Pins and Needles

2012-02-10T10:09:00.000-06:00

I am sorry I have been away. I have been having trouble with my old car accident injuries. I have recently begun to have pain in my shoulders and down my arms into my hands. The PT Doctor seems to think I have some entrapped nerves that run down my arm. It starts at my neck and runs the entire length of my arm into my hands. Most days I don't feel up to much. I just wanted my readers to know where I have been.

** I will try and visit the blog every few days to post your comments **

Valentin Cutie !!!!

2012-02-03T08:37:00.002-06:00

This is a doll I created for one of my Yahoo groups. The pattern is Amelia from Red Dirt Primitives ......

I am a bit late..

2012-01-13T07:53:00.003-06:00

Hello everyone.. I am still running behind but I thought I would show you my Christmas Stocking that I made for my Annual Christmas Swap... I had a great time making this little guy. I used variegated, and silver threads on it. I have to admit.. I made a mistake on it.. I discovered the mistake when I edited the photos. I didn't even notice until it was already in the mail. Do you see the mistake??

OH well makes it all the more one of a kind :O)

I hope my partner loved hers.. I was very excited when I received my exchange from her :O)
I will modify this post soon to show all of you her lovely stocking!

I also made a fun craft apron for my daughter out of used jeans.... The center pocket has a zinger to attach your scissors and the pocket is to keep them tucked out of the way when not in use ;O)

BDU Messanger Bag

2012-01-12T17:28:00.000-06:00

My sister-in-law sent me this photo of my nephew's messenger bag. I took the rank off it before posting it on Facebook and the last name before putting it here so yes this is the slightly edited version. =)

Scarves

2012-01-07T08:49:00.000-06:00

Last time I visited I showed you some hats I made. Today I have a stack o'scarves to show you.

The purple and pink edged scarves are fleece and the rest are flannel. When I started making them I used this tutorial but after a couple of scarves I started making them like burp cloths. The burp cloth way was much easier and quicker.

Most of the scarves were sent off to the nieces and their kiddos in Missouri and Tennessee and I have a few left to go in the shop. I bought tons of fleece and flannel when JoAnn's had their Black Friday sale so I can make more when I feel the urge.

Crocheted Cuddle Sack

2012-01-05T21:43:00.004-06:00

I haven't been on in a while but just had to show you the

little cuddle sack that I made for my new grandson!

Hands have been bothering me, but I was determined

to finish this before Christmas and I did it!!!!

Isn't it cute???

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

http://www.lifeslittlegarden.blogspot.com/

2011-12-23T08:48:00.002-06:00

BDU Messanger Bag

2011-12-21T10:50:00.000-06:00

Well, I fumbled a Christmas gift. Actually the gift turned out great, but I forgot to take photos before rushing off to the post office to send it. =( My husband's family decided to draw names this year and I got my nine year old nephew, C. I was excited because him and his brother were the only two I had a sure plan on what to get. C loves anything to do with Uncle N and consequently the military. I carefully cut apart a winter weight BDU top. I was able to make the whole shell of the bag out of the one top. The bottom and sides were one long strip that I used the sleeves to create. I carefully cut and spliced the sleeves, adding the double top stitching to every seam so it would match the real seams of the BDU. I was able to keep the rank on and line it up at the top of each side. On the inside I lined it with brown fabric and sewed in a leftover light weight BDU pants pocket. While making it I took two photos and sent them to my husband.

Alright, I flipped the photo. Does it trip your eyes out too? And yes, it's on my sewing machine. Note to self, the messenger bag pattern is almost big enough to fit as a sewing machine cover. =) This is the front of the bag, under the flap. I used the bottom two pockets on the BDU. Typically we cut open the pockets, then removed the buttons, button hole flap, and any excess fabric; however C, lucked out because this was the first altered BDU and it was only missing the buttons and extra fabric (made it expandable). After a lot of work, he had four fully functional pockets on the front.

Here's the side of the bag. Notice the permanent crease up the middle of the rank from all the ironing and starching over the years. On a side note, my husband doesn't wear uniforms anymore so that rank is old.

Sewin', Crochetin' and Gettin' Creative......Oh My!

2011-12-10T09:32:00.001-06:00

Here's some of the things I've been making the last month.

I've been really busy trying to put things in my Etsy Shop to make money for Christmas.

I crocheted this slouchy hat and a cowl neck scarf

out of a wool and acrylic blend yarn.

I just kinda made up the pattern off of other hats that I've made.

another slouchy hat of of a mixture of tweed yarns.

and I crocheted this rug out of recycled bed sheets.

Can you guess which 2 characters are the main part of the rug?

These snowmen looked really cute when I put them on a piece of jute

and added some strips of torn fabric onto the jute.

My picture of that didn't turn out to well though.

I love this little dress ornament.

I've made dresses out of paper and used them as garland before,

but I saw some larger fabric dresses on Etsy and loved them,

so here's my version.

I made several little dresses and accessorized each one a little different.

This dress I crocheted a collar and cuffs onto the dress and then added a crocheted hand muff.

and then I've been really busy making little felt ornaments and pins.

I wanted to get my brother a bottle of wine for Christmas so I made a reversible bag with a handle, then attached a piece of jute that I crocheted and added a felt ornament.

Everyone is getting homemade gifts this year from us

so I better get busy and finish up some of my other projects.

Have a great weekend!

Hats, Hats, and More Hats

2011-12-08T18:18:00.000-06:00

I have been busy lately crocheting some fun hats... A friend on Facebook wanted some fish hats for her kids. I played with a few patterns until I came up with these.

My Daughter's (20) friend Beth has a small-ish dog that she just loves. I saw this doggie snowman hat and just had to make it for her. Suzi's head is a bit larger than her dog's but I needed a model. Suzi tolerates me so well.

Beth asked if I could please make her a hat and she decided on a puppy hat. I gave it to her last week and she wore it when they went to a concert over in Miami lol. She definitely loves her hat!

Beth's brother Peter loves tigers and lions and most big cats so I decided he should have a silly animal hat too. I used this pattern but since Peter is 18 I gave him smaller fuzzy cheeks. He will be getting his hat this weekend.

I had made a kitty kat scarf and purse for a little girl recently so I thought it would be fun to make a kitty kat hat to match.

and finally...I also made this toddler sized owl hat from a pattern I purchased. I don't have it in front of me at the moment so I can't tell you where I found it.

Christmas Stockings

2011-12-02T10:39:00.002-06:00

Alright ladies, it's time to get back to posting. I love reading about everything you are working on and seeing how it's Christmas time I'm guessing many of you have projects that are either made, being made or on the ever growing to do list.
To keep the blog from dying like it's currently doing or has done, how about we try to post something at least once a week? Who wants to share? Come on you know you have some awesome project that is going to inspire us.

Alright at the risk of ruining the surprise for Cheryl I'm going to show a little glimpse of my almost completed stocking for Aunt Pitty Pat's stocking swap. Earlier this week I got my stocking in the mail from Cheryl and it's AWESOME. Really, you all should be jealous she was my partner. It's okay if you want to shed a few tears because you didn't join the swap or didn't have Cheryl. Now dry your eyes and keep a watch over at APP's for her next swap. It might be a while before she does another, but I can guarantee it will be fun.

Okay, here's the peak at my stocking for Cheryl...

I was going to give you a looksy at the top but I'm going to save it. =) This is the heel of the stocking.

Now Cheryl's stocking for me... is it fair to share her work? Ah, why not. She can come on and add to it. It's still stuffed with all the goodies she sent other then the ornament. I want to be able to hang it on my tree so I took it out of the stocking. I decided to wait on everything else. I figure my husband is deployed so I might as well save some surprises for myself. =) BTW, I took these with my phone so they are on the dark side and the color isn't spot on.

I love that she used random buttons. I like adding buttons to my daughter's clothes to make flowers, butterflies, ect.

Here's a closer look at the snowflake. My favorite part is the little beads on each point.

Check this guy out. No, all snowmen DON'T have to be made up of three balls. Besides his happy face and the mittens on his stick arms, I love his BIG buttons. =) Perhaps I'm just a button fan? Hmmm... Cheryl you might just be getting come buttons on yours.

And here it is!!!! Notice the toe and heel of the stocking are both pointed. Love it! Thanks Cheryl!

2011-11-24T08:13:00.001-06:00

∩ │◥███◣ ╱◥███◣
╱◥◣ ◥████◣▓∩▓│∩ ║
│╱◥█◣║∩∩∩ ║◥█▓ ▓█◣
││∩│ ▓ ║∩田│║▓ ▓ ▓∩ ║
•°”˜˜”°• From our house to your house •°”˜˜”°•
•°”˜˜”°•Happy Thanksgiving to your family and friends•°”˜˜”°•

11-11-11

2011-11-11T05:56:00.000-06:00

2011-10-30T06:18:00.000-05:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM PINS AND NEEDLES.
Photo by: DiscoverMilton.com

Hats for Everyone!

2011-10-17T08:30:00.000-05:00

I've been crocheting hats like crazy lately.

They are pretty fun, cute and something the kids will use.

I like that!

Ezie is wearing an owl hat. I am suppose to make him a purple one today,

because purple is "the color".

I bought this pattern from www.crazysockscrochet.com/

My grandson Owen is wearing this cute hat. He loves the braids, even though his Daddy thinks they look to girlish. Come on dad...they're entertainment! Owen's head is a little bigger than I thought though so I think I need to come down a little further on the forehead with this hat. I got the free pattern on www.ravelry.com/

Jace wanted an one eyed-monster hat. I just made the pattern up for this one. He puts the ear flaps up while he's playing in the house and it looks like the monster has ears.

