Happy New Year

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year filled with good health, happy times, 

great friendships and all the best the year can bring.

I'm looking forward to getting 2015 started....

I am so grateful for your friendship,

comments, and all the support you have shown.

Thank you for a wonderful year! 

~Nan

Change is Good!

I must try and blog more often...I just don't know where the time flies to...

But I'm excited to tell you....I'm changing things up a bit next year....

I'm joining Country Sampler, Spring Green to design for their 2015 Prim Sisters Club

along side Linda Thraen of The Pinkeep. 

I just could not say no to Jeanne's invite with all her enthusiasm and excitement.  

But I think she knows I'm just as thrilled as she is.

The Prim Sisters Club will ship 4 times a year with 2 projects from myself and 2 from Linda.

I hope you will want to join Linda and I for a fun and exciting year of stitching.

If so, give the shop a call to sign up....608-588-2510.

Here is the link to the club page for more info..

http://sgcountrysampler.com/wp/girls-club/

It's going to be a great new year and I'm very excited about designing for the Prim Sisters Club.

As always....Happy Stitching my friends!

~Nan

Happy Thanksgiving!

As I reflect on this day, I realize just how much there is to be thankful for.....It has been a wonderful year, with many, many good things and very few bad.  I am grateful for a wonderful husband and a home full of love.  So many new and old friends that are very dear to my heart.   And a stitching community of friends that are always so uplifting and supportive.  Thank you all for allowing me to be me and to do what I love.  You all mean more to me than you could ever know.
Wishing all of you the most blessed and heartfelt Thanksgiving!

~Nan

Road Trip Pics

Last weekend I went on a road trip with a few very dear friends.  We drove out to Ohio for the 

"From Our Hands and Hearts Show", which was hosted by a very dynamic duo, 

Lori Ann Corelis & Rebekah L. Smith. 

We were very excited to see all the artists, but especially our friend, Lori Brechlin of Notforgotten Farm. So, we came up with a plan, as we stood in line outside, awaiting the opening of the doors at 10 am.  We would make a beeline for her table first.....LOL!

Lori is always full of smiles and so much energy.  And her table was full of so many wonderful goodies...We were like kids in a candy store....:)

 

 Everyone in our group brought home at least one of her prim creations.

The show was packed and we were so happy to see so many came out to this outstanding event with the most amazing and talented artists.

I had a chance to briefly speak with Rebekah Smith.  She was so friendly and is such a lovely gal.

Her work is incredible and very beautiful. 

 

 I know I should have taken more pics at the show, but you know how it is when you're in the moment and not thinking of snapping a camera.  So below is a link that was created for the event showcasing all the artists at the show.  It's better than any pics I could have taken.

http://fromourhands.us3.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=26c7827a35950a2d0fb39d734&id=c71cbae0bd&e=fe8da5414a 

Afterwards, a bunch of us went to lunch at the local Winking Lizard, down the street.

We had to refuel and get energized for our gathering back at the hotel for stitching, punching and  lots of gabbing and laughing!

Now what will my beverage of choice be Pat?...LOL

I use to live in Ohio and some dear friends, Paul and Peg G., who I've know since I was about 13, came out to the show so we could hang for awhile.  It was a real highlight of the trip and it was extremely wonderful to see them and catch up.

Here we are about to head home after a wonderful weekend together.

Lynn and Jodi were also part of our bunch, but we missed getting a photo of all of us together at the hotel:( 

Pat S., me, Jim W. and Teresa M.

It was the perfect trip...Everything and more than we expected and so much fun.

I have some pics of our visit to Fabric Peddler, a quilt and cross stitch shop local to the area, but I'll save them for another post as this was a long one.

Thanks for hanging in there to see our adventure!

Smiles, Nan

 

Late for my sneak peek

Hello All
I was away form many a day.  Took a trip with friends to Ohio for the "From our Hands and Hearts" Show.  Hosted by Lori Ann Corelis and Rebekah L. Smith....two of the finest Folk Artists around.   I'll try and post pics next week.  It was lots of fun, but I'm behind and just now getting to my blog post.

