Finally! A GOOD use for plastic canvas.

It's the needle book. Forgot to say that part.

I moved to Ohio (and got married) and missed the Des Moines show because of that. I figured it was my fault!

Never mind that you *think* you aren't gaining skills because you flit from one thing to another. Everything you do with needle and thread improves what else you do with needle and thread. That's a quote from a dear, talented embroideress who shall remain nameless at her request. But I've never forgotten those words of wisdom, and as you grow in needlework, you begin to understand it's meaning.

Your work is lovely, and I liked the white/on/white. Lots of work there.

Dianne

I love Plastic Canvas, it makes great Christmas Ornaments! That is about it though, until I saw your needlebook. Very lovely and very clever. I loved looking through all of your work Elizabeth, it is very beautiful and varied. Well done, and thanks for sharing!

Susan in Ontario

Thank you all very much, ladies. It took about 4 weeks, on and off, of thinking about how to do it and about 2 hours to execute properly, but it was something I really needed to do.

Now, can anyone tell me what a needle ROLL is for? They're pretty, but I don't see me sticking needles in one and hauling it around.

I also use it to make seasonal tissue box covers -- very cute and easy to do, too. I have also used it as a stiffener for several of the layette pieces I made for the SMDGD -- hanging organizer types things. You can put the finished pieces in the washing machine because they are too stiff but you *can* wash them in the sink. I think making something washable is the best part of using PC for this type of stuff in place of cardboard! CiaoMeow >^;;^<

PAX, Tia Mary >^;;^< (RCTQ Queen of Kitties) Angels can't show their wings on earth but nothing was ever said about their whiskers! Visit my Photo albums at

One member of our EGA calls them "elegant cat toys". Another keeps all of hers in a basket for decorative purposes only.

I made one for a friend, but haven't had the chance to ask whether she uses it or how.

I must admit, I love the way needlerolls look, but can not see any use other than dust catchers!

Cheryl

There are some very nice plastic canvas boxes in that book I was telling you about in the other thread. Very tempting.

My daughter loves the box book, by the way, and spent the morning with us making all sorts of plans! Well, her Dad gave up on us in the end and went off to do something else! WE had a great morning, anyway.

Pat P

What a relief to see someone else say that! Pretty but unnecessary, I`ve always thought. I wouldn`t stitch too many Christmas/Birthday cards either - I mean, what USUALLY happens to cards a week or so after the event? I think I`ve done one.

Pat P

Pat P

I finally used mine to line the bottom of my refrigerator drawers.

PS, I love your work.

Cindy

I use needlebooks, which are a "hard copy" of needlerolls, all the time. They're great for bringing along when you are stitching away from home. I also love "necessaries", which are double- or triple-fold, usually with pockets, that hold anything from scissors to thimbles, floss to stilletos, along with needles and pins. I have a drawn fabric one and a wool-on-wool one. I gave my daughter one made with shadow work. They are really nice to keep things organized - for instance, finding your scissors!

Dianne

I agree, I love books, necessaries and boxes for my needles, scissors and other tools. I have a kit for a needle roll that I love the "look of" but can not figure out a way to use it as is with out creating a dust catcher that I can not wash!

Cheryl

I have washed mine several times -- once to because I knocked over a cup of hot cocoa -- gracefulness isn't always possible. For me, I just rinsed, then tucked it in one of the zipper gizmos for washing lingerie.

Note one mistake: I did not secure (read "tie on tightly") a couple of the beads and they came off. Still, I'm making mine for use. Sure, she's not as "perfect" as the one on the pattern but she's used too.

Mine's used as a pin cushion more than a needle rest.

Dianne, may I see a picture of one?

Thanks!

Though no one asked, I wrote up the instructions and posted them, for anyone who wants to know how I made it.

Only if you promise not to laugh at the ugly seams which I didn't finish off properly. I failed to line this piece. Too busy (read: in a hurry) wondering if it would work so I could make it into a pattern. I don't have a picture of the inside on line - but it holds packages of needles, floss skeins, scissors, a stiletto, and a wool flannel holder for needles.

Go to:

I like stitching the needle roll patterns, but I frame them instead of making them into rolls. They make nice little framed designs for gifts.

The first stitching festival I attended was the Spirit of Cross Stitch...it folded that year. The second one I attended was the Heart of Cross Stitch..that was also its final year! Maybe I should contact CATS to see how much they will pay me to stay away! :)

Mavia