Animal Cracker Jenny and Potting Shed Sunflower

Since the first post on Jenny, this is all the progress I've made on her. For me it is mainly about the process. Then having free time coincide with being in the mood to stitch.

I feel that focusing on cross stitch for the last few years has made my embroidery "technique" a bit rusty. Also my steady hands are not as steady any longer. Getting older is not for the faint of heart. 

That's all for now!  A short, but sweet update. 

Honeeeyyy.... I'm Home! Sort of.

Wow, it's been awhile! Nice to be back! Where to begin updating this blog with the various needlework projects and hauls that had taken place for the past year? 

I'm going to try to organize myself in order to try to post things in a time-cohesive manner. It might mean that there will be a few back to back entries posted a bit more frequent than what is the custom. Please bear with me. Enjoy the sneak peek in the meantime! ;-)

The Potting Shed: Sunflower

I did not get to make more progress on my started Sunflower in August. Things got pretty hectic. I already added French knots to the center of one of the sunflowers, but didn't take pictures. I'm aiming to work on it here and there this month. September will be a busy month too. Most likely will have the Sunflower ready by October or in October. 

My younger daughter is about to start her first year of high school!!! What?!?! Time does fly. We wanted to have a couple of special outings with her. She chose 3 outdoor activities, only 1 left to fulfilled her list. We also had a nice group of friends over for lunch, we had a great time! The fact that we share the same faith makes our friendship even more special.

As we get older it is not easy to perform as we used to, especially living with chronic health issues. With all the hustle and bustle this past month of August, my needlework was put on the back burner. No regrets whatsoever! 

This month of September I'm looking forward to engaging in volunteer work a bit more than the usual... can't wait!

Non-affiliated:

The Potting Shed by Nicki Franklin from The Stitchery.

The Potting Shed / The Stitchery: Nicki Franklin

 The first few days in August were a physically exhausting roller coaster due to the flaring of chronic health issues I have briefly mentioned through out by blogging history.

It was such a nice treat from my older daughter and husband to get me an online class: The Potting Shed by Nicki Franklin from The Stitchery! With a bit of encouragement and help, went to Hobby Lobby with my younger daughter to purchase all the DMC threads required in the class. She helped me in finding the numbers and reaching out for them (something both of my daughters used to help me do when they were younger for the fun of competing with each other... LOL, who will find the called for DMC number first).  

After that I was ready to head back home, honestly, chronic health issues and aging are the bomb... in the literal way. I was a bit concern of driving back if I took longer out and about. Still, on our way home not far from where we live, we did a brief stop. I wanted her to grab some treats for being such a good sport in encouraging me to get my threads, accompanying me, helping me with the task while at the store, and saying how happy it made her to see me cheered up. 

So slowly but surely everything was gathered and came together nicely. An inexpensive 3 ring binder, some pocket folders, and trading card sleeves, from Amazon. The rest of the materials and supplies from my stash, all lying either on my bed or on the top of my stash cabinet. While I sat on a chair reaching out for this and that until everything was in its place. It took me a few days to get it ready because I was moving at a snail pace, but it got done and it felt good!

I have printed only 6 of the designs. Those 6 are my most favorites. As you can see, the Sunflower was my chosen one to start with. Why? Because it is almost Fall y'all ;-D! 

In fact I already started working on it, but will show you once I have made more progress. I hope those of you out there living with chronic health issues are finding ways to cope not only with the physical pain, but also with all the emotional fluctuations that can affect our mental health. Take it one hour at a time, and work on seeing your glass half full instead of half empty. 

I look forward to the day when the words in Isaiah 35:5,6 will be a reality! Stay strong and may you have inner peace and joy!

Until next time!

Non-affiliated link: Nicki Franklin's website.

Hand Embroidery Threads Organized... Finally!

 

Yes, it took me FOREVER to get this done! Why? Not sure. Maybe because the task seemed daunting and boring? Perhaps. However once I started, it was hard to stop. Very satisfying! Got it done the last week of December 2024.  It made me so happy to finally have most of my embroidery threads in one place, and organized in groups by number. 

