Inktober 2026 - Day 18

Inktober 2026

Day 18 - My Prompt - Lines

Fine Lines 

I have been working on the Shimmer and Shine show pieces.

This is a fail attempt which I am using for this challenge.

Sort of water landscape watercolor into which fine lines made with a dip pen in Payne's Gray acrylic ink.

Spattered with the dark ink.

Needle Minders - Set 5

 Another set of needle minders. 

I used Red Aida Ribbon this time as a support.

A small wood frog with a green button backer.

A red and white "You Rock" metal promo button with a red backer.

A gold bottle cap with blue alcohol ink abstract design with blue button backer.

A gold bottle cap with a copper looking alcohol ink design with red button backer.

Inktober 2026 - Day 11

Inktober 2026 - Day 11 

My prompt was Butterfly.

I was okay drawing the basic outline shape but the lines inside were intimidating so I just added a circle at the top end of the wing.  I will get braver.

I watercolored the wings with blue and green.  The dots in bright orange. Added some champagne metallic watercolor on the wings.

Body in black.

The background turned out some much better than I anticipated.

Canson Fluid Mixed Media 154lb paper

Dip pen with permanent black acrylic ink so I could watercolor.

Inktober 2026 - Day 07

Day 07 of Inktober 2026

My prompt was Lake Map.

This is a lake I have come to know since I moved.

The brown dot you see is the island in the middle of it which hosted a multitude of birds this summer.

You can see some parts are quite deep which make it a happy place for fisherman.  As a photographer this summer I had a hard time getting up before them.  Maybe better time next year.

Canson Fluid Mixed Media 154lb paper is a treat.

I used my fountain pen which has Quint Blue ink which is not waterproof.  So I water colored before drawing the lines this time.

Inktober 2026 - Day 05

I saw my first loon this summer which was super exciting.  There are such big birds.

As a photographer I did not get a great shot of it.  I did see them about 3 times.  Late August they were gone!

I took quite a few layers to get the black dark.  I used black gouache.

Painting around the dots on the back is a bit tricky and probably should have used white gouache.

Canson Fluid Mixed Media 154lb paper is a great choice.

I messed up the first one I did in ink by not being patient enough to erase my pencil lines. So I traced this one with Sharpie marker.

Inktober 2026 - Day 03

Just a simple abstract of geometric shapes.

I started with the circle then added the vertical and horizontal lines in relation to it.

I added color to the shapes - Yellow for the circle and green and blue for the lines.

A spatter of black ink is always a great way to break up large white spaces.

I ended up with some big spots as well but that is how it goes. 

Canson Fluid Mixed Media 154lb paper with permanent black ink and watercolor.

Size: 4x6

Note Cards - Slow Stitching

I am so happy how this little lion turned out.

I was needing more cards for the AAC Gift Shop and remembered these backgrounds I had made during my experiments with free motion stitching.

Pink and blue by chance only but what about kid cards.

That is why I chose a lion with a bright mane on this medium blue background.

I cut the body from a bit of cotton and stitched it on with running stitch.  

I chose various colors in the mane and made it very full. 

I added a tail in same colors. I mounted on a Pacific Point A2 card base with a half sheet insert to hide the stitches on the inside.

I found this scrap of fabric with a red poppy on it - might work well for Remembrance Day.

I layered it with a foundation layer and added stitching to highlight areas in the print.

I added a strip of olive green flannel to the bottom of the poppy layer and topped it with a red satin ribbon which is held in place with tiny stitches.

I stitched the art piece to a Real Red A2 card base.  The insert is half sheet to cover the knots on the inside.

A white envelope is included.

 

On the pink background I decided to add an owl.

I had to color the light colored fabric using my Inktense colors.  I was wanting it to be a bit more chocolatey but it is what it is.

I cut my owl shape and added brown felt wings to the sides, eyes with felt and yellow buttons, a beak and feet in yellow felt. 

