It's April! March zoomed by with just a single blog post from me--how did that happen? I try to post twice a month, but other things took precedence last month... More working hours on weekends, a long-overdue trip to New York to spend five days with my mom, a wonderful week-long visit from my oldest son. But, I have been stitching! Before I show you what I've been up to, I want to say a heartfelt "thank you" to each of you who commented on my last post or emailed me to congratulate me on the British Craft Award win. I couldn't be prouder to be a member of such a supportive community of needleworkers--we all celebrate each other's success whether it be for a new start, an amazing finish, or an unexpected honor! Thank you again, my friends--your kindness means so very much to me...
So, do you remember that sweet Prairie Schooler bunny stitched on black that I showed you in my March post? Well, he's all finished up and, I must say, I'm very proud of this one!! I made him into a little hanging pouch, filled it with some dried baby's breath, and hung it on the wooden knob of my corner cupboard. Oh, my--it just makes me smile every time I see it!! The bag is very small (just 3 1/2 inches from bottom to top (not counting the hanger)--just my style.
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| Prairie Schooler bunny pouch |
The back of the little pouch is a fun black and white polka-dot fabric and the gingham trim and hanger are cut from an old pair of slacks. It took me an entire afternoon to figure out how to make this as I had never done anything like it before. It's not perfect (as I couldn't figure out how to line it), but it looks pretty darn good for my first attempt at sewing curves, don't you think? My ancient 40-year-old sewing machine rebelled, though, and it was all I could do to coax it to do "just a few more stitches, please!"
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| Love, love, love this little finish! |
This next finish is one of the monochromatic designs from Little House Needleworks--Spring. I had the hardest time photographing it as it was a gray, dreary day when I took the photo. It is stitched "over one" on 28 ct. ivory evenweave so the finished size is just a bit over 3 inches square.
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| Little House Needleworks Spring |
For this piece, I worked backward and chose the floss color based on this pretty spring green piece of gingham I wanted to use (the gingham came from an old shirt of my husband's!). After auditioning all shades of green, the one that popped to the front was Anchor 214. Where I got this skein of Anchor thread, I have no clue as I only purchase DMC or overdyeds. It must have been a gift at some time or other. But, it worked perfectly for the fabric I had chosen! Here it is all finished up as a flat finish (the backing is simply covered with some ivory felt). I found a perfectly colored button and some green ric rak to jazz it up a bit. I'm very pleased with the final outcome...
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| A spring green finish |
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| Little House Needleworks Spring--all finished up! |
And my "A Walk In the Woods" sampler is inching along as well... I've added another line of letters and that gorgeous nest (which caused much anxiety as I kept having to rip out wrongly placed stitches time after time!). But, isn't it pretty with the lone egg resting there? My goal is to have this one finished by the end of April--fingers crossed!
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| It's growing! |
Our spring weather here in Western Pennsylvania has been less than ideal. I think because our winter was so easy this year, we all hoped for a warm, sunny, early spring! But, that hasn't been the case... There has been lots and lots of clouds and rain. Luckily, all I have to do to get my daily dose of sunshine is to look over at my "yellow" shelf in my corner cupboard. I dare you not to smile when you glance at it--just look at all of the cute bunnies, chicks, and sunny colors. I love it! When I posted this photo on my Instagram page, there were a lot of comments about that little polka-dot bowl. I had just purchased that (as a set of three!) for a mere $7.99 at Homegoods. The other two are white with yellow dots and yellow with white stripes--so cute for spring decorating!
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| My cheery yellow corner shelf |
March was my month to take in the treat for our department meeting at the library, so I spent a few hours in the kitchen making this plate of goodies. As you know, I love to bake, but with my three sons all grown and out of the house, I just can't bake as much as I used to when there were five of us living here. So, it was a real treat to put together this tray of Chunky Cheesecake Brownies and Outrageous Chocolate Chip Cookies for my very appreciative coworkers. You can try baking some for yourself by clicking on the names of the goodies--I've linked to the recipes for you! Yum!!
