December 10, 2010

An Interview with Trudy from Nutmeg Hare Designs

I'm always so excited to discover a new-to-me pattern company. 



Trudy, from Nutmeg Hare contacted me a while ago to see if we might be interested in carrying her patterns.  I knew at first glance that our customers would love them.  The amount of detail that Trudy puts into her designs is nothing short of amazing.  



But even more amazing then her designs is just how nice she is in person.  I've so enjoyed getting to know Trudy a little bit through our e-mails back and forth.  I knew that you just had to meet Trudy and her designs too.  Trudy was gracious enough to share a little info in the following interview with us.

So without further ado . . .. . .   I'd like you to meet Trudy



As many of us who enjoy handwork, stitching, and beautiful woolens, we can often recall our childhood memories and remember when this love began. I was a young girl in Washington, growing up with five brothers and sisters...Lucky me... because this gave me the opportunity to make handstitched gifts for many family members.

I can't remember a time when threads, fabrics, patterns, and any and all crafty things weren't a part of my daily life. I organized and made raggedies, santas, snowmen, and stitcheries for our annual gift show which was held at our home for 15 years and had become somewhat of a family tradition. I know I will never give up the love of "Needle and Thread".

Nutmeg Hare was on my mind during those years, but came into existence a bit over two years ago, when I took the plunge and had my website put together. I began with six stitchery patterns and knew that I wanted to keep adding to my collection. At the same time, wool applique was always something I planned to add into my pattern designs and now has become the main focus of my "Fun".




My family sometimes looks at me strangely as I get overly excited in bringing my wool appliques to life, and find myself staying up until the wee hours of the morning happily stitching. This is my most productive time as the quiet and peaceful hours tick on by.




I am a stay at home mom, married for 21 years, and the lucky mother of six kids ranging from ages 19 to age 4. They are all such different personalities... but I do believe my 10 year old daughter, Fallon, will soon be a big part of Nutmeg Hare as she takes great interest in watching and offering ideas to me as I work on my designs.



I feel very fortunate to be able to do what I love. I hope to be able to make patterns for many years to come...I am also excited to be hand dyeing wool as my new collection of "Nutmeg Hare" woolens will be ready soon. It is so much fun to see and experiment with the different colors as I dye wool pieces 1/2 yard at a time. I thoroughly enjoy choosing a name for each new wool color that I finish. I said to my family that it was like naming children...That was always one of the most fun parts of having a new baby....choosing the name. Perhaps that is why I wanted six:)





I would like to thank Julie for inviting me to share a bit of myself and my " Nutmeg Hare " beginning. If any of you are at all wondering where the name comes from...Well, as a child I always loved bunnies, hence the name "Hare" and because baking was also a big part of my childhood (I always wanted to be the youngest Pillsbury bakeoff winner), I thought "Nutmeg" fit well with it. I suppose that doesn't make a lot of sense, but perhaps the name will stand out in your mind as you shop at Prairie Point Junction and decide which "Nutmeg Hare" stitching project will be your next.

December 9, 2010

Deal of the Week, December 10th-16th


December 10th -16th, 2010
All regular priced Charm Packs
Buy 3, get the 4th FREE

Valid in-store (124 East 8th, Cozad,  NE)
 and by phone (308-784-2010)

We have nearly 30 styles of charm packs for you to choose from. 
There's something for every style.
Perfect for stocking stuffers for you or your favorite quilting friend!
Shop early for the best selection.



*Cannot be combined with any other offers.  Limited to stock on hand.

December 2, 2010

Snowflake Stocking Ornament Tutorial



Here's a little tutorial for quick and easy Snowflake Stocking ornaments to help jump-start your holiday decorating. 

I choose to use a super easy running stitch, rather than a blanket stitch for these ornaments so that they would be easy enough for even the most novice crafter to create.  Have a girl scout troop or other kids group?  These are even easy enough for elementary school aged kids to make.

Supplies Needed:  (Makes one ornament:  Approximate finished size:  3 1/2" x 4")
Directions.

1.  Print the ornament pattern.  The size of the box around the ornament should be 4" x 5".  You may have to adjust the size of the image when you print depending upon your printer settings. 



2.  Trace the ornament and cuff shape separately onto the paper side of freezer paper.


3.  Cut loosely around the traced shapes, leaving about 1/4" of paper extending around the traced line.



4.  Iron the waxed side of the freezer paper to the wool blend felt.


5.  Cut out stocking shape on traced line.



6.  Repeat for cuff shape.
7.  Position cuff on top of stocking.  You can either use a couple drops of Roxanne's Glue Baste It to temporarily hold in place, pin, or simply hold in place while you stitch.


8.  Use one strand of white embroidery floss to tack the bottom and top of the cuff to the stocking.  You don't need to tack the sides, as they will be caught when you sew the back of the stocking in place.




9.  Add heel and toe details by sewing a running stitch with two strands of white floss.  You can either draw a line with a marking pencil, or can just free hand stitch the line.  It doesn't need to be real accurate.




10.  Add snowflake detail.  Use two strands of embroidery floss, stitch an X on the upper stocking.  Then stitch another X to form the snowflake.




11.  Add two small crosshatches to alternating spokes of the X.  Add a french knot to the remaining spokes.


12.  Place stocking right sides up on another piece of felt.  Cut around stocking to create the backing.  You could also use your freezer paper template to cut the backing.  I prefer to cut around my completed shape, however, as sometimes the stitching process can slightly alter the size of your shape.



13.  Cut a strip of felt 3/8" x 4 1/2" long.  Fold in half lengthwise to form hanging loop.  Attach to the top corner of the wrong side of the stocking back using a small X stitch.  The X will be visible on the outside of the stocking.



14.  Layer stocking back and front wrong sides together.  Stitch around sides and bottom of stocking using a run stitch to attach the backing.  Leave the top of the stocking open.  This way you can use it as a money holder, or can tuck other little treats inside.




15.  Enjoy!