Summer's Snippets

Lollypop Trees All Done!

2012-01-01T20:19:00.000-08:00

So excited. :)

You like the bike in the background?

It was windy. Thanks, Brad, for winning Survivor Kirkland and holding it up for so long to let me take pictures.

Quilting detail

See all the Lollypop Trees progress.

"Fanciful Felines" Variation quilt

2011-12-08T17:46:00.000-08:00

This is a variation of the "Fanciful Felines" quilt pattern. The original design is by Cyndi Walker for Clothworks. Most of the fabrics are from Laurel Burch. I bought a Christmas Panel, cut them out and bordered them with the black fabric, then used her idea for the mixed border and the corner blocks. I love it - won't win any awards but I love it. :) It is a gift for Karin.

Pieced and quilted in December 2011.

Volume in Scraps by Emily Cier finished...

2011-11-13T16:53:00.000-08:00

This is based on "Volume in Scraps" from Scrap Republic by Emily Cier. Her quilt in the book is a lot smaller, so I made 25 columns of 4.5" strips. They are 104" long and it is just over 100" wide. Also, since I had loads of fabric and wasn't making scraps, I pieced my color families as she suggests and then chopped and pieced the strips - I didn't need the shorter strips together. Mine's not as blended as the original but I really like it. Since this is the backing for "Lollypop Trees", which measures 94" square, the edges of this quilt will end up being cut off. This took a solid week to piece - I listened to The Coral Thief (great!) and The Cave Girl (ridiculous!) while piecing it.

I'm now going to make a tuffet!

Finished my Lollypop Trees top...

2011-11-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

I love it! I had quite a mix of old and new Kaffe prints as I just kept buying and buying them. It does measure square, I put it on the grass and photographed it off the deck so this is from 15' up. I started mine in February and finished it last night.

When I did the sashing I made pairs of blocks, then sewed pairs of pairs together without cutting between them. I continued down the line and that was helpful in the sewing to sew multiple strips at a time. I did pin the sashing strips to the quilts because I wanted it to line up exactly. Offset corners would show up with the black.

These are my Kaffe fabrics I have left - most are 1/8 of a yard or so. I am going to cut them into 4.5" width strips and make the backing out of them. The design I am going to use is based on this one:

Volume in Scraps from Scrap Republic by Emily Cier. Her quilt in the book is only about 60", I think, so I am making 15 columns of 4" strips which should come out to 100". I might add another strip in there so the machine quilter will have enough of a backing.

Thanks for sharing this journey with me. I don't know when I'm going to make another Kim McLean quilt - I need to do this backing, then I have Lilly Pilly to make.

Selling on ebay....

2011-10-06T22:01:00.000-07:00

Things I want to do in 2012...

2011-10-03T22:27:00.000-07:00

Looking ahead here.

Seattle Area:

Kruckeberg Gardens

http://www.kruckeberg.org/visit

Eastside:

Camlamm Village

http://www.camlann.org/summer_festivals.htm

Boehms Candy Tour

http://www.boehmscandies.com/catalog/tours.php

Tulalip:

Hibulb Cultural Center

http://www.hibulbculturalcenter.org/Education/Education-Tours/

Bellingham:

Railway Museum

http://bellinghamrailwaymuseum.org/location.html

Visit the Museum of Radio and Electricity and have the girls take an electronics class.

http://amre.us/spark-workshops

Mindport

http://mindport.org/visit.html

Whatcom Museum

http://www.whatcommuseum.org/visit

Snohomish County:

Boeing Factory Tour

http://www.boeing.com/commercial/tours/index.html

Tacoma Area:

Fort Nisqually

http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=829

Lemay Car Collection

http://www.lemaymarymount.org/lemay-collection.htm

Islands:

Naval Undersea Museum

http://navalunderseamuseum.org/5767.html

Pt Robinson Lighthouse

http://www.vashonparkdistrict.org/section_facilities/facilities_lodging_pg1.htm

Olympia Area:

Lakewold Gardens

http://www.lakewoldgardens.org/general_information.html

Mima Mounds

http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?q=mima+mounds+natural+area+preserve&mkt=en-US&FORM=BYFD

Monarch Sculpture Park

http://www.monarchartcenter.org/exhibits.php

Two More Lollypop Blocks, again, again...

2011-09-24T00:31:00.000-07:00

Three more to go!

Three more blocks...

2011-09-11T21:03:00.000-07:00

Also another tart. This time I left off the apricot glaze because I didn't think it needed the sugar... still delicious!

Oranges and pinks:

Reds:

Blues and roses:

Two More Lollypop Blocks, again...

2011-08-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

I made a fruit tart! Recipe from Julia Child's French cookbook, which I am slowly working my way through.

Two more blocks completed;

Bunches of Quilts for my wishlist...

2011-08-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

Haven't made any of these yet, but don't want to forget them. These patterns are from http://www.clotilde.com and they don't tell the designser.

Uschi's Stars:

Marmalade and Jam:

Galaxy Quilt Pattern:

Emma's Star:

Lastly, I thought this was really funny.

Corn Cakes with Shrimp, Crab & Baby Arugula Recipe

2011-07-19T15:19:00.000-07:00

Another garden wishlist...

2011-07-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

I've never thought of myself as a fountain person, but I really love this fountain. It's more of a reflective pool with the littlest spigot to keep the water fresh. The plants around it are gorgeous, too.

It reminds me of the fountain at the Botanical Gardens in Milwaukee.

Garden Project To-Do

2011-07-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

Beautiful cement leaves for birds...

Recipe - Strawberry-Rhubarb Mascarpone Cannoli

2011-07-19T15:09:00.000-07:00

I see stuff in magazines and take a picture of it... because I want to do it someday!

Another Lollypop Tree Block...

2011-07-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

Lots of darker colors in this one.

Not My Garden...

2011-07-11T10:05:00.000-07:00

I feel like I need a place to keep my "Garden Inspiration" pictures.
So, not my garden, but I like parts of these!

Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle:

I like the bench set into the woods, along the path.

Multi-feeder!

Everett Arboretum:

Love these coiled supports.

Gorgeous patio

Bridge over running rocks

ID'ed as Lychnis chalcedonica, Maltese cross by Kate.

Love the mosses set with the rocks.

A birdhouse collection!

Another beautiful plant

Two More Lollypop Blocks

2011-07-05T18:39:00.000-07:00

I just keep plodding along. I certainly am enjoying these. It is nice to work with bright, cheery colors.

