It’s been a few weeks since I’ve popped in to say hello. When I wrote to you in early April, we had a fresh blanket of snow on the ground. I can happily report that I am now seeing green grass outside of my window, and the trees are beginning to show their buds. It is wonderful! Living in Minnesota, however, means that it is still too early for flower gardening. So, I’m making flowers indoors until I can play with some real petals. Last night I stitched up three cute flowers that have a sweet summertime vibe!
I continue to enjoy my foray into English Paper Piecing. I find it relaxing and meditative. When sewing by hand, I am forced to slow down and take notice of the fabric, appreciating the smaller details and colors in a way that doesn’t happen when I’m sewing at my machine. Below is a progress shot of my hexies. The little mound of fabric scraps in the background are pieces I’ve saved from several past projects. I see prints from Minick & Simpson, Brenda Riddle, Bunny Hill Designs, Sweetwater, My Sew Quilty Life, Camille Roskelley and Tilda. This is why I encourage you to save all your treasured bits. Someday they will make their way into a treasured project!
Last night as I was stitching my hexie flowers, I took a break to scroll Instagram, where I learned that Lori Holt is releasing a new crochet book called Granny Square Along! Well, if that didn’t make me feel all sentimental. It was about this time two years ago that I took up crochet, and Lori was my first teacher. Her book comes out in September, and I can’t wait to see what fun projects she has designed! In honor of this exciting news, I whipped up three crocheted flowers using Lori’s Chunky Thread and a tutorial on her YouTube channel.
Lest you think I’ve become totally scatter brained, I want you to know I’ve also made progress on my 3 Sisters inspired hexie project. Mid-month we took a car ride to visit our sweet pea of a granddaughter, and during that ride I added another round. When I’m finished, I plan to frame this project and hang it in my house. It will always remind me of this special time in our lives!
Thanks for stopping by and caring enough to read about my projects. I hope you are finding as much joy with needle and thread as I am. Springtime blessings to you!
~Taunja
Fabrics & Products I love:
Lori Holt Chunky Thread in Denim
Lori Holt Chunky Thread in Cloud
Lori Holt Chunky Thread in Tea Rose
Needle Minder by My Sew Quilty Life
Needle Minder by Primrose Cottage Stitches
1” Hexagon Paper Pieces by Sue Daley
Jenna Kimball’s Foxglove Straw Needles #9
Aurifil 80 weight cotton thread
Sue Daley rotating cutting mat
Lori Holt’s Crochet Playlist:
EPP Tutorial I found helpful:
Erica Arndt’s playlist (3 tutorials) for EPP