Friday, May 4, 2012

First Friday Freebie #27

Allow me to start off this post by sharing the wonderful news that I received yesterday.  The results of the follow up CT scan that I had last week showed that “I responded very well to the treatments and that everything is free and clear”.  The cancer cooties have flown the coop!  Woo hoo and whew!

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥ 

Note: I am slowly working on transferring all the First Friday Freebie files over to Scribd which is another free hosting site for PDF files.  I had been using 4Shared for over two years and just recently…in their infinite wisdom…decided to change things, making it very difficult for you to download files.  So it’s “Good bye, 4Shared” and “Hello, Scribd”.  In the interim, if you are still having problems downloading any of the files, just email me and I’ll be happy to send you the PDF files by email.

*Edit May 10/2012:  Since I published the original version of this post on May 4th, I found out that many of you were having problems downloading the PDF file from the Scribd site.  With your help and recommendation, I am now using Google Docs and trust that all our problems will have been solved.

I think it’s a well known fact that I love needle cases and pincushions.  I was feeling the incredible urge to make either one or the other and this time, the needle case won out.  I combined my two favorite things…needle cases and redwork embroidery…and designed this month’s FFFSpring Floral Needle Case…Crazy Quilt Style…just for you.

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The inside…

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Most of us who enjoy creating hand made items are visual people so I decided to turn this month’s FFF into a tutorial and show you step-by-step how the project evolved.

So let’s get started.

First, complete the redwork stitchery which will become the inside pocket of the needle case.  The line drawing and instructions are included in the PDF file which you will find HERE .

Once you have completed the stitching, set it aside until later.

From your stash, select six coordinating fabrics, large enough to be able to cut a 6 1/2” square from each of them.  One of the fabrics that I selected was the same that I used for the redwork stitchery.

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Cut a 6 1/2” square from each of the six different fabrics.  Layer all six squares of fabric one on top of the other to form a neat stack.

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You will also need a template.  I made mine on a piece of computer printer paper.

Below is a photo of the one I drew. It is a 6 1/2” square with a line drawn from one side to the other but not centered and on a slight angle. Then there are two lines drawn on either side of this line, once again not centered and on different angles. Where you place these lines will determine the shape of your ‘patches’. Use the photo of my template below as a guide. Trim off the outside edges so all that remains is an intact, 6 1/2” square.

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The lines are your cutting lines. Starting with the center line and using your rotary cutter, cut across this line and through all layers of fabric. Repeat and cut through all of the lines in the same manner. 

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Randomly stagger the order of the fabrics in each pile so that they are not in the same sequence within each pile.

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Each of the two sets of 3 pieces on either side of the center line are worked on separately. Starting on the left side, sew two pieces together and repeat this for all six layers. Chain piecing makes this step go quite quickly.

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If you chain pieced, snip the connecting thread that is holding them together and iron the seams open.

Note: Every seam in this project is ironed open.

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As is the style with crazy quilts, I elected to do a decorative feather stitch, centered on the top and in the center of each sewn seam. This is the reason why all of the seams are ironed open…to facilitate the sewing of the decorative stitch across an evenly distributed seam allowance.

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Sew the third piece to the other two and iron the seam open. Add your decorative stitch to the right side of this seam.

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Square off the center seam line only  and repeat this exact procedure for the three pieces on the other side.

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Join the two sides together and iron the seam open.

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Don’t forget to add the decorative stitching on the top of the joined seam. Repeat this step to make 6 blocks in total.

Square off each block to 4 1/2”.

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Make two rows with three blocks in each row. Play with the blocks until you get a sequence that you like. Try to make sure that no two of the same fabrics lined up side by side…but if it happens, who cares? It’s a crazy quilt!

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Sew the three blocks together in each row…

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and then sew the two rows together.

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Remember to iron each seam open and to add the decorative stitching on the top of each new seam.

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Cut a piece of coordinating fabric and a piece of batting at 12 1/2” x 8 1/2”  The fabric that you choose in this step will be the inside lining of your needle case.  Sandwich the two layers together.