Tonight is our Primitive Handmades Merchantile update!  I'm all ready and I've worked all day putting the finishing touches on my pieces, other than a long phone chat with one of my best buds.....Always need to take time for that!   Hope you'll stop by to take a peek at what we've all created this month. http://primitivehandmadesmercantile.com/artists

 Here's one of my handmades.
~*~ NOEL PINKEEP~*~

Smiles to you all.
~Nan

Busy Week

I hope you all are having a fine week.  I have been so busy trying to get everything done so that I can be ready to post on Primitive Handmades Mercantile next week.

The time certainly does fly, but I've been stitching and doing some of the finishing needed.

Here's what's on my work table in my studio...Still some stuffing, sewing and embellishments needed.  

Even though I have been busy releasing new designs and all that goes along with doing so, I still enjoy creating one of a kind items for sale on PHM.

~*************~

I've also been readying for my trip to Ohio for the From Our Hands & Hearts Show.
A Fine Folk Art & Antique Show ~ November 15th. 2014 ~ 10am ~ 4pm
I'm attending the show with a bunch of friends and we all just happen to belong to the Prim Stitchers Society on facebook.  We always have the best time when we're together and the laughs and chatting are non stop.  I already know I will not have a voice come Monday, but it will be worth all the fun.
I hope to see many of you at the show.  I plan to wear my PSS name tag along with a bright orange ribbon lanyard....so please say "hi" and would love to put names to faces.
I will do my best to get some pics at the show to post. Between the bunch of us, I should have plenty!
Later my friends!
~Nan

Even though these keep me busy, I enjoy making OOAK primitives - See more at: http://primitivehandmadesmercantile.com/creative-whims#sthash.5r883cBq.dpuf

Even though these keep me busy, I enjoy making OOAK primitives - See more at: http://primitivehandmadesmercantile.com/creative-whims#sthash.5r883cBq.dpuf

Even though these keep me busy, I enjoy making OOAK primitives - See more at: http://primitivehandmadesmercantile.com/creative-whims#sthash.5r883cBq.dpuf

Christmas Fruit Basket

Just a quick note about my new release....

 Christmas Fruit Basket.

 I sometimes get comments with questions and I am unable to answer because the sender's blogger is set to no-reply.   I always make sure to answer every inquiry or question.  It's only polite to do so:)

Anyhoo.....This design has shipped to my distributors, along with some shops that order

directly from me.   This will be on the distributor's updates on Friday and will be available in my Etsy shop then also. 

For those inquiring minds that want to know......

The stitch count is 113 x 54.  Stitched one over two on 32ct Lakeside  Vtg. Pearled Barley.  The floss is all Gentle Art.  Old Hickory, Country Redwood, Terra Cotta, Forest Glad, Endive and Toasted Barley.   It's trimmed in Watermelon Juice chenille by Dames of the Needle.  And the finished size of the pinkeep is 8" by 4 1/4".

 A lot of shops have started to carry the Dames of the Needle trims and I am so happy for my friend Elizabeth and wish her continued success. 

Happy Stitching and enjoy the cooler weather!

Smiles, ~Nan

My Newest

Happy November my friends!

Just a quick post this morning....I'm off to a girl's weekend with friends, but wanted to 

show you my my new Christmas design for 2014.
Christmas Fruit Basket"

I am loving all of the new Dames of the Needle trims....

this is trimmed in Watermelon Juice chenille....a sweet finishing touch.
Stitched on 32ct Vintage Pearled Barley by Lakeside Linens with The Gentle Art floss.

Look for the release next week.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend and happy stitching.

