Festive Fabric Envelopes

I have had minimal time for sewing lately - but over the weekend, I managed to try out a newly purchased pattern. I cut the pieces on Saturday evening - quilted and binded them on Sunday - then finished up these fun fabric envelopes last night. The pattern is called Hold That Thought! (TP#102) by The Teacher's Pet - it is one of their "Simple Pleasures" patterns, which are great for using up small pieces/scraps of fabric. It has directions for four sizes of gift envelopes - the smallest one (shown top right) is made with two charm squares (5" squares) of fabric...isn't it adorable?! I started out by making the two larger envelopes, as I really wanted to try out my new binding tool (The Binding Tool by TQM Products) and I needed at least 14" on one side to use it correctly. I absolutely LOVE this binding tool and am so thrilled I was able to find one while I was in Franklin, TN - I am always looking for ways to improve my binding techniques, and this tool is definitely a "keeper". After working on the two larger envelopes, I knew I just *had to* make the smallest one - after all, it is so cute! These fabric envelopes are perfect for a beginner and use minimal supplies - the smallest envelope only needs two 5" squares of fabric, a 5" square of batting, and a binding strip....plus they are almost instant gratification, as they sew up quite quickly and easily. I plan to make these for some upcoming gifts using the recipient's favorite fabrics and filling them with special treasures.

My Quest For A Wooden Embroidery Hoop

Over the years I have collected my share of stitching/sewing totes, projects bags, boxes, and tins. In fact, sometimes I think it takes me longer to pick out a tote, box, or bag than it does to pick out the project to take on-the-go with me. Seems I am always sewing (or collecting fabric for) a new tote or project bag...or adding a new shaker box or special tin to my collection....and Vera Bradley bags - well let's just say I don't keep them all in one place or my husband might "freak out" a little.

Why am I sharing this...well, after a note from the local EGA regarding an upcoming class I am taking, I had to go on the search for a high quality wooden embroidery hoop...and I don't have many of those in my possession now that I am accustomed to q-snaps or working "in hand"...I just am not really comfortable working with a hoop. Normally, I am not a conformist - I stitch to enjoy my hobby and I like to use what works best for me...but that being said, I like to follow "rules", so I went on the hunt for one of my good old embroidery hoops. Right away, I realized I had the right size, right under my nose...well, actually on the shelf right next to my desk...which leads me back to the discussion on stitching boxes and totes.

Years ago, I fell "head over heels" for embroidery and quilting boxes made by Goods From The Woods...I used to go to their website everyday and drool over these wonderful sewing boxes. I wanted one so badly, I actually printed out a page from their website (with the one I wanted and their contact information) and put it on the refrigerator door a few weeks before my birthday, to gently nudge my husband in the right direction. Well, my husband got the hint and ordered me one to be delivered on my birthday (yes ladies, I really am a lucky girl!). When this sewing box arrived, it exceeded all my expectations - it is GORGEOUS! The large oval sewing box is super high quality and very sturdy...the inside contains a smaller shaker box to hold all my tools...and (if that is not enough) mounted in the lid - a high quality pair of stork scissors and (you guessed it) a 6" embroidery hoop....all that, and a wooden case for my needles, pins, and thimble. Oh how I love this stitching box...it has traveled with me to many retreats and classes over the years...and is just as spectacular today as it was when it arrived. My box is signed and dated 2003...and I feel very blessed to have this treasure, as their website has since disappeared and I have not been able to locate any current information on their products. I just had to share this beautiful box with you - it brings me joy every time I use it!

AMAZING Accessories!

Several weeks ago, I got the most wonderful surprise package from Paula at Kelmscott Designs. I have wanted to share this with you since the day the package arrived....however, these pieces are new releases at the St. Charles Needlecraft Market later this month and I wanted to wait until Paula was ready for the world to see her fabulous new creations. I can't tell you how excited I was when I received these adorable little Fish Thread Winders - they are so much fun!! I was so impressed with these, I immediately started brainstorming an idea for a future design that would incorporate these 2" mother of pearl fish. Kelmscott Designs also has a new pair of scissors called "Tudor Rose" (beautiful), a new needle minder called "Adam and Eve" (gorgeous!)...and a new Handmade Wooden Box. If you are new to Paula's fabulous creations, you must peruse her website and checkout all of her extraordinary needlework treasures - you will be amazed (Paula can also be found on Twitter under the name Needleminder)....and make sure to check out your favorite needlework shop for the newest Kelmscott Releases following the TNNA Market September 25-27th.

Another thing to note...be sure to check this out...

Kelmscott Designs is also a distributor for several needlework designers, including one of my personal favorites ...when I was three designs..., who also has a new release for the St. Charles Market in a couple weeks called "it's all about the hat" - how cute is this?! A spooky wool pincushion hat embellished with ribbons, cording, fabrics...a bat flying past the moon...it even holds Orange Little Gems scissors (sold separately)...it is the perfect little Halloween treasure! The complete kit (minus a tiny bit of stuffing) has all the materials to make this "spooktacular" pincushion. Keep an eye out for this special design at your favorite needlework shop in the coming weeks....

With all the new designs, accessories, and supplies hitting the shelves of needlework shops this fall, I am absolutely positive you will be able to find the perfect project to add to your stash!! Take a little time to stitch....

Sunday Sewing

Remember the other day...I mentioned a girl can never have too many pincushions? Well, today I made another to add to my collection....only this one has a little twist...a center opening to put your tools...or your orts (thread snippets)! What a fun little project this was, as it utilizes three sewing skills: each side panel (inside and outside) and the bottom were machine quilted in the hoop, then the panels were sewn together by machine, finally, the last opening (after stuffing) and the bottom were sewn by hand. The technical name is a "Pincushion Caddy" and the digitizing and instructions are by The Purple Hat. I can definitely see taking one of these to a stitching retreat or gathering to keep all my tools in one place...and/or using the center for loose threads. A fun, easy, weekend project for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Now that I've had a little time to play, it is back to work on my new winter design...

Polishing Projects with Piping!

Last September, Elegant Stitch came out with a fabulous kit called "Buttons and Blooms for the Cure" (raising funds for breast cancer education and awareness) - the chart/pin pillow was created by Blackbird Designs and uses their fabric line "At Water's Edge" by Moda. I fell in love with this piece, and stitched/finished it the week it arrived (which is rare for me, as I am usually model stitching)...since then, I have been infatuated with piping. I felt the piping around the pin pillow added so much dimension...just the perfect touch. I started playing with and reading about piping and it's various uses. Last weekend, I was watching an old episode of "Sewing with Martha" (Martha Pullen) and one of her segments included piping and used a special trimming tool - I immediately went to the computer and researched this fabulous tool. It is called a "Groovin' Piping Trimming Tool" and was invented by Susan K. Cleveland... it helps you trim your piping seam allowances to a perfect 1/4" or 1/2". Her website http://www.piecesbewithyou.com/ was a goldmine of piping products and books...a wealth of information! I couldn't wait to get my hands on this trimming tool and try it for myself...and I was not disappointed...my order arrived within 2 days...and it works easily and accurately...what a great find! My next sewing project?...I would love to use my new texture embroidery hoop to make an embellished quilt square...and finish it as a pillow edged with piping...hmmm....I need more time! I have a couple more unique gadgets I will share with you later this week....