Friday Finish!

 

This week I took some things out of my, to do list. This one was all stitched, just needed to be finished. I decided to make it into a pillow. It is a pattern by Cheri Saffiote and this one I did in red work. The fabric was a tea stained muslin but my lighting turned it a bit red.

Today I finally got a chance to hike to the Blue Heron rookery. The path had a lot of downfall and new growth so it was a maze to get around things.

At the pond, I noticed there were less nests and less Herons. The storms this year, really did a lot of damage to the nesting areas and I guess it hit here too. Add the colder temperatures and I assume most are still heading up. 

Not sure if this one was nesting or just taking a rest. 

This one is waiting for its mate. Very sad to see so little activity. It is usually teaming with birds and nests. One problem was, I had to walk through narrow paths in bush to get a clearer shot, so I spent a lot of time picking ticks off my pants. Once we got home, we took all our clothes off and did a body check. Bill did find one on his back, so glad we found it before it did any damage. I guess this is not a good time to be in the bush.

This area is also home to a lot of barn swallows. They are beautiful to watch, but I do wish they could build a platform on the pond, so I could stand in a clear spot to enjoy the birds. They have a main trail that is kept up, but the side trail to the birds, is not taken care of.

I hope everyone had a nice week and enjoying nicer weather. We are warming up and have a camping trip for next weekend. 

Friday Finishes and Finds!

This week seemed to fly by, I had lots of plans and didn't get as much accomplished, but I was able to do a few things. I think the heat is getting to me, and it is continuing into next week. Of course we may get showers finally, right at the same time as the boys belated birthday party, lol.

One good thing is the first of the month and a new stitchery from Kathy Schmitz's club. I decided to do some more lavender sachets and I kept them simple, omitting the extra stitching in the basket and some outer pieces.

One I did with pearl cotton and one I did with DMC variegated red. I think I like the red best, the blue is a bit light, but fine for a sachet that I will be hiding in my wool.

I also got out over the weekend to hunt for glass. We found a lot the first day, and we spent 4 hours looking, and I had my helpers. I even found an old rusty hook, not sure what I will do with it. If you look towards the bottom left, you will see a face rock, complete with 3d nose and a smile, that will be fun to paint.

The next day I found less, but some nice pieces and the big rock at the top will be an owls head. I ended up throwing away the piece of bottle, too new and it was cracked and sharp, so not worth keeping.

And as you can see from the first photo, I used some of my rocks. I did some simple ones this time and the hearts were a design I saw on a cookie. The problem is, I was supposed to make the stripes in the opposite direction and my brain went backwards, but they still turned out, ok.

The chick and dog came from the first finds. I have the others ready to go, but wanted to finish a few this week and I can do some more, next week. One the back I write my group name, DSmiles4miles and ask them to smile at the next person they see, that is the payment for finding and keeping the rock. I am hoping to get a large batch made, then when it cools down, I can hide some on our walks and maybe take some on vacation.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. The boys had to postpone their birthday in May, so they are finally getting a party. And Bean is on house rest, though he seems to be getting back to his old self. He injured his leg and had an inflamed tendon, so no jumping for now.

Unfinish Friday!

This week seems to have flown by, lots of plans and not much got done. It took two days to clean up after our trip and then I crashed, too much fun in one week;) I worked on a few things, but didn't get a chance to finish, so I will show you what I have been working on.

I decided I wanted to practice some more felting and I had a tutorial for a cute pup. I wanted it to be more like Bean so I used his colors and their pattern. I have roving that is more compact and that is great for forming the body, then I planned on using the longer hairs for his fur, but I realized after I looked, no long black hair so now the dog is a puppy with bushy hair. I want to do more details and today I made a little tennis ball for him to play with. I will show you a photo when I am finished. I wanted a collar but his neck is too compact so that might not work. It was fun to try though and I learn what I change to make it better.

My photos do not come out that great, it looks nicer in person.

