July 4, 2010

Thimbles and Bag - Happy 4th July

Blogger power! That is for sure. Everything in this post resulted from blogger power. I get inspired by many blogs. One in particular is Quiltsalott by Janet. Janet does not only make beautiful quilts, but she also shares links, tutorials and patterns with everyone. I only take on a little bit that I have time to do like the bag and thimbles below.

Apart from not having the sunlight to take good photos I'm also busy preparing for another online workshop 'patchwork beasts' with Jude Hill. I found that because I can't attend any patchwork group or social sewing to get some stimulation, the online classes are good for me to interact with other quilters and artists. I have also been working on my CWB quilt ha! Yes, I'm still plodding along with that quilt. Only a few berries to appliquĂ© on block #5 then I can show it to you.  
In the meantime I made this little pochette inspired by Janet. She also has a link to the original pattern.  If you want to make one for yourself just check her blog. It's easy to make.
This is the back of the bag and I must tell you about the fabric I used to make this bag with. It's a meisen silk, vintage kimono fabric I got from Ziguzagu I just love this piece and they didn't have a lot left so I got a meter of it as you would do!
Remember this pincushion kit I got from Ma Mercerie. I made it up and can you see how cute it is. Again this was inspired by Janet. This was the original kit, but I have gathered some supplies to try and make one from scratch.
This is the Japanese thimble yabinuki I made from scratch. I made my first one from a kit that I got from Ma Mercerie and then with some links that Janet sent me I found the way to make the base. Using trial and error I finally made a few of them, but still with a very basic design. 
A few bases waiting to be stitched. I must tell you that these kind of thimbles work well for hand stitching. It stops you poking yourself with the back end of the needle. 
These are the men-sized thimbles. I made them for my students who do a lot of hand stitching. They told me they love wearing them. 

They look so cute wearing them so I had to take photo to show you. On the left in Dennis and one the right is Peter. Aren't they so cute? 

Happy 4th July to all my friends in the US. 4th of July always reminds me of our time in NYC sitting up on top of World Trade Center waiting to see the fireworks back in 2001. This year though DD Kit is there enjoying her NY experience. She is having so much fun that I don't think she wants to come back. Enjoy the rest of your stay in NYC Kit...!


20 comments:

Terry said...

A thimble that protects your finger from the eye of the needle. Just whay I need.
The bag is to to cute. small seems to say Japanese. even if it is only the fabric.
Enjoy a hot dog for your American friends today.

Betty said...

So many wonderful things and Thanks for telling us about the blogs.

Willow

Simone de Klerk said...

What a wonderful post, Nat! I'm over to Janet's blog.
Great little pochette, lovely fabric!
Your pincushion and thimbles turned out beautifully!
I wonder waht the 'patchwork beasts' will be!
Have a lovely Sunday.

Janet said...

Your bag looks lovely in that special fabric, it is an easy pattern isn't it?
Love your thimbles! I think you've picked that skill up fast. I'm going to make some bigger ones as mini pincushions now that I have some new threads. Thanks for the shout out.

antique quilter said...

oh I agree I always get inspired by other blogs , sometimes it gets me in trouble as I just have to start yet another quilt!
Love your new bag and well those little pincushions are adorable! thimbles are amazing.
I agree love Janets blog!
Kathie

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Hi Nat...I agree...very cute man thimbles!!! And what a great bag...you always do such a fantastic job!!! Good on you for getting inspiration from other blogs...Have a wonderful week...Dzintra♥x

grace Forrest~Maestas said...

hi! LOOKING FORWARD to being in
your company in the Beasts workshop! i just realized that it is a THREE week class, so we better get to work immediately!

ria vogelzang said...

It's always great to read about the experiences of other bloggers!I agree! And I sure whish I had the time to make all of those beautiful things. Also love the thimbles you made. They look so gorgeous! I just have to wait for more time.........
Have a great week!
Love, Ria.

Julia said...

Great little pochette, lovely fabric!
Your pincushion and thimbles turned out beautifully...very nice man thimbles!
I love Janet's blog too...alway lovely to see what she's up to next.
Julia ♥

Astrid said...

Very cute thimbles, Nat, and for the mean too - so great! Love the bag, gorgeous in the fabric you have chosen! :)

Astrid said...

OOPS!! I meant MEN! Not mean!!! lol

kaiteM said...

the thimbles are lovely, what are you using for the base to wrap the threads around?...k.

Nedra said...

Janet is one of my favorite blogs to follow also. You both are very talented ladies and it doesnt' surprise me if you make the same things.
The pincushion rings are wonderful!
So much detail.

Anonymous said...

Ooh Nat! I just love the new thimbles. They are just wonderful. How very tempting to try one out, maybe next year. Though I am sorely tempted and thinking about it. Well, if I add anything else to my plate, it will break for sure. You work on such lovely things, so how about if I just live vicariously through you? Just kidding. Great job and thanks for keeping us inspired.

Blissfully Stitching,
Bobbie

Kim D. said...

Very pretty bag, nice fabric. Your little thimbles are adorable!!

Working with cloth said...

Hi Nat Thanks for your sweet comment, your bag is very beautiful the fabric is so lovely, glad that you also take the patchwork beasts class.
Anni

ParisMaddy said...

What sweet and tiny little treasures you've made, Nat.

Dot said...

Love the pochette Nat and your fabric choice is gorgeous as always Nat! Jacky told me you had a lovely day together last Saturday. So pleased you have become friends.
Dot xx

Anonymous said...

Oh yes, I love Janet's blog. She's so generous with her knowledge.

Your little pochette is so beautiful and that fabric is breathtaking. So lovely!

I had seen those little thimbles when Janet first shared them and fell in love immediately. Yours are so beautiful. I love the photo of the men wearing them. :o)

Valentina said...

wow Nat, really gorgeous stuff: the bag, the pincusion and the thimbles...
I agree with you: together we are stronger!
xox
V.

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