GoodMorning

Poppy and Her Puppies

2010-03-02T23:23:00.000-08:00

Elijah has shown a tremendous interest in puppy dogs lately and since we can't get him a real one, I've decided to make him the next best thing; some stuffed puppies of his own. I've ordered the Audrey and Maude pattern Poppy and Her Puppies. There's a pattern for a mama dog, her cute little puppies and for a cozy bed for them to sleep on. I haven't decided if I will wait for a special occasion to give the little doggies to Elijah or if this will be a "just because" gift. Anyway, I've included sample pictures from Audrey and Maude's blog of their finished creations. I'll post pictures of my own creations when I've finished them. I'm planning to go to the Top Stitch tomorrow to purchase some fun prints for this project. Woof!

Thomas the Tank Engine

2010-02-13T19:43:00.001-08:00

I stitched up this little piece for Elijah this week. I am going to have it made into an Christmas ornament for this coming Christmas (2010). I want to start a tradition of stitching an ornament each Christmas for my children. I am planning to stitch a duck for this past Christmas (2009)and then a Baby's 1st Christmas ornament for 2008. I figure it's early enough to get caught up. Each year I will try to pick a pattern that represents something Elijah was interested in that particular year. I am also planning to stitch a Baby's 1st Christmas 2010 for our new baby due in May. It may seem a little early to be stitching Christmas things but with so many stitching goals for 2010 and a new baby on the horizon, I figure it's better to get an early start.

Quaker Casket Work in Progress 6

2010-01-29T00:53:00.001-08:00

These are pictures of my work on the front panel of the Quaker Casket. I started this on Monday and I'm almost finished. I've put my initials and those of my husband, son and new baby due in May to personalize it and make this project family heirloom material. I've also added in some motifs from other places in the pattern to fill in empty spaces. I think it's turning out well.

Quaker Casket Work in Progress 5: Second Side Panel Finish

2010-01-21T01:51:00.000-08:00

I finished the second side panel tonight(Wednesday)! Two pieces down; three to go! The other three pieces are considerably larger and feature more motifs than the two side panels so I anticipate much longer finishing times for them than for the side panels.

Quaker Casket Work in Progress 4

2010-01-20T00:57:00.001-08:00

I started stitching the second side panel tonight (Tuesday). I would like to finish it in the next couple of days and move on to the three larger pieces of the project.

Quaker Casket Work in Progress 3: Side Panel Finish

2010-01-18T14:05:00.000-08:00

I finished one of the side panels for the casket this afternoon. This was very fun and relaxing to stitch and I can't wait to begin the other side panel.

Quaker Casket Work In Progress 2

2010-01-18T03:04:00.000-08:00

This is my progress as of Sunday night. I hope to finish this side panel in the next couple of days.

Quaker Casket Work In Progress 1

2010-01-17T00:04:00.001-08:00

I started stitching one of the side panels of the casket tonight. The picture quality is poor but I thought I'd share it anyway. I'm already enjoying this piece. I'd forgotten how much I love the feeling of silk thread. It took my eyes a little while to adjust to the fine stitch count (36 over 2), but with some added light in my stitching area and some time, they became used to it. This is the first time I can recall that I had any kind of trouble seeing the holes in the linen; my eyes must be getting weaker. Time to invest in one of the those magnifying devices that you clip on your frame? We'll see....

Quaker Casket

2010-01-16T20:57:00.001-08:00

I’ve decided my big cross-stitching project for 2010 is going to be the Quaker Casket by Sampler Cove Designs. I fell in love with this piece last year and have been dreaming about stitching it for a while. I went to Haberdashery yesterday and today and purchased the pattern and enough linen and silk thread to get started. I chose Puritan Blue silk thread by Crescent Colors to work the casket in. Last year I fell in love with Crescent Color’s Ocean Tide and used it to stitch With My Needle’s Quaker Schoolgirl Needle Necessities. I decided for the casket I wanted a little lighter blue color and when I saw Puritan Blue it seemed just about perfect. I chose 36 count Light Examplar linen by Lakeside Linens to stitch this lovely piece on. It has a deliciously warm, creamy color and I absolutely love it! Stay tuned for progress pictures….