I bit of feathery shapes on it's front along with a brown branch to stand on.

The art piece was stitched to a pink A2 card base. Half sheet insert and a white envelope.

These were dropped off the to gallery today.

Fabric Patches - Some More

The idea sprang into my head this morning after sorting all those tiny squares yesterday.

This beige patterned fabric made me think wood.  I cut the spool from one 2" square.

I created a sandwich of teal cotton and a white foundation layer.

I used some cotton yarn split in two strands to add the "thread" to the spool. I stitched the swirly bit and left a length dangling for the needle.

I added a needle with grey thread. 

I used to have measuring tape ribbon but a search of many boxes yielded nothing.

I cut a length of yellow grosgrain ribbon and marked the inches with a Sharpie marker. I stitched it on with black thread on the inch and half inch marks.

Machine stitched to a black patch.

I have already used some of the 2" square I found at ReUse last week.

I chose some blue patterned pieces to make a 4 patch.  I stitched those to a white cotton foundation layer along the outside edge and all the internal connections as well.

I chose another 2" square in medium blue and blanket stitched it to center of the art layer. 

I added a star in the middle with a few French knots in the center.

I machine stitched it to the denim blue patch.

This little bunny rabbit came from the 2" square stash as well.

I paired the focal element with 4 peach squares which were stitched to a foundation layer of white cotton.  Around the outside edge as well as the inside joins.

I stitched the rabbit square with peach running stitch and the filled the gaps with purple thread by going around again.

Machine stitched to a purple patch.

I invisible basted a piece of blue sky fabric to a white cotton foundation piece.

I cut a balloon from a coordinating printed fabric.  I added 3 rounds of running stitch in blue, pink and white.

I created a string for the balloon with a piece of aqua satin ribbon with the same 3 colors of running stitches.  I put a couple of curves in the string.

I machine stitched my art layer to the purple patch.

I wanted to make a patch with lace so I dug in the stash and found this scallop piece.

I created a sandwich of purple batik and white cotton foundation layer.

I stitched the lace with sewing thread to match the lavender background.  I folded the edges to the back so they will be finished.

I added some textured by following the lines in the background.

I created 3 flowers with stitching with white and green and yellow centers.

Machine stitched art to the purple patch.

I decided to make more masculine patches but I am not sure my choice of fabric meets that goal.

I paired a orange, pink, yellow fabric with a yellow for shadow layer.  I paired a bright orange fabric with a white cotton foundation layer.

I stitched the yellow star first then the bright one on top.  I did running stitched around the shape ending in the middle with about 5 gos around.

I machine stitched the patch to a Carhartt ginger brown patch which matches one of the colors in the star fabric.

I did some Sashiko stars on a piece of navy cotton layered with a light blue cotton layer.

Again, I just stitched the stars one at a time because my brain can't work out the geometry to have the lines align properly diagonally.

I chose light blue thread for the stars.  I marked my centers with a white erasable pencil.

The art layer was machine stitched to a medium blue denim patch.

2026 Slow Stitching Project - Page 38 - S2 - Sashiko Stars

This is my piece for K3N Cloth Tales' 2026 Slow Stitching project - A to Z.

This week was community choice for S and K chose Sashiko Stars. Brilliant.

I took a piece of thin denim which was quite light and I dyed it darker. I added a dark foundation layer which was invisible basted. 

I tried to follow K's instructions but something went wrong.  I used a white fabric pencil to mark my center dots every inch. Offset the second row.

I chose a thin white crochet cotton and my long Sashiko needle.  Worked really well.

I managed the horizontal and vertical but got lost on the diagonals.  I just finished the stars individually rather than stringing across the fabric.

Looks the sameish.  Loved this project.

Sewing - Free Motion Backgrounds

I wanted to make more free motion stitching backgrounds for slow stitching cards before I moved onto bottle bags again.

Dipped into the scraps bin and created a pink and blue one.