Western Washington Quilt Shop Hop 2011

2011-06-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

Thoroughly enjoyed myself this year. I took the children to loads of different shops, this time starting at the southern border of our state, and it was really a lot of fun. Here is a photo of the completed quilt (mine won't look like this, but it's neat to see.)

Here are the photos of the block samples I was given. I think I missed a couple pictures in the stores. Victoria is 10 (!) so she also got a set of blocks. So our quilt will have two of each block.

The other advantage, of course, is traveling to lots of different shops that you may not get into again. When will I ever be in Centralia again? Although I did love Sisters in Chehalis!

I took a few pictures of quilts I really love. I'm usually a one or two project at a time person, so I'll just add these to my inspirational wishlist.

Buggy Barn Santa/Christmas Tree Quilt. I love their patterns!

I love the color scheme on this one - I think I could make this fairly easily.

I've never made anything with batiks, but I love the colors in this one. Another simple beauty.

A neat way to use scraps, too - this would be a great layout for an I Spy quilt, too.

Gorgeous!

This one is so cute - lots of little yo-yos.

Victoria loved this one.

So blurry on this one - I love the layouts and it looks like a lot of Kaffe fabrics. I might make something similar after Lollypop trees is completed. The blue is actually white in person.

And I loved this one so much I bought it. :) It was on clearance, as well!

The final haul:

It looks kind of disjointed - the kit for the stripy quilt, then at the top center is three pieces for the Sampler House quilt WIP, at the far right are Kaffe fabrics for Lollypop trees, and the other two fat quarters are for stash. A good year!

Pineapple Tidbits Quilt

2011-04-15T16:25:00.000-07:00

Just trying to get things updated - so far behind. I really need a complete overhaul of the websites but alas, I don't know how. Sigh.

I made this quilt for my father-in-law, Bud, and his lovely wife, Karin.

It is backed in a beautiful batik.

The pattern is called "Pineapple Tidbits" and it is from the Buggy Barn. I pieced it and quilted it in oh, 2009?

Stray Lollypop block

2011-03-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

Lollypop Trees by Kim McLean Block #15

2011-03-13T22:55:00.000-07:00

Finished another one! This one felt like it took a lot longer. I worked on this at a couple of swim meets, time at home, and also while waiting for my children at their theater class.

Lollypop Trees by Kim McLean Block #16

2011-02-16T21:13:00.000-08:00

I started a new quilt project - it is called Lollypop Trees and is designed by Kim McLean of Australia. I LOVE this design. There are sixteen large blocks with sashing between and a mini-pop border. You can see lots of them at http://gloriousapplique.blogspot.com/

Here is my first block. I've never done hand-appliqué before and this was quite enjoyable! Only 15 more to go.

A recent finish...

2011-01-03T11:17:00.000-08:00

to add to the album.

I stitched this for my mother-in-law for Christmas this year. It's done in silks and cottons and I did all the finishing in silks with a purchased tassel trim.

Arabesque

2011-01-03T11:14:00.000-08:00

"Arabesque"

by Summer Louise Truswell

The Arabesque is a traditional design with roots in early Muslim history. The repeating of the geometric elements is styled after plants or animals to create an infinite pattern. My “Arabesque” design is inspired ancient Venetian plates. Two beautiful colorways are included in the pattern: striking red and gold, or more muted blue and gold. Learn padded stitching, blanket stitches to create unique shapes, and how to create subtle layered backgrounds that add interest to your designs.

Available for instant download, or order as a paper book:

http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/arabesque---line-drawn-needlework-design/14438743

Visit Summer Truswell Needlework on Facebook for the latest updates:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Summer-Truswell-Needlework/135452483137524

General Release of Folk Santa Spinner Design

2010-10-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

Just in time to stitch for Christmas!

Santa is flying his reindeer through the air in this whimsical Folk Santa Spinner. Learn to line draw a canvas, pounce background color and then stitch away. Learn realistic shading with basketweave, how to make antlers look like velvet, and easy metallic thread techniques that will really make your ornaments sparkle! A little bit of beading and some specialty stitches make this a fun design. Suggested materials includes 18 mono canvas, beads, silk, wool, cotton and metallic threads to stitch both ornaments, and complete instructions with color illustrations.

This design was premiered and taught at American Needlepoint Guild's National Seminar in Milwaukee.

Available for instant download:

http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/folk-santa-spinner/6020039

Visit Summer Truswell Needlework on Facebook for the latest updates:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Summer-Truswell-Needlework/135452483137524

New Design - Charisma

2010-10-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

"Charisma"

Strikingly elegant in its simplicity, Charisma is a lesson in goldwork – albeit stitched in silver. A variety of real and synthetic metal threads are used in this stunning piece. The design size can be adjusted to fit your desired finishing. The purse model design measures 6” x 2.75”. The mini design measures 2” square and may be completed as a test square prior to stitching the larger design.

Available in two formats:

Instant download:

http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/charisma---a-lesson-in-goldwork/13220179

Full color paper booklet:

http://www.lulu.com/product/brochure/charisma---a-lesson-in-goldwork---print/13220553

Visit Summer Truswell Needlework on Facebook for the latest updates:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Summer-Truswell-Needlework/135452483137524

An "Old" Finish...

2010-09-10T15:46:00.000-07:00

I stitched and finished this last year. It's a Hand-Painted Canvas from A Collection of Designs. Last night at guild we were talking about the birdhouse ornaments and when I went to e-mail the picture this morning I realized that I never put it on my album! This was a fun piece to stitch and I was almost done with the stitching before I realized that it was a birdhouse. ;)

New Book and New Design...

2010-09-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

This design jumped the queue with Jane's query if I had finishing instructions for a tote bag in my book. The short answer was "No.", but the longer answer was "I'm working on them."

With a bit of a push (I am moving in two weeks and am in the process of packing), I've finished them up and they are ready for download or mailing.

"Le Fleur Shoppe" is a charming design that shows a flower shop entry. Stylized flowers detail this fun piece and a charming cat hides on the back. Stitch in colors from your stash or use the recommended colors.

"Learn to Finish a Tote Bag" gives step-by-step instructions for finishing a tote bag. Large photographs illustrate each step and it includes information on buying enough fabric, directions for sewing pockets, linings, and straps.

Enjoy these newest additions to my design collection!

"Le Fleur Shoppe" Paper Leaflet
http://www.lulu.com/product/brochure/le-fleur-shoppe---counted-needlework-design/12555200

"Le Fleur Shoppe" Digital Download
http://www.lulu.com/product/download/le-fleur-shoppe---counted-needlework-design/12555200

"Learn to Finish a Tote Bag" Digital Download
http://www.lulu.com/product/file-download/learn-to-finish-a-tote-bag/12554915?

