THE HISTORY OF SAMPLERS

I know a lot of you do needlework and I do also so I thought I would share this article I read the other day in The Country Register of Minnesota. I know I really like the old samplers, but I thought it was really interesting the different types and how they came to be.  

Samplers offer a glimpse into history and the everyday life of early needleworkers. The oldest surviving samplers are dated back to the 15th and 16th centuries. When the woman saw a new stitching pattern, she would quickly sew a small sample of it onto a small, narrow piece of cloth which became her "sampler". The were about 6-9 inches wide and were called band samplers. When unrolled they revealed an assortment of needlework. 

The most common samplers found today are ones that were created by young schoolgirls. they consist of cross-stitched alphabets, numbers, poetry or biblical verses, and little figures, flowers and animals. These samplers were a way to teach young girls the basics of needleworking, and also their alphabet and numbers. The top half of the sampler was usually devoted to the alphabet, while the bottom was a picture, motto, or poem.

Today, samplers are highly collectible and are proudly displayed in the primitive and colonial home decor. 

                                         Reprinted by permission from The Country Register of Minnesota


I really like all the old samplers and do quite a bit of embroidery myself so it was interesting to read how they came to be. Wish I was lucky enough to have one of the authentic one's hanging in my house, but alas I don't. :)  Do you have one in your house?

Happy stitching! :)

Getting Caught Up

So has everyone had time to catch their breathe from the holiday's yet? I know it takes some time to do that. I had sooooooooo many things that were half done that I just didn't have time to finish before Christmas. One of the things that were really a big hit this Christmas show season was my fabric bowls that I started to make. I couldn't believe how well they sold! I had a few cut out that I just didn't get time to finish so last week I said I needed to get them done and put in the tub for next time. So I thought I would show you the one's that I finished. 

This fireweed fabric is probably one of my best sellers. I have also sold a few from my Etsy shop. I just love the colors of this fabric.

How about the pictures on this fabric! I can't believe how pretty the loons are and this fabric shows the details so well.

And then of course if you have a southwestern decor it definitely needs some red hot peppers.



I really like making these bowls. They do take some time to make and my shoulder does get a little sore (age!), but when I am done I just love the way they look. I have several others that I will need to get made. I am a creature of lists and have lists of lists and yes I have a list of what designs of fabric bowls to make. Ha!Ha!

Well off to the sewing room. Have a great day!

PRESSING QUILT SEAMS

Sometimes we all need a refresher on our "sewing" techniques and I for one am diffidently one of those people. I think we all get a little sloppy sometimes with our sewing, not that there is anything wrong with that. Especially when it comes to quilting. All our little "quirks" just makes the quilt that much more special.

Anyway back to the subject of techniques. When it comes to ironing the seams (especially in quilting) there are times you press the seams open and this way and that way. :)

So if you are one of those people, along with me, that needs to be reminded how to press your quilting seams I found this article from Craftsy which I know many, many of you follow, but this is good information. So just click on here to read about how to press those seams. 

Happy sewing! :)

FRESH OR FROZEN......

Now that the frozen winter is here you really can't depend on fresh fruits and vegetable to eat so that means we have to use frozen vegetables in our cooking unless you are one of the dedicated people that froze all their vegetables and fruits from last falls harvest. :)

So there is the discussion on which is better nutritionally..... fresh or frozen. 

The University of California-Davis, in partnership with the Frozen Food Foundation, conducted an in-depth study to evaluate the nutrient content of eight, commonly purchased frozen and fresh fruits and vegetables. They were; blueberries, strawberries, carrots, corn, broccoli, green beans, peas an spinach. The study was designed to mimic the quality of produce found at Farmers' Markets or grown in peoples backyard gardens. 

The study revealed that frozen produce is nutritionally equivalent and often superior to the fresh stored counterpart. In particular, the vitamin C content of frozen corn, green beans and blueberries was significantly higher than their fresh stored counterparts. 

So I guess even if you use frozen fruits and vegetables you are still getting good nutritional value out of them so I don't feel bad if I can't have the fresh vegetables and fruits all the time. I use the frozen one's all the time.  :)

Have a wonderful day!

LOOK WHAT I GOT!

Even though I design most of my own items I have wanted to start designing my own quilts. I have done a few on my own, but they take an enormous amount of time and brain power so I thought I need to make things a little bit easier on me. So.........look what I got for Christmas!!!!

I have had my eye on this software for a couple of years and never wanted to take the plunge and purchase it, but I decided this was the year I am going to get it. 

I have been playing with it a little learning all the ends and outs of it. I told myself....self....now don't just jump in there and start slamming things out (like I normally do!LOL!) I am taking each lesson one step at a time and I am watching all the videos. Even though I want to get started on my own designs I have been very good at following the steps first. Aren't you proud of me. :)

So, I just thought I would show you what I am going to be doing this winter. I hope to get projects posted here when I get them complete.....well.....at least that is the plan. So stay tuned. :)

Have a great day!! :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Whoaaa.....the Christmas season went by so fast. It was all kind of a blur for me....how about you? 

Well now that Christmas is over we can all take a breather....or well somewhat of a breather. :)  I am busy "catching" up on the old stuff before I throw myself into all the new projects I need to get started. I have a couple new things that I will be working on next year so I will be posting them here when I get going on them. 

Now that the "rush" is over I hope to have more time to post on here. It seems time just gets away from me so much which I am sure happens to all of you also. 

So I want to wish all of my wonderful followers a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!! See you in 2015!!