It's been absolutely forever since I've given you any sort of tutorial so I think it's time, don't you? Last week we had our monthly little CQTeers crafting group meeting and it was my turn to play hostess. One of the duties of being hostess is to come up with some sort of 'program' which can involve learning a new technique or making something. One of our members had mentioned perhaps making a needlebook so this is the idea I came up with...
My photography skills obviously are in need of a tutorial, but you can get the idea I'm sure! Many of you could simply make your own pattern using the photo as inspiration, but here's the pattern anyway...
You will need to print the pattern to the size you require (mine ended up measuring approx. 8" x 3 1/2", but size is up to you).
SUPPLIES: pattern; three pieces of light-colored felt in the size of your pattern; freezer paper (optional); assorted embroidery floss in colors of your choice; and a piece of HeatnBond (also optional).
HOW TO: Trace the design onto freezer paper and iron onto felt (this step is optional, and you can use tissue paper instead). In order to transfer the windows, etc. pattern onto the felt it's helpful to use a needle to make a tiny hole at the outer corners and then use either a fine tip marker or pencil to mark through the holes. Then when you remove the freezer/tissue paper you can easily see the marks. Embroider as desired. If using HeatnBond, iron onto the back of the outside piece and then onto another piece of felt so that the back of your stitching is covered. Trim inner felt to match the pattern and embroider around the outside using a buttonhole stitch in a thread that matches the color of the felt closely. Cut another piece of felt into a rectangle that will fit inside the needle book for the 'pages' and stitch across the dotted line as shown in the pattern to hold in place. At this point I fold the needle book the way I want it and run another line of stitching across the roof top to hold in place. There you go - a needle book, courtesy of MA and the CQTeers!
Today the quote is from Mark Twain..."Kindness is the language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see"
Good grief! Those mini crocheted animals are something.
ReplyDeleteFun links! I’m so happy that Kathy Shaw is doing a retreat. I can’t go (this time) but would consider it in the future. I wish her the best of luck!! Thanks for sharing that, MA. xo
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDeleteThe sea turtle appliques on the first link are adorable. I think one would be a neat scarf closure.
A scarf closure is a great idea! My first thought (being a crazy quilter) is their use for in an underwater scene.
DeleteGreat links. What a nice group to be a member of. I used to belong to a philanthropic sorority. Each month we gathered at a different home and the hostess also had to give a program of sorts. I miss that group.
ReplyDeletexx, Carol
Such a sweet little needle book house, Mary Anne and a great tutorial. =) I love embroidered little houses.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely needlebook! Man alive - those mini crochet animals!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet little needle holder. I must ask, though... what is CQT short for? When I look it up, I only find Close Quarter Tactical. Or Center for Quantum Technologies. Somehow I'm thinking neither of these is the organization you're showing how to make needle holders. OTOH, if you are, that sounds mighty interesting. lol
ReplyDeleteI would love for you to share more about this group - how did it get started? What sorts of crafts do you do? Thought and advice for starting a similar group? Lots of questions. Mostly I just wish there was one here (or someone else would start it), but who knows... maybe you're inspire others of us!
Another LOL moment - Close Quarter Tactical....hee hee!. I will answer your question about the group in my blog post which will be going live in a few minutes. Stay tuned!
DeleteYay!
DeleteYour needle book is lovely. I created something similar years ago (experiment) making the front with strips of fabric to imitate clapboard. I must dig it out when I find which box it's resting in. More interesting links. Won't be crocheting those minis very soon! Cute though.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet little needlebook!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It was fun to make.
DeleteThank you Dear CQTeer MA for ths sweet needlebook. This is a great mailable gift. Kindness...what a wonderful concept! I just watched a Ken Burns PBS program on the life of Mark Twain.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a wonderful idea. Thanks for the tutorial. It has helped me. I look forward to giving it a go...
ReplyDelete