:: 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

[carlasuewho]

Great post! I love working with wool in the fall and your projects are adorable.

[Diana]

This poject may give me the incentive to try a wool project, how cute

[Nancy Sue Phillips]

Happy 25th Anniversary (early)! That is awesome. Thank you for sharing your pattern and participating in the blog hop!
nsue21702 at gmail dot com

[Marg]

I love the Pins & Needles cushion, it is adorable. I'll have to check out your books too!

[Susan J.]

Thanks for the beautiful pattern.

[Jenny Matlock]

Really, really cute. I'm getting more and more intrigued about trying some projects with wool...perhaps starting from felting some old sweaters.

I love the whimsical quality of your project.

You have such fun creative vision.

[Amanda P]

What a great project - thanks for your generosity!

[Cory]

What a cute pin cushion and needle keeper. Thank you for sharing with us. Take care and God bless, cory

[Sandy Narayan]

What an adorable pincushion! I want to make one of these for sure. Now, I just need to get out there and get some wool!=)

[Sue H]

Very cute!

[Joan Pinto Rodriguez]

Darling little project, I'd like to replace my homspun fabrics and flannel instead of wool. Know just the person to make this for, thanks for sharing...jpr

[Michelle]

Very cute project! Thank you!

[Trina Christenson]

Cute wool project. Will go great in my pincushion collection. Can't wait to get started on it.

[Trina Christenson]

Love this woolie pincushion. Will go great in my pincushion collection! Thanks for sharing this adorable pattern.

[Sheryn]

Thanks so much for the VERY cute pincushions and needlecase patterns. It will be alot of fun to make.

[Jeanne]

Thank you for the cute wool pincushion. You have inspired me to try my hand with wool. Thank you for the pattern.

[Kim Juilfs]

Thanks for the great wool pattern.

[Busy Little Quilter]

I love this! I, too, need to try wool. You make it look so easy to work with. Thanks for the tutorial and sharing it with us.

I have enjoyed reading your blog everyday. Your family is so fun!

[Marie]

This pattern is such a clever idea! Thanks for sharing your creativity.

[mary beth]

Fall weddigns are fabulous! and What a cute project!

[linda]

great pillow and pin keep. thanks..

[Kim]

This is so much fun!

[Texana]

I've never tried wool, but this is so cute, I may just have to!

[Gladys]

Muchas Gracias!!! Por este precioso diseño y por brindarnos la chance de participar de este maravilloso "SALTO BLOG"! Un abrazo!
GOOGLE TRADUCTOR: "Thank you very much! This beautiful design and for giving us the chance to participate in this wonderful "JUMP BLOG! A hug!"

[Kathy]

Great pincushion - thanks for the pattern!

[Jennifer]

Thanks for the cute pattern!

[Jen]

Cute pincushion! Thanks for sharing and happy (early) anniversary!

[Ming]

Great project. Thanks for the ideas during the blog hop.

[Mary]

What a great idea! It is so cute!

Happy upcoming anniversary!

[Rose]

Thank you for the wool pincushion. It would make a great gift except that I think I would like it for myself!lol

[Kara]

Beautiful project! Thanks!

[Nicole]

I must get some wool and make your project. I have been seeing such lovely things made with wool applique and am late to the party for sure!

[griselda]

hola muy bonito el proyecto sobre todo los colores, abrazos

[Claudia]

Love it. Thank you

[Claudia]

Thanks so lmuch for the fun project. I love it!

[Lynda Milligan]

Great job, fun projects from everyone!

[Karen Sikes]

thanks so much for the pattern, love the hop

[Irma M. Jesop]

Thank you for sharing such a cute pattern. Happy Fall!

[Susan]

Great project - thanks!

[Polly]

Wondertful blog hop and givaway! Thanks for doing this for us all! YOU ROCK! Polly

[Trina Christenson]

Love that wool! Cool project. Thanks for sharing with us.

[Melissa]

I'm late on this, my life got complicated for a few days but I'm catching up today! Love your pincushion and so glad to get to know you via this blog hop! Happy A'day , happy life ahead as well!

[Brenda Wiseman]

Wonderful pincushion. As far as I'm concerned, you can't have too many! I splurged on the super thin glass topped pins, so am keeping those in their very own pincushion.

b/

[Teresa]

Great project...it's so cute! And who doesn't need a new pin cushion...or three!

~Teresa

[Beverly]

Thank you for your cute wool pattern! Also, I enjoyed looking through your quilt pictures---very nice!!
Thank you again,
Beverly in WA

[Edna]

I really, really need to try wool applique! Thanks for the pattern!

[AshleyG]

Alright all you ladies are using wool so I guess I better add it to my repertoire. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your upcoming anniversary!

[Marsa]

What a sweet project! I love it. Thanks so much for sharing!
Marsha

[Gloria J W]

YOU design for Red Rooster.... that has to be my most favourite fabric line!!! I love you already!!! Thank you for the pattern for the lovely pins and needle pillow. I've never worked with wool, as it's so hot here.. no winter to speak of.. but this is all going to change. Starting with this darling project. I'm having a great time hopping along all you talented ladies blogs. Thank you and rainbow smiles from sunny Queensland, Australia

[Ilona]

oh well... you guys got me lost on the blog frogging! I know I left you a comment somewhere!! but, anyhoo... love your work and xs a bunch for the pattern!