~Nan

Another Road Trip and a Primitive Handmades Merc Update

Headed to Virginia this Friday to spend the weekend with my friend Holly. We're going to the Kathy Barrick workshop at the Virginia Guild of Needlewomen in Richmond. Got my homework done and picked out my fabric for my journal....So excited!!!  Woot Woot!!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Thurs. night is our update on Primitive Handmades Mercantile.  How does it happen that I am away during every update?  But, I've got all my pieces finished and ready to post.....

Just know that I will not be able to ship what is purchased until I return home next week.

Here is what I've been working on. 

 

Hope you'll join us for our Primitive Handmades Merc update.

Smiles and happy creating!

~Nan

New Patterns for Fall

Though I'm sorry to see Summer end...it was a great one this year...

I do really love this time of year.

The leaves are all starting to turn and the temps are cooler.

Another blanket on the bed at night.

I am very excited to show you the 2 new cross stitch patterns I've designed.

Both with an Autumn look and feel.

"My Work"

stitch count is 103 wide by 54 high

on 32 count Vintage Lentil linen by Lakeside and 

Toasted Meringue mini ric rac by Dames of the Needle ~ From the Cauldron.

Stitched with Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works floss.

"Give Thanks"

stitch count is 67 wide x 79 high

on 32 count Vintage Exemplar linen by Lakeside and

Dark Plum mini pom pom trim by Dames of the Needle ~ From the Cauldron

Stitched with Gentle Art floss.

I really am so thankful.....

 that I get to do what I truly love, everyday....the wonderful and special friendships 

I've made and the love and support of the best hubby ever.....I am so blessed.

Thank you for visiting to see my new design and happy stitching!

Smiles, ~Nan

Coming this Week!

Excited to show you a peek at the two designs I've been busy working on.  

Look for their release on Friday!

Happy Fall my friends!

Smiles, ~Nan

My Newest Find!

I collect a lot of vintage items, but my favorite things to collect are anything that has to do with stitching......gosh, I wonder why....LOL.  I have a fascination with spool cabinets and have a few in my collection.  I recently came across this one and decided it really needed to come live with me.

I loved that it was a Pennsylvania piece, since that is where I live and that the seller had all the history on it .  It has been in his family for as long as they can remember.  It was used in his grandfather's coal company store in Western Pa.  The Company started in the early 1800's when the 1st Sam Wallwork came over from England and worked his way up through the mines and eventually started Wallwork Coal Co.

This beauty is made of oak and has the sweetest original drawer pulls, great patina and the markings of a well used but loved piece....it will be well loved by me also:)

I'll be back in a few to post the 2 new Fall designs my busy hands have created.

Love this time of year!

Wishing you a wonderful week full of all the things that make you smile!

Happy Stitching too....

~Nan

A Love of Punching!

As you my know, I have recently been learning to do punch needle.  With the help of some good punching friends....Thank you Theresa Meloon.... and watching some great Youtube tutorials.....Thank you Lori Brechlin, I've been quite inspired by my new love of punching!  

Finished my little punched oak leaf into a pyn pillow. 

Kind of mixed media...punched wool, linen with cross stitch and fabric accent. 

 Even added a little brass acorn charm.

 

Trying to get ready for my Primitive Handmades Mercantile update this month.  It always comes around so fast.  Somehow managed to plan another trip at the same time as this update. 

I'll be headed down to Va to attend Kathy Barrick's workshop given by the Virginia Guild of Needlewomen.  I'm excited about it, but I have lots of homework to stitch before I get on the road.

Wishing you all a wonderful week full of beautiful Fall inspiration!

Smiles, Nan

Big Giveaway!

Click the pic to make larger.

As many of you know, I am part of a wonderful group of stitchers and needlepunchers on facebook called The Prim Stitchers Society.  It's a very positive and supportive group and we are all very passionate about "prim" needlework.

The group, which was formed by our Admin, Terri Hall of http://www.dixiesamplar.com/ , on March 20th, recently reached the 3000 member mark last month.  We've grown extremely fast and we really are like one BIG happy family.  