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From a 2 1/2” x 4 1/2” piece of scrap wool, draw a line across the center. Machine stitch this in place across the center line, locking the stitches at either end then fold it in half at the stitched line.

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Fold the stitched piece in half lengthwise making sure that the top of the stitched design is about 1/4” below the fold.   Then lightly draw a line in pencil directly under the stitched design.   This will be your sewing line.

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Using the pencil line as your guide, trim the fabric 1/4” beyond that line.

* I forgot to take a photo of this next step.  Sandwich the three layers and pin to stabilize.  Sew the three layers together down the two vertical seams to stabilize.

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Line the bottom edge of the stitched piece with the bottom edge of the lining and batting and stitch across the penciled line.  Don’t forget to center the stitchery on the lining and backing before you sewing them together. 

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Trim the stitched piece to the size of the lining and batting.

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Add binding to the needle case as you would a quilt then embellish it to your heart’s content.

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I added a little pocket on the right side…

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and a pair of scissors held in place by a ribbon as well as a mother-of-pearl little heart to hold my floss.  You may add whatever embellishments or doo-dads you wish to in order to make the needle case yours.

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I also made a 'tie’ out of the same fabric that I used for the lining to keep my needle case closed when not in use and tacked it in place by hand.

The outside back…

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and the inside with the right side folded in.

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And voila…the finished needle case folded in three and tied.

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I love to change my needle cases often.  Perhaps this will become your obsession passion as well!

Kaarenheartname

112 comments:

Leanne said...

Absolutely beautiful, I can't wait to make this, Thankyou Kaaren for such a great project.

Elinor said...

What a great news, Kaaren ! I'm so happy for you !
Woo hoo and whew! ;-)

Thanks a lot for this so cute FFF. I love it !
Hugs from France,
Sylvie

KaHolly said...

First and foremost, congratulations on the results of your CT scan. As a cancer survivor, I can appreciate how elated you are. Kaaren, this FFF is outstanding. I am awestruck at your talent and imagination and I thank you so very much for sharing not only both of these with us, but your hard work, too. Excellent tutorial! I am currently working on a crazy quilt project, so I can make one of these without hardly skipping a stitch!! If your morning dawned as beautiful as ours up here in CB, then get outside in that sunshine and do a happy dance!! ~karen

Abby and Stephanie said...

Great news about the cancer cooties. I'm so very happy for you. I'm sure designing and making the needle keeper brought you great joy. Another lovely FFF.

Heather said...

I can only imagine the joy you must be feeling about your health situation. So happy for you. Thanks for sharing this delightful project.

sara said...

WOO HOO!!!!
I'm very,very,very happy for you!!!
And thanks..

Anonymous said...

Great news! Now you can really breath! Thanks for sharing another sweet project from your gifted self.

Gra said...

Kaaren I am so happy for you with the news on the CT scan results!!!!!
The FFF is beautiful and your tutorial one of the best ones I´ve seen in blogland!!! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Hi Kaaren,

What wonderful news for you.

Great FFF. I love crazy quilting so will try to make this one immediately.

Have a lovely weekend.

Dianne

Vickie said...

WOO HOO!! I am so happy for you! Thank you for sharing another wonderful First Friday Freebie! It's wonderful!

sunny said...

Congrats on your wonderful news!!!!! And this needle book is awesome. I'll be making one for me and at least one for a Christmas gift! Thank you.....

Maria said...

What wonderful news Kaaren...

I have wanted to do Crazy Patch for ages and this is the perfect project to start. Thank you.

Keep well.

Janet-Olde Crow Primitives said...

Such great news Kaaren.
Thanks for the awesome pattern.
Blessings,
~Janet

Laura said...

Wonderful! Thanks Kaaren! I LOVE needle cases, but only have one at the moment. Time to change that!
(Congrats and a big 'WHOOHOO!' on the scan results!)

Jantine said...

