Friday Finishes!

It was a slow week, but I did get a few things done. I did a search for designs using coloring pages as the add on and found some nice designs to try. I wanted to make round ornies with them, but then stuffed them too much, the balsam does weigh more than stuffing so I decided to keep them, as is and call them bowl fillers. I think they would be nice in a display with fake greenery to give the scent of fresh pine.

The candle was too light to see, so I colored in some yellow with fabric markers, and the flash made it look brighter, than it is. The birds were done on a white cloth and then I tea stained them. I think for the next ornies, I need to make a packet, filled with balsam to put into them.

I sewed these by machine, but I think I like the ones that I hand sewed and left a raw edge. Those I can just make a packet of scent, so will try that type next.

I also worked on my hexagon tree skirt and finally got it all together. Now I have to decide how to trim the edges. I wanted to quilt it, but I need to figure out how to do the edge. Add one on after I quilt it or add a ruffle and then quilt it, but not sure if that will work. Would love suggestions and comments on how you made your tree skirts.

It was raining and windy today, so no out door photos. The flash really messes with colors, but his one is brighter, not prim. I like brighter folk art for Christmas, as well as prim styles, mixed together.

And here is a close up of my piecing. I cut out the hexagons with a go cutter, then I mark the seams with a quarter inch ruler. Then I sew them by hand, matching the seam lines and the points, so I usually get nice joins but on occasion I get sloppy and there are a few creases, here and there;)

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Spring Pillows!

I wanted to make another pillow to match the first one, since I am hanging them on the same peg rack. I messed up and had to straighten up the bottom edge, but I think the whole stitchery is a bit wonky and seems that way in the photo. I love the design, but not the way it is put together, the bottom is too pointed to look nice hanging, so I think it would be better to round off the bottom corners. I decided to just use it as a shelf sitter with a bird arrangement.

I forgot to look at the photo before I started and made a blue bird, the one in the pattern is red, but I wanted blue anyways;) This is from the book, Simple Pleasures in Redwork by Kathy Schmitz.

One thing I forgot to mention, is that I reduced the designs from the book, by 20%. I wanted them a little smaller for the areas I am using them in.

Since I wanted something else to hang on the peg, I made a quick wool pillow today. This is a pattern by Primitive Gatherings' Lisa Bongean. It was fun to make, even though I made a mess of this one too, lol. The photo is horrid, but we it is raining all week, so I had to use a flash. I used an over dyed pearl cotton on the stitchery and edge.

Christmas Stitcheries!

I worked on some new stitcheries to add to my packages. I made some more flat ornaments and filled these with some balsam from Maine, I like giving my friends a touch of the north to enjoy in their homes.

The designs for these came from an out of print book by Cheri Saffiote, Two Hour Quilted Christmas Projects. It is filled with wonderful designs to stitch or for appiques. You can get copies on ebay or used book stores, for under 5 dollars, if you keep your eyes open. I antiqued these and decided to add some of my java spray to make them more grungy. The pieces are a lot darker in person.

Taken with my little camera, so the photos are not that great.

I also made a pillow, I love it when I find a free graphic with a  friend saying. Unfortunately, I forgot where I found it. But, there are lots of freebies on the web, just use the image search and change up the keywords, to find different types. You can also visit Free Stitchin' Patterns, Sue has some new ones up today. Another site that I visit to find new stitcheries and patterns is Craftgossip. Every day the editors list new free designs for crafts and cooking.

Snowmen Ornies!

Yesterday I decided to make a couple of ornies to match my punched pieces. After I did the stitchery, I added a piece of batting and sewed that with the backing, rights sides together. Then I stitched around the edge and added a simple floss hanger. This was fun to do and worked up quick, and flat enough to add to a card. Great idea for any stitcheries you might have and an item you can put in a card, for that little extra.

I also added balsam fir to mine, since I wanted them scented, so it makes them a bit thicker. I also aged them ahead of time, since I didn't want to get the balsam wet.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for Christmas? Marylou Weidman is offering her book, Out of the Box, for half price and the money will go towards pajamas for the local homeless shelter. I think it is a wonderful idea and you would be  helping others as well as receiving a wonderful book. You can see more at her blog, Marylou and Whimsey Too!

Finished Snowman pouch and ornies!

I finished my pieces today. I needed to find a cord that I liked, so I got that today and then antiqued the pieces. I hand sewed the cord on and then added some bells to the side. The design for the pouch is from the design, Seven Snowmen by All Through the Night and the snow ornies, I drew up a pattern to  
match the pouch.

I love this design and the runner with all the snow people, so that is something I will be making too.

I had to use my pocket camera, so it really killed the look of the pieces and the colors. It is hard to hold a flat camera steady. The cord I used is yellowed, but appears white. Hopefully I can figure out why my new flash is not working and get a better shot.