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| Chocolate overload! |
I really appreciate all of your thoughts on when to retire from my last post. I've pretty much decided that the end of 2018 will be it for me--right before I turn 64. But, there is a new bump in the road! My "new" boss who has been here all of one year, will be leaving at the end of this month... What a shock! Now we all have to adjust once again to a new manager and new ways of doing things. I'm getting too old for this! So, who knows... we'll see what transpires this year!
More advice needed... As I mentioned above, my old sewing machine (which was gifted to me by my parents as a college graduation gift 40 years ago!) is giving up the ghost. I have thought about purchasing a new machine, but the choice just seems overwhelming! There are so many bells and whistles now--do I really need them? On the other hand, I do hope to be sewing more in the future after retirement so I want more than a basic machine. Do any of you have advice for me? Any thoughts would be much appreciated!!
New Giveaway for this pretty chart... I have a lovely little Homespun Elegance chart which needs a new home. "Be Ye Kind & True" is from the May/June 1992 issue of "Cross Stitch and Country Crafts" magazine. An oldie, but goodie! If you are interested in giving this chart a new home,
just let me know in your comments. This is just two pages torn from a
magazine--not the whole magazine.
If more than one person wants it, I will do a drawing. PLEASE, PLEASE make sure to include your email in with your comment--I
won't be trying to track anyone down if they haven't included their
email address... Also, just so you know, I will be folding this up and
mailing it in a legal sized envelope to save on postage.
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| I'm giving away this chart from an old magazine |
GIVEAWAY WINNER from my last post... There were ten entries to win the Nora Corbett chart called "Gathering Eggs," so I did a simple drawing and the winner is:
Congratulations to Jo! Please send me your mailing address and I'll get this pretty chart off to you as soon as possible (although since Jo lives in England, it may take longer than normal!). I hope you enjoy it... And for those of you who didn't win this time--please keep an eye on my blog for future chart giveaways...
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| Chart giveaway won by Jo |
I hope some nice, sunny spring weather is finally here by the next time I post! Thanks so very much for visiting me today; it's always a pleasure to read your comments and emails... Wishing you a lovely week ahead with lots of stitching time! Bye for now...
72 comments:
Hi Carol: I am in love with the Bunny finish what a beauty.
Your LHN Spring is lovely, what a beauty of a finish.
I want them cookies, they look so good, and the brownies wow.
I retired in October 2015 and have not looked back, I loved my job and my boss was wonderful, but now I can get up when I want and stitch until2:00 a.m.
I have a Brother machine which I love it has several stitch's but I really only need it to make clothing and other things, I will keep an out to see what you get.
Love your Cupboard self.
Happy Easter
Catherine
I love your little pouch Carol,another beautiful finish.
Your yellow shelf is very pretty,it does make me smile and that polka dot bowl with Ivy in it is gorgeous.
I have a small sewing machine that is powerful enough for me to finish my stitching into ornaments but would not cope with a dress pattern.I often look at the more comprehensive machines just out of interest,not to purchase.
Your sampler is coming along well,it is such a pretty piece.
I hope your week is going well.
As usual I get excited when i see your posts pop up Carol. I love all your stitching. And retirement....a big decision. I am going to apply for my Social Security next week. I decided to take it at 62 since as a homemaker who only worked periodically, I do not get much on my own so I will be drawing on my husband's!! It will be my pocket money. Like you I have thought I purchasing a sewing machine for finishing work but all I need is a basic one so I have put that off as well. As beautifully as you finish things, I would think you could retire and have a good job finishing for all us stitchers!! I would send some of mine to you!!
Your pouch looks perfect to me and so cute in that mini-size. Love the green gingham piece too. So cool in monochrome.
Your yellow shelf is just so cheery and I understand why everyone is so enthralled with that polka dot bowl! You have a good eye for this stuff.
