Keeping My Hands From Idleness

Hello Friends! Well I haven't been making cards lately, but I have been trying not to be idle either.  I have a few things to share with you that I've been making and I hope you enjoy.  The Lord has greatly blessed me with a lot of free or cheep yarn so I've been making use of it.  Some insights into my life at home. 

My girls and I have made some wonderful little sachets to go in our clothing drawers and around the house.  We used these beautiful sachet templates from Stranger's and Pilgrims on Earth. She has a huge range of wonderful teaching on herbs and household things.   

The above blanket is a baby ripple blanket.  Pattern found at Peanutzmom's Pattern Place . It's made with Little Mouse, Soft Fern, and Prince Pebbles yarn from I think Red Heart.  Very soft.

In our yard are four bird feeders that my children and I have put out made from recycled milk and apple juice containers.  We have a variety of birds and the local squirrels that vie for the seeds and it often makes for some very entertaining moments. :)  Above are a couple pine grosbeaks that were outside the kitchen window today above the feeder. Then below is a picture of the squirrel who was trying to guard the feeder and keep them away.  We also have Whisky Jacks, chickadees and Magpies that come around.

I've made yet another pair of warm mittens for myself.  The yarn was from a dear friend and it's a washable wool.  That will greatly help for I have a tendency to get dirty. LOLI didn't actually use a pattern for these, I just remember certain steps from a previous pair I'd made and just made them to fit my hands.

Then I found this sweet yarn.  It's Rosebud and I don't know who it's from as I've already gotten rid of the labels.  It's very soft as well and I love the vivid colour.  I had enough yarn left over to make a little doily to match.  I used this shell stitch pattern from Yarntopia for this blanket.

I've also made a granny square blanket for a little one from chunky yarn in Wedgewood.  This one is fairly heavy, but SO warm.  I found all the yarn at the free store and it was just enough to make this.

Then I've made a little granny square blanket from odds and ends that I've found/ collected.  I like doing square blankets with scraps since I never know how big it'll get and then if I have to improvise it doesn't look odd.

I've been making lots of yummy things with my children.  Below my daughter made some apple pies with me.  We've been making cookies, cupcakes, and much more.  My daughter's are also doing very well at making meals and we are working on menu planning.

So there is a glimpse into what I've been keeping my hands busy with.   I have a quilt that is mostly finished, but I have lost my walking foot attachment for my machine so I'll have to wait to finish that project when I have the right tools again.
It is a blessing to have things to do that can be shared with others.  What have you all been up to?
Praying you have a blessed day!

Sharing over at the Art of Homemaking Mondays.  

Ribbon Embroidery

Hello crafty friends!  Today I have something a bit different to share with you.  I was encouraged by a sweet lady to try ribbon embroidery.  I've never done this before and thought I'd give it a try.  I cannot say that it is my talent....but I did finish what I started.  There are many many ways to do this skill but I tried a free hand on a small bag that I found.  It was a material with a looser weave that I thought would be easier to let the ribbon pass through.

I used an upholstery needle to fit the ribbon through the eye, and plunged right in.  I used four different ribbons, but all were satin and were very smooth to go through the fabric.  I struggled with getting the ribbon to lay lay just the right way. :)

It was an interesting project, and I'll be adding an insert to the bag to protect the backing of the work.  I have yet to find the right material....I'll keep looking.

Here are some pictures of the little panels that I worked on a little closer.  I tried to make three different kinds of flowers....yes, feel free to laugh.  I almost didn't share this...but I suppose it's all part of the crafting process.  

Thank you for taking the time to drop by and check out my blog! Praying you have a lovely day!

Sharing this post with The Art of Homemaking Mondays.