Returning to Stitching

 

 

Returning to Stitching 

 

 Well, my photographic skills haven't improved, neither have my writing skills or computer skills.  I'm a lot slower than I was and I have to work at having energy...but I'm back again to give blogging another
   chance.  After a year and a half of being "out of commission" two of my favorite sentiments have lately reminded me to make more of an effort.  IT IS WHAT IT IS and NEVER GIVE UP! I feel I need to harder. 

                                                                                                                                              
As you know...if you've been here before...I have always tried to 'rescue' an old quilt or embroidery now and then and then to repair or redo it.  A year without this work has been tough.  In fact all the things I used to do have suffered in some way and so has my mood. I have missed out on all the things I enjoyed.  So, like the blog, I have recently given myself a good talking to and am making an effort to actually DO things.  Like posting. It will take me longer, my stitching may not be all that great but making the effort will be GOOD.  

Maybe some of my readers will return...and if not, there might be a few new friends come along and if not, it will be a good thing to put out the effort anyway.

I've renewed my interest in cross stitching.  I used to love it....and thanks to the internet, my interest has been renewed by finding Flosstubers.  It has totally taken over the time I spend looking at tv.  They are also very inspiring.  I'm trying to discover ways I can use it in some of my other stitching.  We will see. Meantime, it's just fun to watch. 

Now, for the photo....I rescued that cross stitched piece on black fabric from the flea market....it's all half crosses. There was a second design with it...but I liked this one best...for the photo anyway.  It needs to be made into something.  There is a crocheted heart.  I have a collection of those...none of which I stitched.  I guess I rescued those too.  I've saved that button card a long time...and HOPE....it's a good reminder.  A bird.  Well, you know.  That handful of DMC floss....who doesn't like a handful of that beautiful stuff or a handful of all the new flosses I am seeing.  Also a cross stitched table runner from the flea.  The kind of stuff that I really love.  Oh.  I also ordered a BOOK OF DAYS (even though the year is half over)....to round out the excitement.  And, some stickers...a couple books and charts. If it turns out I can't manage to see well enough to do it...I'll just have fun touching and looking at all of it and being entertained by the excitement of it all. I notice that most of the cross stitch videos seem to have a new video every couple of weeks.  Hopefully, I'm going to do that here. 

 
Wishing you all safe and happy days ahead. 

❤️Pat at Bird Nest Cottage
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Returning to Stitching

A Valentine - An Early Start

 

 

 The Cardinal was Richard's favorite bird.  He loved to watch them feed on our patio. 

I found this little ceramic nest with two Cardinals perched there on the edge a long time ago

and decided the other day that it would make a great place to display an embroidered heart 

for Valentine's Day.  For "the old navy man."

 

 

 

I haven't made it yet, but thought I'd gather some "ingredients" together

and make him one.  Surely I can do that before it's actually Valentine's Day.

So, here we are....DMC embroidery floss, a bit of old aged lace,  the needles,

the thread (even it is aged!).

And, just for inspiration, I placed a needle book I make long ago....just the right colors. 

 

 

                            

 

And, a bundle of fabrics to choose from....although these may not be the ones I use.

 

 

Mother of Pearl buttons will line the nest.

There is my little embroidered heart Sampler.

I made those as a stitch guide several years ago. 

I'll let you see it beforehand, but it will probably be my post for Valentine's Day too.

I'll add some others to that post.

Here I am....looking forward.

It's all good.

♥️

Stay safe and warm and have a happy heart.

from

Bird Nest Cottage

 

For A Little Bit of Inspiration

 

 

In my last post I talked about inspiration.  Specifically, that provided by studying another artist's work. That is one way of getting inspired.  Actually, you can find it anywhere if you really want to.  One way I find inspiration is to look at china patterns, both vintage and new.  They can certainly provide subject matter, designs, and color choices too.

 

 

In this instance, I have chosen a few pieces to inspire me in the designing and stitching of little houses. I chose these in particular as the size appealed to me and the simple little houses are just what I like to applique and embroider.  You don't have to make them identically to what you see here....but they can speak to you as your create your patterns.  You can add some of the existing things, such as trees, flowers, birds,fences, etc., or just in the general layout of how you might like your little scene to look.
Also, you can reduce or enlarge.  I'm kind of partial to very small patterns....but you should make yours suit your ability and personal taste.

 

 

Adding or subtracting elements so though you were inspired by the pieces, yours look nothing like the thing that inspired you in the first place.  They just gave you a place to start.

