Restoring Her Legacy

2012-01-01T12:45:00.001-08:00

Vintage Christmas cards

2011-12-21T16:09:00.000-08:00

I found this collection of vintage cards, most from the early 60's a few weeks ago on a road trip with hubby. I was happy to find most were for little boys. I don't have time to make anything for this Christmas, but I'm looking forward to using these in the coming year. Enjoy!

Joseph's Lullaby

2011-12-19T05:37:00.000-08:00

Go to sleep my Son
This manger for your bed
You have a long road before You
Rest Your little head

Can You feel the weight of Your glory?
Do You understand the price?
Or does the Father guard Your heart for now
So You can sleep tonight?

Go to sleep my Son
Go and chase Your dreams
This world can wait for one more moment

Go and sleep in peace

I believe the glory of Heaven
Is lying in my arms tonight
Lord, I ask that He for just this moment
Simply be my child

Go to sleep my Son
Baby, close Your eyes
Soon enough You'll save the day
But for now, dear Child of mine

Oh my Jesus, Sleep tight

Rug finishing

2011-12-03T07:57:00.000-08:00

I was able to finish "punching"my Christmas rug earlier this week. I don't remember where the pattern is from, I started it so long ago. Almost all the wool is from Kindred Spirits and the fabric was purchased at a quilt show many years ago. I had wanted to do traditional rug hooker but didn't like it. Then I discovered I could use a punch and wool yarn to make my rugs. This is the fourth one I've made.

2011-12-01T15:53:00.000-08:00

I have been working on finishes all day. A lot of projects have several steps so it seems to take forever. This stocking is the only project that is completely done. I hope to get a couple more done tonight. I'll post pictures of the other projects as soon as they are done.

November, 1948

2011-11-23T19:24:00.000-08:00


The American Family Magazine

2011-11-12T15:16:00.000-08:00

Hers

Mine

A few minutes later.

Happy Veterans Day

2011-11-10T07:33:00.000-08:00

U.S. Navy 1976-1982

Does it get any better?

2011-10-04T08:35:00.000-07:00

Source: veganyumyum.com via Sara on Pinterest

The Spirit of Christmas

2011-09-28T19:19:00.000-07:00

Twenty years ago I made a Village Play Mat like this for Bryce as a Christmas gift. I remember I worked at night for weeks cutting the pieces and ironing them onto the background. It was so hard at the time to find anything to make for little boys and I really enjoyed putting it together. Bryce enjoyed it as much as I did, he played with it for years. I'm not sure where it is now, I think we gave it away. This Christmas I am making one for Micah. I'm using the same pattern ( The Spirit of Christmas Book 5) but I think the fabric will be a little more exciting. Again I am looking forward to making this project. I'll post pictures of my progress.

2011-08-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

I picked up this needlebook over the weekend. It was originally distributed by Viking Sewing Machines. There is no date, but my guess is sometime in the late 50's. It is in very nice condition. Inside are a few needles and a needle threader. The needles are rusty but the threader is still very shiny and bright.

My newest obsession

2011-08-16T18:15:00.000-07:00

I seen matchbooks in all the antique stores but until today I never gave them a second glance. The basket was just sitting there so I grabbed a hand full and looked at the them. Wow! They were great! I kept finding more and more.

Merry Christmas

2011-08-09T05:23:00.000-07:00

I enjoy all kinds of hand work including needlepoint. A few years ago I took classes in needlepoint and renewed my love of this craft. I can't believe how many stitches you can use on one canvas! And oh the fibers!! One of my favorites is silk in almost any form. I used a lot of silk in this piece. The center is stitched in basketweave, still on of my favorite stitches, and the stripes worked in various stitches. The metallic gold is a chain stitch, the first time I've worked this on a canvas. I love the old feeling of this piece. I have companion piece that I am working on. I hope to finish it for this Christmas.