Quaker Schoolgirl Needle Necessities Finished!!!

2010-01-14T18:31:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of the finished product. I stitched these a while back and now they are finally, completely finished. Yeah!!!

Lazy Sewing Days

2010-01-07T12:45:00.001-08:00

I’ve begun piecing together the quilt top of the I Spy quilt I’ve been planning to make for Elijah. I’ve decided that this particular project will be my in-between-projects project for this year; something I work on when I don’t have anything else to do. Ultimately, I’d like to have it finished in time for Christmas 2010 and that date seems like a reasonable goal now, but ask me again in May and I may be singing a different song. There is something very therapeutic about pressing, pinning, and sewing little, brightly colored and patterned fabric squares together. The lack of a pressing deadline, I’m sure, also contributes to the therapeutic quality of the activity and I’ve found myself relaxed and content with the process.

Elijah's Doll is Finished

2009-12-10T18:34:00.001-08:00

I finished Elijah’s baby doll today. In the morning, I went to the Top Stitch for my final lesson for this project. Carrie showed me the best way to attach the hair, hat and body to the head and I was able to finish this afternoon while Elijah took a nap. I trimmed the hair a bit, used a red beeswax crayon to rouge the cheeks a little and presto….a baby doll was born! It’s very far from perfect, but I am so happy I finally decided to attempt this. This is my very first doll ever and it actually looks somewhat like a baby. I love the good feeling you get when you finish a project that is going to be a gift for someone you love. I’m so excited to give Elijah his “Baby” Christmas morning. I can hardly wait!

The Doll has a Face

2009-12-09T14:10:00.001-08:00

I was able to go to the Top Stitch yesterday afternoon for some help with Elijah's doll. Carri showed me the best way to close the top of the head and sew on velour fabric. I managed to sew the body while I was there (pictures to follow in later posts). All I can say is that I will NEVER sew on velour fabric again!!! Last night I used a 5 inch dollmaking needle and an embroidery needle to embroider a very simple sleepy baby face. It's far from perfect but I'm hoping Elijah will like it. He accidentally caught sight of the doll last night and said "Baby!Baby!Baby!" and wanted to hold it. I think that's a good sign.

Waldorf Doll: More Progress

2009-12-06T23:23:00.000-08:00

Here is the head of Elijah's Waldorf doll covered in "skin". The skin is made from high quality cotton tricot. I must admit I had a lot of confusion and difficulty with this step in the pattern I'm following because the "skin" was initially almost impossible to stretch over the top of the head and I began to think that I'd made a huge mistake (definitely not the first time it's happened!). Fortunately, after some prayers(thank you Lord), many tries and an extra set of hands to hold the head (thank you Hubby), I managed to squeeze the inner head into the "skin". I still need to sew the top opening(it looks a little like the doll has horns) to the top of the head, and then I'll be ready to give the little tyke some facial features. I plan to take my project to The Top Stitch on Tuesday for a little extra help and guidance from Carri ( the owner of The Top Stitch, an accomplished seamstress and wonderful sewing teacher). I was blessed to be able to take sewing lessons from Carri last year and think she is great. She is friendly,extremely patient and very knowledgeable. I am excited for Tuesday!

Waldorf Doll Head

2009-12-01T10:55:00.000-08:00

This is the inner head for Elijah's waldorf doll. It is made from tubular gauze stocking, strong thread, and pure wool stuffing. Isn't it cute?