 

 

Here you can see a drawing I made of the house on that little vase.  But, what you don't see is the back of the vase.

 

 

It has a lone tree and if you want...you can make a lone tree too, or you can just add flowers around it for a different kind of scene.  And, there are dozens of ways to make the foliage on the trees for different looks.

 

 

I mentioned size....here is the same scene on the sugar bowl....two different sizes, from a different perspective.

 

 

Once again....add or subtract elements to suit your own taste.  And, think of how you will stitch the elements too.  For instance, I LOVE using French Knots to do some of the trees...making them into blooming fruit trees.  There is a multitude of methods to make yours different from others.

 

 

Just have fun with it.  Make a bunch of drawings, adding or subtracting...remember, it's YOUR work and you should feel free to be inspired by other things, but always putting your own touch on the work....so, notice everything...dishes, other needlework, photos in magazines, be open to visual suggestions...and "play."  It's only paper you are drawing on...not a permanent thing unless you want it to be.

                                          Wherever You Are Have a Warm and Happy Heart
                                                                                from 

                                                                      Bird Nest Cottage

                                                                            ❤️❤️❤️

                                                                         

 

The Inspiring Stitching of Mandy Pattullo

 

 

As some of you know, I am interested in rescuing quilts and embroideries that have seen better days, some just need a little careful stitching to give them more years of life.  Then, on the other hand, many are on the verge of completely falling apart.  There are certainly others on the planet who have rescued such  textiles....using the smallest of pieces to create new life.  Fabric collage being one of the methods of choice.  I became interested is such activity several years ago when I found one of my "stitching heroes," Mandy Pattullo.  She lives in the UK and I found her through her blog and instantly became a huge fan.  I couldn't wait for her to write a book.  Eventually, she did just that, calling it TEXTILE COLLAGE.  I purchased it as soon as I could and loved it immediately.  (I'll show a photo of it below.)

This year she produced another book, her second,  TEXTILES TRANSFORMED.  And, once again, I purchased it also.  And, once again, I loved it immediately.  Her designs are so appealing....and fun. If this kind of work is "up your alley" you might want to check it out.  I'm sure you will love her work as much as I do.

 

 

The covers of Mandy's books are just wonderful.....tempting you to read further about her chosen work.  Each page giving you so much information about reusing these sometimes ragged pieces combining all manner of threads and other bits and pieces to create lovely works of art. I have read them over and over again....and never grow tired of imagining what I could do with all the rescued pieces I have.  As I said, she is very inspiring.

 

 

Here, all the photo needed was Mandy's new book.  But, I wanted to add a little extra color to the photo....that painted vegetable can is full of painted book pages I have cut up to use as book marks.  It can hang from a hook somewhere, anywhere.  Of course, I like to use lots of paper to mark the places where I find all the things that catch my fancy.  There is also a little creature that you met in my last post.  I'm mentioning that now because Birdy will be showing up in a few odd places now and again and I may not mention it....just see if you notice though.

 

 

Here the book is open to show you a bit of what you might find inside.  Make it larger so you can really get a good look at what she has done here.  Log Cabin, one of my favorite patterns...and what she has done to add so much life to such a varied selection of 'pieces.'

 

 

And, here is one of Mandy's own pieces.  This was given to me several years ago.  I consider it one of the most "precious" items in my home.  That sweet bird.  And, my funny bird!

Mandy rarely buys new fabric, preferring instead to use vintage and antique fabrics along with her rescued quilts or embroidery.  Yes, inspiration, indeed!!!

 

 

And, here is Mandy's first book.  So filled with stitching goodness!  There is a little trick I do when I don't feel well.  I can get a book or two or three....a comfortable quilt, and a nice hot cup of tea....and "pile up" on the sofa, studying the photos, reading the text, feeling the inspiration, and before you know it...I feel better.

           FYI:  I ordered my books from amazon.com.   And, here is more information on Mandy:

blog:  threadandthrift.blogspot.com  etsy: etsy.com/shop/mandypattullo

                                                                        Wishing you a

VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Have a Warm and Happy Heart

from

                                                                     Bird Nest Cottage

                                                                            ❤️❤️❤️

 

Six Rescued Pillows

 

 

There are six pillows on this chair.  All came from the flea market or Good Will.

So, in my mind, I have rescued them.  And, they nearly all need a little refreshment of some kind. 

