I’m happy to have some finishes to show today. I was overwhelmed by the number of responses to my query on a black knob or a white one for Father Christmas’s base. Here is the decision, in picture. Included are two patterns from Robin Leuschen. All three pieces have been punched mostly with Valdani pearl cotton. I love the depth and texture you get from the varigated colors. The background for the Santa and sleigh is M1001 and it’s called Vanilla Sky. I used my rusty wire to make a hanger for the rocking horse. I found the two reindeer at the flea market. As you can see I’m a fan of old tattered things.

I added a picture of the drawing I used to create Father Christmas. I actually traced the main piece onto the weavers cloth without arms. I drew the arm on the back of the sheet. But since you need two opposite arms I held it up to a window to get a mirror image. As I said before it’s quite primitive, but play with it as you please. Be sure to show me your results!

Thanks for stopping by. Now it’s time to clean the living/dining/craft room. I’m excited to see the color of my desk as it has been covered with ‘stuff’ for several weeks.

Things are moving along here at Yooper Trails. ‘Turkey and Tallowberries’ is waiting for the final finish. I decided to use a mustard colored hornbook and the process is taking awhile.

Meanwhile, I am working on some things for Christmas. Here is Father Christmas. These pictures show works in progress. I have one arm pinned on right now. Of course there will be another arm and he will hold a small Christmas tree. I used mohair for his beard. This is a pattern I drew. As soon as I get the picture uploaded feel free to copy it. No pattern, just a pic you are free to play with. I’m deciding if I want the doorknob base in black or white. What do you think?

I talked about methods of finishing pieces. This first picture shows a piece that will be mounted on a board. Note it is sewed completely around the perimeter and I cut a small slit. After I turned it right side out I steamed the edges. This one is also waiting for a coat of Briwax to dry before I attach it. Briwax is like Minwax, but has a slight tint of color.The second picture will be inverted and the opening will be hand-sewn. I usually leave the opening more centered, but this will be fine. I just want to show how I trim it leaving a longer piece of fabric to fold inside. It makes the hand sewing a lot easier.

I’m eager for your comments on the doorknob choice.

Thanks for stopping by.

If you are wondering about walnut crystals you can find them for sale on the internet. It looks like dark instant coffee and one or two tablespoons added to a pint of water will give you enough to last for years. I did see a site showing how to make your own, but the price of the finished product wasn’t very much. I’ve had a little bag for years and have only used a few tablespoons.

So, I antiqued my piece this morning. It needs to dry completely before I continue, but here is a picture. Tomorrow I’ll post a picture showing how I sew a back fabric and attach it to the hornbook.

I like the outcome of the antiquing. What do you think?

The other day as I watched as our neighbors walk their two beautiful boys off to school for another first day I was reminded that September is as much a new beginning as January first every year. We are at the beginning of a new grade of learning, new food menus as the weather cools, pumpkins, turning leaves and a fresh outlook on what’s to come. What better time to get back into communing with my punch needle friends at Yooper Trails Needle Punch!

Today I return to a piece I’ve done before. This is ‘Turkey and Tallowberries from Lori Brechlin at Not Forgotten Farm. Lori has a great selection of prim patterns available. I switched up colors, but I’m showing Lori’s colors in the picture also. I feel like the ecru background is too stark so I’m going to antique the piece with walnut crystals. I’ll post that picture when it’s done and you can let me know if you agree or if you like the original better. The thing about antiquing with the walnut crystals, you can rinse it out (so I’m told. Actually I’ve always been happy with the process)

With summer ending it is also time to think about our monthly punching get-togethers. More news to come on that.

Thanks for dropping in. Let me know what you are working on these days.