My sewing machine is in the same state as yours I think. And I too find the choices to be overwhelming. Machines don't last as long as they used to and that is especially true of cheaper models. I've been eyeing the Janome Magnolia that Vonna uses. She does tons of sewing and she just bought a second one to keep set up with different attachments to save tine. That's a great endorsement!
oh my!! that bunny pouch is the cutest!!! =) love it!! well done sweetie, beautiful stitching :)
I haven't been stitching but I've been crafting :) heheheh makes me happy to craft more now! the last 3 years were quite busy with my boy ;) oh!! and you asked for pics!! Of course I will send sweetie :D sorry but I can't send just one... I will send a load of photos by email ahahahahah
I'm a bit behind, catching up on my blog reading and still have all messages to reply.. *shame one me* I will send you an email soon ;)
Advices on sewing machines?
first: look for stores around you! you know why? because machines aren't as good as they used to be! If you need something to be repaired, it's best to have it near you! Don't buy online or some place far, where you will need to ship your machine if you need something =/ takes too much time! and also gets expensive ;)
In my personal opinion, Brother machines are the best and they also have a great support! But, again, look if your have a store near you, in case you need some help ;)
che belle le tue finiture Carol e il tuo angolo di Pasqua!
The sweet little bunny bag, the polka dotted bowl and the chocolate chip cookies definitely all caught my eye in this post! So nice to read your update. Been down with the flu here at our house. Hopefully we have turned the corner... :)
Carol, your bunny pouch is darling. I think it looks absolutely perfect for your first effort on this type of finish. Your LHN Spring finish is pretty as well. I really like the green you used for it. You are moving along with your Cricket Collection project. Love the nest! I know your co-workers enjoyed the cookie plate you put together. My only suggestion for a sewing machine, would be to try them out before deciding.
I would like to be entered in the giveaway for the chart you shared.
Enjoy your week!
Fantástico Carol.
Besos.
The bunny bag is precious, precious, precious! I'm sure you'll be making more in the future, now that you've had such success with your first one! Halloween, Christmas...
In November of 2015 my 1967 Singer Stylus began complaining. I had bought it with my first teacher paycheck. I chose a Baby Lock Katherine, and have loved it. I'm also a quilter and have enjoyed features that the Katherine offers, but it is not by any means one of the high end models. Nia is absolutely right - buy it from a store in your area that will clean it regularly, service it when there's a problem, and offer you one-on-one training or classes that will demonstrate all the features of the machine you select. There's a lot out there to choose from!
I bought a Viking Husqvarna Sapphire 875 Quilt sewing machine about 4 years ago and I just love it. My previous machine was a Kenmore which was a workhorse but was over 30 years old. I will agree that sewing machine are not built like they use to be and I would also buy a service plan with any new machine. I did that and was glad I did because of the new electronics of them. Hope that makes sense. Good luck with your search. Can't wait to see what you decide on:) Also love all your cute finishes.
Carol, I love your precious little bunny pouch! What a cute way to finish it! Love the spring house, too. Your decision to use part of your husbands shirt makes it extra special! As far as sewing machines, I bought a Viking Husqvarna Platinum 750 several years ago and LOVE IT! My suggestion when looking is to find one that is easy to use. I was able to use my machine the first day without having to refer to the manual. I don't like having to scroll through several menus to make the machine do what I want it to. Good luck with your search!
Carol I love your PS Bunny pouch!! The chocolate overload looks way too good!♥ I am so glad for you and your retirement decision. :D
Hello Carol,
a lovely post.
your little bunny is beautiful.
I like your Easter display.
Wonderful progress on your sampler.
Best wishes, Manuela
You've been busy! LHN Spring is gorgeous! And I love the bunny pouch. Good progress on "Walk", I really like the colors in that one. Happy Easter!
your finishes are just gorgeous. the bag is beautiful. the cookies made my mouth drool a bit lol. So happy to hear about retirement plans. how exciting. I have a janome, love it. Very simple, not to many . electronic buttons. If you want i can send you a picture of it. Just let me know. Happy stitching.
