Sweets for Santa

 

I know it's only February but is it ever too early to start on our Christmas stitching? Just look at that "sweet" Santa face surrounded by his Candy Canes. And...that vine!!! I love it. It is a tiny stitch, just 51 x 51 stitches but it is an ornament and much larger than that just wouldn't be for me. 

This is a new design by Hands on Design. Cathy just started a new Patreon group and is kicking it off with a Merry Moments Ornament Club. The first design is the Sweets for Santa that you see above. She will not only be listing a new design each month but, depending on the tier you choose, she will also have a finishing video tutorial to help with finishing the fun ornament designs each month. 

If you would like to jump, do so ASAP. The ornament design patterns are available for download one month only. Click on the pic above if you are interested in joining. (You can cancel and/or upgrade or downgrade your membership at anytime.)

To Railroad or Not to Railroad...

 ...that is the question.

No, no...not that type of railroad! I'm talking about railroading your cross stitches today.

Not everyone will "railroad" their cross stitch. I don't always do it but I do feel that railroading yields a neater and more professional finish. The stitches lay flatter because the thread does not tend to twist as it would if you didn't railroad. Is it absolutely necessary? I don't think so. I do think it comes down to personal preference and even habit. 

I found an interesting article on "Railroading Stitching Technique" which also provides a clear photo and instructions on how to railroad. I suggest trying a swatch for yourself and you decide which looks, feels or works best for you. To read the article, click on the pic below:

For a closeup of beautiful cross stitching using the railroad technique, check out Artmishka Cross Stitching by clicking the pic below:

On a personal note, I would love to take a trip by railroad someday. How about you?

Thanks for stopping by today!

Silent Sunday

 

Songbirds Sing in the Dark

 

I do not generally recommend books and I've never been one for poetry, but I highly recommend Tracy Fedyski's book "Songbirds Learn to Sing in the Dark". As of the writing of this post, the book is available to download free in PDF format. Just click on the book title or the pic above.

Everyone of us has, is or will experience times of going through valleys. We will experience grief and loss. Tracy has taken her own experiences and turned them into poetry, sharing them freely with us in order to help us through our own path. Her  tender writings draw us into a closer relationship with the One who created us, knows everything about us and what we are going through. As we draw closer to Him, we can see how much He loves us and desires to wrap His arms around us in comfort during those hard times in life.

My prayer for you today is that you will find a quiet space and time to really reflect on who you have been created to be. Not what others want you to be or what you think you should be (or not be), but on who God Himself has created you to be. It's a process over time to come to a point of acceptance of God's love and that perhaps even in the midst of trials, it's okay to step back and allow God to handle our lives and circumstances.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Love my Seniors...but wait! What???

 

I'm a senior too (and have been for quite some time...LOL!). I spend a couple days of week at our local "Active Adult Center", a.k.a. Senior Center. I love these people. The stories, the humor and soooo much fun! If you are a senior, check out your local senior center. If not, volunteer. They would LOVE that! 

Each Tuesday, I run a fun card game and boy are they competitive! On Thursday, my wonderful friend, Sue and I teach a hand embroidery class ("Stitch Happens") and they are doing a fantastic job. Most of these women haven't picked up a needle and thread in years. Some of them have shaky hands or fingers that have lost some feeling but they are working so hard on their project. Some of them have even started making hand embroidered gifts for the grandkids and their great-grandchildren in order to pass on a piece of them to their loved ones. 

Some of the ladies in the group have brought in heirlooms they have had handed down to them from their moms or grandmoms. They have pieces that are well over 80 years old. We have a gentleman in the center that is 98 years old (yes, you read that right...98!). He even brought in for a show and tell a table runner that his mother-in-law made when he was first married. What a JOY and a BLESSING it is for me to be a part of this amazing group.

I really encourage you to check out your local senior center. You might just find that not only do you have something to give to them but they have something even more to give to you and it is PRICELESS!

Thanks for stopping by today!!!

Has it really been 2 1/2 years???

I cannot believe how fast time flies. I've started reading blogs again and felt the nudge to start blogging after so much time has passed.

This winter has been one of the coldest on records in Northeast PA. This weekend is the coldest yet with wind chills from 25 to 35 below zero. It's impossible to even be outdoors for more than a few minutes at a time. The pic below is not mine but it is how it looks in our neck of the woods. Can't you just feel the cold air?

(Photo courtesy of  Egor Kamelev)

Since I've been "house bound", I decided to try my hand at something entirely new. I absolutely love machine embroidery but have felt somewhat limited to specific purchases. I don't always gravitate toward some of the designs out there and while I do love others, I sometimes am unsure of what to do with them. I mean how many little pillows can someone have? I also do love applique quilts BUT truly dislike anything to do with tracing on double sided fusible, design placement and hand blanket stitching. 

I've watched loads of YouTube videos on machine embroidery especially Power Tools with Thread and AllBrands. Because of the quality of the instructions, I finally bit the bullet and purchased a Brother Scan and Cut through my local(ish) dealer, Pocono Sew and Vac (their customer service is AWESOME).

