February OPAM

Here are my finishes for February:

(2) pair 1:12 Doll Slippers

(2) 1:12 miniature pillows (Unicorn and Rose)

"Slan" ornament

"Got Luck?" ornament

Scissor Fob

Edwardian Lady Parasol (freebie pattern from Lynn B)

 "D" is for Darning Shaker Box (free pattern from Brooke's Books)

Needlebook (kit from Textile Heritage)

A Finishing Fool, Smalls SAL, Late to My Own Party and Blogoversary Giveaway

Greetings! I don't know what got into me, but I went on a finishing frenzy these past few days. Here are the doll slippers, just a smidge over and inch long - just in time for the Smalls SAL check-in:

Remember, you can get the pattern for the slippers on my "Free Patterns" page (see tab at the top).

The 4-H group will be in my studio on March 8th.  Thought I should put the final touch on their project for them to see. Front:

 Back finished with a fussy cut featuring a lovely shamrock:

It's a free pattern from Plum Street Samplers.

Here's a finish from a freebie from The Primitive Hare.  "Slan" means "Wishing you a safe and healthy return journey" or "Take Care".

Here is a pretty pattern from Les Fils d'Helene.  I thought it made up nicely into a scissor fob - kind of a combination of Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day.

Now my latest needlepoint project.  Have you heard of Switch Flops?  They're sandals made by Lindsay Phillips.  The straps have Velcro on them so you can switch out the straps to whatever you desire. I found some you can needlepoint yourself by Sandy Arthur of Duo Designs.

I'm looking for the perfect buttons to sew in the center of the "V"….then I'll add the velcro to the back and - presto, change-o, a pair of new straps for my sandals! I've got ideas for another pair, too. I think I've got Spring Fever…..it's minus 5 outside right now and I'm thinking "SANDALS?!"

I am late to my own party - SOB!  Yep - missed my Second Blogoversary - but still would like to have a give away to celebrate.  Please leave a comment on this post to enter and please, PLEASE make sure you're not a no-reply blogger so I can contact you.  I'll send the lucky recipient the scissor fob (above).  The winner's name will be drawn on March 6th.

Thank you for stopping by and spending some of your time with me.

1:12 Doll Slipper Pattern

I just finished designing and stitching the first slipper on 40 Ct silk gauze and 1 strand of DMC floss. Starting the second one…hopefully finishing them by Tuesday.

The pattern has been charted and can be found here or on my "Free Patterns" page.  Let me know if you have any questions, I'm happy to help.

Gold Elegance

While sitting in our family room yesterday, playing with graph paper and colored pencils, I glanced over to the bookshelves and noticed this vase.  I painted it about six years ago:

It's 10 inches tall and 6 inches across (handle to handle).  Painted using 24 kt gold, raised paste and enamel.

Hmmmm….maybe I'm getting the painting bug again?  In the mean time, off to stitch up the new 1:12 slipper pattern.

Needlepoint Shoes - Plus a Tutorial

I've gotten quite a few questions about the 1:12 slippers I made and blogged about in my previous post.  Here's a little background on my passion for needlepoint. As you can probably tell by now, I'm nuts over needlepoint - anything needlepoint.  I have a needlepoint vest, needlepoint purse, needlepoint belt, needlepoint boxes, needlepoint tapestries, needlepoint carpet(s)….the list goes on and on.

I stitched these shoes - a combination of silk and metallic threads - the finished canvas was sent away for professional finishing - and YES - I wear them on occasion.

I have this canvas in my stash - complete with the threads to stitch up - they are on my "To Do" list….

Here is a canvas I painted for Fleur de lis shoes.  Again, on my "To Do" list…..

Now - back to the 1:12 slippers.  I promise I'll post a pattern for a pair - most likely by the end of the month, so I can design, stitch and finish them up. I used the 'human size' outline (above) as a guide for the 1:12 slippers.  Yep, went from GI-NOR-MOUS to wee-itty-bitty. I used graph paper and a pencil (yep - there was a lot of erasing going on) - the graph below isn't even close to the final design.

