tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68459387451353280782012-01-24T15:29:21.566-08:00Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.comBlogger2151100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-8490841812517977302012-01-24T15:29:00.000-08:002012-01-24T15:29:21.626-08:00

My new design for February is called Spring Blues and it uses one color, or skein, of floss.  I used a hand dyed silk floss for more color. I made it into a table square using some of the Secret Garden fabrics from Sandi Henderson.     I made some needlecases today with some of my Spoonflower art fabrics. This one is made with my Feather Botanical fabric. I liked how the black and

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-32729414944674277202012-01-17T15:44:00.000-08:002012-01-17T15:44:14.335-08:00

I made my second biscornu this week.  I want to make several to get familiar with the process of finishing them and to maybe have some holiday themed designs.  Plus they are just an addicting project.  They work up quickly and turn out so cute.  Quick little gifts, they look nice on display, and they are useful.  I'm shopping around for some lavender flowers to make my next one into a sachet.

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-49113647998931760422012-01-12T11:47:00.000-08:002012-01-12T11:47:26.477-08:00

I've been wanting to make a biscornu for a while now and see some lovely cross stitch biscornu patterns, but wanted to try one in hand embroidery to see how it would work.  This is my first pattern with little bees and bee skeps.  The other side coordinates but is different, just a bee and flowers.  These are so fun to make and much easier than I thought they would be.  I'm working on some

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-69225744715478071252012-01-03T15:22:00.000-08:002012-01-03T15:30:29.438-08:00

I finished my bluebird hand embroidery pattern last evening and today I made a little banner and a pillow. I took just part of the main design and made a smaller project and used different colors to experiment a little. This is a small little banner. I like to hang these around my house and they are easy to change when I want something new. I used another part of the design and embroidered

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-71093134707181085412011-12-29T14:48:00.000-08:002011-12-29T14:58:36.310-08:00

I worked with some new fabrics over the Christmas holidays, Sandi Henderson's Secret Garden collection. Very vibrant colors and unique color combinations in the fabrics with large repeats. I found a very easy quilt pattern in an older Quilts and More magazine. Large nine patch squares alternating with 9 1/2" squares. It was very easy and went together quickly. I had several fat quarters

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-63068899779567209362011-12-22T13:43:00.001-08:002011-12-22T13:47:51.213-08:00

This is my latest hand embroidery project and I'm hoping to have them done for January. I felt like doing some bluebirds, such happy little birds. I tried some different flowers and more satin stitches along with my favorites I put in every pattern. I found some wonderful linen tea towels at a quilt shop not long ago and I will put part of the design on one of those too. Merry Christmas!

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-78605549921426767082011-12-14T15:39:00.001-08:002011-12-14T15:57:12.544-08:00

I have another stack of fabric samples to play with. I love sewing with fabrics that I designed. If you haven't tried Spoonflower I recommend it, so fun! I used my "Blue Roses and Berries" fabric for this needlecase. I put a little strip of pink ribbon and used a decorative stitch to sew it on. The inside has a couple pockets and a piece of wool felt for sharp things. I liked the dusty pink

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-64835595260689656342011-12-06T13:33:00.000-08:002011-12-06T13:55:45.000-08:00

I finished my new hand embroidery design called "In the Neighborhood" and am planning a sewing project to finish it using Sandi Henderson's new fabrics called "Secret Garden". The greens in the fabric match my green flosses in the embroidery really well. Last weekend we held our annual Christmas Fair in the old post office in town. It was very nice with so many wonderful arts and crafts for sale

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-7847232335242589022011-11-29T15:25:00.001-08:002011-11-29T15:34:57.783-08:00

These are the last few projects I've made with my Spoonflower fabrics. This is a little zip pouch using my Butterflies in Orange fabric. I've been trying to use the last of my samples and make things for our local art show Saturday. I have a new shipment of samples coming in the mail any day now. I'm very excited to see them. I used a lot of my ink drawings in them and a lot of pink, I really

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-84086564620298663992011-11-21T14:12:00.000-08:002011-11-21T14:24:54.204-08:00

These are the last few pincushions and zip pouches I've made for our art fair in a couple weeks. I liked how they turned out so wanted to show them individually. I used my Lavenders fabric and a commercial lavender plaid fabric to compliment. This one has my Ice Cream Cone Plaid fabric in pastel colors and a pink ribbon. Bright and cheerful. This a holiday inspired pincushion with my Stockings

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-27560249507950610862011-11-13T15:24:00.000-08:002011-11-13T15:36:12.831-08:00

I've been busy sewing again getting ready for our annual art fair. I finished up my pincushion spree this week and thought they turned out pretty good. I have a nice variety of color combinations. This one uses my Bright Balloons fabric from Spoonflower. The balloons have different patterns inside them. I bought a fat quarter set of Beatrix Potter fabrics a couple years ago to make some things

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-25608292909487805532011-11-06T09:28:00.000-08:002011-11-06T09:34:53.840-08:00

I finished my redwork cross stitch pattern. I really like working with all one color. I can get into the "zen" of stitching and completely relax and stitch. Really enjoyable. This little pattern has mostly cross stitches so it is easy to do that. And if I want to stitch it again in another color I can (this is the second time I've stitched this pattern :). I think I will design a different one

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-35048086987396430212011-10-27T13:51:00.000-07:002011-10-27T14:05:58.093-07:00