Vintage Friday

2011-08-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

On Monday I went to a new thrift store with my sister Berda. We found a big bin of patterns. I was able to get 26 vintage patterns from the 1940's to 1960's for less than $4.00 Most were in good condition, some even uncut. However, at this store they marked each pattern with a red grease pencil to indicate the the price code. I tried everything I could think of to get the markings off but nothing worked. Does anyone have any ideas?

New pouch

2011-08-04T11:42:00.000-07:00

I made this pouch today using faux suede I've had for years. I'm not sure what I am going to do with it, however, it would be perfect to keep some of my vintage jewelry in. It worked up fast and easy. I have more fabric so I'm pretty sure I'll make more.

More dishes

2011-07-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

Do you like my new old dishes? I found them Monday at the thrift store, such a deal, and this isn't all of them. I think they will be fun to use in the fall. When Britt saw them she said " Not more dishes! Mom, you have a problem!"

Vintage FridayI

2011-07-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

I picked these up earlier this week. I would like to make one soon but which one?

Finishes

2011-06-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

I worked on finishing all morning. I made the quilt a few years ago and had it quilted recently. I put the binding on this morning. I knit a hat for Britt last week and had enough yarn left to knit this baby hat. Very simple, very quick. Later I was able to put together this pillow for Jen. I did the stitching a while ago and just needed to find the right fabric to finish it. I kept looking for pink but nothing seemed right. As soon as I saw the green I knew the search was over. I am very happy with the way everything turned out. Tomorrow I need to work on some scrapbooking projects.

Bookmarks

2011-06-08T14:56:00.000-07:00

I made these ruffled bookmarks for Kylie and Abbie to give to their teachers. The tutorial can be found here.. I have also been playing around with Piknik to edit my pictures. As you can tell I need a little more practice.

Vintage Friday

2011-06-03T09:03:00.000-07:00


Recently I added these needle books to my collection.

Vintage embroidery kit.

2011-06-01T07:24:00.000-07:00

Abbie has been asking me if I would teach her to sew for a while so I have been looking for a project to get her started. I found this kit at the thrift store yesterday. I paid $.66 for the kit, $.16 more than the original clearance price, and I think I got a deal. The kit is unopened and has everything she'll need .I remember taking the bus to Zayre with my grandma and looking at crafts. Often she would buy me something to embroider or crochet. This is my chance to pass on that tradition to Abbie. There is one problem however, I don't know if I want to give this kit up. It's so dang cute.

Vintage Friday

2011-05-13T12:16:00.000-07:00

I found this vintage pattern at the thrift store last week. I paid twice the original price...$.50. I love these books but they are getting harder to find in my area. I am looking for finger wt. yarn to crochet the bed jacket seen on the cover. I have wanted to make one for years. I would also like to knit the headband the little girl is wearing in the second picture. The pattern seems fairly easy. I might even attempt the hat the little boy is wearing. Both are very cute.

Kylie's tote

2011-05-09T18:22:00.000-07:00

This evening I finished this tote bag as a gift for Kylie while we are on vacation. I actually did the needlepoint a few years ago but never completed it because I couldn't find buttons I liked. I found these last year but still didn't sew the bag because I wasn't sure how to do it with canvas pockets. Last Friday I was looking at Home Sewn by French General and it had the exact bag I wanted to make. I was able to finish it in less than two hours. I have the supplies to make one for Abbie also but I need to finish stitching the background on the canvas. I should have it done by tomorrow night. I used denim for the outside and fabric left over from the girls quilts to line the inside. I am very happy with the way it turned out. I just might make one for myself later this summer. I have a couple pieces already stitched that would look cute made into a bag.

2011-05-07T20:11:00.001-07:00

Vintage Friday

2011-05-06T04:58:00.000-07:00

I finished this vintage candlewicking project earlier this week. It went very fast, one morning to do the knots and another to add the trim. When I made my first candlewicking project in the 1980's I didn't like doing the knots. I think I made one pillow and that was enough for me. Recently I found several kits at thrift stores and gave it another try. I enjoyed doing this small kit and have plans to make a few more things. My grandma loved doing candlewicking and even made a bedspread. I have a couple unfinished Christmas projects that belonged to her and hope to get them done this year.