I made some newborn and preemie pumpkin hats and Mallory wanted one for herself. She is my little pumpkin! I used the free pattern from www.ravelry.com/ that www.crazysockscrochet.com/ posted. I just enlarged the pattern for an adult size. I'll give you the directions for increasing if anyone wants them.

So, I'm off to crochet some more hats.

Have a great day!!

Fall & Halloween 2011

2011-10-02T19:08:00.003-05:00

I stared my creations for the fall . Here is little pumpkin prim folk from Threadare
Primitives.This is a sweet and easy pattern to follow ..........
My next doll is the cutest little witch but I can not seem to find who designed the pattern !!!!!

Thought you like to see !!!!

2011-09-26T10:28:00.004-05:00

Here is the winter wreath to the series. Just spring and summer to make !!!!

Two new 6" sampler quilt-alongs starting ....

2011-09-23T16:30:00.001-05:00

Michele in Calgary, who is one of the Mods with me at The Quilted Table Yahoo Group, posted this info in one of our other groups, so I thought I would pass the info along to you.

Jenifer Dick, author of Quilt Retro, is beginning a free quilt-along on her blog. It's two samplers (6" blocks) - each week a new block will be featured for the two samplers and a pic-tutorial to make the block for the modern sampler or the traditional sampler. Modern Monday, or Traditional Tuesday.

So drop in check them out.
Sharon Z in Upstate NY
Quilting With a Marmalade Cat
http://quiltingwithamarmaladecat.blogspot.com/

Pattern and Fabric Giveaway

2011-09-02T10:30:00.001-05:00

Pattern and Fabric Giveaway

You can win a tree skirt pattern and some fabric :o)

Ends on Monday 5th September.

Hugs
Naomi

Crocheted Cuddle Cocoons

2011-08-30T21:18:00.000-05:00

I am so excited that I am learning to crochet
and more excited that I am learning to read the patterns.

This one is my favorite!
We don't know if our 5th grandbaby is a boy or girl
so I made one for each just in case!
To see more you can go Here!

EARTHQUAKE!!!!!!

2011-08-23T13:57:00.000-05:00

A 5.8 earthquake rolled under my home at 1:51 p.m.today. It's epicenter was about 100 miles away, and 3.7 miles deep. Getting ready for hurricane Irene, due to be here on Sunday a.m. What else could Nature send my way?

New pillows

2011-08-21T15:13:00.000-05:00

We recently bought a new couch. I've always wanted a nice puffy couch with lots of pillows. I picked up a couple pillow forms at Walmart recently and decided to try my hand at pillow covers. I've never made a pillow cover before. For some reason I thought it would be difficult but I was very wrong. The hardest part was choosing the fabric. I found this dragonfly fabric at JoAnn's a few months back. I had no need for it, I just liked it. The back is cut from a flat twin sheet that I bought on sale. The colors work perfectly with our tan couch. Plus, I can change out the covers whenever the mood strikes me. I followed a simple tutorial over at Sparkle Power! I think I will make some quilted covers next.

Started Fall Creations !!!

2011-08-19T21:18:00.003-05:00

Thanks Brenda,
I love your patterns. Must have almost all of them. My boss was looking through my patterns and wanted me to create your simplicity wreath. I hope you don't get mad, I am changing one thing. The tag is going to say Autumn instead of simplicity.
One ? what did you use to make the tag .....

Repost from AuntPittyPats Blog

2011-08-17T18:02:00.001-05:00

First Day of School in Ta Town

My niece started her first day of school at her new Magnet school. She was interviewed and selected to go to the Art Magnet School in our area this year. What is one of the staples for an ART School???? Of course an ART BAG. She had to have a new art bag to take... and guess who was asked to make one for her??? If you guessed The Pitty your wrong.. it was Auntie M :)

Little Missy S loves the Beatles..

I incorporated some Yellow Submarine fabric in to her bag....

She loved loved loved it....

By the way Ms Nadine thank you for sharing the Beatles fabrics with me!!!

You made one little girl very happy!!

Look at this Happy Grin on her face!!!

Missy S sent me a note via FB and told me she would carry it to school everyday!

I am so happy she loved it!!

My sister was amazed.. she knows that I made it up as I sewed it together ;)

This was my second try at an art bag.. they keep getting better and better..

Maybe one day I will make one that is perfect!!

All art work photos are by my Niece Missy S...... Aren't they fun?
Please don't copy her art work..
THANK YOU!

BDU Backpack

2011-08-15T09:37:00.002-05:00

Another school year is upon us and Neal is deployed. I decided to take an old pair of his BDUs (battle dress uniform aka camo) and make Kaitlyn Joy a backpack. Her toadstool backpack still looks great and I'm sure she'll take it this year as well, but I really wanted to make her a camo one with all her daddy's patches on it. I looked at backpack patterns and goodness they are costly. Who wants to pay $15.95 for a paper pattern that will probably only be used once? Not to mention paper patterns kick my tail. =) I ended up buying a preschooler backpack at a thrift store and ripping all the seams out so I could use it as a pattern. I did take some pictures at key points to make sure I put it back together right, but ended up not using them. I wrote on the backpack with a Sharpe where all the straps go, the side seams line up and how many seams to sew in certain areas. I finally got up the nerve and started cutting up the BDU top.

I took this photo as my reminder that I really need a chalk wheel. The washable pen wasn't working well on the dark fabric so I finally grabbed a stick of chalk. As you can see the BDU top in it's natural form was to wide for a preschool backpack so I popped off the buttons and folded one side under.

Because I was using a lightweight BDU I decided to line the backpack with canvas. I also took a cargo pocket off the BDU pants and put it on the inside of the backpack. It's HUGE, but when she's older and wanting to use the backpack as a random bag she will thank me for the pocket.

To make it easier to get both fabrics in and try to prevent covering all the raw edges like the demo backpack had, I zigzag stitched all the seams before sewing it together.

Ah, the zipper. Perhaps your Hancock Fabrics or other local fabric store carries backpack or luggage zippers, but mine didn't. I was able to buy a jacket zipper which had a pull at both ends. I decided I would try to get both zippers in the middle and if I failed I would just have one pull and I was fine with that. BTW, the two pulls are different, but honestly I don't care. They came with the zipper so I'm going to live with them.

Seeing how the end in the bottom photo had the runner going all the way to the edge I decided to take the pull of the end in the top photo. I cracked, cut, then finally melted the stopper off enough I could remove the pull. There was a slight bump on the zipper end on the bottom that I had to melt off to get the pull back on the zipper. I did a little victory cheer when I got the pull on. I had talked with the worker at Hancock's and debated if it was possible to make a backpack zipper out of a jacket zipper and now I can say yes, it can be done.

I zigzag stitched the ends until I knew where I would be cutting them off at. On a random note I ended up using my wood burning tool to shorten the end on the bottom. I then removed some of the green threads from the top end and replaced it with brown thread because part of it would be seen.

And here it is! The canvas actually makes it hold it's shape much better then I expected. One thing you can't tell here is the reused cording ended up being 1/2" to short. BTW, I reused the cording, but not the fabric on the outside of it. I used brown bias tape to cover the cording. To fix the 1/2" discrepancy I heated up the hot glue gun. Those things are awesome! They can fix anything. Okay they really aren't that great, but they are good to have on hand. I ended up making a line of hot glue, allowed it to partially dry, then I rolled it into a tube. It was to long and fat so a little snipping and finally it was ready.

When you use a garment to make something you don't always have the perfect strips of fabric. If you look at the top near the zipper you will see a seam. I actually had to put that in there while piecing the fabric. I'll tell you it's liberating to decide it's okay to piece the fabric.

I used the hardware from the demo backpack on the straps. Speaking of straps, if I only had a BDU top I would have bought straps. Because I had some pants to cut up I used them. I actually took the longest solid strip I could without crossing seams and it was 1.5" shorter then the demo. I did learn there are two layers on the rear of BDU pants. I took the extra piece of fabric off and had the perfect long strip of fabric.

The canvas made the backpack sturdy enough to stand up on it's own. I was impressed.

And here she is modeling it. It's a perfect fit. My only regret is that I didn't sew a BDU top pocket inside also. I almost did before sewing the back on, but I would have had to do it by hand. Boooo... This BDU top was from the high starched era. The buttons and extra flaps of fabric didn't iron well. So we ripped two sides of the pocket off, removed the extra fabric (made with an expandable side) and the buttons, then sewed it back down. We also cut the hidden button hole flap off the top then sewed it shut. After it was all said and done the pocket patch was sewn through the pocket and shirt.

More Chicken Scratch

2011-08-01T07:40:00.000-05:00

I am so excited about learning chicken scratch.

Just wanted to show you one of the things I have been working on.

I plan to make a pillow or frame it.

Perfect, no! But at least I am trying.

I have been trying to learn a lot lately and this is one of them.

I am loving doing handwork!

If you would like to see more of what I am learning you can click Here!

Another Great Give-Away

2011-07-30T08:30:00.001-05:00

Little Cottage Comforts is holding an awesome Go baby give away..... Run by check out this great blog and enter for your chance to win this great item.

Kim Sherrod Studio: Fundraising For A Friend

2011-07-21T07:49:00.002-05:00

Kim Sherrod Studio: Fundraising For A Friend

Bag Ladies...let's see if we can all help Kim raise some funds for her friend.

Hugs
Naomi

Baby GO! Giveaway...

2011-07-20T22:20:00.001-05:00

Baby GO! Giveaway...

Drawn on August 1st 2011, Australian time.....good luck, but I sooooo want to win one, so maybe if you don't want it, you can gift your prize to me!

Hugs
Naomi

Meet Mable !!!

2011-07-20T17:53:00.005-05:00

Here she is the finished Dollie !!!!!

