Summer is Here

Been really busy lately filling orders, working on unfinished projects, and gardening. These are some of the eyeglass cases going to the gallery in Lanesboro. These sachets went to the Textile Center. So summery! The pincushions went to Artful in California.I'm working on a collection of items for a new shop in Northfield and need to restock a local needlework shop, but I would rather be gardening! I planted succulents in the little bins on the garage. They should fill out nicely. We have had a tremendous amount of rain in the last month so the fruits and vegetables are doing nicely in their new spot in the front yard. Enjoying the summer!

catching up

I just love the new colored pencils I recently purchased. So many colors and perfect for the doodling I have been experimenting with for embroidery designs.

It's also gardening time here (a little early) and I have been busy doing up some of my pots. It's not consistently warm enough for most annuals yet ,but I decided to go the 'economical' route this year and pot up perennials instead. I love strictly foliage plants in pots-no deadheading- and these I can plant out in the garden in the fall rather than spending oodles of money on annuals just to compost them at the end of the season.                                                         

I've also done a little flea marketing: these are old postal sorting drawers. I plan to put a succulent plant in each of them as soon as the weather warms a little.

     The next items were just so cute. They were labeled ' French figures' and have a stamped label in French on the back. they remind me of paper dolls only made of wood. I've hung them in the kitchen either side of an old tray. That's it for now!                                

new stitching

Just finished another pincushion in some of my favorite colors. The deep toned wool on this is called 'Merlot'- so fitting.
The hardanger piece is one I made years ago when my eyes could work all those little stitches and fine cuts. I bought the fabric and thread to try another sometime, only smaller. The following is an applique and embroidery piece I am experimenting with. It's not very big now and I don't know how much I will add(if any). I have decided to make small pieces of whatever strikes my fancy and decide what to do with them at a later time.Fall is my favorite season and I love the tree that just refuses to drop her leaves!
Lots of stitching left to do and then the decision of how much quilting to do. I'll post results later.

new cases

Just finished an order for one of the galleries- new eyeglass cases. I have been playing with different threads, more variegated silk perle weight ones like the small blue flower in the case on the far left. They work up beautifully in crochet.Next time I am at the thread store I will stock up! By the way, the Hardanger piece I use for the background in the photos is a piece I did years ago. I don't know if my eyes can take that intricate work anymore! I am on to pincushions now, also working on a small quilt project I will share soon.

new etsy items

Just a quick post showing a few new items listed on etsy. These mini pincushions measure slightly smaller than my standard pincushions- 3"x1 1/2" as opposed to 4"x2".
I think this size is perfect for tucking into a sewing basket or even for a travel size sewing kit.
I am also listing another felted tile. This has been crocheted and then felted, measures 4" square.
I have embellished it with hand crocheted flowers and embroidery. I have left the threads as little tassels on the edges. This can be used as a mug mat, trivet, or just for decoration. Well, that's it for now. Hope everyone has a happy holiday!!

custom order

I just finished this handbag for a custom order and am really pleased with the results. The customer requested the deep eggplant color and specified that she likes the rust, apricot, buttery yellow, and purple colors for the flowers. What luck! My favorite colors to work with!
She also requested a velcro closure-which I don't usually do- but still wanted the corozo nut button as an accent. I love these buttons especially when I can layer them in the different colors. This one got a plum colored one topped with a sliver shaped one in orange.
Since the front was so heavily decorated I went a little sparser on the back.
It gives the purse two different looks.

Very time consuming, but very satisfying to work on. I have listed it in my etsy shop as a reserve-when my customer gets back she can purchase it there. If she decides against it I will remove the reserve and leave it in the shop. On to other projects!

holiday orders

Just a quick post today-I'm using this blog to help keep track of things I am making. This is part of an order I am working on to stock some of the shops and galleries for the upcoming Holiday sales.
These are lavender filled sachets all neatly packaged and ready to go. I have been buying the lavender from an organic source and the scent is heady and long lasting.
If I have time I plan on putting these up on etsy, too.
These are so much fun to make, work up quickly and can look so different with just a change of color.
A sweet smelling array of blooms!
Back to work- so much more to make!