Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Ramblings...

The second batch of Snow Days patterns were sent out yesterday.  

Because of the overwhelming response, I ran out of the first batch that I had printed so I called the printer on Friday to ask that he print up a second run. As soon as he called yesterday to say that they were ready, Mr. Painted Quilt and I went to town to pick them up, brought them home and immediately started to assemble the packets.
A short while later we delivered them to the Post Mistress at our local, very tiny post office but they won't be sent out until today because...
We were too late for yesterday's pick up which happens to be at 2 p.m.

Who knew?  *sigh*

If you'd like to order your personal copy, they're available again in my Etsy shop HERE.



In the meantime, I finished my wool crazy needlecase.  I absolutely LOVE working on these and to watch them take on their own personality as I add each new element.

Here is what it looks like when it's fully open.
In the true crazy quilt style, anything goes when it comes to fabric choices and embellishments.  

Virtually all of the Victorian crazy quilts that I have seen have some kind of bug or flying creature depicted on them so in keeping with the tradition, I added some bumble bees, a spider spinning it's web and a couple of lady bugs for good luck. And there's a rooster as well whose main job is to keep the bugs in check, of course.

This is what the inside looks like with three pockets to hold sewing needfuls and a needle and pin keep at the top.
The next few pictures show how it looks as it is folded up.

The back when it is completely folded.
And the front, when folded.
I could have kept on going but decided that I had to stop somewhere!  

Now I'm faced with the decision of should I sell it or should I add it to my ever-growing needlecase collection?


Happy stitching!

36 comments:

annie said...

so great for you, making a second run! congratulations!
I love your needlecase, all the elements you added, but I think I like the rooster best! I honestly don't know how you could part with it, but you could probably sell it very easily! hope you have a wonderful week!

Teresa said...

You did a fantastic job on this needle keep. Lots of fun things to oooooh and ahhhhh over!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Congratulations on your pattern doing so well! Oh, I wish I could work with wool, this is so fun and interesting a little piece - a mini work of art.

Anonymous said...

Now that is so incredible cute :)
I thin postal services is as bad anywhere nowadays, here we don't get the mail until round 2.30-3.00pm and the yellow mailboxes are emptied before 2pm. Blaha.

Treasures by Louise said...

Congrats on selling out the first run of your pattern! I love the needlecase. Perhaps you will consider making a pattern for the needlecase available for sale!

Margs Primitive Quilts said...

Congratulations! Sold Out! Good for you!
The needlecase is gorgeous!You have a keen eye for detail. It shows up on everything you do.I LoVe all the color you used in it.

Karen said...

The bugs are what caught my eye when I first viewed the crazy quilt needle case. I think a spider web belongs on a crazy quilt. So many had them. Good finish. Your piece should fetch a good price and then you can make a second, then a third and on and on.

Maggey and Jim said...

I love it, the colors are so happy and you design is awesome. I made a needle case from Sue Spargo years ago and I use it all the time, they are treasures to keep.
Maggey

Emma's Daughter said...

I adore your needle case! Rcoyle at olemiss dot edu

roccagal said...

ooh that is really lovely Kaaren!
such a talent and a good eye! LUV IT!

Missy Shay said...

What a wonderful idea, it is so pretty!

WoolenSails said...

Congratulations on the sales of your new pattern. Love your crazy quilting, really nice idea for presents.

Debbie

gracie said...

I could never part with it...how about selling the idea/pattern plans? That way, those of us who are not so creative can make one. I have so enjoyed making up you FF-patterns....I would certainly pay for this pattern.

Sara said...

Wow! That needle case is beautiful. I've always liked the crazy quilt look and you captured that here. Wonderful job!

Me and My Stitches said...

I absolutely love your needle case and all of the "crazy" things you make. Just amazing! Congrats on another great pattern - not a surprise that it's so popular!

Janet O. said...

Oh, what a delightful piece! So creative and fun. Would it make you sorry if you didn't keep it?
Congrats on great pattern sales!!

marie said...

The needle case is fantastic. Love the rooster. A fun project to work on watching TV or riding in the car.

Bev said...

Your needlecase is AMAZING! I just love it! Congrats on the pattern sales...I'm not too surprised though. Love everything you do! XO

Heartsdesire said...

The needle case is fantastic. Love the crazy quilt style of it. So much work, I don't think I would be able to sell it. Although, you seem to be enjoying the process so if you part with this one, you can always make another. Your new pattern is lovely, glad you're having such great success with it.

Tina said...

I think you should sell it….TO ME!!!!! I just love it!! If you decide to keep it, will you sell a pattern of just how you made this amazing needle case?? I truly do love it and would buy either it, or a pattern in a heartbeat!

heather said...

Yes ! Please sell a pattern for the needle case ! Your work is so beautiful ! Only way I would come close is to use your pattern !

Sheila said...

Your needlecase is simply beautiful , love everything about it ! Congrats on the second run for your pattern !

Sandi said...

Kaaren, your needle case looks wonderful. It is hard to tell with photos but what are the dimensions and what are you storing I the little pockets?

Continued success on your oattern sales, how wonderful to have to have a second printing..you go girl!

Susan Kane said...

What a clever idea! That sewing supplies saver really is darling.

Taryn said...

Let me chime in congratulating you on selling your new pattern. I love the blue and white. And your needle keep...drool!

tante aimée said...

superbe ton pique aiguilles !!!
belle journée

Emilou said...

I love your little needle keep. Whatever you do it will have a good home. Thanks for sharing. Blessings and smiles, Emilou :-)

Elizabeth said...

I do love your designs, especially your needle keep. You have such wonderful ideas, the Victorians would love your colours and ideas - maybe a kit of your needle keep....? Congratulations of the success of your quilt pattern.

margaret said...

love the needlecase, so many things to see and admire on it.

Good news about your pattern I am not surprised it is so popular it is eyecatching

JudyCinNC said...

Justification and reasoning are just not necessary with something that cute. Of course, you keep the first one - then you make another, since you love making them, and you sell the second one, unless it turns out cuter than the first. Easy Peasy You are so creative and inspiring to all of us. Judy C in NC

Maxine said...

Definitely keep it, it's so beautiful and unique !!!!
We can always beg you for a pattern. LOL

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

Your needle case is a work of art unto itself; very vibrant and so clever and creative! The pattern is just superb.

Karen in Breezy Point said...

Your needle case is the prettiest wool craziness I have ever seen--LOVE it!!! I know if it were mine I could never let it go-use it and enjoy it!

Miss Jean said...

A question from a previous post. What size blocks did you use to end up with a 12 1/2" disappearing pinwheel block? I'm doing an exchange with my guild and it would be perfect.

Jason said...

Very cool.

Anonymous said...

WOW Kaaren, it's GORGEOUS and I LOVE it to bits.. that spider is too cute!! Isn't it fun working with wool, there's something very appealing and tactile about it.. can't beat wool applique it's so much fun to do. I agree with you, when you're working with wool you just don't want to put it down.. it's very rewarding :)) cheers... Marian