Wool Wonders

It is another cold/snowy day in Iowa, so I thought I would brighten things up a bit by sharing a couple amazing wool pieces with you. It is no surprise that I have a love for birds and owls...and my good friend Kimber shares my owl obsession - in fact, I think she loves them more than I do (if that is even possible)!...so when I opened a box of birthday goodies from Kimber, I was extremely touched to get a couple pieces of her wool art - including an owl portrait. Kimber's wool portraits are AMAZING...so amazing, that one is featured in the latest issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects magazine (visit Kimber's blog to read all about it!). I think what I love most about this particular piece is that she created it with her very favorite colors and I can't help but think of her and smile each and every time I look at it....and isn't the frame absolutely perfect?! In addition to the owl portrait, she made me the most GORGEOUS wool button with earthy colors...yep, she designed it too - she's crazy talented...I love the added touch of the three little beads! This handmade shank button measures 1.5" in diameter...and I just have to find the perfect use for it...but for now, I'll admire it lovingly on the sunshiny yellow card.  Kimber included several other owl and bird gifts in my box of treasures...including some fun notepads, labels, a glass ornament, some fabrics...even my birthday card was a pop-up card with owls in a tree and the box was wrapped with adorable owl paper.

Yes, I truly have the best friends - and I am so blessed that they share their talents and hearts with me...

Snowman Saturday...

The start of this new year has been a bit of a whirlwind - I am knee deep in a several large projects with fast approaching deadlines (some things I can't wait to share with you!) and I have barely come up for air...but I realized I have a handful of blog posts to do, so I thought I would take a quick break and share some creativity with you!

Like many of you, here in Iowa, we are experiencing below zero temperatures, terrible winds, and lots of snow...and it doesn't seem to improving any time soon....which is fine when I can stay inside and stitch or sew, but not so much fun when walking the dogs each day. I was just thinking it would be fun to go out and play in the snow and  make snow angels or build a snowman, but it is just too darn cold and windy...so here is the next best thing, some snowmen I can share from my warm and cozy studio. These snowmen were all gifts from my very dear friend Terri, who sent me a wonderful themed Christmas package...and I just had to share them with you! She sent a wool snowman pincushion (upper right) that uses the cutest single mini bundt mold for a base (see photo inset)...I just think this is ADORABLE! I just had to find more to give as gifts.

She also sent this very fun snowman cookie platter...well actually, most of you would call it a plate...but I envision it covered with tasty treats from the kitchen...in fact, I think I need to make time for some baking!

And, if all that wasn't enough, how about these fabulous machine embroidered kitchen towels?? - I think I need to make some of these with my machine for gifts next year...they definitely brighten up my kitchen!!

So how's that for a snow day??...and I didn't even have to brave the winter cold!

I will be quilting up a storm this afternoon...and I will be nice and toasty warm. I hope you can find some time to be creative this weekend - and for those of you experiencing the same weather, stay safe and be sure to bundle up if you head outside...have a happy weekend!

Valentine Snow Day

We are in the middle of another winter storm here in Iowa - inches of snow, bitter cold temperatures, and extreme winds - a great day to stay inside and be creative...in fact, I only ventured outside today to walk try to walk Simba (and that was quite an adventure, as my neighbors didn't feel it was important to clean their sidewalks and driveways). I have spent the last couple days catching up on paperwork, doing my year-end business reporting, my sales taxes, and cleaning/rearranging and inventorying my warehouse...and I must say, I am thrilled to have those "not-so-fun" tasks done. Today I decided to spend my snow day playing in my studio...the theme for today was Valentine's Day!

I decided to finish up another batch of machine embroidered lace hearts for my Etsy shop...I had some color requests and some custom orders, so I got all those finished and shipped...and I managed to get an assortment of 34 hearts listed. In my digitized machine embroidery library I found my favorite tiny lace heart, so I started making a small batch...I also played with some wools and made another one of my heart/flower embellished zippered pouches...and I got fabrics cut for several more sewing projects. It was a wonderful afternoon/evening and I enjoyed every minute...

Machine embroidered lace hearts for my Etsy Shop...

Tiny machine embroidered FSL hearts in progress...

Heart/flower embellished zippered wool pouch...

A Valentine project in progress...