This is exciting news. Of course you start your writing with the news, it is what we all hooped to hear!

Loves to Quilt said...

Great news, congratulations!

Fiona said...

This is an awesome sewing case... but your news on the vanishing cancer cooties is even more awesome... just wonderful....
Hugz

Bonnie said...

Wonderful news and thank you for the wonderful needlecase pattern.

Barb said...

beautiful needle case and wonderful tutorial!

Diane H said...

Lots of happy tears for you, Kaaren. Thanks so much for the great tutorial.

Allie said...

Cancer-free - oh what beautiful, joyful words to hear!!!! Thank You Lord!!! I'm doing a happy dance here for you, Kaaren!!!!! And thank you for this gorgeous FFF, absolutely darling - oh your blog is a happy place to be this fine morning!!!

Me and My Stitches said...

So, so, so happy and excited for your great news! Doing the happy dance!! Wonderful tutorial too - I would love to make one of these.

Phyllis said...

Wonderful news, I was keeping my fingers crossed for you, knowing you would have to go for a check some time, enjoy this moment!

Cotton Blossom said...

Wonderful news! You made my day! That along with the fact that we are getting some rain this morning. God is good! Also, thanks for the great FFF. I love crazy quilting. Keep on keeping on!

Donna~~ said...

Hoorah! I'm so glad your CT scan was all clear! Wonderful tutorial too--all the photos make it look like time lapse photography. Would make a lovely gift. Thanks!

Lori said...

I'm doing the happy dance in Oregon upon hearing the good news!!

Beautiful needlecase!

JudyCinNC said...

I am so happy for you Kaaren - good results make for wonderful days. I love this needlecase tutorial. Great job on the tutorial. Anytime I can combine Redwork with stitching is a good thing. Judy C

andsewon said...

What wonderful news!!!Happy for you! Thank you for yet another super Freebie Friday! These would make wonderful gifts for my stitching pals!
Hugs,
Lola

Flo @ Butterfly Quilting said...

Great news, Kaaren!!!
And thanks for the detailed instructions, I have been meaning to make one of these...now I have a plan!

barcord said...

Giving thanks to God for your great scan news. Soo pleased for you. I will share this with my two prayer partners, and on Sunday night we will give thanks for answered prayer. Loove the needle case. I plan to try one. If I succeed I will post a photo. Love to you and Mr PQ.

suz said...

This is such wonderful news!!!! I'm so happy for you.
Love this project - thank you SO much for sharing it with us.
My day is made.

B J Elder said...

What wonderful news Kaaren! I can only imagine how elated you and Mr. Painted Quilt are with the news.

paulette said...

YIPPPPPEEEEE!! What wonderful NEWS!! You must be dancing around the house!
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful project in amongst all the celebrating!! Yahoooooooo!!
Pxo

Anne-Mettes Oaser said...

Thank you for sharing this lovely project with us.
What great news for you and your family :-). I have been following your blog a quiet reader.

Kathy said...

I'm so glad to hear your excellent news! Yay!

Thanks for the First Friday Freebie. I haven't done very many, but a girl can dream....

Sheila said...

Great news on your CT scan ,I am so happy for you :-)
Thanks for this great pattern , I love to make needlecases and this one is lovely.

Verna G said...

That is great news!!
Happy to hear you are changing sites for your FFF. I've had a lot of trouble with the old one.

Janet O. said...

So excited about your good news! Wonderful!
This needle case is amazing. You do incredible work! I can't believe the attention to detail and the beautiful stitchery. Love it!!

Susannah said...

HIP HIP HOORAY! all those weeks of being away from home and etc. (which was much) paid off, Kaaren!!!!!! Good news! Congratulations!

Wow! This FFF is fantastic! I will be making this! Thank you, thank you so much. What a wondeful, giving person you are!

Susannah

Sandi said...

Kaaren,

First off congratulations on the great medical news, how wonderful!

Second, thank you for this lovely project your housewif needle case is a favourite of mine and to make a second one with a Spring theme will be great.

