Friday, September 7, 2012

First Friday Freebie #31 with Tutorial

This will be my last First Friday Freebie until the first Friday of December.

In case you missed my last post, I have decided to release my FFF's on a quarterly basis...December, March, June and December.  

Training a new puppy takes a lot of time and effort and I'm finding that I just don't have enough time to devote to both Ollie and designing and and you know who comes first.  He is progressing really well but it has been fifteen years since we last had a puppy and if the truth be known, we had forgotten just how time consuming training can be.  Once Ollie is fully trained and can be trusted to be left on his own, I am hoping to return to my monthly FFF's.  Thank you all for your support and understanding.


~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

They say a picture is worth a thousand words so this month I decided to take photos of each step as I progressed. 

Here is my Autumn Pincushion.


Cut a 12" x 12" square from your background fabric.  This might sound a little large but I cut mine to this size in order for it to fit easily into a hoop for stitching.

Transfer the design including the half circle surrounding the design to the fabric using using a light source such as a window during daylight hours or a light box.  Center and tape the fabric over the design and trace using a fine tip permanent black Pigma pen.

After tracing but before starting to stitch the design, you might want to adhere a lightweight fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the background fabric to add both stability and durability.

All the backstitching is done using two strands of #310 (black) DMC floss.  Upon completion, iron to remove the wrinkles.


Cut out around the half circle that was a part of your original tracing.


Fold the fabric in half, right sides together.


Then sew a 1/4" seam down the straight edge and iron the seam open.


Turn right side out.  With a doubled or stronger weight thread, run a basting stitch around the top edge about a 1/4" in.  


Stuff with polyester fiberfil then pull on both ends of the thread in order to gather the opening "almost" closed.  Knot to secure.  


Cut out the leaves and center circle from scrap felted wool.  Make sure that the circle is large enough to cover the opening.



Using a blanket stitch, sew the circle around the opening. 


Center the leaves on the circle and tack them down.  I back stitched a vein about two thirds the way up the center of the leaves and then sewed on a vintage button to hide the tacking stitches.



Embellish with decorative pins and anything else that suits your fancy.


To download the photos and line drawing for this month's design, please click HERE.

And if you'd like to win my sample, just leave me a comment to that effect at the end of this post...and I'll ship internationally!  I will announce the winner on Sunday, September 9th.  Remember, if your email address is not included in your profile, then you will show up as a "no-reply" blogger and will automatically be excluded from the draw.  If you are unsure, just leave a contact email address within the body of your post.



I'll leave you with this photo of Ollie cuddling with Mr.Painted Quilt after having his breakfast this morning.  



Isn't he precious?

125 comments:

Jane said...

This is wonderful. I'd love to receive one, but no matter what happens, I shall enjoy stitching one, or two!
Thank you for such a lovely pattern

Lesley said...

What a wonderful project! I love the step by step photos and text, and definitely agree that little Ollie needs lots of time...he looks so very content in the picture! By the way,I'm ready to start a new redwork Santa and chose "Christmas Eve" from a previous FFF as my pattern. The Santa will be perfect in my little patchwork/redwork quilt. Thank you so much for sharing your talent!

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Kaaren, thank you very much - that's a lovely pincushion indeed!!
I'm very glad your dropping your FFF back to once a quarter - you've been incredibly generous with your time. Enjoy little Ollie now. :-)
Hugs
Jenny

Trace4J said...

Thanks for sharing another wonderful project.
Love it.
Ollie is adorable.
Hugs & JOY
Trace


www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com

Stitches said...

cute, cute, it will make cute little gifts for friends. Thanks for all you have given to us.

Stitches said...

cute, cute, it will make cute little gifts for friends. Thanks for all you have given to us.

Sheila said...

Thanks so much for the cute little pincushion. You can never have too many. :) Ollie is getting so big; what a cutie pie. Have a great weekend.

Darlene D said...

Oh, pick me, pick me! LOL Would love to win that little pin cushion!! It's sooo cute, and the pictures just don't do it justice. So glad you shared it with us last night. dadeon@eastlink.ca

Abby and Stephanie said...

