
Early this morning I was to be found at my computer coffee in hand waving in the forum of my Develop a Personal Library of Stitches class which has just started. I am really looking forward to this class as I get a heck of buzz watching the penny drop for many students.
In the meanwhile I have been catching up on my blog reading so today’s post is a bit round up of what I have noticed online lately.
Firstly it’s time to vote for the $100,000 Quilting Challenge as all the entries are now in. Voting is open October 30 through December 10, 2007. Allison Aller’s Crazy for Flowers is in the competition and the ballot is here. It is really unfortunate that is not an international competition as I would love to see quilts from around the globe in this.
What really annoyed me however was that when I went to vote because I had an Australian zip code it would not accept my vote. I was spitting chips and I promptly dropped the editor an email about it. I had an email waiting for me this morning and they are looking into it and I am pleased to say the editor accepted my vote by email. As quilting is international and quilters everywhere watch this competition I was pleased with their response.
I know that many readers are interested in blogging and tips and tricks. Blogging basics 101 is a place where there are ‘no stupid questions’ and simply loaded with information on all aspects of blogging.
WetCanvas has recently reorganized theirReference Image Library Members upload photos that can be used as reference for artwork. This means that for members of WetCanvas there are thousands of copyright-free photos to choose from, making this part of their site a great resource for designers.
I have been following Lisa Lams blog titled Craft Boom which is aimed at “crafters” interested in developing a home business. Content covers how to market and sell products online to interviews with successful “crafters”, day to day business advice, tips on getting started and hints on craft blogging are all covered. Recently Lisa Lam wrote a piece 10 Ways to Diversify Your Income as a Crafter or Artist which is worth checking out if you are interested in earning income from your textile activities.
It’s that time of year when people start poking around for resources and inspirational ideas for sewing gifts. Sew Mama Sew is running a series during November Handmade Holidays: 30 Days of Gifts to Sew!. Each day a new tutorial link is published.
While on the subject of tutorials Melissa of Honey Bees Bliss has written a tutorial on how to stitch a Spider Web Rose. Not only is the tutorial well written but a video is also available on YouTube. While you are on her blog check out all her past tutorials that are listed in her sidebar.
Also over on Camille’s place a tutorial on how to make a Wired ribbon Pansy has been published. Also check out the past tutorials that are listed in her sidebar.
While on the subject of ribbon How To Ruche has been online a while but is an oldie but goodie because it is a step by step tutorial on ruching ribbon. This technique is often used in contemporary crazy quilting or if you are interested in more regular sewing or costuming this technique can be used as embellishment on garments and items.
Over on Calidore there are two tutorials. The first is on how to make a crazy quilted fabric postcard and the second is on How to make a thread holder for hand embroidery threads
Purple Missus also has a lot of tutorials on using an embellisher on her site and on her fiber in-form site houses tutorials on using foil as well as information on how to use bondaweb, bonding powder and glue etc
Linda of Chloes Place has written a tutorial on how the make faces for comfort dolls and recently has put the whole Melba Needlework Book up on flickr
Over on Needlen’thread, Mary Corbet has published a pattern for a simple flower which is ideal for crazy quilters.
Pam Kellog has also made some vintage patterns finds and reproduced a harvest basket motif which is also ideal for crazy quilters.
Well I am no where near catching up on email and the reading put on hold while I was away but I am sure these links will keep you busy for hours. Enjoy!