Friday Finish!

 

This week I tried a new project for Easter. I saw a coloring book design on the web and thought it would be a fun design to needle felt. I used a mix of my good variegated roving with some cheaper ones for the bright colors. The backing is a dyed piece of white wool. I put another piece behind it to stiffen it up and then another thick piece for the backing, finishing with a blanket stitch.

Last weekend we did a ride to Connecticut to visit the owl sanctuary. They had some new birds, so it is nice to see ones we don't see in the wild, but sad to see them in cages. Some will be released when they recover, others have injuries that keep them from hunting, so they live there. The nice thing about the sanctuary is, they have beautiful paths to walk along and enjoy birding and nature. I didn't catch any birds but I did spot a lone turtle in the pond.

The paths have boardwalks and bridges in the wetlands. 

After that we stopped at Barn Island, and got another walk in. No birds were in the marsh, that I could see, but always a nice place to walk and enjoy the ocean views.

Our last stop was at the ocean drive. We spotted an Osprey in the nest, waiting for his mate.

On Sunday we went to Connecticut to shop at the mill store. I didn't find anything I was looking for, but I did get a fun stitchery and tea towel to do. We drove around the river areas but no eagles. We stopped at the park for a quick walk along the river, but this day killed my foot, so we didn't do much more.

This week we went to the island to see what Ospreys were in. A lot of the nests had pairs, but I was surprised that the one at the forts was empty. The nest was blown apart by the winter storms, so I hope he gets here soon and fixes it up, before his mate comes in. A few Ospreys that I spotted along the way.

And when I got home, I saw a big bird fly off, something with large black wings with white bands. I watched the area and finally saw what it was, a Pileated Woodpecker and not one, but two, so maybe this year they will have young that will visit. This is the female, the male has a red band on the side of his face.

I hope everyone had a good week and not in the bad weather that seems to be hitting so many areas. We have rain coming in, but we may get enough dry periods to enjoy being out.

Friday Freebie!

This week I hit 500 followers and I wanted to thank all of you who visit my blog with a little gift to make for Easter. I found the design in an old book that I found in a thrift. It is called A Treasury of Needlework Designs by Martha Zimiles.

I took a flower design and remade it to fit the egg shape and a few vines. I got the idea last minute, so I just made it up today and I think it would be fun to do it in different shades and edgings. The wool for the egg is a loose weave, white with flecks of easter colors but the flash washed them out. I didn't think it would sew well on the machine so I hand stitched it with a blanket stitch.

A trick I learned, when trying to trace a design onto light wools or felts, draw your design in a thick sharpie, it will show through on a light box. I like to trace the design with a blue washable marker, so I can place the pieces as I got and not have to worry about placement.

When I use a blanket stitch, I use a few pieces of batting and add stuffing between that so I don't have to worry about the stuffing coming through the spaces.

Here is the design I made up for the appliqué egg, you may use it in other mediums, as well. I am thinking it would be fun to needle felt one and use some of my variegated roving.

I also finished my BOM by Stacy of Buttermilk Basin. I really like how it came out and can't wait to see what next month's block will be.

The puppy magnet is a free pattern that can be found at Apine Industriose. I used two in mine, one in front and one in the back, so it can hold up heavier pieces like this.

Friday Finishes and New Pattern!

First of all, I hope you will all bear with me, as I practice making blog backgrounds. I had one made years ago and have no idea who made it, so I cannot figure out how to remove the middle color so I can balance it all out, but someday I will figure it out;)

This week I wanted to make something new and fun so I started doodling and B is for Bunny was the result. He was fun to make and has a wonderful character to put a smile on your face, we all need that this winter. He is a nice piece to do in any medium and can be done in a prim style or even for a babies room.

I wanted to keep my piece simple so you could see the design clearly but between my bad punching and the fact that I raised the height and forgot to put it down, it has a sculpted, scrappy look. Even with all his flaws, he is a fun piece and by using the bumpy yard around him, he makes a nice pillow.

If you would like to make your own bunny piece,  you can get my newest Epattern by clicking on the link to the left or visiting my ecrater site.

Another piece I finished this week was a smaller rag wreath. This one I used homespuns that I didn't want to use for quilting since they were too thin, but perfect for a wreath. I also tried staining bright pink flowers for my larger wreath and one came out a darker color, so I added that and a few items to decorate the new wreath.

Primitive Table Bench!

I finally finished the table bench I was making for my friend's birthday. It is a bit late, but done.
I had finished it and grabbed a can of spray for the finish, except I had grabbed a can of red paint, ugh.