I am so envious of your gorgeous finishing Carol. They are all beautiful. Your yellow shelf is wonderful and those cookies and brownies look yummy.
Linda
Carol, your finishing skills are boundless! The flat fold to the little bag..cute, cute! Your progress looks great and I'm sure you'll finish the woodsy stitch this month. Since I only ask for zigzag and the straight stitch and a buttonholer on a sewing machine, I haven't got any advice on one. I really admire sergers but afraid it would just sit there gathering dust! I think a machine in the range of $100-$150 would give you a really nice machine. Good luck with a new manager, I know it's sometimes hard to adjust to their ways! Happy Easter!
Carol, dear friend, your embroidery is beautiful!
It's great that you can visit my mother, I do not have luck.
Our age is already on pension. I want to go this summer.
Hugs!
Such pretty Spring stitches Carol, and that yellow shelf is the perfect antidote for these gloomy days.
My sewing machine is a Husqvarna Viking, Emerald. It is one of the more basic ones, but I have had it for 10 years now and I love it. Besides the basic stitches it has an automatic button hole function. I did have to purchase a walking foot for quilting and a free motion embroidery foot, butI think the next model up from mine has those included. Unless you are looking to get into machine embroidery, a machine that does the basics is just fine. I would purchase from a sewing store if you can: they usually give free lessons and it's nice to have a local place to service your machine. They usually let you try them out in the store before you buy, just so you know what you feel comfortable with. There are a lot of great brands out there, so really it will come down to what you like. I had a Brother machine and it was a bit of a lemon, but other people have had Brothers and loved them. How exciting for you! Keeper us posted☺
Jenn
What a cute spring pouch! Spring, however, REALLY captured my eye! The fabric you finished it with really suits your finish - just gorgeous all around! Generally it seems red is the color that is stunning as a single color - you've proven that wrong!
What type of sewing do you want to do upon retirement? That may drive your decision. My suggestion is to buy from a dealer that you like and provides great support with intro/basics classes and skill builder classes. I personally am a Bernina lover and have two along with a straight stitch Pfaff and an 80's Kenmore. There is something to said about buying an older mechanical machine but it may not be suited for what you want to do.
Carol I just love all of your new stitches but I'm head over heels over the little bunny flower hanging. Oh my do I love it...the colors, the design and most of all your finish. Such a wonderful job on everything.
I also want to thank you so much for taking the time to help me with some blog questions. You were kind and very thoughtful. I wish I knew you were on a trip. I hated to bother you on your vacation. I hope it was a great visit and gave you lots of time to stitch. Have a great day! RJ
Love, love, love your bunny pouch Carol! What a cutie! You've been busy on the stitching front and your pieces are adorable. The other item that caught my eye was your cookie/brownie platter...looks de-lish. Thanks for posting the links for the recipes.
So much to comment on in this lovely post. I just LOVE your bunny pouch. You are so creative. Sorry your sewing machine gave up on you and I have no advice at all. Remember I just got into a fight with my sewing machine and we still aren't talking haha. I love your spring flat fold. Perfect way to finish it. Looks like a perfect match to me. I'm not an alphabet fan but I just love the look of your Walk in the Wood Sampler. Good luck on getting it finishing by your hopeful deadline. Your spring shelf is GORGEOUS. Definitely impossible not to smile at. I got a new shelf area for Christmas and I'm working on making it a monthly seasonal decoration display area. Wish I could reach through the computer and try your yummies. They look delicious indeed. Congrats to Jo!! Please don't enter me into your drawing. I wish everyone luck.
About a new sewing machine: I am a Husqvarna/Viking fan. What sold me on them is that they never need oiling. You will pay a bit more up front, but I think it's worth it. I've owned several, and purchased them for my daughters when they were learning to sew. Please don't buy a Singer as they haven't been well made in many decades. Happy shopping!