I also worked on some stitcheries. I made up a few to take with me, but never worked on them. I tend to go all day and at night, just sitting at the fire is enough activity for the night. I wanted to make Cheri's baskets in the rework and love how it looks, I used pearl cotton on that one and I will do a nice border for it. I also made another church piece, my Christmas box will be over flowing this year.

As you can see, I use batting under the stitchery, works nicely with pillows and it helps to keep the stitches clean when I carry through to the next space. The trick is tying off before you carry over so it doesn't tighten up when you wash it, and not to carry too far, just over a few spaces at the most.

Friday Finishes!

This week I finished two projects. I tend to start things and not finish them or finish something but not quilt it, so time to finish things and I have a large to do list, so a bit at a time.

This quilt is a design by Cheri Saffiote and she has offered it for free on her Facebook Page, Quilts by Cheri. The original had eggs in the basket, but I decided to add simple flowers so I could use it for spring and summer. I did basic quilting around the shapes and edges and I was thinking of tea staining it, but that needs time to soak, so if I do it, that will come later. It does look better in person, much darker and prim, but as usual the outdoor photos were too bright and indoor I get light and dark so it makes it harder to see, so it is still a bit brighter than in person. Now I have to figure out where to hang it, time to take down my Easter pieces.

I also realized after I saw the photo again, I forgot to put the stitching on the border. I can still do that, will be a stitch around the inner edge with a dark tan thread.

This second piece I made and wanted to frame, but it didn't fit or look right, so I added a homespun edge and simple stitching. I gave it a light staining and it makes a nice mini wall hanging. Another piece for my gift box.

Tomorrow is our local quilt show, they do it every two years, so I will be going. Not a big show but fun to see the quilts and hopefully some new vendors from other states. Hopefully I can get some nice photos, usually people stand in the way;) Have a wonderful weekend and I will be sharing some photos of the show on Monday.

Monday works in progress!

This weekend I worked on the latest free BOM from Buttermilk Basin. They are really fun to do and work up quickly, I can't wait for the next one, it will be a double, so I can't wait to see what she has planned for the extra longer block.

The original calls for a female cardinal but I saw a lot of Blue Jays being done and since my letters are red and we do get a lot of Blue Jays in the winter, I made mine into a Blue Jay.

This is what I have so far, I love how they look together and it will be nice to have a beautiful quilt, I can hang for next Christmas.

Another project that I started is, a freebie from Cheri's Facebook Group. I am doing mine with scraps and homespuns and will decide if I want to make changes, after I sew the blocks together. There are flowers and a chicken that will be going on, so I will sew them together next and add those and see how it looks.

This is what I have so far, can't wait to finish and hang it on the wall. The pattern is called Jane's Baskets.

I wanted to thank you all for your good wishes. I am always sick or in pain, but when you live with it as long as I have,  you get used to living with it. It has just been a tough year and this is a tough month, and having the support and love from my online friends, means a lot to me.

Friday Finish!

Another week come and gone, seems time flies by lately and there is never enough time in the day to get it all done. I was able to make a new piece from a free design by Cheri Saffiote. You can get some of her designs and share pieces made from her patterns on her Facebook Page.

This week I made A Tiskat a Tasket. The original pattern is a stitchery pillow but I wanted to do the baskets in wool. Of course I add to change a few other items and the type of stitchery and then I went with a new saying on mine. I love doing patterns that you can change up to fit your own likes.

This is going on my wall for a spring piece, love how it came out.

I also finished Nick's photo album. The booklet might be a card holder, not really sure but the slots are smaller. I liked it because it was real leather, so soft and thin enough to put in his bag and only three dollars. Here are a few photos, great idea for a child's picture book, especially for Grandparents who are far away.

I decided to use my card stock for the photos, it was easier and stiff enough to fit in the slots.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and Easter with their family. I am still trying to figure out dinner, Bill is coughing again, so I may go simple and do shish kabobs. I took a photo of Danielle's gravesite. We got her a Hydrangea bush for Easter and planted it next to the stone, leaving room for growth. I used that to make up a photo for her page and thought I would share it here.