With the storms and cold, I didn't want to work in the basement, but I finally got down there and sanded off the red paint and repainted it black, then stained and put a real finish on it this time.

The pattern was from Mercantile Gatherings, 2010 Holiday Issue. The pattern itself is from the Wooden  
Nail. They sell patterns for different types of primitive wood items, so a good place to find patterns if you would like to make things for yourself. My husband made the bench and I do the finishing.

Rabbit Egg Punch Needle!

I made another item that was gifted to me by a friend; Sharon of Moosecraft.
The design is by Goos Nest and called Antique Chalk Rabbit. The original had a black rabbit, but I went with DMC linen thread, color 4145. I really like how it comes out in animal pieces.

It was quilt the piece to punch, so took me longer, but well worth it. After I punched it, I used walnut ink to age it and finished it off with a light green rope twine.

Easter Rabbit!

A friend sent me a box of kits that she no longer wanted and one was this rabbit kit from Buttermilk Basin.
It was really fun to do and I changed out the background and used one of my wools that had specks of color that was perfect for an Easter piece.

The grass is a bit crooked, but I can fix that later, for now, it is good enough;)

Bunnies and eggs, freebies and Giveaway!

I have been busy making and finishing up some small projects.
My machine is supposed to be done by midweek, so I sure hope it is ready tomorrow.

I also reached 200 followers today! I truly appreciate all of the comments I receive and try to answer questions when I can.
Tonight I started on a new punched piece, based on an antique rug. So, since we have hit 200 followers, time for another giveaway. Leave a comment on this post and I will draw a name to win my new pattern. I am thinking it would make a fun stitchery too, so a good pattern for quilters too. The contest will end on Monday, April 10 and I will announce the winner on Monday night. Once I finish the punched piece, I will post a reveal. Or if the pattern is not your thing, you can choose from any of my epatterns.

First I will show you a new freebie I found. It is from an Australian craft site and they have some wonderful free patterns. I could not find the actual pattern, so here is the link to the PDF File. I made mine into a stitchery pillow, but it was for punch needle.



I also made another egg, loved the little girl with the eggs in the apron. But, I forgot where I got it. There was no copyright on the printout.



Then I decided to use my bunny pattern and redo it into a cutout bunny. I used my cheater fabric and quilted it with batting, then sewed a whipstitch on the outside edge. I added a little extra stuffing when I got to the bottom to fill them out some more.



Then I decided to try some with my old sewing machine, that was not fun, lol. No needle down, so I had to stop and crank it down and turn and as you can see, lost a lot of shape, so they are definitely prim;) The new soft stuffing I got definitely makes the stain set in weird ways, but it gives it a true aged look sometimes. With these I used a watered down solution of tsukineko ink and brushed it on, to soak them, then I added extra spray after.

Primitive Easter Eggs and More Moki!

Yesterday I needed a sewing break, so I made a new type of egg.
I had the plastic eggs that I got and wanted to do something with them, so I thought, why not try decoupage with them.

So, I took both the large and small plastic eggs and sanded them a bit to roughen the surface.
Then I Took out my scrap box and cut up pieces of fabric in varying shapes. I used a paint brush and brushed on some decoupage, then placed a piece of fabric on the egg, then brushed over the fabric with the decoupage again. You want the decoupage to soak into the fabric. I kept doing that, until the egg was covered.

Once they are done, I set them on wax paper to dry. When they were dry, I coated them with a mix of decoupage and walnut ink to antique them. Then dry again. Then I lightly sanded them to give them a worn look and reapplied walnut ink. I wet the brush with a dab of water, just enough to make the walnut coat lightly over the egg. So, if you would like to try your own, it is not hard and can be done with dollar bags of eggs. A great way to use up those small scraps. Or you can use fun prints and let the kids have some fun too.

My eggs were the type you open, so you can use those. I also had tabs on mine, so you do need to sand that piece down so it doesn't stick out in the cloth. Also, if you can get plain ones, that is best. Mine had painted designs which uses up sandpaper faster, since the paint goes onto the sandpaper.

The photos isn't great, flash always makes things look shiny. I need to make some prim chicks or something to add to the bowl.



Moki was in his cute mood today and has been running around with his toys and trying to get Casey to play with him.



Even Casey can't resist Moki's charms and in rare form, gave him a big kiss;)

Eggs and Ducks!

I must be feeling better, I can't sit still anymore, lol.
So, I made up some eggs this weekend with vintage embroideries.
These were fun to make and I like using color for these types, reminds me of the 50's. I had some old trim and used that to go around the outside edge.