I've been busy sewing for our local art fair the weekend of December 1st. I've been using my Spoonflower samples to make the little pincushions above. I'm glad I made them in advance so I can enjoy them for a while. I like their cheerful colors and shape. Pattern is from Details by Des on Etsy. I've also made some small pouches for the fair. Perfect size for your purse to put whatevers in. This

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-89744026124137485562011-10-19T09:22:00.000-07:002011-10-19T09:37:39.214-07:00

I found a fun pincushion pattern on Etsy from Details by Des and it is super easy and fun to make. I used some of my Spoonflower fabrics to make it and a commercial fabric. This is the bottom (I uploaded in wrong the order :) and I used my Blue and Green Dots fabric. The top has my Tropical Fish fabric with a little of the blue dot fabric for the fabric button. Really quick to make. The only

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-71711938130544185422011-10-14T14:16:00.001-07:002011-10-14T14:23:32.622-07:00

I've been working on new designs for 2012 and some lavender came to mind. Lavender is one of my favorite scents and flowers. I have lavender sachets in my linen closets and will buy all the lavender scented house care products on the market...just smells clean and fresh to me. I like the brown and purple color combination and I added a little green and so far so good. My last two Christmas

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-52413413144008305212011-10-09T09:15:00.001-07:002011-10-09T09:25:23.608-07:00

I picked up a collection of charm squares from Moda a while ago and the colors matched my new bluebird design perfectly so I decided to make a charm square table topper for a new decoration. Can you see him up there in the corner? He blends nicely I think. I trimmed the cross stitch fabric around the design to match a charm square and then sewed rows of the squares together. I didn't put any

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-66997784404743464192011-09-29T14:29:00.000-07:002011-09-29T14:36:02.623-07:00

I've been working a lot on new needlework patterns lately for the Needlework Show next month. I've done a little bluebird cross stitch and I am looking forward to matching fabrics, but I'm not quite sure how I want to finish him yet. I think he'd look nice in a frame yet a little ornament sounds cute too. As it gets colder my interest in sewing increases so I've been taking inventory of my

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-13078493850454471562011-09-22T14:07:00.000-07:002011-09-22T14:20:25.892-07:00

I've been sewing up some autumn market and messenger and tote bags, all kinds of bags... Bags that can be folded up easily to take with you to the farmer's market or just to have near in case you need to use it. I like them on display in the house too, very colorful. Also some patchwork scarves. These are fun and easy to make with leftover fabrics. I sewed the fabrics together with a little soft

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-64697838694077754692011-09-14T15:21:00.000-07:002011-09-14T15:34:08.295-07:00

I've been embroidering on some lovely organic cotton/linen towels and thought they could be used for basket liners or candle mats. I love the color and the feel of them. They have serged edges to prevent fraying and the edges have a lacy look from the serging. I was sorting through my growing stack of samples from Spoonflower and I liked the way this bunch went together. I really like to make

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-12546716137819227242011-09-07T14:55:00.000-07:002011-09-07T15:08:06.173-07:00

I got a bunch more samples back last week and have been busy cutting and photographing them. Daisy Blue is a watercolor design fabric with shasta daisies and little yellow chamomile flowers. I like the blue and yellow together. Blue Roses and Berries is a barely blue background with blue roses and sprays of berries in different colors. Mauve pink and olive greens with little dragonflies buzzing

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-21209437362386217742011-09-05T13:58:00.000-07:002011-09-05T14:13:56.188-07:00

I finished my Little Witch hand embroidery pattern just in time for the onset of autumn. I used Gentle Art Sampler flosses on some light caramel colored quilting fabric with a swirl pattern. The ghosts look pretty happy and the little witch is ready to head out for trick-or-treat adventures. I was browsing the new cozy mystery book selection at my local Walgreens the other day and found this

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-40629114818619583592011-08-22T16:24:00.000-07:002011-08-22T16:43:59.993-07:00

Today I was inspired to make a patchwork table cloth out of a stack of my Spoonflower fabric collection and I cut up twenty samples and made forty blocks to put together. I bought a little postcard pattern at a quilt show earlier in the year and used that for my pattern. I had a lot of pinks, mostly pinks and some blue/purples so I arranged them all in rows of eight with five rows total. I

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-14129033989534697022011-08-15T10:36:00.000-07:002011-08-15T10:44:15.260-07:00

I started a new embroidery pattern for Halloween. It has three ghosts, a witch with her little black cat hiding behind her all in the pumpkin patch on the night of the full moon. I'm using Gentle Art Sampler flosses and picked up some bright autumn fabrics at the quilting store in town over the weekend. All the characters in this pattern make it fun to stitch, can't wait to get back to it.