Well to celebrate that milestone, the group is having a really fabulous giveaway.  So many of the member designers have offered to contribute prizes.  Three winners will be selected randomly to receive a super gift package.  If have not joined in on all the fun yet, now is a great time. The winners names will be drawn today at 6:00 pm.  Sorry, I'm so late posting this:(

Here is the link to join!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/primstitcherssociety/ 

Just click the button to join and the admin will add you to our Prim Family!

A few of the members traveled together and met up with other members at The Gathering of Primitive Friends Show, hosted by one of our favorite Prim Stitcher sisters, Lori Brechlin of Notforgotten Farm.

We really could not have imagined a better time.

 From left to right .....

Michelle Blanco, Faye Riggsbee, Theresa Meloon, little ol' me, Pat Simon, 

Lori Brechlin, and Mimi Martz.

 Thanks girls...for the best time EVER!

Smiles, ~Nan

Winner of Nina's Giveaway!

Yes, I really couldn't believe it either, but yes, I was the winner of the facebook giveaway for 3000 likes given by Hand made by Nina's.   The prize was.... 13 Nina's Threads, 2 silk threads, 1 silk ribbon in 13mm width, one piece of linen, 2 pieces of ric-rac and laces. All in Autumnal colors.

 I am using the picture from Nina's page as I really doubt I could do these beautiful threads and trims the justice they deserve if I took another picture.  The colors are amazing and I will for sure be using them in a future project....maybe a special handmade for Primitive Handmades Merc.

Please visit Nina's website to see all her beautiful items.

http://ninasthreads.eu/

Thank you so much Nina for your sweet generosity.  I love these more than I can say!

Happy Stitching!

~Nan

Road Trip....Woot Woot

I've been keeping my fingers very busy gearing up for another Primitive Handmades Mercantile.  I have some things made and ready for this month and some for next....Yep, I love to be ahead of the game at all times.  Here's the pile of hand dids on my studio floor.  A little bit of everything. 

The PHM update is Thursday around 9:00.  The timing isn't perfect because I leave on a road trip early the next morning.  But I'll be bringing my laptop with me, as always.  So, I will be able to email about sales, if need be.

 Anyone else headed to Notforgotten Farm this Saturday?  

It's the annual Gathering of Primitive Friends show!  

I'm over the moon excited and will be en route on Friday to meet up with some friends.

Then we'll load up the van and all go together to our destination.  

So many friends from all over are traveling for this event.  I hope to put a lot of faces to 

names and CAN NOT wait to meet all my online prim stitching friends.

I'm excited to finally meet my pal Lori too.  I know it'll be so much fun and I'll be smiling from dawn to dusk.  

The weather is supposed to be perfect that day and I'm sure I'll be bringing home with a few treasures from some of my favorite folk artists!  Hope to see you there and Please make sure to say hi:). 

Smiling, smiling, smiling.....~Nan

Can you say trim heaven?

Yep:)   My sweet friend Elizabeth Talledo of Dames of the Needle/Finger Work and From the Cauldron, sent me a belated birthday gift.  She knows what I love!  I have a few new designs I'm hard at work on and I can see these making it on to them.  Some of my favorites are the Dark Plum, Grunge, Tarnished Halo, Red Velvet Cake and so many more....

Her pom pom trim is the bomb!!! Thanks and love you E.

Happy Stitching and Finishing all,

~Nan

 

Fall stitching....there's just something about it.  The coolness of the air, the beautiful Autumn colors...bittersweet, olive, gold and brandy.  It's always so exciting to make a new start. This is what will be in my stitching hands today. I can't wait to see how this takes shape.  I love the linen, which is Lakeside Lentil and I'm pretty thrilled with my color pallet too.  There may be a change here or there, usually is, but this looks to be a good starting point.

I've been taking it pretty easy lately and I have to admit I've really been enjoying my down time.  I've been playing in the studio and getting ready for the next Primitive Handmades Merc. update, which will be on the evening of the 17th.  I've really had fun and have quite a few things to list....

