Blog Hop Around the World

Gracie, blogging at Needles, Pins, and Dragonflies, invited me to join the 

Blog Hop Around the World

Grace has a fabulous blog.  She usually has oodles of projects in the works, participates  in swaps, round robins, + exchanges.   Her tatting is beautiful!    Take a peek and enjoy her needlework, tatting, sewing, and beautiful garden/nature photos.     Btw - chocolate.   Grace enjoys chocolate, tea (after morning coffee), and collects thimbles.    

To continue the global hop -- don't miss these great sites:

CathyB blogging at With Needle + Thread.

Cathy has spectacular hardanger + needlework projects on her blog, many from special workshops and events.  Her stitching and finishing are marvelous.   In addition to Cathy's projects, i enjoy the special posts about Hovej Embroidery and about her Mom (who tats)!   Enjoy traveling along with Cathy and enjoy her special blog.

Barbara, blogging at Mainley Stitching.
Barbara has a wonderful blog with animals, creative needlework & projects PLUS the family 'chateau chaos' activities.   In addition to Cathy's blog [above],  this is one of the first few blogs I ever read!   In addition to needlework, I've always enjoyed the animal and garden photographs.  Following Barbara's writing/posts is always a pleasure - never know what she will showcase in her near-daily posts.

1. What am I working on?

currently in my needlework tote:

Stitching workshop piece - Old Saybrooke Sampler
Bent Creek - Autumn Row
C Street Samplerworks -  Mary Hannah Gipson Sampler
Biscornu SAL 
Scarlet Letter (Year w/Scarlet  Letter)
Homespun elegance pieces  

In my tatting bag:
a couple workshop pieces from Lace Day[s]
Mini-tats book
Japanese tatting kit + couple patterns
Half-embellished origami bag with tatting motifs and edges.

Also enjoy my small pin loom (weaving), sewing - esp origami bags, fabric flower making/embellishing w tatting, sketching / drawing, punch needle   [other things in the works, too]

2. How does my work differ from others?

Most people actually finish!   i tend to enjoy the journey.   

3. Why do I write/create what I do?

I have no idea.   I just start itching to be creative and I find projects speak louder than words.   It is fun to follow a pattern-make small changes so it remains unique.   Or, a bit more challenging - to have an idea and follow thru to a 'finish'... or, you know - buy a pattern because it inspires you!!!

4. How does my writing/creating process work?

  For many years, i have had problems sleeping.   And, when I settle down and focus on an in-hand project, I can relax, rest, and it has a restorative effect.    

Before moving along to the next project ....

how about finishing one?  Needlework/stitching is completed.   I changed it a little bit from the pattern.   And added color to the project.   Photo from pattern on the left of the actual stitched rollup.   I put the scissors charm on the scissors keeper.   The pre-finished pieces are really fun to embellish.     I've been using the pieces while they were in progress for needles, scissors, fibers, thread winders, etc.  

 Almost -- I have a few tatting patterns out.   I'd like to edge the brown felt piece with some tatting.   The needlework is probably completed.   When I sew the tatted edge on, I will also sew the bottom of the stitched part - to create a pocket.  

 The Scissors pocket - fits inside the lowest pocket on the roll.   The back has a nice magnet for a book of needles, a needle rest - or just to keep the scissors inside.   The fancy pins were a gift from   Vickie    , who blogs at A Stitcher's Story.  

This set is STITCHED - just not finished.   I need to sew the bottom of the front panels [to form a pockets] and sew the small piece into a pincushion.   I may use some tatted trim.   Not sure how I'll embellish the pincushion - it seems so small.      

The stitched initials are from BBD A Stitcher's Journey.   The patterns, by Sandra Sullivan Homespun Elegance, Ltd.,  are pictured below.    I used Week's Baked Apple on the roll.   Simply Shaker Cidermill Brown for scissors, couple initials.   Also used Simply Shaker Heirloom Gold for the initial on the roll.   Dried Thyme [GAST] for all the green.   Crescent Colours Used Brick on scissor pocket, fold over + soon to be pincushion.   All the Blue from skein of Needle Necessities, Inc. #1342.   Amber Pearl Buttons, Scissors Charm, safety pins.   And, will add tatting this or next week.   

While hunting down my amber pearl buttons ... I found my HE ABC ornament/fob pattern + supplies AND my Bent Creek snapper project.  They had been hiding from me -- I knew I put them someplace, and at last unearthed them.  I pulled out some fibers for the BBD Her Sampler.   

 I have mixed a few silk and cotton fibers.   I have linen, too.   It is hiding!   I want to finished the Homespun Elegance pieces first - then will pick up the alphabet sampler.   If you have not seen the sampler - visit the Blackbird Design blog and follow the link to the free pattern.           

Lucky me ...

 Have you visited Rebeckah's blog, Rose Creations?

I am a new follower to her blog.   Check it out -- Rose Creations, handmade by Rebeckah.

