Wool Finishes

Do you enjoy handwork with wool? It's amazing how much the needle enjoys passing through wool. I thought I'd better show some of my wool finishes before I give them away. There's another one of these in the works for me. Yes, I am originally from IL, but prefer the Southern California winters so much better. This is a kit from Primitive Gatherings. It's meant to be a pin cushion, but framed would be better.

This next  one is just one month of a BOM put on by Farmhouse Threads. Each month a different designer shared a free pattern and also made kits available for a small charge. A whole quilt didn't interest me but figured this block would look nice framed.

I stitched with like colored threads but wish I had used a primitive stich with black thread. There are cross stitches on the basket. Nice touch by the designer, Shawn at Rusty Crow

Now I am on to Valentine's Day projects. Those always warm the heart.

Marcy

Crabapple Hill Pattern Giveaway

Some years ago the idea of crayons with embroidery showed up in a magazine. I made this block from the magazine's article and turned it into a pocket for a tote. Using crayons really seems to add dimension while not stealing from the embroidery work.



After that I worked on three of Crabapple Hill's Christmas blocks using the same technique. You can see my finished blocks HERE.

During the holidays, I saw this pattern on Crabapple Hill Designs site and ordered it immediately. Somehow in my messing around I must not have noticed the amount said "2". Oh well. It was a cheap lesson. So I decided to pass the extra on to one of you who enjoy embroidery like I do. Just express an interest in having it and I'll put your name in the hat and have my husband draw the lucky winner. (Closes January 21, 2017)

Here's my traced block and crayon work.

And now I am stitching and can't seem to put it down.

I guess stitching does make me happy and glad to share the wealth.


Marcy

Resolutions

Perhaps we all make resolutions when turning the calendar over to a new year and most aren't kept. Who cares? Even if one resolution is handled that's a good thing. Here are a few things for my list--read them all the way to the last resolution.

1. Finish what you start.

2. Finish what has previously been started.

This was left at this point in 2011. It's a free BOM from Bunny Hill Designs. There's a bag of buttons, snowflakes and beads to adorn this quilt and then ad some hand quilting/





Those are two big ones. But how about:

1. No sewing over pins.

2. Clean the sewing machine more often.

3. Blog even if a project is incomplete. It keeps our connection and inspiration going.

4. Comment on blogs. No lurking!

5. Wear gloves even when piecing. (Your hands will love you.)

6. Do not cut fabric and batting right after vacuuming.

7. Check that needle and foot are tightly attached, regularly, when quilting. (oh boy that vibration)

7. Show better pictures.

I liked the idea of the peace sign she had on the block. I dug deep and found a Love dangle from an earring my son gave me back in those times and added it to the snowman. The snowmen are all in felt and the lamb's fur is batting.

Now I  just need to kick my behind into gear and finish it off.

What's your stitchin' resolution for 2017?

Marcy