More Madeira Needlework Treasures

Over the weekend I made time to finish twelve more pincushion tuffets...this time I made them varying sizes...I kept them all approximately 3.5" wide, but made several different lengths. Still working with my stash from the collection Madeira by Blackbird Designs for Moda for the pincushion tops and my stash of wool felts for the pincushion bottoms, I pieced all of them in an afternoon and stuffed/whipped stitched them closed in an evening.

Still "feeling" this fabric and having plenty on hand, I wanted to play with it a little bit more - so, I decided to make a needlebook with a couple pockets for scissors and tools. I didn't have a pattern, but I knew exactly what I wanted...so I just started collecting supplies and cutting fabrics. Long story short, one needlebook scissor case turned into twelve....and I took great notes, so I could make more in the future. There are two different sizes (one is just a wee bit smaller)...both are embellished with fun trims and special buttons....and they all use sampler print fabric for the two lined pockets inside. I used various wool felts/fabrics for the needlebook pages and the closure is a colored elastic loop that hooks around a button. Each one is a bit different and special...and I really enjoyed the creative process that produced each one.

I would like to thank many of you for your support and encouragement in opening my new Etsy shop - you have been so very kind. I managed to get all twenty-four of these pieces listed in my shop today...so slowly, but surely, I am "filling my shelves"...

Perfect Day To Play

I have spent the last week stitching non-stop, working on my Halloween class design for the New England Stitcher's Retreat. I was so happy when the fabric arrived and I have been completely focused on the project ever since...it is coming along beautifully and I am about 75% done with the stitching and hope to start putting it together later this week. If all goes well, you will be seeing some photos very soon!

This afternoon I took several hours off to have lunch with my dear friends Merry and Kimber - I had made plans with them several weeks ago...and I am so glad I did - I really needed to get out of my stitching chair and take some time away. It felt absolutely marvelous to get out of the house on such a beautiful day and enjoy a leisurely lunch with my BFFs.

I was excited to give them each a special gift I had put together while waiting for my fabric to arrive. I know, they aren't Easter baskets...in all reality, they are collapsible cocktail napkin holders...but I thought they would work perfectly to hold some Easter treats. I used a Terry Atkinson Groovy Girls Club Pattern called Napkin Holder....and it gives you the option of 4 different sizes of collapsible holders: Cocktail (5.5" x 5.5" x 2.5"), Luncheon (7" x 7" x 2.5"), Rectangle (5" x 8.5" x 2.5"), and Sugar/Tea (2.5" x 3.5" x 2"). I chose the cocktail napkin size and I picked out fabric specifically for Merry and Kimber. I was pretty happy with how they turned out, considering this was my first try at this pattern....once all the pieces were cut, they went together rather quickly....and another fun thing - I got to go through my vast button stash to pick buttons for each...and the button ties are colorful hair elastics. After finishing both, I put Easter grass in the base and filled them with special treats...then I foofed them, using GiftGloss and springy green tulle. Didn't they turn out adorable??! I have plenty of the ultra firm single-sided fusible stabilizer - in fact, I have an entire bolt of it - so I see many more of these in my future. The smallest size will be a perfect little collapsible ort container to take with me on my travels...and the larger ones are perfect for gifts and organization. Now that I have made a couple, I'm sure I can adapt the pattern to any size holder I want...it is easy to adjust.

After spending the afternoon with Kimber and Merry, I have a better attitude and feel refreshed and ready to get back to work. My chores for the day are done, so I am headed back to my stitching nest - it will be another late night (early morning)....