Emily's Latest Needlepoint.....

Emily has finished another needlepoint. She started this spunky little puppy for Ethan awhile back. When I told her I was working on finishing up old projects...she decided she would do the same. She was far enough along that it only took her about two days to complete it. Now she needs to decide how to finish it....frame it, or turn it into a pillow, or what?

I have several projects I have finished this week as well...but they will have to wait to share until the camera batteries are re-charged. Back soon!!!

Another Block and Thoughts on Organization.....

I finished up this block just in time to take to the quilt shop this past Friday. And the most exciting part was that while I was there I purchased some fabric to make a baby quilt for a friend's baby shower. I love making baby quilts....they are generally pretty quick to make...or rather the ones I chose are generally pretty quick. I have made great progress already. Hopefully I'll have it finished and ready later this week.

Since my machine is in the shop again, and the loaner they gave me is giving me fits, I've been trying to organize some of my sewing/crafting supplies. For example, I have lots of different needles for different uses. I have cross-stitch needles, smocking needles, hand quilting needles, heirloom embroidery needles, heirloom bullion needles, needle point needles, etc.

So I decided to try out the idea of using these zip-loc baggies that I generally use for my embroidery floss. One of the ladies at my quilting/cross-stitch shop introduced me to them last year. They are baggies with two holes punched in them so you can put them in a special binder to keep them together. Well, I like the concept, but instead of buying a binder I just tie them together with yarn. I have quite a bit of yarn around the house.

So then I decided to try the same thing with my bobbins. So far I only have five bobbins. I will get more because I am one of those people that likes to have LOTS of empty bobbins just in case. But anyway, I use so many different types of thread that I get confused. I have read where some people write on the bobbin what kind of thread is on it....but I don't care for that idea because I may change the thread and forget to change the info on the bobbin. And if I accidently use my water soluble thread....that would be bad. So I decided to try this baggie idea out with my bobbins too. I just included a piece of index card with the thread info on it including the color.

And for my next embroidery project I have organized my floss in some baggies as well. The lady that I mentioned earlier actually taught me to take the labels off my floss and then cut one side of the loops. Then whenever I want to use the floss it is already in pre-cut pieces. What a neat idea....and one I would have never thought of on my own. (The floss in the above picture has not been cut yet....but I will cut it when I start the project.)

I am sure there are better ideas out there...but for now I will try these and see how it goes. I was already thinking that a small inexpensive photo album might be a good alternative for my needles if the baggie system doesn't work. I like to keep my stuff in the original packaging whenever possible, so I always try to keep that in mind.

I have lots of projects underway.....another dress for Elisabeth, the baby quilt previously mentioned, Emily's quilt, a quillow for Ethan, and an heirloom project. I think that's enough to keep me busy and out of trouble for awhile. Now, if only my machine would come home soon!!!

Choo-Choo Train Crossing......

Emily has been busy needlepointing again. She made this adorable choo-choo train for Ethan. The sweet lady that taught her how to needlepoint several years back did not cut her any slack. The back of this piece looks like basket-weave and is almost as beautiful as the front. This piece is about 5 x 7 inches finished and will look great made up as a pillow or framed. She hasn't decided yet how she wants to finish it.

My smocking is going great. I am almost finished with the first dress....and then on to the second. I still haven't cut out Ethan's outfit. I can't decide if I want to make the size 1 or size 2.....although I am leaning towards the size 1 so it will look good on him this year. I am not so concerned about "growing room" in this outfit.

Emily has been busy!

My Sweet Emily has been working on some needlepoint projects this year. She has not decided how she wants to finish them yet.....frame them, make pillows, or what. But she has plenty of time to decide. I think she wants to make the car needlepoint into a pillow for Ethan but we will see. The hot air balloon was her first needlepoint project and she did a great job. She made this one when she was 6 years old. Then she picked out the car needlepoint to specifically make for her brother. She is so thoughtful!

And the kicker is that the backs of these pieces are as beautiful as the front. She was very professional in her approach and even used the stretcher bars that are recommended for needlepoint. We purchased all the supplies at our favorite local shop. Now she is working on a cross-stitch, some embroidery designs of her own, and a couple of knitting projects. Of course, this is worked around her piano and violin playing too. She sure stays busy!!!!