:: free project day ::

7: 30 am.... If you had problems downloading the file, I think I may have fixed it, so after refreshing your screen, try again!

12:00 pm.... It seems that some of you are still having a problem with the download, so I've tried a different method and am hoping that it works.....

It's my day!!!  My day to share a free project with you!

But for those of you who don't know me, let me introduce myself....

Although I am sometimes known simply as "the whimsicals lady", really I am Terri Degenkolb and this is my husband Tom.  And if you've been following this blog hop, you've seen lots of pictures of my kids when they were young, but this is what they look like now. 

Our oldest son is attending Indiana University and the youngest is a senior in high school.  I started this business 14 years ago in order to stay at home with them, and never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would be able to do it for this long and be doing what I am doing today. 

And what is it that I do?  I self publish my own quilt books and patterns, and design quilt fabric for Red Rooster Fabrics.  I recently got the fabric for my 12th line with Red Rooster and am working on book number 20, in hopes of having something ready for Fall Quilt Market at the end of October. 

But you didn't really come here today to read all about me, I know. 

What you really came for was the free project!  And you've been waiting on pins and needles, right?!

I really wanted to do something out of wool, since you know, it is fall and everything.  And this gave me a chance to use some of those wool threads that I showed you in my post on COLOR.  So, this is what I did for you.....

I've called this "On Pins and Needles" and it is a large wool pincushion (4" x 8") that I've filled with sand, and attached a little wool needle keeper.  Even if you don't want to use it as a pincushion, it would make a great paper weight or decoration for your end table.  And the leafy needle keeper is held on simply by a wool button loop on a shank button, so it's removable to allow you to take it with you. 

You can download the pattern here:   Download OnPinsNeedles

I used wool thread on the pincushion, but because I didn't want the stitches to show on the needle keeper, I used cotton quilting thread on it.  When I work with wool, I prefer a whip stitch around the edge.  This is done simply by inserting the needle from the back to the front with each stitch.

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For the stems, I used a technique from one of my favorite designers, Maggie Bonanomi.  They are simply rectangles of wool rolled up and stitched along the edge, but I love the dimension that they add.

And in addition to the whip stitch edge, the only other stitch I used was a stem stitch.  I like this stitch for the lines on the leaves and the pumpkin because it is a bit heavier and thicker.

Here are a few more close ups of the finished top....

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I hope you enjoy the little project.  I would love to hear what you think! 

Don't forget to leave me a comment to get your name in the drawing for the grand prize! 

~ ~ ~ ~

Now that I have that out of the way, on to today's topic, which is "gatherings". 

I know, this is sad, but aside from the Halloween parties that we had many years ago, I don't have any great "gathering" stories. 

BUT, there was this one gathering 25 years ago.  A very IMPORTANT one that took place on October 25th in 1986.....

Yep, that's when we got married.  And it was the best gathering.  Ever.

Comments

[Deb Fox]

Thanks for the project-it's so cute-I printed it immediately-something I can actually do today!!! It was great getting to know you-love your books.

[Laura Hayward]

Thank you for the great pattern. I love reading your blog. I am glad you participated.

[Linda]

This blog hop has been so much fun - I will be sad when it is over... Thanks for this adorable project - can't wait to get started!

[Cindi P]

I absolutely love the pin cushion and am headed to the sewing room to get the material ready.

[QuiltSue]

I'm really going to have to try some woolwork, I love your pattern.

[Jan]

Thanks for all the lovely work you do! Your patterns are wonderful. I loved all the family pictures.

[Bonnie Nyquist]

No problem downloading the file,it is darling!! I will make this for sure,your close upa are so helpful!! Great job!! I agree,the best gathering was your wwedding!!! Bonnie Nyquist bonniesline at aol dot com

[Darlis Johns]

Adorable pattern. Thank you. Your "gathering" picture is adorable too.

[Pat]

I've been on a pincushion craze for a couple of weeks now, so imagine my delight when I saw your pattern. It is darling! I'll probably make it this afternoon. Pat

[Jill M in Ohio]

Great pattern! Thanks for sharing and participating in the hop!

[Melissa]

Thanks for the project Terri! It's so nice to see how in love you are with your hubbie after over 20 years. Very sweet.

[Amy Roth]

Agreed, a wedding IS the best gathering ever. Thanks so much for the pincushion pattern. I've printed it out and will do some shopping for wool. It'll make a great gift for a small exchange I participate in.

[www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawlc1o9EZpIS6duoQEXBIgyH30SKyxGCHgE]

I love the idea of a button attachment needlecase to the pin keep - very sweet.

