Friday, March 10, 2023

Little House Corner block 2 and some other sewing progress...

 


Did you make your bordered cloth and stitch the first house in one corner last week? Today I have the second little house for another corner. 



The little heart windows are a reminder that a happy home equals love. The four house stitcheries are all quite simple, and once you've made your supper cloth or table cloth, you could stitch them again onto any number of small projects, even greeting cards. If you have extra ideas for displaying these little houses please share in the comments below. 

Use the link below to download this week's Little House Corner stitchery pattern.

DOWNLOAD week two pattern

If you missed week one, you'll find it HERE. If you need to watch the bordered cloth tutorial, it is HERE


I've been designing patterns since 2009 and have loved every minute, so I still design, but not as much anymore. Slowing down my life, especially being in my 60's, has allowed me to play around in my sewing room again, rather than always working in there. 

Last year Shez gifted me one of Anni Downs quilt patterns, Gossip in the Garden, and I decided to made one of the blocks into a cushion for my daughter Kezzie. This was for two reasons - firstly, I knew she'd love the tea time theme, and secondly because I wanted to test myself with needleturn applique. 

You see I have dabbled with needleturn over the years, but my own designs are 99% blanket stitch applique simply because I love it, and the way I can 'adorn it' with chain stitch or other stitches. See below one of my Virtuous Wife blocks, how I've split the applique of the basket into two separate sections and filled the space with chain stitch...


But, I've now discovered that I love both styles of applique, so when I completed Kezzie's cushion I decided that one day I would indeed make the whole Anni Downs quilt and use only needleturn. 

Back in January I made a start, and my friend Rosie joined me, so we're both in the process of sewing our own versions of Gossip in the Garden. I have to tell you how much fun it is to text photos back and forth to each other, or to sit across the table and stitch together as we chat! 

Here's my progress so far...I am loving the Dresden blocks...








...and this is where I'm up to at the moment. The centre block is a work in progress, and I add sections to it as I go. First it was the vase and the stems, then the tea pot, then the leaves, now the circle flowers ready to be needleturned. Once I complete them I'll add the larger flowers and stitch the words. 


The fabrics used are mostly 'Blume and Grow' by Natalie Bird, with extra fabrics added from my stash. 

I have found this project very relaxing, something Blossom pointed out to me the other day. Needleturn  is a bit like 'zoning out' for me, the gentle rhythm of sewing something beautiful which does not require me to tweak, measure, write instructions for, sew, photograph and promote - well, it's rather wonderful and soothing in a way I don't quite have words for.

I'm rather sure that once this quilt is made, I shall be looking to Anni's shop for another of her whimsical patterns. 

What are you stitching at the moment? 

Bless you heaps, and may the weekend just around the corner bring you days of calm delight, gentle thoughts, laughter, love, and precious moments of worship in the presence of our Lord. 

hugs


Don't miss out on any Elefantz news or free patterns. 
Subscribe to my blog posts HERE and receive them direct to your email inbox.  

Or sign up HERE for my free newsletter which often has extra benefits, freebies & tutorials!



11 comments:

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

So Sweet. Your still do beautiful work. My new email is strokermick@hotmail.com. Unable to remove the old one.

Lin said...

You have been busy with your Gossip! And looking so beautiful, such lovely soft colours. I know how you feel about working someone elses design being so relaxing. Many years ago after completing my City and Guilds I went straight out and bought a kit and it was so blissful to just sit and sew with no decisions to make. Have a lovely weekend. xx

Tammy said...

Dearest Jennifer,
The Annie Downs quilt you are working on is totally amazing. I love everything about it. It is just gorgeous. What a treasure this will be when you finish it. I adore the fabrics you chose for the quilt. Beautiful fabrics, beautiful colors and images. I'm looking forward to the weekend. Hopefully I will be able to get some rest. As next week is going to be super busy for me.

Pink Rose said...

Hi Jennifer your blocks are looking beautiful,so glad you are enjoying this project 🌹🤍🌹

Carol said...

Thank you for the little house patterns, Jennifer. I enjoy reading your blog.
May you have a blessed day.
Carol

Anonymous said...

Those blocks are beautiful. There's nothing quite as satisfying as needle and thread. I'm cross stitching at the moment. It's a piece called Spring's Messenger Pinkeep by Scattered Seed Samplers. Instead of a pinkeep I'm going to mount it on top of an oval shaped box I've had for years. Can't wait to see it finished! Blessings to you and your family!

Julie said...

Hello dear Jennifer. I have returned from Mums & am catching up on some blog reading this afternoon. Gosh those blocks are simply beautiful !!! I love the slightly pale colour pallete.💜 🤍 Needleturn has always kind of scared me for some reason ... I am rather tempted to have another try now I've seen your blocks. Do you use the special paper that they put on the back or just the fabric turned under? xx

Susan said...

Your work is always so beautiful, whether it's your design or someone else's. I sew with Edi like you do with Rosie. I'm excited to be spending 3 days at her house in April, when I start my 6-week trip with my college roommate. We are going to have such a wonderful time. Ernie and I will be doing devotionals every night with a cup of herbal tea and a bedtime snack. I wish we'd have snacks as wonderful as you make, but we'll make do with something from grocery store bakeries along our route.

Thank you for showing your Anni project. I love needle-turn and it's the one thing I haven't gotten back to doing. Her blocks, and your work, are beautiful. Is she an Australian designer? I haven't heard of her. Your redwork design is absolutely terrific.

Thank you for the verse in the newsletter. It's one of my favorites, and it is such a good lesson. Love you much!

Ondrea said...

Oh my! Your GIG quilt is looking so beautiful. I love the fabrics and your needleturn is lovely. You have made so much of the quilt in such a short time. Well done!

Joanne said...

Hi Jennifer,
I'll be searching for your tutorial for the bordered cloth next month :)
There will be a few older stitchery pieces coming home with me :)
hugs, take care,
Joanne

KaHolly said...

Haven’t visited in a dog's age, and tickled to see you’re still creating such beauty!