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-27986944488097698472011-08-07T10:14:00.000-07:002011-08-07T10:24:54.751-07:00

I've been making more placemats and used some of my Spoonflower fabric for the centers again. I matched them with complimentary commercial fabrics. Above is my Cosmos Key fabric where I drew some other treasures along with my white cosmos flowers. This fabric was from one of my journal pages and I called it Pink Petunia and Domino . It has a domino, an old broken purple bottle and ladybugs among

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-61877531833351553622011-07-26T14:46:00.001-07:002011-07-26T14:52:57.303-07:00

I was working with greens the other day making greeting cards for women family and friends. I added one of my hydrangea drawings and I liked how the green in the leaf blended with the background scrolls. I found myself in a mood to sew and made this tulip garden hand embroidery design into a table runner with some really bright summery fabrics. I like using several colors in my embroidery designs

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-82285353587423728612011-07-17T13:05:00.000-07:002011-07-17T13:14:19.532-07:00

I'm happy to have my new butterflies design done finally. I found some nice and bright fabric to frame it with. It's a fun design to stitch with a little back stitching and French knots for textile interest. I really like doing French knots, like them better than attaching beads. Here's one of my new angel greeting cards I've been working on. She has a similar colorway as my cross stitch design

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-90178840866464316522011-07-08T09:55:00.001-07:002011-07-08T10:08:40.405-07:00

I selected four of my fabric samples to make a set of placemats with the sample in the center. I used commercial fabrics built up around it to make a placemat. This sample is Blue Lilacs and Columbinesand I scalloped the edges with a rotary cutter. This sample is Forget Me Not which is from a watercolor painting and has similar values of blue on a white background. This is one of my first

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-54088899375850673102011-07-01T12:46:00.001-07:002011-07-01T12:55:55.644-07:00

This is a post about pink things, even though it's Fourth of July weekend, I'm feeling pink. I used several paintings and drawings in this note card to make it a collage style. It's fun to be able to use art I did years ago in new ways and new projects. When Spoonflower had free shipping last week I took advantage of that and ordered thirty more fabrics that I had been working on. This is part

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-72751851915441610982011-06-24T16:27:00.000-07:002011-06-24T16:39:56.786-07:00

It's the season for cutting flowers from the garden and making bouquets. Kind of nice not to have to buy bouquets that other people make, I like to make my own. This is a watercolor of a larkspur bouquet I painted. I also like to collect vases, pitchers and such to put flowers in. Today I cut some deep red dianthus and put it into a canning jar which I thought suited the humble little bouquet.

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-23074513833829530812011-06-20T08:48:00.001-07:002011-06-20T08:51:54.559-07:00

Anywhere in the world free shipping on fabric from Spoonflower on Monday June 20th only! Great time to buy some really unique art fabrics! Enjoy.

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-44556067631233341212011-06-16T11:14:00.000-07:002011-06-16T11:23:57.643-07:00

I finished my French Kitty embroidery pattern and it was fun to do. I'm thinking of designing some fabric on Spoonflower to finish it into a runner. I am wanting some red fabrics and then accents with medium blues. I used Gentle Art flosses and they have great subtle color changes in their hand dyed flosses. My butterflies cross stitch is coming along. I have been focusing more on my hand

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-28364004969597699882011-06-11T07:49:00.000-07:002011-06-11T08:01:20.994-07:00

I like to stitch small things and I've been stitching a lot of bookmarks, I really love to read too, so that is something I will use. I also like useful things. This is my newest collection featuring some different style flowers. I finished them in a shabby style with raw edges together and coordinating fabrics and ribbons. Fun and quick projects. My newest hand embroidery design featuring a

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-45443843554999720612011-06-04T09:36:00.000-07:002011-06-04T09:45:05.330-07:00

I've been painting different cards relating to the crafts I like to do and this one reminds me of an embroidered quilt or even a table runner with embroidered sections. Think I may have to make something like this for my house... This was my first attempt at a frame purse and I was nervous to make it because I really wanted it to turn out. It was really fun to make after relaxed a little and I

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-63673996033044030142011-05-27T16:25:00.000-07:002011-05-27T16:39:32.026-07:00

I've been working on this little flower blossom in hand dyed silk called "hopscotch days" on some warm pink hand dyed fabric. I think I will make it in to a needlecase with some of my pink fabric that is in the background. Almost finished with it. I've stitched this design before in a lighter color of pink so I wanted to try it in brighter colors. I've been busy sewing today with my new fabrics.

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-992326939258405362011-05-20T14:58:00.001-07:002011-05-20T15:04:33.585-07:00

The quilt show is in town this weekend so I went to have a look at all the beautiful creations. Lots and lots of big beautiful quilts. It was really fun to look at all the color combinations and designs. I like little projects to make and wanted something new to make with my fabrics I've been designing. Cupcake potholders I just had to have and I found another pattern with a pear potholder. Will

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-16133238342195339192011-05-13T12:03:00.000-07:002011-05-13T12:10:40.556-07:00

I got some more of my Spoonflower fabric samples in the mail this week. They turned out nice. I did have to play with the reds a little bit to get more color, but other than that all the colors look great. Pinks print very well. This was a watercolor stripe I painted in different shades of pink and then put it into a flower shape. The printing picked up the watercolor effects nicely. I put pieces

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-45821332414606892952011-05-08T11:09:00.000-07:002011-05-08T11:23:35.455-07:00

I was very excited to get my fabrics from Spoonflower in the mail last week and was inspired to make some small things with it. I used my spring snippets fabric along with some of my other watercolor fabric in this needlecase. This zippered pouch uses the cabbage rose watercolor fabric. It printed out in large scale before I knew l could scale it down :) I didn't think I would like it big, but I

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-65565396932436100332011-04-27T11:41:00.001-07:002011-04-27T11:49:13.599-07:00

I finished my chicken cross stitch pattern this week and framed her in a wooden frame with fabric strips for the matte effect. She is very easy to stitch using just cross stitches and eight colors of Weeks Dye Works flosses. I used 30 ct. hand dyed Havana linen from Weeks Dye Works. They've got some lovely linen colors now to coordinate with their flosses.

