Frankie the Safety Pins Keeper

I recently moved and most of my stuff is in storage until I move again, (hopefully that will happen at the end of this month), but one thing I did not pack away is some safety pins because you never know when you will need one.  And, yes, I could go buy some if I needed any in the near future, but the point of this post is I found a neat way to store your safety pins.  Meet Frankie the Safety Pin Keeper.  I love him!  (I'm going to label him as a needlebook even though he technically isn't so I can find him when I'm ready to make one.)
I think he could double as a Halloween decoration too.  

P.S.   I just found this piggy bank on the onelmon blog (home of Frankie).  Must make this too!  

Speaking of Needlebooks

I found another needlecase I'd like to make some day.

Felt Needle Case from Sum of their Stories 

Another Needlebook Pattern

Still going through email and checking links...

I really like this felt needlebook from Simply Vintage Girl.

There are links to that needlebook project and to some others on this Tipnut page.

A Mushroom Needlebook Made By Me

I just read this in the latest newsletter from the Toymaker:

"Then I had a thought that if I spent more time actually making and doing the things that I wanted instead of just looking at pictures then I would be a lot happier in the here and now. How about we take a deep breath and make the things we want to have and do the things that actually make us happy, even if it is in a small way?"

I love that.  So from now on, there will be more making things and less drooling over pictures going on in my life.  (I swear!)  To get on the right track, I just ordered two embroidery patterns from Penguin & Fish.  Remember the giant hedgehog pillow?*  I  am so going to make one.  (You can get the normal sized version of the hedgehog pattern on Etsy and then just blow it up on a copy machine.  I once asked Alyssa from Penguin & Fish if it was ok to do that and she said yes.)


large pillow versions of alligator and hedgehog embroidery patterns
Originally uploaded by Penguin & Fish

The other pattern I got is the Maltese puppy one.  I love Alyssa's adorable patterns.  I ordered the paper patterns but they're also available as pdf's.

While going through some pictures today, I found some of the mushroom needlebook I made back in February.  I know I did something a little different than the tutorial but I have no idea what that was now.  When you put the original together, you machine sew the spine of the needlebook.  I did mine by hand so maybe I put it together in a way where you wouldn't see the back of a back stitched seam.  Or something.

You can find the pattern for the mushroom needlebook here over on Generation Q. 

*You probably don't remember the giant hedgehog pillow since I can't find a link for it here so I bet I only posted it to Facebook.  Yay for Flickr!

I Miss Blogging

I can't believe I did not blog during the months of March and April. 

That stupid laptop still will not download my photos.  It tells me (yes, I have conversations with my lap top all the time) (by the way, is it lap top or laptop?) that the camera is plugged in and it even knows it a HP something-or-other but I don't get the pop-up  to click "import" so my pictures do not get uploaded.  Which is a shame.  Because I made a felt bunny for Easter and I embroidered a bunny pulling a chick in a little cart that I wanted to post on my blog and I wanted to update my progress in the TUSAL and the WIPocalypse.

So no pictures for now but I am going to get back to blogging, if only to post links to cute and fun things that I want to make some day before the world ends in December.

Just found this in a November 2010 Google alert for embroidery.  (Tonight is Clean Out the Email Night.)  It's a felt toy barn.  And I love that it's been posted on a blog called The Journals of a Laura Ingalls Wannabe.  (I am such a geek for Laura.  I re-read These Happy Golden Years the other night just because it was on the shelf.  I also just read Old Town in the Green Groves by Cynthia Rylant, which is a childrens book based on the two years the Ingalls family spent in Burr Oak, Iowa.  Laura Ingalls Wilder did not write about a book about that time in her life (it would have been in between On the Banks of Plum Creek and By The Shores of Silver Lake) so Cynthia Rylant created a story from the few writings Laura did leave about that period.  My Laura mood has also been helped along by the Virgil Flowers series by John Sandford.  Granted, Virgil solves murders in present-day Minnesota but he lives in Mankato, a town Pa used to visit when he wasn't going to Sleepy Eye.  (I think that's where Albert got addicted to drugs too but that was on the TV show so it doesn't count because Albert nor his drug addiction happened to the real Ingalls.) 

