Topiary Ornament

This is Topiary Ornament, 2000, by Hillside Samplings. I made it into a scissor fob, because I needed a heavy fob to balance these scissors. It is filled with the poly pellets. The top charm, a glass star is by Mill Hill and the bow is from Threadgatherer, Gilded Lavender. I think it turned out well, but I didn't enjoy working on this particular linen. For some reason, the fabric seemed to reflect the light, and that made it difficult to see just where the stitches went.

I have several other things in the works right now, which I can't talk about or show you, as its a gift for a friend. As soon as she receives the gift, I'll post a picture here. Next project will probably be the Shepherd's Bush 2007 Fob kit, or I might act responsible and finish Jingle. Or maybe I should find something new--learn a new skill. Oh wait. That will come when I finish off that gift--its lined in regular fabric, and not linen. And I have a few changes I want to make to the inside of it.

Thats all for now. Thank you all for your kind comments and for visiting. Until the next time. Happy Stitching.

Bee Charmer Biscornu

For some reason, I have become addicted to "smalls". Those of you in the same position will understand. Is it because they are small? Compact? Intricate? Addicting? All of the above, I would say. Yet, how can I possibly use that many needle books, pincushions, biscornu ? I don't add fobs to that list because I use every one of them, for all the scissors I've collected. A quick sidebar to the fob situation. I'm about 8 fobs behind for the scissors I have, so if anyone would like to stitch up a fob for me, or design something special, I'd be very happy to have some more. Like most stitchers, I treasure what other stitchers spend their time stitching for me.

Lately, I've been working on the biscornu, those cute little 8 sided tuffets that look so complicated to sew but are relatively easy to do, once you know the trick. And they do look very elegant. I've been displaying them in the china cabinet, sitting on top of pretty china cups. One of these days, I want to make an entire matching set, little pockets and fobs, needlebooks and ruler holders, pincushions and beeswax holders, all to fit into my Shaker box--when I find the right Shepherd's Bush picture for the oval top. (If anyone has a suggestion, please, I'm all ears. I've been searching for the "just right" one for years now.)

Here is my latest biscornu--and just how is that pronounced? Its The Bee Charmer by Indigo Rose. It came as a kit, and the nicest packaged kit I've ever gotten. The silks were all in their own little baggies, the Bee and the bottom button, along with the tassel beads, in another. The linen was of the very best quality, and the stuffing was included. Yes, isn't that amazing? A baggie of plastic pellets, the ones used for fobs and dolls, was included. I'd never even considered using those pellets to stuff a biscornu but it makes the cushion fairly heavy, and it feels good in your hand. Also makes it easier to position it for display. It does make the button a lot harder to sew on.

My pictures aren't the best--it was a bit dark in the house and I was in a hurry. We're going to watch a movie, make popcorn, and I'm going to stitch. Last night, after finishing this biscornu, I started the Elegant Stitch From the Heart, pocket smalls. Another needlebook and fob--just what I need, eh?

Thanks for taking the time to stop by and read my blathers. Have a great weekend and get those needles smokin'.