Bow Ties

2011-04-25T17:50:00.000-07:00

I found this pattern from the 1960's at the thrift store last week. I remember when my brother wore a suit with a clip on tie on Sundays to church and dinner. He even had his hair slicked back.

This week I spent a lot of time making bow ties for our Etsy shop. They made me giggle every time I finished one.

Crazy Quilting Pt.4

2011-04-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

I stitched this chevron line this morning. I ordered a pk. of brown beads and I'll add them as soon as get here. Now it's on to the next seam.

Crazy Quilting Pt.3

2011-04-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

I haven't had a lot of time to work on my CQ square but I did manage to get another seam finished. I don't know the names of the stitches I used, I found them on a CQ site. I am very happy with it and I really like the beading. I hope to do a herringbone stitch tonight and add some more beads. I am already planning my next square.

2011-03-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

I found this Easter card at an antique mall a few weeks ago. It is one of my new favorites.

Crazy Quilting Pt.2

2011-03-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

It took me almost an hour to decide what stitch to use. This was my third attempt. It is a combo laisy daisy and straight stitch. The thread is Soie Cristale. Tomorrow I want to add beads to this row and stitch another row.

Crazy Quilting

2011-03-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to crazy quilt for years but I just didn't know how to start. I have collected books, fabric, and trims of all sorts. I've visited blogs and web sites for months. Today I am starting my first block. I am going to pick a stitch and just do it! I really don't know why I feel so intimidated by it. I have been embroidering for decades. I love learning new stitches, and thread, boy, do I have thread. Boxes and boxes, every fiber you can think of. I love them all. Okay enough blogging I need to stitch!

2011-03-25T15:53:00.000-07:00

When my daughters were little I made a lot of their clothes and playthings. As they got older they didn't want handmade things except quilts. Now that they are grown and on their own, they sometimes ask me to make things. In return I ask them to let me take their picture for my blogs. They 're
very cooperative.

Vintage Friday

2011-03-04T08:57:00.000-08:00

I just love vintage patterns and books. I bought these last weekend at an antique store. I have several sewing patterns picked out to make and I 'd like to crochet or knit a vintage pattern soon. I had so much fun looking through the apron patterns, I think I will sew an apron before I make anything from an actual sewing pattern. I'd also like to crochet a purse from the Cotton Assessories Book. First I need to spend some time looking at the thread they are calling for in the book. I think that is the hardest part, trying to determine what will work in place of the called for thread.

Wonky Baby Quilt

2011-02-28T17:53:00.000-08:00

I pieced this quilt together today. I had cut it out earlier so it went very quick. It was my first time using minkee .I have some left over that I'm adding to the chenille I bought last year to make another baby quilt but after that I'm sure I'll never use it again. . This stuff was crazy to work with. I have never made such a wonky quilt. I am going to back it with flannel, that should help stabilize it. I have a lot of baby gifts to make this year, but I should be able to make most of them with supplies I already have. I have a lot of baby fabric in my stash and I'm looking forward to using it.

Blizzard hat

2011-02-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

I started this hat just as the Blizzard of 2011 started. I finished it before the snow stopped falling from the sky. I think I did a pretty good job. My favorite part is the clip. What do you think?

Vintage Friday

2011-02-04T17:45:00.000-08:00

A new old needlebook to add to my collection.

2011-02-01T09:51:00.000-08:00

I love adding words to my quilting.

A very pretty blog.

2011-01-29T09:27:00.000-08:00

I found this blog this morning.

You can visit here.

Vintage Friday

2011-01-28T09:29:00.000-08:00


Welcome to Vintage Friday.

A friend gave me an old box of quilting things that had belonged to her mother. Inside I found these nine patch blocks made from flour sacks. You can still see some of the original printing. I would like to put these together to make a spring tablecloth.