Where was I?  I don't know if I will ever make that cute felt barn but I REALLY want to make one of the Laura wannabe's round needlebook with snaps.  Then I will send it to John Sandford and suggest he write a book about Virgil Flowers solving the homicide of a Mankato druggie named Albert.

It's Drafty In Here

Why do I have a bunch of draft posts?  Oh yeah.  It's because I am really good at starting things and never finishing them. 

Let's see what links are hanging out in my draft posts . . .

From the Make-It-For-Christmas-2012 file: Gingerbread Cottage has a super cute embroidery pattern.  And here's a felt hedgehog ornament from Totally Stitchin' that I'm also going to add to my Hedgehogs-To-Make-Some-Day list.

Speaking of hedgehogs, this hedgehog cross stitch freebie from JB Cross Stitch is new-to-me thanks to the cross stitch blog at Craft Gossip.   By the way, JB Cross Stitch has some cute charts for sale, in addition to more freebies.

I love, love, love this embroidered needlecase from Goosie Girl's and I've had the pattern for awhile but I don't think I ever linked to it before.

Over at Leslie's Art and Sew, there's a sewing pattern and tutorial for a mystery critter.  You can sew one up and then make a face on it any way you want and add anything else too  [link via The Toy Society blog].

How about a felt pincushion from Jenny of Elefantz?  I like this one because it has appliqued fabric flowers on it.   And, it's all hand sewn.

There's an embroidery pattern for a cute mini-sampler (with birds, flowers, alphabet) that's finished in a hoop at Patchwork Posse [link via Denise at Craft Gossip].

Did you know there's an embroidery section on about.com with stitch diagrams, free patterns and lots of information on tools, supplies and techniques?  There is!

Major Cute Alert!  Look at this adorable mushroom needlebook that my friend Loralynn at My Art, My So Called Life just linked to.  She also had a link to the fun Random Tutorial Generator. 

And, if you're like me and like to see classic movie stars and their four-legged friends, here are a couple of fun posts from I Can Has Cheezburger: part 1 and part 2.

Pardon me while I go make something!

Blog Hopping On Saturday Night

Here's yet another draft post that I never finished.  Enjoy!

Tonight, I'm catching up on some of my favorite blogs.

Sew Tara and Wild Olive have teamed up to make some super cute fabric bags for snacks (goldfish crackers, carrots & celery, cookies).  [Link via Craft.]

What a cute cloudy needlebook from Art Threads!  [Via Craft Gossip]

There are lots of cute (yes, I've used cute three times already.  Let the drinking game begin!) embroidery freebies over at Hudson's Holidays.  Like this kitty in the flowers and in the garden, and my favorite, a bunny pulling a wagon with bunnies in it.  [Via Craft Gossip]

Some Links For Wednesday

Thanks for the nice comments about my Pekingese embroidery! :)

I have a few links I wanted to share:

Here's a super adorable fabric dollhouse tutorial from UK lass in the US. If I ever learn to sew, I will make one of these.

I found the dollhouse tutorial from this list on Blue Bird Studio and I just realized that I have been to Blue Bird Studio in the past because I remembered her embroidery patterns of dollies, eggs and bunnies & chicks, and the wall hanging she made with them. I even commented on that post. I swear there are just too many blogs and projects and free patterns to keep track of. (Hey, Patty, isn't that why you started a blog in the first place? To keep track of them all?) (Shut up, voice in my head.)

Heather of Blue Bird Studio also put together a nice list of free BOM patterns.

And, here's a tutorial for a super cute Little Letter Needlebook from Skebba.

Did you see the Apple Tree Applique block from Wee Folk Art? I really want to try that woven spider wheel stitch now.

There are two cute Vintage Pots embroidery transfers over at No Pattern Required. There's lots of other vintage stuff on the blog that's worth checking out. I especially love the posts in the Mid-Century Menu category. You have to read the one about the Welch's Grapelade Cake. Um, yeah.

