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.

Stash Enhancements: Printed Fabric and Embroidery/Sewing Pattern

 

  In the last couple of weeks these, in the picture above, made it to my stash!  

  The Spoonflower printed fabrics are by Kathy Schmitz. I have both of her booklets; Simply Sweets and Tiny Treasures. Now I will not have to spend time tracing all the cute little designs in the booklets. When I first got Tiny Treasures (blogged here), I was tracing by hand. However, life gets busy and I prefer to stitch rather than trace. Maybe will prewash the fabrics to reduce shrinking. In that way if I need to  wash the final product then the embroidery will not pucker. 

  The "Wildflower Eyeglass Case" pattern is designed by Alice Makabe sold by Zakka Workshop. It comes with one clasp, and the embroidery design already printed onto water soluble stabilizer ready to be applied on your choice of fabric. The embroidery design drawing is also provided in the pattern. I also ordered an extra clasp.

  Not sure when I'll get to these, but is nice to have them within reach!

Notes: Non-affiliated links. Kathy Schmitz's booklets on her Etsy shop, and her printed fabrics on her Spoonflower site.  Alice Makabe pattern on Zakka Workshop Store on Etsy.   

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.

Flowers; Works of Art

Hand embroidered flowers are so beautiful! Of course, nothing compares to the exquisite magnificence of living flowers, however, even a handmade representation makes my heart sing. 

(Notes: book author is マカベアリス  Alice Makabe a designer/artist from Japan. You may find her here: @alice_makabe)

It Has Been A Long Time

 

  In fact, a bit over 2 years since I last posted! Quite a few things have taken place. Some extremely sad and heart breaking, some challenging and frustrating, while others new, exciting, and happy. A bit of everything. 

  There were times when I wanted to post, but the motivation was not enough. Other times I felt like deleting the blog. Thankfully everything seems to finally be settling down, so I may start to post blog updates as time and circumstances permit. 

Especially since hand embroidery, and other types of needlework continue to have a therapeutic effect in my life.

Until next time!

Notes: Embroidery design/patter: "A Joyful Heart" by Clementine Pattern Co on Etsy.

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!

Winter Theme Lap Quilt: English Paper Piecing Update

All ready to be hand sewn! Related posts here and here. The embroidery was modified from a freebie on Mollie Johanson's blog. I'm using precut 1.5" hexagon pieces for English paper piecing. Most of the fabrics are from a bundle that I got from Joann Fabrics and Crafts store a few years ago.

Tiny Treasures: Embroidery Completed On Hexies no.4 and no.5

 

Sneaking in an update on these two completed embroidery designs from Kathy Schmitz's most recent book. I've completely forgotten that I had finished them. When opening the bag/organizer that holds the project this past Sunday... surprise! It is amazing when you get really busy with more weighty responsibilities some things get filed away in your brain. I have even started the design for hexie no.6. Of course, once seeing the project, my recollection of working on these immediately came back. 

Was able to complete this one on Sunday, but by the time I was done the natural lighting was not the best so no picture taken. Will post it on my next Tiny Treasures project update.

English Paper Piecing: Last Embroidery Design

This will be the last embroidery design for one of the English paper pieced lap quilts I've been working for quite awhile. This is the last hexagon flower that will be done with fabric prints, the rest hexie flowers will be white ones with a solid color center. Almost done with the embroidery but forgot to take pictures. We've been really busy with volunteer work this month, which honestly brings me greater joy! Stitching still occupies a special corner in my heart though ;-).

Tiny Treasures: English Paper Piecing and Hand Embroidered Hexies

 

Started stitching the designs for the center of the 1" hexagons. Was able to complete 1 and 2, and working on 3.

A progress shot of the 1st while in the midst of it ;-), and below the 2nd hexie design completed. 

Above picture... currently half way of the 3rd hexagon design. Lots of French Knots! This weekend is a busy one, not sure yet if I'll have time to stitch a bit. Until next time!

Notes:

Project is Tiny Treasures design by Kathy Schmitz.

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.

Vintage Embroidery Freebies for National Embroidery Month

Here are a few vintage embroidery designs that would look great on kitchen towels, quilt blocks, etc. Enjoy!

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. 
 

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.