Last Friday, I was gearing up for a snowy Saturday, which happened, folks, but enough of that. All sorts of ideas for spending the day were tumbling about in my head. Today, I am happy to report that a few of them spilled out to reality. (You can't imagine how often that does NOT happen.)
The first thing was working on more dishtowels. Birthdays are coming up and I am resorting to homemade gifts. I always use Martha Stewart's flour sack dish towels from K-Mart for these projects, but this time, after seeing how Alicia at Posie Gets Cozy (February 21) was creating her own bias tape for dishtowel edges, I decided to do the same thing. I purchased the binding tute and the material and had a lot of fun creating tape for myself. Alicia gives most excellent instructions!
I also spent some time gazing at Zanne's excellent handiwork on my oo-la-la apron. So between both sites and having the apron in hand, success!
Because I was using premade dishtowels, I did have to remove one finished edge so that the excess bulk would be gone; stitching was impossible otherwise. Don't ask me how I found that out or at what hour. (I only removed one edge because I'm only taping one edge.)
In the middle of all that, I realized my urgent need for a pincushion. Soooo, using WHIPUP's wonderful directions, I was able to make one for myself very quickly out of a vintage tablecloth remnant.
Do you see that doll maker's needle? Sure came in handy for this project. Also, please note how the needle is threaded. Here's a little secret for you...shhhhh, don't tell a soul...one can sew without ever having a knot or a tail. See what I mean right here at Bella Dia's No Knot, No Tail.
Last night, in the middle of all these big doings, my niece pops in to invite me out to supper. Naturally, she was curious about the mess on the dining room table. So she discovered her birthday gift a bit early and requested a redwork rooster for her dishtowel. None of my embroidery sites offered quite what we wanted so I thought that I might find one in a coloring book...good suggestion, by the way, for embroidery ideas. I found what I was looking for right here online.
Those patio door grids come in handy and these directions from PatternBee.
Thanks for looking and let me know if you try any of these things. I love to see what you're all up to, too!
Wow, Vee, you had a very creative weekend! I love your pin cushion. I'll have to read more about how to make the dishtowels. I visited Bella Dia's blog and what a treasure chest of ideas that is! Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the TIPS! I am going to hop over and check out the No knot No tail....yipee! Love your pin cushion...I need one too..hmmmm
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Robin
oh, hey.... clever way of getting pics for embroidering.... good one!
ReplyDeleteSome day I am going to make myself a little new pincushion too.
I am still working on my little wool bunny for Lisa's softie Easter Parade.
Today I am off to Michael's for some ribbons....
Well you are just one creative woman, now aren't you!!! I wish I had the time, patience and talent for all that! Alas, I was blessed with none of the three! LOL! Have a beautiful Monday!
ReplyDeleteJan
Hey, you crafty girl! I bought a kit (which included fabrics, pattern, etc) for embroidering bunnies a few weeks ago & then had to go back to the shop to find out how to transfer the pattern. They suggested the lightbox method...I used a glass coffee table with a lamp under & that worked great!
ReplyDeleteI will have to see Martha Stewart flour sack dish cloths are available anywhere in this area.
Coloring books - great idea for patterns.
ReplyDeleteI love getting and making home made gifts!
I love your pin cushion!!
Thanks for the mention, and I love the idea for the pincushion. I'm going to have to make one up this evening. Love that rooster pattern. I've often used the patio door method, it's an inexpensive light box!
ReplyDelete- Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife
Hi! I'm visiting your blog for the first time. it's really lovely!
ReplyDeleteLove all your crafts !!!
Oh, Vee, you are so talented. I wouldn't even know how to begin any of those projects. Your little pin cushion, while certainly practical, must make you smile each time you use it.
ReplyDeleteOh! I want one of those rooster redworks! What a clever idea using a coloring book for a pattern. I don't really sew, so I am in awe of what you are doing! Even your pin cushion is amazing!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Penny
OH I do love that pin cushion .. well don. I love all the ideas and one of these days I just may get crafty again too.
ReplyDeleteLoving the pen cushion...Mary
ReplyDeleteBusy, busy. It's nice when those ideas swirling about the brain come to fruition, isn't it? I need to "do" instead of "think". Love the rooster pattern idea.
ReplyDeleteWow, I miss a few days visiting and you get into a serious craft groove and I miss all the fun! I love your pincushion and the red rooster dishtowel is right up my alley!
ReplyDelete