Another pretty creation. Yes indeed, Ollie is adorable.

julieQ said...

Ollie really is precious, and so is this new project!!

Shelley said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE the new project!! It's exhausting having a new puppy isn't it lol! My sister has a new kitten and she says she forgot how much work they are too! Can you read my blog better now??

Maria said...

Thank you Kaaren for another cute FFF...
I would be delighted to have a chance to win.

Yep Ollie is very precious indeed and cute...

Karen said...

Ollie is so cute!. it is a lovely pin cushion. I will head to the site and download the pattern tomorrow morning. thanks so much.

Leslie Andersen said...

That is such a cute pincushion! Thanks for the chance to win, and for the tutorial.

Birgitte aka Bietje said...

Thank you Karen, this is a cutie. I am downloading the pattern for sometime...
As there are lots of projects screaming "make me, make me, make me first"
Thanks again.

Debi said...

Another awesome project....you do such beautiful work!!

Anneke said...

Oh, I HAVE to make this one. In my last comment I wrongly wrote that I can keep up, but I ment: I CAN'T keep up with you... But this one is a MUST MAKE. Love it. I'll link to your freebie today, it's gorgeous!!

Anonymous said...

lots of fun with ollie.

Janet said...

Ooh, pick me, pick me! I'd love to win your pincushion.

Love seeing pics of Ollie - thanks for sharing that, too!

luv2quilt2 said...

Thank for the FFF. It looks like such fun to make.

paulette said...

Thanks for the FFF! Very sweet of you and it looks fun to make! Love it! I swear, little Ollie is getting cuter and cuter everyday...which makes me wonder.. HOW is that possible?
You take care and thanks again!
P

Heather said...

Oh I love that pincushion and would be so excited to win it. Thanks for the chance.

Clara {Clover and Violet} said...

Very cute pincushion thank you for sharing! Ollie is just adorable and getting cuter by the day! Who wouldn't want to spend lots of time with him!!

Kate said...

I love this pincushion! Thank you.
You've spoiled us enough with monthly FFFs so no complaints from me that you're going to back off and spend more time with your precious Ollie - you're a smart girl to know your priorities. Enjoy him.

Karen said...

What a great project - love it. It's a lot of work for you to do these and it's much appreciated. That Ollie is just so stinkin cute and precious. It is time consuming training a puppy but we know it's worth it. Thanks again :)

Maryjo said...

I treasure each pattern that you give us so I would be honored to win your "Kaaren original"! You are such an inspiration..have a special fall with little Ollie:)and hubby.

Connie said...

The pincushion is so cute!!! Ollie is so precious!!!! with a face like that i would spend a lot of time with him also. Have a great day!

Janet O. said...

Very cute pincushion--can imagine it sewn up in a Fall print for a quick favor.
Oh, those eyes--who could resist?

My Life and Quilting said...

Hi Kaaren... What a sweet pincushion... I will have to make it for our retreat and use it as a give away prize ... Ollie is so sweet and sounds he adjusted well in your happy home... Hugs :)

Needled Mom said...

Oh Kaaren, this is just darling. I think I will start on one today. Thank you so much.

That puppy training is so intense. I can understand how you get nothing else done, but it is worth it in the end. Ollie is darling.

Maxine said...

What a great idea! A seasonal pin cushion. I'd love to have it.

Angie said...

You make the cutest things, Kaaren, and you are so generous with us. :) Thank you, dear heart. Hugs that precious little beauty in Mr. Painted's arms. :D

Carin said...

Thank you Kaaren, this is a lovely one. Succes with training the Ollie en enjoy the time !!
I'm going to start the Raggedy & Friends quilt. I have a tennis elbow and I can't do any patching or cross stitch project but making stitcheries I can, so that is what I'm going to do and I love that quilt. Tomorrow I'm going to see if I can find fabrics for the quilt, so that I can make the blocks when the trouble is over with my elbow.

Diane said...

