Sunday, 30 November 2014

1st December and counting down to Christmas!!



I know I keep saying this but where oh where has this year gone!  It seems like only last week I was getting excited about going back to New England in the Fall and getting my hand dyed threads.

I have been sorting a basket of stitching for me ( personal stitching) so that when I can, I just need to pick up my basket and sit and stitch.

I have found that the baskets and container idea is really working for me, rather than things in bags.  It looks neat and tidy and you can see at a glance which one to pick up in your work room.

The log fires are almost daily here now.  I say almost because if my husband has to work late then I stay in my work room and keep going most times.... of course sometimes I light one anyway and take my hand stitching with me and that is another reason why this system is working so well.

I have done lots of my Christmas shopping and will be putting up the Christmas lights outside this week... Then it is the big decorate inside.  I prefer the decorations up before Christmas for a while because before New Years Eve we pack them up again.  We prefer it that way and only keep the white lights up outside until New Years day.

Tomorrow  my blog will be all about the vintage bazaar in Devizes that I went to at the weekend so do not forget to come back tomorrow for a great vintage read!!

Well with Christmas firmly on my mind I will leave you now and carry on with some stitching for publication early next year.

Happy Stitching!






Friday, 28 November 2014

Trellis Stitch for Hand Embroidery






Good morning!

Well this weeks stitch of the week is trellis stitch.  This is an amazing stitch to do for say a basket to embroider flowers in.  It is very clever and you can draw your shape and outline it and continue like the tutorial from Mary Corbett show you.

You could do all sorts of baskets with standard daisy tree in or a basket of roses say, the possibilities are endless.

Have a great weekend and I am off to the Christmas Vintage Bazaar, more on that next week.



Happy Stitching!


The Christmas Vintage Bazaar in Devizes



Good Morning all!

Tomorrow is the Christmas vintage bazaar and I will be attending.  I love the vintage bazaars as they are always well attended by both stall holders and buyers.   I know for a fact the lovely Donna Flower will be there tempting people with lots of vintage fabrics and goodies along with the equally lovely Victorian to Vintage! who also has lots of vintage goodies on offer.  Daisy Darling and the Washerwoman will be there with vintage wonders too! .. plus lots more stalls.

I am not sure of the whole line up but I have seen pictures of some of the items that will be there to buy and I will not only be buying for my business but picking up some Christmas presents as well.  I would rather support this world than the high street with mass produced things.

I was at a vintage fair once and over heard a lady ask about a stunning cushion.  It had the most beautiful faded rose vintage fabric and vintage French monogram attached to it.  The back was vintage linen with vintage mother of pearl buttons on the back to fasten it.  It was truly a beautiful and unique work of art, and stitched with lots of care.  The lady runs up and says "Is this Cath Kidston" and the stall holder replies "No it is vintage French fabrics dated from early 1900" and it was said with some pride and a smile.   So what do you think bloggers?  Well the lady who was looking said Oooh with disappointment and walked off!!!  I was stunned.   She would rather have mass produced fabric made to look old than the real deal....... I wondered at her being at 'a vintage fair' at all.

Where possible I always buy handmade and the exception to the rule for my lovely mum is her beloved perfume Chanel No 5..... If any is to be found in a bottle now from say the forties or fifties, I am afraid it does not smell the same and she loves it so much, as do I.

I will be taking pictures of the event so will be doing a blog next week on it.

In the meantime have a great weekend and Happy Stitching!













Thursday, 27 November 2014

Happy Thanks Giving!


To all my wonderful American readers, Happy Thanks Giving and have a wonderful day with your family and friends.....


Hare design dilemma



My soul is fed with needle and thread.


A while ago I told you all about my my new design for a hare.  He is to be dressed in a waistcoat made of vintage tweed.  Well I want him to have a pocket watch and of course I have had to buy a charm for this and could not decide which one.

So this is where you all become involved, and I hope that you will..... Which one of the following pocket watches should I use.. sorry one of the photos is slightly blurred but you will get the general idea.





There is this one which is very cute indeed with a hare on OR






This little silver one  I love both..... Help!!!!


Please leave your comments and views on here and help me decide, I really hope you get involved.

Happy Stitching!

Tuesday, 25 November 2014

Vintage ribbons and threads

Buttons and patches and the cold wind blowing..
.the days pass quickly when I am sewing!



