Still Stitching and a Good Tip...

You would think a person would get tired of stitching....

Not me!

I finish one piece and I'm off to the next piece.

I should say I start several projects at one time.

Here's a good tip...

I like to cut out the shapes of several projects at one time. 

This way I take out all my wool, make a huge mess, cut out my projects and clean up. 

I can also tell what colors I'm running out of.

 I just love this runner! 

The black background really makes the objects pop.

 I made this runner using a pattern but I added my own touches.

I wish I could remember who's pattern this is.

You might remember this penny rug...I made it in black.

I really like how this looks..perfect for spring and summer.

 I made a few spring and summer penny rugs.

 This green is my favorite!

I have these penny rugs for sale on my ebay.

I have more pictures and a little write up about each piece.

Click here to see everything I have on ebay.

You can always email me if you would like to purchase directly from me.

Here's a new runner I designed and made.

I made this runner two ways. 

One way using a solid piece for the pumpkins and stitching to give it dimension.

And one way using several pieces to make the pumpkins.



I just love all the yummie hand dyed wools!

I plan on stitching tomorrow...leap day...what better way to spend our extra day!

I'll continue stitching as long as the weather stays cool.

Once it gets warmer then yard work starts which leaves less time to stitch.

Enjoy your day,

Leanne



Look what I made....

I told you I was going to make a cake for Valentine's Day.

 A three layer chocolate cake,

filled with chocolate truffle,

decorated with chocolate fudge frosting, chocolate truffles, white chocolate hearts and red and white jimmies.

 I have to say it is/was very yummy!

I'm glad everyone liked it because I will not make this cake for a loooong time.

It seemed like I was working on it all day long.

Right now I'm kind of chocolated out. I know how can that be possible?

Well this cake has a lot of chocolate!

One last look at the cake.

I think I will stick to stitching and sewing...way less calories!

Enjoy your day,

Leanne

How I add tongues to my penny rugs...

This week I've been stitching as often as I can.

One good thing about winter I have more time to stitch!

 I just love this pattern!

It looks so different just by changing the background.

 I know I showed you this sunflower but now I have the tongues basted on.

 A few tips on How I add tongues to my penny rugs.

1. Before I'm ready to add the tongues I mark the back of my top piece about 1/2 inch from the edge all the way around. This is my guide I use to line up the end of the tongues.

2. When I'm adding tongues to my wool applique I do the hand stitching on the 3 sides that will show. I then machine sew the bottom, chaining the pieces together. Make sure the tongues are in the color order you want them to be before you sew.

3. Flip your finished piece over and pin your chained tongues... remember finished side down. I then machine baste the tongues keeping them lined up with that 1/2 inch guide you made.

4. Pin the backing to the top and hand stitch using a blanket stitch. You will have to stitch the top and then stitch the back. I double up my stitching on the space between the tongues. Take out your basting stitches.

5. To finish I lay the top face down on a thick towel and place a double layer of muslin on top and press with steam.  Lay on a flat surface to cool.

6. Enjoy!

I think the tongues add more color and a perfect way to finish off your wool applique.

If you have any questions just ask.

I'm off to stitch...I want to get these pieces done this weekend.

Enjoy your day,

Leanne

Chocolate Layer Cake....

Need I say more?

 I was looking through some pictures and came across this beautiful cake my girlfriend made for a holiday party I had.  Notice the chocolate snowflakes?  and chocolate bon bons?

Yes, it tasted as good as it looks.

I've been thinking about making this for Valentine's Day.

 I just had to show you this picture of a doll I made using a pattern from Maureen of Sweet Meadow's Farm.

She makes me smile everytime I look at her!

Something Sweet and something to make you Smile!

Enjoy your day,

Leanne

Penny Rugs...

I just love mixing all my hand dyed wools, wools and wool felt into making penny rugs!

With the black wool background anything goes!

It seems like no matter what colors you mix they all turn out so fun!

The color combinations are endless!

As you can see I mix the shape around to...round, oval and large oval.

 See how fun it is to mix all colors in plaids and solids.

The one on the bottom right corner reminds me of citrus with it's lime, lemon, orange and grapefruit colors.  They are not the bright neon colors but soft prim colors.

 I also like using navy blue as a background.  The colors seem to blend in more for a softer look.

 I just love this gingerbread men and hearts penny rug!

It's perfect for Valentine's Day.

I don't usually make such large penny rugs. The cost of a large piece of wool is pretty pricey but so worth it when you see it sitting on a table.

This size...18 inches across is becoming my favorite...it looks soooo nice on my kitchen table.

 Don't you just love these little men?  Their little bow ties and buttons are too cute.

These little guys are getting me to think of gingerbread cupcakes....yummmm.

I think I'll make some for the Super Bowl.

We need something to get over the fact that the Packers are not in it.

I'm still crying in my (root)beer about it.

I do have some of these penny rugs for sale on ebay.

Click here to see what I have to offer.

One last idea....

How about this for your Super Bowl snack?

Someday I would like to try this. 

I really don't think it would be that hard in fact I think it would be really fun to make.

Maybe next year....

when the Packers are in the Super Bowl.

Enjoy your day,

Leanne

Stitching Away...Here's What I'm Working On

Since Valentine's Day is just around the corner I had to make a few Valentine penny rugs.

This first one is...

Scrappy Hearts

Each heart is a different red wool.

Use all your scraps to make this cute penny rug.

The pattern will be available soon.

 I finished this one up and now it's sitting on the dresser in our foyer...tooo cute!

I'm still working on the tongues. 

You might remember this from last year it was done on a light beige background.

I just love the sunflower.

This one needs berries and some stitching embellishments.

I like to work on a couple of penny rugs at a time.

Why?

When I have a new design or a new pattern I want to get started right away.

I plan on spending this weekend stitching in between carpool, basketball games and the Super Bowl.

I put up the round Valentine penny rug on ebay.

Click here to see it.

Enjoy your weekend,

Leanne