Felt Wreath Project

I have been working on a applique project that uses felt.  I realize that, for my first project in applique I dove in rather head first.  But that does seem to be my preferred method.

Now, I cannot take credit for this wreath on myself.  It was a tutorial that I found on Pinterest.  Here is the link to the tutorial and the patterns for all of the floral pieces.
http://www.purlsoho.com/create/2010/01/14/pages-felt-flower-winter-wreath/

I chose to use a polyester and wool mix felt for the background squares, but then used a fully polyester felt for the floral pieces.  The tutorial calls for neon colored embroidery thread, and I chose to use shades of blue, gray and white with white and crystal seed bead accents.

To begin, I cut out the background felt squares and connected them, using masking tape to connect them as I used the widest zig-zag stitch on my sewing machine to connect them.  I then drew a guide on the felt, that I used to lay the flowers out in their wreath shape.

I cut the flowers out of white polyester felt and using hand-sewing, I completed the various centers ready for attaching them to their flower counterparts.  Laying out my design, I attached them with straight pins, and then using a simple tack stitch, I tacked each of the flowers and centers into place.

Using an embroidery needle, I then began to attach the flowers more firmly, using a simple back-stitch, which they give instructions to in the tutorial.

While I haven't finished the wreath, yet, I have made significant progress and am well pleased with how it is turing out.  It hasn't been terribly difficult, only rather tedious as the stitch to attach the flowers takes a while.  But, believe me, the end result will be well worth your efforts.

Tea & Embroidery: Grandma Mrs'. Embroidery Pattern Basket & My Quilting Adventure

Last April, my maternal grandmother passed away.  One of the gifts that she had given me, during her life, was her time.  I would spend a week at her house in the summer up until I was in high school and had a job.  I relish the memories of those days.  We wouldn't do much, truthfully.  She lived in a small town in central Illinois.  Almost every day, I would walk the sixteen or so blocks back and forth from the library.  I would choose a movie for us to watch and check out books.  More often than not, you would find us sitting and reading together in the evenings.

One time, I remember, she began to teach me a form of embroidery called Candle wicking.  Which involves creating designs out of small knots of threads, usually in whites with accents of colors.  I still have, and cherish the candle wick pillowcase that she made for me with my initials on it. In many ways, that project stayed with me.  I went home and made a small pillow for a young boy that I nannied during the summer in the late 1990's.  And for the time being, that was it.  I didn't pick up an embroidery needle again until about three years ago.  And I am so glad that I did.

It started with a cloak.  More accurately, it started with a lady that I work with.  You see, I enjoy dressing up, creating characters and costumes.  She knew this.  So, one day she came to me and said, "You know what would be really neat?" I replied, "No, but you are going to tell me." And she went on to describe a picture of me in the snowy woods where we live and work, in a red cape.
I responded, "But, Jean, I don't have a red cape, yet."

So, I found a beautiful crimson suiting fabric and made a cape.  Then, I decided (having been practicing with the idea of creating an embroidered cape for me niece) that I wanted to embroider on this red cape with black.  I had lined the hood with black and used an elaborate tassel in black on the hood. And so I did.  And it turned out beautifully.  And from there on, I was hooked.  I've made pillowcases for family birthday presents, artwork on patterned fabric, and now I am about to embark on a quilt with embroidered squares.

This brings me back to where I had begun.  One of the gifts that I received as we were going through Grandma Mrs. belongings was her work basket filled with embroidery patterns.  As I contemplated this quilt, I knew that I wanted to use some of the designs from this basket.  This quilt is to be something that ties me to my family.  I decided on two designs, which I could mix with a pattern that I already have and love.  So, in this way, I am tieing together myself and my grandmother.

I look forward to emrboidering my squares with her and my designs, as well as find fabrics that will match them and complement them.  I look forward to many other projects, knowing that she would love that I am using her patterns and still embroidering.

The last time I saw her, she was in the hospital over Christmas and my Mother and I went to stay with her.  I brought her a small gift, two pieces of my embroidery hoop art, one with the initial "L" on it (I was named after her) and another with a floral designed tea cup on it.  I also brought her two photographs of myself as a snow queen (one of my characters that my Sister-in-law and I did a photo shoot of).  She was thrilled with the embroidered gifts, and held them, running her gnarled hands, bruised from pulling her IV's out, and when I pulled out a project to work on while we sat with her her eyes seemed fixed on me.

It was a very hard time for me, as I hadn't seen her in a few years, but I am so thankful that I got to see her one more time and tell her I love her, while she was able to see how a little bit of her had indeed passed on to me.

Capernwray Hall: New Every Morning

Almost two months ago, now I decided that I needed to follow through on something that has been in my heart for over four years.  I made the decision to apply to Capernwray Hall Bible school for their spring semester for 2017.

Not certain how I would be able to financially cover this, I sent out letters asking friends and family if they could see their way clear to assist me in meeting this goal.

Since that time the Lord has been gracious and has been giving me sign after sign that I am following the path that he has set out for me.  In the time since I sent out my letters, dear friends have given enough financial gifts to have over half of my tuition for the school covered!

Each and ever financial gift has been in many ways unexpected.  When I received the first one (for $35) my immediate response was, "I'm going to Capernwray!" My friends laughed, but for the first time since setting out on this journey, moving towards this dream, I felt that it was actually obtainable.  The fact that people believe in me and want to help me in this way surprises me each and every time.