Waldorf Doll

2009-11-30T17:54:00.001-08:00

I’ve decided to make Elijah a Waldorf style doll for Christmas. I’ve been interested in Waldorf dolls for a long time but only just recently have felt comfortable enough with my sewing skills to attempt to create one myself. There are many places that sell high-quality handmade Waldorf dolls but they are expensive (usually $100 bucks plus) and I really like the idea of making one myself; one that isn’t perfect, but made and given with lots of love.
Waldorf dolls are made using natural materials like wool and cotton. They are soft and simple, encouraging a child to use his or her imagination. They usually contain an inner head, made from tubular stocking, wool and strong thread which then is covered by an outer cotton “skin”. The doll’s facial expression is usually left neutral to allow a child to imagine different emotions.
I recently purchased a kit to make Elijah one of these dolls from Dancing Rain Dolls. Dancing Rain Dolls is a home-based business located in Port Orchard, Washington. They sell custom dolls, patterns, kits and supplies to make these special dolls. Because this is my first doll, I decided to go with the simplest kit they offer: Baby Bundles. Although the doll itself will be neither grand, nor especially beautiful (in my opinion), I am looking forward to making it for Elijah and hope that he will enjoy playing with it.
Recently, while visiting some friends, Elijah picked up a baby doll they had for their boys. He brought it over to me and said “baby” and then proceeded to cuddle and love on it. I am hoping such will be the case with Baby Bundles. Wish me luck on my doll-making journey.

Mini Kitchen Giveaway

2009-11-24T14:34:00.000-08:00

I just entered A Kindred Spirit's Thoughts (http://kindredspiritreviews.blogspot.com) mini kitchen giveaway for a chance to win a mini kitchen from Magic Cabin. I've known about Magic Cabin for years now and think their toys are some of the best. They are high quality, simple, natural and encourage children to use their imaginations. I am really excited about this giveaway (wouldn't it be great if I won?) and wanted to share it with those of you who have young children.

Angelina Ballerina Bag

2009-11-16T20:55:00.001-08:00

Christmas Ornaments Galore

2009-11-16T20:37:00.000-08:00

A Duck of Another Kind

2009-10-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

Here is my baby all dressed up in his Duck costume. He wore it last year for Halloween and we put him in his play-pen in the front yard with a big sign saying "Not A Free Range Duck" while we sat on the steps and passed out candy. For Halloween this year I think we are taking Elijah to the local children's museum for their first annual Halloween party. The weather is supposed to be nasty here on the 31st and so we've decided that tricking-or-treating really isn't an option although Elijah is old enough this year to participate.

Cat and Monkey

2009-10-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

I've sorely neglected this blog for the last month and half and so did not post in early September when I completed the last two of Duck's friends. Cat and Monkey both stitched up fairly quickly and I am very happy to say that I am finished with the stitching part of Duck and Friends. Although I did not complete all of the pieces by the end of August as was my goal, and I happy to say that I did stitch all seven pieces in a little over a month and half, which makes the project one of the quickest stitches I've ever done. Apart from a few more Christmas ornaments, there's been nothing new on the stitching front recently. I'm going through a bit of a dry spell and have lost a lot of desire for stitching lately. Fall and winter are usually when I enjoy stitching most because there's nothing like curling up in a rocking chair with linen and threaded needle in hand when it's dark and cold outside, but for some reason this year I just haven't been in the mood. Even the Christmas Ornament addition of Just Cross-Stitch magazine hasn't been enough to entice me to stitch. Oh well, I'm sure the stitching bug will visit me again eventually...it always does. Happy Fall everyone!

Oink....Finally

2009-09-07T18:33:00.000-07:00

I finally finished Mr. Pig this afternoon. My grand plan of finishing Duck and Friends by September unfortunately did not come to fruition but I'm okay with it. Elijah had a couple of really rough weeks (I'll explain more later) and then we were off on summer holiday to my parent's in Olympia for a week. We had a nice relaxing week visiting with family, exploring Olympia, hiking at Mr. Rainier, and touring tall ships at Harbour Days.
We returned on Saturday. Hubby and baby went to bed early last night and I was finally able to spend a couple of hours stitching. Then this afternoon hubby took baby on a nice long outing to the park and I was able to finish Mr. Pig. I am very happy to have him finished as this means I have only two more pieces to stitch in the series. Yeah!!!

Quack

2009-08-20T01:28:00.000-07:00

I finished Duck this evening (morning). I finally feel like I am in the home stretch of this project. I've completed four pieces; I have three to go. My goal is to have everything finished by the end of August. Elijah's been sick this week with the stomach flu and has needed extra loving and attention. We've sat and read books and watched episodes of Thomas and Friends (he only watches television when he's feeling icky) and snuggled.