Whilst sorting my stitching baskets and containers out with the items I need to complete each project, I was sorting through my vintage ribbons and threads (above ... well this is a drop in the ocean really!) I was trying to decide on blues and greens for the mermaid sampler that I have designed.  As you know I am patiently( well trying to be patient) for some stunning paisley fabric I have ordered for the sampler...... 

It is a little difficult without the piece of fabric in front of you but the above is what I have come up with so far and I have also sorted the embroidery hand dyed threads as well.

The interesting thing will be when the fabric arrives is if I was near the mark at all OR not even close to the colours contained within its most wonderful weave!  We shall see.  As promised I will put a photo up when my precious fabric arrives.....

Have a great day and Happy Stitching!

Christmas makes finished.... orders gone out.


I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!”
Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol


All my Christmas orders have been posted and it feels great that I am ahead of my time.  I really enjoy making the Christmas stockings and ribbons.  I am working on a new robin design for next year with my watercolour paints at the moment... I feel it is good to swap about.  Design one day, stitch another it keeps everything fresh and exciting. I might do a little for me now!! 

I have had another idea about the mermaid sampler I am working on and I am awaiting some amazing fabric to come in the post from America.  I bought it on Ebay and it is the most stunning paisley I have ever seen and so rare, when it arrives I will pop a picture on here for you to look at.  So at the moment I can do no more to this particular design, so it is change tack day and work on something else.

I will leave you with some of my Christmas work pictures...... Have a great day.

Happy Stitching!


Vintage ice-skates.



Fat fluffy robin



Shaker Christmas tree with vintage glass beads for baubles.


Sunday, 23 November 2014

Projects in a row!



From the manner in which a woman draws her thread at every stitch of her needlework, any other woman can surmise her thoughts.  ~Honore de Balzac


I have finally sorted my next few months projects, even at Christmas if I have a quiet moment I like to be able to grab a basket and sit by the fire and do some hand stitching, it is a gentle art form.  

I like to thread a few needles with colours I am using and pop them in a pin cushion, have some needlework scissor and my stitching ready.  It is then a case of pick that up and stitch.

Because you are that sorted you can afford to think whilst stitching, this is sometimes where another idea will come into my head and a new design is born, I always keep a pen and pad with me so I can jot down the idea for one of my sketching and design days.

I will be putting a few bits down on my Christmas Wish List for my husband.... He always likes an ideas list.  I must tell you the other day he asked about this years and I said yes I will make one, then he said I have kept every list you have made for me for Christmas!! I could not believe it... Who said men are not sentimental...

So I am away to my stitchery and hope that you all have a great day.

Happy Stitching!








Saturday, 22 November 2014

Chinese Knot ... Stitch of the week


Good morning all.

So today I bring you the talented Mary Corbett and the Chinese Knot stitch for embroidery.

This is a clever little stitch and I find watching Mary easy to do and she explains everything with ease.

I hope you all enjoy this and have a wonderful weekend.  More sorting for me, I have the bug now and going into every drawer and cupboard in the house.  I am being ruthless as well, it really is a great feeling when you do a blitz!  Next weekend its the vintage bazaar... yipee!

Happy Stitching!






Friday, 21 November 2014

Book review .. Patchwork loves embroidery by Gail Pan.

Good morning all

This is a lovely paperback book and would make a great Christmas gift....


This is a wonderful collection of patchwork and hand-embroidery projects that quilters and crafters everywhere will love. Quilters, crafters, and embroiderers of all skill levels will be thrilled with these whimsical patterns from Australian designer Gail Pan. Featuring full-sized hand-embroidery designs, Patchwork Loves Embroidery is for anyone who wants to enjoy the relaxing hobby of putting needle to thread. You can choose from 15 projects, including wall hangings, table runners, totes, and fabric covers for books or folders. You can quickly learn the basics: using the correct needle, choosing threads & fabrics, and transferring the designs. You can embellish projects with sweet, garden-inspired motifs ranging from charming little birds to beautiful flowers, fanciful cottages, and more.

There a pretty pictures of all the makes and instructions for you to carry them out.  You could either do it with new fabrics as it is in the book or use some vintage ones.  Some of the ideas in the book would make a great gift for someone.

A must for anyone who who like to start making their Christmas gifts for stitcher's in the family!

You can buy it on Amazon if your local book shop does not have it or can not order it for you.

Picture taken from Amazon for you to see what it looks like.

Thursday, 20 November 2014

Little box of threads

Good morning

Well my 'big sort' at home and in my stitching room is going well.  I am re-arranging my room a little and putting things in stacking useful boxes.  Whilst this was going on yesterday I found my little box of threads that I bought in New England!!