Thanks for all you share with us!

Shelley said...

Oh Kaaren that is the best news ever!!!! Doing the happy dance with you. We go May 11 to get results on another PET. Crossing our fingers and praying alot:)

Sunnybec said...

Yay Happy dance, happy dance, that is the best news ever!! Thanks for the FFF. Hugs Linda

The Pied Pedlar said...

Great to hear your good news.
Tricia

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said...

Good Morning Kaaren,
CONGRATULATIONS on your GOOD NEWS!! I'm so HAPPY for you and what a relief it must be to know that all is well. The cloud has finally lifted! What a wonderful needle case...and I love the 'crazy quilt' pattern. It reminds me of an old quilt that my great grandmother made for me when I was born made with old pieces of wool. It's got moth holes in it but I still have it somewhere in one of my boxes to keep dust off it. Beautiful job! Thanks for providing the instructions...I don't know if I'll ever get time to try this but at least I'll have the instructions if I do :)
I hope you have a WONDERFUL weekend! Maura :)

Kathy H said...

Another great needlcase. ANd I am especially glad to hear your wonderful health news.

Karens Quilts, Crows and Cardinals said...

Kaaren -- that is the best news I've heard all week !! So very happy for your -- all that positive energy and love flowing your way -- and back again !!

Thanks for the wonderful tutorial -- wow, this is a keeper for sure.

Hugs,
Karen

Amy R said...

Smiling for you Kaaren! So happy you have some good news!!!! Thanks so much for the FFF~ Beautiful as always~

Joan said...

What wonderful news! I'm so glad for you! Thank you for the lovely FFF! Have a great weekend! X0

Maryjo said...

I am so thankful to hear the good news...celebrate Kaaren! There are miracles everyday and you are one of them:) Thanks so much for an extra special First Friday Freebie...I love it! Have a super weekend..hugs, Mary Jo

Chris said...

Oh Kaaren,
Your 'all clear' is the best First Friday you've ever posted.

Pat said...

Savor that wonderful news! It is the best!!

A great tutorial for such a sweet project - think I just found my project for our quilt history study group Christmas exchange.

Thank you for all the work you put into this FFF.

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Thank you for saying your wonderful news! Will celebrate with you from afar!

Karen Farley said...

Sooooo glad to hear that you are "clear" and doing great. Take good care of yourself. My thoughts are with you.

Karen Farley

quiltercaroline said...

What wonderful news to hear the all clear. Brilliant!! C x

Betsy said...

Oh happy day, that is awesome news!! Prayers have been answered. Great needle book, thx for the tutorial!

Sandra Henderson said...

So, so beautiful!~

Teresa F. said...

Hi Karen,
Great news. I'm so happy for you.Yeah!!!!
Thank you for a great tutorial. I love crazy quilting and the needle cade is awesome. I'll have to make one for me.
Hugs,
Teresa

Anonymous said...

Great news on the results of your CT scan... Congratulations. I absolutely love your designs. Thank you for sharing your projects and tutorials. Angela in California

Deb said...

Congrats on the results of your scan, that's wonderful news!

Rosemary said...

Kaaren, great news on the medical report!!! What a great project to make for gifts. Thank you for making the instructions easy to follow. Rosemary

Terry@ a quilting blog said...

What wonderful news Kaaren...so happy for you!!!
Love the needle case...great tutorial! TFS
~Terry~

GerryART said...

You gave those cooties a well-deserved swift kick in the pants.
Hip - Hip- Hurray ! ! ! !

♥♥♥ L♥ve, l♥ve, l♥ve this project ! ! !

Must find just the right floss for this special design. Then the hunt for 'the' fabric.

Kaaren, you are just so amazing and so very generous.

Thank you, sweet friend.

Gotta go download the design, then off to peruse my flosses/flossi

love and hugs
Gerry

Nanny said...

Wau, Kaaren! Es espectacular!. Me encanta!.
Muchas gracias por mostrarnos a hacer este trabajo tan bonito.
Me lo guardo y lo pondré en práctica en cuanto pueda.
Un Abrazo.

