Spring Thyme

Recently I was inspired to create a new cross stitch design. This is what I created....Spring Thyme. I used an old pallet to create the wooden box that can hold tools, plants, or just about anything. Please visit Knock-off Wood to see the bookshelf she created using a wood pallet - Ana is very talented and creates incredible projects!

I attached the finished cross stitch piece using quilting pins that I cut in half. Make sure you wear safety glasses when cutting wood or cutting pins.

Ladybug Needlecase

I decided to make another needlecase. I think it turned out a little too big, but the pattern can be easily reduced in size if you choose to. (sorry about the poor pictures, artificial light just didn't work out tonight!)



Start by printing the pattern and cutting out the pieces


Using a satin stitch create as many Ladybug spots as you like on the larger ladybug "shell". Attach the smaller red ladybug "shell" to the black body using a running stitch.


Attach the head to the body using a blanket stitch


Attach the larger ladybug "shell" to the body at the top and down the middle creating two needle sections, blanket stitch around the remaining outer shell areas making sure not to attach it to the body




Enjoy!

In celebration of Earth Day!

In celebration of Earth Day I am offering a cross stitch pattern that was originally sold as a stitching trading card pattern. You can leave off your name and location and use it as a design on a "green" bag, as a card, or just about anything! Someone used it on a bathroom towel, came out great!

Hope you enjoy it! Save Our Home

Feel free to link to my blog to share the pattern with your friends!

Apple Needlecase

I was inspired last night with the idea to make an apple needlecase, I even emailed myself the idea so it wouldn't slip away! Today after school with my daughter and some chores I sat down to make it. Here is a tutorial on how to make one. Please feel free to share the link to my site with your friends so they can make one as well!



Supplies
DMC floss (I used numbers 3031 and 817)
Small amounts of wool felt in the colors you like (thankfully I had red, green, off-white, and brown leftover from Christmas gifts)
Pattern
Needle
Fabric glue



Start by printing out the pattern and cutting out the pieces. You need two of the outter apple, and one of the inner apple, stem, and leaf.







Using a small dot of fabric glue attach the left to the stem and then the stem to the apple. This will hold it in place while you sew.



Using a running stitch attach the inner apple to outer apple. You can also add "seeds" using a satin stitch.



Using a blanket stitch attach the two outter layers of the apple together between the needle and the pencil shown in the picture.



Once you have attached the two layers continue the blanket stitch completely around the top layer.



Then blanket stitch the bottom layer. Now your needlecase is done and ready to use!




If you make an apple needlecase, please send me a picture or a link to your blog, I would love to see it!

Bag idea

I was at a yard sale last week that benefited a retirement community and found a stack of fabric calendars for 25 cents each. I should have just purchased them all, but instead picked out my favorite 4 and purchased those. It didn't take long to decided that they would be great bags. Using the Green Bag Lady Pattern, I used two calendars to make this bag.

The 4 calendars I purchased


Sewn right sides together


I cut off a strip to make the handle


Finished bag!