Visitors from MN ....

All last week, I was looking forward to the

week-end ... I met the delightful CathyB

(With Needle + Thread Blog)

and her Mom, Marlene.

Cathy + I have been blogging friends for several years and I was over-the-moon when she let me know there was a possibility to get together in Indiana!

We met at House of Stitches in LaPorte + enjoyed talking, shopping, 

and enhancing our stash ; )     Marlene and I had a tatting good time..   

Cathy has a lovely post on her blog w/photos ...

did I mention Ruth Ann from C Street Samplerworks 

was also there?    Cathy is the President of The C Street Fan Club!!!!!

Cathy gifted me with a tatted tarlet --- 

Isn't the tatted tartlet cute?   Thx so much!!!!

(Tatting by Marlene + finishing by Cathy)

I picked up Anna Brambles Sampler

and a beautiful wooden box for scissors + needles

 (DJV design needs to be stitched and mounted)

Until next time .....

Porter County Fair: Counted Thread Work

Section 506 (i.) OtherTea Cup Pulled Thread SamplerDesigned by Michelle Perry & Mylinda Cane
for the Needle Artisans of Northwest Indiana State Day 1998Second Place
Comments:Wonderful Job.

Section 507 (a.) Combination of Techniquesc.1993 DJV DesignsDesigned by Dorothy Van KalsbeekSecond PlaceComments: Really well done! Excellent stitching. Finished very well.
Porter County Fair, Valparaiso, IndianaJuly 18-27, 2008

Insert for Needlecase

c.1993 DJV DesignsDesigned by Dorothy Van Kalsbeek
This is one of those needlwork treasures, which I have owned & decided it was time to load it up with needles, scissors, and stitch the top!! I completed the stitching part in December posts & pics here. I used Mill Hill Petite Glass Beads: #40123; 42024; 42029. DMC Floss: #451; 501; 502; 503; 712; 3722; 224; 223; 951; 3752; 3756. DMC Perle Coton #12 ecru. Stitched on Antique White 36-count Edinborough linen.
After consultation w/Marjorie, Moonsilk Stitches blog, who suggested using tape to secure the needlework to the needlecase/wooden box ... I struggled to get this needlework mounted. I am happy with the results!

A Stitched Insert ....

c.1993 DJV DesignsDesigned by Dorothy Van Kalsbeek
Insert stitched for my wooden needlecase. (more info HERE) Design size is 29x67.

I used Mill Hill Petite Glass Beads: #40123; 42024; 42029. DMC Floss: #451; 501; 502; 503; 712; 3722; 224; 223; 951; 3752; 3756. DMC Perle Coton #12 ecru. Stitched on Antique White 36-count Edinborough linen.

Stitches/techniques: Cross Stitch; backstitch; long arm cross; plait; pulled thread ring stitch; drawn thread with latice openwork (I've never seen openwork like this -- no hemstitch or reinforced edge -- just "gather" the fibers!); queen stitch; double running stitch (substituted beads for the french knots!!!).

I admit looking up the stiches in books [from my closet]. I didn't think the diagrams/instructions were easy to follow. AND there was a special note saying "these instructions are written for those who are familiar with cross stitch and have experience with linen." For such a smallish project -- there was quite a variety of needlework involved. I'm going to look at this during daylight -- for errors, or whatever, before I lace it to the board [came with kit] and tape it to my needlecase.

slow moving ...

I added a few petite beads [mill hill] & rows of stitches. I had to look up the pulled work, plait stitch, and even the drawn work (next section). OK -- I guess I'm rusty in the specialty needlework!!! Looking forward to finishing up the rows : )

Insert for needlecase ...

Thank you to everybody for your e-mails and comments re. the needlecase and La-D-Da pillow. How very kind of you to leave compliments AND to share your tips and thoughts! I bought some double-sided tackie tape from Michael's and plan to give it a try once the linen is stitched.


I started & didn't get far. I took out the cross stitches in the 2nd row & added beads for dimension. There are a few beads charted in this pattern & I figured I'd experiment by adding more!

Perhaps I'll get more stitching in tonight.

Inquiring Minds ...

Since I received more than one comment & e-mail re. this ... I'm posting photos. The interior is large enough for scissors -- has magnetic sides. The top is wooden & the idea is to stitch the project, center it & lace it around the cardboard [matboard?] and glue in place. I am not the most craftie person & wondered what glue stitchers would use to keep it attached!!!

Hip Hop & Magnetic Needle Case

Hip HopMore progress on my pillow case edge. I think it is easier stitching the center section. : )
What a MESS!I don't have a spot for my teacup. I need to clear off some of this mess. But, I don't want to put anything away!!! I feel like I need some more space for my stuff on my desk. Actually, I wish I had a craft table to spread out my junk doll & stitching supplies. I pulled out a couple clothespin dolls & soft dolls (getting ready to create some comfort dolls) ... it is quite freaky having all these extra eyes on me ... LOL

Heirloom Quality Magnetic NeedlecaseDJV Designs c 1993 If any stitcher reading this, has one of these ... has stitched & got the top glued on the wood ... could you share with me the type of glue you used to get the board to stick to the wood?? If I can find some linen in my stash, I'd like to get this one finished up - and use the box for intended needles : )