Vintage sewing

2011-01-27T11:04:00.000-08:00

Recently I was reminded of my grandma's favorite winter sewing project. For many years my sisters and I received homemade flannel nightgowns from Little at Christmas. I clearly remember a mint green with cream lace on the yolk. These beautiful nightgowns were very roomy and soft. I just loves wearing mine. Today I went through my very small collection of vintage patterns and found these. Each year I make pajama bottoms for my daughters and granddaughters at Christmas time. Next Christmas I think I will make flannel nightgowns instead. I will need to keep looking for patterns in their current sizes and I will also be looking for just the right flannel. I haven't made any thing using vintage patterns yet.I might just start by making one for me this spring. I am really looking forward to this project. I know there are several blogs dedicated to vintage sewing and I want to join as soon as I make my first nightgown.

Another Finish

2011-01-21T15:00:00.000-08:00

From this...

To this...

I've been working on this project for what seems like months. It was so scary for me to take apart Amanda's wedding dress and then try to make Micah's baptism outfit from it. Fortunately it was a very full dress and a very small outfit.

Merry Christmas

2011-01-14T06:41:00.000-08:00

This is my third finish this year! (I actually finished another project but it is a gift). This is from Blackbird Designs Joyeux Noel. I used fabric and thread listed in pattern. I have enough fabric to do another piece but next time I want to make the colors more vibrant.

Vintage Friday

2011-01-14T06:18:00.000-08:00


This weeks vintage Friday is a pillow I made from a embroidered sampler Jen found at an estate sale. I simple stitched it to a piece of hand dyed wool from my stash and made it into a pillow for my bed. I am also linking up to a pillow party here.

Vintage Friday and a new finish

2011-01-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

My friend Jan gave me this mending kit with handmade pouch. She found when she was going through her mother's sewing box. I have no idea how old they are however I'm pretty sure her mom made the little pouch.

I finished this Sisters and Best Friends pattern this morning. I had started it in 2003 with Gloriana thread. I pulled out the little I had done and started over with the threads listed on the pattern. It went very quickly, I really enjoyed the beading. It is from the "old stash" and I've already started something new.

Peppermint Bark

2011-01-05T15:59:00.000-08:00

This year I bought two boxes of candy canes to hang on our tree. The girls thought if was odd that we put candy on the tree so they did not want to eat any. I think I was the only one that had any. I still have over a dozen left so Britt suggested we make peppermint bark for Valentine's Day. Perfect! I found a simple recipe here. I just need to make some toppers and I'll have a nice gift for friends.

First finish in 2011

2011-01-03T07:26:00.000-08:00

This crocheted scarf is my first finish in 2011. I started two of these a few months ago and had planned to give them to Kylie and Abbie for Christmas this year. That did not happen! I hope to have the second one finished by the end of the week and they will go in the box for next year. I would like to complete at least one gift every month, hopefully from projects I've already started and never finished.

2011-01-01T09:04:00.001-08:00

A Christmas finish

2010-12-13T19:01:00.000-08:00

Square 3

2010-12-07T09:02:00.000-08:00

This is the top left corner of my sampler. I stitched this candle free hand while looking at a pin cushion I made last year

Jesus said," I am the light".

A psalm of praise

2010-11-25T07:06:00.000-08:00

A psalm of praise by David
I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty — and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
They tell of the power of your awesome works — and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All your works praise you, LORD; your faithful people extol you. They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
The LORD is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.
~ Psalm 145 (NIV)

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T08:49:00.000-08:00

25 Days to Christlmas Stiltchalong

2010-11-19T18:57:00.000-08:00

When I was little I loved doing crafts with my grandma, especially at Christmas. This meant lots and lots of rickrack. We would put it on everything. Red and green rickrack on ornaments, linens, even our clothes. My first section is dedicated to my grandma.

Vintage Friday

2010-11-12T08:45:00.000-08:00

Aren't these pillows just adorable? Jen gave me the finished pieces and all I had to do was all the pillow forms. I have no idea how old they are or who made them.Whoever she was she did a great job.

25 Days to Christlmas Stiltchalong

2010-11-10T10:02:00.001-08:00

I've joined this stitchalong. I hope to get everything picked out and started today. This is my first one stitchalong and I'm very excited.