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-55800216237182070712011-04-18T11:15:00.000-07:002011-04-18T11:32:11.050-07:00

Bright flowers for spring stitching. This pattern uses Weeks Dye Works flosses, one color for each flower so very easy stitching - I like simple stitching. It is stitched on hand dyed linen from Wichelt Imports. Finished as a pillow. I called this design "Flower Portraits". It uses all DMC floss on aida fabric. I put a little sunshine charm on the sun at the top. I like to paint flowers and

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-6737220730369511072011-04-10T11:35:00.000-07:002011-04-10T11:49:59.217-07:00

This is an update on my blue lilacs. There are lots of color changes to give a watercolor effect so it is taking me a little while to do this one. I really like the colors and simple flower design. I want to find some French blue fabrics with a little yellow to finish the design in a table runner. These are my first four fabrics I designed on Spoonflower. It takes a while to get them and I have

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-85976383622854789492011-04-01T08:40:00.000-07:002011-04-01T08:51:20.472-07:00

I went to the local shops last weekend and was happy to find some vintage linen napkins in the little antique shop. I like to collect vintage linens and thought I might try to embroider a little design on them and see how that turns out. I really like linen fabric too, one of my favorites. I thought the dots on the sage green fabric would be fun to embroider in . I got a copy of Victoria

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-65415868285749472032011-03-26T09:32:00.000-07:002011-03-26T09:40:18.084-07:00

I have been feeling a bit of cabin fever lately so I wanted to stitch something spring-like and found some butterflies to do. Nice bright colors in orange, red and yellow from The Gentle Art. I bought a pack of precut Moda fabric squares and chose one of those to embroider the design on. I will make it into a little ornament when I'm done. I also embroidered another part of the design on

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-51921340942655135812011-03-17T14:34:00.000-07:002011-03-17T14:39:47.772-07:00

I grew up on a farm for a lot of my childhood and enjoy animals, especially sheep and chickens. Black sheep are my favorite. Their faces so dark their eyes are hidden. Love their fluffy wool and passive way. And because spring is my favorite season. Driving past a green pasture and one day it is sprinkled with newborn lambs with pure white wool and I always see if there is a little black

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-84003384944456025352011-03-10T10:51:00.001-08:002011-03-10T10:57:05.650-08:00

This week I finished my Angel Friends embroidery pattern. Their dresses were my favorite part to embroider. I mixed the colors and patterns and stitches for interest. I think it is a cheerful pattern. I used some French General fabric to border the design and put it into a frame. It is kind of a country blue with little red flowers which went with the floss colors I chose very well.

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-35691804951923599212011-03-04T11:14:00.000-08:002011-03-04T11:25:10.358-08:00

Spring is my favorite time of year. I love the birds, trees being to leaf out, stays sunnier longer and the prettiest magazines are out on the news stands. The new Victoria issue takes readers to lovely Ireland and there are some lovely pictures. I read Country Gardens frequently. It has great photos and stories. This issue has a feature on Sharon Lovejoy and I like her too. I've been feeling the

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-34746260424014985872011-02-25T07:54:00.000-08:002011-02-25T08:06:04.387-08:00

When I think of March I think of green. Probably because of St. Patrick's Day. I remember in elementary school I had a very fun teacher who loved the holidays. She brought green Kool-Aid one St. Patrick's day. She decorated the classroom with green shamrocks made of construction paper and we left the classroom and came back to things in disarray because the leprechauns had visited while we

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-22398502452784501682011-02-18T09:20:00.000-08:002011-02-18T09:32:04.022-08:00

I've started to embroider my "Angel Friends" pattern. I'm using Gentle Art Sampler flosses in some really rich colors. I don't work with these colors much and really like the combination. Seems like kind of a folk art country cabin color theme to me. Anxious to work on it this weekend. We finally got some snow and it is snowing now, so happy. We were too dry and dusty for a long time so

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-10185455721968803022011-02-11T08:04:00.000-08:002011-02-11T08:12:20.632-08:00

I have a little hand embroidery pattern in the new issue of Create and Decorate April 2011. It is called "Blue Cottage Banner". Embroidery pattern and finishing instructions are included. To celebrate I am giving away two new copies of the magazine to two lucky winners. Just leave a comment below and I will contact the two winners via email to get mailing information. I will pick the names next

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-17832416738941394942011-02-07T14:04:00.000-08:002011-02-07T14:12:11.316-08:00

I began a new project over the weekend inspired by a blue lilac watercolor and ink drawing I did a while back. I love the French blue and yellow color theme and with spring coming soon I wanted to do something bright. I think I will start trying to find some French blue fabrics and sunshine yellow to go with this pattern to make into a runner for my buffet. I'm using DMC floss also and it has

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-6540579750202513232011-01-31T08:27:00.001-08:002011-01-31T08:43:31.963-08:00

I finished my little cross stitch dress form pattern. I used thin 1" strips of fabric to frame it and make a little wall banner out of it. It has little black ribbons on top to tie in a bow and hang. I have been wanting to use additional stitches in my cross stitch designs for more variety and interest - especially French knots. I love French knots. I used to use a lot of beads, but find I just