I have one more fun thing to share with you today - last weekend my husband took me out for an afternoon...after all, it had been weeks since I had been out and about - the flu had kept me cooped up for WAY too long. We had a delightful lunch, then headed to our favorite coffee shop...then I twisted his arm (it wasn't hard) to take me to the new cupcake shop that just opened up in our neighborhood - it is called Scratch Cupcakery...and it was AMAZING! I have never seen so many beautifully decorated cupcakes in one place - and that is a good thing, as they were packed with people - we had to wait in line and I think we watched about 50 cupcakes walk out the door in the few minutes we were there. Their cupcake menu is extensive and we had a terrible time trying to narrow down our choices. We decided to pick-up four cupcakes - 2 for each...one for then and one for later...we both wanted to try Toffee...and I wanted to try White Chocolate Raspberry, but since they were sold out, I was "forced" to try Raspberry Love...and my husband tried Coconut. I must tell you - they tasted as good as they looked...the cake was rich and moist and they use real heavenly buttercream frosting - they were sinful. I am actually surprised a got a couple photos before they were devoured. For some reason, I see another trip to this scrumptious cupcake place in the near future...

Thanks for visiting me today friends! I am now headed to my cozy stitching nest to finish up the needlework small for part two of the mystery sampler...and since I have a chill, I may just have to make a hot cup of tea or coffee to warm up...enjoy your evening - and if you are experiencing winter weather, stay safe and warm...

Bunnies and Birds...

I received such wonderful feedback on my wool appliqué pincushions and the new project bags I will be working on - thank you for your notes and comments! I managed to complete fifteen more pincushions (and list them in my Etsy shop) - all unique...some with birds and some with bunnies...each with different embellishments and motifs. All of the pincushions have machine appliquéd wool fabric/felt tops and cotton fabric bottoms...and each is filled nicely with about two cups of crushed walnut shells. They measure approximately 6" W x 4.75" H x 2" D...and come with three decorative straight pins. I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy making these - they make me smile! I have been struggling a bit lately and spending some time at my sewing machine, working with some of my favorite materials and embellishments really lifted my spirits. I definitely have ideas for more...including some holiday themes.

I know some of you are anxiously awaiting the project bags, and I will do my best to get some completed soon - I have picked out the first batch of fabrics and zippers and I hope to start the cutting and preparations tomorrow. I am going to start by making some with sampler fabrics, as they are perfect to hold an entire stitching project!

I will also have a photo to share with you (very soon) of the needlework smalls for my upcoming release "Berries, Birds, and Blooms"...I am currently working on the finishing...there are four pieces that coordinate with the sampler. I would like to have the two new cross stitch releases to my printer in the next week or so, so they will be available in the not-so-distant future...

Bird On A Branch

I did some "playing" today....I worked on a prototype for a new zippered project pouch I plan to produce in multiple for my Etsy shop...I made two different styles with several specifics in mind - I have always had serged seams inside my fully lined/padded zippered pouches and I am working to have no raw/serged edges...it was a bit of a challenge today, but I finally got one made of muslin to work....and then I did one with quality cotton to test everything...once I have the pattern perfected, I will get a pile cut and start the assembly line sewing. These zippered pouches will be large enough to hold a stitching chart and supplies - the prototype is 14" W x 10.25" H....and may change just a bit before production...and they are fully lined and use fusible fleece to give them a sturdy padding. I would like to add some embellishments and, of course, a zipper tab. I have quite a few yards of retired sampler fabric that will be perfect for these...

I also wanted to try a new wool appliqué pincushion idea I have been playing around with....which turned out to be a very fun distraction to my day. The top of the pincushion is wool fabric and wool felt (some hand-dyed)...and the bottom of the pincushion is quality cotton quilting fabric (the same green leaf fabric you see in the photo). It is stuffed nicely with crushed walnut shells and measures approximately 6" W x 4.75 H x 2" D. The wool appliqué was all done on machine...and it gave me a chance to experiment with some specialty stitches. The bird's eye is a teeny tiny button hand sewn in place and I added a few decorative pins for embellishment. I have plans to do an assortment of fun wool appliqué pincushions for my Etsy shop - with a variety of colors and motifs...this was just my first attempt to work with size and layout...and if you like this particular one, it will be listed momentarily...

