Beginner Goldwork Kits From The Crafty Heart...

 

I admit when I saw this kit priced as a BOGO deal on Facebook, I was a little leery about whether or not it was a real deal. So, I did a little digging and found that The Crafty Heart has an online shop and they appeared legit, so I took a chance.

I know it's a beginner's goldwork kit, but just to get the class supplies for one kit was worth the $29.99 price tag. Two for that price was even more reasonable. 

The only thing I didn't see was that it was a direct ship from China, even though the shop is in the US. The company said they ship in one to three days, and they kept their word. I received shipping information with a tracking number and could follow the package from ship point to destination, with all the steps in between.

The kits arrived yesterday, and they're everything they advertised they were. Two kits, each containing a printed fabric, a cutting/framing template, a sturdy hoop, all goldwork materials, and a card with a QR code to get directions.

I'm very happy with my purchase, and if anyone would like a kit of their own - or one of the other kits they offer - you can click HERE to check out their offerings. As usual, I'm in no way compensated for this review.

Doctor's appointment went well. I have two tests to confirm what the doctor suspects - that I tore my meniscus in the knee, with the added bonus of some nerve damage. We'll know for sure when I see him (post tests) on the 10th. Until then, I have a course of prednisone that he hopes will offer some pain relief. Fingers crossed.

Being "Frivol-ous"...

Brynwood Needleworks - Frivols Kit

This is a little something I just had to share. A few months ago, Brenda Riddle (of Little Acorns) posted about her Frivols kit on her blog. As I'm a big fan of Bren's, I immediately clicked on her link and ordered one for myself.

Brynwood Needleworks - Frivols Kit Fabric & Fiber Content

I should have shown it to you much earlier, but I say "better late, than never", right? Her kit arrived in a pretty tin and it was filled to the brim with samplings of Bren's "Windermere" line, DMC floss and more!

Brynwood Needleworks - Frivols Kit

Just look at those sweet fabrics! The colors are wonderful and the patterns are so darn sweet! Can't you just imagine them sewn up into a cuddly quilt?

Brynwood Needleworks - Frivols Kit - Brenda Riddle's Pattern

The kit does include Brenda's pattern on a card that fits perfectly into the tin. The design is called "Lakeland". Look at all those flying geese!

Brynwood Needleworks - Frivols Kit "Inspiration"

 

There's even an inspiration card tucked in with all this goodness, and I can't wait to tuck into this kit myself!

By the way...There are more Frivols kits available. I chose Bren's, but you might want them ALL. Here's a link so you can check them out. (I'm not compensated by Fat Quarter Shop for the link).

I'm making two commissioned wallets this week, so first things first. I might have to work on this at Nifty 50s on Wednesday! Tag will be here tomorrow, but I'll be showing you some finished pieces very soon.

I'd Love Your Opinions...

I finished all four blocks from my mini quilt kit. It's a great design for honing 

paper piecing skills. I mean, repeat the same thing sixteen times and it's flat

impossible not to become proficient in any given technique. (Well, unless you

repeat the same thing one hundred times more...which I won't be doing here.)

Here's my dilemma, and I'd love your opinion on this. I'm not at all sold on the

 kit fabric chosen for the sashing, border and binding. While I like the fabric on

 its own, I'm concerned that it detracts more than it enhances this final design.

  My first photo shows the kit fabric behind the blocks to give you an idea of  what it might look like. This photo showss the blocks on a white background to help you consider other colors. So, what do you think? What would you do?   If I don't use the kit fabric, what would you suggest? Help me think outside  the box, please. I'll tell you that Handsome was the first one to question the  use of the fabric, and he's got a photographer's critical eye. I couldn't avoid  a second look once he told me he thought the fabric overpowered the blocks.   I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts. Thanks!

Wisconsin 1848...

I spent some time yesterday checking out the patterns for two of the kits I

purchased from Primitive Gatherings when I was out with Kathy last week.

I needed to see what I might have to purchase to work on one (or both) of them

while we're still in Wisconsin. (I found that I do have to get some Heat n' Bond.)

I think it might be fun and appropriate to work on this kit while we're here.

It's the 2014 "Wisconsin Quilt Shop Hop Quilt". (Click on the title. It's a link.)

I saw this small quilt made up and knew it had to come home with me. There are 

Primitive Gatherings' equivalent of "thangles" in the kit to create the half-square

 triangles. Just look at the fabrics they chose to create the them! So much fun.

 I also love the wools that are in this kit. The wool work applique' will be stitched 

onto the beige-patterned fabric behind my watermark. This is going to be fun!  