I had purchased a while ago the software Embrilliance Essentials so that I could take the digitized machine embroidery from my favorite digitizers at Kimberbell in order to do a little bit of modification and wirelessly send to my machine. THEN I bit the bullet yesterday and purchased Stitch Artist 3 from Embrilliance in order to allow me to take applique designs and convert them to machine embroidery.

I think I spent about 8 hours yesterday just playing around with a design by Nancy Halvorsen of Art to Heart. The pattern is from her Bunny Hollow booklet and it is a mini chicks quilt. I followed along with Becky from Power Tools with Thread and WOOHOO...I did it. While it is not perfect by any means, I am over the moon thrilled with how it turned out. This has opened up a whole new world for me now!!!

Below is a pic of the finished piece. Now...what to do with it...LOL!!!

I do need to remember that I have to center the design before starting. The run stitches weren't fun so I will need to learn more about how to do those with better precision. I also realized that I didn't set up the applique in such a way as to remove the stitches that aren't seen and do a bit of trimming of the pieces behind the pieces on top. Overall, I am "tinkled pink" as I've been telling my husband.

Quite a long post for my first one in 2 1/2 years but I'm so excited that I just had to share!

Thanks for stopping by today!!!

Smart Punch Punch Needle

Smart Punch

Smart punch is ergonomically designed with a larger handle to reduce the risk of tendonitis, pain of arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Designed for comfortable punching you will also enjoy the thumb indentation on the front of the punch needle that lines up perfectly with the front, beveled edge, of your needle, always keeping it in the proper punching position. With five different loop heights that can be easily adjusted you will find yourself creating beautiful punch needle projects in no time at all. Smart Punch comes with the most commonly used medium size needle, needle threader and even an extra needle. You will be able to put 2 strands of 8 or 12 wt perle cotton through this needle or 4-6 strands of floss.

Beautiful consistent loops will yield a beautiful finished project!!!

To order your Smart Punch punchneedle, click on any of the pics above. These sell out quick...so grab yours today!

Thanks for stopping by today!

 

Falling for Autumn Quilt Bundle

 

Are you planning on starting the Falling for Autumn quilt? The machine embroidery quilt files may not be a must have but they sure are pretty!!! If you would like to download the Falling for Autumn machine embroidery quilt bundle, click on the pic above. The Introductory price of 20% off expires July 31, 2023!

For more info on the Falling for Autumn machine embroidery quilt design by Kimberbell, click the pic below:

Thanks for stopping by today!

Farmers Attic is an affiliate of Kimberbell. When you click on the links to the products' sites and make a purchase, it may result in a commission being credited to us. There are no extra costs to you.

Felt Cozies for Fall

Felt Cozies for Fall

How cute are these Felt Cozies for Fall? I love that little Ghost and the Pumpkin and the...well....ALL of them!

If you love machine embroidery, these Felt Cozies for Fall will work up quick and make just the cutest and simplest gifts. Made entirely in-the-hoop with just a few supplies, these designs are a go-to!!! You can make one cozy in a 4" x 4" hoop or stitch several at once in a larger hoop. Slip these little cozies over lollipops, straws, pencils and more!!! Think...class gifts, party favors and so much more.

To DOWNLOAD the machine embroidery designs, simply click on the photo above.

Thanks for stopping by today!!!

Farmers Attic is an affiliate of Kimberbell. When you click on the links to the products' sites and make a purchase, it may result in a commission being credited to us. There are no extra costs to you.

 

We Are So Excited!!!

Farmers Attic is now affiliated with Kimberbell!!! We couldn't be more excited. Expected to arrive in our shop is the kit "Falling for Autumn". Falling for Autumn, as shown below, is a complete kit ready for pre-order. Included with the kit is the Machine Embroidery CD, full color instruction booklet, fabric bundle kit AND the embellishment pack!!!

Kimberbell’s 40 x 40” Falling for Autumn quilt is warm and whimsical, with bushy-tailed squirrels, crunchy leaves, cozy sweaters, and more. Scratch and sniff candles feature unique scents, and a “wooden” cork bushel is filled with crisp apples! Snuggle into a Velveteen chair with a creamy plush throw or take a hay ride in our vintage truck. With traditional star blocks, a pumpkin patch, and other fall favorites, our Falling for Autumn quilt is a seasonal celebration!

For more information on Falling for Autumn, click on the photos above.

LOVE digital downloads!!! Click on the links below and start shopping Kimberbell today!

Kimberbell Digital Downloads

Kimberbell Quilting

Kimberbell Vault

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Meet "Gus"

 

Gus, the Candy Corn Mouse

This little guy was the one who started it all! The first item to be made for Farmers Attic and the first item sold. I cannot believe that was 14 years ago!

Thank you everyone that has made our little corner of the world such a great success. We couldn't have done it without you!!!

Now, let's meet the staff that have joined the crew over the years:

Sue, our "Chief of Staff"

Jane of ALL Trades

(3 years)

Julia, Administrative Assistant

Order Fulfillment, Marketing

My Heartbeat/My Granddaughter

(4 years)

John, Shipping/Receiving

An All Around GREAT GUY/My Husband

(44 years)

Lucy, Owner

Thank you to my wonderful staff. I could not do it without you. You make my job fun, easy and a great JOY each and every day!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by today! If you haven't done so, sign up for our newsletter at:

thefarmersattic at gmail dot com

We'd love to have you join in on our fun!!!

