SEAMS like fun.... February giveaway

 
  
 
Well, my goodness, it's cutting it fine for the Feb Giveaway. I kinda forgot that there isn't that many days in Feb. Anyhoo, here it is, and I will make you work for it this time though ( I will think of a question while I type)

This is the little book I put together - SEAMS like fun...
It is purely eyecandy. The  format would only allow 27 characters a page (which meant I couldn't even call it what I wanted!), so I wasn't able to add explanations to how the stitches were created, but I do plan to do that in the future!  This is a collection of 24 of my stitched postcards. The pages are high quality, glossy photos, with plastic front and back cover.  Spiral bound which is a bonus, very easy to use! They are 6 x 4 inches in size, perfect to pop in your project bag.
(I have created actual 'books' with this site before, and they were printed and bound etc. I was a bit taken aback to see that these are literally the photos-rather than printed paper pages- but they are on a patterned background, and actually very nice and good quality so I am still happy with them)

I have added these to my ETSY shop, but if any Kiwis or Aussies want one , email me and I'll put one up on FELT (so NZ$$ rather than US).
I can re-order these at any time, so if you miss out let me know and I will get some more, I just wasn't sure if anyone would actually buy one!!

Right, I have one of these books to give away this month. You must comment on this post and I would like to know ...
"what is your favourite aspect of Crazy Quilting"
AND
would you be interested in a - step by step, with full instructions, and lots of pics, and details about tools I use - book on seam treatments (or what would float your boat more ?)

I will let this run a few days, so get in quick!

Good Luck!

53 comments:

Skye said...

Wow - Fabulous is the word that comes to mind..You are so talented..Beautiful...For me crazy quilting is a way to explore, experiment and to learn with no rules..What other things in our life can we do this with?? Awesome job Jo!! But I always love your work..hugs, Skye

Shari said...

Your photo book would be a clever addition to any stitcher's work basket. As you said, the size is just right. Your work is awesome and I want to be just like you when I grow up! The other idea you are suggesting sounds very interesting but I would ask that you make it a bit different from all the others out there by including a good section on the creative process you go through BEFORE you begin to stitch...i.e. sketches, brainstorming sessions, doodles, color playing/selection process, etc. Shari

Rose Anne B said...

Oh MY oh MY, I've been trying to print off your blog images but this would be soooooo much better as a reference of your so exquisite seam treatments!!! Hmmm wonder if I'll be the lucky person?? If not I'm going to check out Etsy just in case. Thank you so very much JO for this AWESOME idea!!!

Lisa Boni said...

What a fun way to showcase your wonderful work!

What I like most about crazy quilting is how it incorporates so many bits and pieces of many different aspects of handwork ~ traditional embroidery, fancy embroidery (such as Brazilion, stumpwork, Japanese, etc), beading, silk ribbon embroidery, other types of ribbon work, lace, buttons, and all kinds of stuff! Keeps me from getting bored with it as there is always something new to try!

LouAnne said...

What a gorgeous bit of eye candy you have come up with. Clever too!I feel special having won a monthly give-a-way. The postcard I received is always out so I can see it for inspiration. For me I think my favorite part of crazyquilting is the piecing. I do all mine by hand and love finding the perfect fabric and piecing by hand is a great way to satisfy your urge to fondle fabric! I also like how crazyquilting incorporates EVERY handcraft I've learned over my almost 67 years-embroidery, crochet, beading and of late also printing on silk and cotton.

Toby said...

Gorgeous booklet Jo and a terrific eye candy idea, especially for those like me who are trying to learn new stitches ... I have always admired your style .. what I love about CQ is that there are no rules so essentially what one has done is neither right nor wrong .. not like sane Q at all where one has to be "exact" or it won't pull together .. this is one instance where being crazy is far better than being sane ! :)

Ati said...

Very handy and beautiful book Jo!
When I not win this lotto I might order one from your etsy :)

lindacreates said...

I am new to crazy quilting and my favorite aspect so far is adding the beads to the stitching. I would definitely be interested in a step by step instruction. I am so new to this anything would be wonderful for me! LINDA

Anonymous said...

Great idea that photo book! I am admirer of your work a long time.
I looove the wonderful world of CQ in general and that communication we daily do in the groups.
Creativity is super!
Ritva

Karrin Hurd said...

Great idea Jo, I have been a fan of your work for several years. I always love looking at your gorgeous stitching!

Agnė said...

To tell the truth, I have never tried to make crazy quilting. I want to try, but something always disturbs me... Maybe I simply need some inspiration. But I will make it, I promise :D And your blog is a good stimulation for me...

Lorenza said...

Beautiful book Jo, if I'll be not the lucky winner I'll buy one of them by sure. For me crazy quilting is to put together all what I like: sewing, embroidering, old laces, buttons, fabrics, threads...., it's all what I loved and what I learned since I was a girl.

Linda H said...