"Learn to Finish a Tote Bag" Paperback Book
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/learn-to-finish-a-tote-bag/12554914

Needlepoint Tote Bag Finishing...

2010-09-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

This needlepoint design was finished as an open-top tote bag. It is heavily interfaced so it stands up on its own. The exterior fabric is a dark brick red velveteen and the straps are custom made and lined with webbing for strength.

The interior of the bag is lined in a woven fabric. There is a hanging zippered pocket.

Mirabilia's "Bluebell"...

2010-09-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

"Bluebells" by Mirabilia

I stitched this for my friend Jessie. It is stitched in cotton floss and an overdyed Waterlilies silk. The wings and a lot of the details are in Kreinik Metallic threads and there are quite a few beads. Always fun to stitch these fairies!

I kept thinking about my friend Laura and how she would have loved this piece: purples, Mirabilia, fairy with no antennae. So I'm happy that it is for another friend.

Kathy Schenkel "Washington" Stocking...

2010-09-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

This hand-painted canvas is by Kathy Schenkel. I stitched it in cotton threads and some specialty threads from Rainbow Gallery. It is finished in light blue suede with a satin lining and trimmed with white cord. The cute stuffed orca is hand-made and comes with the canvas. So cute!

Some Christmas stitching...

2010-09-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

I usually try to stitch 12 ornaments a year. I'm behind! Behind on finishing, too!

These are all from the 1998 Just Cross-Stitch Ornament Issue. I'm clearing through my stash and getting stuff done.

"Joy!" by Bent Creek.

by Birds of a Feather. Not sure if I will put this in a little frame or finish as an ornament.

"Christmas Star" by Emie Bishop of Cross 'N Patch.

by Darleen O'Steen of The Needle's Prayse. Again, not sure if I will frame this one.

"Christmas Eve Ornament" by Graphs by Barbara and Cheryl.

"Woodland Noel" by Heart in Hand Needleart.

"Star of Wonder" by Thirteenth Colony. Solid stitching with beads!

Lastly is one of the Mill Hill bead and stitch kits. It is called Victorian Tree and is stitched on perforated paper. I finished it with a chenille thread trim and backed with passion suede.

Back from the Lake...

2010-08-29T21:10:00.000-07:00

Just got back tonight from two gorgeous weeks in Kelowna. The weather was really beautiful this year, albeit diverse. Victoria went kayaking almost every day. She's pretty safe on it so I would sit on the dock and stitch and let her go up the creek and around. She really loved it. We also took the kidlets water skiiing a few times. There was mixed reactions on Victoria's part but she eventually got the hang of it and said she had fun. Madeline was really balanced and Travis is all about the need for speed. We spent hours at the beach every day. We also went up to the KLO (Kelowna Land and Orchard Company) and did their hokey orchard tour that the kidlets really love.

I did get a lot of stitching done and pictures of that will come later. I finished a few ornaments and a Mirabilia fairy for my friend.

Now to get on with house stuff - need to go through all the possessions, pack, and move! It sounds easy but I have two pages of a to-do list. Onwards!

Milwaukee Visit

2010-07-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

Aside from the Midtown Madness, we had a wonderful trip to Milwaukee.

Things we visited:

Milwaukee Art Museum - special exhibit was the "American Quilts", a collection of antique quilts.
http://www.mam.org/american_quilts/

Discovery World - I especially loved the little wood automations at adult eye level. The kids liked playing on the ship model.
http://www.discoveryworld.org/

Kohler Design Studio - Admiring the kitchens and bathrooms.
http://www.us.kohler.com

Penzey's Spices - Got some great swag.
http://www.penzeys.com/

German Fest at the lakefront - Loved the needlework on all the ethnic costumes and the food was wonderful
http://www.germanfest.com/

Best of all was visiting with family and the kids swimming, swimming, swimming. A great time!

Midtown Madness - Milwaukee

2010-07-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a nice vacation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This was my fourth trip to Milwaukee and I find the weather dramatically different every time! I still haven't been there in the snow nor do I ever plan to do so. This time we witnessed a full-on Milwaukee rainstorm.

Now, living in the Seattle area, I've grown used to rain. It rains, or drizzles, much of the fall through spring. We don't get a "real" winter here as we may only have 1-2 snowfalls. The rain is so standard that locals don't even comment on it... I don't even own an umbrella. So when locals here comment "Wow, it's really coming down." then you know it's really raining outside. Heavily. People would have definitely commented on the rainstorm in Milwaukee.

It started with an overcast morning. Diane said there was a red sky when she picked up Brad at the airport. We looked outside and saw that another day of swimming wasn't going to work and all agreed to drive up to Kohler to visit the Kohler Design Studio. I drove the rental van (a Kia Sedona) there with no problems. We spent about two hours there and headed out to grey skies and fairly heavy rain.

We got onto the freeway, I-43, and headed south. The rain was pouring down, thunder was all around, and the lightning was hitting all around us. I continued to drive, albeit slowly, in the right lane. The underpasses dipped down so I didn't want to pull under a bridge and park for fear of a flash flood. I was getting passed by diesels and other trucks who continued to speed along at 70 mph while I slowed down to 55. (I think the speed limit is 60 there.) I stayed in the right lane and continued south.

Traffic significantly slowed down at each underpass, as people realized that they had to drive through standing water. We made it through by watching the vehicles in front of us and allowing plenty of room. As we approached a particularly deep underpass I realized that it wasn't moving. At that point I was about ten cars back. I actually stopped on the freeway and just waited, as all the cars around us stopped as well. You could see the water rising under the underpass and the cars that got stuck, as well as the trucks that had passed us. We waited about 15 minutes to see what was happening while I discussed with Brad the merits of not pulling up to the next car (and allowing cars from the prior freeway entrance to come in and cut in front of me) and the potential merits of turning around. Keep in mind that the rain is still pouring down and there was a significant chance of getting flooded out. The truck behind me started turning around in what can only be described as a 12-point turn, so I made a smooth U turn onto the emergency lane and followed him out.

The cars that had been getting onto the freeway braked and backed up, and traffic slowed to a crawl as people abandoned the right lane to allow the now-dozens of cars that were getting off the freeway. We learned when we watched the news at home that the underpass had a blocked storm drain, hence the flooding, and that the people in the left lanes that couldn't get off the freeway were stuck there for over two hours. I don't know what happened with the people who got stuck in the water.

We were now 15 miles from the house and had our trusty GPS. It is amazing anyway, as it updates with construction and real-time traffic, therefore it was able to almost steer us away from flooding based on the stopped cars that create traffic. We did almost get stuck 3-4 times and I had to drive through standing water more times I liked. I am so thankful that we didn't get sunk in a sinkhole.