I wanted to make some chicks for my baskets and decided to try my duck design. As you can see, my ducks are a bit sad looking, lol. I used my camel hair wool and think it would be fun to try smaller chicks and maybe brush the wool to get the fluffy look.

Rabbit and Chick Hooked Rug: Giveaway continues

I finished my newest piece today. I just had to try the design in a hooked rug and love how it came out.
Of course I took night photos, so hard to capture the primitive colors without getting a lot of contrast from the flash.

I used recycled and new wools and mixed in colors and textures to give it an antique look.
I also realized that the chick needed a flower, so I added one in this piece.
Now I need to do up the pattern for the new pieces. It will contain all 3 versions that I did.
This will be the pattern for the giveaway, but if you are not into easter things, the winner can have their choice from any of my patterns.

I sat it with some of my easter items, the rug will be for sale this weekend. I really need to sand down that bench and prim it up. What i really want is for my husband to build me a bucket bench, to put there;) I got some of my yellow camel hair wool to try some chicks with, for bunny. We shall see how they turn out. I have been having fun reading your comments and seeing the names you have picked out for her.



Here is a closer version. I used wool yarn to border the edge.



And last but not least, I know how much you love kitty pictures. Dora is so jealous of moki, she does not like me to love anyone but her, so I have to love Moki and Izzy when she isn't looking. So tonight is Dora the queen's turn;) She does know how to look cute, when she wants.

Rabbit Eggs!

First of all, I thought I would mention my last posting. No, I did not take Moki to the beach, lol.
That is Photoshop Magic;) Thought, I wouldn't doubt it, if he would love to go exploring with me, he is a character.

I decided to try some eggs with one of my patterns and this one is with the epattern; Spring Flock.
I might do the lambs next on some eggs.

The first one I did with markers. I like the idea of coloring them in, but I don't have much control with shading and art markers.




The second is done with stitches. I think I like the stitches by themselves, more prim too.
I am thinking this rabbit would make a nice small wall hanging, as well. You can find this and other patterns at my ecrater site.
The eggs in the little bowl are more cheater quilt eggs. I use floss to stitch over the design with batting and make my own fake cutter quilt eggs;)

More Eggs!

I am on an egg craze, lol.
It is fun experimenting and trying different types and inspiration for all of you, to try your own.

I went fabric shopping and found some cheater fabric, so of course I had to get some, to try some quilted eggs.
I cut out the egg shapes and using a piece of batting behind them, quilted them with black pearl cotton.
Then I sewed them together and stained them. Great way to make quick eggs to fill a basket.

I need to watch how I sew my tops to keep them more rounded and next time I will try two pieces of batting to get it to look more quilted.



And this egg took me a while. I used fabric and artist markers to color in the design first. Then I outlined it with black and did a little fun stitching. I can get a little shading and blending with the markers, but I might try painting the next ones with acrylic. If you would like to make your own egg, you can find the design at Mary Corbet's.

I did not use anything to trace the design on this one. I taped the design on my light box, then I taped the fabric over that. Then I colored in the design, so I could just outline it with the black, afterwards. I did antique it with walnut ink, but the flash washes away the antique look.



And last but not least, I made a couple more scrappy eggs to add to my other basket. I asked Moki to hold them for me, so I could get a picture, that was a mistake;)

Happy Easter....Eggs!

I am skipping Valentines and going straight for Easter, lol.
I was looking for egg ideas and saw a photo of some braided eggs.
Of course I didn't bother to look at the instructions, I just jumped in, as usual.
I saw that they used plastic bottles, I decided plastic eggs were easier.

So, you can visit the link above or try and follow my abbreviated version. You do need to know how to braid with fabric and here you can find the instructions.
For my braids, I did not use any sewing, I just made braids with the strips, for larger braids, I hand turn.

The braids were about 30" long for the 3 " egg. I also kept braiding after I got my 30" to make another 30" for the next one, much easier than starting over. This is just a basic idea of how I did it, if you want to try it, you do need to know how to braid and get the hang of it as you go along.

For my eggs, I bought 3" plastic eggs and sanded the surface. You want your surface to be rough so that the braids don't slide and the glue adheres. I made my braids, similar to the tutorial, mine are a bit more raggy. To put them on the egg, I used ailenes tacky glue and lots of it, so it is messy. I started at the top and put the raw edge at the tip of the edge, then folded the braid over that, to hide the edge. Then I added glue to the next level and pressed my braid down, keeping it tight against the first row and continued down and around. When I get to the bottom, I start to flatten the braid down until I get to the bottom center. Cut off excess braid and glue it to center, making sure no egg is showing. You can add glue to the fabric to get the cut edge all pressed in and work it to keep it flat. It starts out wet with all the glue, but it is nice because you can hand press to reshape areas that seem off.