A thought or two about your sewing machine. Is it by any chance an old Singer that weighs a ton? My machine is a very basic old Singer that I got for all of $100 in the mid/late 70's, so is probably a few years younger than yours - just to give you a frame of reference. When I last had it overhauled (it was stitching *horribly*) a few years ago, the repairman made me promise that I absolutely would NOT get rid of it because nothing, absolutely nothing made these days can compare. And one other note - when my mother died, I inherited a nice, mid-level bells and whistles Bernina ... the Bernina's long gone and my ancient Singer's still going strong. So if there's a good repair shop anywhere close by, I recommend you have them look at it before you think about a new machine.
Your bunny bag is adorable - love the way you finished that stitch. And Walk in the Woods is looking marvelous (note to self: dig through stash for that chart).
Oops - one more thought: why do bosses leave once we're good and used to them? I told mine today that all I want is three more years before she went anywhere, LOL.
Your sampler is coming along beautifully. The pouch is just perfect! Fabulous job. I need to read all the comments later about the machine. I have a basic model I really like but the time is coming to replace.
I saw that cute pouch on IG and just love it! I also love that all green piece. Very pretty! Your spring shelf makes me happy too! I can't give you any advice about sewing machines. I have a Viking that my husband gifted me about 20 years ago. Whenever I take it in to get it cleaned, the ladies at the shop go on about how old it is! Well it's running ok so I'm not going to replace it!
have a great rest of the week,Carol and happy stitching!
Your Bunny pouch is just too cute!
And, I love the green LH piece, but then, I just love green!
Walk in the Woods is looking great, you will finish it this month, not much more to go.
Cute yellow shelf, and those goodies look delicious. :)
Marilyn
The bunny pouch finish is just adorable and i really love the monchrome LHN, it looks so clean and fresh.
When I bought my current sewing machine, I went for all the "bells and whistles" and to be honest after the novelty of them wore off I find that I very rarely use a lot of the features.
Oh Carol I love the little rabbit bag what a fun stitch and finish.
And the pale green one is just beautiful.
LOVE love love the yellow corner , Easter bunnies are the nices items to stitch.
Well machine's and I don't like each other , I turn into a vampire when I use my one , Oh how I wish I still had my old singer , I made all our cloths for my girls and myself years ago .
My new one has everything on it but it still is not the same , I hate it and I have to get my book out and read for an hour before I start I just don't have the TIME!
But I have to use it and it takes me a week to put something together ha.
Enjoy your Spring sweet friend.
Oh Carol you've done it again! Both finishes are simple gems :)
Having spent half a day finishing one, now you understand why my finishing bug is gone away! I have so little free time, it is precious and mainly allocated to my little crosses... the stitching, not finishing! :)
Retirement is far away in the horizon for me. Official age here in UK is currently 65 but is most likely to go up to 72 :(
Sewing machine wise, I have a basic BROTHER one I bought on sale a few years ago. It is more than enough for my minimum skills & use. However, I have heard JANOME is THE brand to get for good quality reliable sewing machine...
Your stitching and finishing is beautiful as always, Carol. I do love your bunny bag and admire you for doing so many of your projects on black! It makes the colors really pop. My eyes aren't good enough to tackle that color. Happy Spring!
Beautiful stitching, Carol! I am always so amazed at your over one stitching! The finishing on that little bunny pouch is darling. The sampler is looking fantastic!
As to sewing machine, I would suggest going to a place that sells and service sewing machines so you have the support there to help you (1) learn to use it as they usually have so many features, and (2) fix it when there are problems. I have an old Bernina (25 yrs?) and I love it. It was worth the money for what I use it for. So if you plan to sew a lot then go for the higher end, if not, get something more basic. Good luck!
Oh my goodness; the pouch is incredibly beautiful ♥♥♥ I simply love it.
I don't remember how many times I repeat this, but, I have to say it once more. You are one of the most skilled finishing masters I've ever known.