They are perle cotton and in the most stunning of colour combination that I could not resist.  So I have made room for them in what I call my normal thread box.  I have three boxes 1. normal  2. vintage  3. Hand dyed shaker, then I know where to look when something is needed.

I do like to be organised because it really does help me clear my head for stitching and my daily routines.  I do my blog daily and all my emails and enquiries first then its down to business plus running a home too, so I feel the need to be organised, if not my head becomes like wool and I can not concentrate

I will leave you today with a picture of my New England cotton find, have a great day and ...

Happy Stitching!




They are lovely aren't they so rich in colour .....

Wednesday, 19 November 2014

Book review ... Stitch encyclopedia embroidery


This is a great little book.  It is a pretty pink colour and in paperback and can be bought on Amazon if your local book store does not or can not get it.  On Amazon it is under ten pounds.

It is illustrated guide to embroidery stitches.  It is great for beginners looking to build a a foundation of stitches and for experienced stitcher's who like a refresher occasionally, it is easy to use and is a beautiful book.  It is one of three as there is one on knitting and crochet as well.

There are different sections in the contents and one is tips and tools this covers such things as transferring designs, threads and their thickness, beginning knot and fastening off.

There is a section on outline stitches but this shows you things like working curves  and connecting beginnings and end.

This truly is a book to put on your wish list for sure.  

As much as I embroider and mostly I use outline stitches, french knots and lazy daisy in different forms I often need a jog of my memory for a stitch that I do not use frequently so something like this is great on your shelf.  When you are learning too it is good to see it so that is why I upload tutorials on here..... however once you know the stitch this little book is great to refresh you.

Happy Stitching!


It is a pretty little book with so much to learn.




Tuesday, 18 November 2014

Preparing for my last stitching of the year!

Morning All

Sorry I am a little late this morning!  I was up early and going through bits in my sewing room and forgot the time! This often happens to me, with vintage goodies everywhere (literally at the moment - sigh) I rather get side tracked.

Yesterday I sorted and cleaned my dresser for the onslaught of Christmas and got some large plastic really useful boxes with clip lids so that some point this week I can sort my stitching room a little.

One of the things that I do is get baskets or large pretty container of some sort and put everything in there for one project.  If I have two on the go for some reason it is easier this way with threads,fabrics cut out and buttons etc all in one place and I know where I am at.  Plus if it is a cold day I can come out of my inner sanctum and sit by the log burner and hand stitch!  Then I just pick up my container and I have everything I need.

In between all my stitchery I have made a list of things to sort in the next two weeks. This time of year is very busy for me and I am sure most of you ladies.... So I am taking early marks this week and having a day off as well for some drastic housework!

So today I am getting my projects sorted into their containers ( all fabrics cut and everything gathered) and then packing all my other bits away until next year.  All my orders have gone off so now I am working on publications bits for next year.

The vintage Christmas bazaar is coming up at the end of the month so I will be going to that and getting some Christmas presents for friends and some more supplies.... Thus 3 large really useful boxes for my stitching room, then I can pop it all away for Christmas.

Well that's my day sorted so I am back up to my stitchery....

Hope you all have a great day and Happy Stitching!




Monday, 17 November 2014

Vintage china and mother of pearl buttons!



Good morning all


Last weekend I popped over to see my mum and she said there was some vintage and antiques at her local market so we walked along to look.

I bought the most beautiful china cup and saucer to complete my personal set.  I needed eight and now I have them.  I am looking out for vintage dinner plates and side plates too,  They can all be different as I love that look and it is wonderful on my dresser in the kitchen.

So before I washed it and put it in pride of place I took some photos, one with some of my treasured mother of pearl buttons!

I am sorting through my buttons and deciding which ones to stitch onto which new design.  I do get side tracked looking at them! You can see why as some are stunning.


Look at this beautiful cup and saucer, You can not see its little stand that lifts it from the
saucer, but all the ones I collect have the little heel.



Can you see my distraction with these mother of pearl vintage beauties?
How am I supposed to concentrate with the job in hand!


You will see I took the photos on my lovely vintage quilt, which is on our bed at the moment.  It seemed like a great backdrop and also safe for the lovely china to be placed on.

Have a Happy Stitching Day!


Saturday, 15 November 2014

Up & Down Buttonhole Stitch ..... Stitch of the week.



Good Morning All

We all know button stitch by now but this is a variation and I thought it was worth you all looking at. It is slightly different , more rounded some how with a double line!

