♥ Some Shameless Promotion ♥

I just won an Alchemy bid on Etsy for 3 very different but wonderful charts/patterns for cross stitch and needlepoint. The customer is making pillows as gifts, doing the needlework first and then assembling the pillows. I can't wait to see photos of her finished projects and will share them with you as soon as I receive them.



I am proud of the way each turned out and am happy to have had the opportunity! Each pattern is between 17" to 19" square. The patterns are delivered in pdf format in 8.5" x 11" size with overlap placement lines when the pattern is larger than what will fit on one page. While the patterns I usually create are about 12 point in size on the page, a larger point size can be created just for you. So if you are beginning to think about stitching gifts for the holidays (oh yes, I did...) and would like one or more custom patterns, email or convo me at my Etsy Shop, DPeaGreenDesigns. I will work with you to create the pattern(s) you want in the sizing and coloration you want. I love custom work ♥♥♥.

Off to see my neurosurgeon for test results and prognosis today. Wish me well and if you're a praying person, add me to your list please. Have a Wonderful Wednesday!!

Creating Watermarked Images Using Freeware

Awhile ago, I promised a tutorial on how to easily create watermarked images for your Etsy or other indie shop or website. It has taken me awhile to create a thorough instructional guide and I hope this helps you. If you have questions or I missed something important that you find you need or want to know, please write me a comment here and I will find the information and post it as soon as possible. Happy Sunday!

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How to Watermark Images Using FreeWare
[click here to download tutorial]

How to Create A Quilt From Ready Made Blankets

I was visiting the MixxMade forums this morning and responded to a request for help on how to turn to "ready made" blankets into a quilt. Here is my answer. I figured if one person is asking, others might want an answer as well .

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Wash and dry the 2 new fleece or other fabric blankets. Do so to make sure you're not going to go to all this work and have them fall apart on you. It will also take care of any shrinkage so make sure you dry them as you will once the quilt is made.

You can use batting or not depending on how "fluffy" you want the quilt to be and the type(s) of blankets being used. If so, layer as follows:

1. Top right side up
2. Batting
3. Back right side down

Pin around 3 sides leaving one of the sides open (leave the shortest side open). Stitch around all 3 sides pinned (seam allowance will depend on what measurements you want the completed item to be). Trim the edges. I find with fabics this thick it helps to stagger the width of the seam allowance which means trimming each layer's selvage separately. Clip the corners diagonally but first double stitch the corners. Turn the quilt, ironing the seams if necessary. I find it also is good to iron the entire quilt to flatten to tie. Just be careful to not stretch the fabric. Steam and lift the iron to move rather than sliding it. Turn in the edges of the open end, press, pin and sew closed either by hand on or by machine.

Finally find some colorful colorfast yard and using a yarn needle, tie the quilt using double square knots in several places to secure the batting and fabric together. You can create a design or follow the design on the quilt top. YouTube has several how to videos available to walk you through other types of knots and more specifics on how to hand tie a quilt. Voila!! You have a new quilt!!

Have a great Wednesday!
Hugs,
Diane

dpeagreendesigns.etsy.com
dpeagreendesigns.blogspot.com

A Heartfelt Thank You for Featuring My Design

I recently joined MixxMade, a new indie community for all of us who handcraft and either sell our wares or like to share how to and what we create with others. One of my first "friends" is pepper2 who has 2 shops of handmade at Etsy (aka Kathy). She complimented me on my cross-stitch designs and we began a discussion and a new friendship writing back and forth about how I might be of help and what I would need to create using my existing Chinese symbols to allow non-cross stitchers to use them for embroidery and other interesting projects.

There was a lot of hit and miss on my part. As wonderful as this electronic way of communication, there are limitations at times that nothing like a face to face and being able to share first hand in real life can compare. Even so, I continued to edit and change and send samples to Kathy for her review and critique. I finally got it, I think, and yesterday Kathy posted a blog with a photo of the embroidery project she is working on using the freedom digital stamp I created just for her. A different style is available in my Etsy shop.

I hope you enjoy this article from Pepper's Lunch Hour Creations and Improvisations and will also peruse and read others and subscribe! You can also see a preview of her Etsy shops offerings and I hope you visit and spend some time enjoying her work.