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-70585554895821317102011-01-26T06:45:00.000-08:002011-01-26T06:55:59.821-08:00

I've been getting my Valentine cross stitch patterns out recently. It is one of my favorite holidays next to Halloween (complete opposite holidays - is that strange?) I think it is because I like pink and I love pumpkins - pink and orange are of the same color family so that makes some sense. I finally learned how to do hyperlinks (finally) so I am trying them out today. I am almost finished

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-33420056876796609882011-01-22T16:31:00.000-08:002011-01-22T16:40:50.715-08:00

I've been setting up shop at Artfire. It is an online marketplace a lot like Etsy, but you don't need to be a member to purchase items from there which makes it really nice. I have been putting my needlework patterns in my store the last few days and getting to know the site and learn about it. I almost have all of my Valentine related designs on there. Very excited about it! If you have a

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-35827221150856442212011-01-12T15:38:00.000-08:002011-01-12T15:46:04.649-08:00

I've been working on French knots today on a new pattern I designed. I found it to be easier if I skip a thread when going back through the knot rather than going through the same hole. Keeps it nice and secure. I really like making French knots. I've added a new little pair of embroidery scissors to my collection. I love little things and embroidery scissors are one of them. I also

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-34488502481912379742011-01-03T08:32:00.001-08:002011-01-03T08:34:21.493-08:00

If you get a chance this month stop by Wichelt Imports www.wichelt.com and get this free pattern I designed for them for January. Happy New Year!

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-84076854744933429562010-12-30T13:13:00.000-08:002010-12-30T13:27:16.487-08:00

This Christmas we received some handmade pillows with our last name initial on them done in a neat chenille technique. I'd never seen this done before and think it looks great. I love to get handmade things for Christmas. I gave several handmade things for gifts this Christmas. Baskets from Etsy, pens and pottery from our local artists. My husband and kids gave me a lap table for Christmas so I

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-15223404121276956032010-12-14T12:06:00.000-08:002010-12-14T12:14:31.111-08:00

I found these lovely linen napkins on Etsy a couple weeks ago while on a shopping spree. I wanted to buy lots of handmade gifts this year and found some nice things on Etsy and at our local craft fair. I plan on embroidering some type of spring design on these. They have a lovely lacy appearing edge on them too. I may decide to put some in my shop with the design inked on them ready to

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-50008964959658846862010-12-09T11:40:00.000-08:002010-12-09T11:53:17.438-08:00

I decided to do a free pattern for Wichelt for 2011 and my month is January so this is what I designed. A New Year wreath. I wanted wintery peaceful colors to reign in the new year. Visit the Wichelt Imports site and you can get it in January, www.wichelt.com Christmas shopping last weekend I found these two little journals. Since I have a blue theme in this post I wanted to post them.

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-60541167582956154132010-11-29T13:02:00.001-08:002010-11-29T13:12:51.637-08:00

I've been putting some little Christmas designs on towels. I bought these organic towels off Etsy and they are lovely, but difficult to see through, so I just have to draw my design on it without a pattern. I've been using DMC flosses since they are colorfast and the colors won't run. I'm really enjoying this little project. The towels will also work well for basket liners so I am going

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-5602208322016434732010-11-22T11:24:00.001-08:002010-11-22T11:38:40.586-08:00

Since there is snow on the ground now and it will be near zero this week I found myself thinking of spring and decided to paint some apple blossoms and a clear robin's egg blue sky. It was fun for a bit as I imagined myself among the sweet fragrance in the warm weather; but I'm not ready for it yet. I am looking forward to the holidays and maybe some snow shoeing... This is my priscilla gown

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-83117364977639802752010-11-15T13:06:00.000-08:002010-11-15T13:16:03.699-08:00

This little pumpkin square pattern was in the October 2010 Create and Decorate issue and I stitched mine with Gentle Art Sampler Wool flosses. It was the first time I used the wool flosses and they were really fun to work with. Gail Mumford stitched the design her own way on a dish cloth using varigated wool and a half cross stitch. I thought it was really neat and wanted to post it. Our

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-92068150005430733872010-11-09T14:37:00.001-08:002010-11-09T14:47:52.654-08:00

Another sewing day. Woke up before the sun this morning inspired and this is what I worked on today. I like to be able to create versaile patterns to make many different things. Ornaments, bookmarks and such. I like little things. I traced just portions of the patterns to make ornaments and dressed them up with lace and ribbon. These work up really fast. I like that too. And a little

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-60657842764066429392010-11-04T07:31:00.000-07:002010-11-04T07:36:37.605-07:00

I really like French needlework and that inspired this trio of Christmas Box cross stitch ornaments. Lots of swirls and curls and all in one color. That can be relaxing in itself, stitching with one color. I added a little gold filament and a few gold beads for accent and sparkle. After finishing the blue Christmas tree I realized the backing was in the shape of a Christmas tree light bulb.