Been Missing in Action !

2011-07-19T17:02:00.003-05:00

Sorry I have been away for so long. Life's ups and downs has been keeping me very busy and haven't had time to sew. I am back and ready I already created and sold a doll and two others have been requested. The doll I made is a combination of patterns which the customer asked for. I used the body from Lille Maes' Mothers's Love and the face from Judi Ward's Wide eyed wendy. They loved here now I am working on the other two unfortunately the fabric was out and Joann's and I got another hope they like ....
I missed you girls !!!!!!!!

View Photo Slideshow

Make a Free Flash Slideshow

I Just Thought My Hat Was Finished

2011-07-07T22:15:00.000-05:00

I went to my crochet class and my teacher showed me how to add fur to my crocheted hat!
This is my cute daughter modeling it for me!
You can read more about my crochet class Here!
Isn't it cute??

2011-07-03T08:14:00.002-05:00

I Did It!!

2011-06-21T20:59:00.002-05:00

I am taking a crochet class here in my town.
I have only been to 2 classes so far!!
I love it and am having so much fun.
I have always wanted to learn the correct way to crochet.
This may not be perfect but I did it myself!!
I just wanted to share my excitement.
You can read more about it on my BLOG!

Skye Reve Fabrics Give-Away #13 - Who wants to WIN a $25 Shop Credit?

2011-06-18T19:02:00.001-05:00

Skye Reve Fabrics Give-Away #13 - Who wants to WIN a $25 Shop Credit?

Would be handy for us Aussie o/s crafters....with the dollar being so good against the greenback!

Good Luck
Hugs
Naomi

Preschool Teacher Gift

2011-06-18T13:37:00.001-05:00

Last month my daughter completed her first year of school. It didn't technically count seeing how it was preschool for three year olds or K3.

Her teacher was an amazing lady who made every penny of her private school tuition worth it. What we didn't know until the end of the year was that her husband's job moved him back in November. The teacher stayed back to both finish the year with her students and to allow her two kids to finish the year. We are so thankful she did. In the years past she taught K4 and was able watch the children grow throughout the years.

On Kaitlyn Joy's first day of school older kids were popping their heads in to tell their old teacher hello. I quickly realized Kj wouldn't be able to see her teacher later for quick hellos. Nor would Mrs M be able to see her last 12 grow up.

I sent an envelope of paper to school asking Mrs M to trace each child's hand. I then traced the hands onto

Wonder Under, cut them out, ironed them to green fabric, then cut them out leaving a 1/8" edge all the way around. I arranged the hands then ironed them on and sewed them down one by one. I left the 1/8" raw edge so it could fray.

Once the tree was done I finished the outer edge of the quilt top with different strip lengths. In the first photo you can see an orange square at the bottom. The Amish put an odd colored patch in their personal quilts to remind themselves that no one is perfect. I thought that was neat so I added the orange patch to the quilt. Once the quilt top was done I used the traced hand prints as templates to trace each child's hand print around the tree with blue washable ink. I also put their name next to their handprint. I used free motion quilting to add the hands and names to the quilt.

To quilt the outer edge, along the bottom I put, "Mrs M-------'s 2010-2011 Class". I learned something when doing the year... it's hard to sew numbers where they are joined and don't look odd. Starting on the right side and going counterclockwise I sewed a note to the teacher thanking her for planting the seeds of faith into our children and the "address" to the verse about how the mustard seed is one of the smallest yet it grows into a tree. She loved it!

The last photo is of Kj getting ready to take the quilt to school. It was the second to the last day and everyone wore pajamas.
EDIT: I forgot to mention I sewed the names, hand prints and boarder note in thread that matched the tree background. I didn't want the quilting to stand out even though it was special to her. I figure it was something she could look for and discover. I had both teachers and the ladies in the front office telling me they saw and loved it. I told them I was taking bids for who would be Kj's teacher next year. =) Hey, I have to bring that tuition down somehow. Hehehe...

*Sorry, I've been MIA ladies. We had a rough first five months of 2011. I ended up not making the baby blankets I posted about probably back in March. I also stopped crocheting the blanket. At the end of March I had a missed miscarriage. It was rough time. Two weeks after the D&C I got the test results back and learned the little girl appeared fine, but the little boy had sever problems. I'm thankful God knows better then I do and decided to take them both back with him. My son, if he had made it full term and survived birth, would/could have died minutes after birth, perhaps made it close to a year, or would have been severally handicapped and died at some point during his childhood. I'm better with all of this now, but wanted you all to know why I've been MIA.

Card Wallet Tutorial

2011-06-14T11:29:00.002-05:00

Happy Tuesday (or whatever day it is wherever you live)! I thought I would share a tutorial I whipped up on Apron Valley Road for my card wallet - I use mine for all my cards - debit/credit, store loyalty, driver's license, punch cards and a book of postage stamps (no wonder it's always bulging at the seams!). Here's the link to that post: Card Wallet Tutorial. It will also (I'm told) be on One Pretty Thing's Daily DYI sometime today.

And while you're on Apron Valley Road, take a PEEP at my post about our new chicken "coupe:" Hippie Chicks Chicken Coupe. I think it goes nicely with the "Chicken Scratch" posts below, LOL! Have a great week!

Hello Ladies ;)

2011-06-12T21:30:00.001-05:00

I was just looking at all the followers that we now have here in Pins and Needles. There are still a few openings for contributors. If you would like to be able to post on the blog.. please send me an E-MAIL and I will send you an invite. You have to be invited and be approved through blogger to be able to post. Everyone is welcome to comment. We love comments ;)

I would love to see some of you that are not posting, post something. All of us would enjoy seeing your work.. I know I have enjoyed seeing all the wonderful creations. LOL how do you think we get ideas.. you have to show and tell :)

More Chicken Scratch!

2011-06-03T19:42:00.002-05:00

I am in love with Chicken scratch.

This is my second attempt but I had so much fun!!!

I didn't use a pattern. I just traced the butterfly

and went from there. That is why one wing is bigger than the other! (lol)

You can see more here!

And this is my third attempt!

I used a pattern from HERE!

Isn't this cottage cute? I LOVE it!

I worked this on the bigger gingham checks and it was so much easier.

Just thought I would share my excitement!

Did you Know???

2011-05-29T10:26:00.003-05:00

Did you know that you can save a copy of your blog template? I knew that :) but I had not saved mine...since all the new changes on blogger. You can be rest assured I now have a copy of both the new APP blog and Pins and Needles in case I have issues with the site again.
Speaking of issues.. thank you everyone for all your sweet comments and emails regarding my blogs.
I really appreciate all your kind support!!
I was just heart sick thinking I lost the blogs!!!
Hugs from M and Pitty

How do you save a copy??? Go to your design tab and click on it... then you need to click on edit html... from there.... there is a box that asks if you want to save a copy before you edit... just click on that button and it will save a copy of your blog to your computer!! I will have to remember to try and back up more than every year or so now!!

If you have not already saved a copy of your blog run over and do it now!!!! Don't spend hours like I did yesterday fixing my blog...

Your photos and other items might shift around but most of your content is still there ;) All of the blog posts are there.. I am referring to the the side bars... when I say the photos will shift around.. Better to have items switched around than lost all together!!

Good Luck and Happy Saving.....

Yes Blogger has had a lot of PROBLEMS lately!!!

Safety Reminder... from your friends at Pins and Needles.

2011-05-29T08:28:00.003-05:00

Happy Holiday

It's only one more day until the Holiday.

I just wanted to reminded everyone...

Please don't drink and drive..

and if you do...

drink responsibly and also...

don't forget to fasten those seat belts...

Annie anyone?

2011-05-28T12:18:00.004-05:00

I finished up a toddler friendly Annie last weekend.. thought I would show her to you ;) I really think she turned out adorable :)

I don't know what happened ladies.. but I have lost blogger.. hopefully I can get our blog back the way it was!!
YEAH I WAS ABLE TO RECOVER ALMOST ALL OF OUR BLOG :)

Here is an Add on:

I had a tote that I needed to complete..

I finally finished it this week.

Yeah another UFO done!

CHICKEN SCRATCH

2011-05-25T21:34:00.003-05:00

I (barb from bejeweled quilts) was so excited when I saw Val's post. I have a friend that has been wanting to teach me this Chicken Scratch for a while.

This is my semi completed project. This is going to be a pocket to an apron.

Mine does not look as good as Val's. I have to confess when I was a little girl, we were being taught hand stitching at church. Mine was horrible and to this day I have shied away from it. I have started a few projects and have been encouraged by some blogging friends. So...I will give myself and E for effort. Hopefully, the next time it will be better.

Val is right, this is so fun. She has a wonderful tutorial over at her bog.

Here are a few other names for Chicken Scratch
Snow Flake embroidery
Amish Embroidery
Depression Lace
Gingham Lace

Do check out her tutorial.....

My Very First Chicken Scratch Project

2011-05-21T22:03:00.002-05:00

I am so excited after doing my first chicken scratch project that I can't wait to start another one.

If you would like to see more about it visit My Blog!!!

Lillie Mae's Crafts, June Newsletter

2011-04-29T23:01:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone....

My does time seem to be passing faster and faster.
Well the June newsletter is finished and ready. When I think of June I always think of a June bride. Perhaps because I was a June bride...so I just had to include a bridal pattern. Included in the newsletter is also a wedding picture of mine as well as a little short story of an event that happened at my wedding. Curious?

I do want to thank everyone who took a minute or two to drop me a note and vote about the doll pattern. I heard you all...and when I took a moment to really look at the Annie Blue Eyes doll I realized that you were all right...none of the patterns I was trying to select one from just simply weren't right for this pattern. So....I created a new pattern which seems to compliment Annie Blue Eyes much better. I hope you all agree.