Fandango Fun

I managed to get a huge pile of pincushions completed this week...and even got the first batch listed in my Etsy shop this evening. These pincushion tuffets have a pieced top (the fabric is Fandango by Kate Spain for Moda) and a wool felt fabric bottom...each has a coordinating wool felt flower embellishment pinned in place and two decorative pins (one heart and one leaf). This bright, cheerful fabric reminds me of the beach and was very fun to piece! I have pincushions from three other fabric lines completed and ready to post, as well - so look for those very soon...and I have a fun new item I am adding later this week (I finished six of them yesterday) and can't wait to share it with you!!

My June "Just Because" Giveaway is still open until Friday, so if you haven't entered already, visit yesterday's post for details...

A Plethora of Pouches

I hope this post finds you enjoying what is left of your weekend....

I have found myself model stitching up a storm over the last week...but I did manage to get in a tiny bit of sewing. I finished up eighteen more sewing cases/needlework pouches in a variety of fun fabrics...measuring 4" W x 5.5" H, one is the perfect size for carrying your needlework tools in your project bag...or to hold a small sewing kit...or to easily hold a smart phone and your cash/credit cards...even a passport or iPod fits easily inside. This time I embellished a pile with wool hearts and a pile with wool flowers. I have listed these in my Etsy shop...and more needlebook/scissor cases are next on my list - I have a pile cut and ready to assemble later this week.

Tonight I am back in my stitching nest working on the class project for the Salty Yarns event in October - I have been making good progress and can't wait to share it with you!

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"...

Sewing From My Stash

Over the last week, I have been scheduling some sewing time into each day...and that means revisiting my fabric stash. I've realized (probably no shock to you) that I am a bit of a fabric "junkie"...and it feels good to start utilizing fabrics that I have been collecting  hoarding for the last few years. I'm not sure why it is so hard to cut into some of my favorite fabrics...after all, I did buy the yardage for projects...I guess some of them are just too pretty for the rotary cutter. Well, all that must change...I am on a mission, determined to clean up my sewing studio...so, I will slowly but surely start using my fabric collection for it's intended use...

Today, we revisit Madeira by Blackbird Designs for Moda...this is such a wonderful collection - not only the sought after "sampler print" fabrics...but the floral, paisley, and checkered prints too! I have accumulated quite a bit of this particular collection, so I decided to start using it. I put together two more sets of patchwork snack mats (mug rugs) and seven little sewing pouches....and there is still more in the drawer. The snack mats feature patchwork tops from an assortment of Madeira prints and the backs feature a single Madeira print - I like to make them reversible, so I can use either side....and the rick rack trim just adds the perfect little touch. The sewing pouches are fully lined, have two interior pockets, a sewn in Velcro closure, and no raw seams...and I decided to appliqué a hand-dyed wool fabric heart on each as an embellishment. At approximately 4" W x 5.5" H, one is the perfect size for carrying your needlework tools in your project bag...or to hold a small sewing kit...or to easily hold a smart phone and your cash/credit cards...even a passport or iPod fits easily inside. These smalls pouches/cases make me happy! So, now that I have started to cut in to my Madeira fabrics, of course I have some scraps...so that means a few pincushions from this line will be my next project...stay tuned...and yes, many (if not all) of the pieces shown here will be listed in my shop in the near future...

Quilting and Cupcakes

Continuing on our "day to play" in Franklin, TN - our next stop was The Quilting Squares Quilt Shop & Knit Emporium. This cozy quilt and knitting shop had a a nice selection of fabric and notions...a wonderful wool room...and for those who knit and crochet, a lovely yarn room. The staff was delightful and helpful - and we all had a pile to purchase! I had been searching for a special binding tool (The Binding Tool by TQM Products), that they actually had in stock...and I found some adorable fabric with my favorite motifs - birds, owls, trees ("Let The Sunshine In" designed for Exclusively Quilters)....along with a couple fat quarters, a couple patterns, a pair of scissors, and a tomato pin cushion kit. While we were there (not to name drop) - we ran into several of my favorite designer friends - Cathy and Theresa from CherryWood Design Studios and Tracy from Ink Circles - which was so much fun - always a special treat spend a little time with such creative and talented people!

After leaving the quilt shop, we were on a mission to find "Bead City"...and we did, but it was disappointing and not photo worthy...but it did lead us to a Chinese/Japanese Restaurant next door, where we had a good lunch.