[dianne]

my sister and her husband were married on October 25, too! but in 198 ... i always have to do the math - 0 ... yeah ... 1980 ... so this year is their 30th anniversary - and - yikes - i still haven't finished the wedding ring wall hanging that i was making for their 25th - sheesh!

[Sharrieboberry]

The pumpkin pattern is adorable. I don't doo much wool work but I love the wool you have used on this project! So, do I now add wool to my "stash"? It seems highly likely!

And the wedding picture? Adorable too!

[Megan Z.]

Thanks for the great pattern! It is really cute, and I can't wait to make it!

[Linda K]

Thanks for your pattern and the chance to win,too! Love pumpkins, love wool projects. This one is a must-do!

[Melissa]

I love the Pins and Needles Pincushion, I love your patterns and books, I love your fabric lines...
I guess you could say I'm a fan. :)
Thanks for doing this blog hop. I sure am enjoying each day's topic, and of course the free projects, too! :)

[Lisa Arndt]

I am soo glad to see another wool project. This hop keeps getting better and better!

[Sasha]

Okay- thats it!!! Now I really have to go and buy some wool! Luckily I have 5 months to do it (that comment will come back to bite me!) because I've never worked with wool before and don't have any but now I have an excuse! Thanks Terri!

[Chris G]

I am a big fan! Thanks for the adorable pincushion and needle keeper. I'm getting my wool out right now.

[AmyBB]

This is my FAVORITE project in the bunch - love it, love it, love it! I've never worked with wool, but I am so going to make this!

[Jayne]

Cute pin cushion.

[Wendy Nugent]

Happy anniversary and many more. You guys don't look old enough to have a kid in college!

[Kitty Letsch]

Thank you for the adorable pin cushion project - I hope I have as good a fabric choice as yours in my wool collection.
Kitty

[Janet]

Such a lovely fall project. Happy 25th Anniversary! Ours is October 16th, but it will be 39 years. Thank you for such a fun hop!

[Mrs. DillyDally]

I love everything pumpkin! But I don't have a pumpkin pin cushion...thank to you, I soon will! Thanks for a project that we can make in a reasonable amount of time and for sharing your talent!

[Melissa]

I love the pincushion - and thanks for the close up how-to pictures! I also love your books and fabric lines - guess you could call me a fan! :)
Thanks so much for doing this blog hop. I look forward to each day's topic and the wonderful pictures everyone is sharing. Great way to start a day! :)

[Mariliz]

Hello....thanks for sharing the pattern and your lovely wedding photo.

[Buzz]

It's cold today, so it would be great to work on this project. Thanks

[Sharon]

Thank you for this great pattern, Love it.

[Lory Wood]

Thanks for the great fall pattern to get us in the mood for the change of seasons.

[Barbara]

Thanks for the cute pincushion. Love wool projects for fall.

[ruth bryant]

Thanks for sharing. Cute pattern.

[Annette S]

Thank you for the cute pattern. I seem to be expanding into wool territory. Oh no another obsession!!!

[graciela]

Lovely pictures of your family! Thanks for sharing this cute little project!

[Claire]

Great pattern, thaks for sharing. I won't even pretend to know where it is on my 'to do' list.
Love the wedding pic. Yes,weddings are great gathering times.

[Miss Nancy]

Love this Pincushion and the attached Needle Keeper, so useful. I love the way you have used the wool. Thank you for sharing your talents.

Have a super great sewing and quilting day.

[Linda]

I love your project. Thanks for the extra hints with photos!

[Phyllis Jobe]

Thank you for the pattern. I've followed you for years and love your style. Phyllis

[Vickie W.]

This is far too cute to stick pins itahnks for the great pattern. Thanks for the hop too-such fun!

[suzy]

Love the wool project...but I'm still having problems finding the right link to download the pattern....

[Mary Ann Dove]

Love the little wool pattern. This week has been so much fun. Sorry it is over.

[Kathie L]

I agree that weddings are the best gatherings. We are about to travel to our 3rd wedding in the last three month, all former students of my husband. It is such a joy to see two people join their love and lives together. Kathie L in Allentown

[Kathy Jones]

Very cool blog and project. Thanks for sharing!

[Kristi Van Os]

It's a great project - Thanks

[Mary Jo]

What a cute pillow/pincushion! This will go into my fall display, and I may even make a pincushion and a tea towel to match! Thanks!

[Bernie]

Nice project. All these wool pumpkins....Think anyone would find it odd, if I make mine out of hot pink bamboo felt? (this Fl. girl is not so much into wool....especially when its still in the high 80's out!)

[Angie Wood]

I'm on sensory overload! I have loved everything this week from the quilts, crafts, recipes, home decor, and family pictures. You women are amazing! Be back tomorrow.

[Tressa]

So fun and cute. Thanks for sharing.