I realize that I need some more darker colors for contrast. I didn't want to use my good homespuns so maybe I will hit jo anns and buy some cheaper homespun there;)



Here is a close look. The first one came out better, the other two I rushed and made smaller braids, so they were stiffer and more ragged. That is one thing I noticed, larger, softer braids are easier to get around the egg.

Primitive Easter Eggs!

I decided to finally take the rest of my Christmas items down and redecorate.
It has been a rough winter and still sore, but tired of my house, so cleaning a bit at a time and one way to make it fun, is to make new things to decorate with and as you can see, I am ready for spring and the first thing is Eggs to fill my baskets with.

I got an idea and it is something anyone can do, quick and easy and a great way to use up scraps.
I started by using card stock and drawing some egg shapes onto it. If you can't draw one, you can find them on the internet.

I used weavers cloth, I have a ton of primitive white that is no good for punching, but perfect for this.
Double your cloth and lay the egg shape on top. I used an art pen to trace around the egg, you can use anything, it won't show.
Then I marked the front and back, so that I used the right side which is important when you sew them together. My eggs are asymmetrical so I need to make sure that they fit when I sew the edges.

Next is the fun part. Get out your scraps and cut them into any shape you like and lay them over the fabric egg. Pin the pieces down and turn it over. Cut off the excess fabric around the egg, that helps when sewing. Now you can sew down your pieces. You can do a blanket stitch, whipstitch or make it fancy like a crazy quilt. You can tuck the edges of your fabric or sew over the raw edges. Once you have your pieces sewn, you can trim your eggs by following the white fabric.

Then you sew them, front sides together on your sewing machine, leaving an opening on the bottom. Stuff them and sew up the bottom and you have primitive eggs of your own. Another method I use is to sew scraps together until I have a size, large enough for the egg. Then I use a piece of batting and using black floss, stitch around the edges to give it a quilted look. Then sew them together. You can also use tea stained fabric or ticking and do a prim stitchery to make eggs. There are endless possibilities. I really think if you are adept with crazy quilting, this would be beautiful done with embellishments, as well. My method is the lazy way to do crazy quilting;)

I decided not to stain these eggs, they are darker in real life, but lighter in the picture. This is a dark area, so I like a little pop of color. The bunnies are ones I made last year, but I think some prim bunnies would look nice on the bench too. I am also adding a few more eggs to the pile.

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.

Primitive Hen and Eggs

I finally made something for myself, something simple and took no thought, whatsoever.
I bought a prim wire basket and twiggy stuff and this week I made a Hen and eggs to go in it.
I used tan ticking for the Hen and red,blue and green for the eggs.
I used a pattern I found in an old library book and redid a few things, made us some egg shapes, sewed them, stuffed them and voila, easy decoration;)

"Can you imagine if that chicken actually laid eggs that big"
And that is Dora's butt.

I grunged them up with walnut and a bit of java spray. I buy the sprays from the scrapbooking supply area and mix it with a bit of water, it is dark, as is. Plus, by wetting the items first, it helps the stain to go into the material and soak into areas to get the blotchy look. Most antiques have water damage, so if you want to get a good prim look, water will give a more natural aged look.

This weekend I was lazy, I am working on a little cross stitch. I did start out with a pattern, then went crazy as usual and added my own things;) All I had was 18 count and my eyes are blurry. Today I hit Jo anns and found some nice linen/aida on sale, so that will be better to work on for projects.

Today we got snow, tonight we are getting more snow. Anywhere between 10 and 12 inches. I am not going to shovel, I am not going to shovel........

New Easter Punch Pieces

I was experimenting this week and trying some new designs.
The first is a rabbit pillow. I love how this one came out and the stain I used.
This is what is called java stain, it is a greenish black antiquing medium.
I am thinking I might put this piece up for sale.



This is what the back looks like. I used ticking and floss to stitch my initials and the date.
I would put it up tonight, but it is late and I am too lazy to work up an ebay sale tonight;)
I am always open to offers, so if anyone is interested in this piece, they can make an offer before I put it up tomorrow.



Then I decided to make matching eggs, not sure about these. One is a bit off, so will think about it.



Of course the eggs made me want to try more in a different design, so I made up some smaller ones.
Now that I see the churches, I need to play with the threads, some are in the others, so I use a blunt needle to fluff them back in place. I like the chickens, they came out nicely and a fun design. Tempted to keep those for me;)

So, what do you think? Would you buy any of these items? What ones are your favorites? What kind of designs would you like to see on eggs?