My New Old Vintage Needlecase

To enter the not-a-contest giveaway at Apron Memories, you have to create something from vintage "fabric, hotpads, handkerchiefs, table coverings, curtain paneling, toweling, embroidery, doilies, placemats, napkins," so I took this vintage embroidered piece, some bias tape (pretend it's blue in the photo -- there was a change of plans after I took the picture) and some gingham...



...and, made this needlecase



No, I was not drunk when I stitched that.

Here it is, opened up, so you can see the inside.



I was inspired by the needlecase project that Barbara from Oodles and oodles shared on her blog awhile back. I modified her instructions a bit -- she forgot to include a step on attaching your bias tape with the most crooked and uneven hand stitches you have ever sewn in your life and then tell everyone your two yr old did it -- I had to come up with that one all by myself. And, I put my needlecase together differently and now see lots (tons!) of room for improvement. Next time I make one, I'll completely follow Barbara's directions.

And, can I just say it KILLED me to cut up that embroidery...um...piece. What is that anyway? It's from a set of three that was part of a larger group that I found on eBay and bought because one was a dresser scarf with puppies embroidered on it. (Got all that?) It wasn't stained or dirty but it was spending its days stuck in a drawer. At least now I'll get some use out of it.

I'm still laughing hysterically at my "sewing." (Why didn't I just blanket stitch it?)

Thank you, Barbara, for the bias tape, the gingham, and the inspiration to make this!

A Gnome And A Guinea Pig Walk Into A Bar

Thanks for all the recent comments! You guys always say the nicest things about my little craft projects, which makes me wonder if you need your eyes checked. No, really, it makes me smile big time. And, I totally appreciated the comments about my recent low blood sugar episode. Thank you!

Have you seen Barbara's tutorial on turning an embroidered piece into a lovely needle case? It's a terrific way to use something that might be stained or torn but that you can't bear to part with because it's just too pretty. I knew I couldn't make one the way Barbara did because I don't machine sew and the only bias tape I have is white (boring). But then I heard a little voice inside my head ask why not just blanket stitch the edges together? And, I thought Boy howdy! I am so doing that!

(I swear if the blanket stitch were a person, I would be its biggest stalker.)

Well, I couldn't find the right embroidery to morph into a needle case so I was thinking I should just stitch a little design on some fabric and go from there. I'm about ready to go do that right now. But first, let me show you what I made for my sister last year since I never got around to taking any pictures of it until now.

On one side of the little bag, I embroidered a gnome . . .




. . . and, on the other, his pal, the guinea pig.



Susan chose the patterns, which explains why there's a gnome and a guinea pig. If I had made this for myself, there would have been a puppy on one side and a wombat on the other. And, a picture of Johnny Depp inside.

The gnome pattern was the January 2008 free pattern from Bad Birds. I had stitched him once before and thought he looked like he was wearing a uniform of some kind so this time I got out the crayons and gave him some color. By the way, the current freebie from Andrea Zuill is an elephant on a ball holding an umbrella in his trunk. I love it.

The guinea pig design is from a coloring book that you can find at Dover Publications (possibly this one) but I had saved the image from one of their sampler emails. If you haven't signed up for that by now, you should. You'll receive a weekly email with links to free illustrations, clip art, and stories from a wide variety of their books. Some of the black & white drawings and coloring pages work nicely as embroidery patterns. (At least that's what I tell myself every time I download yet another one even though I know I will most likely never get around to using it except for this one time that I used the guinea pig page.) Register to get the sampler here.

My Own Private Idaho

I haven't been blogging much since I've been busy working on this cross stitch.



Lately, I've been doing these quickie designs which take one night to stitch and one night to stuff and turn into an ornament, but this one is a major undertaking. It calls for 17 different shades of green. Well, maybe not that many, but there are a lot of them. The chart is called Puppy in the Garden and it was a freebie from Artecy last month but is no longer available. I've checked and found they change their free charts every couple of weeks so if you see one you like, be sure to save it or print it out.

Over at Green Jello, you can find some cute embroidery designs for Halloween, including a pumpkinhead girl, an owl, and kids in costumes. The pdf is linked in this post.

