Gardening to do list......

The thoughts of gardening is taking over my mind..and the list just gets longer every day. I remembered a few weeks ago that the coneflowers are getting out of control..I must dig some up, give to friends or find somewhere else to plant them. I would never think of just tossing them away..lol. They just spread like wild fire and are out of control.

Last fall I was recouping from surgery and never got to cut them down..well, I know this year there will be thousands of seeds will be sprouting. They are topping the list of gardening to do's.

You might ask where is this rambling headed..well, I went to bed and had a dreaming of the spring tasks ahead...and came up with my lastest punchneedle design "Cone Flower Gardens". I couldn't stop with just the scissor case..but had to design a needlecase to make it a set. Love the mocha background against the pink flowers.  I have combined the punchneedle toppers with wool backers..just a rich combination..I hope you like!!!!

Feburary New Wool & Punchneedle Pattern Releases

I am a little late this month with new releases, just don't know where the month of January went by. The first the new patterns is

Fishing Adventures of Karl Crow

...a wool applique pattern with three patterns in one.

This pattern includes everything from the mat pattern (12" by 17") to making Karl a soft sculpture in wool to how to construct the base to his darling little accessories. He has his own fishing pole, complete with a little wool fish, an old fashion hat with a feather, a Creel. Finally a string of fish from his beak. So easy and so much fun to make.

It was so exciting doing this new design. I used a new collection of wool and experimented in using primarily houndstooth overdyes throughout. I just love the water it is a gray/lavender called gunmetal from Weeks Dye Works. 

My mind was spinning when I created Karl, thinking wouldn't be adorable done in a Gardening or in a Quilting theme? So off I went to make some rough drawings. So expect in the next month or so more of Adventures of Karl and his wife Karla.

Lakeside Cottage

...a wool applique table runner

I loved the Karl's mat so much, that I decided it would be a prefect table runner for a rustic cabin decor. So out came the pattern pieces again and I made it into a table runner that measures 12" by 24". It is now available in pattern. You tell me..should it have a few stars added along the sides? This piece is now sitting in my beloveds man cave with his fishing collection of ole poles, lures and prints. He really wanted Karl, but he is on display at the Quilted Crow in Harpursville NY for now. Patience dear..he will come home soon. LOL

In January I was going though some of my favorite antique children's books and came across a wonderful illustrated Easter book of bunnies and chicks. It touched off a memory of when I was working on the Jellybean Adventures punchneedle pattern, last year with a bunny racing though the night on a carrot with Jelly Beans falling down around him. Needless to say, it was 1 am and I fell asleep dreaming of Jelly Beans..a sure sign of a sugaraholic. When woke up it was raining jelly beans. Hence my newest punchneedle design. Jellybean Adventures II. Now it is 4am and I am sketching like a mad woman umbrellas with baby rabbits in an egg cart..being pulled along by Momma in her Easter finery. So that is the sweet tale of my newest release.

Just in case you missed last years release here is the original Jelly Bean Adventure, still available..at our favorite shops to get you pattern today or email me to direct you to a store that you can order it online.

New Release- Jellybean Adventures II

6 inch in diameter Punchneedle



Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

Right after the holidays my mind turns counting the days to spring and getting to play in the dirt. I know it is months away, many snowflakes in between.

But...the seed catalogs are coming in the mail everyday.  I just can't stop my mind of planning new gardens, and of course new stone work projects for my beloved to work on.

So, to get some control I decided to work on a gardening wool project after a walk though my garden area. I even saw a family of crows eating some of the holiday nut roll that I tossed out for them. After all they need a treat too!  My mind started to spin what do Crows like...they love berries and sunflowers. So I decided to do a tribute to their likes and worked up a Wool Crazy Quilt Bag. I still didn't have my gardens fever under control, so I started to dream about adding a picket fence in my new garden plan, and could just see sunflowers as the focal point in front. So out came the wool and the sunflower bag was created. I hope you like the new Crow in the Garden Pattern that features two ditty bags that can have longer straps and be used as a little fun over the shoulder bag, when you go to market.

I am please to announce that the second punchneedle pattern in My Backyard Series is ready for release. We had small snow fall and I went out armed with my camera and captured this wonderful scene with two Chickadees nestled against the snow in the mistletoe. This piece is a tribute to my Mom...as she was the one to spend hours with me as kid teaching me about the different birds that came to the feeder.

Just a  hint.. the next feature in this series is a bird that changes color with the seasons..to be released early to mid March. 

                           

This charming little Ditty Bag Pouch is just a perfect Winter Stitching Project. This little Forever Love Bag is just perfect to give for a Valentine gift with a small gift tucked inside. The front of the bag is Punchneedle adorned with small antique Mother of Pearl Buttons in the punched pennies. It has a wool backer and piped edges around the sides. It is finished with a braided rope handle. Yes, it is even lined. I can just see it sitting in a display of wonderful ole antiques with maybe an cherished hankie from Great Gramma.

Here are some other fun Valentine Projects......

New Wool Applique Pattern

Blue Birds in the Garden of Hearts

Candle Mat 16" by 15.5"

Ring of Hearts Wool Applique

Candle Mat 9.5" by 9.5" 

Bleeding Heart Blush Punchneedle

Love Birds Punchneedle

Sheep in the Meadow Punchneedle

This is one of my favorite Punchneedle Releases...it is the first in a series of My Backyard titled "Downy Woodpecker".  We have an old tree that for sure should be cut down..but when spring comes this wonderful vine appears and over the years has just covered the tall 2 story stump. It is a wonderful backdrop for my garden. Then fall comes and it turns to rich reds and oranges..just a focal point, that I can't seem to let go. To my surprise this fall a Downy Woodpecker was chipping away at the old tree..hence my inspiration for this piece.

