Connie just sent me a text that said she’s never gotten so many birthday cards! Thanks to all who sent a card – isn’t it amazing what a little thing like sending a card can mean to someone. We should all remember this and send cards as a way to say “I’m thinking of you”.
I think you enjoyed the hand sewing samples! I feel lucky to have just acquired them by accident. Here is the handwriting someone wanted to see up close:


Remember this amoeba shaped pincushion? I have several of them – they just fit into the palm of my hand. Want to make one?
Black wool – one piece 4-1/2” x 6” – cut in half.
Gold/blue wool – 2” x 3”
Red/blue wool – 2” x 2”
These sizes are approximate because you’re going to cut an oval free hand from the 2” x 3” piece.
Cut another freehand oval from the 2” x 3” piece.
I have sewn these with light thread so you can see it.

Layer the bigger oval first and stitch around edge with zigzag or button hole stitch on your machine.
Layer the smallest oval and stitch.
Lay right sides together with the remaining piece of black wool. Stitch with a reduced stitch length around edge leaving an opening to turn.
Turn right side out. Fill with sand or sawdust, putting a small piece of stuffing in the hole. Close opening.
You’ve got a really great little useable pincushion! Not at all hard to make and any shape you cut will be fine. It’s a win-win!

Here’s another easy pincushion idea – a shirt pocket!

And don’t forget the cuff!

See what fun you can have?
Do you get this catalog?

It’s one of my biggest sources of inspiration. Here are a few examples.




What’s not to like about this catalog of ideas?
Enough yakking from me – time for some basketball!
Hi Mary, the hand work samples are beautiful, wish l was so neat! I really enjoy your posts, just like chatting with a friend while avoiding going out, omnicom is rearing its ugly head in New Zealand. Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
Sandy – I’m so sorry to hear that! Stay safe and chat on the blog instead of going out socially!
Sandy – I have forgotten where you live in N.Z…the North or South island. Our granddaughter is in the South Island and has said so many people have Omicron where she is. Please take care of yourself and your family. Thinking of you.
I didn’t realize The Company Store was still sending catalogs. One of my favorites now is Country Sampler. I think it’s only on line, but I ogle over every page.
Sandy, be very careful with this Covid variant. Stay safe.
Mary, enjoy the games.
Go Poke’s
There’s a Country Sampler magazine published every other month. There’s also a Farmhouse Country Sampler magazine. Both have lots of articles about decorating, some DIY projects, and some products to order. Lots of inspiration in both!
That’s a great idea. I see inspiration for quilts, everywhere. I often tell my husband, “we have fabric this color!”
I should have held off on commenting on the last post and saved it for this one. Oh well, you have to “hear” from me twice, haha! I made a pincushion from Jo’s tutorial using the glass jar. Not bad for my first try! I will just add that seeing those sewing samples makes me want to try the pulled thread embroidery. Some time ago I found some books to learn, but I haven’t tried yet. This summer perhaps?
Carla – I admire you for wanting to give pulled thread embroidery a try – looks very hard but so very beautiful! Never regret commenting – we are a social group that wants to hear from our friends here on the blog!
I love this magazine for inspirations! I found this site https://www.countrysampler.com/ is this the correct one? I may have to subscribe to this, I have so many scraps and need to find more ways to use them up.
I don’t comment enough, but I love every one of your posts and look forward to them. You are leading the life I want to live and I hope I am able to one day! Enjoy the sunshine today, suppose to be 70 degrees, I hope it dries things up so my dogs are not so muddy when they go outside!