New Baby

As many if you know this past year we purchased our first sheep.  We picked natural colored sheep as they are unusual.  We have a mix of Columbia and Rambouillet.  I have been anxiously awaiting a new lamb.  The original breeding date had the ewe due March 2.  We were finally blessed about a week ago with a new ram lamb.  He was born about 20 pounds.  His mom is doing great!  At this point he doesn't have a name but he likely will. 

Return to Cross Stitch

I took lessons from  needlework shop owner when I was in college 30 years ago.  I found it challenging and stressful. I think it was made difficult due to poor college dorm lighting, poor posture working on the project and a lack of videos that we now have on You Tube.   I completed one small fingertip towel and gifted it to my mom.  My mom had given me her floss stash and I still have it.  I have been able to use some of the floss in punch needle and cross stitch both. 

Recently I have started watching floss tube You Tube videos about cross stitch and I have the cross stitch bug!  I have completed a piece that I did modify a bit from the original pattern.  I feel like the patterns are a jumping off point.  It is a Lizzie Kate pattern in the winter smalls collection #189.  Now I just need to decide if I want to make it into a pillow, an ornament or frame it. 

I encourage you to check out cross stitch and the online community of flosstubers.  

Punch Needle Crafting

This year I have started some new crafts.  One of the new crafts is punch needle needlework.  I purchased my first pattern from The Woolen Needle Shop in Williamsburg, IA.  I purchased the lap stand that I punch on from The Woolery online.   It was punched with three strands and the punch I purchased at The Woolen Needle as well.  

The pattern name is Winter Blanket #675 from Threads that Bind.  I used a kit that included Valdani 3 strands floss color 196, Weeks Dye Works #1103, DMC 310, 3033, 904, 817, 844 and miscellaneous for the pennies on the blanket. 

I am very happy with the result.  I plan to add a wool border and frame the piece.