With my sincere admiration♥♥
Hi Carol. Love your bunny pouch and spring finish. I just finished a pouch for the first time also. I stitched WTNT Madame Cottontail. I stitched it on 40 count so had to adjust the size of the pouch. I would definitely appreciate those cookies and brownies!! I don't bake much either now that it is just the two of us. I seem to eat more than my share when I do bake. So best to do without!! I purchased a new sewing machine a couple years ago from a nearly local quit shop. It is a Viking sapphire 835. I really like it. I haven't used alot of the specialty stitches yet, but hope to do so. I also have an old singer from the early 60's...no plastic on that machine!! I had already bought the new one before I got the old one from my Mother in law. Oh well, the new one probably won't last as long as the old one. Util next time..happy spring.
Judy, heartland stitcher
basketstitcher@gmail.com
Your small pouch is perfect! Love the bunny too!!
The Spring finish is to cute, the button is adorable!
Lovely progress on your sampler!
Yummy cookies! ;)
I love the design that you are offering!
Congratulations to Jo! That design is just perfect for her!
Happy April!
I'm always in awe of your finishing of your stitching. You do such a terrific job. You seem to have an eye for colour and design.
What a treat for your coworkers. The cookies and brownies look soooo yummy.
Like you, my sewing machine must be getting close to 40 years old. I guess it depends on how much sewing you plan to do in the future as to what "bells & whistles" to get on a machine. I have no idea if they even make a "basic" machine that does just straight and zig-zag stitch any more. Good luck with whatever you choose.
I own a Viking Designer SE with all the bells whistles books hoops software a girl could imagine. I go into my studio and sew on my 7th grade Singer !!! It was my first sewing machine. My repair guy tells me the same thing - don't ever get rid of this !!!
I so want to sell the Viking but not a single bidnon eBay. I bought this thinking it was something I would do. Attend the classes etc. the classes were all during work hours. Now I am unemployed and have time and the small shop is out of business. The other dealer expects me to pay full retail for classes because I didn't buy it from their shop.
My advice is fix the old one and buy a simple model upgrade. Don't make the mistake I did!!! Look a long time before you make a decision.
Your bunny bag is just wonderful and that yellow corner makes me smile. I feel so blessed to have so many things in my home that make me smile.
Those goodies look great. I have joined Weight Watchers so there are very few goodies in my near future. However, I am happy with the program and I feel like I'm learning how to be a healthier eater! We are also having a cool wet spring. But for us it was after a long cold nasty winter.
Congrats on trying a new finishing technique. It turned out perfect. The flat folds are so pretty.
Your easter decor is so lovely. No wonder readers wanted to know some details.
Those cookies look delicious .
Sorry I can't advise you abt the sewing machine, I have seen my mom and mil using the old singer for basic sewing requirements.
I have been thinking to buy one , but can't justify the prices as I hardly sew. Most of my cross stitch finishes are framed.
Congrats to Jo, she is on a roll winning giveaway all around.
Hi Carol, Your bunny pouch is so cute, I love it!!:) The second finish is also pretty and different. It is so nice to see various finishing types. Your cookies look delicious too:)
I purchased my automatic sewing machine around ten years ago thinking that I will try machine embroidery, but it wasn't that easy. It is best to buy from local vendor. If you find discount online then ensure they have warranty period and local service centre. I purchased from my city and the service centre even provides the facility for basic servicing and repairing at home. That makes my life easy eventhough they take a minimum home visit charge. I usually go with a budget range and then most probably choose the latest model on the higher side of my budget range:) I don't go with a decision of what I can do currently on my sewing machine rather I also invest in what I might be interested in future. Also, sewing machine models are not like mobile phones. They will still have useful features even after many years, so don't worry. Do buy one which has a speed control option, I guess they have in most of the models these days.
Carol your finishes are so pretty, I love them all!
Carol, your little bunny pouch is just darling, and I love your cheerful yellow corner, what a great spot to showcase your seasonal stitches. I bought a Brother 6000 about 5 years ago to make drapes. I would buy another Brother but a higher end one to stich on thicker fabrics. I am very happy with this inexpensive machine. Good luck on your quest!!! Mary
How lovely finishes again. The bunny pouch is superb wonderful. Your shelf decorating is so pretty as well.
