Playing with Wool

I thought I'd try my hand at some wool applique....

I love all the overdyed wools that are available to us and have collected quite a bit of it over the last few years.   I usually add a piece of wool here or there to my cross stitch creations, but have not worked on a full wool project.

I love ditty bags too, so I drew up a design and cut out the pieces in a few different shades of wool.  Used some overdyed floss and also some perle cotton to attach the wool to some wonderful chocolate prairie cloth.

I wanted to also add some cross stitch....of course, right?

So, I added a few little do dads and a date with some more overdyed floss.  I really like the combo of the two.  I constructed a fully lined ditty bag.  I like to add interest and also use up some of my fabric scraps, by using two and sometimes three different fabrics for the binding and strap.  I love the look it gives....very make do.

Hope you're having a creative day too.....

Smiles, ~Nan

Stitching and Finishing

A few days ago I stitched up these motifs from my "Quaker Friends" pattern.

One on 32ct and one on 40ct.  Both were stitched with the most wonderful color silk.... Chocolate Caramel from The Thread Gatherer.  I love this color.  So much variegation and a very soothing palette.  I also dyed some vintage chenille I had.  I tried to get a few different shades so that I would have a choice for trimming my finish.

I made the larger motif into a sawdust stuffed pinkeep.  I left lots of blank space for pins and I love the simplicity of the finish.  I find simple always to be more pleasing.  To my eye, anyway.   I have an interesting finish in mind for the smaller motif and will work on that in the next few days.

Wishing you a wonderful week!
Smiles, ~Nan

A Wonderful Day

Happy Easter! I enjoyed a peaceful day with my honey. It was sunny, and almost warm. The windows were open, the birds were chirping and we had the music on....I've decided to make Sundays "a stitch for keeps" day...when I stitch on something that I've been wanting to have and keep. I fell in love with this design, "1861 Antique Sampler"' the moment I opened the book, In Friendship's Way by Blackbird Designs. I'm stitching this on 32ct Lakeside Vtg. Pear and using most of the called for floss....with a few changes. 

I hope your day was filled with peace and surrounded by those you love.
Smiles, Nan

Happy Easter

Wishing you all a very happy and blessed Easter!

Creative Day!

I am gearing up for my Primitive Handmades update this month.  I took last month off, but don't plan to miss this month.  So, along with creating pieces for the Prim Stitchers Society Retreat at the end of the month, I'm also working on a few one of a kind items for PHM.  
I stitched this and got it done this morning.  I had a finish in mind and I was so excited to try it out.  I worked most of the day in the sewing studio and I'm very pleased with how it turned out.  Pretty much like I had envisioned it in my head.  It really has that old look to it that I love.  I stained up 2 pieces of 32ct Lakeside Linen Vtg. Pear.  I love stitching on this linen and the colors are just that...so vintage.

This will be one of the items I'll be offering on my update on the 16th.

Smiles, ~Nan.

Busy Hands.....

Are happy hands...... 

Working in the studio today....my Cottage Charm pouch finish is coming along.  Another one for the table at the Prim Stitchers Society Retreat.  Remember the Merchant Mall at the Retreat is open to the public.

Here it is all finished......love how really prim this turned out!

Happy creating! ~Nan

Just a Sneak

Here's a Sneak.....

Spring Tail Feathers will be one of my new designs released next month.

I'll be bringing the model and chart to our PSS Retreat!

Keep thinking Spring...It's got to show up soon, right? LOL
Smiles, ~Nan