What a wonderful tutorial freebie! I can't wait to make one! Thanks for sharing a photo of Ollie, give that cutie a snuggle for me!

Mimi said...

I would definitely like to be considered for winning that adorable pin cushion, but if I don't win at least I have left with a smile on my face after looking at that adorable face of Ollie. Thanks.

Bev said...

Both of those are adorable! Ollie is growing like a weed! Yesterday I took Charlie with me to get a tea at Sonic and they asked me how old he was. When I told them 14 years old I almost cried. I would love to have him with me for 100 years. I know you are enjoying Ollie. Who says you can't buy love. That's all dogs are made of (well, maybe a little of the stuff we clean up off the floor sometimes too). Your pincushion is beautiful. Very clever! Have a wonderful Friday! Cheery wave from Bev

B J Elder said...

I'd love to win your 'sample' - it's really cute, that is if Ollie can bear to part with it.

marie said...

Would love to win your sample. Yikes, your stitching even looks good on the reverse side.

Susannah said...

Hi Kaaren, Please enter me in your give away. So nice of you to offer it. Ollie is so cute. I love his ears. Wish I could babysit!

Robin C said...

Kaaren,
you just come up with such neat ideas. love this. and what can you say about Ollie, hes perfect.

Robin C said...

Kaaren,
you just come up with such neat ideas. love this. and what can you say about Ollie, hes perfect.

Jan said...

Hi cute! would love to win it. I love reading your blog and little Ollie. How could you not love that adorable face.

Jan said...

Hi cute! would love to win it. I love reading your blog and little Ollie. How could you not love that adorable face.

MoeWest said...

Hi Kaaren,
Thanks for another lovely FFF design. Please enter me in your giveaway. Ollie looks very happy to be cuddled.

Heartsdesire said...

What a sweet photo of Ollie and Mr. PQ. Training a puppy can be very time consuming, even looking after a small kitten takes lots of care and attention. Thanks for the wonderful pin cushion project. The tutorial is great and I might have time to do it, but what I would really like is to win yours! Thanks for this generous giveaway.

Darlene said...

Kaaren, this FFF is another homerun! It's aorable.

Speaking of adorable - Mr Ollie is exactly that. He looks super comfy with Mr PNQ.

gracie said...

Once again there is a fun pattern from you. I can not wait to stitch this one! Thank you for sharing your talents. Ollie has one of the sweetest faces!

gracie said...

Once again there is a fun pattern from you. I can not wait to stitch this one! Thank you for sharing your talents. Ollie has one of the sweetest faces!

Joan said...

What a lovely project! It's at the top of my list. Thank you for sharing and the generous giveaway. I'd love to win. And yes, your little Ollie is sooo sweet! Have a good weekend!

Unknown said...

Kaaren, what a fun fall pincushion. Making a couple of these will keep me busy with my other quilting until Dec. Now that is such a darling photo of Ollie in Mr. PQ's arms. Thank you so very much for all the FFF you have so generously given us. Anne in Colorado sewanne@comcast.net

Lynn said...

What a terrific new project! As always thanks for sharing so generously. Ollie is so adorable, constant cuddling is definitely in order.

Mary said...

Once again you have an awesome project!. Your are so talented. Thank you for sharing, Ollie is looking so cute!

Kathy MacKie said...

Someone sure looks cute in MR. Painted Quilt's arms, almost as cute as your FFF and giveaway, thanks.

Beverley said...

That's a lovely pin cushion Kaaren. Thanks for the chance of winning it.
Bev in Britain

Teresa F. said...

Thank you so much Kaaren for sharing another great project with us. I love pincushions and that will be the second I make using your beautiful patterns.
Ollie is looking more beautiful each day.I'd love to cuddle him,too.
Hugs,
Teresa

Terri in BC said...

Very cute! I can also see this made up in a cute red pin dot, to look like a strawberry. Thanks for sharing!

suz said...

I love this pincushion! Thank you so much for designing this for us. Ollie is looking adorable and I'm sure he's a handful right now.

Carol said...