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-72420774538797535822010-10-26T13:23:00.000-07:002010-10-26T13:34:08.923-07:00

I really like the green and purple theme. I've been making these runners made with wide pieces that sew up in no time and have quite a collection now. I like to display them on my hutch and change them with the seasons; this one looks like it would be good for January to me. Hope the picture doesn't affect your equilibrium :) I tried to capture the whole runner to show you. I finished my

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-14644116802887758912010-10-19T15:47:00.000-07:002010-10-19T15:55:40.388-07:00

Really been in the mood to sew lately. That is a good thing - I went for quite a while without the inspiration and I was beginning to wonder. A different combination of red fabrics and an oriental botanical with red and pink blossoms in it for a change in the mix. The pink in the blossoms picks up the pink in the cross stitch design nicely. I initially had this design in a frame and decided

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-5673821306279541172010-10-11T13:01:00.001-07:002010-10-11T13:09:14.870-07:00

This is one of my favorite fabrics I've come across in a long time. Reminds me of the Adam's family. The black cats are so cute and the different characters. I tried to place the characters so it seemed they were looking at you from different places, peeking eyes everywhere. I put a little embroidered black pumpkin at the top too, on pink. I really liked the small bits of pink in the fabric

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-54572875639611475122010-10-03T10:19:00.000-07:002010-10-03T10:26:57.474-07:00

The weather is a lot cooler, we've had some rain and I feel like sitting on the couch with my cross stitch project and a good podcast or movie, maybe both. I am almost finished with my letter C from Mirabilia. I am happy with how it is turning out since I decided to use Weeks Dye Works flosses rather than the Crescent Colors show in the pattern. I thought the colors matched pretty well. This

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-71671904680492410592010-09-20T12:55:00.000-07:002010-09-20T13:17:16.065-07:00

I'm getting closer to being ready to release my Christmas design for this year. It is called "Snowgirls" and I sewed the design into a runner today. I used French General fabrics, they have beautiful fabrics and I love the feel, drape and color combinations. I used 3" wide strips in four different coordinating fabrics. I am looking forward to using it this Christmas. "Snowgirls" uses Weeks Dye

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-23649366345668952862010-09-15T08:46:00.001-07:002010-09-15T08:53:39.258-07:00

My new little design has a bouquet of white flowers with porcelain pink french knot flower sprays. I like adding different stitches with the cross stitch design. It adds interest and texture. It is called, "White Flower Bouquet" and will be in my Etsy store soon. I bought an Autumn bouquet that has all the lovely colors of the changing season. My garden is tired and the asters haven't

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-89609645754203057152010-09-07T11:04:00.000-07:002010-09-07T11:23:16.549-07:00

I think this little lady likes her job as a scarecrow in the pumpkin patch. She's got a nice dress on and a flowery hat. Colorful pumpkins surround her and she likes to watch the leaves twirl and flutter around her. She probably even smiles at the crows when the land. My zinnias are really blooming now that the heat has calmed down about ten degrees. New blooms every day, big clusters

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-45207134744395862662010-08-31T08:45:00.001-07:002010-08-31T08:52:49.996-07:00

Yesterday I noticed my neighbor had two bright orange pumpkins displayed on her porch and I was inspired and really wanted some myself! Instead I decided to stitch one and make a little pincushion ornament. It really isn't a pincushion, but acts like one. It is more of a needlekeeper I guess. I also wanted to use it as an ornament for autumn to be able to hang it on a cabinet knob somewhere.

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-19669135838927006942010-08-25T11:32:00.000-07:002010-08-25T11:39:15.452-07:00

I have been working steadily on my Christmas cross stitch pattern - I call it Snowgirls. It is coming along and I am anxious to try the silk. I really like working with silk floss. My pink miniature roses are doing very well considering the hot days. They bloom all season - Jackson and Perkins roses- hardy roses. Very nice. I picked this magazine up recently. I buy the Somerset issues

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-46001251990469810522010-08-18T13:38:00.001-07:002010-08-18T13:49:26.843-07:00

Along with a cross stitch bookmark collection, I have a cross stitch needlecase collection too. I love needlecases. This one was stitched with very soft shades of Kreinik Silk, sparkling Kreinik Braid and finished off with some Mill Hill charms. There is a small cross stitch design inside where the needles are kept. This needlecase featuring a little pansy blossom is also stitched with the

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-78524636856003686032010-08-11T08:55:00.000-07:002010-08-11T09:04:04.356-07:00

The new issue of Create and Decorate is out and it is full of pumpkins, one of my very favorite things. Very cute designs of many varieties. I have a little pumpkin cross stitch pattern in here using Gentle Art Sampler wool threads that were really fun to work with. It was the first time I'd used their wool. I hope you like the issue. Some of my autumn designs with pumpkins and purple shades

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-45196177735367550032010-08-05T10:45:00.000-07:002010-08-05T10:59:37.863-07:00

I made a handful of zip pouches for my craft shows this year. I used that really fun Halloween fabric for one of them - that is great fabric. The artist has lots of character in her drawings. I love to look at it. I made all different sizes, mainly depending on what length zipper I had, and put thin ribbon as a zipper pull. This is my newest embroidery pattern of a little lamb in a pasture

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-43620014008093270912010-07-28T08:45:00.000-07:002010-07-28T08:57:23.490-07:00

Earlier this year I found a copy of "The Vein of Gold" by Julia Cameron and worked through it. I worked through "The Artist's Way" about ten years ago and found myself really enriched by it. "The Vein of Gold" delves into the deeper aspects of finding creativity and has many hands-on exercises. One of the exercises is to make a creativity doll out of whatever materials you want, not caring

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-12547886021973280642010-07-19T08:56:00.001-07:002010-07-19T09:05:19.046-07:00

I have had a goal this year to create lots of needlework bookmarks. I've alternated between cross stitch and embroidery to see which I like better or be able to switch depending on my mood. Usually, I just like cross stitch. I love the orderly way it is done and I after I have the design started I can switch to a different section of the design and work with a different color if I want to.

