Apple harvest.

Apple pincushions showcasing Japanese fabrics from my sister's trip.

Griffin and Finch.

Thank you Sophia for making Griffin and Finch a part of your wonderful celebration and giving them a fine new home.

what a quack!

Finally got the Japanese book (ISBN483476348x) I've been coveting for 2 weeks from a local Mitsuwa. I really only wanted it for its duckie pattern.

I had to modify a bit the original pattern since the gargantuan head made him just a bit puffy and alien-y for me. I also had to soften its ridiculously angular wings and it looks like I might need to make smaller his feet just a tad. Overall I think the quack came out pretty darling.

100% wool felt.

Finally! I've been eying these bundles at Joann's forever. Now on sale at 50% off!

apple pincushion tutorial.

I have been wanting to make my very own brightly colored fruity pincushions for some time but haven't because I didn't have a pattern. Although there are certainly enough patterns online and in stores available for these, I prefer developing my own patterns so I don't have to worry about being bound to certain limitations. It's far more rewarding and comforting knowing I'm working with templates of my own. In the end, I control the fates of my creations - keep, gift and yes even sell them.

The pictorial tutorial shows a quick way of creating your own pattern. You can also apply this method to other bulbous articles; yes, a pear, an egg (use a styrofoam/cardboard egg please and perhaps 4 parts, instead of 6, is best), a tomato. Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll find this exercise quite encouraging and liberating. Have fun!!!

Add an additional 1/8" seam allowance to your fabrics when cutting. For the stem, cut 2 pieces of felt in 2 colors, 1" x 1.5", with the inner felt just slightly narrower and roll them, stitch closed. The leaf also uses 2 shades of felt, the underside being darker. Sew leaf to one end of rolled stem. Secure stem and leaf with fabric glue to apple; also attach a button on apple's bottom with fabric glue. With perle cotton and doll making needle, (or the longest needle you have) go through stem, apple and button at least 3 times. Pull taut to create puckers and knot.

Couple.

have your cake and use it too.

basket cake.

Kudos to everyone who whips up felt creations like this. It's certainly no easy task putting together the "piped cream." Still, it's a feast for the eyes. Delicious!

Crayola.

Hawk and Dove.

Hawk - the Owl Rooster.

Winged.

something old, something new, something borrowed...

Needs adjustments - a bit grainy with spray varnish.

Help the needy by adopting an owl companion today.

Beatrice, Charlotte and Viviane. These ladies recently lost their jobs and had to give up their cozy nests. They're eager to find new homes with you and are more than willing to work. They're quite desperate really; they'll even bear pins and needles on their backs. They only ask that you once in a while share your afternoon tea with them. By the way, their madeleine cookies with lavender are delicious with any tea!