May this Easter bring Joy and Blessings to you and your families.

Monday Finishes!

I hope all of you who are in the path of the storm, stay safe and are prepared in case the power goes out. I thought I would post early, just in case. We have a generator, but it doesn't power the heater, so I hope we don't lose power for too long.

A friend send me some quilted pieces that she didn't want so I decided to add a border to one. Since it was already quilted, I couldn't do a real border, so I just added a small edge to border it. I think it needs something though, maybe a saying, or some birds, what do you think?

I lightened it up a bit, but the shades are much darker. I also need to press down the edges, but will wait until I decide what to add to the piece.

If you were wondering what else you can do with my designs, Karen made a beautiful Pin keep with hers. I love the wool colors in her piece and it is a nice idea for small or larger wool projects or you could make a table runner by adding the ducks to the end of the piece, with the star in the middle.

Primitive Heaven!

Yesterday we headed to Connecticut for a change of pace and since we were headed in that direction, I couldn't go without visiting my favorite prim shop, Milltown Primitives. The store features five rooms, each one decorated in 18th century reproductions and antiques. It is like visiting a museum, each room is set up like a room in a home and there are so many wonderful pieces that I walked around and around, seeing something new each time.

Robin is a wonderful host and her husband is part of the team who makes wonderful reproduction furnishings. Robin is also an accomplished cross stitch designer who was featured in Early American Life and is thinking about starting up her line of patterns again. She was kind enough to give me one of her iron on designs to try, so I will be working on that and feature it in a future blog posting. Her designs are done with iron on patterns, so perfect for those of us who have poor eyesight and love to work on linens or osnaburg.

Here is one of the larger rooms and this is just a section.

I am bad at shopping, I tend to refrain from buying too much for myself, but I thought I deserved a treat this week and when I saw this banner, I just had to get it. It is made by a local artist and of course, it is perfect for a textile artist;) I need to redo my peg rack, and today I threw up the wreath and added some dried florals to it, so later I might make an old dress or sack, things to hang on the rack.

And here are the rest of my goodies, one item is not mine, but I have been looking for one and I wanted to grab it while I could;) The yarn is hand spun, prefect for my needle felting projects.

If you are ever in the area, Milltown Primitives is a must, on your places to visit.

I send blessings and well wishes to all of you this Easter.

JOY!

With the recent tragedy is seems odd to title a posting with joy, but I feel that we all need to feel joy and bring joy to others. Joy is what fills our hearts with peace in a cruel world. One way to bring joy is to share it with others. I have been making small ornaments from a free pattern by Gail Pan. The original design has stars, but I decided to add the word Joy, to mine. I love how they came out and it is something I can hand out to patients in the nursing home who have no decorations or family to visit. A little something to hang on their door or bed, to remind them that someone does care. Another way to bring joy would be to donate to a giving tree or toys for tots.

Another way to bring joy is to send a friend an unexpected gift, like a sweet little snow bird. Paulette of Sweet P Quilting and Creations sent me this snowbird, I just love it and it brings a smile to my face. I think I want a whole flock of them.

And another friend, Carole of Quilting Adventures sent me this beautiful quilt. I was totally surprised by this gift, one that is beautifully made and that she spent so much time making something so special for me. It brings joy to be able to have something on my wall to remind me of such a wonderful friendship. I just hope that my small gifts to others can bring them as much joy as they have given me with their friendships even if we have never met.

I wish I had thought to get a better photo outside, before I hung it up, it is so beautiful and beautifully made with homespuns and printed fabrics. I had to crawl up a ladder since it is hanging above my entry door. I found these clip on rings at home depot, perfect for hanging a quilt on a rod.

Easter Bunny Punch Needle

I am at it again, I can't help myself. I love to punch and create wonderful designs.
This wonderful design is from A Twigs N Sprigs pattern. I just love her designs and love working on them.

