Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Needlebooks

Last summer, the summer of 2019, I worked on small projects most of the summer and finished up some long time waiting projects.

I hand quilted a wallhanging made from a panel called Weeds N Tweeds. I embroidered, pieced and hand quilted a small wall hanging called Miss Jane's Best. I pieced and machine quilted a small Flying Geese quilt which I had been wanting to make for years. I finished 2 small table runners called Give Thanks which also had been on the to be quilted waiting list. I pieced and machine quilted a crib quilt called Summer Sun/Spring Splash and I machine quilted my Patchwork of the Crosses which turned out to be a 6 block small quilt.

Another small project I had planned to finish were Needlebooks. If you go to the highlighted post, you'll see that it's dated October 2018. I also said in that post there were 6 more books to be made but I had run out of steam making them.

The embroidery and other pieces for these books have been laying on a tray in my sewing room ever since. Every time I see that tray I feel guilty. 

I finally finished those 6 needlebooks this week. These were made slightly differently than the first group made. I didn't use binding this time, I just sewed right sides together then turned them. 

One evening of watching TV and I had the openings stitched shut. The next day I top stitched and sewed the felted wool to the center. Now I have an empty tray and no more guilt!!


16 comments:

Created by Kathi said...

I am glad these needle books finally got finished for you (they are sew darling by the way) .. an empty cutting table for me equates to no awaiting things on my list like that empty tray does for you... will you have a retreat this fall to share these needle books with your quilty friends?? What is next on your list?? Kathi

Katie said...

They are so sweet! Good work getting them off of your conscience :)

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Your needlebooks are wonderful! I love the Gail Pan designs on the front of each one. Congratulations on getting them all finished!

Roseanne said...

Hi Gretchen! Well, aren't those just the cutest thing?!! And no more guilt is fabulous. It sounds like a win/win/win especially with a little handwork for the evening. Thanks for linking up this week. ~smile~ Roseanne

Robin said...

What sweet little books. It must feel good to have this project completed and not weighing on your shoulders anymore.

Quilting Gail said...

Love your needlebooks! They will make lovely gifts (because I'm assuming that you won't personally use ALL of them!)
It must feel fantastic to have them done! :-)

QuiltGranma said...

Love them! What sweet gifts they will make

Sherrie said...

Hi,
Congrats on all tasks done...love the Needle Books...
so pretty...have a great day!

Anorina @SameliasMum said...

These needlebooks are gorgeous. Great job on getting them all finished.

Miaismine said...

Such precious needlebooks - so much thought and time went into them! Love that hand embroidery! Thank you for sharing!

Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

They are so pretty Gretchen! It is so much fun to finish up projects! Watch out, I am going to start catching up with you - at least by Christmas 2021! LOL LOL LOL! Have a wonderful week-end. I will enjoy the frozen peas! Hugs

Susan said...

Those are absolutely adorable! They should be well cherished.

Andree G. Faubert said...

Hi Gretchen, those are really cute. I never really understood the use of needle books until I started doing embroidery with a lot of different yarns and thread. I think that I might have to make myself a couple! Thanks for sharing. Take care.

Dione Gardner-Stephen said...

So glad those needlebooks are finished and not causing you angst anymore. Funny how things like that can weigh so heavily. They are really sweet, I am sure they will bring a lot of joy when gifted. Thanks for sharing at the Chameleon's Colour & Inspiration Party!

Jennifer Fulton Inquiring Quilter said...

It must feel delicious to get those done! And so lovely too! Kudos to you. Thanks for sharing on Wednesday Wait Loss.

Turid said...

I really love your needle books.