This pin cushion is adorable, just like all your other designs. So unusual and will make great gifts! Thanks so much for sharing your talents! The photos were a great addition as well, especially for this particular project.

Anne-Marie said...

Such a generous offer....thank you! Would you believe I've never had or made a pincushion?...nope...never did, but your instructions are so clear, and the design is adorable, so if I'm not picked, I'll have to bite the bullet and make one...hahaaa!
That ikkle guy is growin' so fast....he's a heartbreaker!

Patty C. said...

Such a great freebie - i would be honored to have your sample in my stitching basket!
Have a great weekend!

Ali said...

Thanks for the great tutorial. I'd love to be included in your give away. Ollie is just so cute. Have a lovely weekend. Ali x

wendy@iqlt said...

I love the pin cushion. You have been so generous to all of us over the years. I would love to win it.
Love your puppy, keeping him first is your top priority.

Hardin County Keepsakes said...

Ollie is precious. I would love to win the pin cushion.
judy j
jaques@wmtel.net

SueB said...

Ollie is just a doll or maybe a dude. LOL would love to play with him. Love the pin cushion pattern and I would just love to win it because you made it.. Thanks for the chance.

Allie said...

Kaaren, you amaze me - how do you keep coming up with such darling things! I love this so much, thank you! And yes, I would love to win your sample!

Janet said...

Absolutely darling pincushion and would be in seventh heaven to win the designer's sample! Love your blog and feel like I know you personally. Mr. PQ and Ollie look like a match. Thanks for sharing and my email is sunflower2x@gmail.com. Have a great weekend - I can feel Fall is in the air.

Monica said...

Does the puppy come with the pincushion? No? Well even without the puppy I'd still love to win the pincushion. Thank you for yet another beautiful project.

Lynn S said...

Ollie is wonderful! Will you give him a hug for me? Thanks for the lovely pattern. I so enjoy following your updates and news!

Mandy Currie said...

Hello Kaaren, I love your little autumn pincushion and would love to win it. Thank you for the opportunity. I know just how hard and time consuming training a puppy can be,but my little boy is two years old now. He's jealous of my computer in the evenings and insists on sitting between us which leaves me stretched at an angle lol. He's just lovely. Your little Ollie is really cute. So much love in one little fur ball. Kind Regards Mandy Currie(mandycurrie@googlemail.com)

PJ said...

Boy oh boy wouldn't I love to win your pincushion. Thanks for the great FFF you have made and shared with us. I'll miss them but understand about training a new little puppy. Looking forward to December.

barb's creations said...

Yes Ollie does look lovely snuggled up with Mr.painted quilt....thanks for the chance to win your lovely pincushion but just in case I don't win I'm off to download the pattern and have a go at making it myself :) Barb.

tink's mom said...

Would so love an opportunity to win one of your creations.
And oh my, he is just a cutie pie.

Judy B. said...

Ollie is adorable. Am going to download your pattern and will make a couple for friends. Thanks so much for doing this.

Unknown said...

Hi Kaaren,
I love the pincushion and would love to win it.
Thank you for sharing your projects.
I think the stitchery would also look very nice on a pillow.
Enjoy your time with Ollie, he is very cute.
Maria K

Heide said...

Kaaren, I love your projects! And totally support FFF quarterly projects. (With the extra time, maybe I'll finish one? wink wink) Your puppy is so precious! I would love to give him a hug...

Gail said...

Hi Karen,
I love the color green used and the leaves for the top of the pincushion.

I'd like to ask you a question about your drawing and embroidery--do you use a lightbox to trace designs onto fabric? I'm thinking of purchasing one and wonder if you have any recommendations.

Thanks,
Gail

P.S. Love seeing the pics of Ollie--he's growing so fast.

Patty said...

Very cute the puppy too! :^)

Shebandowan said...

Thank you for the chance to win your pincushion. Love your little dog.

Janet

Jane said...

Thanks for the Friday Freebie Kaaren! Adorable as usual! I would love the chance to win your sample. :)
Ollie is sooooooooo cute!!!!! Good luck with the training.
Jane

Patty said...

