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....
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.
Great Project! I know at least one person who'll be making one of these cuties!
Posted by: Katie Zenk | October 4, 2010 at 10:32 AM
Love the little pin cushion. Super cute.
Posted by: Moneik Stephens | October 4, 2010 at 10:33 AM
I am itching to try my hand at wool applique. Thanks for the project.
Posted by: Deb C | October 4, 2010 at 10:45 AM
Absolutely fantastic. This hop has certainly convinced me I need to try some wool projects. Pefect accent pillow!
Diane
Posted by: Diane Halstenson | October 4, 2010 at 10:48 AM
I love your puncushion project! :)
Posted by: Deserae Fiedler | October 4, 2010 at 10:49 AM
Very cute project. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Posted by: Pam E. | October 4, 2010 at 11:00 AM
Thanks for the fun project.
Posted by: Denise Flanagan | October 4, 2010 at 11:01 AM
Thank you so much for the pattern
Posted by: Jenice | October 4, 2010 at 11:10 AM
Great project. Love your patterns.
Posted by: Deb Worthman | October 4, 2010 at 11:12 AM
Cute pattern. Thanks for sharing it with us and this great blog hop.
Posted by: Peggy W. | October 4, 2010 at 11:16 AM
I am definitely going to have to try a wool project after seeing your cute pincushion project.
Thanks for sharing the pattern.
Posted by: Debbie | October 4, 2010 at 11:25 AM
Thank you so very much for this wonderful pins and needles pattern. Beautiful in the warm wools!
Posted by: Wendy | October 4, 2010 at 11:26 AM
thanks for the adorable pin cushion pattern.
Posted by: Patty V | October 4, 2010 at 12:05 PM
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
Posted by: Jean | October 4, 2010 at 12:06 PM
WAHHHHH, I don't have any wool for these great projects.
Posted by: Diane F | October 4, 2010 at 12:17 PM
Love this pin cushie!!Enjoyed all your pics of special gatherings.The wedding one is wonderful! Your fellas are cuties!
Thanks for the fun!
Posted by: Lola | October 4, 2010 at 12:21 PM
You can never have too many pincushions! This one looks beautiful :)
Posted by: Pálína Björg Snorradóttir | October 4, 2010 at 12:50 PM
Very cute - thanks for sharing
Posted by: Jackie Hicks | October 4, 2010 at 12:51 PM
Thanks for the pattern. I love workig with wool & this looks like a fairly easy one get done before fall is over.
Posted by: Kay | October 4, 2010 at 01:12 PM
cute projects - who doesn't love a fall wool project!
Posted by: Kelly Wenhold | October 4, 2010 at 01:13 PM
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.
Posted by: Jackie Roisler | October 4, 2010 at 01:17 PM
Wonderful family, and thanks for sharing the
pictures. Great wool project
Posted by: Sandra H | October 4, 2010 at 01:20 PM
Love your wool project. I haven't done anything in wool, but this has me thinking I will.
Posted by: Teresa | October 4, 2010 at 01:58 PM
So cute...loving the wool projects...not worked with it before, but sure looks fun!! :) Thank you.
Posted by: Jessica | October 4, 2010 at 02:02 PM
I love this! Thank you so much!
Posted by: Jennifer | October 4, 2010 at 02:02 PM
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.
Posted by: Patty Nordahl | October 4, 2010 at 02:08 PM
What a clever idea...I love how the needles are buttoned to the pins.
Posted by: Stacy Kraft | October 4, 2010 at 02:37 PM
This is so darn cute! Love it! Thank you.
Posted by: teresamnj | October 4, 2010 at 02:48 PM
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
Posted by: Tami in tucson | October 4, 2010 at 02:53 PM
Thanks for the pattern. I love to make pincushions.
Posted by: NancyB | October 4, 2010 at 03:27 PM
Great Pattern!
Posted by: Lois Rogness | October 4, 2010 at 03:58 PM
Great project. And wedding photo! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Rana | October 4, 2010 at 04:18 PM
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!
Posted by: Rose | October 4, 2010 at 04:33 PM
Thank you for the wool project. Wool has become my evening project to work on in front of the T.V.
Posted by: Jeanne H | October 4, 2010 at 04:50 PM
Love wool projects! Thanks so much.
Marsha
Posted by: Marsa | October 4, 2010 at 04:50 PM
Thanks so much for the great project! And the tips! Love wool projects!
Marsha
Posted by: Marsa | October 4, 2010 at 04:53 PM
Great pattern! Thanks!
Posted by: Cindy | October 4, 2010 at 05:00 PM
Great project!
Thanks,
Billie
Posted by: Billie K | October 4, 2010 at 05:05 PM
That pumpkin pillow is so cute!
Posted by: Carmen | October 4, 2010 at 06:01 PM
I have been itching to do a little wool project, and this pin cushion is just the thing. Thanks.
Posted by: JoAnne | October 4, 2010 at 06:21 PM
Thank you so much for such a sweet project!!
Posted by: Pam | October 4, 2010 at 06:38 PM
Thanks so much for the adorable pin cushion and needle holder pattern. They're great!
Posted by: Karen | October 4, 2010 at 07:56 PM
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!!!
Posted by: Jacquie B | October 4, 2010 at 08:06 PM
Really cute wool project! Thanks.
Posted by: Brenda Wilder | October 4, 2010 at 09:58 PM
Absolutely adorable!!!!!
Posted by: Kathy | October 4, 2010 at 10:15 PM
Thank you for the cute pattern.
Posted by: Amy V | October 4, 2010 at 11:19 PM
Very cute pattern. And an early Happy Anniversary to you!
Posted by: Stephanie D | October 4, 2010 at 11:34 PM
Happy anniversary to you and your husband. I hope you have a good day. I love the little woolie project. Thanks for sharing. Winona
Posted by: Winona | October 4, 2010 at 11:39 PM
It looks so unique and lovely!
thanks for sharing!
Posted by: PeachRainbow | October 5, 2010 at 12:18 AM
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.
Posted by: Linda | October 5, 2010 at 01:09 AM