She is very creative + an endless talent for making things!!!   She had a scrap box / Summer giveaway & I was happy when I heard from Rebeckah, that I was a winner of her scrap box ...

I received a box at the post office, and when open .... all these goodies popped out!

Thank you Rebeckah!!!

She has a better photo on her post --- HERE.

Imagine me, going thru all the fabric pieces - multiple colors and patterns!

Oh what fun --- have my iron plugged it ...

Cupcake Cafe

Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe

by Jenny Colgan

I was so happy to win this book from

Luxury Reading.

It is a wonderful blog with great book reviews.

Usually, there are oodles of giveaways, too.

Bent Creek: Snappy Sampler

Vickie, blogging at 

A Stitcher's Story

offered this lovely Bent Creek

Snappy Sampler as a giveaway.

I began following her blog

when she had the Traveling Bunny Pattern.

Vickie sent the chart and snaps ... 

and these lovely pins:

Aren't they pretty???

As for the project ... I have a couple thread choices that I like.

The chart suggests WDW Onyx  - and I like this

particular fiber from ThreadWorks. [suggested fiber Maple Syrup GAST].

Then, I picked out a different ThreadWorks fiber.

I have two different choices.   Once I sort thru the linen stash,

I'm sure one color will look better than the other.

Do you like the needlecase?   with the rabbits?    My son gave me a House of Stitches GC at holiday time and I put it in a 'safe' place .... forgot about it.    I thought this needlecase from Lacis was special.   A beautiful gift that I probably wouldn't have bought for myself.    Thx DS.    Pretty on the desk --- so many styles at the LNS to choose from.   

And, speaking of DS - I need to iron his shirt for work.   Where does time fly to?   nearing 2am and the ironing isn't done.

Switching to Bloglovin'

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

A repeat post ....

Updated Jun 2018

I had posted this on the

Lafayette Lacemaker's Blog

last Summer.

Recently, I have had some e-mails regarding

where to find

links to origami bags + ort containter

 tutorials.

So --- will repost the info here:  

Have some fabric left overs?

Maybe you need an ort container --

Or, you'd like to make them for your friends !!!

Links:

Primitive Gatherings

Little Thread Catcher

Needling Things

Triangular Thread Catcher

Seaside Stitches (Tina Craig)

Fabric Box Tutorial

Feeling more ambitious?

How about creating a pouch for your lace, yarn, tatting,

and supplies ...

Links:

Quilts A Lott

Origami Pouch

Sew Can She's

Drawstring Ditty Bag

Tracy's Mug Bag Tutorial

Anne's draw string bag

Drawstring Sewing Bag

Anne's Tatting Press Pattern

Origami Bag

Mary Grace Tutorial

Origami Inspired Draw String Bag

(Sunshine)

Origami Drawstring Pouch Tutorial by Hiromi

Reversible Purse

(Martha Stewart)

Japanese Knot Bag

(Mirkwood Designs)

Folded Bag (unable to translate - good photos)

Traveling in Circles Tote

(Rebecca)

Creating a Bourse - Class/Tutorial by  Isabelle

Origami Lotus Bag Tutorial

Tolt Folded Bay with Veronica

Lined Drawstring Bag tutorial

(Jeni Baker)

Fat Quarter Origami Bento Bag 

(Very Shannon.com)

Triangular Bag Tutorial

(Between the Lines)

(Lisa + Sara)

Retro Drawstring Bag

Biggo Drawstring Bag - Annie To

Enjoy the day  : )

gifts

Isn't this lovely?

I am so happy to have this lovely

heart stitched and finished by

CathyB blogging at

With Needle + Thread;

My Adventures in Stitching.

We have been on-line blogging friends

for years + finally met at House of Stitches earlier this year.

What a treat!!!

Her blog is loaded with needlework and travels

and treasures!!!   Head over ....

and ...

Isn't this pretty?

I enlarged the photo so you can see the detail.

This will give you an idea of the size.

This necklace was a gift from Marjorie

blogging at

Moonsilk Stitches. 

If you have not visited her blog -

get over for a visit.   She is always into the most creative stuff!!!  

Last,

I've had this bookmark pinned to my wall

for a few years now.

The image is from a woodblock print.  It is from the

Clarence Buckingham Collection.

Wild Pinks and Butterfly.

And, I just noticed on the AIC web site,

that they have PART ONE of a Japanese Print exhibit

(gallery 107) from the 

Clarence Buckingham Collection.

Hurry, closes Jan 27, 2013

Bent Creek: Bunny

Bent Creek pattern

The Little Bunny

I used Sampler Threads from The Gentle Art:  

Pink Azalea, Willow, Oatmeal (blended with DMC 712), Evergreen; 

Simply Shaker Sampler Threads from The Gentle Art Harvest Basket, Grape Leaf; 

and DMC 3021. 

It took me awhile to find fabric for finishing.

I chose Heidi Grace Designs

Multi Circles on Yellow.

I don't think I will accomplish the 'finishing' until after the holidays.