Vintage Friday

2010-10-15T06:10:00.000-07:00

I recently found this stamped cross stitch at a thrift store. It had a little stitching already done. Originally I was going to take it out but changed my mind. I like the idea that it is part mine and part "hers", whoever she is. I don't know how old it is, I searched for information but couldn't find any. I hope to finish it before the end of the month. I want to make it into a pillow. I post pictures when I get it finished.

What are you working on?

2010-10-04T16:00:00.000-07:00

Every time Barb calls me she asks what I am working on, I'm posting these pictures for her. I am stitching these three stockings for the girls this year. I put away all my other cross stitch projects and I am focusing in these. I've started the first one and I hope to have it completed by the end of the month. I still have other things I'm working on, lots of knitting and scrapbooking projects. I usually stitch early in the morning and work on other things later in the day and at night. Barb, I'm counting on you to keep me on track.

2010-09-29T18:29:00.000-07:00

I added a chandelier to the girl fort this evening. It's coming along slowly but surely.

Amanda's shower gift

2010-09-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

I have been very busy sewing for the past few weeks but I couldn't post anything and this is why. Amanda's baby shower was yesterday and I did not want to take any chances she might look and see what I had been working on. When Heather was pregnant with Lilie and found this adorable fabric at one of my favorite quilt shops, Loving Stitches in Michigan. I was sure she was having a boy. I actually started the quilt but didn't finish it. Later when Amanda told us she was having a boy I called the shop and asked them to send me another three yards of fabric. I was able to finish the quilt and make the pj's for Amanda. But I still wanted more! Jim and I took a trip to Michigan and I found one more yard in the clearance pile. I also found a yard of the girl baby fabric from the same line so I bought that too. Heather saw Amanda's blanket and wants one for Lilie. It is a simple edge crocheted around a yard of flannel. I should have it done in a few weeks. I have a couple things I need to finish first.

I'm back... final installment

2010-09-09T12:34:00.000-07:00

This past month I was able to knit Kylie and Abbie ponchos. It is the largest knitting project I've completed so far. The pattern was very simple and worked up quickly. It did however, take a long time to find a crocheted flower pattern that I liked. There's a lot of green and I needed something to break it up. I think the flower does the trick. Abbie was very happy with her poncho and agreed to let me take her picture in it. I would like to make them each a hat to match time permitting.

I'm back...part 2

2010-09-07T07:35:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite time of the year, and fall crafts are among my favorite to make. I've been working on these pumpkins and heirloom tomatoes for my Etsy shop. Simple. Sweet. Fall.

I'm back...part 1

2010-09-06T06:31:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how long it's been since I posted on this blog. I have been very busy finishing projects and starting new ones. I completed these three needlepoint pictures over the past few weeks. I spend time early in the morning before any one else it up stitching. I enjoy listening to Moody radio and stitching away. I have a couple other pieces I am working on, all are Christmas pictures. I hope to get three finished for this Christmas.

2010-08-07T15:56:00.000-07:00

I made these pillows to add to my Etsy shop. Both have vintage lace and vintage bling. What do you think?

For a Friend

2010-08-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

I bought a pattern from here for a stitching friend and wanted to give her a pretty place to store it. I covered a file folder and added some bling. I also included four thread keepers that match. I really love making these folders.

Convertible Reversible Double Warm Mystery Hat

2010-07-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

I knit this hat last week in the 90* heat. While knitting I thought about cold windy afternoons in January... It is one long tube that you just fold over itself to make a reversible hat.

My Etsy Shop

2010-07-11T13:29:00.000-07:00

Today I opened my Etsy shop. Here is the first item I listed for sale. I had so much fun planning and getting ready to open. I have a lot of ideas for the shop. I did craft fairs for years and haven't had a place to sell by creations for a long time. It's very exciting to start this new venture.

Vintage Friday

2010-07-09T12:52:00.000-07:00

I found these pink depression glass juice glasses yesterday while antiquing. I don't have any plates but I do have ice cream dishes. I see a new collection coming on!