Eventually, about two hours later, we finally made it home. The other adults wanted to go out to dinner (!) but I wanted to stay home with the children and eat there and not risk getting stuck somewhere. It was already after 8 p.m. I fed the children and got them to bed and I stayed up and watched the lightning.

It was a little nerve-wracking, very worrisome. The Kia drove well and I have to say, if it had been my own van I would have parked in someone's high driveway and we would have been there until the rain stopped. :)

The end result is that they had seven inches of rain in an hour. One man died being caught in a flash flood and his car was swept away. Two women were hit by lightning. Hundreds of cars have been totaled for flood damage. I'm glad we were ok!

Back from Travels...

2010-06-10T01:03:00.000-07:00

Every year I make a yearly trip down to Utah. Primarily to visit family, I also sneak in trips up into the gorgeous mountain canyons or out to the West Desert. Last summer I went with my parents and one brother (and his wife and children) and we traveled down to Saint George and went through Bryce Canyon and Zion's National Park.

Last fall my Dad and Mother went to the Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. My Dad loved the park and I loved hearing about it and really wanted to go. So this year I pushed the trip a little back from our normal time of late April into late May. Also different this year was that I was driving to Utah with just the children; no Brad to take turns driving with me.

The book on CD that I listened to with the kidlets throughout the trip was "The Mysterious Benedict Society". It was a great book and we really enjoyed it. I alternated disks of that with Victoria's iPod for variety.

We left Seattle on a Saturday morning. We drove throughout the day, stopping to look at the Zillah Teapot Service Station National Monument, as well as many numerous stops at rest stops for the children to stretch their legs and take restroom breaks. That evening we got into Boise, Idaho where I checked into the hotel. After dinner the children swam in the pool and I set my feet in the hot tub. Travis then refused to get out of the pool and I threatened no swimming the next day. He got out of the pool.

Sunday we stopped at the Hagerman National Park, in Hagerman, Idaho. This national park focuses on the Hagermen Horses, a zebra-like animal that died many years ago and was fossilized. We watched the 20 minute movie and the kidlets worked on their Junior Ranger Badge books. Travis and Madeline threw the sand from the indoor sand box all over the carpet. Travis tried to grab the fossils and Victoria walked around looking bored.

As we drove through the park and the Oregon Trail the children felt sympathy for the settlers who had to make the monstrous climb up the mountain (taking 2 days) and then realized that there was no water for miles. Especially when I threatened them with having to walk home if they didn't get back in the car so we could move on. They did enjoy the one-lane scary rickety bridge that we took the time to drive over. Actually, they really did love seeing the trail hills.

We then drive on to Utah Valley, where my parents live. As you pass Ogden the quality of the drivers denigrates and progressively worsens as you approach BYU. They speed up, signal less, and tailgate. It's like bumper cars with giant trucks.

Monday was my brothers birthday so we took him out to lunch and that afternoon I bought Madeline some new shoes.

Tuesday morning we got up early and the children and I loaded into my Dad's giant truck. He does not drive like he is playing bumper cars. We drove down and made it through Monticello and into Cortez, Colorado, that night. We checked into a hotel and drove the short distance to the Mesa Verde National Park. The park is huge and only two of the many mesas are open to the public. One of those mesas, unfortunately, was not to be open for the season until three days later. When I return in 15 years I will make sure that I'm there after Memorial Day! We made it from the opening gate to the visitor center with approximately two minutes to spare, minutes in which I ran full speed to get to the door before they locked it and we couldn't buy tour tickets. I just made it.

We spent several hours doing the cliff top mesa drive and seeing the Sun Palace, pit houses, etc. It was really amazing. That evening we went to a brewery for dinner. I couldn't bring Brad home any beer because taking alcohol across state lines is considered bootlegging. (I asked.)

The next morning we got up early and headed back into the park. We visited the museum, a few more pit houses, and went on a tour of Cliff Palace. This was easy to do with the children, although Madeline had a tantrum that she didn't get to lead the group and also couldn't talk the whole time and interrupt the ranger. Travis had to have his hand held the whole time so he wouldn't throw rocks over the edge of the cliffs onto who-knows-what below. The building was amazing and the kids settled down and enjoyed it.

We had an hour approximately until the tour of Balcony House. By this time I realized I didn't have sunscreen for my lips which were becoming severely dry, even with the half case of water we had already drunk. I had packed a loaf of bread with peanut butter and honey for sandwiches and the air was so dry that it pulled the moisture out of the bread once you took it out of the bag, making your sandwich stale before you had finished eating it. My lips got progressively worse over the next day (even with buying lip balm with sunscreen that evening) and I ended up with cracked bloody lips that looked like I had taken accutane. Ouch! The little bit of sunscreen I got on my shoulders didn't bother me at all and I kept the kids in sunscreen and light layers and hats.

Balcony House, also amazing, was probably really inappropriate for children as young as Madeline and Travis. I misread the tour description and didn't realize that 1) The 30 foot ladder is not flush against the wall. This means a child could fall through the steps and has to be held around the waist during the climb to prevent this. 2) A tunnel is different than a standing tunnel. It means hands-and-knees crawling, with a WTF rock in the middle that you have to climb over. And people will take pictures of the butts of the people in front of them, and probably took a picture of mine. Nice! 3) A series of 2 ladders and cliff-carved steps means an OMG we're all going to die diagonal crawl up dangerous ladders and carved out cliff steps with a piece of wire mesh that might hold you if you slip.

I was scared for me... more scared that something would happen to one of the kids and I would have to explain why I thought it was a good idea to bring them on this trip. Plus the whole losing a child thing that one doesn't even want to think about.

Whew! Glad we made it through that!

After Mesa Verde, we drove back up to Moab, Utah. We picked a hokey little hotel on the side of the road purely because of the waterslide. I will never go there again because of the dirtiness of the pool and I really can't discuss the awful parents that were sending the tiny, tiny toddlers down the waterslide head first. Really, my heart was just pounding.

That early afternoon we drove into Arches National Park and drove all the way to the end. The scenery is, of course, amazing. We stopped at each point of interest and walked to the arches. Dad did great with his knee and the kidlets really enjoyed it. It was a very accessible park but lots to do as well that we didn't because the kidlets couldn't hike too much. Just lovely.

The next morning we drove over to Canyonlands Island in the Sky National Park. Canyonlands is so huge it is divided into three sections because of the rivers and it isn't feasible to see them all in the same day. Next year, perhaps, I would like to get over into the Needles, or into the Maze. Maybe the year after. Dad says it looks very similar to the Grand Canyon.

