Red, White and Blue

Happy Independence Day to the

United States of America!

A patriotic pin keep that I created by 

combining motifs from at least four sources.

Counted cross-stitch on linen...

I like how it turned out.

I wish I had dated this quilted flag wall-hanging

on the back. I think it's at least 20 years old.

I like the flower applique instead of stars...

I stitched the red, white and blue felt star

with beads and buttons this June, when

I got an itch to stitch!

Everyone uses an old pop crate to 

decorate with, right?  It makes a fun place

to put the arrangement. I love old books,

stitching, glass and canning jars. 

Many in the U.S. will be enjoying a long

weekend and celebrating with picnics,

barbecues, and fireworks.  May we remember

the holiday with thankfulness for our 

freedom, and appreciation to our

 veterans who have given so much.

Index Card Art

Index Card Art

Cherish the moments with friends

and family this week!

Sewing Projects

Inspired by some photos tagged on Pinterest, 

I decided I had been neglecting my needlework.

(I have been working on a baby quilt, but as the

baby isn't due until several months from now,

the surprise musn't be spoiled by showing

the finished quilt too soon.)

Some adorable 'pinkeeps' which I have 

always called pincushions, are showing up

on blogs, and I really love them. This one

was created from a traditional border pattern

found in The Complet Book of Cross Stitch

by Eleanor Van Zandt.  I've used this pattern

many times to make bookmarks. It's fast and easy,

so I decided to try my hand at this

'drum' shaped pincushion.

It's taller and thinner than the examples I saw,

but turned out well, I think. Stuffed within an inch

of its' life to make it stand up! (weighted with a couple

of nickels inside the bottom to make it stable!)

The cross-stitched bookmarks are stiffened 

with fabric glue on the end of large paper clips.

They have cotton fabric for backing.

I made a dozen of these in one evening.

Let dry overnight, and then trim close to stitching.

A diversion from my paper arts...

but will be returning to that soon.

Must get my Halloween swaps ready!