I was going to put together a tutorial on how I finished the 1:12 slippers, but found this outstanding tutorial instead and thought I'd share.  Take a look at Scarletsailsminiatures.blogspot.com.  It's amazing.

I pretty much had the same approach as Natalie shows, but I used four strands of DMC floss and made the cording for around the top of the shoes.  I stitched the backs of the shoes closed instead of gluing them, used blue material I had on hand for the inside (versus silk) and used white felt for the bottom of the soles.

I hope this will inspire you to take a plunge and try this for yourself.  It's a lot of fun - And I promise I'll post a pattern for you for a pair of slippers before the end of the month.

GYB Winner, The Postman Cometh, Tiny Slippers, Friends Swapaway Update

I'm a bit late, but that seems to be my story these past few weeks.  Anyway, the random number generator selected

 Julie from Julie's Lifestyle Blog

as the winner of  the Grow Your Blog Party give away.  The GYB Party was hosted by Vicki at 2 Bags Full.  Thank you, Vicki - it was a blast!! A huge thank you and "Welcome" to my new followers.  I hope this will be an inspirational and exciting year full of ideas….and stitches.

The postman delivered a package to me last week from Thoeria - I'll get to stitching and pass the patterns along.  And - WOW!  What great metallic Madera threads.  Perfect for my 1:12 fascination - er - projects. Thank you, Thoeria!!

And now - here are the slippers I stitched. They're a little over an inch long. I made up the pattern myself and stitched on 40 Ct silk gauze.  If you can't tell, the design on the toe of the slippers are blue roses ;0) and the top of them are adorned with a wee-tiny blue cording. They aren't perfect, but I don't think they came out too poorly, considering I didn't know what I was doing - HA! The next pair will be better.  I already have an idea for the design.

OH!  And the "Friends Swapaway" parcels will be going out in the mail next week.  I can hardly wait to share what June and Kaye will receive.  

How Small Can I Go?

OK - I've become fascinated with dollhouse miniatures - those teeny-tiny things that are 1:12 scale.  Here is my first attempt at a pillow/cushion.  It measures 1 1/8 x 1 1/4 inches and stitched on 40 Ct silk gauze. Complete with cording. I used black velvet for backing

And here's my unicorn pillow in 40 Ct silk gauze, 1 inch square, navy blue moire as backing.

On to my next itty-bitty adventure!!

Catching Up

I'm so behind with reading blog posts from my friends, it's been a whirlwind week or two!  I'm trying to catch up, reading what you all have been up to.

I wanted to thank Cheryll from Gone Stitchin for organizing such a wonderful Initial Heart Swap.  I received the most intriguing package from my swap partner, Diane, from Quilting is Blissful.  Oh my -
Can you tell the chocolates didn't make it long enough before snapping a photo?  Diane - how did you know I needed a note pad to write things down so I don't forget - the cupcake foils are soon to be filled with home made cupcakes……at least, that's what DH is campaigning for - HA!

 And how about these cross stitch patterns??  Love them - THANK YOU!!

And last, but certainly not least, a lovely embroidered kitchen towel and my initial - isn't the finishing delightful? I love the scissor charm - Again - THANK YOU, DIANE  -  and a huge THANK YOU to Cheryll - I can hardly wait for next year's swap!!

I also received this wonderful heart and flowers from Michelle, my Round Robin partner.  It's part of a design by Mdme May Dupont.  I love it - and the floss and material - perfect.  Thank you, Michelle!! And a special "Thank You" goes to June for organizing.  I met so many new friends as part of the Round Robin -

More later -

Just a Quick Post

I made it back from visiting my darling daughter and grandson in the nick of time - before the snow storm hit and we got over 14 inches of snow.  YIKES!  Was that good timing, or what?! Of course, I MUST share a photo of my Prince Charming - 3 months old and my smiley guy!!

On a sadder note, my gallant, loving step father passed away just an hour after I arrived back home.  Needless to say, I miss him horribly, but I know he is in a much better place now - reunited with his family and loved ones and no more pain.

I managed to get some stitching done (in between hugs and holding PC) last week.  I'll share more later.
Best wishes for a fantabulous week -