We did a short hike at Canyonlands out to the salt crater and I had a tight grip on the kidlets because of the wind. Again, was worried about losing one of them!

After Canyonlands (much less developed than Arches) we drove over to the Dead Horse State Park. This little mesa tip was being used to film an alien movie with Willem Dafoe, although we saw no one famous. I had internet service out there so I was able to see who was in it. Had it been someone gorgeous I would have had my Dad drop me off so I could stay there all day.

The Dead Horse State Park view was incredible. Incredible. Really high. Really windy. Really dangerous. My Dad told me that a "friend of his had his Dad blow off her a few years back." We could see the fertilizer harvest fields in the distance, a bright blue that looks just like miracle grow.

We drove back up into Utah Valley and recuperated. I think it was Friday evening when we got back? The next few days were a blur. I saw most of my brothers, the cousins played together, and I ate too much food. I took the kidlets on a hike up to Timpanogos Falls on the East side of the mountain and we enjoyed the view. We went on a drive-around tour of my Dad's work so he could point out the new buildings. Mom and Dad and I and another brother and kidlets went out to Saratoga Springs to practice target shooting.

On Tuesday I took kidlets to the Timpanogos Cave National Park up American Fork Canyon. The hike was a tough one and Victoria bought a patch that says "I survived the hike!" The cave was really beautiful inside and the kidlets really enjoyed it too. All those years living there and I had never done it. Going down was way easier than going up.

Wednesday we did some laundry and then piled in the car and drove back to Boise. Same hotel, same restaurant, same pool that Travis refused to get out. Thursday morning we drove into Kennewick, Washington, which is the Tri-Cities area. We went to Richland and went to the Columbia River Museum. It was a really interesting museum about the Hanford reactor and also a big room that was like a science fair, except everything worked and there wasn't a crowd. The children loved it.

Brad drove over from Seattle that night and there was much happiness from the children who had missed their Daddy very much.

We drove back to the Kennewick hotel, swam, and went to bed. The next three days were a blur of swimming, chatting with friends, headstands in the park, waiting for a long time at the restaurant, and more chatting with friends and swimming.

Sunday morning Brad took Madeline and Travis back to Seattle, arriving at 3 p.m. (I think). I stayed with Victoria through the swim meet at 6:30 and drove back, arriving at around 10:30 p.m. The worst weather of the entire trip was coming down Snoqualmie Pass in pouring rain, in the dark, with everyone going 70 but you couldn't slow down because you knew you would get rear-ended if you did because everyone usually goes 90.

Fun trip - looking forward to next year!

Victoria did awesome in the swim meet, too. She got two Silver Times and is very excited about that!

Sam Sarah's "Love Summer"...

2010-05-12T22:20:00.000-07:00

"Love Summer"

This is from the "Merry Little Summer" chart-pack. Love Summer is stitched on blue evenweave fabric with hand-dyed cotton threads: Gentle Art Sampler Simply Shaker Threads in Green Apple, Brethren Blue, and Pomengranate, The Dye is Cast in Calendula, and Weeks Dye Works in Cypress. The hand-made buttons are from Just Another Button Company. It is hard to tell but the frame is a light pink that looks beautiful with the buttons and pink threads.

Stitched in May 2010.

Shepherd's Bush "Be True"...

2010-05-12T22:14:00.001-07:00

"Be True"

This little kit from Shepherd's Bush is stitched on hand-dyed linen from Lakeside Linens using silk floss. The rose button is hand made by Just Another Button Company and the mat is hand painted by Jill Rensel.

I stitched this in May 2010.

Spring Basket Quilt...

2010-05-05T21:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.summerlouise.com/albums/quilting/quilt37/quilt37.html

I made this double-sided quilt for my Grandmother to cheer her up. She recently broke her hip and is still in nursing care at a facility.

Bad, bad pictures, I know, but I wanted to get it in the mail to her and it was raining so I couldn't take it outside.

Sheepish Design's "Frolicking Flowers"...

2010-05-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

Stitched on 28-count linen from Zweigart over one linen thread. Stitched using hand-dyed cotton floss in the following colors: Weeks Dye Works in Navy, Ivy, Sweetheart Rose, Squash, Angel Hair, Iris, and Americana.

Stitched in April - May 2010. It took me about five days to stitch. I would estimate 12 hours? The design, when stitched over one, measures about 3.25" square.

Ruffled Tier Skirt for Madeline...

2010-04-28T16:53:00.000-07:00

Madeline's Ruffled Tier Skirt

It is made from five coordinating fat quarters. the seams are French seams that are then topstitched so it should be pretty durable. Elastic waist. She loves it! It's very long.

Each tier is a bit longer than the one before. I have a ruffler foot for my sewing machine so that made the ruffles very easy. I did a 6 on the higher layers with 2.5 sewing stitch length and the bottom ruffle is a 6 with a 1.5 sewing stitch length.

Ellen Chester's Quaker Hornbook...

2010-04-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

"Quaker Hornbook"

I stitched this piece in April 2010. Our ANG chapter will be stitching it for the June project so I stitch the class piece first so I can teach it if needed. This linen is 36 count Permin and most of the design is stitched over two threads. The alphabet is stitched over one threads. I used overdyed six-strand cotton threads - "Tree Bark" from The Dye is Cast and "Cappucino" from Crescent Colors. I made the twisted cording from some brown Impressions thread. A fun, quick piece to stitch!

http://www.summerlouise.com/albums/stitching/designers/ellenchester.html

http://www.withmyneedle.com/

Birds of a Feather "Kindness Sampler"

2010-04-26T11:53:00.000-07:00

"Kindness Sampler"

This is stitched on Permin linen. I think it was 32 but if may be 28 count. It is a beautiful ginger color. The threads are mostly Weeks Dye Works hand dyed cotton threads but the dark brown is DMC cotton floss. The design is 8" square and I think the frame is about 12" square. I stitched this in April 2010.

http://www.summerlouise.com/albums/stitching/designers/boaf.html

Lime Kiln Trail

2010-04-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hike: Lime Kiln Trail

Region: North Cascades -- Mountain Loop Highway

Agency: Snohomish County Parks

This low-elevation trail was a great first hike of the season for us. I took my three children, ages 9, 6 and 4, from the trailhead to the kiln and back.

We got decent start at 10:30 a.m. and at our snail's pace we were back out at 2:30 p.m. The weather was cool and dry in the morning and heated up towards the afternoon. Definitely pants weather with multiple layers on top.