Woof

2009-08-17T01:40:00.000-07:00

I finished Duck's friend Dog tonight. I decided to stitch him before tackling the others. I started him Friday night after I finished Mr. Frog. I think he looks very smart. He was much more enjoyable to stitch than the frog.

Mr. Frog

2009-08-14T22:27:00.000-07:00

I finished Duck's friend Mr. Frog tonight. I am glad to be finished with him; he was not nearly as fun to stitch as the last piece. I think a lot of my lack of interest in him had to do with the colors (or lack thereof) involved. Something about stitching in shades of green was very unappealing to me. Oh well... on to the next animal friend. I'm thinking about starting on either Monkey or Mr. Pig. We'll see.

Finished

2009-08-12T02:33:00.001-07:00

I finished backstitching Duck and Friends this evening (morning). I think Duck and his five friends are adorable and am sure Elijah will like this. This was a very fast piece for me; I started it last Wednesday evening and finished it Tuesday evening (Wednesday morning). I am eager to begin stitching the individual animals next for a total of seven pieces. I know I'm up to the challenge and hope to have them all finished by the end of August or beginning of September. All I can say is "Quack"!

Almost Finished

2009-08-11T04:10:00.000-07:00

I finished the cross-stitching part of Duck and Friends. All I have left to do is the back-stitching. I am very happy with the way it's turning out.

Progress

2009-08-10T05:33:00.001-07:00

Here is more progress on Duck and Friends. All I have left is the rest of Cat, Frog and backstitching and then I'll be finished. I'm looking forward to finishing it this week. I've enjoyed this project very much and am looking forward to stitching pictures of the individual animals next. I've been showing Elijah my work-in-progress every day and love seeing his smile when he spies the duck. I think he'll like what I'm planning to do with the finished pieces too...but that's another story :)

Duck and Friends

2009-08-07T02:57:00.001-07:00

I've begun a new project called Duck and Friends from Gillian Souter's Storybook Favorites in Cross-Stitch. It features the drawings of Steven Cartwright in cross-stitch. I think it is really cute and Elijah's favorite animal is a duck. I started the piece on Wednesday evening and this is my progress so far. Not too bad, if I do say so myself. And in case you're wondering about the ornaments; not to worry...pictures of finished ornaments are to follow in the next day or so.

Christmas Lollipop

2009-08-02T00:37:00.000-07:00

I started on a new ornament tonight. It's from the Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament Preview issue. It's called Christmas On A Stick and when it's finished it will look like a peppermint lollipop. I'm stitching it on 28 count platinum linen over two using Weeks Dye Works cotton thread. This should stitch up fairly quickly.

Finished Angelina

2009-08-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

I finished Angelina Ballerina tonight and am happy with the way she turned out. There was a LOT of back-stitching involved but the end result really makes her pop and look even more like the original book illustrations. I love how stitching with one thread over two gives her a more delicate look.

Angelina Ballerina

2009-07-31T06:24:00.000-07:00

I've started on an Angelina Ballerina pattern from Storybook Favorites in Cross-Stitch.I started last night,and as you can see, it is stitching up quickly. I am stitching on a pretty, pale 28 count lavender linen. I am using one strand of DMC floss and stitching over two. For those of you who know me, you may think it strange that I should be stitching such a girly pattern. Rest assured, I am not stitching this for Elijah; I am stitching it for my 2 1/2 year-old niece. When finished it will become part of a little bag and given as a Christmas present. I hope she'll like it.

It's Raining Snowmen

2009-07-31T06:21:00.000-07:00

Here are three more finished snowmen. I finished these handsome fellas last week. I think all will make very smart ornaments.

Another Tiny Snowman

2009-07-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

I've decided to stitch a second tiny snowman. I started him last night after finishing Santa. Soon this little fella will have a body and a warm scarf to wear.

Second Santa Finish

2009-07-23T15:44:00.000-07:00

I finished my second Prairie Schooler Santa last night. I like this Santa even better than my first. I love the ark and the animals. On to new stitching....