I would love to be the winner of your wonderful stitching. Training up a new pet is hard, I have my daughters cat and he is having to learn our rules. LOL

hennies.pennies said...

So sweet... and I'm not just talking about the pincushion! I'd love me very own little Ollie to cuddle with!! Thank you so much for the pattern. Be especially blessed, Kathy

Patti L. said...

Autumn is my favorite time of year. Your pincushion is just the best and I would love to have it sitting in my sewing room.As always, thank you for all you give us! You are most generous. Keep sending pics of your amazing home and Ollie. Kaaren, he is just the cutest!
plautumn@yahoo.com

Crystal said...

Thank you so much for a chance to win. Please enter my name in your drawing.

Ramona said...

I love your pincushion and look forward to making one. I would be honored to win yours! Little Ollie is so darn cute and certainly deserves all your love and attention.

Ramona said...

I love your pincushion and look forward to making one. I would be honored to win yours! Little Ollie is so darn cute and certainly deserves all your love and attention.

quiltgrammy said...

Yes, Ollie is adorable!!
Thanks for another great project, Autumn is my favorite season and your pincushion shows many of my favorite things about the season. Would love to have your cushion in my home, thanks for the chance.

Stitched With Prayer said...

Hi Kaaren, thank you so very much for this wonderful free design. I think even "I" can do this, LOL. I'm going to get started on it tomorrow because it is just to much fun to wait on. I'm thinking they will make super gifts too. I'm also thinking this pin cushion would be way fun with a little Christmas design and another with a Spring design...Seasonal pin cushions...what fun we could have with them. Thanks again so much for your generosity. Big Hugs coming your way, and would you give that adorable Ollie a little snuggle and scratch for me?

Pam in IL said...

Thank you for the cute pincushion.

Little Ollie is so expressive. I love snuggling with little furbabies.

Unknown said...

I'm gonna try this again, (thunder & lightening storm, keep loosing internet.
It is a charming project and I would love to win it! But most important,the fact that you are sharing with us so we can make & share them with others. (Perfect gift for the young ladies here in Mexico that are just learning to sew.
Three hours later(powers back on)

Thank you for the chance to win.
Marj in Mexico

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Your pin cushion is so cute as is Ollie....of course. Hope you are doing well.

JLL24 said...

Thanks for the cute freebie today. But, really, at this point if I could see a pic of that little cutie pie Ollie every week, well that is enough for me. Give him a snuggle.

Kathy in GA said...

Kaaren, I'd LOVE to win your pincushion! I'd love to be able to give Ollie a big cuddle as well, he is just tooooo darned cute! Thank you for the pattern, and the chance to win a Kaaren original!
Kathy O in GA
Ksoppelt at aol dot com

Vicki said...

Hi Kaaren, I would be honoured to own something made by your hands. Your work is so beautiful. Ollie is so cute. You are a very lucky mum to have such a lovely little boy. Vicki vickilorraine at hotmail dot com

Colleen said...

Thank you so much for the darling FFF pattern. It is the cutest thing I have seen lately. The photos are great too! Have fun with Ollie...he is too cute!

Sue said...

This is adorable! I'd love to make one and would sure love to win one!

JudyCinNC said...

Well, of course put my name in ... what a wonderful little pincushion you have created. Keep the Ollie pictures coming as I am so tempted to take the leap - while we still have our little Casey girl(14 yo), I cannot imagine not having a dog in our lives. Hugs to you Judy C in NC

Linda said...

Your monthly FFF will surely be missed. But I know that it is very time consuming to have a wee pup and and keep up with daily routines. We thank you for sharing you beautiful talents with us all. Yes Ollie is getting bigger.

Anonymous said...

But of course! I'd love to win your sample!!!!

Joy Burkhart said...

Hey Kaaren!
Ollie is so precious! He certainly isn't lacking for love! I'm so glad you both have him.
Would love to win your sample pincushion, too.
Take care of yourselves!
xoxo
Joy

Luann said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Luann said...

