Diana's Scissor Keep...

I started (and finished) the scissor keep for my sister, Diana yesterday. She loves purple (and Marvin the Martian, but I'll save that for another time), so that's how I decided on her colors.

I made a queen-size quilt for her for Christmas 2010, so I used a few scraps from that project for this one. (In case you're interested, here is my post on her quilt.)

Instead of calling this a geranium, it could be a lilac blossom. Or perhaps a little hydrangea. Or a generic lavender bloom of some sort. I'll let her decide.

I'll put it in an envelope today and send it on its way to Minnesota. (Di, you'll have to use your own scissors. These happen to be one of my favorites!) I know. So much for the surprise. Oh, well.

Happy Summer, Sissyhead!

Summer Gatherings Projects...

I have this new book and it's calling out to me. The title is Summer Gatherings and it was written by Lisa Bongean and Carole Charles. Lisa is the owner of Primitive Gatherings in Menasha, Wisconsin, and I bought the book when Kathy D. and I pillaged the place went shopping there.

There are so many gorgeous projects in this book that I can't even imagine where to begin. I want to make everything! Look at this wool pillow with the geranium-filled pots!!!

In case you didn't know, when I owned Stitches, we had a geranium decor. There were planters outside the doors that were filled to the brim with red ones during the summer, and I had dark green walls with a border of geraniums to cheer me up year-round. I love them!

But, you know how I feel about pincushions, too. See the little bunny pincushion? Kathy made that one as a gift for me last year and I treasure it. I'm thinking that the strawberry one might make a nice new one for the sewing room, though...and I can make a twin for Kathy! What do you think?

This floral mat bursting with flowers caught my eye, too. Look at all the wonderful colors. I had no idea that hand-dyed wools came in so many different shades until I was bowled over by them in Lisa's shop!

I think that if I started making penny's with floral centers, I might not know when to quit. Wouldn't they make a fabulous quilt top? (When I'm an old lady!!!)

While I was trying to decide what to make next, my little sister, Diana asked me about my latest completed project...the scissors keep that I showed you last week. She hinted that she might like to have one. I think I'll make another, just for her, and we'll see if I'm any better with the binding than I was on my first one. After I finish that, then I'll decide what to tackle in the "Summer Gatherings" book.

What are you working on?

Geraniums On Top...

I completed my scissor keep yesterday afternoon and am very pleased with how it turned out. The applique' was really quite easy. It was applying the binding around all those curves that proved to be the challenge.

I think it's a good thing when you can face and overcome a challenge from time to time. Keeps a girl on her toes, don't you think? I'll do that much better on the next one.

Now to choose my next little project...

Progress...

I began this project by quilting the main (toast-colored) fabric, and then cutting out the base and top pieces for the scissor keep. Then, I added the binding to the top piece. The petals for the flowers and leaves are backed with Steam-a-Seam 2 Lite and all cut out. I'll fuse them to the quilted fabric when I'm ready to stitch each piece down.

Next, I'll need to choose the right color perle cottons in size #12 to applique' the flower, leaves and stitch the stem to the front piece.

Once that's finished, I'll add the binding to the outside edge to join the top and back pieces and I'll be finished! I know I'm going to make more of these. I think they'd make great gifts for my friends, don't you?

Happy Wednesday!