First Completed Santa Ornament

2009-07-22T11:19:00.000-07:00

I received this photo from Vonna (the Twisted Stitcher's Finishing service) this morning. My first Santa ornament is complete!!! She did a beautiful job and totally exceeded my expectations!

More Santa

2009-07-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

I’ve made a little more progress on Santa. Yesterday I discovered a large mistake in counting in Santa’s robes and had to frog (rip out) five rows of stitches. Frogging on 32 count is quite a challenge and absolutely no fun!!! Needless to say the experience has caused me to pay extra attention to my counting. Slowly but surely Santa is coming together.

I Spy Quilt: Planning Stage

2009-07-19T20:22:00.001-07:00

I bought a package of 50 precut 5X5 inch novelty print squares for boys from a woman on etsy . It arrived yesterday and I’ve been sorting through the different prints and dreaming of their incorporation into an ‘I Spy’ quilt. My set of 200 squares from the swap should arrive sometime towards the middle of August.
One of the frustrating things I’ve run into in the design process for Elijah’s quilt is the lack of a genuine ‘I Spy’ quilt pattern for a twin bed. I’ve found plenty of ideas and sources of inspiration, yes, but no actual pattern for that size. Seeing as this will only be my second quilt, I’d really like to have directions. Oh bother. If anyone has any ideas for me, feel free to leave a comment. It would be most welcome!

Second Santa Update

2009-07-17T18:25:00.000-07:00

I love the Noah's Ark theme of this particular ornament and am very much enjoying the stitching process.
Progress on Santa has been a little slow this week in part because of the time spent fussy cutting my ten fabrics for the I Spy Swap. I finally finished cutting the last of two-hundred 4" inch squares this afternoon and sent them off in the mail to Meredith (one of the hostesses of the swap).

I Spy Swap Fabric

2009-07-16T00:08:00.000-07:00

I began fussy-cutting some of my fabrics for the I Spy fabric swap. I found some really fun prints at The Cozy Quilt in north Spokane. I will have to go back there sometime in the next week to look for the rest of the fabric. Fun. Fun. Fun.

I SPY SWAP

2009-07-14T15:41:00.000-07:00

I've decided instead of a dinosaur quilt, I'd like to make Elijah an 'I Spy' quilt for his first big-boy bed. Last night while I was searching for patterns and fabrics and ideas for his quilt I came across this cool fabric swap. I will send 20 4" squares from 10 different novelty fabrics (200 squares in total) and in return I will receive 200 novelty fabric squares. This will be my first fabric swap and I am excited to see how it will turn out!

A New Santa

2009-07-11T21:57:00.001-07:00

I began another Prairie Schooler Santa today. This time I am stitching on 32 count dirty linen over one thread using NPI silks. Stitching over one on 32 count is not without its challenges, but I am enjoying the effect of extra tiny stitches. I am really enjoying stitching these Christmassy things when it's 90 plus degrees outside. It helps me to think "cool" thoughts. Where's some snow when you need it?

Tiny Mr. Snowman

2009-07-10T18:32:00.000-07:00

I started this little guy last night and finished him today! He comes from a pattern called Winter Bird by Heart in Hand. I decided I liked him so much by himself that I omitted the bird and border. I stitched him on 32 count dirty linen over two (the same as the cardinal) using a combination of NPI silk and Weeks Dye Works cotton. I think he's really cute and will make a lovely ornament!

Cardinal Finish

2009-07-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

I finished stitching the cardinal and stitched a branch for the back of the ornament. I am pleased with how it turned out and am busy thinking of ways I'd like it finished into ornament form.

Red Bird

2009-07-09T01:37:00.000-07:00

I began stitching this evening on a Christmas ornament for my grandma. I decided to use the cardinal from the Red Bird Sampler by Bent Creek. I'm stitching it on 32 count dirty linen over two using weeks dye works cotton thread. As you can see I'm almost finished! I was really surprised at how quickly this worked up. My grandma has a special bird collection and one of her favorite birds is the cardinal. I hope she'll like it.