But, I've also taken up learning to do punch needle. I have to say it was quite frustrating a first, but once I asked lots of questions of those in the know and kept at it, it's turned into something I really enjoy.  I can see myself having a punch project going at all times.  It's a nice change, very different from cross stitch and goes pretty quickly.

For my first try, I decided to just draw out a simple design.  A Prim flower with a few tongues surrounding it seemed easy enough. Here's my piece in progress.

I wasn't loving the bald spots, which you can't seem to see in the picture, but I kept going and after it was done and stained with a walnut staining solution, it looked much better.  The liquid made the fiber mesh together and hide the spots.  I backed it will overdyed wool and stuffed it.  Now it resides in my bowl of smalls and I'm pretty proud:)

Well, I'd better get stitching...I'll be back soon to show you the pretties I've made for my PHM update.

Enjoy your week and as always, Happy Stitching my friends!

Smiles, ~Nan 

NEW Pattern ~ "Jack in the Hat"

Hello friends!

The new pattern is ready! 

"Jack in the Hat" 

a primitive ditty bag.

Don't you just love is wicked smile?

I really enjoyed creating this and it was such a fun stitch and finish.

I hope you like it too:)

x x x

The model was stitched on 30ct WDW Confederate Grey linen using Gentle Art, Weeks Dye Works and DMC floss.  A color conversion for using all DMC threads is provided.

Pattern is 64 by 66 stitches.  

Finished cross stitched bag is approx. 5 3/4" wide by 7 3/4" high.

This new design is now available in my Etsy Shop 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/threadworkprimitives 

and also in the hands of my distributors.

x x x
Have a fabulous weekend and Happy Stitching!
Smiles, ~Nan
 

Almost Time Again!

I can't believe how this Summer is flying by.  It has really been one of the best! I am having a wonderful time designing and now, also creating new pieces. I have more time now and I love the freedom it gives me to create some of what is in this head of mine......LOL

x x x x x x x 

It's time once again for my Primitive Handmades Mercantile update this week.I will be listing a few of my handmades late Thurs. night. Here is a sneak peek at two of the creations I'll be offering.

Bluebird and Berries Wall Pocket

Cottage Rose Whisk and Wrap

I hope you'll join us to see all the wonderful new handmades 

from all the PHM gals.  Such a talented bunch.  They have all made me feel so welcome.

Thanks for stopping by,

Smiles, ~Nan

A very happy Friday to you all.....

Thank you to all my friends and followers for your patience while getting these 2 new patterns ready for release. Your emails and comments are always so heartwarming and so supportive.  You have no idea how much they mean to me.

First up.....

"All American Finn"

A special thank you to my friend Gretchen Hubert, for being the inspiration behind "All American Finn".   Without her, Finn would never have come to life!  
The model for Finn is stitched on 35ct Weeks Dye Works Cocoa linen with  WDW- Parchment and Gentle Art - Schoolhouse Red, Black Crow, and Barn Grey. 
The stripes of the flag are charted and can either be stitched or 1/8” red ric rac may be attached, as was done on the model.  I have lots of the vintage red ric rac that I've also listed in my Etsy Shop.  I chose to attach this to a handmade hornbook, but this would look wonderful on an antique breadboard or even framed.

Next is......                        

"Cottage Rose"

This sweet little design if comes with two charts for both finishes.  A pinkeep and a broom wrap finish.  Cottage Rose is on 32ct Zweigart Vintage Heritage with Weeks Dye Works - Kudzu and Gentle Art - Burlap, Brandy and Country Redwood.

I've added these new designs and the ric rac to my Etsy Shop and they should soon be in your Local Needlework Shop.

Another new design is in the works!  Feeling in the mood for some Halloween stitching:)

Remember.....if you're on facebook and want to belong to a great primitive stitching group, please think about joining The Prim Stitchers Society.  We now have close to 2400 members and there is always something to see and learn.  I'm on there every day to see what's new and to connect with the members.  I have made so many new friends and we are very supportive of each other in so many ways. 