Click on the picture to download the newsletter.

Have a great day everyone,
Brenda

Need help choosing a free pattern

2011-04-24T20:19:00.002-05:00

Happy Easter everyone. I hope you all had a fun day filled with lots of Easter egg hunts and parades.

I have a favor to ask all of you. The pictures above are of a new pattern for the next newsletter (Annie Blue Eyes). I have two patterns, one of which I would like to include with Annie Blue Eyes in the same pattern....however, I can't decide which one I like the most.

Would you all please take a moment to look at the pictures here and drop me an email at lilliemaescrafts@yahoo.com and let me know if you like the small pillowcase doll or the prim doll.

Thanks much everyone for the help. Check back around the first of May for the next newsletter and to find out which pattern was voted in by all of you.

Blessings
Brenda

Happy Easter .. Pins Readers!

2011-04-22T14:11:00.001-05:00

Gina-DearGina: Drawing!::::::Thread Gift For you!::::::::Drawing!

2011-04-11T09:04:00.000-05:00

Gina-DearGina: Drawing!::::::Thread Gift For you!::::::::Drawing!

May Newsletter

2011-04-10T17:45:00.005-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Can you believe it's May already? Here in Indiana it's starting to warm up and I'm lovin it. Anyway the May newsletter is finally done. I had some family emergencies which is why this newsletter is so late, but all is fine now. Click on the picture to download the newsletter.

Blessings,
Brenda

I've Got Mad Crochet Skills ;-)

2011-04-09T15:17:00.009-05:00

Repost from Nadine of Apron Valley Road :)
I'm "pretty darned good" at quite a few things, and "satisfactory" at lots of others. But apparently one thing I truly EXCEL at is...LAUGHING AT MYSELF...otherwise, I'd never be able to post (for the two or three people who actually read my blog)
THIS:

Go ahead. Laugh. I know you want to. I can see that quiver/smirk starting at the corner of your mouth. And that "WTF is THAT!?!" look on your face. It's all right...I give you permission...

See, it all started here...Val, my partner in Aunt Pitty Pat's Easter Mug Rug Swap, sent this tuck-in with her swap package to me.

Now, I've used knitted or crocheted cotton dishcloths before. I have always found them to be heavy, bulky, and "hard." But something about this one that Val sent seemed different. It was so soft and light! So I decided to give it a go! Well, I've been using it every day to wash dishes and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I finally emailed Val to ask why it was so special. She said she used a "special yarn." I emailed back asking if it was something other than Sugar & Cream, which was the only cotton yarn I was familiar with. She said it was Peaches & Creme, which I had never heard of. A Google of "What's the difference between Sugar & Cream and Peaches & Creme" produced a number of reviews that said Peaches & Creme was softer. I checked Wal-Mart and JoAnn's, but neither had it, so I ordered a few skeins from fabric.com. While I'm waiting for my order, I picked up one skein of Sugar & Cream at Wal-Mart and decided to "practice" for when I got the "good" stuff. Val had included in her email the instructions she used (which she said were on the back of the Peaches & Creme label). Uhhh...I have to admit it was a foreign language, since I really don't crochet...full of things like "ss," "sc," "hdc," and phrases like "3 hdc at corner, hdc across, ss in top of 1st hdc."

Well, never mind - I have never been one to let ignorance stand in the way of creativity. I grabbed a crochet hook - any one will do! - from the stash of crochet hooks I inherited from my mom. I like the blue one - I don't care what size it is - yes, let's use the blue one, because it's pretty, and it kinda sorta matches the yarn, and isn't that what's important???!!!

So let's begin: Knit one, purl two...no, I guess that's knitting. I'm almost as good at knitting as I am crocheting! Well, let's just start doing SOMEthing and see how it goes. I'm really good at making that first loop thing and then a bunch more after that. In fact, I could make those single loop things all day long. It's when I have to turn around and go back down that chain of single loop things that I run into problems. So I just "made it up" and started sticking the hook indiscrimately in whatever loop I could find...obviously, that's what I did...yes..

After awhile, I decided that it was kinda sorta square-ish, but needed to be bigger, so I just started going around the edges, adding an extra loop thing here and there for good measure. When I felt it was big enough to wash a dish, I stopped.

Ta da!

I'm sure you've noticed by now that there are holes big enough to drive a truck through, and that it's not exactly square. Pish-tosh, I say! I'm only going to use it to wash dishes, after all!

That was yesterday. This morning, I was looking around for the remains of the skein of yarn and couldn't find it. I looked in the living room and the dining room and on the sewing table. I looked in the kitchen. I asked my hubby, and he said it had "probably run away to prevent me from making anything else with it." Harrumph! Then I found it - in the kitchen, under the big pull-out cutting board, hiding in the electric roaster, next to a pan of extra kitchen utensils (we are remodeling and purging and these items hadn't found a new home yet). It was obviously hoping that the spatulas and wooden spoons would disguise it if I came close, but I found it and snatched it up before the pancake flipper could give me the "Aunt Jemima Treatment"!

"Oh nooooo, she's coming! Hide me!!!!"

I'm quite sure those skeins of Peaches & Creme are shaking in their knitted booties in the UPS truck on the way to Apron Valley Road.... Now, what shall I make next?

Crocheting Swap

2011-04-09T08:43:00.007-05:00

Clip art from All about Crochet.. Click photo for helpful tips and other patterns.

Sorry Ladies it has taken so long to get back to you regarding this swap. I have been sort of busy these last few weeks. In fact so busy I haven't even sat down at the sewing machine for 3 weeks. That is a first for me! I have re-opened my Etsy shops and they are taking a lot of my time right now. Once I get them up and running again that will slow down some. I did take the time out to make the patterns for this swap though :) Yeah for you!!!

I have rewritten the 1958 Workbasket pattern into a PDF and it should be very easy for you to read and follow. Once again the pattern for this swap is a surprise ;) Those that crochet might be able to figure out the items fast... If you figure it out right away.. Please don't disclose it to the others. I am hoping by having the pattern as a surprise, it will make this swap fun to join.

To join in this swap send the following info to:
auntpittypatsfun@yahoo.com
I need the following:
Name
Address
Phone number (a must to play .. for my eyes only!)
Blog
Will you ship international?
Have you been in my swaps?

You will be making one of each patten that is in the PDF. That means two different items. They are small so hopefully everyone will be able to complete your items eaisly :) I don't know anything about crochet..but the skill level looks beginner to me! You can use scrap yarns, new yarns or what ever embellishments you want to finish off this project. Make it your own and have fun with it.
I will send you the PDF when I assign partners.
If you have questions about the pattern please send me an email. I copied the pattern by each symbol from the resource page. If the pattern doesn't make sense I will try to find the needed corrections from a more experienced needle artisan :)

Ok back to requirements of swap
One of each item in pattern (total two items)
One plastic item to fit inside one of the projects
One summer drink item
One of your favorite summer food recipes

Disclaimers:
I APP don't know slip stitch about crocheting....
APP will not be playing in this swap, but would love a gift set of the crocheted items..
For her personal use :)
If your interested in being my Angel I will send you my address ;)
If I have more than one taker on this request I will put your name in the hat ;)
Ladies thank you in advance for your generosity and kindness!!

Pins and Needles will not Angel any swaps listed on this blog. Enter at your own risk! I will make every effort to check blogs.
You must be a member or a follower of Pins to play!!

Swap will be limited to the first 50 players.

Sign ups start Today and End April 22nd. I will assign partners within a couple of days. Projects have to be at your partners house no later than May 28th.

Sew Fabulous Quilt Shop Blog: April 2011 Giveaway - Montego Batiks

2011-04-08T09:46:00.001-05:00

Sew Fabulous Quilt Shop Blog: April 2011 Giveaway - Montego Batiks: "Happy April! Yet again, I apologize for the delay in posting April's Giveaway. If you read my last Blog Post, 'Bella The Bunny' you'll und..."

Mother's Day Apron Swap

2011-04-04T07:32:00.001-05:00

I hope you're all not swapped out yet, because I thought a Mother's Day apron swap would be a nice way to celebrate motherhood. Has everyone completed the spring apron swap and are enjoying your new aprons for the new season? We'd love to see them on our Flickr group, just head over to Flickr and search for CP Apron Swaps, ask to be invited and once accepted, you can post your photos for all of us to see and aww over!

Ok, same rules apply to this swap as with the others, so if you've swapped before, you know how this works. If your new and would like to make and and swap aprons with us, just sign up on this post only over at Country Pleasures. Everyone one who wants to join in on this swap must sign up on this post, just make sure you leave me your email address, to keep it easy for me! You have till April 15th to do so, then you will be assigned a partner, then it's up to you to get the mailing info., likes and such. Mailing date is April 25th since Mother's day is May 8th. Tuckin's are required but please don't stress over them, just add a couple of goodies for Mom to go along with her new apron. Tea towels, stationary, candy, etc. are just a few examples. The style of apron depends on you and your partner and can be decided once you exchange emails.

So, there you have it, the next apron swap, and I for one, am anxious to get creative again and come up with a classy/sassy apron to celebrate the best job in the world, motherhood! Who's joining me?

Sorry I jumped the gun

2011-04-03T07:18:00.001-05:00

Thank you everyone for your kind words of welcome. I must apologise for jumping the gun in regards to our project. I wrongly assumed that if i had my copy it would be on the web. So I am very sorry about that. Enthusiasm and excitement are my only excuse. Not a good start for my 1st post. Oh dear!!
Michelle

Hi From Rag-tag Stitchin'

2011-04-01T19:03:00.004-05:00

Hi My name is Michelle and this is my 1st post for Pins and Needles. I thought I would share with you that This Months Bonus web project in Homespun magazine was designed by myself and my friend Tracey Bormann of Rose Petals Past and stitched by me. You can download the instructions and pattern from Homespun's web site http://www.completecraft.com.au/
I am very excited to be part of this lovely group. I am very new to blogging so you may have to bare with me for a while. Anyway If you chose to stitch our project I hope you enjoy it.