Much easier to find and was able to make lists of those I'm missing. 

The threads that are in project bags I still need to take inventory of. There should be enough room for those once I'm done with them, and for the ones that I'm missing. Of course, there were a few double or triple skeins or bobbins of the same color. However, from now on I do not think that will be a problem.

I could have gotten more containers so each color could have its own place, but I rather have one unit. Much easier for me to keep up with.

This organizer also comes with the drawers arranged in a couple other styles and sizes.

Notes: I used this spreadsheet here, and the container is from Amazon.

It's Been A While / Yumiko Higuchi: Simply Stitched with Embroidery...

Yes, it has definitely been a long while. My personal volunteer work commitment is on a regular basis nowadays. Although I still keep working on my needlework here and there, I do not feel the urge to post as I used to. 

I've been doing more printed cross stitch lately, but a couple of days ago the desire to work on a hand embroidery project was very strong. The photo above is what I have embroidered so far. The design is by Yumiko Higuchi, from her book: Simply Stitched with Embroidery: Embroidery Motifs for Purses and More. I have the Japanese version, this project is pictured on page 38, and the embroidery pattern on page 73 (on the Japanese book).

Perhaps when I complete the entire project I may stop by and upload a post. However, can't say for sure if I'll start posting more often from now on. Will see how things go. Until next time! Be well!

Flowers

Spring is in full swing around here, so I'm reposting about this Japanese embroidery book all about hand embroidered flowers.

Really like the look of this fabric scrap medley of all kinds of hand embroidered flowers. A very unique piece!

Simple coin purses embellished with delicate but simple hand embroidered flowers.

Working with needle and thread.... a lovely universal language!

All Set To Begin Working On Tiny Treasures Project

The Valdani threads arrived! There are 12 called for colors. Ordered 9, had 2 in my stash, and substituted 1 for another Valdani color I had on hand. Still waiting for my triangular paper pieces.

Also that travel make up bag is super convenient, it is very sturdy and has adjustable compartment. It is suppose to be water repellent, but haven't test that yet. Already removed two of the dividers and adjusted the others to my needs. It accommodates everything perfectly for me! Found it on Amazon, just in case you want to check it out.

It was hard to choose, so many options plus prices vary between brand/sellers/listings. 

I'm excited to begin stitching these cute tiny embroidery designs that fit 1 inch hexagons. Must admit that I printed mine at 85% scale. My personal preference is having a bit more margin between the centered stitcheries and the edges of the 1" hexies. 

Would love to start today, but not sure if that will be possible. We are having pizza night so I do not have to worry about cooking or too much cleaning in the kitchen. However, I have a couple of grocery deliveries on the way that need to be cared for (you know what that entails during a pandemic). Also an upcoming Zoom meeting with an old family friend that we have not seen in a very long time, we are so looking forward to catching up!

Perhaps in the evening I could squeeze embroidering at least one of the designs, and basting my first hexie. We shall see!

Winter Theme Lap Quilt: Update

 

I'm not sure if this winter theme lap quilt project will get done this time around.  At least I got it out, transferred the embroidery design, and got the hexies ready for the last flower in prints. The rest of the hexagons will be mainly in white with a few maybe in gray. Need to get those ready.

Also got out the spring theme lap quilt project... but more on that one next time.

I'm still waiting for my Valdani and triangle paper pieces for the new EPP project (on previous blog post). The mail has been running behind in many areas for some time, however just now we are starting to feel it here too. Oh well! Patience is a great quality to cultivate, plus the two old projects will keep me busy until the supplies arrive.

Notes:

Embroidery designs from Wildolive on Etsy (Mollie Johanson)

"Tiny Treasures: miniature hand embroidery designs" by Kathy Schmitz

Have you seen Kathy's Schmitz latest book release? So much cuteness! She self-published this one, and right now (in my understanding) you are only able to find it on her website or Etsy shop (depending on which version you prefer). 