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-23945709313850910062010-07-09T14:21:00.000-07:002010-07-09T14:28:36.663-07:00

A collection of purple them cross stitch designs. I've always been intrigued with moonlight gardens, but haven't planted one. White and light pink flowers would look beautiful under the moonlit starry sky. Purple blossoms and a collection of teapots decorated differently. It is great to have tea with friends. Hand dyed silks in blues and purples. Silk is a treat to work with. The colors are

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-12647842077082270672010-06-28T08:22:00.000-07:002010-06-28T08:30:53.041-07:00

I don't like to waste anything and I have a little bucket I put all my fabric scraps into. I keep even very small squares to decorate other projects. That is how I decorated these bookmarks is little scraps. The fabrics are so cute now that I love to keep little snippets around for the color and pattern inspiration. I have a latte brown colored couch set so I wanted to accent with reds this

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-17316985121766486892010-06-21T08:40:00.001-07:002010-06-21T08:52:35.113-07:00

Shopping for Halloween and holiday theme fabrics I had to have these funny black cats and whimsical witch fabrics. They are great with lots of squiggle lines and black color variations. I haven't decided what I want to make yet, I don't want to cut the fabric yet - maybe just one small section of the cats and hang it on my fridge so I see them all the time - they really make me happy. I have

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-64527322091870829512010-06-15T08:01:00.000-07:002010-06-15T08:29:00.569-07:00

I decided to make a table runner for Halloween using my black pumpkin cross stitch pattern (available in my Etsy Store :). I made some quilt blocks out of coordinating fabrics to form the runner. I made a nine patch quilt block out of 2" blocks and a strip quilt block out of 1 1/2" strips. I trimmed them to the same size then cut the cross stitch design to the same size. Cut three

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-8012798225329050672010-06-08T11:15:00.000-07:002010-06-08T11:21:56.652-07:00

I've been inspired to use my scraps of fabrics to decorate my house with fabric flowers. These are very fun to make. Very quick and easy. I am going to take a bouquet with me for my next art and craft sale. I think they are cheerful. My newest embroidery pattern is of cherry tomatoes. These are last year's tomatoes that I sketched then stitched. Makes me anxious for this year's crop. I

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-1578917946708808312010-06-03T08:50:00.000-07:002010-06-03T08:57:57.211-07:00

How fun would it be to have a collection of purple teapots? I have a collection of small teapots, those cute little pots that hold enough tea for one. They are all different colors and shapes; one in the shape of a little house that my husband's grandmother gave me. Also, a teapot with little fairies is a favorite too. I can't tell you why, but I have a big liking for orange flowers this year

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-17221772756431669562010-05-31T08:27:00.000-07:002010-05-31T08:34:38.137-07:00

The weather lately has made me think of warm summer breezes and drying laundry on the line. Bright linens swaying softly on a summer afternoon with fluffy clouds in the sky. And leaves waving in the wind. I enjoy looking at all the different shades of green on the trees and other foliage during the summer. So many different shades and they change with the time of day. Happy Memorial Day.

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-56022299463104122552010-05-26T08:43:00.001-07:002010-05-26T08:52:18.714-07:00

Does you have a bake shop where you live? I don't, but think it would be heavenly. A shop dedicated just to sweet treats and maybe coffee and bistro tables to sit for a bit. Cute displays and dishes of truffles and other colorfully wrapped candies. Inches high icing on the cupcakes... that was the idea I had when designing this pattern. Makes my mouth water. I am very excited with my

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-17118453752277692412010-05-22T12:16:00.001-07:002010-05-22T12:26:08.896-07:00

Have you read Laura Child's Tea Shoppe Mystery books? They are fun to read. I've read "Death by Darjeeling" and "Shades of Earl Gray". This little tea cozy kit uses pretty pinks of Weeks Dye Works Flosses and pink Jobelan fabric. "Time for Tea" has lots of little teapots with dainty flowers in shades of periwinkle and lavender. These tea cozy kits are small and fit a small teapot with

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-17096770010110690002010-05-17T08:24:00.000-07:002010-05-17T08:32:20.590-07:00

I have been very drawn to orange lately and saw these bright orange pansies at the nursery over the weekend and got them for my little planter. I planted them with tiny royal purple petunia type flowers that are supposed to spread and bloom beautifully, I will let you know how they do... Driving downtown yesterday we happened upon a flea market by chance (I love when that happens :) and I

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-38672292506064194872010-05-12T08:39:00.001-07:002010-05-12T09:01:46.132-07:00

I started a little row house embroidery last evening while watching "Shanghai Noon" and laughing with Owen Wilson and their excursion to Carson City, although their Carson City landscape doesn't match ours... In this embroidery I am using some Gentle Art Sampler colors I haven't used before - Summer Shower is a very soft muted blue and Currant. I have my favorites I use all the time so I am

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-70553398724164378562010-05-05T12:57:00.001-07:002010-05-05T13:04:57.870-07:00

I found all of my spring colored fabrics and sorted through them to pick the best to finish this lollipops runner. I really like the bright cheerful colors, different shapes and patterns. I finished the edges with pinking shears and each end with my scallop rotary cutter. I used a light green thread and a fancy zigzag stitch on my machine to quilt "in the ditch" between fabric strips.