A gift for a special friend

2010-07-09T12:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday America

2010-07-04T07:45:00.000-07:00

Dolly Dress Up

2010-07-03T17:37:00.000-07:00

I'm making each of my granddaughters a quilt for Christmas. I have been referring to them as the sister quilts. I finished the first top today. It is the smallest one of the three. The other two are almost done, but I needed to make them a little bigger than the pattern called for to fit their beds. I used "Perfect Ten" by Swirly Girls Design and Dolly Dress Up fabric. I don't usually use pinks and yellows in my quilts, it was fun to try something new. I also have a panel of dresses from the same line. I'm making pillows to go with the quilts.

2010-06-26T11:31:00.000-07:00

Vintage Friday

2010-06-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

I picked up these two needlebooks at the thrift store today. Both still have most of the needles still in them. I have no idea how old they are, but I do still shop at Jewel every week. I think they were a good find.

Small tote bag

2010-05-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

I made this small drawstring tote Thursday as a trial bag. I wanted to see how the embellishments would work. I am thinking of opening an Etsy shop and would like to include similar bags. What do you think?

Vintage Friday

2010-04-23T15:50:00.001-07:00

I have always loved vintage greeting cards. Lately I've been drawn to baby cards, go figure.

P.S. For those that don't know we were just blessed with our third granddaughter last month, and Amanda is expecting her first child in October.

Chicago Quilt Market

2010-04-18T16:26:00.000-07:00

Friday I went to Quilt Market at the Rosemont in Chicago. I've gone every year except last year and did not want to miss 2010. This is the last time it will be in Chicago, next year it is in Ohio. My friend, Barb, came in from Arizona to go with me, this was the first time she was able to go. I brought my camera with, but forgot to take any pictures while we were there. I did take some pics of the things I bought. I didn't buy a lot this year, I have so much already.

I try to buy thread and needles every year. This is my favorite piecing thread, and I love Bohin needles. I bought one towel to embroider.

I've had the child print for a long time and want to make Lilie a quilt from it. I brought it with so I could find a few fabrics to go with it. This is the only fabric I bought this year.

I got this from my favorite booth this year, Nifty Thrifty Dry Goods. They had a great variety of trims and things to do crazy quilting and scrapbooking. I am so excited to start my first crazy quilting project. I love the way this was packaged, I don't want to open it!!

Barb and I decided to do "twinkie" quilts this year, baby quilts for our granddaughters. We each bought packets of pre-cut chenille and a bag of scraps. When we got home we traded so we would each have a large assortment. I plan on adding some extras like flannel and tablecloth scraps to my quilt. I love the flower piece in the picture.

Lady

2010-04-12T10:25:00.000-07:00

This is my current needlepoint project. She is part of a "couple" I bought last year. The bottom of her suit is stitched in velvet and the rose color is silk. I would like to make buttons for her suit and a bright fabric flower for her hat. I hope to start her beau this summer.

Noel

2010-03-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

This is my most recent finish. It went pretty fast and turned out great. The book came with a thread pack and the mother of pearl buttons. I found the perfect hand-dyed fabric two weeks ago and started it right away. I enjoy doing different stitches and using beads and buttons on my stitching. I will pick out a frame later, and do it myself.

Vintage Friday

2010-03-12T12:10:00.000-08:00

I finished the border on this towel this morning. It is one of a pair to unfinished linen towels I found last year. The first one can be found here.

I wasn't sure what colors to use so I decided to just embroider in black DMC. It goes well in my primitive kitchen.

She's here!!

2010-03-05T08:43:00.000-08:00

Lilie Ann

March 3, 2010

Vintage Friday

2010-02-26T11:51:00.001-08:00

Today's Vintage Friday are not true vintage, but I think they'll do.
This first is a candlewicking project I made earlier this month. The kit called for it to be made into a pillow, but I wanted to do something different. I just added two border fabrics to make it into a small spring quilt. I am so happy with the way it turned out, I want to make another with the heart candlewicking project. I just need to do a simple quilt pattern and it will be ready to drape on the back of the family room sofa.

