Stitchin Fingers

I just joined Stitchin Fingers which is for everyone interested in all areas of fibre and textiles. This seems to be a very active group. I am having a bit of difficulty adding my picture to my profile page - more experimenting to do! I did add a picture of pisci fantasticus to the photo page and already had a couple of comments from one of the members of the group.

This site is definitely worth a look or two. The photo section is fabulous - such beautiful work.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Living on the eastern coast of North America, Christmas Day arrives here first. In fact, we have out own time zone which is ahead of the rest of the country by 30 minutes. The tradition here at my house is to open one gift just after midnight. I was delighted to receive the book, Fibreart Montage, by Judith Baker Montana. You can read a bit about the book on her site. I have several of her books which tend to be good references for hand stitching. Crazy stitching/quilting is one of her specialities. Go here for some free crazy quilting patterns.

My quilting friend sent this to me however she did not know who wrote it. If someone out there knows the source, I'd appreciate an email so I can give credit to the author.

A Quilter's Dream come true!

'Twas the night before Christmas,

And the quilts were not made.

The threads were all tangled, the cookies delayed.

The stocking weren't hung, the pantry was bare.

The poor weary Quilter, was tearing her hair.

Stacks of fat quarters, tipped over in streams.

Visions of Log Cabins, had turned into dreams.

When what to her wondering eyes should appear,

But a bus full of quilters with all of their gear.

They went straight to work with just a few mutters,

Sorting and stitching and brandishing cutters.

The patterns emerged from all of the clutter,

Like magic the fabrics arranged in a flutter.

Log Cabins, Lone Stars, Flying Geese & Bear Tracks

Each quilt was a beauty-even the backs.

Her house how it twinkled, her quilts how they glowed.

The cookies were baking, the stockings were sewed.

Their work was all done, so they folded their frames,

And packed up their needles, without giving their names.

They boarded the bus, and checked the next address.

More quilts to be made, another quilter in distress.

She heard one voice echo, as they drove out of sight,

Happy quilting to all and to all a good night!

Happy Birthday Joan

Today is my sister's birthday. She was the receipent of a Pisci Fantasticus. For me, it is often difficult to know what to get that special person. However, I do know that people love receiving gifts you make yourself. Sometimes that gift may be something baked in your kitchen, stitched by hand or by sewing machine. I found a few things that might be suitable for a sister, mom, aunt, granny or friend.

Here is a nice reversible placemat or centerpiece mat for a dessert or candy. A clutch purse that's simple to make would be perfect for a special sister. Check out a travel shoe bag and cosmetic bag. For the person who sews (or for yourself), here is an armchair sewing organizer. For those who live far away, why not make a felt cake (yes, you read it correctly). I just had to include this one. Sorry Joan, you get a real chocolate cake when you get home on Monday!! A kimono needle roll looks interesting, also this water bottle tote. Tea anyone! Find out about the insulated tea cozy, oven mitt and table runner. There, these projects should get you motivated.

Christmas Tree

I finally finished decorating my living room Christmas Tree! Here's a picture of it. Three smaller ones to go. My tree skirt is a purchased panel that I put together years ago. My daughter has a crazy quilted one that I made her from scraps of clothes from when she was a young child.

I just did a quick search for more free stuff on the web related to Christmas trees.
Here's a short list:
Miniature Christmas Tree Quilt Pattern
Christmas Tree Quilt Block
More free Christmas quilted stuff
Traditional Tree Skirt
For the stitcher
Sew have some fun!

Freebies for Crafters

The weather outside is miserable! Just right for staying inside & playing with fabric. I came across Freebies for Crafters by chance, while looking around Sewing by the Sea. I had a quick look around both sites and figured they were worthwhile spots to explore.  I like to check out blogs and web sites that others find interesting enough to post.

If you have friends who like chocolate, see the molton chocolate mugs from Aikson Design (listed on the Freebies for Crafters site). I just might try this one!!

Christmas Tea & Sale

I spent a pleasant afternoon at the Anna Templeton Center Christmas Tea & Sale. The cookie selection was marvelous but I wasn't tempted to have any. I wandered around the booths chatting to exhibitors and admiring the items for sale. As a member of  the Craft Council of NL, I know most of the exhibitors. I had a grand chat with Vicky Taylor-Hood of Sea Strands Studio. Visit Vicky's web site to see her wonderful textile creations. Vicky was sharing a space with her mother, Mary Hood. Mary designs and creates toys for children. She is well known for her Burnt Island Bears. 

If you are looking for quality hand knits of Newfoundland such as caps/hats, socks & mitts, contact Christine at christinelegrow@nl.rogers.com. Her company is called Spindrift. I was also talking to Erin of Northeastern Folk Art. She specializes in handmade Raku pottery & giftware. I have a couple of Erin's pieces and have sent some as gifts. The bronze colour is beautiful.

Steph Squires of Fire Dove Jewellery has beautiful wire & gemstone necklace and earrings. Two of my stitching buddies also make jewellery and were displaying on the second floor. They sell pendants, earrings, rings & small knitted beaded evening bags under the name Jocale. Jason Holly and Roslind Ford, also jewellery makers, shared a space on the main floor. Jason designs chain mail jewellery as well as clay pieces and Roslind creates miniature hand dyed woven thread pieces mounted on silver. Very unique pieces.

There were some very lovely stain glass ornaments from Stain Glass Reflections. Many of the pieces are one-of-a-kind. I think there will be a blog designed in the near future, featuring the glass pieces.

The last booth I visited was Riddle Fence, a journal of arts & crafts. Take a look at their site.

Thanks for visiting!

One of the things I enjoy about having this blog is looking at the cluster map part way down the screen. I check each day to see if another country has been added. Some of my friends might say (for fun - I hope) that she has nothing better to do! I wish I could say that. Thanks for visiting and I hope you continue to come back. Comments and suggestions are welcome too.

I just finished the last of the scarves before Christmas. This one is black, grey and silver on one side and black, blue and green on the reverse. I just love the colours so much I just might make that combination for myself.

I am going to visit the Anna Templeton Center this afternoon for their annual Christmas Tea and Sale. Should be an interesting visit.

Pincushions

I just came across these pincushions which are decorative as well as practical. So start saving those plastic bottle caps as you will need them for this project! Check out some very colourful pincushions here. I may have to try out some of these. They would make nice gifts for stitchers. Bunches more to see! Just click on the pictures to visit other crafty web sites. Have fun!

Owls

Last evening at quilt guild, a friend mentioned that she was interested in owls. She was quite pleased to see a link for an owl pattern in one of my posts. Well, here's a tutorial on making a cute stuffed fabric owl. This one would make a neat pin cushion or even a toy for a child. Enjoy!