Blessings Michelle

Note from CJ ~
Michelle's project will be uploaded to Homespun's webpage on
April 6th. The link is above.

Easter Mug Rug

2011-03-27T06:13:00.005-05:00

I held an Easter Mug Rug swap at AuntPittyPat's blog recently. I had a very nice turn out for this swap. It was fun and worked up very fast. I have received lots of great feed back from the ladies that played along.
I have to tell you something funny! When my sweet friend Nadine visited me last Fall she introduced me to Mug Rugs......All I can say is Nadine you have created an addict!!!! I am very driven to making these little rugs they are so small, and they provide such a large impact! Do you ladies remember the old ad about potato chips that said something like this: You can't eat just one!! I am that way with mug rugs. When it's time to make them .. I can't make one I have to make at least a half dozen!!!
It's been very exciting, to see the rugs the ladies are creating for this swap. The participants have been so very clever, very creative and they have made such cute rugs!
If your interested in taking a peek at some of the rugs....
The list of swappers are still up on my blog. Run over click on some of the names and take a look. Don't worry if you click on a name and you get no where. Not all of the ladies that participated have a blog. Some of the participants are from FaceBook.

I thought I would show you the rug that I came up with. I think it turned out pretty cute. I originally made a different rug and was not very pleased with it. I move on to a different design and really liked how it turned out. What do you think?
While writing this post ... I have figured out why I like making mug rugs. They are small and you get instant gratification from them. It's a project that can be completed in a few hours not weeks. Yeah I am all about fast and getting it done!
Besides ....I can come up with tons of cute ideas for appliques on them :0}
Mug Rugs are much faster than a full sized project... and they give me just as much joy to make!
There was only one draw back on the recent swap:
The hardest part I have heard from everyone was trying to find an Easter Mug. I was a bit early for this swap. Most shops didn't have Easter items out when we needed them. I wanted the rugs and mugs to be to the partners before Easter not realizing Easter was late in the month this year.
Having said all of this... have a
HAPPY EASTER FROM APP AND THE PITTY.
I hope my timing is better in the next swap :)

Chicken Scratch

2011-03-22T20:11:00.001-05:00

A few weeks I posted about "Chicken Scratch" on my blog.
My best friend Vicki has a customer that does chicken scratch and then makes quilts.
Vicki fell in love with this art. So she started watching her and then learned how to do it
herself. This is her first attempt at chicken scratch. I think it is perfect.
She is gonna teach me too! She brought me a instruction book today that her customer
let her copy. I cannot wait to learn this!!!

When Vicki first shared this with me I searched the internet trying to find something about it.
Chicken scratch is a revival of a lovely needlecraft which has been known by other names.
You may know it as one of
the following: Tenneriffe Lace, Depression Lace, Chinese Pinwheel, Tic Tac Toe Embroidery, Hoover Star, Mountain Lace, Gingham Lace, Norwegian Embroidery, Snowflake Embroidery or Amish Embroidery
I thought I might share some links that I have found.
These look like great instructions.
Also, click Here and Here.
And here are a couple of blogs about it:
Click here and here.

******************
I hope that you enjoyed this as much as I did when Vicki shared it with me.
I can't wait to learn and then I will show you what I have done.
We take a little trip together in May so I am planning on Vicki teaching me then.
Do you know how to do chicken scratch?
I would love to see some of your projects.
My blog is http://www.lifeslittlegarden.blogspot.com/

Samelia's Mum: Share the Love - Giveaway

2011-03-21T08:52:00.001-05:00

Samelia's Mum: Share the Love - Giveaway

Swap for those that Crochet/Knit

2011-03-12T11:32:00.015-06:00

UP DATED 03-28-11
I have chosen a pattern.. I will not show the photo...
It will be a surprise when it is done.
I will re-write the pattern into a PDF.
After the swap is complete, I would love a photo.
I am going to sell the PDF on line.
Thanks ladies for your help :)

LOL not suggesting that we make booties for Babies.... Only just a photo I used :)
I would rather have other suggestions that all would enjoy:)

Hello ladies.. I thought it would be fun to hold a stitcher's swap for those that crochet or knit. Most of you ladies know AuntPittyPats Blog. I hold sewing swaps all the time, but my needle work friends don't get to participate in those swaps. I thought it would be fun to ask.... what sort of swap would you like if I put one together here on Pins and Needles. What would you like to make? I am sorry this is not my form of Craft ... so I need some help here with suggestions.

Doris I know you could help me with some great ideas :) I will take everyone's suggestions and try to come up with a swap that will be fun for all of you ;)
Suggestions will be taken until the end of the Month.. then I will try to put something together for you ladies...
Thanks in advance for all of your help :)
I would be happy to put together a PDF from one of my old 1950 work basket pattern books for you ladies to use.
M

Lillie Mae's Crafts, April Newsletter

2011-03-04T10:28:00.004-06:00

The April newsletter is ready; here's a preview of the NeW PaTtErNs. Click on the picture to download the newsletter. ENJOY!!!

Blessings Everyone,
Brenda

Help Needed

2011-02-24T15:53:00.001-06:00

Well ladies... I'm pregnant! It only took three IVFs, one FET, and countless injections over the last four years. It still hasn't sunk in yet. I keep waiting on the bottom to fall out and the test to be false. I'm having an ultrasound in a couple weeks to do a head count. I had two embryos put back so unless one split I could be having twins.

I know these colors are off, but heaven help me I couldn't get the camera to take a picture with the color right on. With the "I love Mommy/Daddy", green stripe, and yellow checkered I'm going to make receiving blankets out of them. I want to make a blanket out of the minky celedon fabric I'm making it a blanket. My question for all of you is, how would you finish the edge? Satin binding? If so which color, white? They don't sell it the same color as the fabric. I thought about making bias tape, but then nixed the idea. I've seen several blankets recently where they fold under the edges and sew them down. Should I do that? How would you finish it?

Here's the blanket I've been crocheting. I did switch patterns from what I previously posted. I went with Baby Baubles Baby Blanket. The duck onesie is what I took to my egg collection. I told the head nurse I just needed something to fill it.

So ladies, how would you finish the blanket?

Attention All Crocheters

2011-02-23T09:50:00.003-06:00

I am getting ready to move and I'm sorting through literally tons of fabric, yarn, knick-knacks, and so on.......and I'm finding lots of junk and then lots of treasures too!

Anyway, I found this square that I had crocheted about 15-20 years ago (I have 3 of them). I remember making them when I lived in Kansas and that I used a pattern from a hard cover book that I had bought. I would love to make some more and just wondered if anyone has the pattern or knows where I can get it.

Thanks for your help!

Sherry

Happy Birthday, Aunt Pitty Pat!!

2011-02-22T10:28:00.005-06:00

YES!!! that's right today is APP's birthday!! :)
Whether she likes it or not ~ hehehe!!! :)

So ... wishing an awesome birthday
and the best for the coming year to a sweet friend, fellow blogger, and a super swap mommie!!!

Join me with your wishes for APP by leaving a comment♥

How Charmed - Freebie

2011-02-21T04:17:00.000-06:00

Don't fall over in shock girls but I am finally posting...thought a freebie might be nice.

Australian Homespun website has my How Charmed featured this month as their freebie. So jump across to download the directions on how to make this easy tote you can whip up over a weekend.

CP Spring Apron Swap

2011-02-17T15:00:00.000-06:00

Were flirting with the 70's here as Mother Nature is on a roller coaster ride of abnormal behavior! But I'm not complaining! I also know winter isn't over yet but all my senses are geared towards spring. So, no better time to post my spring apron swap, after all, spring does begin next month! :) With that note, if you'd like to make and receive a spring themed apron, sign up HERE. The rules are easy and like all my apron swaps, just make and tuck! Which means, you hand craft a apron, full or half depending on your swap partner's preference, include some tuck ins, at least 2. Tuckins are simply goodies to tag along with your apron and they should match the theme. Some of my favorites are coffee, tea's, mugs, tea towels, etc. Deadline to join is March 1. Aprons should be mailed out by the 15th. If you think you'd like to join and can handle the fun, leave me a post along with your email addy. All are welcome as long you follow through, so please don't sign up then back out leaving someone without a partner. This won't cure my spring fever but sure will be a nice start!

Crafting with Lillie Mae's, March Newsletter

2011-02-17T13:00:00.005-06:00

More Free Patterns. . . Lillie Mae's Crafts - March Newsletter

Click on the newsletter.

Many Blessings Everyone,
Brenda

A Lota Apron Sewing Goin' On!!

2011-02-16T11:44:00.010-06:00

February has been a good sewing month for me and a lot of it has been aprons♥
But first I want to share pictures with you of the cutest♥ apron I received in the
Valentine Apron Swap 2011 hosted by Sue from Country Pleasures.
My swap partner was Ms Nadine from Apron Valley Road and this is the AWESOME apron she made for me!! :)

Close up of the sweet "Nadine Original" ruffled accents at the top ...

and the pocket♥

And ... this is the apron I made for her ~
lots of Valentine ♥RED♥ with hearts everywhere ...

even the pockets :)

Other aprons I made this month included this set of 3 farmgirl aprons in bright,
cheery farm kitchen colors ...

for some sweet lady friends of mine♥

I even made one more of these cute lil' aprons for my SIL for her birthday!! :)

Disappearing 4 Patch Block

2011-02-11T12:06:00.005-06:00

Several of you already know how to make a disappearing 9 patch block, but there is now a disappearing 4 patch block. Run over to SewWonderful to find this fun and easy tutorial..