The trail has some mud and a bit of standing water but it was fine. After the lake, past the log bridge, there was a single washout of the trail over a gully. There is a downed log that helps to grab as you cross it. I set each child on the mountain side and they crawled along it to get to the other side. They thought it was great fun and are good climbers. I saw a couple of older folks having trouble with it and I wouldn't want to cross it with a very young child that needed to be carried. It looks like someone tried to put a couple of boards in to walk on but those have washed out.

The wildflowers were lovely and there were lots of beautiful peek-a-boo views along the way. We saw quite a few small white butterflies and heard lots of bees around the blooming blackberry bushes.

"Sail Away" by Tricia Wilson Nguyen

2010-04-14T00:10:00.000-07:00

"Sail Away Needlebook"

This design is from the Summer 2005 Sampler and Antique Needlework magazine. The threads are DMC floss and it is stitched on a perforated sewing card from Tokens and Trifles. I mounted it on ultrasuede fabric and framed it in an antiqued white frame.

I stitched this in April 2010.

As I was looking around Tricia's website (so much new stuff in five years) I ran across this piece on her casket. Beautiful but a little dear at $350 for the kit. I think this ship was inspired from the one on the casket.

http://www.thistle-threads.com/shop/ltdmuseum/licm_casketneedlecase.html

Five Birds by Barrick Sampler

2010-04-14T00:08:00.000-07:00

"Five Birds"

I stitched this little sampler in April 2010 for my friend Sharon. The linen is Permin linen, 28 count. The cream thread it Weeks Dye Works in Angel (angelhair?) and the blacks are Weeks Dye Works Coal and Charcoal.

Rose Needlepoint Pillow

2010-04-09T12:15:00.000-07:00

This needlepoint design is finished as a pillow.

Fabric-framed front
Self-welted cording
Chenille upholstery fabric
Zippered back

Finished in April 2010.

Victoria Sampler Needleroll - November

2010-04-05T23:17:00.000-07:00

This is the November needleroll from Victoria Sampler. I started this sometime in 2009, stitched on it for a couple of hours, then forgot about it. (oops) I found it again yesterday and went ahead and finished it. Very sweet! I gave it to Victoria to put in her dresser. More of my finished Victoria Sampler pieces are here.

Joni Stevenson "Poinsettia"

2010-04-03T20:12:00.000-07:00

This design is from the ANG Chapter Project Book 2009-2010. Our chapter will be stitching it in April. Designed by Joni Stevenson. It is stitched in silk floss and cotton pearl cotton with Kreinik metallic threads. The congress cloth was painted with gold craft paint.

I finished it as a circle ornament with a padded front and flat hard back with a twisted cording trim.

David McCaskill "By the Sea"

2010-04-03T20:09:00.000-07:00

All finished! Stitched from February-March 2010.

March Stitching Review

2010-04-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

March Stitching Review

Finished in March:
David McCaskill - By The Sea Line Drawn canvas +threads (Started Feb 2010)
KS Designs - Washington Miniature Stocking Ornament (with whale doll) (Started Feb. 2010 as car project)

Here are the ones I have in progress:
Amanda Lawford - Royal Santa (huge)

La-D-Da - Eve cross-stitch

Needlepoint of Back Bay - Fruit Rug (Square 2 of 12) painted canvas with wool threads
Painted Canvas - unknown designer - Craftsman design (working on this as I buy the wool for the rug) (Started August 2009)
Summer Truswell own design - Sunshine & Shadow charted canvaswork
Summer Truswell own design - 1st house line-drawn canvas embroidery picture
Summer Truswell - purple gift box

I didn't buy any new projects this month so the "To be stitched" list is the same as last month.
2010 Goals: Keep up with the MTP program. ~~Finish Melissa Shirley egg works-in-progress.~~ Make progress on all other works-in-progress. Finish Eve UFO.

February Goals: ~~Finish Royal Wind.~~
March Goals: ~~Finish both Melissa Shirley Easter egg work-in-progress canvases.~~ Since I finished those in February, here are new goals:

March Goals: ~~Progress on canvases: David McCaskill "By the Sea", Washington Whale Stocking. Catch up on finishing.~~ Progress on Eve.

April Goals - I forgot about progressing on Eve, so I will do that this month. Also, I have a small project that I need to stitch for my ANG chapter. Other than that, we'll see. I haven't been in the mood for stitching very much.

"Needlework: From Stitch to Finish" once again available...

2010-03-30T14:43:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note with some good news.

*** My last finishing book, “Needlework: From Stitch to Finish” is once again available. ***

“Needlework: From Stitch to Finish”, as a black-and-white printed, soft-bound book, at Lulu.
This is the way the book was originally published. I was able to lower the price as the publisher charges less for black-and-white.

“Needlework: From Stitch to Finish”, as an instant, full color download, at Lulu.The download is the same file, just in full-color. You can keep on your computer or print out the pages you need and put them in a binder.

“Needlework: From Stitch to Finish”, as a full-color, soft-bound book, at Lulu.
Again, this is the same book, in full color. The price is more because of the color printing.

Thank you, dear needlework friends, for your support.

***Some of you may remember what happened – I had three computer crashes in a row, losing lots of information and many design files. The back-up disk in the safe deposit box was corrupted. I couldn’t find my third backup. Well, over a year later, I found the third disk! The book is complete and I was able to quickly upload it to the publisher as all the “pre-work” had already been done; it was just the actual file missing.

Pillows - Fish and Duck

2010-03-25T16:53:00.001-07:00

These needlepoint pillows are finished with green linen fabric with zippered backs. Both have a knife edge finish. The fish pillow has self-welted cording. The duck pillow uses a purchased brown twisted cording edge.

Box Cushion - Jaguar

2010-03-25T16:51:00.001-07:00

This Candace Bahouth design is finished as a large boxed cushion. It has self-welted cording with a side gusset to create a box shape. A custom down insert was made. Zippered back. The green linen was sent by the client.

Geometric Messenger Bag

2010-03-25T16:48:00.001-07:00

This geometric needlepoint design was finished into a large tote bag. It is big enough for a library trip or even to hold a quilt. The fabric is black twill with a red twill lining. The edge is top-stitched and the black strap is adjustable and can be worn over the shoulder or cross-body messenger style.

Finished March 2010.

Pillows - Silk Asian Set

2010-03-25T16:46:00.001-07:00

This Asian-Inspired pillow pair features:

Fabric-framed fronts to enlarge the front
Silk dupioni fabric was requested for finishing as the pillows are stitched in silk threads
Self-welted cording with small gimp insert
Boxed shape with side gussets
Down inserts
Zippered backs

Finished March 2010.