What a beautiful idea! Someone is going to be very lucky to win this lovely book.. I am new to Blogging so this is all very exciting to me..
My favorite aspect of CQing (hard to pick just ONE)is the stitching. I love combining/layering colors,thread weights, etc. Adding beading later is like putting the icing on the cake...
I so enjoy following your blog, Jo. Thanks for all the eye candy and inspiration.....

gaylenona said...

I love the adventure of crazy quilting. When I begin to stitch a block, I have the skeleton only. But as it fleshes out with stitching, beads, and motifs it takes on a life of its own. I am always a little surprised at the final outcome. I would love to have your book for inspiration.

Heather said...

Wonderful! This will certainly be handy in the CQ basket, and small enough to take with you when you travel.

For me, I enjoy the piecing... it is a challenge to mix/match colours and to get the placement just so.

I'm not really sure about what I would like to see for your other idea... but I liked what Shari said.

Marty52 said...

Sweet! This is fabulous, Jo! If I don't win I'll be buying one. My favorite part of CQ is probably the fact that there are no rules and being able to use so many of the needleworking skills I have picked up over the years. CQ is the best!

GailM. said...

What a nice booklet. I love the old fashion look of crazy quilting using over-embellishments. Multiple layers of stitching, over-beading and applique. I love the now look all this gives. Actually, I'm not that much of a fan of the old stuff. Weird, eh!

Cindy said...

Wow, how cool is that! The thing I love most about crazy quilting is the variety with threads, beads ribbons, ect and the possibilities are endless.

Shawkl said...

Hmmm...deep in thought...The creative process is the best part of CQ for me. Starting with a semi blank canvas of fabric and just letting it inspire you to create. Your photo book is a super cool idea, and a larger version with how-to would be well received I'm sure!

AngelDoll said...

What a LOVELY post to greet me this cold morning...minus 32 here in Canada....arghhh! Sun is hining brightly, but it is dreadfully too cold for even 'puppy'...poor thing. i have it so good to have our 'loos' indoors!! And what better way to keep warm is to surf to all my favorite blog sites that I follow.
You inquired what my favorite aspect of crazy quilting was, well my friend., when I discovered CQ, I thought I had found a piece of heaven right here on earth. To me CQ is a wonderful expression of our 'spirit', our stitching being a reflection of inner self. it is difficult to explain the inspiration and therapy this hobby brings to me.
Your work is beautiful Jo...Congrats on your ATC book! Please keep up your work as it is a 'gift' to your readers.

piney cq said...

Sneeky girl! Tis wonderful! I would love to see more directions with the pics and how you get where you're going or "see" things. That said, eye candy is always a good thing! I love cq because of the variety and the self expression. Anything goes!

gocrazywithme said...

Jo, the little book is wonderful! I'd love to have one!
My favorite aspect of CQ is that it is never boring. If I get tired of seam embroidery, I can do a motif or ribbon embroidery. Or use buttons, beads, lace, or charms. I can use printed images, applique, dye, or paint. There's just no excuse to be bored with this art form.
I would love to see a similar booklet with more detailed instructions.
Janet in Colorado

kerrykatiecakes2 said...

Morning Jo! Love the idea of your book - like everyone else I'll be zipping over to Etsy to buy a copy if I don't win! lol - sounds like you might have to go into a second printing very soon!!

Yes, well, what do I think makes cq special to me? I think it is because I have the attention span of a gnat and this makes cq the perfect medium for me. Instead of starting new projects in different techniques and dropping them to go on to the next inspiration I can just do it all on one cq project! Good thing too cause I have no room for more UFOs. There are lots of other things I love about cq - the people, the online community, the constant inspiration and learning of new aspects, etc. but this is too long already...

I think another book with more instructions etc would be grand. I don't think there could be too many cq books - I know I buy 'em all whenever I find them. Your work is lovely and it would be lovely having a peek into how your creative process works.
Hugs,
Kerry

Melisa Bakos said...

this little book is a great idea.It would be inerestingto get more details in a book too. My favorite aspect of cq is the no rules and freedom to go wild. I especially like choosing the supplies that go together and playing with colour

Anonymous said...

This album would be the cutest addition to my crafting arsenal. I can just see myself filling it up with some the cutest photos of my family and friends. Thanks, fingers crossed. :D
ritabarriga@yahoo.com

ikkinlala said...

My favourite aspect of crazy quilting is that I can try so many different things with it. I might be interested in an instruction book - some days I like instructions, other days I like to try to figure things out for myself (even if I fail).

Gerry Krueger said...

Of course I love CQ because there are no restrictions which I probably wouldn't follow anyway... Just the name of stitches and the order they were executed would suit me fine...
Gerry K.

lrmart said...

Wow what a great idea putting together this book. Everytime I'm looking for the just right stitch have to go to the computer and open the saved CQ pictures...
My favorite aspect of CQing is that I get to use all the different handcrafting I know in Crazy quilting.

Anonymous said...

Jo, I love the book. A guide of "how to"s would be very nice. My favorite thing about crazy-quilting is that it has taught me what " to spread your wings" really means!! Debbie (Maine)
campmoxie@yahoo.com.au

Donna said...

