Saturday, January 4, 2014

The calm...

After the storm.
It's difficult to determine how much snow fell because of the blizzard and gale force winds but it's estimated that about 15" fell in our area.
Because of the high winds, a lot of flooding occurred due to the surges during high tide in the low lying areas.  Thankfully we escaped without incident and we didn't lose power.

You know what that means!

Snow day = S-E-W day!  Woo hoo!



My day started by working on the French braid borders for Darlene's mystery quilt.  I figured that I'd better take advantage of the fact while we still had power so I worked on them till noon when I took a break for lunch.
Immediately after, I decided to work on my new needlecase design.  Have I ever told you how much I love making these little guys?  Probably a million times, right?  *wink*

I must have been on a roll because I finished it!  I L-O-V-E snow days where I have nothing but time to use creatively!

Here's the front of Woolly Keepings...
The inside with the top flap unfolded...
And the inside, entirely open.
And I even added a little pocket on the back.
Wool and cotton combined...mixed media from my days as an artist...my absolute favorite!

So what do you think...should I make it into a pattern, sell it or keep it and add it to my collection?


Happy stitching!

55 comments:

WoolenSails said...

I love how it looks after a snowfall and definitely a nice time to stay inside and create. Your needle keep came out beautifully and no reason why you can't make a pattern with it, nicely designed and finished.

Debbie

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Snow days, sew days! I am also making French braid quilt. Definitely make into a pattern! That little beauty is awesome, the sheep, the pocket on the back--WOW!

moosecraft said...

Hurray for not losing power during the storm! The braid is beautiful... and I love the needlebook! I vote for a pattern!

Abby and Stephanie said...

Love the button wheels! :o) Gorgeous braids. I had 2 quilts with braided borders that I did in my earlier quilting years. Braids are pretty and timeless. I thought you said Winters are mild in Nova Scotia. :o) It's been odd weather everywhere that's for sure. Happy Sewing!

Phyllis said...

Woke to snow this morning so it will be quiet here. A pattern for your darling needle keep would be lovely. Hope your day is wonderful.

Needled Mom said...

It's such a peaceful scene.

I love the needlecase. That is so cute. Your braid looks terrific too.

paulette said...

I say make a pattern...Dang sweet!! The snow not so much...but you did get a lot done!! Love those SEW DAYS!!

Colleen G said...

Firstly, I vote for writing a pattern as I would love to have such a beautiful needlecase to carry my "needful things".
So glad you came through the storm intact. What a different winter you are having! All my friends take delight in pointing out the storms, suggesting we might need to change our mind. I counter by telling them of your desire to hunker down and use the time to sew, sew, sew!

Me and My Stitches said...

It's adorable - I vote for the pattern! Your yard looks so beautiful after the snow. I love fresh fallen snow before anything or anyone ventures out into it.

Jan said...

Hi there, I just found your blog, and I love it. You and I are much alike. Whats even funnier is that I too am working on a french braid for a quilt made of Laurel Burch fabric. Yours is the third braid I have seen in three days. I guess that it is a good border to use. I am a new quilter and very much into it along with many other projects. I have sort of put my other projects on the back burner to work more with the three quilts that I am working on.
I am following you now and will enjoy keeping up with your progress as well.

Jane said...

Another awesome project!!! A pattern would be great but you know how I like adding your things to my collection *wink wink*. LOVE snow days! We are getting a crazy amount of snow for our area this year too.

Maxine said...

Kaaren the needle case is so cute, a pattern would be great. Add it to your collection you can always sell later.
We had another reminder it's winter here yesterday, and Sadie our Cairn Terrier couldn't walk outside until I cleared a path. Sure looks beautiful out there and we're cosy inside . Life is great . Have a fun day ⛄⛄

Teresa said...

Love your little needle and thread keep. I would be hard pressed to let it go!

Hardin County Keepsakes said...

What a good idea to use the aluminum disposable pans for projects. Thanks for the picture. Also does the sheep have legs? I know silly question. But if it is riding on a wagon he needs legs?LOL
We also are in the deep freeze.Not snow like you have but bitterly cold.
judy j north central Iowa

Mimi said...

Pretty to look at. We are experiencing the calm "before" the storm. It is so nice out....a whopping 28 degrees. Looking forward to 5 and 6 for the next couple of days. I am being sarcastic. I am ready for Spring. Love your little needle keeper, too.

Janet O. said...

Beautiful view, Kaaren, when you don't have to be out in it. : )
Snow days make great sew days, and you know how to make the most of them.
That is a very sweet needlecase--a pattern would be wonderful!

Unknown said...

Dear Kaaren,

we have about 10° today, too warm for january. My son is waiting for snow, but the weatherforcast says it will stay warm the next days.
I would be happy, if you make a pattern for this lovely needlebook.
Keep it, it's so nice.
Greetings Karina

marie said...

Very cute and useful. I'd say make into a pattern. We don't have snow but it was 28 and frosty/icy this morning with beautiful blue skies in OR.

Louise said...

A month or so ago I came across a French Braid flimsy I did a few years back. I think I just have to pull it out and get her finished. Mine is done in 30's reproductions with blue solid. Love the needle case and I do vote you write a pattern. Would make a lovely gift. Stay warm.

gracie said...

Seems like we all like the needle case and a pattern....it is so sweet.

Elizabeth said...

YES please make it a pattern as I'd LOVE one and I'm sure there will be many other - how about a kit too. Keep safe, stay snug and happy sewing while it's snowing.

Lynn said...

