I'm not sure what it is lately. I have so many ideas. Maybe it's the coming of spring. Maybe it's the flowers blooming or their aroma. Maybe it's getting outside, saying good bye to winter. Maybe I'm getting use the the kids being gone. Maybe......it really doesn't matter. I have ideas and energy, and it's great! Here are two projects I've used some of this energy on. I so enjoy stitching. There was pleasure seeing these develop as I stitched along. Sometimes I work from a book. Sometimes I draw a pattern myself, then stitch. Sometimes I just start with a idea and start working and see what happens.

This is stitched on a wool/ poly blend, that has a nubby look and texture to it.
Actually, It started out as a pair of dress pants that I found at goodwill. They had a hole in them, and were frayed at the hem. Now there is new life in this bag.

Sweet little flowers and buds in a garden patch, circled with full bloomed flowers.

Lined in a light tan checked cotton, with a darker checked pocket to hold necessities.
Finished with a magnetic clasp.

For a completely different look is bag with a mix of applications.

Wool patchwork, topped with vintage buttons.

Wool applique, whipped stitched for a textured primitive look.

And embroidery.

It's amazing how quickly this kind of work goes. A quiet evening after working in the garden.
I am content.

Debbie

Another Bag

Another bag. I had this vision after making the other bag that I showed you two posts ago.

I combined washed wool with pearled cotton for embroidery on a cotton foundation. .
It's a simple pattern, but very textured. The "worm" is floss that has been fluffed.

The bag has an inner lining of batting, giving it a soft feel.

I used a recycled zipper in the side opening. The lining is patterned cotton.

A quaint bag for a summer day.

Thanks for visiting.

Debbie

Finished Embroidered Bag

Another project finished! This one was really fun....again. Because most of my projects are fun. This did not take very long.

I enjoy embroidery. I can relax or think, whichever needs to be done, while keeping my hands busy. Lately, I have been using mostly pearled cotton instead of floss. I really like the depth and texture that the pearled cotton gives. This bag is from the same book that I've told you about several times.

Worked mostly in chain stitch, in a delightful folk art pattern. Lined in floral cotton, and finished with a vintage fabric button and loop. The long narrow strap allows the bag to rest nicely against my hip, when slung over my shoulder.

To top off the fun, I was able to teach my cousin some embroidery stitches over the weekend, to pass on the craft. It is satisfying to pass the knowledge and skills on. Then watch and see how the craft grows and changes. Tell me some of the skills you have been able to pass on.

Blesssings,

Debbie

Embroidered Banner

I was sitting in my .....work room, sewing room, studio?????? whatever.....I was in there working on a project for Christmas. Many times this seems to happen. I'll be a little bummed because I haven't been too inspired lately. I do some projects, but it's not too original, just a slight variation of someone else project. They are great projects, and fun to do. And really, ....Can one person always come up with something original? I find that working on a project seems to feed the creative spirit in me. Anyway,.....I was working on a project that I had seen in Somerset Life, and out of the blue, an idea hit me. Does this happen to you? I had seen several banners made out of paper for Thanksgiving. They were really nice, and I liked the idea, but I needed something a little smaller, maybe a little more primitive. The idea....I could embroider a small banner on some wool scraps.
I made one for Thanksgiving. Well, Why not one for Christmas? The project was very quick, and simple. No skills needed in embroidery or spilling. It's very primitive looking and blends well with our home. I have a few more strips of wool, so I'll do some more and longer ones too. I'm sure someone else has done this before, I just haven't seen it.

I need to keep in mind what I have embroidered - Give Thanks. And stop being bummed about silly things. Be thankful for the gifts that I have been given, and be grateful that I can use my gifts. My heart is full to be where I am right now. This season of Thanksgiving I want to express that and help create a spirit of thankfulness for what we have been blessed with, and what we can share with others.