Tiny House

2009-07-08T13:43:00.000-07:00

After a very long weekend with absolutely no stitching I decided to whip up this little piece. It's a Prairie Schooler design and I have no idea where I originally got it from. My best guess is that it probably was a freebie included in an order I made several years ago.I stitched it over one on 28 count light sand linen using Needlepoint Inc. silks (I just love silk!). It's extra tiny; only about 1.2 by 1 inches. It too is going to be made into an ornament.

Santa Finish

2009-07-08T13:36:00.000-07:00

I finished the Santa early last week and have sent it off to the Twisted Stitcher for finishing. Although I could have finished it myself, I've found that I really prefer stitching over sewing when it comes to my needlework projects and I've been anxious to try the Twisted Stitcher after seeing her portfolio pictures. I'm sure she will do a wonderful job.

Santa Update

2009-06-26T10:15:00.001-07:00

Christmas in June

2009-06-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

I’ve decided to take a break from Quaker pieces and begin working on some Christmassy things. I figure if I don’t start now I’m never going to get them done in time for Christmas. For my first holiday piece, I’m stitching a Prairie Schooler Santa that will be made into a Christmas ornament. I am stitching on 28 count light sand linen over one thread using Needlepoint Inc. silk. The pattern uses DMC but I love stitching with silk so much I’ve substituted it. It should stitch up quickly.

A Finish

2009-06-25T13:52:00.000-07:00

I finished stitching the needlecase piece from Quaker Needlework Treasures. I found this piece particularly fun to stitch because of the element of surprise involved. Stitching with rainbow colored silk, I had no idea what the end result would be. I think the “unknown” helped sustain my interest in stitching in the piece. I am satisfied with how it turned out and plan to stitch the rest of the pieces in the set later this summer, but for now I’m all Quakered out. A new project is calling. Is it my imagination or do I hear sleigh bells?

Treasures Update 3

2009-06-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Haberdashery!!!

2009-06-11T21:19:00.000-07:00

My most favorite store in Spokane (actually my most favorite just about anywhere) has won 1st place in the Arts and Crafts Shopping category in the ZBest of Spokane contest! Congratulations to Brenda, the shop’s wonderful owner!
Haberdashery is the cross-stitcher’s cross-stitch store for those of us in the Inland Northwest. Brenda has a large selection of patterns; just about any floss or thread you can think of; a huge selection of linens and other fabrics; needles, notions, frames; everything for the passionate needlewoman. If she doesn’t have it, all you have to do is ask and she’ll order it for you. The store’s walls are lined with beautiful cross-stitches. She has cases filled with gorgeous examples of pillows, needlecases, pin cushions etc. In the back of the store she has a huge table set up for friends to come stitch around. She also offers classes on finishing and special projects.
On top of all this, she has designed her own line of cross-stitch patterns. Although most of the patterns are “not what I’m into”, a new pattern she came out with this year has really peaked my interest. It’s pictured above. Every piece is stitched over one (something I’m a huge fan of) and is just so lovely. When I’m finished with current projects I plan to stitch it.
I love Haberdashery and try to support it whenever I can. I believe it is so important, especially in this tough economy, to support worthy local businesses like Haberdashery. So, if you’re in the area stop by and check out my “home away from home”. I’ve also linked to Brenda’s website on the right side of this page. Go Haberdashery!!!

Future Projects

2009-06-11T15:22:00.001-07:00

Lately I’ve been thinking about Christmas and birthdays; specifically what presents we will give Elijah for both occasions. I know it sounds crazy with Christmas more than six months away and Elijah’s birthday more nine months away but if I am to continue the trend of handmade gifts, it seems like a wise idea to start thinking about, planning and making them now…at least that’s what I’m telling myself.

So far I’ve come up with a couple of ideas. My first idea is to make the boy a doll. Yes, you heard me right, a doll. In our family we have pretty traditional views of gender roles; Jacob is the leader, provider, protector and I am his helper. However my traditional views of gender do not limit the types of toys I give to my child. If my son shows an interest in dolls (which he has), then I feel perfectly comfortable in making and giving him a doll.

