Needlepoint Business Card Holder

I just finished assembly of a holder for business cards, driver's license, etc...for a challenge project we're doing over at StitchMAP.

 The tutorial for this (in fabric) is over at the Crafty Cupboard and is super easy to follow. 

 Here is the needlepoint chart; stitched on 10ct mono canvas.

Here is a close up of the individual stitches.

 I think they are simple enough for you to figure out...but if now, just shout out and I'll try to explain the stitch that's giving you some concern.

French Script Saturday - E

 

Flashback Friday 6-31

Remember my Grand Grandmother Farmer...from a few weeks ago....

 We turned up this old photo...and the women in center is an earlier photo of Granny Farmer. The young boy she is holding...is my Grandfather Robert.

Embroidery Butterfly

This little butterfly is a free pattern by Mary Corbet. Check out all of her freebies and her great blog Needle n' Thread.The design is simple back stitch in perle cotton, size 8.

Wednesday Wine Country Monograms - F

 

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Very well, thank you. The corn is up taller than the fence now! The cucumbers are running...and the tomatoes are hanging full! Just waiting for the tomatoes to ripen to a nice red color! Squash is coming in every other day, and the green beans have been picked twice already! The lima beans are loaded down, but not filled out enough to pick yet. The jalapeno peppers are abundant and have been picked once. The peas and okra are blooming and just beginning to produce.

Marvelous Monday Motifs - 6/27/2011

You can read all about my idea for Marvelous Monday Motifs here. Today we have pages 19-20 of the J. F. Ingalls Company, 1886 Catalog of Perforated Parchment Stamping Patterns. 

Please NOTE: This catalog is not under copyright any longer; but the scanned version released to the public domain on 17 July 2007 (the source of my information) does come with restrictions. None of these designs can be sold. They are for your individual use.

Easy Baby Slippers

 Aren't these the cutest! They are also quick and easy...and the pattern is free at New Conceptions. Thanks to the ladies on my HGTV Message Board, Quilting and Needlework for posting a link for me to find! The pattern comes in sizes 0-3 months and 3-6 months...both in the same pdf file you can download. Here's how I made my little pair. First, I cut out the pattern pieces and glued them to cardboard (they last longer that way)...and I traced around them directly to the fabric. Then I stitched a wrap rose to the toe of each shoe.

Folded the heal piece over and stitched a seam about 1/2 inch from the folded edge to hold the elastic. Inserted the elastic and pinned.

Next, I stitched the edge of the elastic down and trimmed.

Then, I pinned one side of the heal to the outer toe piece.

And, pinned the other side too (hard to tell ...aren't you glad I showed you a photo of the first side pinned too!)

Pinned the inside toe piece on top...and now let's sew! BTW, I kept removing and re-inserting the pins as I added layers...so no sewing has been done yet. Here we go...sew straight across this pinned edge...about 1/4 inch from the edge.

Here's that seam sewn...and then the shoe turned so the entire top can be recognized.

Fold the shoe top and the sole in half lenghwise and mark the toe and heal centers with pins. Working on the underside of the shoe (see no flowers showing).

Match these pieces up at the pin marks...and pin all the way around.

Sew completely around...and then serge or zigzag the edges.Then trim the excess off...see my little pile of "stuff" that I cut off the shoe on the right?

Lastly, turn the shoes right side out...and you're done!

French Script Saturday - R

 

Flashback Friday 6-24

 

Was it a normal occurrence for a lady to have a bird? I'm not sure, but the image is one that would make a nice silkie, with embroidery added to the skirt, sleeves, and bodice. Color her with some pastel pencils...

English Garden I, DYB Completed

My blocks have arrived home! And each is wonderful! These were NOT stitched by me...but by my swap partners. I sent each lady a simple English Garden image printed on silk fabric, with a cotton floral border. They were to embellish the image. Here's what each lady did...aren't they marvelous!

Arlene W. of Australia

Ingrid G. of USA (California)

Marya B. of USA (California)

Maureen G. of USA (Connecticut)

Meg S. of UruguayI think that each one turned out lovely. These were only small blocks, less than 8 inches square...but still each required a lot of stitching...and stepping out of a normal comfort zone of standard crazy patch enhancement. Lot's of French knots and beads were sewn down in such a small space...and I am very appreciative of the efforts of each wonderful lady!

Wednesday Wine Country Monograms - G