I created a bottom layer of cotton fabric, layered on a piece of 100% cotton batting, then applied scraps of fabric collage style until I was happy with it.

Brought it to the machine with the darning foot and matching thread and stitched them up.  I think I did a better job of my swirls this time.

I think I will find some silicone tipped gloves.

Slow Stitching - Door Decor - Sunflower

I finally got my sunflower for the front door done.  It has been on the to do list for weeks.

I painted the background with Inktense about a week ago but decided this morning it needed to be darker so painted it again.  I should look into a few more colors.  Once dry and set with heat I invisible basted it to a foundation layer.  

I cut a bunch of petals from various yellow fabrics and in 3 sizes. I laid the first layer and stitched those on with running stitch and yellow thread.  Making sure that I did not get too close to the edge to leave space for my binding fabric. Then I added the second layer of petals and stitched again in yellow thread.  

I remembered in time to leave the petal where the stem was originating open until I had that worked out.  I chose a deep olive colored flannel fabric which I cut my hand. The stem and the leaves.  I stitched the stem on then I could finish the last petal.   I added the leaves and the stems for the leaves. I added some texture to the leaves with some brown thread.

It took a while to find a scrap of brown fabric as I would not pick that in the wild because it really does not speak to me. I did managed to find a piece and decided how big it should be.  I cut my brown center. I added 5 rows of running stitch in yellow thread around the outer edge.  Then I created a mix of brown threads and did a bunch of French Knots in the middle.  It is quite textural and heavily stitched.

I had cut some leaves from this yellow fabric and after some consideration of blues and greens decided to use the yellow cotton.  I cut it 1" bigger than the front and ironed over the binding from the back.  I stitched it on with the sewing machine.  I hand stitched a hanger and it's hanging on the door!

Bottle Bag - V2 - 2026

I have redesigned my bottle bag for 2026 in hopes of making them more time efficient and still keep the key features.  I am very pleased with the results.

This one measures 12.75" T and 3.75" square finished.

For this bag I chose some medium blue fabric which is 50% cotton and 50% polyester which should wear well.

The design has 2 strips which are finished individually then set at 90 degrees in a cross pattern matching the middles of each strip.  This square is top stitched to form the bottom of the bag.

The side panels are then top stitched to the one next to it until all are stitched and I have a tall bag.

The handles are 1" W x 11" long and are stitched to the top edge of the bag with X reinforcement.

To decorate it I added a red strip of fabric along the top edge about 1.5 inches from the top.  It was kept raw edge and zigzagged along both edges.  I created 2 tails hanging down from the cross over where the button goes.

I added a blue button at the crossing of the red fabric and stitched it by hand. 

I added a "My Bag" tag along the top edge between the handles.  This is your bottle bag to carry bottles to a party and then bring the bag home until the next invite.

This bag was made large enough to hold one of the large champagne wine bottles, a 1.14 L liquor bottle or a 2 liter of pop/soda so it will handle just about any other bottle.  Water bottles, food bottles, vinegar and or oil bottles and many others that can be given as a gift.

The bottom is double to provide some cushion for glass bottles.

The flannel is quilted to the outer layer to ensure no separation of fabric.  

The bag is completely finished inside and out with no raw edges.

The lining is navy regular polyester type fabric which aids helps in sliding the bottle in and out of the bag.

The bag is sturdy and the side seams provide body and can stand on it's own.  It will be good for bottles of smaller sizes.

Notes:  Should I add more padding in the bottom?

             After checking my 2024 model - it only had 1 handle so maybe that would work on this bag.

Butterfly Cards - Charity Donation

Another set of Butterfly cards for I Win Charity who support people traffiked.

Blue and oranges in this group. Again, large butterfly die cuts.

Some decluttered DSP on some of these cards.

Some backgrounds are just scraps of card stock with black marker markings.

Thinking of You color printed greetings in ovals and word window punchies.  Some are layered with the Modern Label Punchie.

It was great to spend some time with  my sister and get some traction on this project. 