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-86995431393912266212010-04-27T08:36:00.001-07:002010-04-27T08:45:16.310-07:00

Sewing yesterday I decided to finish a few more projects. I already had the Moda charm squares around this little cross stitch called "Blossom Street" and I decided to put a back on it and make a small runner. I thought about making a wall quilt, but liked it this size. I thought it went with the small design better. I used chocolate brown flannel on the back and a decorative machine stitch

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-4972902299266978032010-04-21T09:54:00.000-07:002010-04-21T10:04:48.486-07:00

The rain and thunder inspired me to sew yesterday and put some colorful fabric around my latest projects. I've been using the shabby-chic technique lately in my runners where I use a scallop edge rotary cutter on the edges and then a decorative machine stitch around the edge to finish. Turns out nice, doesn't fray too much because of the scallops and is much easier than binding the edges.

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-71572537152489712302010-04-14T14:16:00.000-07:002010-04-14T14:22:28.140-07:00

I have been making small bookmark patterns lately. I hope to have a nice collection by the end of the year. Working with greens and purples now, but will probably be back to my favorite pink before long. Another green and purple inspired design I finally finished. Now I am trying to decide which fabric to finish it with and what to finish it as. I like being able to make small wall quilts

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-56009832492693640572010-04-08T07:43:00.000-07:002010-04-08T07:48:24.606-07:00

A little bundle of red pansies. Pansies are one of my favorites to grow, but I have to keep them in a protected spot in a special pot because they don't do well in my fully sun exposed garden. Lovely blues and purples from Weeks Dye Works. They have great shades of blue in their floss collection. Looks like many colors were used, but really only a few. A great thing about hand dyed flosses

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-55744435345029326202010-04-02T09:20:00.000-07:002010-04-02T09:29:44.692-07:00

My newest patterns are very small and dainty. A collection of three little flowers: an english daisy, gerbera daisy and little tulip. These are nice for using floss from your stash, they don't take much. I used hand dyed silks on Weeks Dye Works hand dyed fabrics. I am really liking those fabrics. Really nice colors. Some of the first flowers you see in spring are included in this cross stitch

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-13292136033928359932010-03-26T13:33:00.000-07:002010-03-26T13:42:11.332-07:00

I've not had much luck in growing larkspur flowers and I have tried to grow them from seed many seasons and no luck, maybe my cat has something to do with it. I love them though and they are great for dried flower bouquets, keep their color nicely. I decided to put them in a cross stitch design with some roses and chamomile flowers. Chamomile is one of the easiest things for me to grow and I hear

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-34177554892460431612010-03-23T08:27:00.000-07:002010-03-23T08:37:59.915-07:00

One of my favorite things of summer are the farmer's markets and all the beautiful fresh flowers. Last year we had a grower that grew the most glorious gladiolas and I am hoping she has some this year too. I am so anxious for fresh flowers from the garden I have been buying bouquets at the grocery store and it is nice to have a little nature in the house.

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-12291858801238165742010-03-19T09:14:00.000-07:002010-03-19T09:23:06.522-07:00

I was inspired to make more bookmarks this week with Mother's Day coming up. I think they make nice gifts for moms and readers. Bright and cheery, I love to make them. I am listening to Jane Erye and just on chapter five and I adore her already. For just being ten she has so much spirit and courage. Anxious to listen to more. I've made this little design into a kit with the lovely

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-21912898966258147382010-03-12T08:20:00.000-08:002010-03-12T08:29:40.658-08:00

I love the royal blue and sunshine yellow of french country so I decided to make a shabby patchwork bookmark out of those colors. Reminds me of summer picnics. Maybe I will make a picnic table cloth out of those colors, sounds very nice. I also just downloaded Jane Eyre on my Ipod - the reviews said the reader was fabulous, so really looking forward to listening to it. A little pink in the

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-35499648690157883192010-03-08T08:40:00.000-08:002010-03-08T08:49:08.855-08:00

Working with some more fabrics in spring shades to make little patchwork pincushions. Pincushions are very fun to collect and I have a little collection. I usually do mostly small needlework projects so I use a pincushion or needlecase to keep my needs and threads close at hand. This is the last antique garden cart in the six pattern collection. I made the first five into a wall quilt and

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-79619691844383062942010-03-03T08:24:00.000-08:002010-03-03T08:34:22.657-08:00

My newest cross stitch design done in purples and spring green with a little soot black. I've always wanted to work with black, but haven't done much until now. Brave enough I guess, it is such a strong color. I made it into a bookmark here. I love the versatility of small designs. This was stitched with Gentle Art Sampler Flosses. It can also be framed. I like framing with fabric, brings out

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6845938745135328078.post-36415250480124864792010-02-26T08:45:00.000-08:002010-02-26T08:57:00.188-08:00

In the mood for colorful spring stitching. These are some of my collection of cross stitch patterns for spring and Easter. Country Garden in April was stitched with Gentle Art Sampler Flosses and has little butterflies flying around the flowers. I used to love Easter egg hunts and loved watching my children hunt for eggs, especially when they were really little. So cute. This pattern was stitched

Cathiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506476209590841171noreply@blogger.com2