It is all about Keeping Cozy on a Wintery Day

It is gathering time in the Northeast..the Rose Hips are almost ready to be picked and dried. They add so much to a small twig basket or nestled in greens over the mantle. I always forget to pick them early December and all my feathery friends have gotten the best. So I have marked my calendar and I will be off to collect a basket full, for the decorating this winter.

Here is two of the latest Snow Folk Wool Applique Patterns. The first patterns is a 17" long runner or candlemat with a corrdinating Twig Bag or Ditty Bag. It is made with solid & textured wools. It is called Krispy Snow Days complete with some delicate embroidered snowflakes. After finishing this piece in a soft beige with chocolate accents..I thought how pretty this piece would be done in blue tones..is anyone up to the challenge?

One of my favoirte projects yes, it is Scrappy Snowman & Co..a new pattern release. This patterns includes a 25" long Wallhanging pattern and yes, it includes a twig bag or ditty bag..how much fun! Ever wonder what you are going to do with all that wool you have stashed away? Well, this is a great project to use some of those piece up. Be sure to visit one of our fine shops listed in the blog for this pattern and other patterns we offer. 



Celebration of Snowfolks

I have to let you in on a little secret, but don't tell anyone...I don't really like snowman. Since I started making patterns I have done everything to avoid designing pieces with "snow folks". I even went as far as doing a Snow Kitty Wool Applique piece that yes, is featured on my blog. That wasn't enough,  I was told by my friend, Peg at the Quilted Crow.

It my phobia of  Snowfolks got worst..I started hearing voices " We Love snowman", they are  "So-o-o Cute". Then came the voices that said what is wrong with you that you don't like snow people! They even appeared in my dreams..or should I say nightmares.

So a few months ago I decide that I must get over my phobia against this little folks and embrace them. I sat down in my studio with pencil in hand and started to draw snowfolks. Ok, they are Cute and Fun. I finally looked at them in a enlighten way and thought some of these drawings are really cute.

So over the next day or so,  I will be sharing with you some of my Snow Folks creations.

Here is one of my favorites, It is Ole Peppermint Mountain, it reminds of everything good as a kid, playing in the snow, coming inside inside for a nice sweet treat and sitting down to play a game of Candy Land. 

Remember as a kid, it was still dark outside, and you were listening to the radio for school closings? The wait for the school name was painful..especially since for me it was the next to the last one on the alpabetically list. Yes, Windsor Central Schools fell at the very end of closing. I would be dancing in my room and then jump right back into bed, till day light arrived. Then I would off to put on my snow suit and go outside and make not snow people, but snow cats. LOL
 
 "Frosty Snow Days"Punchneedle, is in honor of young and old looking for that day off, to go play, drink hot cococa with mini marshmallows and curl up with a good book.

Pumpkin Patch Adventures Punchneedle

This piece was inspired by my feline buddy Moda or affectionately known as MOMO. You will find her sprawled across the couch just like I designed her on the pumpkin...always hugging something or someone. Yep, she is always a tired baby...but then this spring she did have 5 wonderful babies..just exhusted her right out. This is a fun project to work on...and could easily be mounted on slate or a an old box filled with Halloween Candy. Just one of my favorite pieces that I hope you find inspiring to do. See our fine retail stores for this pattern.

Spooky Halloween Wool Applique Garland

How much fun you will have stitchen  this Halloween Garland. Spooky Cats, Bats and Pumpkins adorn this garland. You could also do as individual pieces and hang on a narly branch or black feather tree. 

New Punchneedle Patterns

Just in time for fall punching  we have released two new punchedneedle patterns. The first is Golden Oak Fantasy..rich in fall colors. A more simplistic approach highlighting the distinct form of the leaves and acorns. A great project piece for a beginner, and a breeze for the more experience. A simple piece that will be a striking element for any decor.

Our second release is Feeding Frenzy that will win the hearts of all Bird Watchers. Nuthatches and Morning Doves enjoying a morning snack at the feeder. Lots of muted colors, with tons of detail for the more experienced Punchneedler. We mounted this piece on a ole piece of log to give it a more rustic look.

Congratulations to....

on their Grand Re Opening of the Store 135 West Main Street, Morristown, Tennesse and expanded online store. I am pleased to be part of ths event as the Featured Artsit. MMIJA carries my full line of Wool Applique, Penny Rugs and Punchneedle Patterns.

You may also shop

Quilted Crow

 of Harpursville NY

for my full line of Patterns. Check out my list of stores to link to these websites.

Hugs From Santa Wool Applique Pattern

Now who wouldn't love a big ole hug from Santa. The patterns offers instructions on how to make it as a pillow or wall hanging. This wool applique pattern is layered with a mix of textured and hand dyed wools. Just for fun I used a Trapunto Technique on his face and beard. Using quilt batting under each element on his  face I was able to create a dimensional look from fat little rosy cheeks to lightly sculptured nose. Just a fun piece that will delight the hearts of young and old.

Christmas Rose Wool Applique Collection

I am pleased to present a year long design project, that started as just a single piece Wool Applique in the Christmas Rose Collection to a collection of 4 matching pieces. The collection includes a Giving Horn that is just perfect to fill with small gift items or candy's to give party favors to hang on the Christmas Tree. I just loved the three dimensional rose and combination of embroidered vines and leaves that I had to then design a stocking to match. No, holiday candle should not be without a lovely mat to showcase the holiday glow. Finally, where do you save all those lovely cards and notes in one place...but to have a basket to hang on the wall or a door knob. This collection was done with rich hand dyed wools, layering of of the flower petals to give it a textural and almost life like look to the flowers.