On Thursday I will be sending in my passport renewal information, so that I can finally send in my application to Capernwray for Spring School 2017.  Each step brings me closer to this dream.  And each step makes me realize just how blessed I am.  How touched by my friends.  How surprised everyday by His love and faithfulness.

This song has been repeating in my head all day:

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.  His mercy never comes to an end.  They are new every morning.  New every morning. Great is your faithfulness, oh Lord.  Great is your faithfulness."

Thank you, everyone for your belief and trust in me.  I am forever grateful!

Capernwray Hall Bible School: Spring School 2017

A thought.  A dream.  A possibility.  

Waking up inside of a Victorian Gothic manor house, set in the foot hills of the Lake District.  Diving deeper into the Word.  Having Tea every day.  Getting to experience the land that has always held, for me, all the pull of a sirens call.  And now, I can add a name to this call.  I can dial it into one specific place.  Capernwray Hall. 

I first heard about Capernwray Hall Bible School approximately four years ago, when I first came to the camp Fort Wilderness as a volunteer.  Several of their staff had just returned after doing an entire year of study there.  And so, the seed of the dream was planted.  And then watered by my friend Kate.  She happily showed me all of her photographs and told me all about her year. (And has allowed me to use her photographs to help with my journey)

Capernwray Hall is one of the many world wide campuses of bible schools that are part of the Torchbearer's program.  It is a school that immerses you in the Word, and it just happens to be stuck smack dab in the middle of my favorite place.

I have always had a love and passion for England.  I have wanted to go there since I can remember. I have been fascinated by their culture and their television! I am sure that my obsession began with Jane Austen, but now it has extended beyond to the far reaches of my family history.   And so, now, I have decided to try and take that thought, and dream and make it a possibility.  I have decided that I am going to apply for Capernwray Hall Bible School!

I am applying to attend Capernwray Hall's Spring School for the Spring of 2017.  It is an eight week course where we will be studying the New Testament.  My friend, Kate, who first introduced me to Capernwray will be in London during 2017 working with Greater Europe Missions, so I will also have the opportunity to travel and see her!

I have started a campaign to raise some assistance for the cost of the school and the transportation to get there.  If you are interested in learning more about why I want to go to Capernwray or ways that you can help me, please visit my campaign page! http://www.gofundme.com/v5dvvk

Thank you for being willing to travel this road with me!

Dragonfly Dreams Crafts: Spring Cones & Blue Birds!

I never seem to leave Judy's house with more than I came.  Such was the case yesterday.  I was there to figure out a pattern (which I was way over-thinking!) and left with 2 patterns, and the fabric I needed to try the second pattern.
This pattern was for these adorable little guys!  (I am so enjoying making them!)

 

 

These sweet little blue birds have been a lot of fun to make and I am planning all sort of different color combinations.  I will post more pictures of the colors as I come up with combinations!
I have another darker bird I made as well, that I played a little with.  Adding flowers on the wings.

 

 

The pattern I was going to Judy for help with was this one: Spring Cones.

 

 

Here are the other ones I've been working on, and the mixes and matches.

Fun spring fabrics!

Deciding on the combinations.

 

So, Judy, thank you for encouraging me and for being open to helping me as I learn!  I look forward to many more little birds, and for sewing parties at your place!

Country Diary of a Lady: Snow in March & Orchids

It is March. And while I am ready for spring, the weather is not ready to cooperate with me on this matter as of yet.  This morning, it was snowing.

Yesterday, the sun was shining and the snow had been melting somewhat.  The sunshine felt warm.  I packed up the rest of the winter decor in my living room, and hung origami butterflies around my windows.  

My Amaryllis blooming has helped a little with the type of cabin fever that brews at this time of the year. I have two beautiful open blooms at the moment, and a third is opening while the fourth on the first blossom stalk is  a little behind.  Then, I have a second bud stalk well developed.

So, what do I do when I need my "green" fix?  I go and visit Forth Floral in downtown Rhinelander, WI.  The fourth generation florists and greenhouse.

At the moment, they are putting on their yearly Orchid Event.  So, while it was snowing and blowing outside, I paused and took a deep breath of the scent of green and growing things mixed with the sweet scents of orchids.

A tall papyrus plant silhouetted against the exterior of the greenhouse, highlighting the wintry weather outside.

Here is a small selection of the beautiful orchids that they had on display.  Many are actually from local gardeners, and are loaned to Forth Floral for the show.

There were other flowers there as well.  Many Amaryllis still blooming, as well as some gorgeous tulips!

 This amaryllis is similar in coloring to the one that I possess (which I purchased from Forth Floral last year).  This year, my pinks are much more delicate.

 Some absolutely gorgeous ruffled tulips (parrot tulips?) Loved their coloring!

 Also, some lovely double tulips in a soft pink.

And some classic red and white tulips.

 There were these beauties as well.  I'm not certain what family they belong to.  The leaves on the orange and yellow one reminded me more of a bromiliad than an orchid, but I do not know.

 Either way, I thought that they were especially lovely!

So, I am managing to survive this wintry day in March.  I have the return of the Finches as well as the knowledge that the horses have begun to shed their winter coats to keep me moving forward!

Spring will come!