Anyway take a little look at the tutorial by the talented Mary Corbett and see what you think.  I love learning new techniques myself.

This is the stitch of the week.  Enjoy your weekend and Happy Stitching!











Friday, 14 November 2014

Sarah Braithwaite .... You won the Shaker box!




Hello

This is a gentle reminder that you Sarah Braithwaite won the Little blue Shaker box competition in October....

Please email me on homespunstitchworks@yahoo.com  with your address so that I can post it to you before the Christmas rush of post, I would not want it damaged or to go missing....

THANK YOU SARAH X

Fabulous vintage fabric finds!



Good morning!

A while back I told you all that I went to the lovely Donna Flower vintage shop opening, and also that I had bought some wonderful vintage fabrics.

I bought two that are early 1900 and have the most beautiful colours with the unmistakable faded hues and two pieces of my beloved paisley's..... they are around 1940/50.

I am not sure what to make with them yet but I am having fun doodling ideas.  The two older ones are in pinks and creams and are simply stunning.


This is my beloved bundle of vintage fabrics!



This is beautiful with the tiny roses.  The fabric is nicely faded and soft.



This is the oldest fabric of all and the colours are so beautiful.


I am thinking of covering a journal with the last fabric and padding it out.  Then embroidering a design on some vintage French linen and stitching it on....... What do you think?

I hope you have enjoyed looking at these wonderful finds of mine.

Happy Stitching!


Thursday, 13 November 2014

Vintage patterns


 When I was in New England we went to a one of the little sea side towns and joy of joy I found a vintage shop !!  Can you imagine how pleased I was.  The town is called Province and is in Massachusetts.

So I ducked in and had good rummage about.  There were lots of vintage clothes and trinkets but I found some vintage patterns.  They are very popular now.  If you find a vintage pattern of a forties style and then buy some vintage fabric to make it up, you have a forties suite.

The lovely Donna Flower sells vintage fabrics and some she has meters of, so if you find a fabric you like then you have a genuine vintage outfit that is new!!!!

I also picked up two more patterns that are for aprons.  They are fabulous they really are.

I simply adore all the vintage era coming back, it is so chic and different than all the mass produced fabrics and clothes that you can buy now and quiet frankly better quality.

I leave you today with pictures of my wonderful vintage finds from America.

Have a great day and Happy Stitching!!







Wednesday, 12 November 2014

Vintage heaven .....

It has started, the Christmas vintage fair circuit ..... Coming up soon will be the wonderful vintage bazaar being held in Devize's.

I will be attending for sure. I do have a little need list and then there is the ..... I can not resist the opportunity  to pass me by.  The thing is when you are dealing with vintage, it's a one time deal.  If you do not buy then second chances are rare.  You can not think about it and go back in a week .....

I have a private collection of things including bone china teacups and saucers. I like the ones with a little foot under the cup and the wide cup top.  I have been collecting for a while now and each one is different.  Great to drink from and fabulous to serve chocolate mouse in at dinner parties!!

Fabrics and buttons are my weakness of course and when i get some stunning fabric I am over the moon.  Wondering which design it would be best in OR designing something around the fabric.

I will be reviewing some more craft books and this month report on vintage fairs that I attend as well as keeping you up to date with my projects, I am in vintage heaven thinking about up and coming fairs and the treasures i might find,

Happy Stitching Vintagers!!
















Tuesday, 11 November 2014

Embroidery a beginner's guide by Charlotte Gerlings .... book review


This guide to embroidery by both hand and machine offers practical advice on equipment, materials, methods, and techniques. Includes step-by-step instructions, practice projects, and an illustrated stitch directory.

The book is lovely and does include some simple projects to try at home yourself.

The book is informative and has a section on European folk embroidery as well as Regional embroidery.

You can get it on Amazon or at a good book shop with a craft section.  I got mine from Amazon.

With simple instructions and step-by-step diagrams including charts and templates, the Arcturus Craft Workbooks series are highly accessible and practical guides designed with the absolute beginner in mind, but also suited to those who would welcome a refresher in these most popular crafts. The crafts covered in this series are timeless, creative and rewarding. They have seen a recent surge in popularity as people look to save pennies and return to a more traditional 'make do and mend' outlook on life. Each book includes specific projects for readers to get stuck into, with straightforward instructions and large, clear illustrations. With a section about choosing the right equipment, glossary of terms and abbreviations and even a section on after care of your handmade products - as well as including both UK and US terminology - this is the perfect starter series that caters for all.