What have I done with my heart?

2011-01-28T14:10:00.002-06:00

Ahhh, thought that would catch your attention!

The heart patterns I've showed you in my previous post have proven very useful for making my heart shaped picture frames/Valentines/decorations for any occasion. HELP, I'm addicted. I honestly can't stop making them, look:

NOTE: the round picture frame above (with my photo in it) was made with a recycled shower curtain ring, so when I run out of heart bracelets, I can use those...

These are some of them (yes, I have more) from the front view. All they need is some embellishments, i.e. ribbon, beads, buttons and a hanger OR you can attach a magnet to the back and make them stick to the refrigerator. I still have a bunch of plastic child bangle bracelets in the shape of hearts to use up. I got them at the Dollar General Store. They were in the Party Favor section and cost $1.50 for a pack of 12.

And that's a view of them from the back side. That's where I crocheted the hearts and sewed them to the backside of the frame to keep the photo or note in place, but they look great without anything in them.

You see now why I'm so addicted to making these? Here are some reasons why, because:

1) It's the perfect project for using up scraps and the specialty yarns look great for the outside edging.

2) I love playing with color and it gives me an opportunity to switch colors and try different schemes.

3) They don't take very long to make, so you can sell them for cheap (if that's what you want)

4) Working with heart shapes makes me happy - it's just an all-around "happy" project!

Also, these are not restricted to Valentine's Day, but could be used for any occasion, either for hanging or sticking on to the fridge.

Next Projects

2011-01-26T12:44:00.003-06:00

Ladies, what are you all working on or what are you planning to do next?

I swear I think my daughter's private school is out to get me. Okay maybe not. Some of the projects that have come up are self inflicted. =) Yesterday we received the weekly newsletter via email and it said the 3rd is western day. Excellent! Couldn't they have told me about this sooner? Yes we live in Texas, but that doesn't mean the child owns boots. So last night I did some research and now I'm tasked with making something western. Today they tasked me with making a Valentines box to collect all her Valentines in . I told my husband I was just going to cut a hole in the top of the drum I had to make for her to take to school today. LOL.. No, I'll come up with something better.

I'm in the process of doing IVF (yep, my daughter is a test tube baby) and need a project to keep my hands (and mind) busy. I know I'm probably crazy for going this route, but I'm going to crochet a baby blanket. I picked out this pattern and bought my yarn today.

My third project which I've put off long enough is a cardigan for my daughter. I picked up the yarn for this today too.

The yellow/green is for the baby blanket and the white is for Kaitlyn Joy's cardigan.

Now you all know my plans, what are yours? What projects are keeping your hands busy?

Crochet Pomp-Pomp Hat

2011-01-24T09:11:00.006-06:00

Hey ladies! Yes, I've been reading the blog and yes I've made some things over the last month, but no I haven't posted on here. I've had a little problem... my camera disappeared. I last saw it on Christmas Eve. I was at my parents house over Christmas and thought maybe it was there, but mom can't find it. I called both grandmothers and they haven't seen it. I was hopeful it was at one of their houses seeing how I was at both of them the last day I remember not having it. *sigh* Well, I'll just share the pattern with you all.

I took my four year old to Wally World and let her pick out yarn. I tried to get her to go with some bright, multi colored yarn, but she chose one that went from lavender to white. What can I say the girl likes purple. Instead of doing the tassels with yarn, I did them with ribbon. My hubby gave me his camera last night when he realized mine is still gone. I'll add a picture of the hat later. You can check out the free pattern here.

A little boy in my daughter's preschool class has a new baby sister. I debated what to give the family and decided on hair bows. I know I could have sewn her something and really thought about embellishing a onesie. In the end I decided I already ribbon and clips on hand so I would go the cheaper route. I gave her five hair bows and two flowers. And yes, all seven were hand sewn. I had planned on showing them to you, but the blasted camera issue...

I need to go pull my conversation hearts fabric out and finish my bowl fillers. And grab my needle and give those crochet hearts a try. Hopefully they will go well with my conversation hearts.

Edit to add photos...

I've made four so far. Instead of sewing them together to make them bowl fillers I think I'll just lay them on the coffee table. I'm sure I'll spend the next three weeks telling Kaitlyn Joy, "put those back!" LOL... I left the crochet needle in the photo so you can see how big the biggest ones are.

And in case you all wondered if I did anything else productive with my day here's my other work of art...

Yes, that's right a Lego house front and pony cart. By the way the orange things in the cart are upside down carrots. I didn't catch until after the photo was taken that Kaitlyn Joy flipped them. They are now on the bigger chimney. =)

Final Photos of My Quilt

2011-01-22T13:32:00.004-06:00

Bubb's quilt is completed and here are the photos that I promised... don't you just love how this quilt turned out.. so Manly :) Sorry about the rough back ground on the photos.. couldn't figure out where to photograph the quilts.. so the deck railing was it! I hope you enjoy my project!

Easy Crochet Hearts

2011-01-15T08:35:00.003-06:00

Hello fellow crafters!

My name is Doris and I wanted to share a few tips for crocheting some easy and fun little hearts. I spent last night with Teresa watching her tutorials and made a bunch of Valentine's hearts. She has tutorials for several different shapes of hearts, including a three-dimensional, stuffed heart. Sometimes I just like having someone show me and simply crochet along, instead of reading a pattern.

I crocheted this lot of hearts last night while watching Teresa's tutorials and it was so much fun.

Here's the link if you'd rather click on it. She also has directions for left-handed crocheters.

http://www.youtube.com/user/tjw1963#p/u/1/HqSpIv8-O-8

I crocheted the bigger hearts from her video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2YzJOuSnJ4&feature=relmfu

These measure about 5.5" X 5.5" and would make great coasters.

You can also use cotton yarn or thinner yarn and a smaller hook, or just make the square smaller in the beginning for smaller hearts and add any border you like - in any color you want. It's a very fun and easy project for using up scrap yarn or as a take-along project for waiting at the doctor's office - makes the time go by really quickly. I think I'll make more today!

Thank you, Cathy, for suggesting me sharing this. I hope some of you will take advantage of Teresa's free patterns. She has lots of them on her You Tube channel that I subscribed to. She also has a blog here:

Art of Crochet by Teresa

were you will find more than enough free patterns to keep you busy all year. I also like Maggie Weldon's Best Free Crochet for free patterns and instructions. She's also on facebook: Maggie Weldon's Crochet and started to do tutorials as well, so between those two generous and talented ladies, we should have enough fun projects to keep us crocheting all year through.

Lastly, I'm having my January Giveaway on my blog. Everyone is welcomed! Last day to enter is Jan. 28, 2011!

Happy New Year everyone and have fun!

PHotO of ChriStmaS GiFts

2011-01-09T21:51:00.007-06:00

I thought I would share a few photos, of Christmas gifts I made for the family this year. This little Annie went to my Bubba's Girlfriend ;)

Below you will find two of the three Quilts that I made for my family this year... the top one was for the Step Monster and the bottom one was for the Big Daddie O. No photo of Bubba's quilt yet.
I personally am still amazed that I got so much done... Several of you knew.. that I completed the hand stitched blocks just two weeks before Christmas.. then it was time to put the blocks together and construct the rest of the Quilts. I was able to get all of the quilts done except for the hand tying. The embellishments were on.... Then last weekend I finished them up and two of them are at their homes.. being enjoyed by the old people as they watch TV, resting in their reclining chairs ;)

I had a lot of fun making these quilts.. I just wish I didn't have to rush at the last min.. I spent over 6 months working on the blocks of these quilts... I know if I had sewn all weekend long every weekend.. it would not have taken 6 months.. but I did these blocks on my spare time. I figured out that each block took about 4-5 hours each for me... I was just very excited they liked them after all that work :)
If I was guessing these quilts are full size.. I think they ended up as 100X85 inches.
The main blocks were 18 inch blocks and there were 12 of those.

Crafting with Lillie Mae's, February Newsletter

2011-01-06T21:03:00.004-06:00

Hi everyone,

Hope everyone is having a great New Year so far. The February newsletter is finished so please come join us and grab your free patterns. There are 2 new patterns in this issue and 2 that I wasn't able to finish in time but should be finished and up on my site in the next couple of days.

Just click on the newsletter.

Blessings everyone,
Brenda

A Special Request from APP

2011-01-05T20:02:00.004-06:00

Hello Ladies .... :)

I have visited several blogs of our members... I have noticed there are very few of our Pins and Needles Badges/Buttons on your side bars... If you like our blog please post our link so others can find us and enjoy or site also..... We are always looking for new contributors .. for fun posts and projects.
Thank You!

An Afghan for my Daughter

2011-01-03T09:33:00.006-06:00

I made this afghan for my oldest daughter and son-in-law. Their anniversary is 12/21. Jake's birthday is 12/22 and Lexie's birthday is 12/27, so I used this as a combo gift. Jake and Lexie's apartment is basically in black and white so I thought this afghan would be pretty.

I used a pattern from the book "200 Stitch Patterns for Baby Afghans" by Jan Eaton. I crocheted 3 rows of black and then 2 of varigated throughout and I ended up with an afghan the size of a double bed. I think it turned out so nice!

Here is my baby girl sleeping under the new afghan after a hard days work!

Sweet Dreams Lexie!

The pattern is really easy to make.