 

  

 

        First, the large ruffled one in the back.  Actually, all it needs is a good pressing of the ruffles.

 I don't think it was ever used...seems to me it was just packed away for a time and never ironed and spotlessly clean.

 

 

Then, there is the 'alphabet pillow' as I call it.  Woven fabric....loved it.  Could use a bit of clean up. 

           I'm going to take off that cording on the edge and either replace it, or try something else.  

I'm not sure I've ever said it here...but I love seeing the alphabet on just about any kind of needlework.

An old faded rose colored pillow.

It has a machine made lacey trim on the edge and an appliqued basket filled with ribbon roses.

It could use a little resewing in some places on the edge.

Still very sweet.  

 

I found this bird needlepoint pillow in a bin of linens and other textiles.

Of course, I had to have it...love the bird AND the green background.

 

 It needs a little bit of refreshment also...mainly re-stuffing.

 

  

Behind it is a burlap pillow with a lace band.  It's in very good condition...but I felt it needed a little          something extra, so I added the twine with a bird and heart charm, tied it in a bow, and pinned all to   the pillow with a golden bird/nest/egg pin.

 

 

This is the floral fabric sawdust stuffed pincushion found at the flea quite a while ago. 

It is stuffed so full, it weighs a ton.

Aside from being well used, the ruffle is coming undone on each end, so I'll repair that.

It's a very old fabric...of course in colors I just love.

So, there you are....six pillows in various stages of rescue/repair.

With a little work, they will last for a very long time.

And, they will be much loved.

Wherever You May Be This Day

BE WELL

from

 Bird Nest Cottage

                                                                           ❤️❤️❤️

                          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miss Minerva Prim

 

 

And, here is Miss Minerva Prim.

In 1994, my quilt guild held a doll challenge.  An  identical ready made doll was given to all interested and the challenge was to dress a doll to your own liking and then winners would be chosen at a future meeting.  Miss Minerva Prim was my entry.

After finishing the doll, I couldn't think of a good name for her until my little group went to Paducah, Kentucky for the annual quilt show.  

 

We decided to ride around the town for a bit looking at pretty houses 

 and the blooming Dogwood trees.  At some point, we turned onto a street and when I read the name of the street sign, I knew that would be the doll's name.  I believe the name of the street was Minerva Place.  I named her Minerva Prim because I thought she looked rather prim and proper.

The things we do.

 

On her petticoat, I wrote:

🖤 Miss Minerva Prim loves to talk about quilts. 

 My name, the year and the town I lived in.

 

 

I made her clothing, her knitted shawl, a basket with "bolts" of fabric," a sewing basket and several                                   quilting books.  I also found a pair of glasses for her.

 

Oh, yes, I found a chair and table just the right size for her

and just today, added

  the silk bonnet on a stand, a tea cup and saucer, plus the brass bird pincushion I've shown here many times before.

 

   

    And, I made a little set of quilt books for her too.  Not real books of course. I could make those better now but at the time, I didn't really know what I was doing.

                                        

I glued them all together so I wouldn't be chasing them all over the place.  Still holding up pretty good since 1994!

And, the tea cup...so cute.  I have a bunch of these I purchased just a few weeks ago, not even thinking they would be the right size for Miss Minerva!

She is wearing a long sleeved blouse, embroidered down the front, a skirt made of black file with embroidery along the hem, that petticoat I wrote on and I found the perfect size shoes for her when out shopping one day before she was finished.  That was lucky.  She is also wearing a button that looks like a watch and also a shawl I knitted for her from bedspread weight crochet cotton.

She is working on a quilt square as you can see.    A friend of mine made that quilt square and being unsatisfied with it she threw it in the garbage.  This was way before I made the doll.  I had rescued the wonderful little square from the garbage and saved it, and when I made the doll decided Miss Minerva would love to have it.  

Once again, the things we do!

I hope you liked the visit with Miss Minerva. 

                         She has been with me a long time now and every so often she likes to be seen.                      
                   
                                                          Wherever You May Be This Day

                                                                            BE WELL                                                                        

from

Bird Nest Cottage

❤️❤️❤️

 

                                                             
 

A Heartprint Giveaway Update

 

                               

                               

                               

                              

 

                              Here are the current HEARTPRINTS along with the winners names.

 The winners names are on the backs, so they won't know which one they are receiving until it           shows up at their home.  Just a bit of surprise at this point in the year.

