:: 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

[María Estela]

Muy bonito acerico.Gracias!

[Avon B]

Hey I also got married Aug 25th. I love the pin cushion. Thanks

[carol broughton]

Great project, thank you!

[julie love]

Super cute pincushion - thanks so much! julie stchsluv@aol.com

[Judy B]

Pincushions are one of my favorite sewing accessories - thanks for the great pattern!

[Mary on Lake Pulaski]

I have just the perfect wool to make this project. Thank you for the pattern.

[Carlie]

I love your pins and needles design and your fall quilts are terrific. I have really enjoyed the blog hop.

[Kristi Castanette]

Thank you for the great wool pattern. I'm just starting to work with wool, so this will be a great pattern to try.

[patty 1]

The stem idea is great, but now I want to redo some of the completed parts of my current project. Oh well, long term...

[Kari]

This was fun! Thanks for the pattern. Cute pic of you and your hubby on your wedding day. You both look so happy then and now!

[Kim P.]

What a cute pincushion and needle holder project--I really love the idea of an attached needle holder. This is definitely a project I need to make, especially since I love to play with wool. Thanks!

[Kay R Conger]

Thank you. I am not very savvy as far as navigating all the sites but have enjoyed it never the less. I love your wool design, thank you for sharing.

[Kimberly Burke]

Thank you so much for the wool project! I am new to wool applique and am really enjoying it! Thanks again!

[Pat]

Really cute fall pattern. Thanks

[Sharon]

Fantastic pattern, thankyou so much!

[Colleen]

I had no problem getting the pattern and I thought it was so cute. I figured I'd make it as a tabletopper because my grandaughter seems to love those. She is only three so I love it that she likes what I do.

[Doris]

Your pincushion is so adorable! Thank you for sharing it and your story! Almost time to wish you two a very Happy Anniversary!

[Sandi Smith]

Thanks for the needles & pins. I was wanting a small project to play with some of my wool "collection." Sharon, at The Country Spool referred you & do I appreciate her for that. I love your site!
Sandi from NC

[Ruth Hawley]

Terri, I just finished my pins and needles pin cushion. It is so adorable. This blog hop has been great. Thanks for the opportunity.

[Terry B]

Thanks for the pin cushion pattern. Another little project to get started on! Haven't really worked with wools before, but with all the blog hopping patterns looks like I will be giving it a try!

[corinne]

I collect pin cushions so I will be making this one for me..You have great stuff, patterns and fabric. Thanks for the fall-o-ween blog
demoncori@aol.com

[Debbie]

Thanks for sharing your sweet pattern.

[Amy in Eau Claire]

Oh my. . . I think your project is my new favorite. Hope I'm not too late to enter for the grand prize. We were hiking the Great Smoky Mtns - no where near a computer. Love all of the detail you've added to the wool!

[Martha Couturier-Coleman]

It was definitely an uplifter to my day-I love the rich fall colors!! thank you, thank you, thankyou!!

and thank you for reminding me of our wedding-in the 80's - it was a beautiful day to remember!

[marilia salomao]

I love your jobs.

[Tempus fugit]

I love this project, thank you so much !
Anne from France

[Sue]

This is a really cute project. We Re getting ready to have a pincushion swap. Perfect.

[Judy]

Thank you for sharing the pattern. It is something I would like to try.

[Stephanie Tabares]

Thank you for the project,love to make pincushions, can't wait to try it.