This is a really fun pincushion - really puts you in the mood for the upcoming fall season. I'd love to win this one!

usagypsy said...

Love this pattern! And love the puppy! So cute! Thanks!

Karin på Ösäter said...

Ollie is a real darling!
I would love to win this beautiful pincushion, and thanks for the FFF.
I wish you a lovely autumn with many beautiful colours.

Hugs from Sweden

Karin på Ösäter

Jane S. said...

Thank you for the pincushion pattern! I have some overdyed thread in autumn colors that will be perfect for this project.

Ollie is a little sweetheart. :)

Kate said...

Love the pincushion pattern. Please enter me in your drawing.
crzyprplmom at yahoo dot com

Janet said...

This is just gorgeous!! Id live to win it. I'm amazed you have any time to stitch with a puppy prancing about! I remember those days and I'm glad my digs are older and calmer, lol! Have fun with your baby.
Janetlarn@yahoo.com

Carrie P. said...

Oh, your pup is definitely precious.
thanks for the FFF. I would love to win yours.

Gloria said...

Kaaren, I would be honored to win your sweet pincushion!!

And you already know I'm in love with Ollie!! I always look forward to a new "Ollie" picture with your newest blog!! :)

Unknown said...

Who wouldn't want to win one of your samples? I certainly would be thrilled to. You did such a complete job on your tutorial that I will plan to make one for a friend and hope you'll send me your sample; otherwise, I'll make two! Thank you for being so giving.

Sandy said...

Your sample is darling...thanks for the chance to win. I love the pattern and as always thank you for your generosity! Good luck with the continuing training...he's a doll!

Janet said...

Thank you for another great project. Looks like I'm not the only one who would love to win this. Just to make sure you have my email lteel1@cox.net. I will miss your FFF but family comes first and puppies do require a lot of time and training. Janet

Terry said...

Oh this is so sweet! I'll definitely be making a few of these! Thank you for the pattern and thanks for the chance to win the one you made! :0)

Karen L. said...

Of course I would love to be in the drawing for the pin cushion. Who wouldn't? Even if I don't win, I can at least use your tutorial and patterns to make on for myself and other friends. Thanks for that. But more importantly .... what a sweet faced puppy Ollie is!!!

edyB said...

Thanks for another wonderful project and a chance to receive a piece made by you!
Little Ollie just continues to be the cutest little fellow. Smooch!

Kerry said...

What a lovely project to stitch for myself and for a gift. Thanks very much for the giveaway.

Jenny's Place Online said...

FFF or not, I'm always happy to visit your blog :) Happy crafting, Jenny

Anonymous said...

Your words on puppy training are oh so true. The thing is not many of us are willing to write it down and then adjust our lives to proper puppy training. My puppies are six years old and I know when I am 75 it is highly unlikely that I will have what it takes to train puppies AGAIN. So I enjoy the here and now.

Shari said...

This is really lovely. Your Ollie is adorable. I'm glad you throw pictures of him in.

Siobhán said...

Oh my gosh!!! You kill me with that last photo! Ollie is just adorable. Give him some cuddles for me!

I love your FFF design! No need to explain why you're cutting back, I think you've been incredibly generous with your designs.

Pat said...

Little Ollie has stolen all of our hearts I think!! And it is obvious he has the two of you right where he wants you:o)

Your Fall pincushion offering is just perfect. Thank you for making this available.

Unknown said...

Thank you very much for your all cute FFF. I read with pleasure your blog since a few months. I hope you're fine. Have a nice week!
Greetings from Avignon (south of France)

Sew Create It - Jane said...

Oh Ollie is just so adorable! Looks very content too!

asteride said...

Love this pincushion and even if I'm not so good I could try to make it. What about filling it with sand?

Elinor said...

Love this FFF, Kaaren ! Many thanks for sharing it with us.
Adorable Ollie ! Love him, too ! ;-)
Big hugs from France,
Sylvie

Unknown said...

Thank you very much for the free pattern and tuto. Very cute pincushion.