Friday, March 2, 2012

Leap Day Stitch

I must be honest, I have been in kind of a stitching funk. I have always had trouble going on to a new project after finishing one. I have to kind of "regroup" my head. But I just couldn't get going forward. I have been doing some knitting but not too much stitching. However, earlier in the week, I was telling my stitching bud, Joan, and she suggested I start something new and fun. (Of course she would, you should see her WIPs basket(s)!) hahaha. Joan, I am just teasing you a little. I hope you won't disown me!

Anyway, on Wednesday, I pulled out LHN's Busy Needle. I stitched it on 40ct. Natural linen, 1 over 2. It was pretty quick and very fun. I finished it the same day. Since it was "leap" day, I put the whole date on it, as that doesn't come around but once every 4 years. Today, while stitching at Joan's, she sewed it for me and I stuffed and put the ric-rac on it.



On the back, we added an extra piece of fabric so a pack of needles would slide into it.



On the bottom front, I added a heavy duty magnet to rest my needle.



I love it! I have had this pattern for 100 years it seems but never got around to stitching it.

Tomorrow a group of us are having a stitch day at a local quilt store that has a classroom that they rent out to groups. It should be fun. I have my bag packed and am ready!


Update on my sister's birthday...
When I went to my sister's to give her her suprises it was very fun. I had wrapped each one and had them in a shopping bag. As she took the bag from me, she said, "oh my, you have been busy". The first one she pulled out was the California wine one which she had stitched and I just framed it. She looked at it dissappointedly and said to me, "I have this pattern". I just said "Oh, you do?". The next one was the Heinzeit "Wine" which again she had stitched and had bought a special frame for. When she opened that one, she said "oh" and looked at me and said "oh" and then it was an "OHHHHHHHHH"! She got it! She knew what I had done. She was so happy and excited that she had new pictures to put up in her house. It was so very fun! I love doing these!

Well, I better get to bed. Big day tomorrow!

Have a great weekend.

JillMN

21 comments:

MoonBeam said...

Great ideas for your LHN finishing, and what a great idea for your sister.

Have fun today.

Lesleyanne said...

I love your finish - the backing fabric is gorgeous.

Hazel said...

Love your finish and the extra fabric for the back is a great idea. I must remember that one. Love your present idea too. Brilliant. X

Anonymous said...

Hello

Just visiting your blog.

I love your finish and the backing fabric is perfect.

Great idea for your sister's birthday! Sometimes I never get round to framing finishes so it would be great to have someone organise that for me!

Hope you enjoy your stitchy day.

Daffycat said...

*giggles* I'm so glad your sister liked her "gifts!" (lol I feel as though I was there, hiding behind the curtain)

Your Busy Needle pillow finish is beautiful, Jill!

Mama Joan said...

No worries about outing me on my WIP's!! Nice time yesterday. See you later.

Charlene ♥ NC said...

Your Busy Needle is the second one I've seen finished this morning. I love your finish, too! I looked, but Diane says, "not available for distribution - as a friend to use theirs." So would you be willing to loan yours? I would stitch right away and return...

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

Love how you finished your Busy Needle project! Handy and Darling! I'll bet your sister was just beyond tickled! What a wonderful gift you gave her.

Faye said...

Lucky sister for sure!! And, that Joan is a wonderful friend...no? You two seem to have so much fun together! Welcome "back" and I look forward to some more goodies from you...... I love your new goodie..... Take care Jill, Faye

Jannie said...

Jill - I've missed your newsy blogs and finishes. Thx for showing up. These are always great to read. I think BeckySC did this one recently as well. I love it! Your finishes are totally different. That just opens up a whole new world for all of us. Love the story about your Sister's b'day. Please don't stay away so long ( - : Take Care, Jannie.

Anne said...

What a gorgeous finish! I love this pattern! I really adore your backing fabric! Yay for bees!

I am new to your blog and I want to say hello and that I love your stitching!!

Deborah said...

Great little finish! I love how you finished the back.

Patty C. said...

Busy needle turned out beautifully!

Mindi said...

You and Joan did a great job with Busy Needle, it turned out great!

Lovely idea for your sister's birthday!

Cindy's Stitching said...

pretty finish. You did a great job on finishing it.

Mouse said...

cute finish of the busy bees :0 and cute idea to get your birthday gifts correct for your sister :)
love mouse xxxx

Chris said...

I love your Busy Bee finish Jill. I love the finishing on it.
I am so glad that your sister was excited about her birthday surprise!

Bekca said...

How lovely to hear that your sister enjoyed her wonderful surprise! Have fun in your stitching group, I hope you get out of the "funk" soon.
Best wishes.

Blu said...

Lovely finish! The bee fabric is so cute!

Becky K in OK said...

What a great finish. Love it.

valerie said...

Lovely finishing! I love the addition of the magnet to hold your needle. Glad to hear that your sister loved her gifts from you.