With that said, I have found a pattern for a doll that I’d love to try. I love that it’s made from natural materials and that it’s soft and simple. I haven’t purchased it yet, but am planning to soon. The pattern was designed by a woman who lives in Australia and I think it’s adorable. I really like her blog http://www.vintagericrac.blogspot.com/ and she has a fun etsy shop where she sells the patterns and dolls http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5574262.

My second idea is to make him a dinosaur quilt and room décor for when he transitions to a toddler bed. This would most likely be a birthday present because of the time involved and also because Elijah won’t be able to use the quilt until he’s a little older. I’ve found a really cute pattern book called Chomp, Stomp and Roar that I’m anxious to buy. The designs are by a woman named Pam Manning. You can check out her blog here: http://rockycreekquilts.blogspot.com/2008/06/dinosaurs-stomp-chomp-and-roar.html.

My third idea is to make Elijah some felt tools. I found the most adorable pattern on etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6192066 and think Elijah would get a kick out of the tools.

Decisions, decisions. Do I attempt to make one, two or all of my ideas? Which one do I make first? Stay tuned….

Treasures Update 2

2009-06-10T22:37:00.000-07:00

More progress.....

Treasures Update

2009-06-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

My husband says my stitching looks “hippyish” and “psychedelic”. I must admit when I purchased the Tahiti silk, I had not thought my stitching would turn out quite so “colorful”, but nonetheless, I am enjoying the unexpected surprises of stitching with spacedyed thread and think it’s grand that my finished pieces will be so uniquely mine. The colors still remind me of rainbow sherbet and since stitching began I’ve had the worst craving for the frozen treat!

Quaker Needlework Treasures

2009-06-05T17:36:00.000-07:00

I’ve decided to take a small break from the Quaker Pattern Book pieces and work a little bit on a fun new project. I’ve started on the needlecase from Quaker Needlework Treasures from With My Needle. I’m stitching on a pretty 28 count linen called Little Boy Blue. It’s a soft, clear sky blue and the perfect background for the handpainted Tahiti Waterlilies silk by Caron.
As I was stitching today with this rainbow colored silk the word ‘delicious’ came to mind. Tahiti reminds me of rainbow sherbet. Yum! Although I normally prefer a more traditional color palette, I couldn’t resist buying several skeins of this silk when I was in my LNS Haberdashery yesterday. It’s lovely to stitch with.

Quaker Pattern Book

2009-05-21T00:51:00.000-07:00

This is my newest project. I am stitching over one on 28 count linen with Crescent Colours Ocean Tide silk; the same silk I used for the last project. I have fallen in love with a certain pattern company called With My Needle and I'm loving these Quaker patterns.

Finished

2009-05-20T00:58:00.001-07:00

I am finally finished with the stitching part of Quaker Schoolgirl Needle Necessities. I stitched the final backstitches of the border tonight. Hooray! This was really a fun project and I'm almost sad that it is over. Now on to new stitching and sewing the pieces into finished form.

Sewing Case Update

2009-04-30T22:54:00.001-07:00

This is my latest progress on the Quaker Schoolgirl Needle Necessities. I started stitching the sewing case on the 19th. I am really enjoying this piece. I love the different motifs and for some strange reason I love stitching alphabets. This is my first "Quaker" piece and I have to say I am definitely falling in love with the style. I love how Quaker designs seem to be the perfect marriage of simplicity and elegance.

Scissors Sheath

2009-04-18T23:17:00.000-07:00

This is the scissors sheath; the companion piece to the sewing case and needlebook. I am really enjoying stitching these designs from With My Needle. I can't say it enough: I love stitching with silk! All I have left to stitch is the sewing case and then I'll be finished stitching these great little needle accessories.

Quaker Schoolgirl Needle Necessities

2009-04-14T19:17:00.000-07:00

This is my newest little project. I am stitching the sewing case, needlebook and scissors sheath from Quaker Schoolgirl Needle Necessities by With My Needle. The picture is of the needlebook I've completed stitching. When I'm finished stitching the other two designs, I'm going to have them made into the sewing case etc. I am stitching on 32 count Maple Sugar linen by Lakeside Linens and using Crescent Colours silk. I absolutely love stitching with silk thread. There is just something about its softness and sheen and how easily it glides through the fabric. I also love the look of silk on linen. Very pretty.

