Pin Cushions

For the past two months, I know exactly how a pincushion must feel..

.many doctors appointments = the "pincushion" effect.

So in honor of the fact that I HOPE I am through with all the medical drama,

I spent the better part of this weekend crocheting some little cushions!

I searched and searched for patterns..

.my very favorite ones were on a blog that was written entirely in Spanish...that was a no go.

The other instructions I found were too cumbersome and had way too many rounds.

 So I just winged it.

Some had flowers..

Some wore flirty ruffles...

Some sported buttons...

All wore a small green card...

"Dream BIG!"

These were crocheted with vertical stripes...

And were topped with rolled fabric flowers and leaves.

Whether old or new...I LOVE PIN CUSHIONS!!!

Above is a puzzle ball cushion that I made years ago.

I found this at a flea market and can't bear to part with it..

It opens twice...once to show a thimble and needles and once to show thread.

I salvaged squares of old fabric and fashioned this one in vintage crazy quilt style..

she lives in another state...an Etsy purchase from my store.

Felted wool polka dot one was also purchased from my Etsy shop.

I have a hard time parting with objects I make...I feel very disloyal.

I have collected red tomato and strawberry emeries for years.

Whether old or new...muted or bright...

isn't it wonderful that women through the ages have taken

such a mundane and utilitarian object and made them more fun to use?!

Hope you had a restful weekend,

(and for my friends who need special prayer for upcoming events in their life..rest well.)

Handwork For Wintry Days and Evenings

Peaceful night, all is well and the big day is coming to a close. Our Christmas day was quiet, and my brain is working overtime, as it usually does. I thought I might switch gears for tonight and start planning a few quick projects for what's left of my vacation. If you have a minute and are not too tired, grab a cup of tea or coffee and take a look with me.


Felt, beads and embroidery floss...the dynamic trio! I love designing strange little things and combining these three items to "flesh out" the design. I enjoy bringing something calm and beautiful out of chaos. Pin cushions, puzzle balls and other creations just make me smile. Pictured above are my attempts at puzzle balls. I needed to use up some of my beads and felt.

I made these puzzle balls in three sizes. As you can tell Crazy Quilt stitches influence me greatly.

I have collected pin cushions for years...just like to look at them and imagine the lady who used them before me. I have a wonderful collection of framed vintage crazy quilt pieces, and no matter how long I have them, I still love the tiny delicate stitches. I felted and embroidered the pin cushions below.


I also enjoy quick crochet projects. I'm not too much into following directions, I just make up as I go. My bird's nests are crocheted using eyelash and multicolored yarns...I like to attach feathers and pretty eggs. I use them year round. Once I made tons of them and sold them at a Christmas bazaar. I attached a label explaining the old wives' tale that to find a nest in your Christmas tree brought good fortune for the next year. I couldn't make them fast enough!

Above you will see a dark nest and below a lighter version. They take about 10 minutes to crochet. Adding feathers and eggs adds another 5 minutes! Cute spring gifts.


These copper nests catch the tree lights just perfectly. They are some of my favorites to use during the holidays. If you enjoy these type "crafts" check out The House in the Roses blog. I am participating in "Show Off Your Cottage Monday." See button on the upper right to attend!

After a busy holiday season, it will be great to have a cup of coffee, a fire in the fireplace and stitch up some of the quick and easy projects. Hope you picked up some ideas for the long cold winter days ahead! BTW: I have added a number of very interesting blogs to my blog list. Hope you can visit them and enjoy!
Also, I have marked Humorous Posts with an *. Just click on the archive month and by the title's of posts that I consider humorous there will be the *!