raged across our entire property as a result of Hurricane Irene was devastating. See previous posts. We lost lots of plants and weren't sure what would survive the winter in their weakened states. The trees, though, seemed to be holding up well. Guess the beaver thought so too. Here's all that is left of two of our apple trees.

Sentimental Journey Postcard

May Arts Ribbons issued a challenge. Use these four ribbons in a project with the theme, "Sentimental Journey". I came up with this fabric postcard (4' x 6"). I layered the white crinkle ribbon with the pink ruffled ribbon. I added the lace trim to the sides. I embroidered fly stitch with a fine gold metallic thread. Then, added the Celtic knot beads and glass hearts. To the right, I embroidered roses with the taupe silk ribbon. The bottom of the heart is chain stitch with ecru #12 pearl cotton.This is the back of the postcard, ready for a message, address and a stamp. Where would your sentimental journey lead?