ShirleyC said...

How cute is that!

I'm so glad to hear your good news!

Nanny said...

Enhorabuena por los resultados médicos.
Ufff!. Me alegro mucho por ti.
Un Abrazo.

Wanda said...

I remember when I was told that I was also free and clear. I am so excited for you.

Thank you again for another great FFF. I am going to a quilt retreat and think I will work on this while there.

Wanda
http://wandas-quilts-crafts.blogspot.com/

roccagal said...

YAY! I am so glad to hear that wonderful news, Kaaren!!! YAHOO!

thanks for this great tutorial as well!

Tina said...

Wonderful news! I'm so happy for you! Your creativity is just amazing. I can't wait to make this project.

JudyCinNC said...

Forgot to say how much I LOVE the picture of Mac on your side bar. Judy C

quiltgrammy said...

Congrats on the good news, you sure showed them cancer cooties who the boss is!!!!!!!! YAY!!!
Thanks for the FFF and the tutorial, great project.

Joy said...

Kaaren that's simply fantastic news!!! I haven't even read the rest of your post yet, I was just so pleased for you that the cancer cooties had gone. God bless you Kaaren!!!
I'm off to read the rest now lol
BIG hugs,
Joy :o) xx

Joy said...

LOVE the needlecase ... thank you SO much for the tut :o)!!!
Hugs,
Joy :o) xx

Anonymous said...

Awesome news! That is great. Thanks for the FFF. It is a really cute project.
Linda L. in Tx.

Ann (UK) said...

So pleased for you the scan results are good, I enjoy the projects you put on here, thank you. I read about little Mac with tears in my eyes and memories of my own dog. It takes a while before the good memories overtake the sad ones.

Sandy said...

First off, I want to congratulate you for wonderful scan news....our prayers were answered! Thank you for this darling FFF...I love needle cases and pincushions also...beautiful!

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear your good news.
Thanks for the new project.

Darlis

whistlebet57 said...

Thanks for the beautiful pattern, I too love needlebooks and pincushions. Congratulations about being cancer free. Miracles to happen.

SueB said...

Kaaren that is the best news every.. YEAH..
This is such a great project. I also love needle cases.

hennies.pennies said...

Such wonderful news, Kaaren. God is good...all the time!! And thank you for the precious needle case. I too LOVE pincushions and sewing cases. Be especially blessed, Kathy

Dirt Road Quilter said...

That is the BEST news I've heard in a long time! Praise God! Your project is darling and your addition of the redwork inside is girgeius - what a beautiful detail!

OneOldGoat said...

Thanks to God! I am so happy for the good news!

Beth the Old Goat

Patty said...

Good news, so glad for you.
Thanks for the FFF, lovely as usual.

grammajudyb said...

Good News!!! Those 1st follow-up CT's and checkups are always a little scary!. Or at least cause some anxious thoughts. {{HUGS}}

jeanettesquiltin said...

Congrats on your CT Scan. Such Great News!!!

Jeanne Gwin said...

kaaren,
PTL I am so happy to hear this news. My tests too are coming back negative. Still a few more to go but I think all will be fine. Hugs from Missouri

brenda said...

Thanks so much for the pattern for the needlecase it is wonderful.I am so glad to hear your good news,that has to be the best news anyone can get.

CACO said...

I'm very happy for your good news ! and many thanks for this lovely needle case ! I love it !
Catherine from France

Lesley said...

Congratulations on your wonderful news! You overcame and you conquered...now you're ready to fly! Your needle case is beautiful! and your tutorial is excellent. Love your fabric choices!

wanda said...

Congrats on the great news. I am a Nuclear Medical Tech and fighting Ca is a hard job and sounds like your the winner. Super. Love the freebee, I am going to make it today. Thanks

Colleen said...

Great news, I am so happy for you and that all the prayers have been answered. Thank you for the FFF...it is really cute.

