FAQ Friday

I had to skip FAQ last week due to the lovely weather we're having (that lured me back outside), so this post will be super-sized to make up for it.  A tad more than my usual blog-and-run at least.  This is the place where you will find answers to questions concerning my projects, patterns, and other things you may wonder about.  You can ask questions in the comment box or email them to me and I will select random topics to reply to here.  I'll try and let you know if your question has been selected earlier in the week, or just check back here on Friday for the answers.  But before asking a question, check here first to see if it's already been addressed. 

Q.  Can you tell me if there is a pattern available to purchase for the Heartfelt Mary Janes?  I would like to make these for my little 5 mo. Granddaughter.  She is going to be operated on in December for Craniosynstosis.  If you can help me I would greatly appreciate it.  ~Marianne

A.  First, I am deeply sorry to hear about your little granddaughter's situation.  My heart goes out to her and your family.  Maybe everyone out there reading this can help me send some healing thoughts her way.  At times like this, I find needlework can be a calming refuge to take comfort in. The pattern I used for the felt shoes came from a library copy of The Felt Book (ISBN: 0806908645--1994-oop) by Clare Beaton.   It's out-of-print, but a quick search turned up quite a few used copies here.  Good luck with everything!

 

Q.  Hey, Im soooooooo jealous, your items are gorgeous, I particularly liked the bags, the pink one with "Hers" on it? Do you sell the bags or is it just the patterns etc?  ~Chelsey

A.  Actually, I do sell a few bags and other things now and then, but I don't keep an inventory or anything.  Usually my bags are one-of-a-kind and made on the fly so I don't sell patterns for them either.  I've been hugely influenced by Japanese craft books and magazines though, which contain excellent detailed drawings of tote-bag construction, some even include full-size paper patterns if you need them.   

Q.  I was admiring the playhouse you made and we are making one for our daughter.  I was wondering where you got your blueprint and how big it is.  ~Carrie

A.  Our pink playhouse was designed by The Mister here, who wanted to create our house in miniature, so he didn't use a blueprint, just his noggin.  He basically made doodles and drew the dimensions while waiting out the winter.   (He's an engineer, very detail orientated, likes figuring things out.)  I can give you the general size though.  It's approximately 12 x 8 with a bay window that bumps out about two-feet.  The porch it sits on is 12 x 12.

Q.  I'm a big fan and love everything you do!  It's all so inspiring.  I wanted to tell you how much I've enjoyed the vintage embroidery patterns I've ordered from you too and  I'm anxiously awaiting the next set of "free with purchase" transfers you offer each month.  Can you give some suggestions for ways of using them?  ~Karen

A.  Well thank you Karen, that's always nice to hear and the perfect segway to talk about my latest project.   I usually gather a new set of designs each month from my own private stash, just odds and ends that I come across that I think are fun.  These can be used on bibs, hats, clothing, aprons, pockets, tote bags, blankets, doll quilts, and, well, just about anything you can get into an embroidery hoop!  I recently made this potholder using the teapot motif from last month's design, and then added the words. 

So that's it for another week.  Enjoy the long weekend!

Comments

[dawn]

I just love what you do, I think this blog is my biggest inspiration! I too am getting on a potholder frenzy, I will post pics next week!

[brit]

I love that pattern!! so beautiful

[Pearl Maple]

‘her’s’ is a delightful shaped bag, just the right size for pieces of this & that we have to take with us and the colors are beautiful

[Betty @ She's Sew Pretty]

So much cuteness in one post! Love the bag, the quilt and those shoes.

[Terry]

I love your embroidery work. You have a special vintage eye on how to use them. Your letters you embroider often look like they are typewritten. How don you get your letters traced onto your work and are they traced from a printing of computer fonts? They look so neat and perfectly done. Terry

[rubyred]

I absolutely LOVE your blog and so I'm giving you a Nice Matters Award.Not only do you make beautiful things ,you spend precious time giving others crafty advice and tips too!

[paula luckhurst]

You make such lovely things!

[Tinkerblue]

Those shoes are adorable. And the teatime potholder has given me a christmas gift idea.

[Belém]

That tiny embroidered teapot is lovely.