Sunday, March 15, 2009

Sex Change and a Couple Other Things . . .

I suspect this post will be a bit of a mixed bag of various bits and pieces--but then maybe you've already picked that up from the title of this post!

I wanted to thank those of you who have ordered patterns and kits from my Etsy shop. A couple of readers have asked whether I'm going to publish a pattern for Buckey too. Well, no, not exactly. I can't completely rule it out for the future, but I'm not planning to at this time. HOWEVER--if you want a Buckey to go with your Bette, all you have to do is give Bette a bit of a sex change operation, and it's really not that hard (no pun intended!) Here are my suggestions-- (And if you're not really very interested in making bunnies, skip down a bit, because I'll get past the bunnies shortly.)

If you're going to make a Bette and a Buckey, you might want to reverse the direction of one of them, so they look more like a matching pair--assuming you want to hang them somewhere together. To do that, trace and cut freezer paper for one of them and then turn the pieces over and trace them reversed for the second bunny. Make sure you keep track of which is which. Otherwise, you could end up with a Picasso bunny.

Now, to transform Bette into Buckey. For Buckey, you won't need to trace and cut the mouth, and you'll want to substitute Bette's teeth with two long teeth. When you're laying out your pieces to "test" them before sewing, just play around a little bit and see what looks good to you. I think it also helps to make Buckey a darker color, like the brown I used.

I kind of like Buckey with button eyes better, because he doesn't seem to be laughing as much as Bette. Look through your button stash and audition a couple medium sized black "eyes" or try out a different color. Or smaller buttons for a beady-eyed look.

My own Buckey got a little bit of a makeover today. I kept thinking he looked more like a Mafia thug than a happy bunny, so I decided to see how he'd look with a bow tie.


Yup, I like the way Buckey looks now! If you want to add a bow tie to your Buckey, just cut two "bow" shapes and sew them down before you sew the chin area. I also moved the leaves and yo-yo flower--originally they were in the right bottom corner instead of the top.

And if you want to go a little further on the transformation, before you cut your pieces, give Buckey a little larger jaw and chin. It won't matter too much if you don't, but I thought I'd throw the idea out there for your consideration.

* * * * *

I spent a little time cleaning up the Sweat Shop today and it's a bit better, but I found there were a couple piles of fabric and things I just really couldn't put away. Why? Because they are things I have planned to work on soon and I'm half afraid that if I put them away, I'll either (1) forget what I have planned or (2) forget where I've put the "stuff." Want to see what I have planned?


Flag Day Farm fabric. This is fabric I'll need for the patriotic quilt class I'll be teaching. Well, the two charm packs and the Schnibbles pattern AREN'T for the class, but I figured if I was ordering yardage for a class, I wanted a little something for me too.


And this has absolutely NOTHING to do with a class, a pattern, or anything else but fun! Have you seen this new stack and slice pattern from Pieces From My Heart (Sandy Gervais)? And the fabric to go with it? The pattern calls for a layer cake, but I ended up just buying several fabrics I like. To tell you the truth, I'm not sure I'll make the pattern with THESE fabrics---I'm pondering making the shoes to match the Hats quilt I've already made--but these fabrics were calling to me too! It's very difficult to resist polka dots. And fabric with high heeled shoes in yummy sherbet colors? Be still my heart!

And finally--in cleaning out the Sweat Shop, I decided I'd probably never use this book that was part of the goodies sent to me by C & T Publishing.


I don't really have a stash of batiks and I have too many other projects going on to start thinking about collecting a whole new category of fabrics, so I thought I'd give anyone who enjoys batiks a chance to win this book. Just leave me a comment saying you'd like to win it, and I'll put you in the drawing. I'll pick a winner on Tuesday night.

I hope to have a little tutorial to share with you tomorrow night about an applique method I've used occasionally--this is one that can be used with the Bette Bunny pattern if you don't have wool or just don't want to use wool. Also, a couple people have mentioned the pattern would make great placemats, and this is the method I'd recommend using if you'd like to try making bunny placemats, because I think cotton is much more washable than wool. So, see you then?!

43 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love your blog and would love to win the book.

ellen in VA said...