OMG, I could so use a this. I know you've heard me say this before but I think your stitching is the best. I've been collecting CQ things for the last year and plan on giving it another go soon.

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Ooooh, wouldn't we all love to win this?!
To answer the questions -
my favorite aspect of CQ would have to be the fact that so many types of creativity can be put together in one place ie. embroidery, beadwork, tatting, crochet. Best of all is that it is great for recycling, both the fabrics you use and the embellishments (old jewellry, buttons, chain, etc).
As for the second question...I would love a stepxstep book to add to my collection! I am a compulsive collector of books about embroidery and/or CQ so I would have to add it!!

Unknown said...

Hey Jo!
Congrats on the new book, that's really impressive!
Let's see...my favorite aspect of cq...well, I think it's got to be the actual stitching. I can really get lost in an embroidery project and I love tackling a new stitch or seeing a combination of stitches really come together. Yep, I think that's my favorite bit, including the wonderful creativity cq allows.
About a book, I would find your whole approach and philosophy on cq interesting, start to finish, A to Z. :)
Dakotah

Connie said...

Jo, My favorite part of CQ is collecting embellishments and putting fabric combinations together! I think a stitch combo book is a great idea - personally I think just pics is great, but can see where some would want instructions (I own a lot of books LOL).

Anonymous said...

Wow - marvellous book idea. I often find pictures just as inspirational as instructions, especially when I can work out which stitch you used. Like some of your other readers, I too have downloaded some of your postcards of the past to stick in my CQ scrapbook. As a still relative newbie to CQ I use the book to make my brain choose seams for the current piece - they don't come automatically yet. As to the thing I like about CQ - well, it is the fact that I can use any of my textile techqniues on it. A case of mix and match and it still works. Thanks for setting up a new prize giveaway - maybe one day I will be lucky enough to own a piece of your work.

Faye said...

Jo, What a little treasure you have come up with this time... I'm not waiting to see if I win this (I don't win anything anyway!!) I'm ordering one right now. Crazy for me is like having an endless passion for the unknown.
cheers - FDS

Guzzisue said...

freedom from rules, no having to match fabric types etc :-)

AMBER said...

My favorite part of CQ is embellishing. I love to encrust everything. I would love to have a copy of your little book, so enter me in the giveaway. I always like books on embroidery, so make one on encrusting, maybe.

carole brungar said...

My fav aspect of CQ is the beautiful ribon worked flowers, I am learning to make these, they always look stunning!
Carole
p.s. I would love to win a copy of this booklet to put with my stitch guide! (to use as inspiration!!)

Kathleen said...

I would love to be in your draw. You do the most beautiful work. I like everything about CQ. The sewing, fabric, the amounts of styles, the thousands of different ways to put things together, the friendship. KATHY

méri said...

I've never made CQ! But I would like to try... What I most love in it are ribbon embroidery! It is such a beautiful work!
and I love your blog, I'm following it for several months admiring your work

(sorry my English:)...)

Anonymous said...

I am new to CQ so the best part for me is looking at all the cool stuff others do and looking forward to the day I will be able to do it as well. I been collecting beads, material, and ribbon. I do not have a clue what to do with them as of yet but have decided to do the sew and flip style.

Yes, I would be interested on a step by step book.

Love to Stitch 99 said...

This is such a great idea what you have done here :-)

Pierrette =^..^=

Wanda said...

Please enter me. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

This book is a great idea. Everytime you show a new postcard, I have to just stop and admire the stitching.
The best part of CQ is that I can combine different things I love to do - and somehow they work together.

Gina said...

Whoa! Just in under the wire! How could I miss this opportunity???
:-) Gina

Gina said...

Well..I didn't read the directions on this post until after I commented. What I like about CQ is the creative freedom it offers. You can do just about anything, use any kind of "prop" you want, experiment, play and develop your own style. Yes, an in-depth book as you suggest would be great.
:-) Gina

talia said...

Jo, I always say this but I love, love, love your work. It's amazing. How can I get a copy of your book? (if i don't win this that is hehe) I'd love one!

My favorite part of CQing is that you can take a little bit of this, a little bit of that, a dash of this and a sprinkle of that and tie it all in beautifully. I love that you can just be such a gypsy with it.

I hope to own your book soon! Your seam treatments are out of this world!

Kathi said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kathi said...

I had to repost my comment because I didn't see your questions, my favorite aspect of CQing is creating all kinds of different looks with my own two hands, as opposed to my machine. I love ribbon embroidery and fancy seam treatments, I also would be interested in step by step books etc.

Susan Elliott said...

What a lovely idea so count me in! I'd love to have a piece of you in a Yankee workbasket!

Kathi said...

What a great way to have all your ideas in book form! I love your work...inspires.

Unknown said...

Oh, this looks like a fabulous giveaway! Thanks for sharing your amazing work! :)

black bear cabin said...

what a great idea those little books are...id love the chance to win one :)
im new to crazy quilting, so i cant say too much from experience, except that i love the freedom of it....and i love they way it sparkles, shines, and glows....its a beautiful art that anyone can enjoy!
cheers~