This was another fast project,however, it took me two years to start. I had wanted to make a quilt from the panel but I changed my mind when I pulled it out Monday. The instructions say..."The Tiny Tots panel was originally printed as an object book for pre-readers in 1942."
It went together very quickly and makes my nostalgic heart sing.

Jan. KAL

2010-02-24T19:11:00.000-08:00

Here is my finished dishcloth from January KAL at KrisKnits. This is not a great picture but I hope you can see the snowman. I've already started February's cloth. I'll post a picture as soon as it's finished.

Fa La La

2010-02-23T06:08:00.000-08:00

Here is the first in a series by Little House Needleworks titled Fa La La. I uses the fibers it called for and fabric from my stash. I did not finish it as an ornament to hang on my tree but rather as a decoration to stand on a shelf. I like the simplicity of the piece and its old fashion appeal.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-13T18:50:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Vintage Valentine Party hosted by Joan .

Here are two of my favorite little valentines. I think they are so sweet.

Growing up in a big family during the 60's meant we didn't have a lot of money for extras. However, my parents made holidays, including Valentine's Day, very special. My stepfather always gave my mother a big red heart shaped box of Fannie May candy. It would have a huge bow and lots of ribbon on it. Inside was dozens of fancy chocolates! Then he would give each of us our own smaller red box of candy. I would squeeze each piece until I found the caramel, my favorite. I remember thinking I couldn't wait until I got to have the big box because that meant I was grown up and in love.

Making Progress

2010-02-13T07:27:00.000-08:00

I am making progress on the washcloth, I hope to finish this weekend. The finished design is a mystery, I think it might be a snowman.

Knitting

2010-02-11T15:08:00.000-08:00

I joined a KAL here. It will be a winter wash cloth when it's finished. I am enjoying it and I'm happy for the chance to work on getting my tension even. I will keep posting pictures as I progress on the project.

A New Craft

2010-02-10T11:38:00.000-08:00

I found this kit at a thrift store last summer while searching for vintage embroidery. It was the closest I was able to get at the time. The thrift stores by me are not great for finding many vintage items of any kind, so I bought this to justify the trip. It has been sitting in my attic since I brought it home. Last week when I finished my latest cross stitch project I didn' t have anything picked out to work on so I grabbed this kit. I hadn't done any candlewicking before so it was something new to try. I finished the top in three days and I've already started another top with hearts. I would like to make a small quilt for spring with this as the center block. I will probably add several borders to the main block to keep it simple. I don't have a lot of light or pastel fabric so I need to make a trip to the quilt store. I hope to have it finished by the end of the month. I'll post pictures when it's finished.

Crocheted hearts

2010-02-02T05:50:00.000-08:00

I recently found the pattern to crochet these hearts here. I have made them in several sizes simply by changing yarn. I am using the larger ones for Valentine coasters.

Vintage Friday

2010-01-29T15:26:00.001-08:00

Today's vintage Friday is only 20 something years old. I made it for Amanda when she was very little. I don't remember exactly when I made it, but I never "finished" it. I found it last week in a box with other projects that I had packed away years ago.

I think it's from a Vanessa Ann chart. I know it's stitched on 14ct. Aida with DMC floss. I haven't used Aida in years, but this did bring back a lot of stitching memories. There was a time when Aida was our only choice. When I first began stitching I lived in Hawaii and the only fabric I could buy in the stores was white 14ct. Aida from the Philippines. If I wanted a color or smaller count my grandma had to send it to me. I am going to make a banner out of this piece and put it up whenever we have a birthday in the family. I'll give it to Amanda when she has children.

Snowman finish

2010-01-27T12:24:00.000-08:00

I started this snowman just after Christmas and finished it this morning. It is my first pattern from Lilipoints. I stitched on 25ct. Lugana over one thread. I don't know what color the fabric is, it came from my stash. I used one strand DMC for my stitching. I am not sure how I am going to finish this piece. I'm thinking about using it on a box.

