"Buttons and patches and the cold wind blowing,
The days pass quickly when I am sewing"
~Author Unknown

Monday, March 15, 2010

Extra, extra...read all about it!

Does this bring visions of young boys in knickerbockers out on the street corner selling newspapers? Actually my father was one of those boys in a time far, far away. But this is news about my new big project. I am going to use the entire year to work on this one. No pressure or press deadlines for me.


I bought 40 ct lambswool and Threadworx 10351 and 1077. A new book from Marie Clair Point de Croix is coming to good use.

Any clues yet as to what it is?

On the side it reads 'Rust roest!' which is translated 'Rest creates rust!' Love this old Dutch saying and as a stitcher I will take heed. *wink*

Have you figured it out? It is something that is seen as very old fashioned and not done. Or so I thought!

Once I finally found an antique 'letterbak' or printer's drawer, I started to search for tiny free charts online. To my surprise, they are a big trend again among the French bloggers. I had to be patient looking on Marktplaats for this one. I got it at a great price. Each space in the drawer will be filled with a tiny piece of stitching.

I am not planning it ahead of time. I was the excitement of thinking of things as I go along. I did know as soon as I saw this drawer that I would stitch the word 'borduren' in the top right squares. This is Dutch for stitching. I will update you regularly with new sections as I make them. My first four letters are finished.

And Saskia...I am still working on finishing UFOs each month so it is not going to distract me so I cannot win our challenge. *grins*

I have been a terrible blogging friend and not visited blogs lately. I am really sorry. My needles are just moving so much that I am not online as much. I hope to get around to visit you all really soon. I have had some new people visiting lately and am thrilled with all the new comments. Thank you all for visiting and saying hello!

20 comments:

Roberta said...

Hi Heidi, just had to say what a great idea for the printer's box - we have one and were putting miniatures in the little squares, but I like the idea of some stitched squares as well - great idea you are so clever.

Also, wanted to tell you how much I love your 'Nutcracker' tree, it is so sweet.

Hope you are doing well.

yours -- Roberta

Kathy A. said...

What a great idea. A wonderful use for an old printer's box. I look forward to watching as each block is filled.

Christine said...

What a great idea, it will be stunning

hazel c UK said...

I love your antique printers box, I have several for my miniatures but mine are fairly new, not a lot of character in them. I love the way you are going to fill each box and such a pretty thread you are using.
Thank you for sharing.
Hazel (UK)

Carolien said...

Hi Heidi,

I did see another letterbak on another blog ;))) It's in the air, I guess ... Have fun with yours!

Hugs, Carolien

Anonymous said...

Great idea for the printers box. Can't wait to see it finished.

Stitch away and visit when you can, I'm sure all understand;-)

Blessings,
Jilly

anneke said...

wouldn't look little quilts great in it too?? or little bobbins and so on... I'm of to the kringloopwinkel ;-)

Linda said...

What a wonderful printers box....I'm looking forward to seeing all the little stitches in each space.

Heidi, your Nutcracker tree is just beautiful. I love all the sweet candies you created....I'd keep it out to enjoy always too.

Happy stitching and visit when you can....hugs, Linda

Jenny said...

I love your idea with the printer's box! It is going to be amazing!!! :) The colors you chose are beautiful. What a wonderful idea, I can hardly wait to see your progress reports. I love miniatures and have collected quite a few thimbles, but your idea of filling the little squares with stitching is really terrific. What a fun project to work on!

Hugs from California!

DonnaTN said...

I can't wait to see how your new project progresses! It should be really unique and special.

Simple Home said...

I've never seen a printers box used this way, but I think it's a great idea. I loved your little Nutcracker tree. We have that book too. Thanks for letting me know about this blog. I'll visit both now.
Blessings,
Marcia

Ginny said...

This has to be the most unique idea for displaying stitching that I've ever heard of. What a great project!

Marsha said...

What a wonderful idea Heidi. My grandfather (my mother's father) was a printer. His print shop was in his basement. All of us have one of his printer's drawers - I love them and can't wait to see your progress and finished pieces. It will be neat.

Barb said...

Hello Heidi, Well you never disapoint me when I visit your blog inspiration hits me right between the eyes !! What a brilliant idea ,but I must admit to not hearing of these boxes will have to see if you can get them here in the UK. I think I will have to attempt the 40 count fabric (while I can lol)are the instuctions just in French in these books (dont read French).
Hugs and stuff

mainely stitching said...

What a COOL find, Heidi! You have enough creativity to fuel a dozen people, I swear it!!

Elly said...

Hoi Heidi. Eigen idee om de letterbak met borduurtjes in te richten? Het zal erg leuk worden. Mijn letterbak staat vol met miniatuur souveniertjes uit allerlei landen. Groetjes en hugs
Elly

Nancy said...

YOU, taking a year to finish something???? I do not believe that at all. Love your letters. Have to wait to see what you come up with this time. LOL.
Love you, Mom

Margaret said...

What a great idea Heidi. You are going to have so much fun with this project.

Your 'Nutcracker' tree is adorable as are all the other projects you have been working on while I was 'away'.

It was great hearing from you. So sorry that the health problems keep on coming.

'Talk' to you soon.

hugs, Margaret

Saskia said...

Brings back good memories. I had a 'letterbak' for many years. Don't know what happend to it though.!? I like the idea of yours.
Lots of little boxes to fill. have fun with it.
Saskia

Susan in SC said...

This will give us something to look forward to over the next year. I can't wait to see the finished project!