The Last Steampunk CQ Block Finished

Whew. This was a hard round robin because it turned out that Steampunk is more easily interpreted with “things” than with stitching. But working on Colleen’s block - the last one for me - was really fun. Of all the blocks in the round robin, I believe hers had the best background (“canvas”) on which to work, and it was also the largest at almost 15x15”.  Colleen had even stabilized hers with a thin fleece-type backing, which was not only brilliant but necessary.

Colleen’s Completed Block

When the block came to me, the black items were all in the bottom half of the block; the black trim on the left with rivets, the black fabric piece in lower right and the “chicken scratch” in the lower half of the white piece. I added the black lace curving around the center area, the “Late Edition” ribbon,  and the black trim on the right. I felt that helped even out the black in the block.  

Then I added an old crocheted key motif, which I had been holding on to for the perfect block. This was it. The block was large enough to handle it, and keys are such a great Steampunk motif (so is black and heavy lace). It also served to break up a lot of the vertical directionality of the piecing and trims in that area.

Winged Hearts

Kathi S had added the winged heart on the right (on the scrap of wool), so I decided to repeat the motif with a vintage-look heart button and some metal stuff that looked like wings.  Another spot on the block would have been better, but being the last one to work on the block meant that there were not that many open spots. 

The clock and metal circle were already on the block, and they rather reminded me of a watch. So I added some old broken chain (gotta love broken jewelry!) to make it look pocketwatch-ISH. 

And finally, I topped it off with some STITCHING, which I was itching to do (tacking on THINGS doesn’t count as stitching).  So, I laced the thin brown patch with some variegated perle cotton. 

I love the way this piece turned out - very textural and so much variety. Colleen - I hope you like it!  It will be winging its way to you in the next few days.

And now I will focus on cleaning up my studio for the rest of the week so I can decide which project(s) to tackle next.  I am really thinking that my Seascape Valance needs some attention, and I hope to begin piecing my big CQ by 2012.  And I have a couple other ideas up my sleeve, but I will save those for another post.

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In the meantime, I have added fabric packages to my Etsy shop.  It seems I get one big category tackled every week or two.  Next I would like to add sewing supplies (zippers, gripper fabric for children’s feet in sewn items, and so much more).  But next up will be the Zipper Flower tutorial first...

By the way, the Anniversary Sale in my Etsy shop will continue through the end of the month, so feel free to use it even if you have already purchased and used the code already. Just type in JULY11TENPERCENT during checkout (where indicated for coupon code) and your discount will be deducted.  

Until next time, 

One Year ETSY Anniversary and Sale!

Hello dear friends!  For the last 10 days or so I have been busy loading up my Etsy shop in preparation for the one year anniversary of Cathy’s Crazy by Design on Etsy.   As regular readers know, I don’t talk a lot about my Etsy Shop, which is probably good for you, the reader, but not so good from a serious marketing standpoint.  But since I’m seriously crazy, please indulge me this once!  And I have a reward for you at the end!  :-)

My favorite lace, now discontinued by wholesalers.  Not to worry - I have plenty!

The more lace I list, the more large orders I get to nearly clean me out, LOL!  No, I’m not complaining, but it forced me to work harder and smarter, and I think I’ve got a system down.  So, I would like to show you some of the goodies you will find in the way of laces....

4x4” picture frames sold individually or in pairs for greater savings

Lowered price on Fleurs de Lis

These sumptuous rayon Venice laces are dyed with potassium permanganate, a method introduced to us by the Australians (think Jenny Haskins, and Judith & Kathryn).  Not many of us use this method; potassium permanganate is a substance used in veterinary practices, water treatment plants, and swimming pools.  It can be pricey to obtain, comes in liquid or crystal form (I much prefer the crystals) and ‘particular' to handle, but WOW what wonderful results! 

I have also experimented with adding color washes to the golden laces. This picture is from a couple years ago. The coloration is a bit more subtle than this stark picture shows (my old camera - sorry!)  I will be adding some of these types of laces to my store in July.