Vintage Friday on Saturday (again)

2010-01-23T18:42:00.000-08:00

I love love vintage embroidery designs and I have a growing collection of transfers. I buy them to use not just collect. This past week I made this set of pillowcases using a design from this set. Simple white cases purchased from Target, DMC floss and a vintage design. I'm happy.

I used colors from the winter quilt that is on my bed. I like to have a lot of pillows on the bed so I need to buy a few more so I can use these all the time.

Vintage Friday

2010-01-15T11:38:00.000-08:00

Last month I was looking through some old patterns and found this one from 1971. It was the fourth pattern published by Leisure Arts Company. I bought this copy in 1993 to make a pair of booties for Heather.

I crocheted a pair of these very 70's booties for Heather again this year. Only this time it was as a gift for her third baby due in March.

Once I started crocheting this pair I felt like I could do them by memory. It was a very good feeling. I can remember measuring the loops to make sure they were all the same size, and doing the bottom several times on the first one because I didn't think it was going to work. I remember making the original pair in white and I know I made a few other projects from this book.

First Finish in 2010

2010-01-12T08:47:00.000-08:00

This is my first finish for 2010. I actually started this as a wool hooked rug in 2004. I didn't like rug hooking so I put it away for years. Then at Quilt Market I discovered rug punch with wool yarn. It is very hard on my hands but I really liked doing it. It still took me a long time to finish, but I was determined to get it done. The wool came from Kindred Spirits and is hand dyed. I have already started another rug by Blackbird Designs. I have finished the basic design and just need to order wool for the backround. I would like to do a fall rug next.

2009-12-31T13:26:00.000-08:00

Vintage Friday

2009-12-18T19:53:00.000-08:00

This week I went with my Bible Study ladies to sing at a home for Seniors. We used these song books from 1938. We had borrowed them from our choir director at church. I fell in love with the book and asked her if I could keep one. She said yes, that no one used them anymore because they were so old. My family is caroling on Christmas Eve so I was able to borrow more books for us to use that night.

When I was a little girl all the children in my family would carol around the neighborhood on Christmas Eve. I don't think we used any books, we just sang from memory. This book is a lot older than I am but I can imagine my mother using a book like this in her Sunday School class to sing Christmas Carols.

2009-12-15T07:40:00.001-08:00

Vintage Friday

2009-12-11T14:34:00.000-08:00

I love the idea of making something new from something old. This year I gathered a few of my vintage earrings and made them into magnets. I can't decide which one is my favorite, probably the Christmas looking one.

Vintage Friday

2009-12-04T14:02:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas and vintage postcards. Here are two from my small but growing collection.

2009-11-26T05:54:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving finishes

2009-11-20T13:08:00.000-08:00

I don't have very many Thanksgiving decorations even tho I love the day. This year I finished three small pieces, two from my stash and one freebie.

I hope to make a few new pieces before next Thanksgiving. I have a lot of charts just waiting to go.

I try to remember to thank God for the many blessings He has given me each time I see one of these pieces. I have so much to be thankful for.

Vintage Friday

2009-10-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

When does a collection actually begin. I don't remember thinking I want to collect vintage needlebooks, I just started buying them. Several of them came in bags with other vintage sewing items so they were a bonus of sorts. My collection is still rather small but I'm sure it will grow.
I remember finding this one in an antique store in Manhatten. I was just sitting there with a pile of old fabric. I left the fabric and bought this.

This book was in a bag with buttons and old spools.

I don't know when this book joined the collection.

I actually have two of these books, both are in very good condition. I can use one to trade with.

New Blackbird Design

2009-10-22T07:17:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted lately because most of what I've been working on it for gift giving. I did however finish this Blackbird Design Autumn Bouquet. I just love the colors of fall and this one had the most beautiful fibers. I did use what the pattern listed. The fabric is from Lakeside Linen. I had been wanting to do this for a long time. It is the one piece I've finished for myself this season. I have been working on some stitching for Christmas and will post pictures at another time. I hope to get a few new ornaments made for the Mother's Tree nest month.