I say make it into a pattern and I'll sell them at the shop where I work in California They'll sell like hot cakes!

Jeanna said...

I love the braided border! And I adore the the needle keep...I vote for a pattern you can sell in your Etsy shop :)

barcord said...

I like the braid. I love the needle case....I vote pattern too. Keep warm, that snow looks cold and deep. xx

tink's mom said...

Lovely braid. Great use of the snow, making it a wonderful excuse to sew. I did the same here but we only got about 8 inches. But that was enough not to go out to work and stay home and quilt. The needle keep is wonderful and a pattern would be great.

Sandi said...

Lovely pictures of the snow, lucky you for not loosing power.

Your wool needle case is lovely, I can see the legs on you sheep, I think the gal thought they were part of your plaid background. I say make the oattern you can't have too many needle cases.

conny's quilts en creaties said...

A lot of snow you have there, and such a great needlekeeper (how do you call that in english?) you made, so please make a pattern of it, it is so loveley!

sunny said...

Another vote for making a pattern! How adorable. And I love Snow/Sew days too. We only got about 3" in this last storm, but it got colder than cold!!

Gayle said...

Umm..... I can't find any info about Darlene's new mystery - can you share a link please? Love the new needlecase - I vote for a pattern too!

Janet said...

I can't even imagine what it's like to live where it snows, it looks pretty in your pic. Oh gosh, the needle case is wonderful, love it.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

It's just charming and I vote a sale pattern. We are wintry snow and cold covered here, also - good indoor playtime.

Nancy in IN said...

Love the stitching needfuls
So cute. More snow on its way tonight. I guess tomorrow is a sew day.

Nancy said...

What a productive snow day. I am going to get to work tonight. Love the needle case. Soooo cute.

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

I need to make a needle case or two or three. Snow days are the best when you can stay in. Not so fun if you have to go out in it.

Glynis said...

Your needlecase is gorgeous and I think that you should sell the pattern.
Here on Vancouver Island we are having a great winter, the mountain bikers are out in full force when we are hiking up the mountain.

SharonZ said...

We're having the same weather as you down here in NY and probably only a couple less inches of snow. But we have more coming they say. Great sewing weather if we don't lose power.

Love the needle case. I suggest making it into one of your First Friday Freebies. I love all your projects.

Chris said...

Thank you for the snow! As a New Englander transplanted to Florida I can truly say I miss winter. Maybe someday..........
Your needle case is just darling. Please consider making the pattern?

Patti L. said...

Oh Kaaren….make a pattern! I would love to make this one! Thanks for sharing your snow pics. Since moving to N.M., I miss seeing the white stuff! Stay warm and cozy with lots of sewing time! Enjoy!

annie said...

I really love that border, and the needle case is wonderful! So glad your power stayed on!

margaret said...

shivering just looking at all your snow!
I am sure you would get a lot of interest in a pattern of the nedlecase

María said...

Precioso el mimicosturero!!.Besos.

María said...

Precioso el mimicosturero!!.Besos.

tante aimée said...

La neige, rien de tel pour se ressourcer et avoir l'imagination qui voyage autour de petits projets !!!
j'aime beaucoup ton étui, avec son sheep et il m'a l'air très pratique de plus !!!
Bon dimanche, big kisses !!!

Darlene said...

Brrrr - it has been cold here, but not near as cold as what you are experiencing! I've been staying inside and sewing also - a great way to spend the day.

I vote for a pattern for you to sell. I love it!

Jeanne Gwin said...

OMG it is so cold here in Missouri. I don't even know what the wind chill is but the wind is raging and blowing snow everywhere. Anyone going to the Green Bay game imho is certifiably a true fan (and a bit nuts). Kaaren, here is a plan, keep this one, make another and have a giveaway, write the pattern and sell it. That isn't asking too much is it? LOL I have to have one, they are adorable. thanks for sharing your incredible talent with us. Stay warm.

Verna G said...

Make a pattern and keep the original for your collection!!

Candace said...

I'm SO jealous of that gorgeous snowfall, Kaaren! I can only imagine you all snuggled up near the stove! Your needle case is adorable - I think it would make a great pattern.
Cheers!

Pam in IL said...

Love the needle keep and the French braid.

We're in the middle of a snowstorm with bitter cold, strong winds and blizzard conditions. We've already had about 12-15 inches of snow, but with all the drifting there are areas that are well over 3 feet.

Stay warm and cozy with your boys!

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Looks like you put your snow day to good use! Your needle case is wonderful.

Kindred Quilts said...

Pattern please!!! You could work on getting the pattern ready during the next big snowstorm.
So happy you didn't lose power... it would be terrible to be deprived of light and heat when you are working on projects!
As cold and nasty as it was, the pictures you posted are beautiful.

Robin Waggoner, Quilter and Designer said...

Kaaren, I would love a pattern. I have looked and made many of these little beauties over the years but this one looks like something that I would use constantly. I love you blog. Thanks so much.

terriquilts said...

Make a pattern - PLEASE! That's the cutest needlecase I've ever seen!

Anita said...

Oh, I love it and would like the pattern!

Unknown said...

Snow Days is a Perfect Quilt for this time of the Year and I really Love It I purchased these Fabrics back in the summer and haven't used them yet Love the idea and hope to see more of your wonderful work and want to Say Thank You for Caring and Sharing of the Wonderful Patterns

Unknown said...

I just wanted to let you know that your Snow Days Quilt is beautiful and also wanted to say Thank You for Caring and Sharing all the wonderful things that you do with us Bloggers Thank You Again for all the time that you spend!