Darn! All my Valdani, DMC, Anchor and overdyed perle cottons are at home.

I might have to pick up just a few more while I'm away!

  The other (another) kit I purchased is this flag pincushion. I know. I need another  pincushion like a moose needs a hat rack. But, this one is patriotic...and colorful...and  wool...and did I say, patriotic and wool...and colorful? See the measurements? 4" x 10" finished. I'm going to fill mine with crushed walnut shells, so it's going to say put, too!

These are the wools that were included in the kit. There are cottons, too and they're just as prim as can be. Once I stitch this one up, I'll take it home to fill.   Hope you have a fun weekend planned. More time with family for us... and perhaps just a little more shopping. I couldn't possibly comment!

All Stitched Up BOM - June...

My latest installment of the "All Stitched Up Club" for June arrived yesterday.

 I signed up for this program at Shabby Fabrics online. (You can join the club,

too, if you'd like. Just click on the "All Stitched Up" link above.) I'm truly fond

of Kathy Schmitz' fabric set in this kit - especially the one with writing on it.

Every kit comes with a sweet verse and image on a bookmark. Each one is 

cuter than the last. I save them separate from the kits so I can use them.

See what I mean about the fabric with the writing on it? Each word represents a quilting term! I'm looking forward to stitching the design and sewing this one.
I guess it's time to stop pushing around fabric and furniture and stick to the fun stuff. My biggest issue right now is choosing what to work on next.   Don't worry. I'll figure it out and get started today. So many ideas...so little time.  sigh

Snow Day...

 Don't worry. I'm not talking about our weather, although I see that

it's more than snowing in the Midwest and other northern places.

Yesterday, I received the final installment in the Sweet Stitches

Block of the Month Club from Shabby Fabrics..."Snow Day".

The snow lady in this kit is so sweet! She'll be fun to stitch.

Now I have all twelve months of kits - and I've already stitched half

of them. When they're all stitched, then the sewing will commence.

 As a little "thank you" from Shabby Fabrics, there was a little 

bluebird pin included with this last kit. It's from Kathy Schmitz

and looks just like the little bird in the "Bluebird Nest" kit! I 

added it to my guild ID quilt pin. It fits right in with my others.

I'm going to see my Coffee Club girlfriends this morning.

I'm looking forward to it, as always. They're always a good time!

Have a great Saturday. 

I'll be back tomorrow with my Sunday Scripture.

Victorian Cross Stitch Kits - Elizabeth Bradley...

Before I ever learned to quilt, I spent many happy hours working on
cross stitch. After I opened my needlework shop, Stitches in Wisconsin
I attended more than a few needlework markets and discovered these kits.

They are cross stitch executed in wools on printed canvas, and the
technique is called "Victorian Cross Stitch". The kits are designed by
Elizabeth Bradley from the UK. (She also sells through stockists in America.)

When I attended market, Elizabeth could be found stitching at a frame in her
booth while her gregarious husband, Nick greeted shopkeepers and took orders.
It was difficult to ignore all the beautiful wool pieces they brought with them.
I couldn't resist their quality and detail, so I chose many of the kits for my shop. 

When we moved to Florida, I decided to work on my first kit, "Daisy".

It took six diligent weeks to complete, to the exclusion of all else.

Although I haven't had it framed (which is my intent), I take it out from

time to time and admire the vibrant colors on the black ground wools.

Using the black, as with quilting, really pops the colors in the flowers.

"Lily"

In addition to the "Daisy" kit, I also selected a few other personal favorites.

The finished designed are 16" square on 20" square canvased and come complete

with printed pattern, printed canvas, wools and needles in a box showing the full 

color design on the cover...ready to stitch! Exquisite kits from start to finish.

"Hollyhock"

Of course, "Hollyhock" would have to be one of my choices!

"Sunflower Basket"

"Sunflower Basket", because it reminded me of Mom Grace, and

"Magnolia"

"Magnolia".

All the kits are perfect for taking on our travels, and this one reminds me 

of the heady, fragrant blossoms on the specimen tree in our front yard.

When pulling the link for Elizabeth's American website, I found that

there is now a "Geranium" kit, too. (sigh) I may have to add it to my 

collection. If you'd like to look at her designs, this is a link to kits like mine.

Oh, and here's the link so you can see the "Geranium" kit.

It's gorgeous, isn't it?

This is the last of my "auto pilot" posts. Thanks for being so patient with me.

I'll be back tomorrow to tell you a bit about my short hiaitus.