                                                            Here are the winners:

 

                                                             Sandra Stephens

                                                                   Tina Tx

                                                             Marilyn McLeod

                                                                Beverly Long

                                                                    Sandi S

 I will need your mailing address so I can get these to you asap.  Even though I may have some of them...please send anyway in case I can't find them...entirely possible the way things are going around here.  I have actually frantically searched for my phone while talking on it....honestly.  The human brain!!!

 

Remember, these little things I am calling "Heartprints" are pieces from one of my rescued quilts.  They are ALL from one quilt.  I have taken sections from the quilt to form these blocks, and stitched them to an old blanket from the quilt which was used as batting, then I have hand embroidered all the designs on the blocks.  You may display them as you see, or frame them...whatever you like.  I hope you enjoy them.

                                                             The hearts are appliqued.

 

.                                  

The teeny tiny ones, embroideredThey are actually fun to do.

                                         I'm told this by one of you lovely people out there:

          "Our lives are so impacted by Covid. We all need something pretty to be posted by you."

                                                                           Wow!     

                                                  Thank you, Cindy.  I'll do my best.

                                                  See you over the coming weekend.

                                                    Wherever you may be this day

                                                                   BE WELL

                                                                        from

                                                             Bird Nest Cottage

 

                                                                   ❤️❤️❤️

                                                     

 
                                                      

                                      
 

                      

February Heartprint Photos

 Here are the photos I took of the two Heartprints I made to give away in February.  They are on their way to their new homes.  The one on the left is for Mandy and the one on the right is for Kathleen.

As you may remember, I wanted to "rescue" a quilt and make some Heartprints from the pieces to give away to some of you.

I have several quilts here in various stages of decline from which I chose one to use in making these Heartprints.    Here, you see two portions of that quilt.  An additional part of the 

story is about the pinkish/reddish blanket behind the pieced quilt square.

 You see, I unpicked that quilt I wanted to use, and in doing so found the quilt did not have quilt batting in it...but this blanket.  So, I unpicked it also.

I am cutting the quilt squares and the blanket squares as I go, and also washing those pieces as I go.  That way, I don't have to deal with washing a large quilt.  I used Woolite to do the cleaning as I was concerned with some shrinkage...which didn't happen.

Isn't it great that the blanket just happened to be in a colorway I would have chosen and matched many of the colors in the quilt?

 

 The quilt.

  

The blanket that was used as batting inside the quilt. 

 

  So, here is Heartprint #1.

As you can see, I cut a square from the pieced quilt, sewed it to the square of blanket, then stitched around the blanket, acting as stay-stitching.  Then, I appliqued the heart and embroidered the tiny hearts scattered overall.  Fantasy flowers and their stems were then added.

The whole thing is taped to a square of mat board, using fabric tape.

By the way, the mat board is 6" square.

 

 My trademark tiny hearts are here and there.  I can't quite stitch them as nicely as I used to, but I'm not giving up.  They just take me lots longer to do and aren't quite 'right.'  I guess they are having age problems the same way I am.

 

Let me make some suggestions as to how to display these.  Should you want to.

 You could fit them into a small 6" square frame.

 You might just lean the mat board against a stack of books on a shelf.

 You could place the mat board on a small easel.

  You could also use a tiny binder clip at the top of the mat board to hang it.

  Or, use a piece of twine or ribbon taped to the back of the mat board to  

  hang it from a hook or a knob...such as a china cabinet door.     

There are many ways to display these squares.

 

I think I took a very laborious way around in choosing and announcing what the Heartprints would be and how and when the winners would be sent theirs.

So, to make it easier on you and me, I am keeping an ongoing list of those commenting on my blog posts.  That way you don't have to remember every month to let me know you want one.  I will choose from that ongoing list two people each month and let them know they have won a Heartprint.   At that point, their name will be removed from the list for the rest of the year.  Does that make sense? 

So, if you have commented on any of my posts so far in 2020...your name is there until you either win, or the year is over.

And, we'll see what I decide to do for 2021! 

(I'm sure there will be something! I'm trying to be optimistic about life here!) 

So, Mandy and Kathleen...you are the first two winners, and I'll announce the March winners at the end of the month.  Since I didn't even know I was going to do this Giveaway at the first of the year, I will add two extra winners in December to makeup for January.

Now, did that make sense? 

 until next time

BE WELL 

from

 Bird Nest Cottage

❤️❤️❤️