Your blog is so much fun to read. I'd like to win that book to give to a friend who is batik crazy.

Anonymous said...

I love your blog, read it every day. I have a whole stash of batiks! I'd love to win the book to keep me busy in my messy sweat shop (that needs a good cleaning).

anne said...

wow how busy have you been, I love looking at your blog and seeing your creations. Good luck with the new pattern. Please count me in the giveaway as I have recently discovered batiks and love the look of quilts made in this fabbie. Happy Stitching

Pat said...

I'd love to win this book! I'm really into making tropical quilts lately. All the shops here sell a large selection of batiks so I figured, why fight it?

Please add me to the drawing.

Can your number-generator be bribed? Tell him I'll put in a good word with his boss and see if I can't talk her into giving him the weekends off :-)

Nancy said...

Bucky and Bette are so cute...

Would love to be in the draw for the book...

Brenda S said...

I would love to be put in the drawing for your book. I also so enjoy reading your blog you do a beautiful job.

stitchernow said...

The title of your post caught my eye. I hope you'll put me in the book drawing. You might not have a stash of batiks (yet) but your quilts are gems!

PiecefulChaos said...

Not only do I love batiks but I have the authors first book and LOVE it. I think you are crazy to give it away but since you are... please put me in the drawing!

Nancy Near Philadelphia said...

I love batiks and use them more than anything. So does my little friend Turbo who is on a VERY limited budget as a beginning teacher. So please enter me in your drawing and Turbo and I will share the book. Thank you for this generous offer!

Anonymous said...

Please enter me in your drawing for the Batik Gems books. Batiks are so beautiful with their watercolor look. Love them!

MichelleB said...

That high heel pattern is so cute! I can hardly wait to see what you do with it. Love the Schnibble pattern, too.

I'd like to enter to win this book, please.

Anonymous said...

Hi Kim

I luv, luv, luv batiks and have a great stash of them! I would luv to win this book! I have also purchased every one of your patterns and kits so far--keep them coming! My quilt shop also said they would be contacting you, so if you hear from The Yankee Quilter, you will know where it came from! Have a good one and thanks for giving me an entry chance!

Sandy said...

Yes the changes made to Bucky made him more of an Easter Bunny. I like the bow tie. By all means include me in your drawing for the book.

Judy in Michigan said...

Please enter me in your drawing for your Batik book. I do love batiks and I have quite a stash of them. But most of all, I enjoy your blog and super ideas. Thank you for taking time from your busy day to entertain and inspire us!!

Anonymous said...

I love working with batiks! It seems no two blocks are identical because of the lovely shading in the fabrics. I enjoy your blog posts for the same reason. No two are identical because of the lovely ideas you have. Hugs, Gwen

Anna said...

I am starting my spring wallhanging today.Your pattern is so well made.I have a pile of batiks my daughter bought and I just can't seem to get started.Maybe I will win the book and get some ideas.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

I just finished an all batik quilt and have lots of leftovers, so the book would be perfect. Like the advice and adjustments for Bette and Buckey. I have so much to do right now, but I just love those patterns...maybe.....??

Greenmare said...

yup make a shoes quilt to go with your hats quilt, and then a bags quilt to go with both of them!

Marj said...

I love following your adventures in quilt designing. I would like to win the batik book to use up all the batik scraps I have been saving. Hope I get lucky!

Mariel said...

I love your blog. It's in my favorites and I read it everyday! I would love to win your book!

Judy said...

I think Bucky looks fabo in his bowtie! Nope, I don't do batiks either.

Anonymous said...

I look forward to taking the class in June. Let me know how much fabric I will need and where you got yours. I love it. I would also like to be entered to win the book
I look forward every morning to reading your blog.

Linda said...

Ooooh, I'd like to be in your draw! I do have a stash of batiks!
Lurking Linda

floribunda said...

I DO have a stash of batiks, so I'd love to win your book. Thanks for entering (and picking!) my name.

Kim said...

I think the Bow Tie is the perfect touch... I have a great stash of Batiks since they are FAV!!! Please enter me. I love your fabrics for you projects you are going to start too. You are very busy good for you. Thanks for sharing about applique too I always need a better way.. it's not my cup o' tea.. LOL I love the results thought.

