Category Archives: Needlework

Broken Pinwheel

Needlework
from Stoney Creek

I have no idea where I got this kit from or when I purchased it. I know it was a long time ago because at one point I was collecting cross stitch quilting patterns because I never expected to be doing any actual quilting (and I’ve been quilting for at least 13 years).

I started the project and set it aside for several years but I am gradually trying to empty that particular UFO bin and this seemed like a small one to start with. If memory serves, I think I made a mistake in the pattern and gave up. That must be true as I did some reverse stitching before I really got going on it this time.

The kit came with the hanger so it was easy to finish.

Biscornu

Needlework

September 15, 2024

Biscornu (by Michaela Learner)

I read a post on Facebook that you could use lavender to stuff a pin cushion. I liked that idea and we have lots of lavender growing in the yard. I had a pattern for a small pin cushion made from a couple of squares of quilting cotton. Then, just a few days later, a pattern for a biscornu popped up in one of my Facebook groups so I decided that would be fun to make.

I was using scrap pieces of canvas for the two sides so the pin cushion is a lot larger than the pattern called for. It took a lot of lavender and I had to add a bit of stuffing to pop out the sides. I call it a pin pillow and have it sitting by my chair for evening stitching.

I love the aroma of lavender I get whenever I change needles (mostly because I’ve dropped and lost the one I’m using).

Congratulations Madison and Walid

Journal, Needlework

September 6, 2024

What a lovely event to celebrate Madison and Walid’s engagement.

Walid is Lebanese so the celebration was going to allow us a glimpse into a very different culture. We weren’t told many details except that it was a fancy-dress party. Online searches didn’t reveal much information but anyone our family spoke to about such an event gave us the same information – the food will be amazing and it will be so much fun. No one lied!

I wanted to make something for the couple so I did another online search to see what the Lebanese culture might give me for ideas. Immediately it was the Cedars of Lebanon that came up. That sparked my mind about a cross stitch project I had in my bin. It was entitled Spring but it seemed perfect for the occasion.

The project was done on a larger-count fabric than I normally use and the design was stamped on the canvas. Although a chart was included, I found I didn’t need to use it. There were six thread colours, all very similar. It didn’t take long to get it finished and I was able to have it framed and shipped in plenty of time for the party.

Botanical Garden

Needlework

June, 2024

Botanical Blackwork (from thesteadythread.com)

This was a weekly stitch-along from 2022. The first photo I have of the project was from February of that year so I was already behind. I worked at it off and on over the next few years but when Asher’s graduation was approaching I felt it was time to finish it and present it to him as a gift.

I was almost finished the stitching by the time I decided to give it to Asher. There were some “issues” with the alignment that I could live with but wanted to correct since it was a gift. One re-working led to another and I think I did at least a quarter of it over again. To be honest, it was the border that really caught my eye on this one, although I liked the touches of colour spread throughout.

I was pleased with the result and, much to my amazement, I’m downloading the patterns for this year’s stitch-along. Needless to say, I haven’t started it yet.