After lunch, it was time for cupcakes - we visited Gigi's Cupcakes...and oh my goodness, it was spectacular! I know they have multiple locations in the south...and they are welcome to open one here in West Des Moines, IA....what a TREAT! It took me a while to decide - they were all so beautiful and decadent. We picked up a box of six...one for each of us and several to deliver. In the box you see: (top row L to R) Chocolate Salted Caramel, White Midnight Magic, Miss Princess (bottom row L to R) Scarlett's Red Velvet, Lemon Poppy Seed, and Carrot Cake....can you guess which one is mine?...I know, too easy...mine is the Miss Princess (white cake with fresh strawberries baked in, topped with a cream cheese frosting, pink sugar crystals & a pink fondant crown)....and yes, I was in sugar shock after finishing this amazing sugary confection! Seriously - this was one delicious cupcake and my "sugar high" lasted for hours (but it was oh so worth it!).

It really was a marvelous trip and I am so glad I got experience the Nashville Needlework Market and Franklin, TN...I couldn't have asked for better traveling/shopping companions...and I learned so much and met so many wonderful people in the needlework industry!

Valentine Needlebook Pincushion Tutorial

Today's Valentine project is quick and easy and will definitely brighten up your stitching nest! It is a pincushion with needlebook attached...and is easy peasy. I was inspired by a Valentine sachet I recently pinned to one of my bulletin boards on Pinterest. I was going to do a photo tutorial for you - but I realized it is pretty simple and really doesn't require one...

The supply list is minimal:

• 5" x 6" piece of cotton print fabric (pincushion top)
• 5" x 6" piece of coordinating wool fabric (pincushion bottom)
• three pieces of coordinating wool fabric for the heart-shaped needlebook pages (approximately 3 1/2" x 3 1/2")
• matching sewing thread
• your favorite "stuffing"
• Optional - one 5" x 6" piece of fusible lightweight interfacing

1. Take your 5" x 6" piece of cotton print fabric and fuse a piece of lightweight interfacing to the back - this step is optional - it gives the top of your pincushion a good "sturdiness" and keeps it nice and smooth. It also helps your pincushion hold up over time with excessive puncturing. Set aside.
   
   
2. Using your three pieces of of coordinating wool fabric, cut three hearts. I used my AccuQuilt Studio fabric cutter to cut three of Heart #8 Small....but you can easily cut these using your own template. Choose the order you would like to layer your wool hearts; leave the base full-size - trim the middle heart 1/8" smaller - trim the top heart 1/4" smaller, so once stacked you will see all three colors. My base heart is approximately 3" x 3".
   
   
3. Place the stacked wool hearts in the center of your piece of cotton print fabric (right side up). Sew down the center of the stack of hearts - from the heart valley to the heart point. I used a decorative flower stitch on my sewing machine, but this could be done by hand using a long sharp needle.
   
   
4. Place the 5" x 6" piece of coordinating wool fabric on top of your cotton print with wool hearts (right sides together).
   
   
5. Stitch around the perimeter with a 1/4" seam allowance, leaving an opening for turning.
   
   
6. Trim the corners, and then turn right side out.
   
   
7. Stuff firmly with your choice of filling - I used a good quality fiberfill.
   
   
8. Whip stitch the opening closed.

...and there you have it - a quick and easy Valentine pincushion with a needlebook attached (finished size 4 1/2" x 5 1/2"). I used my sewing machine for all the sewing, but you could easily put the entire project together by hand. I added some decorative pins - the three red hearts are from Puntini Puntini (http://www.puntini-puntini.blogspot.com/ and http://puntinipuntini.splinder.com/) - Paola makes the most fabulous decorative pins - they make me happy and are the perfect addition to my new treasure!

I hope you have been inspired to make your very own pincushion....

Tomorrow I will post details on a Valentine giveaway...so if you like my cross stitch designs, please stop back tomorrow to get in on the fun....

Pretty Pink Pouch

It has been a crazy week...and I am happy to say my three new designs (for release at the TNNA Needlework Market in February) are finally in printing production....I do have photos and details to share with you in the coming week or two, so I hope you will look forward to those posts. Believe it or not, I am currently working on a couple new Halloween designs - one is a class piece for the New England Stitcher's Retreat in October...and one is for a Just Cross Stitch special publication - yep, I am designing and stitching Halloween in January.

