Movie Madness

As a swapping fool, I knew that I would have to sign up for the Phat Quarter Swap.  When I found out the theme was movies, well, that just sealed the deal.  As if a movie swap alone wasn't exciting enough, it kept getting better.  The stitcher sending to me would be Giddygirlie and I would sending to Maureen of Sew Lovely Embroidery.  Awesome!!

Giddygirlie sent me my very own H.I. McDunnough from the 1987 classic Raising Arizona.  Perfect!

One of her favorite lines, "Son, you've got a pantie on your head."

One of mine, "There's what's right and there's what's right.  And never the twain shall meet."

He now lives in the sewing corner.  Doesn't he fit just right?

I found out that Maureen and I share a love of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, so I went with that.  I made a little wallet style pouch that looked like a Wonka Bar.  Yum yum in my tum tum.

I stole this screen shot (Thanks, Katy!!)  since my scan looked liked crap.  Of course, the camera came that very day, minutes after I had mailed it out. Figures.

I made it from eco-friendly craft felt, vintage fabric from my stash and embroidery floss.  Ol' Bessie was feeling a little bit left out so I let her attach the inside flower fabric to the gray felt.  I tried to get some fun candy fabric for the inside but was severely disappointed by the paltry selection available around town.  I mean, really, does every chocolate themed fabric have red in it?  Or do all of the candy fabrics also have donuts, isn't that more of a bakery thing?  In the end, I'm glad I didn't find any.  I think the vintage fabric works better, being an older movie and all.  Besides, perhaps those flowers look like the kind that grow on Snozzberry vines.

 Despite sketching it out and doing what I thought was planning, it was a learn as you go sort of thing.  I'm really happy with the way it came out and can't wait to have one of my own.  I'm overjoyed to hear that Maureen likes it too.  

Oh hey, speaking of movies!   Schinders of Schindermania fame has three stitched pieces, that I freaking love, in a show at Gallery 1988 in San Francisco.  To see these pieces and for more info on the show, go here!  With all of the pieces being based on cult movies, I would love to check out this show.  It opens this weekend!  So come on Bay Area folks, show some love.

Thanks for looking, I'll be back with some torture, ahem, I mean, a teaser.

Tuesday Teasers!

Today I have tiny teasers for the movie pieces I've been working on.

First up, a piece of purple for the Giggly Mama.  Remember she wanted a kid safe version of Jesus Quintana from The Big Lebowski!?  Try not to notice the cat hair, I'm not actually sending that to Shannon.

Followed by a little piece of happy for Maureen of Sew Lovely Embroidery.  She was my partner in the Phat Quarter Movie Swap.  Hmmmm, whatever could this be?

I can't wait to reveal these top secret projects.  I'm loving them both!  I have a hard time maintaining the element of surprise, I get too excited.

Besides these things, I've been stitching a bunch of stuff, sketching like crazy, and plotting some new paintings.  I'm also trying to get used to a new daily routine.  I'm devoting a lot more of my time to getting back in shape- and it feels great.  

Oh, and more good news!  The boybot ordered a new fancy-schmancy camera.  And guess what?!  He says I can play with it!!  So that means I can post about more stuff than just what I can scan.  Yay- many fun things to come.

What are some of the good things happening in your life this week?

Mama Mia!!

Switchin Stitches sent to Mafiasgirl
Originally uploaded by quiltinkimmie

So, I'm not sure if I mentioned it or not but I'm a part of a group on flickr called, "Switchin' Stitches." I was surprised to get an invite to this group but I'm oh so glad that I did.

I was paired up with the group's founder, Quiltikimmie, a nice lady with all sorts of stitching talent. And like me, she's a huge fan of swapping! Check out her photostream, it's chock full of goodies she's made. (You can link to it by clicking on the picture, I borrowed one from her for this post.)

Right now we're in Round 1 of swaps, and this is what I received from Kimmie. I picked movies as my theme and she ran with it. Awesome, right?! Not only is it my favorite movie but she also managed to incorporate my love of quotes. I love it! I can't wait to get it framed and up onto the wall. (I'm planning on making space for the Wall of 'Broideries this weekend.)

She said that now she'll probably never stitch on black fabric again. I feel terrible about contributing to that, but happy that she had the patience to stick it out for this amazing piece.

Accckkk, I'm so excited about all of these goodies that have been coming my way. I'm wondering what I did to be so lucky!

Very soon, I'll show you my piece to her. She picked a crafty theme with an emphasis on black, red and white.

A HUGE thank you to Kimmie for making me this wonderful embroidery.

Thanks for looking, have a craftastic day.

p.s. With the Phat Quarter Movie Swap coming up, there are movie stitches galore 'round these parts.

Words to Live By...Part 1

I'm a huge "quote" person.  I'm always spouting off silly lines from a movie or song.  I watch my favorite shows with a notebook in hand for one liners and snarky quips.  And I have pity for anyone who watches one of my favorite movies with me after I've had a little too much to drink.  I'm horrible- I start to laugh in anticipation of funny parts or I just say them aloud along with the actor.

Since I'm like this and I know a lot of people who are, I decided to incorporate more of this trait into my stitching.  I've had a running list forever, so you guys will be seeing a lot more of these pieces.  Some pieces will be for me or friends, others will be for my etsy shop.  I'm thinking that I will make a few to swap too. (Hint, hint for all my fellow quote lovers- keep your eyes peeled!)

All of today's pieces have quotes from Godfather I & II.  Hey, I'm not called MafiosaGrrl for nothing.  All of them are stitched with black DMC onto white handkerchiefs.  The larger font uses 3 strands and the smaller font uses two strands.

Always a classic.  The good ol' Clemenza.

This next one is a bit obscure.  I made it for a friend, it's his favorite line in the first film.  It's after the baptism scene when all of the other bosses are killed.  Carlo is about to answer what happened to Sonny.  As Clemenza speaks from the backseat, Carlo knows he's going to get whacked.

And now, one of my favorite's lately.

Poor Fredo.

It's from Godfather II.  After Fredo broke Micheal's heart.

For your viewing pleasure, I've included the clip of this particular scene.

I know I shouldn't but I laugh my ass off at the line that I stitched up.

I have a bunch more in this series.  They take forever because of the font.  I'll share those when they're done.

In addition to a whole bunch of Mafia movies, I've got lots more in the works.  I've planned quote series from The Big Lebowski,  The Colbert Report, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and The Trailer Park Boys (Mrs. Evils there is a Rickyism in there with your name on it. well, not literally but you know what I mean.), just to name a few.  Then there's a ton of one-liners from random stuff.  I'm telling you, my quote list is mammoth.  And since it's not getting any smaller I have to start working on it!

What kinds of things do you like to quote?  Do you think it's annoying when people quote things often?  Do you have a favorite quote?

Thanks for looking and have a craftastic weekend!