Slow Stitching - Door Decor - Wild Rose

It is wild Alberta Rose time of the year.  I am blessed to have many in my area.  I was inspired to use it for another door decor for my front door.

I chose a piece of white cotton and used my outliner pencil to trace the image. I wet the Inktense pans with aloe vera gel to limit the spread of color in the fabric. I painted the rose with pink, the center with yellow and the leaves with a mixed green. 

I stitched the outline of the flower with 2 colors of pink thread. I added yellow thread to the center and outlined the leaves with green and added the veins in the center with darker green.

I added a thorny stem in dark brown thread.

The backer is nice blue flower with pink flowers.  I stitched the front with out a foundation layer ( not sure why?)  So, I added a piece of flannel to the back of the rose and trimmed the piece to 6x8 inches.

I cut the backer piece 8x10 inches and brought it to the front and sewed it down.  I added a clear ring to the back for a hanger.

Sewing Project - Memory Quilt Square

We are making a quilt in memory of our Mom who was a great quilter.

We have requested the squares include the colors Cornflower Blue and Sunshine Yellow and White.

I worked on designs most of the day yesterday and did not come up with something I was happy with.  Overnight I decided that it would be a scrappy design. I gathered my cotton fabric scraps in the right colors.

We have asked the squares to be 11" square so that they can be trimmed to an consistent size once all the squares are together.

This is my square. It had to have a bit of embroidery stitching as Mom did a lot of it. I started with a white center knowing that I would put stitching on it.  Then I just added yellow strips then blue strips and alternated till I got to the edge. 

This is my third scrappy fabric project and I did better this time. I did have to unpick a couple of times.

I am very happy with the results. Looking forward to what others in the family will come up with. I will be gathering the squares and assembling the quilt.

Cards - Birthday

April birthday cards.

I started with the kraft paper which had gotten wet and created this jagged horizontal line.  Maybe trees or mountains.

I stamped the tree from Stampin Up in Chocolate Chip ink.  I added some ground cover in colored pencil.

Added birds in the sky with a black marker.  Some clouds with colored pencil.

Stamped the greeting with brown as well with a Stampin Up image.

I mounted the paper to a Crumb Cake card base A2 in portrait orientation.

I cut a piece of Whisper White card stock to about 3.75" square. I drew a flower on the right hand side with a fine Sharpie marker.  Added the stitching line all the way around the edge with the marker.

I colored the flower with colored pencils and adhered it to the card front.

I added a strip of orange cotton fabric and tape the ends to the inside.

I added a half sheet insert to cover the ends of the orange accent and a white envelope.

I dropped some dye ink onto a piece of plastic - Prussian Blue and SapMoss Green with a bit of magenta as well.

I spritzed it with water to spread the color and have them blend.

I then laid a 4x6" sheet of photo paper onto to capture the pattern on the plastic and set it aside to dry.

I prepared a light blue card base in the A2 size.

Once the ink layer was dry I trimmed it to 4.00x5.25" and adhered it to the card front.  I printed a greeting in Marina Mist on Whisper White.  Cut to about 1" tall and mounted it over the ink layer with 3D foam tape.

Sewing Project - Every Day Carry Bag

I worked on bags today. I was looking for something I could add slow stitching to which I could sell.

Of course, I love Every Day Carry Bags. I have made a couple. Mine and one for a show.

I started with a piece of blue striped cotton fabric. It was cut to 8.75" W x 11.125" T.  

The flannel was cut just inside the seam allowances so it would not bulk up the seams.  It was quilted to the cotton with the curvy decorative stitch in vertical lines matching the lines in the pattern.  I used ivory thread.

The lining is good weight polyester fabric in medium grey.

It was cut the same size as the outer fabric.  I sewed the side and bottom seams on both outer and lining then boxed the corners to 2 inches wide.  I pressed the pieces then put the outer into the lining and sewed the top seam leaving a gap to turn it right side out. 