You should check out the links on her site, I noticed today that she has some gatherings that you and your friends or shops can participate in, that sounds like fun. She has lots of free designs, but don't forget to support our fellow crafters, when you can, by buying their patterns, as well. Her designs will work for any type of crafting that you enjoy.

I changed my piece up a little. He had a sign, so I decided that besides the beautiful flower, he has a basket of carrots for his Easter Love. I really had fun punching him, he is just so cute. The piece will be up for sale on ebay, later tonight.

To answer the question: Is punching like rug hooking?
Punch needle is worked with a tool, sort of like a fat pen, that you thread your floss through. You work through the back of your material and punch to the front side, where you will see the loops, when you are finished. With rug hooking, you have a hook, similar to a crochet style and you pull your loops up from the front side. You usually use wool strips with rug hooking, but there are those who use yarn and other materials.

New Punch Needle and Cross stitch

I finished a new punch today. I loved doing this one, it is an adaptation from an antique postcard.
I did it in prim style, but used 3 strands to outline it so it would have the look of the drawing of the original design.
It will be on ebay later tonight.



Last night, I wanted something simple and quick to do. I got a book from the library with a kitty done in aida. It was nice, but more on the cute side with flowers and stitched cat details. I decided to draw out a simple, small kitty and add a design to the front along with a face. I love how it came out, I think I will make more cats and other animals.

Thrifty Monday

I don't know if I would call this thrifting, but I found some items today in our local consignment store. I actually find nicer things and some antiques, and a lot cheaper than the thrifts lately.

I wanted a big basket for my dining bureau, but I guess I got one, too big. It just didn't look right sitting up there, so I put it on the floor and an old piece of cloth and guess who decided it was a fun place to play hide and jump out at the dog.



It is a wonderful old basket, with the wood staves on the outer sides and bottom. There is a little damage, but the basket is still in good shape and perfect for prim decorating. I played around with what I had and some more pines from outside. Would love ideas on what to do with it. I was thinking old quilts and dolls would be nice too. If you have a picture of a big basket and how you use it, would love a link, to see it. The cardinal was a swap gift this year and the sled, something I painted years ago.



Izzy loves to follow me around and play games, as you can see, when I put the other items back on the bureau.
I spent half my time, vacuuming the cat hairs, off of the fake poinsettia.



I also found another tin candle holder in the sale aisle, this time in black, for only 2 dollars. I hung it above the old basket, I found, earlier this year.



Another fun find today, was this pair of folk art rooster, candle holders. They are hand hammered, they look great on top of my kitchen cabinet, but had to take a picture in a lower spot, to show you.

Christmas Creations

I was able to finish the punch I started when my arm gave out, luckily there wasn't too much left to do.
It is ok, but not what I wanted, lost the detail in the lettering. It says Believe. This is a pattern from Primitive Blessings which you can get as an epattern.



Another piece I made this week, a small wool hanging from one of Tiffany's designs at Primitive Blessings. I have always loved this one and want to do it in a quilted piece, but for now, a small one was perfect as a gift. Of course I had to add my own little things, the flowers and bird.



I enjoy going to other blogs and seeing all the wonderful decorations and Christmas trees, but this year I only put up my small ones. My large tree is usually decorated with cats, yes, all cats! I have been collecting them for years, so that is my theme. Since I couldn't put the tree up, due to obnoxious kitties, I put my tree topper out, so I could at least enjoy that;) I like the cat santa, but I wanted a cat angel, so maybe next year, I will make my own.

Gifts, goodies and a contest!

I belong to a wonderful ebay group with fellow primitive crafters called USAPRIM. You can find hand crafted items make in the USA by using our intials in the search. One of the things we do is Rak each other, which means random acts of kindness. This week I received some wonderful goodies for my birthday, which is tomorrow and no I don't want any hooplah or reminders that I am one year older;)

This set of items was made by Chris Moore, she does wonderful work with punch needles and rugs and she even made me a beautiful theorem painting. I think the new painting will be perfect for my guest room, over the cherry desk. I collect red glass and I think the dish she sent me would look nice with prim fabric candies.