It is as follows:
Foundation chain: Using Color A, work a multiple of 10 chains + 3. I think I used about 363 chains??
Row 1: (RS) 1 dc into 4th ch from hook, 1 dc into each of the next 3 chs, *sk next 2 chs. 1 dc into each of the next 4 chs, ch 2, 1 dc into each of the next 4 chs; rep from * to last 6 chs, sk next 2 chs. 1 dc into each of next 3 chs, 2 dc into last ch, turn.
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc) 1 dc into first dc, 1 dc into each of the next 3 dc, *sk next 2 dc, 1 dc into each of next 3 dc, [1 dc, ch 2, 1dc] into next ch-2sp, 1 dc into each of next 3 dc; rep from * to last 6 dc, sk next 2 dc, 1 dc tinto each of next 3 dc, 2 dc into 3rd of beg skipped ch-3, turn.
Row 3: Ch 3, 1 dc into first dc, 1 dc into each of next 3 dc. *sk next 2 dc, 1 dc into next 3 dc. [1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc] into next ch-2 space, 1 dc into each of next 3 dc; rep from * to last 6 dc, sk next 2 dc, 1 dc into each of next 3 dc, 2 dc into 3rd of ch-3, turn.
Rep Row 3, changing yarns on however many rows you want of each color.
Repeat for length desired. Fasten off yarn.

I went on and did 2 rows of single crochets around the afghan for a more finished look.

Sweet Annie

2011-01-02T19:18:00.004-06:00

I'm starting this New Year out right by getting a little sewing into my daily plan.

And I just finished this little Annie for a dear lady who plays piano at my parents' church. Her skirt is covered in musical notes and praise ~ I sure hope she loves her as much as I enjoyed creating her!

Happy New Year!
Lea

Valentines Apron Swap

2010-12-28T12:46:00.005-06:00

I know, Christmas just ended but apron makers always think ahead and it's time to think about my next apron swap, yep! Valentines day is only 7 weeks away! Between sewing time, shipping time and such, it is time to post and plan! This swap will work just like the fall and Christmas swaps, you will be assigned a apron partner where you will make a themed apron for each other, and include some sweet tuckins too since it is the day for love. If you'd like to join us just leave a comment here with your email addy, I'll gather names and make a list. On Jan. 14th, I'll partner us up and notify you of your apron swapper, you will in turn email each other for mailing info. and likes or dislikes. Shipping date is set for Feb.1.
So, give your machine a little rest over the holidays and if you'd like to gain a Valentines apron, sign up on THIS post only before Jan. 14th, 2011. Hope to see those who joined me in the last two, as well as any newbies who missed out or ones who just love aprons, like us!

Spinning into the night

2010-12-28T07:06:00.003-06:00

Hello there - hope you all had a safe and fun Christmas with those you like the best.

There was a little sewing on Christmas Eve before the festivities began and these have now been delivered to Jindi's mum.

Spinning into the night - mug rug using the Mosaic2 pinwheel block and a matching mug cosy.

A little Christmas wall hanging ready for next years celebrations using a free design from Gail Pan, if you go by her blog she has a new free design for 2010.

Happy creating in the New Year

Mistea

My Christmas Gift To You

2010-12-24T20:22:00.007-06:00

Twas the night before Christmas
and all through the Pins & Needles Land
Each stitcher was working on her last project at hand.
There were knitters, crocheters, apron and Annie sewers and quilters too!
All knew the clock was ticking ...
and they still had plenty to do!

Now those gals from Down Under, Mistea, Jindi, Vanessa and Khris were leading the band,
Ever so mindful that for them Christmas Day would soon be at hand!

When up in the Northland there arose such a clatter,
Every stitcher from Washington to New York sprang up to see what was the matter!
OH. they all cried with relief, it's just Nadine, Kay, Denise, and Sherry,
All working to made their Christmas merry!

But way down in Georgia it was quiet as a mouse,
As Doris sat crocheting in a brightly lit house.
Gizzy was sound asleep, so cozy and warm,
As he dreamed of doggie treats on Christmas Morn.

On the cold Kansas prairie the north wind was blowing,
Maybe by Christmas it would be snowing!
But that didn't damper Auntie's machine, it was whirring!
And what about Miss Pitty? Oh, she wasn't stirring.

Over in the Ozarks, Sue was still apron making,
Of course that is only when she wasn't baking!
And then there was Angie , feverishly working on her Prims,
But meeting her deadline was looking rather "grims".

And back up in Indiana, Brenda still has not gone to bed,
She's staying up drawing Annie patterns that are swirling in her head!

In the states of Texas and Florida, Jennifer and Robin were so relieved to see
That all of their gifts were finished, wrapped and under the tree!

And Cynthia in Virginia is done with her rug,
You know, it's the latest craze, the one to hold her mug!

Across the Big Pond is rughooking Heather,
I wonder if her studio is as quiet as a feather?

So to all of my ♥kindred spirit stitchin' Sisters♥ ~
Are you all crazy, out of your head??
Enough of your stitchin'!!! NOW ~ get off to bed!!!!! LOL!!!! :)

A Merry Christmas to each and everyone of you!!!!!!
Love and Hugz,
CJ♥♥

After Christmas Give A-Way

2010-12-24T09:53:00.006-06:00

After Christmas Give A-Way

I've never hosted a give a-way before and thought it might be fun for my first one to be an after Christmas special.

The give a-way is pictured here; it is a brand new pattern that has not yet been added to my product line or to my website. The winner will receive the finished doll and her beloved pooch.

If you would like to be included in the drawing for this cute little Annie and her pooch, simply send me an email with your name and address to - lilliemaescrafts@yahoo.com.

But....visit this page first so you will have a complete understanding of the give a-way.

Give A-Way Terms

The drawing will be conducted on February 1, 2011.

Good luck everyone and ... have a Very Merry Christmas,

Brenda

Christmas Giveaway

2010-12-20T14:35:00.004-06:00

I maybe a little pokey this holiday season but I haven't lacked in the spirit of giving! I do much better in giving than receiving, so with that in mind, and to celebrate this last week of rushing, I'm hosting a quick Christmas giveaway on my blog. Now, you won't get it before the holiday but you will have a seasonal apron if you win. So, if you'd like to win a Christmas apron, just leave your answer to the question " What makes you Merry this season" over at Country Pleasures. I'll draw the winner on December 27th and ship your apron for the New Year! From my blog to yours, Merry Christmas and good luck!

APP's Christmas MugRug Swap

2010-12-16T13:11:00.008-06:00

This is my ♥cute♥ lil' Gingerbread Man mugrug that I received from Ms Nadine
in App's Christmas MugRug Swap

It came complete with a lil' spoon for stirring the tea that can be brewed right in that AWESOME tea mug with the matching quilted mug cozy :)
I got the recipe for those yummy Molasses Cookies AND ... a package of them already made up by sweet Ms Nadine♥
Am I spoiled, or what????? Yep!! and ... I'm lovin' it!!
Thanks again, Ms Nadine!! :)

New Swaps

2010-12-09T11:02:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone found these swaps thought you might like!

Join in here by 25th January

Join in here

to be made and sent for Valentines

Also if you would like to see what I got from the Secret Santa Swap

pop on over to my blog - I was spoilt

by Tracey (Mistea Crafts)

XX The Clip Cafe

Mug Rug from Aunt Pitty Pat's blog

2010-12-07T18:17:00.005-06:00

Several of the ladies played along in the Mug Rug swap up on my blog.. I thought I would share what my Mug Rugs looked like.. I had more than one Partner for one reason or the other.. and they all loved them :)

Lillie Mae's Crafts Newsletter for January 2011

2010-12-06T09:57:00.003-06:00

Lillie Mae's Crafts Newsletter for January 2011 is now available ~
Click HERE

Five more new FREE patterns and a new E-Book loaded with good stuff!!
Thanks for sharing with us, Ms Brenda!!!! You are amazing♥♥

My Holly Jolly Christmas Quilt

2010-12-05T18:45:00.007-06:00

I just realized that I never posted pictures here on Pins & Needles of my
Holly Jolly Christmas Quilt
from last year's APP Swap. So ... here's some pictures of it in the process!

I decided to tie it, so I could add lots of buttons, beads, jingle bells, etc. for embellishments.
Fun stuff!!

Now, I just need more time to get back to it to put the binding on so I can hang it up ...
Think I'll finish it in time to hang it up for this Christmas? Humm ... don't know!
I'm pretty far behind with my Christmas gift making. But ... if I do, I post another picture of it finished ~ I promise :) What about you? Did you finish yours?
Have a wonderful, fun, stitchin' filled week!!!

Christmas rugs

2010-11-23T21:19:00.002-06:00

You know I just could not stop at one.

Here in Oz it is summer when Santa comes and we always see him at the beach. I caught him practising his kite boarding last weekend - there is more than one way to get around.

Just couldn't leave this fabric in Spotty last week - Rudolph's friends are hanging about waiting for their gig.

The Christmas tree - already decorated.

Rudolph and a helper have loaded the sleigh ready to make some deliveries.

Which one would you choose?

Hope your preparations are going well.

Mistea.

My first project from Ravelry

2010-11-22T09:25:00.005-06:00

A friend of mine told me about a site called Ravelry that is full of knit and crochet patterns. They have patterns for scarves, gloves, afghans, clothing, and so on. Ravelry is free to join and they have free patterns and ones you can buy. Once you get on the site you can specialize your search. I went for photo's (I have to see a picture before I can make something), crochet and free (I'm broke!) and then picked Fingerless. There are several free patterns. Some of the patterns are really plain and then there are some elegant fingerless gloves on there too.

Check it out!

I made these fingerless gloves while watching tv the other night. They are just single crochets and really easy. (as long as you use markers!) You can make them with or without the thumb and in acrylic or wool. I have several people requesting a pair of these gloves I think these will be gettting made up for Christmas gifts!