Look at these cute felt graham crackers! [Link via Chicken Betty, who posted the tutorial.] And, I found instructions for another pincushion. This one is a knitted and felted poppy that you can wear it on your wrist. [Link via Craft Tutorials.]

I finished a couple more ornaments. The first is from a free chart from Nenne Design. I just translated the title again and realized I made a huge mistake. I thought the chart was called Spot in the Garden so I figured filling in some pale green all the way up to the border wouldn't hurt. But Google Translator tells me the title is really Spot for the window (Spot in the window, probably) which means on my ornament, there are drapes above the curtain rod. Good job, Patty!



There are a few more Spot freebies that I'd like to eventually do. You can find all of Janet's free charts on this page. But you're on your own for the translations. :)

By the way, here's the fabric on the back of Spot. I'm only sharing it because it was once a dress from Target. Yes, I save stuff like that.




I'm still trying to get caught up with the Christmas Ornament Stitch-A-Long. One of the themes for May was Nativity and when I saw this chart, I decided to use it. Notice the donkeys. It still needs to be stuffed. And, see that blue material under the ornament? That used to be a shirt from Esprit. I used it to back the ornament. (As much as I love re-using my old wardrobe to make new things, I'm still jealous of anyone who can shop at Superbuzzy for new fabric.)



Ok, I am going back to my happy little cross stitching world for now. I may be back later in the week.

Hungarian Freebies

The other day, I started part 4 of my Hungarian Sampler, only to discover two mistakes in part 3. They were not that noticeable so I decided to leave them be and continued with part 4. I didn't get very far before I realized I had miscounted. Since I hadn't done that much, I ripped out the stitches and was left with a pink stain on my Aida from the red floss. Lovely. I began part 4 again and messed up a second time. By then, I was beyond frustrated and thought it would be better if I started the entire sampler over. So I cut out the stitched part from the piece of fabric and tossed it into the trash. Then I remembered I didn't have another large enough piece of Aida for the sampler nor did I have the money or means to go get one. So I laid on my bed and cried for 20 minutes.

Pretty pathetic, I know.

In related news, here's a Hungarian blog with some cross stitch freebies, including a needlecase with cats and A through G alphabet blocks [link via Cross Stitch Pattern Addict].

I Won An Apron

I cannot believe I keep forgetting to share the pretty apron I won last month from Loral at My Vintage Charm. I had seen it on her blog but it wasn't until I opened the package that I realized there were polka dots and baby rickrack and cherries and a scalloped edge along the waist. I totally love it.

I love this fabric.

Loral not only sent the apron but a bunch of other goodies too: soap that she made (it smells so good), lip balm (I've used it so much, I think it's already half gone), recipes on pretty cards, and a needlebook (more cherries!).


I love it all. I am so glad I entered her giveaway. Thank you so much for everything, Loral!

By the way, Loral and her sister have an online shop.

More Needlebooks

Lil Birdie Stitches made an adorable needlebook with a cupcake on it. She also linked to a tutorial for Grandma's Needlebook from Vintage Threads, which you can make from items you have on-hand. There's no sewing involved and the appliques are attached with fusible webbing. Thrifty and cute!

The 1930s Paper Flower Garland from Vintage Threads is really pretty. Thanks, Lil Birdie for both links!

I'm Drooling Over This

Look at this needlecase. It has gingham, polka dots, rick-rack, a heart, a flower and buttons. It's perfect!

And, she has a blog too.

Needlebooks and Cases

There is no longer any reason for you not to make yourself, or a friend, a needlecase or needlebook. TipNut has put together a list of free needlebook and needlecase tutorial links on her site. (I love the one made from a cigarette case on Whip Up. I saw that a little while ago and wondered if I could use an old compact instead. I think I could.)

I found a few more in my archives:

Sewing Needle Book from knitting-and.com. (And, remember there are embroidery patterns there too!)

Bonnet Needle Book

Bunny Hill Needle Case

And, my all-time favorite: "Forget-Me-Not" Valentine Needlecase from Pattern Bee.

Didn't you make one of those, Patty? Why, yes, I did. And, then took a blurry picture of it. See?