Another gift was sent by Ginger. She made me wonderful penny ornies and a beautiful stocking. I really need soft ornies for my small trees and these will be perfect. I love the small grubby candles, I plan on tying a piece of homespun to make ornies with them. The sheep will go perfect with my new wood house. All wonderful and thoughtful presents.



I also found some goodies this week, some smalls to decorate with. Still looking for larger pieces or we might build some.
I love wall baskets, they fit anywhere and I can fill them with pine and dried items for Christmas. This was a rare find, an older wood basket, even the lady at the counter remarked on how nice this one was. I don't think they know what they have half of the time;)



I found this unique chalk board too. I think a prim punch or maybe a stitched piece, would look nice over the cork section.



And I promised to have a give away for my birthday, so starting tonight, any comments will be entered into a drawing on Sunday night. The winner will receive their choice of an ebooklet or pattern from my store. If you already have all of my books and happen to win, you can request any future pattern.

Primitive Peg Rack

My husband had a few days off, so he repainted the hallway, where I had painted a mural, years ago.
Then he made me my peg rack, just like I wanted, I love how it came out. I did the painting and antiquing.
I think we make a good team;) I threw a few things on it for now. With Christmas decorating around the corner, I am just doing a bit for now with the new items, then I can start getting my holiday things out to hang on the walls and shelves. I did get head start with some pine boughs and berries that I got in the back yard.

I didn't put any spray on the rack, I wanted a dull, old look. But, the flash glossed everything up, so the items look shiny instead of prim. I am still thinking on my bday giveaway, so stay tuned for that, later in the week. The wonderful black basket is the one, I won, from Pam at BasketnPrims. Be sure to check out Pam's blog, her baskets are beautiful.



And for your amusement, this is drinking time at our house. When one wants water, I turn the faucet on and the other comes running. As usual Dora barged in and took first place, while Izzi had to wait her turn.

Thrifting Goodies

After being stuck in the house so long with the flu, it was so nice to get out again. Yesterday I went wild and hit four stores in our area, of course, today I am resting;) I thought you might like to see some of the goodies I got.

I found the wire basket at the home store, love using them around the house and filling them with prims. Then I hit a consignment store and found a fun sewing firkin with my favorite subject, a kitty. And they also had a cast iron cat door stop to add to my collection.



This was my lucky store of the day, I also found the prim candle keep with 4 grubby candles.



At the salvation army I found a candle board, needs sanding and stain, but a nice find.



And I had to get this, because it was cute and only 50 cents.



In another consignment, I found a nice wall basket, this is a larger one and it has a painted frame on the front, I took that off.
It will be perfect with a nice punched piece on it. So, I had a good day thrifting and now I need to paint my hallway and start redecorating that area with some of my new goodies.

New Goodies and Contest prize

I finally got around to getting some pictures of the wonderful prize I won from Basketsnprims. I was expecting a basket and not only did I get a beautifully made prim basket but other goodies, as well. It was like Christmas, opening up her package.

The basket is absolutely wonderful and the picture is horrid, flask and baskets do not mix. I put it on the wall and added a bit of dried twigs and a wonderful pin keep bird, a friend made me. It will do for now, but I have a wall that needs to be painted and filled with prim goodies. My husband decided to put the wainscoting up first, then paint, ugh. So, the upper half has half of my mural still on it. Once I paint over it, I plan on putting the basket there with other items I need to sand and paint.



Here are the rest of the goodies, Pam was so generous. I put the grubby flicker candle on a shelf I found in an antique consignment store and the jar on a higher shelf, away from my kitties. I just love all of the items she sent me, things I will use and treasure. I do love grubby tapers, like the one laying on the table, but they are hard to find around here and always cost so much for one. If you know of someone who sells them at a good price in volume, I would love to know. I love candles and need more to fill the holders I have.