Calicojoan said...

Wonderful news, I can only imagine the relief you must feel. The power of prayers!! There were plenty of us out here sending them for you! Ah, that and some big drugs! :-) Best wishes for continued good health!

Anonymous said...

Oh my, I hate Scribd. Not only does it require a Facebook account (which I hate even more), but Scribd refused to recognize that I'd actually signed in to FB (after FOUR tries). However, thank you for the pattern.

Lynn S said...

Hi Kaaron--So happy you have good news!!! Happy, happy, happy!!!!

Is it possible to e-mail me the first Friday file. I'm not having much luck downloading. Like you--I love pincushions, needle rolls, and project holders! Thanks much!

Sheila said...

What fantastic news for you Kaaren - really happy for you.
I have never tried crazy quilting - this is going to be the first one cos I love it.
And I am so glad you are changing where your freebies are kept as there is at least one I tried to get before, but gave up in the end.
But first - this gorgeous CQ needlecase.

Quiltingmama said...

What wonderful test results! I'm very happy for you.

Carrie P. said...

that is the best news ever. so glad to hear that.
great needle case too. love it. thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Happy to hear about the clean CT scan. Good for you.
Love the needle case and all the detail.

Ter'e said...

I was so thrilled to hear your wonderful news on your health. Gosh Kaaren.......all that hard work, on your part, was so worth it. Thank GOD!

Secondly, the needle case is so beautiful. I envy you girls who sew this beautifully. This is just lucious!

What a super post from you. HUGS!

Beverley said...

Great news. Congratulations. Hugs too.

Kate/Massachusetts said...

Wonderful news Kaaren!!! Just shows the power of collective prayer, eh?!! The needlecase is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!

KatieQ said...

That's fabulous news. I can't imagine the weight this news has taken off of your shoulders.
Thanks for the lovely tutorial. The needle case is am absolutely perfect project.

Janet said...

Wow, I'm overjoyed to hear your good news. I do believe it has made my week, no month! Thank you for such a terrific tutorial, it's gorgeous.

Gmama Jane said...

Kaaren, so many of us have been praying for you! Your wonderful news that you are Cancer Free is such a relief. Praise God for His healing Hand and for allowing all of us the joy of intercessory prayer.
The needle case is unique and I may actually give it a whirl.
Blessings
Gmama Jane

Alberta said...

I'm so happy about your latest health news!!!! Way to go!

Your latest FFF, #27, wow, what a cutie! I was wondering what to work on next and this is it! Thanks for sharing!

MoeWest said...

Kaaren, I'm so glad to hear the wonderful results of your CT scan! Now you can relax and enjoy that wonderful Nova Scotia summer. Thanks for FFF project. I'm going to start on that next weekend. {{hugs}}

Polly said...

Kaaren, SOOO happy you are cancer free! Time to relax a bit and breath again! Enjoy life! Your needle case is wonderful! Such creative talent! Thank you for sharing it with us! God Bless!

Merilyn said...

Kaaren, I am so glad to hear your news, what a relief!!! y=You must be feeling so happy after all you had to go through - it has been worth it! No wonder you wanted to branch out and create something new! Love your embroidery/crazy patch needlecase, you present a very clear and concise tutorial. Oh! such good news really, Kaaren I am just pleased for you......

Kathryn said...

What wonderful news!! The wonders of modern medicine. The pattern was SO easy to download. Thanks. Kathie L in Allentown

Elzaan said...

Wonderful and fun! Thanks Kaaren.
Glad to hear the good news! I am jumping up and down with joy.

Rosa said...

So happy for you Kaaren!! Congratulations. Love the patterns and always look forward to seeing what your up to next!!

Chantal said...

WELL DONE YOU FIGHTER YOU! brilliant news, so happy for you and all your loved ones xoxoxox from south africa,
chantal

Kris said...

Fabulous tutorial, Kaaren and even more fabulous is the news that the cancer cooties have flown the coop!! All our prayers have been answered!! Kris