You have a good eye for everything beauty.
Such pretty spring stitching Carol! Love that little bunny bag.. such a pretty finish!
Hi Carol! I love both of your finished pieces for March! I don't remember seeing the green one on instagram, but what a fun finish - and I love how you used pants and a shirt for your finishing! You really did do a great job on the pouch - it is lovely. As far as a sewing machine, you might start by getting yours cleaned and oiled (if you haven't done that lately). It will cost far less than a new machine and will get you through for a while at a minimum, or may have it feeling quite new. If you do decide to buy a new machine, I recommend Janomes - I have two of them and my mom has two also (two different models than I have) and we love all four of them. The nice thing about Janomes is that the extra parts are not very expensive, so you can get specialty feet if you need them for a much smaller cost than other machines. I have a Gem Platium, which was my starter machine (I don't know that they make that one any more), and a 6600, which is a real workhorse and does a great job when I make purses and quilt tops. Love reading that you have a target date for retirement - I am sure the time between now and then will go quickly, and I know your coworkers will miss you (and your fabulous plates of treats!) when you retire, but I have no doubt you'll love the extra time for your hobbies! Hope you have a great weekend with plenty of time for stitching.
Once again...love your blog header! It is such a cute pattern. And your black bunny bag is adorable...what a nice finish! I love stitching on black. Your one color green is stunning. I would not have thought to do something one color like that, but it is beautiful. I love that you went backward and used your husband's shirt! And I love that all the finishing you do is always unique and different. I am envious of your Walk in the Woods. Love that pattern. Wish I had time to do more stitching! Maybe one day. I have no experience with sewing machines, as my favorite is my 50+ year old Sears Kenmore. I do use a Husquvanra, but all my quilting friends have Berninas. That seems to be THE machine. Don't know what I would do if I had to buy a new one! Good luck on your search! Hugs! and Happy Easter!
The bunny pouch is great. You've done quite a bit of stitching over one. I find it exhausting to concentrate on one over one but the end product is worth the effort.
I agree with Jennifer about getting your machine cleaned and oiled. I had been having problems with my 30 year old sewing machine last year and after spending the equivalent of $60, it's like new and I love it again!
Thank you or visiting by little blog and leaving so nice comments about the diamond painting I had done :) The Bunny Pouch and everything else is just adorable.
Carol, your bunny pouch is adorable. The flat finish is another triumph. It's funny how we all collect things over the years and then find THE perfect use for them many years later. The sampler is coming along beautifully too.
Would you mind sending me a brownie to sample ... or have they all gone. LOL.
Have a good weekend.
Love, love, love all your projects...the Spring finish is adorable!
trop mignon ce lapinou,
très bon dimanche
Rose
Carol, somehow I forgot to mention how much I love my Pfaff sewing machine. I've had mine for 25 years and absolutely love it. It has never had to go in for work and sews like a dream even though it is an older model now. The automatic tension feature is worth it's weight in gold. The tension on my first machine was always getting messed up and I don't even have to think about tension with Pfaff. It is an investment to start but when you average it over it's past 25 years of use it only comes to about $60 a year. If I ever get a new one I'll get Pfaff again but this one doesn't seem to have any plans of not working! RJ
Little House Spring finish brought a smile to my face - it is SO perfect. Thanks for the recipe links - I am a chocoholic so I will be checking them out.
I do follow you on instagram but I just love reading your blog. I love the details about your projects, the finishes. thank you. Congrats on winning the 2017 British Blog award. Yours is one of my favorite.
Oh dear -- another new boss. I hope the adjustment goes well and the new new boss is a good one. Such a pain! As for a new sewing machine -- I think the most important thing is that you have a dealer who can give you help and maintain your sewing machine for you close by. There are so many good machines out there. It all depends on what you want it to do, how much you want to spend, etc. I'm no expert at all. I did end up getting a Pfaff and I like it a lot. I based that decision on the fact that I have a good store close to me that takes care of the machines and is a dealer. But Pfaff, Bernina are the biggies. Janome I've heard good things about too. :D
No chart for me but I wanted to say that your bunny bag is absolutely adorable!!