The zipper insert was assembled separately with 2 tabs on either side measuring 1.5" finished. I sewed the bottom tab to the zipper then top stitched the top tab on top on both sides. Now, I had to finish the ends. I trimmed the ends of the zipper insert to the width of the top of the bag which is 7.5" wide. I added a binding to both ends in the same fabric. With all the edges finished I sewed it to the top of the bag with the curvy decorative stitch. 

Note: My planning was not good because I could have added the pocket to the front panel before sewing that up but I had to do it after. Same with the handles - They should have been attached to the front and back panels before assembly.

A quick access pocket on the outside is always nice.

The top zipper provides full access to the bag.  I embroidered it with a paisley design in the blue and emerald.

A zipper pull is helpful because the zipper tab is small and it is pretty incorporating the emerald as an accent color.

It is fully lined which leaves no raw edges exposed.

The Clip Strip is handy for things you don't necessarily what to dig for in the bag. Keys, cart token, measuring tape, and who knows what else. Maybe even a pen could live there.

The boxed corners helps to give the bag body and space for larger items. Maybe a small book, post in notes, and whatever else.

The straps measure 12" long which gives enough room to sit on your wrist.

Finished size is 10" tall and 8" wide at the top with 5" wide at the boxed bottom.

Sewing Project - Tea Pot Mats

I made up some tea pot mats for my sister as the fabric did not speak to her.  If for sure did to met.

The fabric was square panels of these tea/coffee related images. The panels measured 11.5 inches square with a black border. 

The sandwich is 100% cotton. The panel on the top, then a layer of cotton batting, then a layer of cotton terry cloth and a bottom layer of cotton for the backing.

I used my walking foot to sew this project. With black thread in the machine I topped stitched around the image.  The backing was cut to 14" square to allow a self binding. The backing is black so that worked well with the black border around the image. I used clips to hold it all in place and then made my final top stitching seam all the way around.

For the red one I chose red cotton fabric for the back because I did not have enough black.  It would have been better but we can always have what is best.

On this one I quilted the square on the red with red thread in the machine which I think worked better. 

The self binding was folded once and then folded to encase the sandwich edge and the fold is on the front.  I decided to leave a small line of the black border to add contrast.

Same sandwich as described earlier in this post.

The blue one got black backer fabric as well.

The quilting was done just inside the center panel edge with black thread.

The black backer was brought forward to create a self binding on the mat.

On the corners I folded the sides first then the top and bottom and stitched a square on the corner.  With such small dimensions mitered corner would have been challenging.

Finished size is just a slight bit over the 11.5 inches I started with.

These are headed back to her.

2026 Slow Stitching Project - Page 10 - E2

I am following K3N Cloth Tales' slow stitching project for 2026.

The community choice E2 that K3N chose was envelope.

I chose an Easter Egg on an Ecru background. I nested it against the trunk of an Elm Tree. The Elm Tree is done in Espresso thread.   

I chose Electric Blue fabric for the Egg applique. The stitching is done in Emerald, Ecru, Eggnog, and Eggplant thread. Electric blue thread selected for the blanket stitch Edging. 

I added an Ermine Stitch star in the center with small star stitches in yellow. 

The grass is done in Emerald green and other shades of green thread. 

Fabric Flower Bouquet - 03

I combined the organza flower and the green fern vase wrap into a bouquet.

I cut a bamboo skewer as tall as the inside of the bottle.  

I cut a circle of warm blue fabric and put a small hole in the center.  

I put a hole in the center of the metal lid with a nail and hammer.

I then pushed the stem wire through the fabric circle, then through the metal lid and then wrapped it tightly around the skewer.

Then I dropped the skewer/wire into the bottle and screwed on the lid to the bottle.

I placed the wrap onto the bottle from the bottom ensuring the flower was where I wanted it.  

I tucked the blue "water" fabric circle between the jar and the wrap.

And I have another bouquet ready to go.