Yearly Archives: 2016

Getting Closer…

My Needle's Song - Neulani laulu

We actually have set Tuesday as a day to start taking new pictures. I have an idea for the header for the shops. I am hoping we have a sunny day in store so our lighting is better. Looking at the weather, that probably isn’t going to happen, but we will make the best of what we do have. Spring is coming to Western Finland. I see little buds on the birch trees and berry bushes. Our days are getting nice and long now. Before long, it will be summer!

jinglebunny-1

Of course, this is the first weekend of the month, and that means it is time to work on Christmas ornaments. These are from Jean Farish Needlework’s Jingle Babies. I did not do the border or sentiment on this set as I really don’t know how they will be finished yet. I do need to add the beads, but that happens after I wash them. I love the primitive look of these designs.

junglelambThe stitched area on these are about 2×2, so they will be nice additions to any tree. I love smaller ornaments because they fit in so many more places! Most of the ornaments out there are twice this size. The lamb will have bright red beads added to the wreath for a more festive look. This is as charted, though the pictures show either red beads or French Knots. For ornaments, I love using beads. I am thinking of doing a very simple padded ornament finish with a beaded edge.

jingleset1Here’s the full set of 8. These are going to be so cute for the animal lovers out there. I have never seen a beaver on an ornament before, and I have been collecting these for many years! I will be stitching this little set at least once more, but on different fabrics and with different finishes. Both sets will be available soon. I think animals are a refreshing change from the traditional Santa, angel, snowman, and gingerbread ornaments.

This next week will be a busy one, and I am not sure how much real stitching time I will get. Small projects like these are great ways to handle busy weeks because you do get to finish them quickly. Watch the Facebook page for updates!!

Until next week, Happy Stitching!

It’s Almost Here!

My Needle's Song - Neulani laulu

Next month (April, just a week away), I get to finally begin on the overhaul of my shops. It is also almost time to spill the beans on our new direction. I am so excited, and this is something I have wanted to do for a while now. I did drop a hint in the last post. My shops along with Jessie’s Jewels will be teaming up to help animal shelters. Every single sale on both sites will now help our furry friends. You will see more details very soon.

20161Here’s two of the new designs. These are from a perforated plastic kit that turns out big ornaments – almost 5″ at the largest dimension! Personally, I think those are too big and klutzy for a tree! I did these two on 16 count Aida which makes them smaller. They have 6 more friends too. These were done during my February ornament weekend. I rather like them, don’t you? I have an ornament weekend coming up here very soon too.

I really can’t wait to get started on all of this. I have just 3 more promised squares to do and then I can work on this project full time. So, watch for my event posting if you want to join in the fun next weekend, and definitely watch for the new My Needle’s Song shops over the next month!

Until next time, Happy Stitching!

She’s Baaackkk…

My Needle's Song - Neulani laulu

Finally getting caught up around here, enough so that I can start working on the shop again. There will be a lot of changes coming over the next few months as I get things stitched and finished. It’s all good, and it will enable me to do some good as well.

jinglebabiesLast month, I started a regular event on Facebook to help focus on making Christmas ornaments and greeting cards. Basically, the first weekend of every month, I schedule a stitch-along (or craft along). I am really hoping this will help me avoid some of the last minute rush. You don’t have to count stitches or anything else. Just set that WIP aside that has been driving you nuts and work on your Christmas projects! You can find the event posted on my Facebook Page. This month, I will be working on Jean Farish’s Jingle Babies – an adorable collection of 8 animal-themed ornaments. One set will be auctioned off later to benefit Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary. If this is a chart you just *have* to have, don’t worry – you can buy and download this from her Etsy Shop.

I will get pictures posted..

Happy Stitching!

 

Yikes!! I haven’t posted in like.. forever!

My Needle's Song - Neulani laulu

Sorry… real life gets in the way at times. I just finished a very intense, very necessary 14 month language school. While my Finnish is greatly improved, I still have a very long way to go. But now, I am back to being able to work on my projects, look at teaching a little, restock the shop and so very much more.

I am still very actively stitching for charity. We are in the middle of doing several special request quilts for 4 priceless little boys (2 are in the quilting stage, the other 2 are still having squares done). They also have a new project where they will be making unique quilts for injured, disabled, and deceased RCMP officers.

ornaments2015On the horizon for my shops – NEW items. Yes… I promise some new goodies are coming. I just got a sewing machine and will be doing some smaller gift items that combine simple quilting with cross stitch. I will also have several ornament designs this year. The Rauha ornaments pictured will be finessed out a bit more and will join the shop later in the year both as finished pieces and probably as downloadable charts. I am thinking of doing them on dark blue… with white letters. I’ve also been experimenting with making my own cording. The blue on the lower ornament was the best, I think.

So, I have not gone away. 2016 is going to be a fantastic year!! I can’t wait to start showing off all the new items!

Guess that means I had better get back to work!