I'm a bit late commenting here but I love everything especially the LHN finish - simply beautiful! Sorry to hear about the new boss, I know how unsettling that can be.
I just adores that PS bunny pouch. A perfect choice to stitch in black.
Beautiful finishing for the LHN - Spring. Your Easter display is adorable. Maybe someday I'll try the cookies, they do looked delicious, like you, my kids are away from home too.
Hope everything is smooth going at work for you.
Happy Easter !
Your finishes are adorable, Carol. I love that you used your husband's shirt for the flat ornament -- I'm sentimental that way. :) That basket... so cute!!
How exciting for you that you have a retirement date on the timeline. I wish I were close, but alas I have at least 16 years to go.
Sorry I can't help you with a machine choice, but I've had my Kenmore since I was 18 years old. Since I learned to sew on the model my Mom had, I bought the same one. Other than being very heavy, it works great. I do hope you write about your machine, how you like it, and why you chose it.
Your little bag with this sweet Prairie Schooler bunny is just a dream, Carol. I have often thought of making a bag with such a shape but never did it. I might try it one day - when the finishing bug will visit again.
That LHN spring design is so sweet. I love the colour you chose for it and also the finishing is perfect.
Great progress on your little sampler which isn't so little any longer.
I love that yellow corner shelf. Yellow is the colour of spring for me as the first flowers in our garden are yellow primroses and the flowers on our forsythia scrubs. And we have so many that it's like a yellow sea when you look into the garden in spring.
Some years ago my 50 years old sewing machine started not to do the basic stitches any longer and I thought it was time for a new one. I bought a Janome and I'm very happy with it. But I'm sure you will hear the same from people who have bought other machines. So, not really a tip here ...
Please, don't include me in the drawing for the wonderful give-away chart - I already have it :)
Love your bunny pouch Carol hanging in your corner cupboard and it´s perfect with that touch of baby´s breath and I like how A walk in the woods is coming along, such a pretty piece. Pity about another new boss, wonder why he is leaving after only just a year and exciting to choose a new sewing machine. I have a Husqvarna which I´m happy enough with but all extras have to be ordered as we have no local dealer here. Happy Easter.
Dear Carol, What a lovely post...as always :) Love your finishes...the mini bag is adorable!! ...and cookies and brownies look delicious!! About sewing machines, in Spain the most recommended brand is Bernina (I want a new one too). Changes come and go at work...hope won't be hard for you!! Giovi
Cute finishes, especially the bunny bag. Your treats look very yummy I bet your co-workers appreciated them.
The best advise I can give with the sewing machine is go and try a few out. When I was looking for my last machine I went to the main UK quilt show and was able to try all the different machines and compare them as all the manufacturers had stands.
Hi Carol! I'm a bit confused with the fabric sizes simply because here in Brazil we don't have as many options to choose from as you guys have there in the US. When I use one that would be as close as a 14 count (it is actually an 11 count) I end up with a final product that is too large. Could you please tell me what your Little House Needleworks Spring Green measurements are?
It's me! I won LOL
Love the bunny pocket, your curves are very neat and even.
The Easter display is lovely too. I saw so many beautiful Easter displays on my blog hop this year that I feel inspired to make one myself next year. I just need more Easter stitching, I have the charts just need the time!
Oh, another post that I was sure that I had commented on! Your bunny pouch is so very pretty and I love the green LHN design, Thank you for another lovely giveaway, but I will give it a miss this time. hugs, Kaye P.S. Those cookies look delicious!
Love your bunny pouch - so adorable. All of your finishes and WIPS are gorgeous. I have a White sewing machine that I have had for years; still works good for me. But I know there have been great improvements and options made available in the newer machines. Good luck shopping.
I love your stitchery and would love to win a pattern. Liz Shilds
I love your stitchery and would love to win a pattern. Liz Shilds
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