Saturday, December 13, 2014

little things....

I've always loved things in miniature. I played, a bit, with the bow-tie block I showed you last week. It is HERE, if you missed it.....way down at the bottom of that post. I have a small stack of 3" squares so I started playing and the bow-tie block turns out to be 2" square. I love the way it looks and I think it would make a sweet little quilt.....so a new project has been started.

click on the images...

2" bow-tie blocks

Another inspiration when I saw these napkin ring pincushions HERE. She used napkin rings but I used some small wooden rings I had and made them in miniature. I cut circles from some vintage linens. I just noticed that she gives the instructions of how to make them in the comments so if you're inspired to try it, the instructions are easy to follow. Mine turned out 2" in length and they are perfect for working projects on the go.

2" long pin cushion

I added a bell on each one just for fun.

During this slow time of year....for me....when everyone is busy with holiday fixings and classes are canceled until the new year, I try to fit in the things that I've been wanting to do for a while. I signed up for a class, a few months ago, at mastered.com to learn Tambour Beading. I love the classes where the videos and instructions are available forever so I can do the lessons whenever I have the time. My hoop is set up right in front of my computer and I'm ready to begin. Hopefully, I'll be able to show you some progress next time. Here's a short little video showing what beautiful work can be created with this technique. It is an excerpt from the movie Sequins which, i believe, came out in 2004.

ready to begin learning

The Downton Abbey coat is ready to be blocked and stitched together. The pieces are large so I will have to be blocking them one at a time for lack of space.... it will take a while but the end is near.

The weather has been just a bit wet but mild so not bad at all. Winter hasn't hit us yet. Hope you all enjoy your holiday fixings and gatherings.

15 comments:

Anita said...

cute pincushions! looks like they will fit perfectly in my sewing class bag :-) thanks for sharing the link.Am sure you'll master tambour beading soon..your crocheting skills will help you to understand this technique.I've been working this style for many years now..let me know if you need any help.

Stitching Lady said...

You made tiny, tiny bowties and yes it would be very cute in a little quilt. The miniature pincushions are sweet with your embroidery on them. And the little bell - just in case the cat plays with it - the cat which you certainly don't have. I am keen to see your tambour stitching. I saw it in France once how somebody worked it at a lace exhibition.

Stitching Lady said...

Deanna, this video is angel-like - wonderful. What a beautiful girl and beautiful work. Yes, that's what I saw in Bourbonne-les-Bains (if I remember well).

Rachel said...

They are charming!

Jane said...

Those bow tie blocks are adorable! And the pincushions are such fun. Have fun with your new lesson

margaret said...

the little bow ties have worked so well and the pincushion is very nice too. Tambour work has never appealed to me but it will be good to see how you take to it.

crafty cat corner said...

Hi Deanna
firstly thanks for your kind comment on the crochet leaves.
I see you are going to have a go at tambour, I shall be popping back to see how you get on, I have tried so many times to master this but maybe I don't have the technique but I always give up. good luck
Briony
x

Mosaic Magpie said...

Cute little pincushion and a nice way to use linens. Glad to hear the coat is almost complete, looking forward to seeing you wearing it!
Deb

Els said...

Your Downton Abbey coat is coming together beautifully Deanna !
Oh my, what fun are the bow tie blocks
(very ingenious !)

Peggy said...

Those sweet pincushions are wonderful -- the photos with the linens they're made with are great. Love them. Getting the coat finished up will be a huge accomplishment, I can't even imagine, you're a brave knitter!

karen said...

I adore your enthusiasm and your determination to experience every aspect of cloth, stitch and creativity. It's a pleasure to be inspired and driven by your zest for all things cloth.

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Cute little pincushions - I made some a few years ago using napkin rings and ended up giving them all away. Haven't managed to stumble across any more silver rings to make any more.

Anonymous said...

The bow tie blocks are gorgeous! Looks like you've got a fantastic range of interesting techniques and projects to keep you going through into the New Year!

Jillayne said...

I'm so keen to see how you make out with the tambour work! I bought a hoop and tool last year and yet still they wait for me - I look longingly at them now and again but it will be a month at least before I get to it. I'll be interested to hear what you think Deanna.

epocktextiles said...

love your pincushions

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