Enjoy your weekend! Happy Stitching and thank you for stopping by.
Smiles, ~Nan

Common Thread for Ladies Prim Society

Since my new "Ladies Prim Society" design is now in the process of being shipped, I thought I'd give the LPS members a picture of the next finish coming their way.

 "Common Thread" Stitcher's Mat

I hope all the members will enjoy the stitching and the finishing on this one. 

 It was a pleasure to design it for you.

The kit includes everything you need to complete the project.

Beautiful Olde Towne Blend linen by R&R Reproductions, 

 Hand dyed Peaches Velvet by Blackberry Primitives, silky seam binding ribbon, 

and primitive stained backing fabric.  Detailed instructions are provided also, of course.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Love to hear your comments.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.

 Happy Stitching ~ Nan, Threadwork Primitives....

EDITED.....For all those who emailed and commented asking how to join the Prim Club, I'm sorry to have to tell you that membership is now closed for this year.  

Some New News.....

I am very excited to share with you the news....

I am now a member of
Primitive Handmades Mercantile

 

I haven't been apart of an online group in years and I have really missed creating pieces to sell.

It's fun to be able to take my ideas and see them come to life again.  

This such a wonderful group of artists, not to mention really great gals.  Some of them good friends, who I love and admire.

I'll be listing some finished handmades that I've been working on.....

I hope you'll join me on Friday, July 18th, by visiting
http://primitivehandmadesmercantile.com/artists

Smiles, ~Nan

New Release "Anchor Of Pride"

I'm so happy to finally share this newest release.

So many stitchers seem to be enjoying one patriotic stitch after the another. Myself included.  I just adore this little design and hope you will too.

I put this out last year as an exclusive and really wanted to share it with all of you now.  It reminds me of days down the shore and I think it's a fun Summer stitch. 

"Anchor of Pride"

Stitch Count: 106w x 77h

Threads:  Gentle Art, Freedom, School House Red and Shaker White. 

Weeks Dye Works, Sage
Fabric:  32ct Liberty Gathering Grey by R&R Reproductions.

(This is a light grey linen, please feel free to use what makes you smile).

Trimmed in R&R Candy Cane mini ric rac.  

I've already begun shipping to shops and my distributors should have this on tomorrow's update. YAY! 

As always, thank you so much for taking the time to visit and for your continued support of my needlework designs.   I am always so touched by your emails and comments.

  Happy 4th and Happy Stitching!

~Nan

Recent Trip

I took a trip this week back to Lititz, PA....hard to stay away. 

Met up with a few friends for lunch and shopping.

We always have the best time chatting and laughing:)

We made a detour first to Lancaster to visit a little cross shop that I've had on my radar.

What a treat it was to visit Stitches Unlimited and meet the owner, Pat Young and her cross stitch guru, Jan.

Two very sweet and helpful gals.

Stitches Unlimited
721 Olde Hickory Rd, Lancaster PA 17601

717-560-9416

 

W all had to purchase some floss.  Always a color or two that I can use more of.

I'm such a lover of BBD designs and had to get a snap of this beauty they had stitched and hung on their wall.  Feast of Friendship...so appropriate since it was a friend outing after all.

Carriage House Samplings is also another favorite of mine and I did not have the hornbook design in my "collection" so I had to purchase that chart and a few others that were calling my name...:)

We had so much fun looking around and adding to our stash!  I know we will visit again soon. It's only about 10 minutes outside of Lititz.  We were taking pictures and

this little old man asked if we wanted him to get a shot of all of us. He was so sweet and tried so hard to work my phone, but got a more sidewalk that us...LOL.

 L to R.... Mimi, Susan, me and Pat. 

We had such a great day together!  Thanks girls for a fun filled day!

I'll be back soon to show more pics of our shopping spree at Days Gone By Creations.

Happy Friday my friends!

~Nan