Already getting ready! I had in my stash the fabric, sewing and basting threads, the hexagon paper pieces, and some other basic notions. Decided to order Jeana Kimball's Foxglove Cottage straw needles in sizes 9 and 10 from Amazon because was having a bit of difficulty with the size 11 that I had on hand. Also placed an order on Etsy for triangular paper pieces, didn't feel like doing them myself.

My husband treated me with the called for Valdani threads. Can't wait for them to arrive in a couple of days, and on my triangular paper pieces that are supposed to be here tomorrow! Kathy also gives DMC alternatives for the threads, and you could also draw and cut your own paper templates for the hexies and triangles. 

Sometimes February can be a difficult month for me, this year even more so. Hoping this new project, along with other work in progress projects will help keep me distracted on those rough days.

Non-affiliated link:

Kathy Schmitz' Tiny Treasures. Info on both formats given on her web-shop here.

Throwback Tuesday: English Paper Piecing

Throwback to an English Paper Piecing session few years ago. Taken on January 21, 2016 at 1:06 PM. January is flying. Volunteer work time, almost complete. Homeschooling going well. Not much time for needlework with the exception of a printed cross stitch kit, so easy to do. Once I fulfilled the hours I committed to on my volunteer work it'll be time to give some TLC to the few embroidery projects that are on pause at the moment. Until next time!

Flower Bouquet Completed

So happy to have been able to complete this Flower Bouquet in record breaking time! 

This was a kit from Amazon. The materials are not the very best, but they were not bad. I did use my own embroidery hoop, because I didn't like the one that came in the kit. 

Fabric and threads are some type of poly-cotton mix, or even 100% polyester not sure because it didn't say in the instructions. I ironed it from the back (front side down on a folded towel) setting the iron on the silk/polyester setting... just in case. Didn't want to melt the threads after all that work. ;-)

Updated: From Give Thanks to Always Rejoice... Finished!

Didn't take a picture of it after I finished embroidering the words,

Updated this post to add picture of it with the words completely embroidered ;-). It is done! I modified the sentiment in the banner. 

This is one of the designs found in the book Stitches from the Harvest by Kathys Schmitz. By the way Kathy has a Youtube channel, perhaps you may want to check it out.

Another Update: Flower Bouquet Hand Embroidery

Almost done with this flower bouquet! It's been fun, and therapeutic. 

Hand Embroidery Flower Bouquet Update

Slowly but surely making progress on this lovely bouquet. 
 

Throwback Tuesday: Redwork

Rainy Day Embroidery / Silent Embroidery Vlog no.2

Dedicating some time to continue to embroider my Garden Sampler project, by Kathy Schmitz. 

Worked on it outside on the porch. The day was rainy, in fact the rain was really pouring. I love rainy days. They make me slow down, and think about the most important things, with wholesome self-examination and meditation. 

Took along a few books to examine carefully, to oooohhh and aaaaahhhh 😍📚 about all the beautiful designs in them. Until next time!

Non-affiliated Links Notes:

The Garden Sampler by Kathy Schmitz may be found on her Etsy Shop.

Books are Japanese hand embroidery books from Amazon Japan. 

Plant Lady book English translation from Amazon USA.

Silent Hand Embroidery Vlog: Brief Peek

Playing around with video again ;-). 

A brief silent video giving a peek of my work area for that day.

Holding On

Yes, holding on to the tension on my embroidery thread for a smooth French Knot. Keeping ourselves busy through out these challenging times is a must, even if that means starting all the projects, while watching lovely hand embroidery videos in YouTube.

Some days are better than others, and that is okay. We keep firmly holding on, looking ahead. Be well!

Notes: Design is part of a kit by Tamar Nahir. Got mine from snugglymonkey on Etsy.

Hand Embroidery: Flowers

Started this hand embroidery project couple of days ago, and I'm really liking how it is turning out!