Keep an eye on Cucki's blog

Cucki Stitching Cove

as she is next in line for the traveling pattern + envelope of embellishments.

(I just realized I forgot to add the bead on the flower!!  oops!!)

Traveling Bunny ....

I was looking forward to receiving the envelope with

the Bent Creek pattern

The Little Bunny.

What surprised me (aren't needleworkers generous) 

was all the items that came along with the traveling pattern ; )

This beautiful heart is hanging on my calendar.

It was sent in the envelope with

the Traveling Bunny pattern (+ goodies).

?

Isn't this lovely?      (front above -- back below)

It was from Lee,

who has a nice post with photo of her bunny - HERE.

If you are not familiar with Lee's blog --- head right over!

Gracie tucked in an envelope of

fibers, floss cards, and tapestry needles.

Have you visited her blog?   Go to

Needles Pins and Dragonflies ; )

Look what Annie added to the traveling pattern (envelope).

Her charming bunny post is HERE.   Another wonderful blog!

And, here are more textiles!   Bea (Canada) tucked in the

lovely heart charms.   Not sure who added the awesome fibers!

When I was reading Lee's blog post, she said she traced

the traveling bunny from America to England.   Back to America.

After a few stitchers, went to Annette (California Stitcher) to 

Bea in Canada, and to New Zealand.    

Before I received the pattern, it had been in the hands of

Anne and Gracie --- this week, when I finish my bunny

I will send it along to Cucki in South Africa

who will send it to Kaye in Australia!!!

Stay tuned .....

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 .....

thx Jo : )

Jo, blogging at 

Serendipitous Stitching

drew my name for her

Easter Treasure Hunt Blog

 hop.

Such a pretty design, lovely colors.  

Thank you Jo !

I received her envelope today.    

 Jo sent a beautifully stitched cushion, 

wonderful note + 

enclosed a candy bunny, too!

Lovely colors Jo!!!  

Jo has a fabulous blog - head over there when

you get the chance!!!

A Winner ....

My name was selected for

Lilla's Giveaway.   The tag she

creative arrived in today's mail.

Treat yourself by visiting

her blog, Just Lilla --- 

La vie en Rose by Lilla on Etsy ---

and/or, viewing her Pinterest boards.

Per Lilla's blog:

"Made the key or bag tag from old French paper"

to be used as a key tag or to adorn a back pack.

For now, I have the bag + 

tag hanging on my wall!

Here is what the back looks like:

Thank you Lilla!!!

Giveaway Winner

.... is Gwen,

blogging at Shuttle, Needle + Paper.

You will also find Gwen's projects on

many group blogs (BBD, LHN, Quaker, Brightneedle)

and the 25 Motif Challenge blog.

Thank you for the comments + private e-mails.   Here is

my 'found' Blackbird Designs, WIP

Buttons + Pins

c.2008

(one of the Reward of Merit patterns).

It has been in the back of my closet for a very long time.

I blame it on the cat.   I am pretty

happy to find the bag, tho.   I knew I put it someplace!

Paula Joerling Studio

Found a
new to me
blog ...

Look at this cute
project

for Spring.

gift

Thank you to Beth,

blogging at:  

Love Laugh Quilt

for hosting a giveaway 

of the newest

Jennifer Chiaverini book.

The book arrived in the mail

from the publisher

What fun!!!   

And, swing on over to Beth's blog,

wonderful textiles.   Enjoy the day.

Gifts

This lovely pincushion was

from Cathy B, blogging at:

With Needle + Thread.

She uses her 

Mom's tatting.

I don't know, may be too pretty for pins ; )

And, makes the pincushions 

with a Mason Jar Lid.

Colorful!  Delightful!

And, I received an e-mail from

Beth, blogging at:

Love Laugh Quilt

That I was a  W I N N E R

of her book giveaway --- isn't that kewl???

Also .... Gracie, blogging at:

Needles, Pins + Dragonflies

sent me this awesome

Spring Button Up --- kit,

by Lizzie Kate.

Many many thx to CathyB, Beth + Gracie.

Aren't I the lucky one???

giveaway + giveaway + giveaways ....

The South Paw Stitcher

is hosting a giveaway to celebrate

a year of blogging ....

Details on her post

Blogoversary Giveaway

-------------------------------------------------------------

Moon Silk Stitches

also hosting a giveaway ...

details on her post

New Giveaway

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Have you seen the party going on

over on 

Kathy's Blog?

Oh my -- visit

Shaw kl

for her daily prizes.

What are you still doing here?????

giveaway(s)

Victorian Motto Sampler Shop

hosting a couple holiday giveaways .... 

Details on these posts:

Hand Dyed Floss Giveaway for Christmas

AND

Merry Christmas Giveaway: Hand dyed floss, charts, + Hand Dyed Trim!s

Advent Calendar Links

Serendipitous Stitcher,

Brenda's Advent Calendar,

The Lace Guild - Advent Calendar