Sunday, March 24, 2013

A Labor of Love

Very appropriate title for this finish; you see, it took me nearly the entire day yesterday to do the finishing on this project.  Granted, I had others things going on too -- cleaning bathrooms, doing laundry, etc. (the normal things that always have to be done on the weekend ---but much of my time was dedicated to this beautiful little project.

This was a class offered through the Shining Needle Society.  I have only done one or two other classes with them; I really should do more.  It's an economical way to complete projects with great designers without the travel and lodging costs.  And, you can work at your own pace.  I do admit though, it's a lot of fun meeting them in person!

The project is called Rhapsody in Blue and it was designed by Jackie du Plessis.  I met Jackie last summer at the Needlework Guild of Minnesota retreat.  She is a special lady and a very talented needleworker and finisher.  The design ideas she comes up with are amazing.

Without further ado...


It's a sewing pouch or purse made from beautiful midnight blue silk.  The top is stitched.  That little tab on the front helps to keep the lid closed (there's a magnet inside.  There are two handles on either side made from twisted cord.

Here's a better shot of the top; the linen color is a little more accurate in this photo.


Many of Jackie's projects are stitched over one; to my delight, much of this project was stitched over two!


Both sides of the lid flip up to reveal a little needle page made from doctor's flannel.  Can you see it?  I must remember to add a needle to it today!


And here's the inside of the pouch.  Not completely finished though.  I need to tack the lid to the pouch in the back center...I have some questions about how to do that, so will complete that later.  There is a small Hedebo covered ring that also gets attached in this spot.

Tomorrow we will receive the finishing instructions for the smalls that complete this set.  I can hardly wait!

Thank you for stopping by!

18 comments:

Margaret said...

Wow, it's wonderful! I can't believe you finished this already. Beautiful work!

CJ in OK ;-) said...

Wow! This looks amazing Cathy. Your finish work is really great can't wait to see the rest. CJ in OK

Laurie in Iowa said...

It's beautiful! I should sign up for one of the Shining Needle classes... it just hasn't happened yet.

Mrs. DillyDally said...

Stunning! Such beautiful work!

Blu said...

Wow Cathy! It looks incredible. I'm in awe of your finishing skills.

Bekca said...

Wow, what a stunning finish! You must be so pleased that all of your hard work has paid off Cathy, congrats :)
Best wishes.

Vickie said...

It's beautiful.

Keeper of the Crowes said...

It's just beautiful, Cathy!

HollyXSing said...

BEAUTIFUL!

Now, you are making me regret not signing up for the class!

Thank-you for sharing,

-Holly in VA

Marsha said...

My favorite color! It looks wonderful!

Barb said...

Absolutely beautiful! Well worth the time!

Patti-Rocky Mtn Stitcher said...

Beautiful. She came here last year but same day as my daughters wedding so I missed her. Great finish on this!

Sandra said...

What an amazing project, you must be so thrilled. I'm surprised it only took you a day to complete, it would have taken me at least a week.

Sandra said...

What an amazing project, you must be so thrilled. I'm surprised it only took you a day to complete, it would have taken me at least a week.

Chris said...

This is amazing, well done.Its beautiful

Chris

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

Beautiful stitiching !

bisous from FRANCE

Meari said...

That's really pretty!

Ranae said...

Wowza!!
What a wonderful piece
I bet your over the moon with it