New Creations from Freebies!

I made a stitchery and never finished it, so this was the year. I had some old fabric, that I used for the border, so something new from old stash. The design is a free pattern from Robin of Bird in the Hand Primitives. She makes wonderful prim designs and offers freebies, a new one is up this week.

On the stitchery, I used fabric markers to color in a few areas, to give it a touch of color.

I wanted to make some pumpkins to match, so I used the same fabric in a Free pattern at Crafty Avenue. They have a few nice free patterns and stitcherys, as well as, epatterns for sale. 

My pumpkins came out differently of course, my brain was all out of whack today, therefore the pumpkins are whacky;)

For the stem, I used my boucle yarn that is green and golden brown, and with two strands I twisted it into a nice stem. It is a fun pattern to play with and make up your own faces.

Winter Birds: Real and Make Your Own!

I found this wonderful pattern and just had to make some.
The pattern for this little Chickadee can be found at Downeast Thunder Farm's blog.
I also noticed she has a new one this week, a duck, perfect for easter packages.
I used a tan wool for mine but I think a textured tan or gray for the body, would be better.
I stuffed mine a bit, before sewing it up, to give it some body.

And outside we have a lot of birds who visit the feeder. Even in the snow, they were busy eating and kicking snow off the feeder. All this beautiful snow and rain on monday, doesn't seem fair;)

Valentine Heart!

I decided I should make something for valentines, and this is what I decided to do. The embroidery pattern is a free pattern from Andrea Zuill of Badbirds. She has some wonderful designs if you go back in her archives. I have another to make and then one with just birds, great for winter/spring decorating. I shaped mine into a heart pillow, and used jute to hang it. Something fun to sew, while you watch tv;)

The stitchery pieces I do are always by hand, using dmc floss. My machine does embroidery, but I haven't figured it out yet and I would use that for home decor, prims and gifts, I like to do by hand. Also, if you have a question and you are a no reply, I cannot answer you.

Fabric Stars and Kitty Stars!

Today I worked on my braided quilt, but got tired of sitting on the machine and decided to make some stars.
I made up a little display with my pillows and stars and added my patriotic mouse that I won from Joyce at RagPatch. The pillows and Patriotic punch needle doll, are made from Primitive Blessing's Designs. I think I need a patriotic mat for underneath.



And the star of the day is Moki, he is just too cute and sweet;)

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.

Fabric Pennies and BIrds

I decided to try my new pattern with fabrics. Since I have a basket of scraps and spent the week sitting on my butt, it was a good lap project. I just got out fabrics and did raw edge, I wanted it to look old and scrappy. I am pleased with how it came out, and I used walnut and java stain to grunge it up more.



And then I decided the birds would make nice little ornies, so I made a couple up to try. I used homespuns on one side and prim tans on the other. I just sew scraps together and then make a template with freezer paper to cut them out. Not bad for making it up, as I go along;) This way, the person who gets them can use whatever color side, they like.

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.

New Halloween Creations

I finally got around to finishing off my newest punch needle piece. This may be my last for awhile, we shall see. I am working on a quilt challenge that is due next week and punched pieces for Lynette Anderson that are due in two weeks for a new book she will be show casing this year. After that, I will be working on more punched pieces for a book that will have quilting and punched versions of her designs, so hard to keep up with my sales too. The new piece will be for sale tomorrow night, on ebay.

This design was a redesign from my christmas cat. I love to experiment with colors and shading. The two pumpkins I made for a friend. They were a free pattern from Saltbox Crow Primitives and I have no idea where I got it from originally. But, I looked it up and found it here, if you would like to make some of your own. It is a great gift idea for swaps and friends. I made a mess with my leaves, but have some ideas to improve on them;)

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 drying rack

I love consignment shops. Our's have a lot of antiques and prim items in them and you never know what you will find.
I saw this rack and decided it would be a nice small item to decorate with. It came with the peg rack, so I can also hang ornies on that.

I just threw some things on it for now and put it in that space, since it is item at the moment. I was planning on putting a wall quilt there, but now I am thinking of a long shaker peg rack and then building a hanging shelf and candle holders to go on it. My husband is getting better at building me things as he learns, lol. He used to make me shelfs, benches and other wood items, but he has gotten out of practice. We will have wainscoting on the walls half way up, so I like the idea of prim shaker to keep it simple.

The doilies I hung on the rack are ones I made years ago. I think I need to stain the white one to match the aged look of the others. Who would have thought my lace doilies would make great antique decorations now that they are old;) I just used what was lying around and easy to find. I will be decorating for christmas next week, so will wait till I dig out the boxes, then I can redo the room.