So, here’s what I have for you, my dear blog readers.  From now through July 16, use the coupon code JULY11TENPERCENT (that’s July, then the number 11, then ten percent - all one word and in caps) when you check out and receive 10% off your order.  I wish I could just give you what your heart would desire, but we all know that’s not possible! And working this Etsy shop has become increasingly important to me as we are now transitioning into retirement this summer.

I will monitor the shop closely and restock daily. And next week watch for fancy fabric packs, more vintage laces and trims. After that I will concentrate on adding the vintage linens, patterns and other finds and treasures - all in time for you to use the coupon if you’d like.  :-)

Please remember that you MUST type in that coupon code at checkout to get the discount.  There is a place (highlighted in blue) where you’ll click and type it in.

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And a last note...  Bruce and I tended DGD London today.  She is really becoming a bit of a chatterbox. Her new favorite saying is “I DID IT!”  She is so proud of herself whenever she accomplishes something (it’s so cute!), and every syllable is enunciated so clearly!   She is such a good influence on us old folks.... :-)

Hugs,

200th Post Giveaway - Finally!!

Lately I've been so overwhelmed with Things to Do, that last night I finally made myself a daily task list for this week.  As a reformed list-maker (who swore to herself she'd never let life get that complicated again), it was not in the plan to start THAT up again.  But, being desperate to get control of those Things, I forged ahead.  And you know what?  This post is the final Thing on my list for Monday.  Ta-da! 


So, it's time to announce my 200th Post Giveaway.  Finally.  Drum roll please......  ok, forget the d*** drums, let's just get to it.


There are three prizes, and there will be three winners who will be chosen by Specific Husband Picker (as opposed to Random Number Generator).   The first person selected will get her choice of the three prizes, second person selected will choose from the two prizes remaining, and the third person gets what's left.  (I hate to use that  French term  "Le Ftovers").  

Above is the Threads prize.  Most of it is cotton; floss and perle.  However, the bottom three are silks and there is some fun couchable fiber in there, too.

And then we have the Button Prize.  Lots of these are vintage.  I know, I know, there are no really, really to-die-for buttons here.  BUT, I will beef it up to about 100 buttons and include a carved MOP (mother-of-pearl), and a few other special ones (my choice).  If you are a CQ'er or someone who sews childrens clothes or aprons, there are some great buttons here for that.

This is the fabric pack.  Now that I see it on the screen, it doesn't look too exciting.   Although not all pieces show, this is a group of 20 fabric pieces, each at least 60 sq. inches (9x7", 10x6", 8 x8" or greater).  I will beef this one up also to include 25 total pieces, and will even do a little custom color tailoring for the winner.  I've got lots of lovely new fancy fabrics, including brights for those who (like me) prefer saturated colors.  Oh, and while not all pieces are silk like the front one, at least 25% of the pack will be silk.  


The RULZ:  
1.  This Giveaway runs from now until Sunday the 18th at noon (Mountain time, since that's where I live).  In other words, we'll draw names next Sunday afternoon.
2.  Comment on any post between now and Sunday, and you will be entered 1 time.
3.  Mention this Giveaway on your blog and link back here and you'll be entered a 2nd time.
4.  Become a follower and you will be entered a third time.


That's it!


DH Bruce will return to work next week, and our last big project this week while he's home is to begin photographing items for my Etsy shop and Ebay listings.  I'm also thinking of adding pages to this blog to show some item's I'll be selling.  


A lot of my regular items will be vintage lace and trims.  In addition, I'll concentrate on small antique and/or vintage items - fabrics, collectibles, linens, hankies and other ladies' accessories.  I may sell some aprons online, but mostly the aprons and girls' clothing will be for our Farmers Market and Wheeler Farm country store.   I'd be interested in hearing how you think (or have experienced) certain things will do on Etsy vs. Ebay vs. Blog.  Anyone??


Let the Giveaway begin!