Be Glad And More

There's a set of five free cross stitch charts at Swappons for something called Be Glad, which stands for Broder Ensembre un Gratuit Long A Découvrir. According the English translation of the blog (click the British flag to get it), it means "Stitching along a long free to be discovered. Hmm, sounds like a mystery sampler to me. And, looks like we missed it but you can still use the charts. Also on the same blog is a tutorial for making a cube of birth, (English translation), and one for making a cover for your tape measure, (in English). Oh, and take a look at these old embroidery booklets -- lots of alphabet charts there.

Michelle Verbeeck at Studio 259 is having a giveaway for a book called Uncommon Quilter by Jeanne Williamson. Details on entering are on the post. You have until March 28th. I think I found the Studio 259 blog when someone linked to this cute ladybug needlecase. That led me to the heart needlecase, which is still on my to-do list.

Earlier tonight, I made a little pillow out of a cross stitch finish for the Christmas Ornament SAL. After stuffing it, I sewed the opening closed and it looked like crap. So I did it a second time and it was still puckered and uneven. If this ornament was going to be for someone else, I would have attempted it a third time, and, if still didn't turn out halfway decent, I would have put down the garbage disposal. So, imagine how delighted I was to come across Emily's tutorial on "building a better pillow" a little while ago. If only I had read her blog a few hours ago! I am definitely going to use her instructions the next time I make a mini pillow. Emily rules!

A Couple of X-Stitch Finishes

Here are two more cross stitches I've done while sitting around the house. I started and finished the cats yesterday. You can find that free chart at Kreinik. It's supposed to be done on a Tokens & Trifles sewing card with silk threads, but since I had neither, I just used what I had on hand and chose Autumn colors. The cats were originally going to be turned into something for my sister but I like how they came out so I'm keeping it for myself. I'll make her one later this week. It's not like I don't have the time. Hah! (I can do hers on the 14 ct Aida I don't like. Mine's on 18 ct Fiddler's Lite.) You can find the witch chart here.


There's a third finish below these two -- I didn't want to cut the fabric because then it would be too small for my hoop so I thought I'd stitch as many designs on there as I could -- and it's the autumn heart from Kissy-Cross. I wasn't sure what to do with the heart. I really like this needlebook that someone named Annie made from both heart charts.

I went to the orthopdedic sugeon this afternoon and he thinks my incision looks better this time around. I agree. It actually looks like it's healing, instead of being all scabby and red. He said he'd leave the stitches in for one more week. And, it looks like next week I can start putting some weight on my leg. I'll still need to stay off it for another four weeks though. I wonder how many more cross stitches I can do during that time.

Oh and when I am finally done with the walker, I will be setting fire to it in the backyard.

My Other New Needlebook

And, here is my other new needlebook. This one is just perfect. It's made of wool, it's got a cute bee button on it and a cute watermelon, and blanket stitching all around. These are a few of my favorite things. I love it. This was made by the lovely and talented Michelle, and you can see a better picture of it on her blog, Tangled Threads. I am jealous of Michelle because she has two donkeys, Mutt and Shaggy.

I have a picture of the inside of the needlebook but that one is too blurry so I'll have to take another one. I was stuck in my bedroom this afternoon with a small dog while the Maytag repairman fixed the freezer (actually, it's a GE fridge), and while she was barking her head off, I was taking pictures of past cross stitch projects and my new needlebooks.

One of My New Needlebooks

I don't know what is up with posting pictures here. I just took these and they look great on my computer screen. You can see the beads and it's very clear. Then I look at them on Blogger and they don't look all that great. And, try clicking the pictures to see them larger and they look all weird.

So, the photos don't do it justice but that is one of the lovely needlebooks I received through a swap at Swap-bot. I love the fabric (you can't really see it but the inside fabric is pretty) and I like the beads in the middle of some of the flowers. Maybe if you put your nose right up to the screen, you can see them. I like that this one has several pages inside. I have some needles that are still in their original packaging, and I was thinking I could organize them by size on each page and get rid of the cardboard & plastic thingy they came in.

I had second thoughts about doing this swap only because I wasn't sure I could make a needlebook that someone else would be happy to get, but I am really glad I joined because I ended up with two great ones.