Take a look at this book, I think it is a great one to have in your craft bookcase.....


Happy Stitching!

Monday, 10 November 2014

Mountmellick Embroidery .... Book by Pat Trott

I thought you may like to see a book that I have just purchased.  It is Mountmellick Embroidery by Pat Trott.

It shows you the techniques of how to stitch white on white with linens and cottons.  There of course patterns for you but I will be drawing my own for some of my new designs.  It is a stunning art and I hope that it will look splendid with some of my art work.

Take a look at what can be achieved with this embroidery.  I highly recommend this book and should be on some of your Christmas wish lists!!

Mountmellick work




This beautiful richly textured, white-on-white embroidery was developed in the early nineteenth century in Mountmellick, Ireland - where designs were inspired by nature and the lovely flowers growing around the area.

The embroidery is traditionally worked on close-woven cotton with cotton thread and it has a great elegance. Flowing floral patterns intertwine with stems and leaves, the smooth satin stitches contrasting wonderfully with the padded, knotted stitchery and untextured background. These natural designs are often fairly large and the sculptured patterns have an appealing bold quality, which is enhanced by the absence of colour and the addition of knitted fringed fringes. Pat Trott explains all the techniques with clear step-by-step photography and inspiring easy-to-follow projects. This book will be welcomed by beginners and also embroiderers of all skill levels.
* Classic technique with revival of popularity

* Very little competition

* High profile author who runs workshops and courses


I hope you have enjoyed a peek and I am sure you will love playing around with designs yourself.  I thought that I would use some of this work on my Mermaid picture..... What do you think?

Happy Stitching!







Sunday, 9 November 2014

Remember



They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.







Saturday, 8 November 2014

Colonial Knot.....Stitch of the week

Good Morning All

The stitch of the week is back.  Last week I thought we would say hello to this month instead.

Having been back to New England and picking up my beautiful hand dyed threads again, with some different colours ( I can not stop looking at them and laying them out!!)  I am really looking forward to getting back into the swing of embroidery again.  This is a stitch that I had heard of but not ever stitched.

This is a great tutorial again from the talented Mary Corbett and I will be giving this a go on my ever growing scrap of practice linen.  I hope you enjoy it.  Give it a go. It is a little like a French Knot but different some how.... what do you think?


Stunning I think!

Friday, 7 November 2014

Vintage Hare samplers ... New designs up and coming


"Then you should say what you mean,' the March Hare went on. `I do,' Alice hastily replied; `at least - at least I mean what I say - that's the same thing, you know.'”


Alice in Wonderland .... Lewis Carroll



My new designs are coming thick and fast and it now just about gathering materials and threads that I think will be right and in keeping.  I am sure I have most of what I need, if not all in my treasure trove (work room stash!!)


I have done a design with hares before called 'button moon gazing' but this design is new and more whimsical.  The hare in question will have a tweed jacket on and a pocket watch!

Hares are a personal favourite of mine and when you have a picture of one in your home it is suppose to bring happiness and tranquillity.  I have a hare that is on a tile which I have shown you on here before plus a sampler that I cross stitched.....

I would like one of these for our home as well.

The only problem now is do I stitch the Hare or the Mermaid first!!.... I need eight pairs of arms and hands, but getting clothes might be a problem!!!

Next week I will be starting in earnest and I will be letting you know how I am getting on and what I will be stitching.  Plus I will be letting you know of Vintage Christmas fairs that are up and coming as well as the stitch of the week.

Until then have a wonderful day and Happy Stitching!





Thursday, 6 November 2014

Stitching vintage mermaids!



Who would be a mermaid fair, sing alone
combing her hair, under the sea
in golden curl with a comb of pearl

Tennyson ..... The Mermaid




I am having so much fun doodling and designing for my future projects.  Having just got back from going to New England, I am all fired up with my sketch book from there.

We did lots of beach combing in Cape Cod.  The sea and the beaches are out of this world, with seals swimming about in the water.  You can pick up shells and treasures of the sea just lying on the shoreline.

I actually got some sand dollars, but I had to buy them as they need to be bleached other wise they smell dreadful apparently.

So one of my new designs is with a mermaid.  I am so pleased with my sketches that I have done.  I will be stitching on vintage French linen and use embroidery, applique and a secret!!

I will be looking at all the different embroidery stitches and deciding which ones to use.  I have picked up a new batch of my hand dyed shaker threads and have some wonderful colours to use, I am thrilled.