Antique Sampler

2009-03-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

I’ve begun the tedious but rewarding task of charting an antique sampler that has been in my family for one-hundred-forty years. The sampler was created in the late 1860’s by my paternal great-great-grandmother. She created it when she was an eight year old girl living in England. A year later she immigrated to the United States with her family.
My dad, at my urging, recently had it reframed with preservation in mind and hopefully, it will continue to be a treasured family heirloom for years to come.
The original sampler hangs in my parent’s home but my dad has taken many photographs from which I am able to chart the design. The sampler contains many interesting motifs and it has been very fun charting them all.
My goal is to finish charting the design by the end of April and begin stitching in May. Ideally, I would love to finish in time to enter the sampler in the Spokane County Interstate fair, but we’ll see what happens.

Babar!

2009-03-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

I've been stitching Babar and Celeste and plan to make the finished cross-stitches into little dolls for Elijah. So far, I've finished stitching Babar. I normally hate stitching on Aida, but for this project I felt it was the most appropriate material.

The Completed Alphabet Book

2009-03-23T13:19:00.001-07:00

I realized that I never posted the finished book. Here is the end result!

Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin

2009-02-15T21:13:00.000-08:00

This is my latest cross-stitch project. I'm stitching it as a birthday present for Elijah. All I have left to do is the backstitching and then I'll be finished! I will have it professionally framed and then hang it in the nursery. My goal is to stitch at least one project per birthday for Elijah.

Another Update

2008-12-01T16:54:00.000-08:00

The weekend before thanksgiving we drove down to Walla Walla to visit Jacob’s grandma and grandpa for his grandma’s 78^th birthday. We had the most wonderful time and they loved meeting Elijah for the first time. Elijah was quite taken with his great-grandma and instantly fell in love with her sweet and gentle spirit. She rocked and sang him to sleep on several occasions and gave him all sorts of compliments which he loved. We spent a quiet Thanksgiving with Jacob’s father and enjoyed relaxing and filling ourselves with good food.

I am pleased to report that I am finally finished with the first stage of Elijah’s alphabet book. All of the pages are cut out and pressed and the appliqué pieces are fused to the pages. All that remains is the actual sewing which will commence on Thursday.

F is for Frog

2008-11-17T01:32:00.001-08:00

Here are the pieces for the "f is for frog" page of Elijah's alphabet book (the floral background is just our ironing board). I've spent the last two weeks tracing all the shapes and letters onto fusible web; picking out and buying most of the fabric for the different pieces; washing and ironing fabric; fusing most of the fabric to the fusible web and cutting out most of the shapes and letters. I only have a few more letters to go and then I will begin the fun process of cutting out the fabric for the pages themselves and fusing everything into place. All this before the actual sewing begins!!! It's a lot of work, but I am thoroughly enjoying myself! It's such a cute pattern and I am even more determined now to have the book finished for Christmas morning.

Elijah's First Christmas Present

2008-11-04T19:01:00.001-08:00

I’ve been racking my brain for the past couple of weeks for Christmas gift ideas for Elijah. Yesterday I came across an adorable alphabet cloth book pattern on sewbaby.com. I purchased it along with another pattern for an activity book and my goal is to have the alphabet book finished for Elijah by Christmas morning. It looks super cute and I can hardly wait to begin my latest project. I think Elijah will like it a lot and I’m happy that at least one of the Christmas presents my little man receives will be handmade.

The Fair

2008-09-17T10:41:00.001-07:00

We recently went to the Spokane County Interstate Fair with family. Jacob enjoyed the fine arts exhibit with the charcoal drawings. Elijah absolutely loved the animals and even got to pet a goat and baby piglet. My favorite part as always was the needlework exhibit. I loved seeing the beautiful cross-stitches and was inspired to enter my own work in next year’s fair.

Oh The Cuteness

2008-08-14T17:25:00.000-07:00

Handsome Is A Boy Named Elijah

2008-08-06T23:14:00.000-07:00