Nancy Anne said...

Love all the delicious fabric - can't wait to see what it all becomes! I have a fairly healthy batik stash so I'd love to have that book come live with me ;0) BTW - got your Spring! pattern and I'm planning on making it with some batiks

Busy Little Quilter said...

Thanks for the instructions on how to do a sex change operation! lol

Thanks, but I don't want to win the book. I, too, have to many projects going on. Right now I have "Spring" laid out on the floor, and I have butterflies fused ready to be appliqued for a quilt I am teaching in June for my Quilt Guild.

I love the patriotic quilt you are going to make. I love those fabrics, too. I think my LQS is carrying that line. I love anything Carrie Nelson does and Sandy Gervais.

Have a great Sunday!

Anonymous said...

I would love to be in the drawing for the batik book. Batiks are one of my favorite fabrics, the colors are so wonderful. Congratulations on your new pattern business, I think it will be successful, you are very creative.

Anonymous said...

I just love your Bucky and Bette bunnies! You are so creative!

Count me in for the book. I would love to be the caretaker of it. I love batiks too.

Patricia said...

I don't have too much of a batik stash, but they sure are lovely. I am trying to build up a little libary though. Thanks as always Kim. Best of luck in your new business quilting adventure!

Anonymous said...

Hey, count me in on the Batik Gems!

scottylover said...

Hi! WOuld love to win the Batik book! I have some 1/2 yard pieces here I don't know what to do with. Love your blog, you always make me smile!

Shirley--Knot-y Embroidery Lady said...

Digging through the piles is paying off, hey!
Been doing that this weekend too. I am determined to get it done - family is coming. This post is a prime example of how you are expanding my world....

Unknown said...

I have some Batiks that need to be used, so sign me up for your drawing. I so enjoy reading your blog everyday!
libertythreads.blogspot.com

Jill said...

I love your blog. Just ordered bunny pattern. Also have recently fallen in love with batiks and would love the book

quiltmom anna said...

Hi Kim,
I posted a note on my blog http://quiltmomsjourney.blogspot.com/ today about your blog as I wanted to send you a big Thank you for the giveaway pattern.

Now I am a girl who loves batiks- I have a large collection of them and would love to enter your draw but... I did win recently the pattern from your blog so perhaps you may want to considered me ineligible ( DO you have the radio stations that offer free tickets for such and such a caller as long as you haven't won in the last 30 days VBG ) If you think I am eligible please enter my name - if not someone is going to win a gorgeous book.

I love the Bunnies - they are a wonderful pair.
Just to let you know that your blog is helping to contribute positively to the economy. You introduced me to the Piece of the Heart patterns by Sandy Gervais and I have become a fan. I ordered the tree one as well as the snowflake one that Eileen made too. I am looking forward to seeing your shoe quilt.
Your patriotic fabrics are splendid..

Have a great week and Happy quilting in the sweat shop,
Regards,
Anna

Cheryl in CT said...

Oh wow - a batik book! I have to make a batik quilt for my daughter! Boy would that help! So would a batik swap - maybe 8" squares - but I digress. Your blog is amazing, as are your patterns although I don't work with wool - looking forward to doing some with quilting cotton - thank you so much for sharing your work and life with us!

Anonymous said...

Please add my name for the Batik book too! I have FQ's of Batiks and no idea what I want to do with them....maybe this book will give direction. You've got some really awesome projects coming up....that shoe fabric is PERFECT!!!

dianne said...

i'd "like to win it" !!!

Anonymous said...

sounds like Bette and Buckey need each other!

I am almost to the point of appliquing the bunny to the Spring quilt. Should I use the method you used for the rabbits? I was going to use the heat&bond method, but I like the sound of the one you wrote about.

Put me in for your book. Thanks.
Julia

Cathy said...

I'd love to be in the drawing - batiks are my latest "new thing" in quilting.

I am amazed by how much you get done! I've got to get working harder and longer.

Nan said...

I love the projects you have waiting in the wings. I haven't seen that Betsy pattern - it's really cute!