Mermaids are mysterious, magical and beautiful.  The stories of them are sometimes destructive but they are always alluring sirens of the sea.  There are lots of myths and stories surrounding them and I thought I would like to capture some of that beauty and make it into a beautiful bathroom picture.  I may do two or three different ones to sell or go to publication.

So watch this space.  More tomorrow on other designs I will be doing.

Have a great day and Happy Stitching!





Wednesday, 5 November 2014

Gun Powder Treason and Plot!

Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, Treason and Plot!




Good Morning All

Well this is a slow week for me this week as officially I do not start back to work until next week.

I am designing and sorting my stock as well as putting away all my new goodies in my work room.  Having just been to the States I have a lot of sorting out to do,

So today being Bonfire night  I will wish those of you who celebrate it a great evening and stay safe,


I am off to my stitching room to get myself sorted for my new designs for publication and my up and coming website..... More on that tomorrow.

Have a great day!


Tuesday, 4 November 2014

Rebecca Burgess and the book Harvesting Colour




Good Morning all

This is a little bit about the wonderful new book I have got with dyeing with natural plants, it is written by Rebecca Burgess.  This is a little bit about the book and the author.

Take a look, when I have finished reading it from cover to cover I will let you know what I think and some tips.

This is what Amazon says:

Beautiful natural dyes from plants found in the wild or grown in your own backyard.

As more and more crafters are discovering, dyeing your own fabric can yield gorgeous colors. Now master dyer Rebecca Burgess identifies 36 plants that will yield beautiful natural shades and shows how easy it is to make the dyes. Pokeweed creates a vibrant magenta, while a range of soft lavender shades is created from elderberries; indigo yields a bright blue, and coyote brush creates stunning sunny yellows.

Harvesting Color explains where to find these plants in the wild (and for those that can be grown in your backyard, how to nurture them) and the best time and way to harvest them; maps show the range of each plant in the United States and Canada. For the dyeing itself, Burgess describes the simple equipment needed and provides a master dye recipe. The book is organized seasonally; as an added bonus, each section contains a knitting project using wools colored with dyes from plants harvested during that time of the year. With breathtaking color photographs by Paige Green throughout, Harvesting Color is an essential guide to this growing field, for crafters and DIYers; for ecologists and botanists; and for artists, textile designers, and art students.

About the Author
Rebecca Burgess is a teacher and natural dye artisan who has worked for more than ten years creating recipes from local flora. She teaches natural dye workshops throughout the country, to crafters, ecologists, and art students, as well as to apparel giants like Levi Strauss. Rebecca is also the founder of EcologicalArts, an organization dedicated to creating, revitalizing, and teaching functional art forms that utilize natural raw materials. She lives in San Geronimo, California.

Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/shopping/detail.aspx?itemnumber=5454#ixzz3DTxZRYSO


Take a look and Happy Stitching!



The talented Rebecca Burgess.

Monday, 3 November 2014

The winner of the Shaker box is.........



November comes and November goes, with the last
red berries and the first white snows.

Elizabeth Coatsworth



So the winner of the coveted hand made Shaker box that I bought in Canterbury Shaker village in New Hampshire is.......

SARAH BRAITHWAITE!!!!!



We watched whilst some of these boxes were made.  They are made in a the same way they were all those decades ago and they still use the same moulds to bend the wood around to get the shape.  Some are left natural and some are hand painted and some have fabric lining inside.  They make a great little sewing boxes.

I really hope you enjoy this, please can you email me with your address details......
homespunstitchworks@yahoo.com











Saturday, 1 November 2014

Hello November!.....

November comes and November goes, with
the last red berries and the first white snows!

Elizabeth Coatsworth



This year seems to have flown by somehow... This time last year I was looking forward to my friend coming over from Australia to spend Christmas here.... 

Talking of Christmas, do not groan, its not that far away!  I have to get some Christmas stitching out of the way because December is such a short work month and as all you ladies know it is a hectic time of year for us all.

I would like to embroider a table runner for our table and hope that if I start it soon then I will be able to get it done in time before the rush that is Christmas!

Christmas orders from people for them to give to loved ones though is my priority and I am busy with Vintage Christmas stockings and journals right now.  This is a very slow time for samplers and I have to confess I miss making them.

My order book is open for next year on Wedding and Baby samplers made from vintage fabrics and buttons with embroidery..... just email me or message me on here.

So what ever you are doing have a great day and I hope you can get a little Christmas stitching done early.

Happy Stitching!