:: 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.

.

.

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....

.

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

[Katie Zenk]

Great Project! I know at least one person who'll be making one of these cuties!

[Moneik Stephens]

Love the little pin cushion. Super cute.

[Deb C]

I am itching to try my hand at wool applique. Thanks for the project.

[Diane Halstenson]

Absolutely fantastic. This hop has certainly convinced me I need to try some wool projects. Pefect accent pillow!
Diane

[Deserae Fiedler]

I love your puncushion project! :)

[Pam E.]

Very cute project. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[Denise Flanagan]

Thanks for the fun project.

[Jenice]

Thank you so much for the pattern

[Deb Worthman]

Great project. Love your patterns.

[Peggy W.]

Cute pattern. Thanks for sharing it with us and this great blog hop.

[Debbie]

I am definitely going to have to try a wool project after seeing your cute pincushion project.

Thanks for sharing the pattern.

[Wendy]

Thank you so very much for this wonderful pins and needles pattern. Beautiful in the warm wools!

[Patty V]

thanks for the adorable pin cushion pattern.

[Jean]

I love this project. Hope I have time to make several. I can think of a few friends that would be thrilled to have these. THANKS

[Diane F]

WAHHHHH, I don't have any wool for these great projects.

[Lola]

Love this pin cushie!!Enjoyed all your pics of special gatherings.The wedding one is wonderful! Your fellas are cuties!
Thanks for the fun!

[Pálína Björg Snorradóttir]

You can never have too many pincushions! This one looks beautiful :)

[Jackie Hicks]

Very cute - thanks for sharing

[Kay]

Thanks for the pattern. I love workig with wool & this looks like a fairly easy one get done before fall is over.

[Kelly Wenhold]

cute projects - who doesn't love a fall wool project!

[Jackie Roisler]

Ahhh, I really enjoyed your family photos~~especially your wedding 'gathering'!
I just finished downloading your too-cute wool patterns (yep, it works!). Thank you & I hope you have a cozzy Fall.

[Sandra H]

Wonderful family, and thanks for sharing the
pictures. Great wool project

[Teresa]

Love your wool project. I haven't done anything in wool, but this has me thinking I will.

[Jessica]

So cute...loving the wool projects...not worked with it before, but sure looks fun!! :) Thank you.

[Jennifer]

I love this! Thank you so much!

[Patty Nordahl]

Cute project I down loaded it and hope to get to it over the weekend. Thanks for the time you spend on your blog and all the info you pass on.

[Stacy Kraft]

What a clever idea...I love how the needles are buttoned to the pins.

[teresamnj]

This is so darn cute! Love it! Thank you.

[Tami in tucson]

Hi great idea - my mom just started doing a lot more hand work - this would be great to make for a "Christmas" gift - yes its that time a coming -and as simple as it looks - i better get started now. i have been trying to keep up with everyone -but have tried repeatedly to post on karis - the new leaf stitches blog and as soon as i hit the comments - it gets rid of the link and doesnt get me anywhere to leave a post??? not sure what t do -was hoping - i couild be in the running - sometimes it will even lock up my computer -anyway HELP - is i guess what im saying. but great post - im enjoying reading about wveryones traditions a lot - this mighjt be my fav su\bject thus far! - though i liked color a lo9t too - hello - we are fabric freaks_ right -we better like color!

Tami in Tucson

[NancyB]

Thanks for the pattern. I love to make pincushions.

[Lois Rogness]

Great Pattern!

[Rana]

Great project. And wedding photo! Thanks for sharing.

[Rose]

As anticipated, your pin/needle cushion is adorable. Look forward to making it. And I agree with you -- wear those sandles as long as you can!

[Jeanne H]

Thank you for the wool project. Wool has become my evening project to work on in front of the T.V.

[Marsa]

Love wool projects! Thanks so much.
Marsha

[Marsa]

Thanks so much for the great project! And the tips! Love wool projects!
Marsha

[Cindy]

Great pattern! Thanks!

[Billie K]

Great project!

Thanks,

Billie

[Carmen]

That pumpkin pillow is so cute!

[JoAnne]

I have been itching to do a little wool project, and this pin cushion is just the thing. Thanks.

[Pam]

Thank you so much for such a sweet project!!

[Karen]

Thanks so much for the adorable pin cushion and needle holder pattern. They're great!

[Jacquie B]

I didn't have a chance to check out the daily fun until today.... We had early Thanksgiving so we were a tad bit busy yesterday! I love the pincushion! Thanks for sharing!!!

[Brenda Wilder]

Really cute wool project! Thanks.

[Kathy]

Absolutely adorable!!!!!

[Amy V]

Thank you for the cute pattern.

[Stephanie D]

Very cute pattern. And an early Happy Anniversary to you!

[Winona]

Happy anniversary to you and your husband. I hope you have a good day. I love the little woolie project. Thanks for sharing. Winona

[PeachRainbow]

It looks so unique and lovely!
thanks for sharing!

[Linda]

Such a sweet little pin cushion. Yes, maybe too sweet to have pins poked in it. I would use it for "good" at fall, my favorite time of year.