Enjoy!

Time for tea

2010-11-14T06:31:00.000-06:00

Yippee - a little sewing with Nomee today and look - a pretty mug rug.

Anyone for tea and cake.

Have a wonderful week until next time.

Mistea

Happy (belated) Veterans Day!

2010-11-12T09:29:00.003-06:00

I know there's at least a couple military wives on here so I just wanted to say thank you for YOUR service. If it wasn't for your loving care and stability at home he couldn't do what he needs to do.

For Veterans Day my daughter's private school asked all the preschoolers to wear red, white, and blue. The upper classmates must wear uniforms and didn't get to dress down for the day; they already wear red, white, and blue though.

I decided to make my daughter something new for the day. I REALLY put it off to the last minute. Why do we punish ourselves like that? I looked for some patriotic fabric, but wasn't impressed with any of my finds. I finally went to Hobby Lobby and picked up some US Air Force fabric. Now my husband isn't a flier, but hey, it's USAF fabric so I went with it.
For the blue words on the shirt I picked a plane for each one. If I had matching blue fabric I would have gone that route instead of using a print on the words. It was cute anyway. My one regret was not shopping around more for another shirt. Remember I waited until the last minute. =) This shirt is a $2 clearance one from Walmart. I wanted one without all the pleats. Because it's pleated around the neckline I had to move the words down leaving them in an odd place. They should have been closer to her neck instead of covering her belly. LOL... Note to any others who might use one of W shirts, the neckline dips low making the embellishment lower then it appears. The pants pattern is one I have used MANY times. It's an ePattern from You Can Make This (love that site!!!) called Boutique Bottoms. I bought the pattern when my daughter was in size 1 and now I'm making them in 4 and 5.

2010-11-03T10:03:00.006-05:00

Kaley and Noah

GOOD MORNING! I am so glad this election is DONE and OVER! I was so tired of the TV ads and all the phone calls. Well not everyone I wanted won, so we will see what will happen in the next 4 years. Sorry I have not posted here in a long while. I have been trying to post and it wont let me. I don't know if its my computer or not. So a lot has happen since I last posted. I became a new grandma in September. My oldest had a baby boy and a big out at that. 10lb12oz. He is doing well and growing every day. Just a blessing. I don't think she will be having anymore any time soon. Well I wanted to pop in and say HI to you all. Thanks for hanging in with me. Take care.

Note from CJ ~
Allison, I'm sorry you had trouble trying to post this! I just saw it in drafts and thought I'd post it for you. Glad to hear from you!♥

Christmas Apron Swap

2010-11-01T07:25:00.003-05:00

Welcome sweet November! I was gonna wait a bit before starting this swap, but after reading about so many Christmas swaps already in progress, I thought I had better get on the ball! The official start to the holidays has already begun for crafters and apron makers! So if you'd like to make and receive a handmade apron for Christmas baking and entertaining just leave your name and email addy on my blog post about this swap. You will be assigned a partner but to keep it in the true Christmas spirit, we will be surprising our partners, no requests will be taken to preferences like half or full aprons, or themes. This is a gift giving swap, tuck ins are encouraged to add to the element of surprise! I'll close this swap on Nov. 15 with shipping due Nov. 30th so we all have our gifted aprons in time for Christmas wearing. I always try to pair us up close by to help with shipping but everyone is welcome to join us, the more the merrier! So, if you'd like to give and receive, sign up and get busy making your Christmas apron and finding sweet tuck ins, no need to wait for your partner, keeping this swap easy and no stressing! Let's start November off sewing!

Note from CJ ~
Ladies,
The Christmas Apron Swap is being hosted by Sue from Country Pleasures. Please go directly to her blog to sign up ~ click HERE for the link.
Thank you!

Lillie Mae's Crafts December Newsletter

2010-10-30T05:09:00.004-05:00

Hi Everybody,

Here's Lillie Mae's December newsletter complete with 3 new patterns and, as a bonus, an "Annie Speaks; Annie Journal." Curious???...check it out.

To download newsletter, either click on the link in the title above or click on the pictures.

Blessings everyone,

Brenda

Lillie Mae's Crafts Newsletter for November

2010-10-28T08:13:00.011-05:00

Ooopppsss!!! I forgot to tell you about LillieMae's November Newsletter being out, uh ... that was a few weeks ago! So sorry!! Run over and check out the cute new Autumn Annie patterns that Ms Brenda has for us!!:) Pictured above is Topsy-Turvy Pilgrim & Indian Doll. Isn't that cute! I remember making a topsy-turvy doll for my daughter when she was young. It was Little Red Riding Hood, the Grandma, and the Wolf all in one, Fun! :) Go check out the new patterns ~
Lillie Mae's Crafts November Newsletter

~ Little Annie Pocket Ornies ~

~ ScareCrow Annie & Pumpkins ~

Thank you once again sweet Ms Brenda for some more AWESOME Annie patterns!!!
You are a real sweetheart♥ to share your talents with us!!:)

Off the hook and in the hoop

2010-10-27T09:12:00.006-05:00

Just getting around to posting here on Pins and Needles after so
long of reading what everyone else is crafting. Just as a way of introduction, my name is Denise and I enjoy doing all sorts of crafting! I found P&N through my sweet friend Cathy. I love to sew and quilt, crochet, cross stitch and do embroidery.
I have been working on a baby blanket for my new grandbaby due in December. We don't know whether it is boy or girl so I used variegated baby yarn. I guess you can't see the pattern very well. It is called bobbles and crosses and turned out to be much easier than I thought it would. :)

After I finished the blanket I thought it might be nice to cross stitch a family tree for baby. So that is what I am working on now. It is still in progress as you can see and the only thing that will be left undone is the baby's name and such.

I am purposing to get many of my UFP's done. I am sorting and making a list. Then I shall take them one at a time so I will always have something to keep my hands busy!
Wishing you all a wonderful day of working with your pins and needles!

New fun stuff made at APP's house ;)

2010-10-25T23:03:00.006-05:00

Several of my bloggie Friends know that my sweet friend Nadine has been visiting me for about 23 days. During that time we made some amazing fun things.. I thought I would share some photos of those items, that were made ;) Don't forget to go over and look at the tutorial that Nadine made while she was here in Ta Town.

FOR NADINE'S SHOOP SHOOP BAG TUTORIAL CLICK HERE

Blocks that APP made for her Halloween Block swap. I think they turned out pretty darn Spookable!

These blocks were made by raw edge applique with blanket stitching around the edges.

This is a smart looking little tote made for my friend Nadine. I have to tell you ladies that I had all the fabric patch-worked together. Ms Nadine did most of the sew to finish this little tote up. I did hand embroidery and patch work on this cute little sewing tote.

This is a tote that was made for APP's Halloween tote swap.. The matching Frankie is a good example of the Mug Rug that we are going to be making in APP's next swap :)

APP always has Annie's in different stages of Dress or lack there of :)

A Crumb Catcher Christmas

2010-10-20T13:15:00.002-05:00

Re-Post APP's Blog

Everyone knows Nadine and I have been on Vacation ;) We have chatted about a lot of awesome new sewing ideas.. one of the ideas is a new craze that is sweeping the Cyber world of blogs and we would like to share this with you in swap form... Mug Rugs.

Photo from Patchwork Pottery's Flickr Photostream.

APP's Christmas Swap will be .. make your partner a fun and exciting Christmas Mug Rug. What is a Mug Rug??? After looking on the internet.. we have discovered it is hard to find Christmas photos of mug rugs to share with you. But we have a link for other types of Mug Rugs. http://www.flickr.com/groups/1533394@N22/ :)

The required size for our swap will be a 6”x10” or equivalent. It can be square, round, star, or any shape your creative brain comes up with. The Rug must be big enough for two Christmas Sugar Cookies, and a nice sized mug for a hot drink ;) (APP loves White Almond Hot Chocolate hint hint hint.)

Embellish your Mug Rug anyway you like.. but it must be coffee mug friendly. Must be able to sit without falling over from too much egg nog ;) Mug must sit flat on Rug… lol

Additional content for your swap will be:

One Christmas Coffee Mug (Micro safe)

One Hot Beverage packet (Cocoa, Spiced Cider, Gourmet Coffee, or Tea)

One Favorite Cookie Recipe

One Candy Cane (For stirring)

Sign ups start today and end on November 6^th.. Partners will be assigned shortly thereafter.

Swaps must be at your partner's house no later than December 11^th. Please start your project as soon as you sign up so they will be completed on time. You don't have to have an assigned partner to start your project. If you can't meet this dead line.. please please don't sign up... This is a very important fun swap this time of year.

NO ONE likes a Flaker.. Please be on time!!!

Santa is checking his naughty and nice list.. so be sure to get your swap out on time.. so your partner doesn't get coal ;)

Additional info:
Please package your swap in a box and wrap your mug in bubble wrap... so it will arrive safely ;)
International Swappers welcome but please be mindful of the cost for shipping!

E-mail APP the following Info: auntpittypatsfun@yahoo.com

Name

Address

Blog

Phone Number

International Yes/No

If you're a first time swapper please read the following: Swap Etiquette

Colourful Christmas

2010-10-13T08:19:00.001-05:00

My Christmas quilt top is all done and sure to brighten this Christmas season.

As Jindi's mum and I participated in the Holly Jolly block swap as a team we made 12 blocks each and received 12 back.

I love that this quilt top only has blocks made by the other swappers.

Border fabrics found in the stash, some of them are the ones I used to make my blocks to send. The stripe has all the colours to match the blocks and has been sitting in the stash for the past year waiting patiently for a home. Perfect.

Have a fantastic Wednesday, I'm sure hoping mine is!