Finishing Albums Moved Over...

2010-03-25T14:18:00.001-07:00

I just finished a massive move of my finishing albums. I moved my finished pictures from the website on which they used to be hosted into this blog. This way it will be much easier for people to see examples of the various types of finishing and things I have made.

Please note that I am not accepting new finishing clients. I just hope that people enjoy looking through the pictures and getting ideas for their own stitching.

Lots of the pictures don't have a named designer - if you recognize a design for sure please leave a comment on that item and I will add the designer name to it.

Use the tag cloud on the right to easily move through the items and get ideas.

Thanks for your patience!

Advent Ornament Tree

2010-03-25T14:14:00.001-07:00

A selection of tiny needlepoint ornaments are finished for an advent calendar. These are all the same size, 1.5" square. Various trims are used on the edges to add interest, and brass rings are used as hangers at the top so they can be attached to the tree with ribbon. Canvases by Princess and Me. These are the shop models and were available as a monthly club at The Needlepointer, a needlework store in Everett, Washington.

Amanda Lawford Birthday Ornament

2010-03-25T14:12:00.001-07:00

This needlepoint design is finished into a square ornament with a padded front and hard back. It is backed in purple silk dupioni and trimmed in custom pink and purple twisted cording that is looped at the corners. The decorative tassel at the bottom matches the design. Design by Amanda Lawford.

Christmas Cracker

2010-03-25T14:11:00.001-07:00

This needlepoint design is finished into a Christmas Cracker using gathered red silk dupioni and custom curled ribbon. The cracker is hard and has open ends just like a real cracker. Design by Melissa Shirley.

Candy Cane Ornament

2010-03-25T14:10:00.001-07:00

This cross-stitch ornament is finished with a candy-cane striped fabric. The edges of the design are mitered and the center is padded while the edge is a crisp flange. Tiny red and gold twisted cording completes the finishing.

Kathy Schenkel Ornaments

2010-03-25T14:09:00.001-07:00

These handpainted canvases were finished into tubular (tube) ornaments. They are stuffed with fiberfill and have hard ends. The tops are covered in ultrasuede to match the hair, and the bottoms is covered in ultrasuede or wool felt to match. Cording is custom made. Design by Kathy Schenkel. Finished for the 2007 ANG Baltimore auction.

Santa Pops

2010-03-25T14:07:00.001-07:00

These needlepoint ornaments are finished into "Santa Pops" a phrase coined by my husband, or ornaments-on-a-dowel. Each needlepoint is finished into a flat, odd-shaped ornament, with a hard back and padded front. Custom twisted cording and ribbon bows accent the design.

Designs by Janet Zickler Casey.

Melissa Shirley Snowman Ornament

2010-03-25T14:06:00.001-07:00

This Christmas ornament is a perfect circle. The front is stuffed slightly for a rounded look, while the back is finished with burgundy velveteen on a hard, flat back. The twisted cording is burgundy and gold. Hand-painted needlepoint canvas design by Melissa Shirley. Stitched by me.

Snowman Stocking Ornament

2010-03-25T14:04:00.001-07:00

This miniature stocking is backed in blue velvet fabric and lined in white satin moire. The custom trim matches the snowman.

Snowman Ornament

2010-03-25T14:03:00.001-07:00

This hand painted needlepoint canvas is finished into a shaped stuffed ornament. The backing is blue satin moire and the custom cording is made to match the design.

Chanukah Ornament

2010-03-25T14:02:00.001-07:00

This needlepoint design is finished into a square ornament. It has a hard back and a padded front. The back is covered in blue velvet fabric and the twisted cording uses leftover threads from the design.

Shiny Brite Ornaments

2010-03-25T14:00:00.001-07:00

A collection of Shiny Brite ornaments by Deborah Wilson. These needlepoint ornaments are finished into "odd-shaped" ornaments that are stuffed, backed with silk dupioni, and trimmed with white double-twisted cording. Stitched by me.

Dimensions Angels Ornament

2010-03-25T13:59:00.001-07:00

Each of the six ornaments is a perfect circle. They are backed with green velvet fabric and trimmed with green and gold cording. The little bows at the top are made of 1/4 and 1/8" ribbon, and are removable should the client prefer a "cleaner" look. Design by Laine Gordon of Dimensions.

Dog Star Ornament

2010-03-25T13:58:00.001-07:00

This needlepoint ornament is finished into a star. It is trimmed with looped red ribbon and backed with red silk dupioni. A ceramic dog bone button hangs from the bottom of the ornament.

Santa Ornaments

2010-03-25T13:57:00.001-07:00

A collection of Santa Ornaments. Each has an odd shape. They each have padded fronts and hard backs, and are finished with either silk dupioni or velvet to suit the design. Custom-made twisted cording accents the designs without being overwhelming. All are hand-painted canvas designs.

Sweater Topper Ornament

2010-03-25T13:54:00.001-07:00

This handpainted canvas was finished into a topper ornament. The hard back is blue suede, the exact color of the blue thread. The front is slightly padded. Pearl edging is sewn on and metal hanger is sewn inside for easy hanging.

Shelly Tribbey Santa Ornament

2010-03-25T13:52:00.001-07:00

This needlepoint design was finished as a stuffed star ornament. Custom red twisted cording accents the edges and hanger, and it is backed with dark red velvet. Hand-painted canvas, design by Shelly Tribbey.

Mr. Pig Ornament

2010-03-25T13:51:00.001-07:00

This square ornament was finished as a flat ornament. It has a red silk dupioni backing and a custom beaded edge. Hand-painted needlepoint canvas by Princess and Me.

Victoria Sampler Ornaments

2010-03-25T13:47:00.001-07:00

These ornaments are a mix of sampler stitches and Hardanger. The Hardanger ornaments are interlined with red velvet to show off the Hardanger cutwork. Twisted cording accents the designs. Design by Thea Dueck.

Hands to Work Ornament

2010-03-25T13:44:00.001-07:00

This Christmas Pear is finished with wool felt backing and leaves, and trimmed with a matching twisted cording and copper stars. Design by Hands to Work from the 2005 Just Cross-Stitch Ornament magazine.

NOEL Pillow Ornament - 2005

2010-03-25T13:43:00.001-07:00

This fun design is finished into a pillow ornament with a fabric frame with mitered corners. Accented with red ribbon, the design is by Sue Hillis and is from the 2005 Just Cross-Stitch Ornament magazine.

Santa Beaded-Edge Ornament

2010-03-25T13:41:00.001-07:00

This needlepoint canvas was finished into a flat ornament that follows the shape of the design. The front is slightly padded, while the back is hard. It is backed with blue fabric that matches the blue wool. The edge and hanger are made of petite seed beads. Hand-painted canvas from Elain Magnin Needlepoint.