This afternoon, I did take time out to do a wee bit of sewing - you know me, if I don't turn on my sewing machine at least a couple times a week, I go through withdrawal - I get the shakes and start to sweat...so today it was time to take a break. I really wanted to work on something with a Valentine feel to it...and I was dying to try a couple new dies for my AccuQuilt Studio fabric cutter (Flowers #3 Mini , and Heart #8 Small). I decided to pull out my wool scraps and just make things up as I went along. I started with a pretty pink wool base approximately 8" x 12"...and this pretty pink pouch was created (finished zipped-up size 7.5" W x 6" H). While you could easily attach the heart and flowers by hand, I chose to use my machine (after-all, I have been hand stitching continuously for weeks). I did add the button and the little white daisy (a tiny flower I cut from some trim) by hand. I thought about adding some rick rack trim, but then had the idea to cut the two raw edges that surround the zipper with a scalloped blade in my rotary cutter and use a contrasting zipper - which I thought turned out splendidly! I also added a little wool zipper pull using the same color red as the heart appliqué. It was a fun afternoon project and brightened my spirits...and it also sparked some creativity for a near future project that will use more wool and cotton quilting fabric.

Wonderful Weekend

It has been a gloomy couple days here - in fact, yesterday it rained the entire day. I decided I would take advantage of my Saturday and do some sewing, baking, and cooking. I started my afternoon by making seven more of my pincushion tuffets - these were all made with recipients in mind...and they use two of my favorite retired fabric lines (Beach House by Blackbird Designs for Moda and Madeira by Blackbird Designs for Moda) and are backed with wool. We all know how much I enjoy making these little tuffets and I have the assembly line quilting done to a science...I even moved my ironing board right next to my sewing table so I could be as efficient as possible. These also gave me chance to show-off some of the pins I made recently! After my time in the sewing studio, I made my way to the kitchen, where I baked some homemade bread and made a nice, comforting potato soup. The evening was then spent in my stitching nest finishing up my new design "Friendship Blooms" - actually, I did the last couple stitches this afternoon - so I will blog about it and give you a peek tomorrow! I am doing some charting for another new piece tonight...and I am going to cut pieces for a miniature quilt I plan to start sewing tomorrow...it has been a quiet, productive, and relaxing weekend...

Buttons and Bottle Caps

If you read my blog often, then you know I am addicted to buttons - I am constantly on the lookout for buttons - new or vintage or novelty...I don't discriminate! I have them in jars, tins, and boxes in my studio - and sometimes an entire project I work on is decided upon by a button that inspires me. So today's post should be no surprise to you - paperclips embellished with buttons...these work great as bookmarks - or for collecting papers - or attached to a card or tag - and you often see them in scrapbooking and altered art. They are beyond simple to make and can be embellished as much as you like - I did these rather simple, but you could add wool shapes or stack several buttons...even add ribbon or trim or small fabric yo-yos. I use a good, clear-drying glue and attach the paperclip to the button...then after it drys, I glue a small wool felt circle to the back to make it pretty and smooth - I have also been known to use a piece of white adhesive foam on the back. Most of the clips in the photo use buttons, but some are decorative brads I had in my embellishment box - I just removed the prongs and attached the paperclip and wool back (these are seen in the top right photo on the right side). Although I have various sizes and colors of paperclips on hand - the majority of these use a basic size #1 silver...and the three darker ones use a brass jumbo clip. I recently found some colorful BIG clips measuring about 3 3/4" - I picked up a couple packs thinking they will make great embellished bookmarks...I envision them with wool and fun ribbon tails.

I also made a couple more batches of my bottle cap magnets...I had found some wonderful adhesive tin pins at the scrapbook store that I fell in love with (aren't the bird and the goose adorable?!) - they fit perfectly in the bottle caps, so I attached them with Amazing GOOP craft adhesive and added a magnet to the back of each - super easy and super cute!

I've been running in a million different directions lately...trying to get new designs prepared, trying to make holiday gifts, along with managing my business and our household (and still nursing what is left of my cold/flu) - I have been a multitasking machine. The whole time I worked on the above projects, I had my sewing/embroidery machine working on embroidered snowflakes and had multiple household chores going on...it's been a little chaotic here trying to get my to-do list done...but each night, I have been stitching up a storm, working on new models for early 2012. "Friendship Blooms" is almost ready for a peek - it may be done tonight (if I work into the wee hours of the morning, like usual) - if not I hope to finish it up tomorrow...so be on the lookout for a sighting soon!