First potholders

It was great fun to stitch these potholders! I created the designs on my computer, then used transfer paper and pencils to put the designs on fabric. The wool fabric is a bit lightweight (felted skirts), so there is a layer of heat-proof fabric in between the two wool layers. The reverse side of the potholders is the purple/teal plaid that you can see in the background.

This is part of a WIP inspired by Kristin's sister's embroidered jeans jackets. It had been many years since I had done any embroidery, and after looking at Krisitin's blog, I couldn't wait to get started. I dug into my closet and found a favorite chambray shirt that I no longer wore because it had found a stain somewhere and began embellishing. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed this during the 70's! I have added a double eagle to one shoulder, this celtic bird to the other, foliage to the pocket flaps and a winged heart to the back yoke, and it's still a WIP. What fun! My husband loved watching the images grow, and checks the shirt often to see what has been added. I wore it to school and everyone oohed and aahed. I think some of them were inspired to pick up needles and floss again as well. Thanks Kristin for unselfishly sharing and inspiring everyone around you, the most desirable qualities of a true teacher.

Business Card Holder

I printed up some Jan-Knit business cards this weekend. Then I needed a case to protect them in my big bag. It's crocheted out of recycled gray wool, embroidered with some of that thrifted crewel wool I found a while back, lined with a bit of cotton scrap from a sewing project, and fastened with a leftover blue mother of pearl button.

Nice Review on Flickr Embroidery Blog

All of us at the Colorful Stitchery Stitchalong welcome new readers via the Flickr Embroidery Blog! Amy did a love write-up about Colorful Stitchery - thanks so much Amy! I hope we all can keep inspiring each other.

Now maybe I can get my act together to finish that latest pillow! You're spurring me on.

Chinese Slippers from Adorn

I embroidered these Chinese slippers last year for the premiere issue of Adorn Magazine. They didn't take long to do and really look like spring.

I just found a great new blog called the Flickr Embroidery Blog. You all have got to check it out. It's being done by a few members of the Flickr Embroidery Group which is also definitely worth a peek. Maybe some of us should join this too!

Happy Spring!

Sharing: first practice piece

Colorful Stitchery has been on my shelf for one year! It's about time to get going and make something! Tried a lazy daisy on some scrap fabric and learned that I need practice before starting any "official projects".

This practice piece was quite fun. The fabric is recycled wool that was crock-pot dyed. Stitches practiced are lazy daisy, French knot, and blanket. Maybe patches like this could be used to embellish jeans or a denim jacket.

Spring has sprung, and it's supposed to get up to 70 degrees here in South Dakota today, so thought of flowers in the grass.

XOX

Felt pillow inspired by the project in the Colorful Stitchery book. It is an easy, breezy project resulting in a glowing response from a little someone.

Happy Valentine's Day!

For all my "Colorful Stitchery Stitchalong" friends, I made this embroidered Valentine! I am overwhelmed by the creativity and enthusiasm all of you are putting into your fabulous work. The thing that makes me the most happy is that everything is looking different and original. As an author, the most joyful part of my job is seeing what others do with my ideas and seeing where they take them on their own.

Thank you all for sharing your stitching lives with all of us. There really are some fabulous projects on this blog, aren't there?

Happy Valentine's Day!
Kristin

Needle book

Made for a swap. I sat with Kristin's book in my lap and stitched.

Fennel Fix

I covered two holes in my sweater with a little bronze fennel. Read about it on my blog.

Jan-Knit's Green Hat

This crocheted hat is my own design. I embellished with colorful yarn embroidery and mother of pearl buttons. Blogged here.

airplane!

This is my first attempt at completely original embroidery. I used 3 strands of DMC floss to add an airplane and some little stars to a craft apron for my airplane loving niece. I just used a split stitch for the airplane, it couldn't have been easier. In fact, I think the hardest part of this project was making the drawing on the fabric. My niece loves it, and it looks so cute on her!

Blogger Upgrade - Trouble Happens!

Hi Everyone! Last weekend, I finally switched my blog account to the new blogger. I had avoided this knowing it was going to make more work for me. And yes it did entail a few hours of fussing around. I always avoid upgrades on software because of this!

Anyway, the Colorful Stitchery Stitchalong also got automatically upgraded as some of you have noticed. I think the new blogger is great because there are some fun features (Labels especially) and it seems to be a little easier to work. But some nasty stuff happened too!

The list of contributor's has shrunk to a miniscule amount. I am stumped as to why because on my administration list, it is still long and everyone who joined is still listed.

When you change to the new blogger, you have to sign in with a google account (yes, I had to make a new account and now have a new password). It looks like all of the "new contributors" are those who have switched to the new blogger. But if you haven't upgraded yet, your name isn't listed.

So, please don't think that I took your name off the list.

Can I ask a favor though - can someone try posting (if you know you are a member but not listed) and see what happens. Then let me know.

Thanks for understanding - isn't technology wonderful?

Wool Purse & Bag

Little gifts for my sweet grand daughter.