Easter Egg Ornament

2010-03-25T13:40:00.001-07:00

This Easter Egg ornament is stuffed to give it an egg shape. The edge is trimmed with silk ribbon and glass beads. The backing is rose silk dupioni and there is a twisted cording hanger. Hand-painted needlepoint canvas.

Goldwork Ornament Pair

2010-03-25T13:39:00.001-07:00

These Goldwork ornaments are finished into oval ornaments with hard backs and padded fronts. The backs are covered with rose silk dupioni. The cording is made of Silk N' Ivory thread and wrapped in gold Kreinik threads, The canvas front is lined in gold fabric to give a subtle sheen.

Skating Ornament

2010-03-25T13:38:00.001-07:00

This needlepoint design is finished into a miniature skate. It is lined with pink silk fabric and decorated with custom twisted cording and satin ribbons to match the design.

Brightneedle Ornament

2010-03-25T13:36:00.001-07:00

This small design is finished into a flat ornament, which is then accented with hand-dyed silk ribbon and backed with silk dupioni fabric to match. Pearls in the edging further accent the design. Design by Brightneedle from the 2005 Just Cross-Stitch Ornament magazine.

Brittercup Kitty Ornament

2010-03-25T13:35:00.003-07:00

This tiny ornament is finished into a flanged pillow ornament with four fabric-covered buttons made to match the backing. Twisted cording accents the design and works as a hanger. Design by Brittercup Designs from the 2005 Just Cross-Stitch Ornament magazine.

Noel Pillow Ornament

2010-03-25T13:35:00.001-07:00

This Noel design is finished around a red silk pillow, which is then tufted with a center brass button. This elegant design is by Homespun Elegance from the 2005 Just Cross-Stitch Ornament magazine.

Tube Ornaments

2010-03-25T13:33:00.001-07:00

This handpainted canvas was finished into a tubular (tube) ornament. It is stuffed with hard ends. The top is covered in ultrasuede to match the hair, and the bottom is covered in white velvet to match the gown. Tassel and cording were custom made. Design by Kathy Schenkel. Finished for the 2006 ANG Tucson auction.

Mr. & Mrs. Claus Ornaments

2010-03-25T13:31:00.001-07:00

These handpainted canvases were finished into heart ornaments. They are backed with red velvet and trimmed with pearl beads around the edges. Twisted cord hangers were custom made. Designs by Sandy Jenkins. Finished for the 2006 ANG Tucson auction.

Advent Ornaments

2010-03-25T13:29:00.001-07:00

Six more tiny needlepoint ornaments. These are all the same size, 1.5" square. Various trims are used on the edges to add interest, and brass rings are used as hangers at the top so they can be attached to a tree with ribbon. Canvases by Princess and Me. I have finished hundreds of these ornaments over the years.

Round Ornaments

2010-03-25T13:25:00.001-07:00

Circle Ornaments are actually the easiest ornaments to finish. The backing is wrapped around an acid-free matboard base and then the front canvas is padded slightly and sewn to the backing. The edge can be trimmed with twisted cording, ruched ribbon, or a beautiful beaded edging.

The tagged ornaments were a couple of the several I had donated finishing for over the years for the American Needlepoint Guild auction.

This little ornament stands out in my mind because the lady had several of these older stitched small pieces that she had never done anything with. I finished them as little ornaments and she was so pleased.

Sometimes ornaments just need a little ribbon for bows.

This trio has a beaded edge, gathered ribbon edge, and twisted cording edge.

Shelly Tribbey Chicken Ornament

2010-03-25T13:19:00.001-07:00

This needlepoint ornament is has a rounded front and hard back. The front is stuffed slightly for a rounded look, while the back is finished with red velvet on a hard, flat back. The twisted cording is dark red and blue, and matches the design. Design by Shelly Tribbey.

Odd-Shaped Ornaments

2010-03-25T13:17:00.001-07:00

When finishing ornaments I refer to anything that isn't a square or a circle as an "Odd-Shaped Ornament". They are usually padded fronts and hard backs, although sometimes they're finished like miniature pillows. Each of these has twisted cording on the edges.

Periwinkle Mitten Ornament

2010-03-25T13:12:00.001-07:00

This hand painted needlepoint canvas is finished into a shaped stuffed ornament. The backing is periwinkle silk dupioni and the custom cording is made to match the design.

Pumpkin Ornament

2010-03-25T13:11:00.001-07:00

This Halloween ornament is a perfect circle. The front is stuffed slightly for a rounded look, while the back is finished with black velvet on a hard, flat back. The twisted cording is a combination of cotton thread and wispy black thread. Hand-painted needlepoint canvas design.

Mitten Ornaments

2010-03-25T13:10:00.001-07:00

These needlepoint canvases were finished back to back into one mitten. The mitten ornament is stuffed and trimmed with a solid twisted cording the same color as the red thread. Design by Kathy Schenkel Designs.

Santa Ornament

2010-03-25T13:09:00.001-07:00

This Christmas ornament looks like an upside down cone, with a flat bottom and hand-made legs of buttons. The beard is fuzzy stuff thread. Design by Moon Pi Madness.

Thistle Ornament

2010-03-25T13:08:00.001-07:00

This shaped ornament was finished with a hard-back and padded front. It has a purple silk dupioni backing and a silk ribbon edge with gold beads. Design by Carol Lake.

Pincushion Mattress

2010-03-25T12:39:00.001-07:00

A pincushion mattress with flat sides and tufting. The backing fabric is made of silk dupioni.

Design by Truswell Needlework Design.

Tape Measure

2010-03-25T12:38:00.001-07:00

This measuring tape is approximately 2" in diameter. Trimmed with pearl beads and silk ribbon, it will be an elegant addition to your sewing case. Design by Olde Colonial Designs.

Sachet

2010-03-25T12:37:00.001-07:00

This sachet is filled with lavender that one of my mother-in-law's grows in Kelowna. It is trimmed with a pearl edging. Design by Robyn Rich.

Scissor Fobs

2010-03-25T12:34:00.001-07:00

A collection of scissor fobs with decoratively stitched backs. They are filled with weights. Designs by The Drawn Thread.

I stitched all of these and auctioned them off several years ago (2003?) to raise money for a preschool in Seattle that serves children with special needs.

Needleroll

2010-03-25T12:30:00.001-07:00

This needleroll has a specialty stitch edge and is stuffed and then trimmed with ribbon. Design by Thea Dueck.