Yeppers!

 

Fox & Rabbit Linen & Samplers

Brand New...Just released from Fox & Rabbit! We have all three in stock in 32, 36 & 40 count linen. Absolutely beautiful. These sell out fast, so grab it while you can!!! For more info, click on each of the pics below:

Fox & Rabbit just released 4 new samplers. You might want to check them out as well! Click on the pics below for more info.

Elizabeth Broadhead 1833

Dorothy's Sampler 1792

Maria Bull 1834

In My Garden

Thanks for stopping by today!

Spring Meadow Table Runner

 

Spring Meadow Table Runner 

A beautiful Spring Meadow Table Runner designed by Jacquelynne Steves is perfect for your spring table. This free pattern can easily be adapted to any season or holiday by changing your fabric selections. For the free pattern, simply click on the photo above.

If you love quilting, Farmers Attic has a nice selection of patterns, books, fabrics and notions. Grab a cuppa and click on the photo below to see all we have available.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Honey Bee Garden

 

Honey Bee Garden

The Honey Bee Garden cross stitch pattern by Priscilla Blain of Stitching With the Housewives is a beautiful design that captures the essence of a peaceful garden filled with buzzing honey bees and vibrant daisies. The pattern features a detailed depiction of bee hives surrounded by colorful blooms, with intricate stitching that brings the scene to life. This delightful design is a perfect addition to any stittching project and is sure to be a favorite among fans of all things honey bees and gardens.

For more information on Honey Bee Garden, click on the heart below.

If you love Stitching With the Housewives patterns, we have lots in stock. To view what is available, click here. 

Thanks for stopping by today!

Answered Prayer & Humbled

Has there ever been someone in your past that you just felt the need to apologize and ask forgiveness from? After praying for about 35 years, God has answered my prayer! I have had the weight of someone from my past that I treated very badly. Even though we were "kids" that is no excuse for how I treated her. Today we call that bullying. I have always felt badly about how my "friends" and I treated this person in high school. Yes, I could excuse it as stupid teenager stuff but it was hurtful and potentially harmful to her and possible decisions she could have made because of how she was treated.

This weekend God has answered the prayer to make things right. After having tried to "find" her many times over the years, I was contacted by a group "out of the blue". Looking over the list of friends, there she was!!! God's timing I know is always right and always perfect! I praise Him for allowing me to see that no matter how long we pray for something, He will always answer. So with that answer, the Holy Spirit has prompted me to reach out and to apologize and seek forgiveness after all these years. Will she see my message? I pray that she will but again that is God's timing, not mine.

I guess the reason for my sharing with you all is to encourage you to not give up. God is there, He is listening and He works out His perfect will in His perfect way and in His perfect time. 

Thank you Father for taking the weight that I have felt for so long and lifting that from my shoulders. I pray for the one that I have asked forgiveness from. May she accept my apology and forgive me for the way I treated her in the past. Please heal what hurts I have caused. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Happy Easter

Easter Sunday is a time of celebration and reflection. May we remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us and the hope we have that His resurrection brings. May we give thanks for the gift of salvation and renew our faith in Jesus Christ.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not die but have everlasting life."

 

The Flower Farm

 

The Flower Farm is Bunny Hill Designs newest fabric line for Moda Fabrics. Chosen is an assortment of red, pink, sage, and cream colors for this line that we know you will love! 

For more info, click on the photo above.

Thanks for stopping by today!!!

Book of Days 2023

 

PRE-ORDER 2023 Book of Days. 

Shipping to shops early to mid-October, 2022.

The annual Book Of Days 2023 is a softcover book that features a lovely 19th century oil print on the front cover with the companion on the back.

Book of Days, is a monthly calendar with plenty of space to jot down notes each day--whether stitching progress, appointments or birthday reminders. The Book of Days is a favorite among stitchers and non-stitchers alike. 

Each year is included a different antique chart (or charts), space to plan for the next year, vintage graphics and quotes/sampler verses. You will find inspirational sayings for each month along with plenty of space for you to document your stitching hours, projects you are working on or plan to work on in the future.

To PRE-ORDER your copy simply click on the Order Now button below:

Thanks for stopping by today!

Patriotic Ornament Book

 

Patriotic Ornament Book

Don't we all love decorating Americana? Flags, eagles, freedom, and so many more are part of this amazing new release by Twin Peak Primitives! Those ladies never cease to delight with all their wonderful designs. The Patriotic Ornament Book is 32 pages filled with 14 different patriotic designs. All charts are in both black and white as well as color. Yes, you read that right...32 pages filled with 14 different patriotic designs!!! How awesome is that! 

Grab your copy today when you pre-order from Farmers Attic. Book will ship as soon as it arrives from across the pond. Simply click on the photo above and reserve your Patriotic Ornament Book.

Thanks so much for stopping by!