New listings on Prim Nest

c.jblack - Lazy Hare

Hi

This month on Prim Nest I am offering two new original  "Spring is Here" ornies. These are done using punch needle and hand dyed cotton threads. The back is a hand dyed wool. I used vintage style ribbon as the ruching. Patterns will be available when I get around to them on my 101 things to do list LOL. I'll also be offering the fiber package - wool and ribbon for sale along with the paper pattern. In total there are four new ornies from my spring collection.

c.jblack - Prim Purple Posies

Enjoy the lovely spring weather  - we finally are seeing some! g'nite, Joni 

Fully Wooly Primtives on Prim Nest

March 1st, 2011 is the launch of Prim Nest - you can find a couple of my pieces for sale there. My Harvest Day rug and one of my punch needle pieces - Hare and Tulips. Drop by and check out all the other pieces being offered by the different artists on Prim Nest.


A sneak peak at my hooked rug

Prim Nest :. Fully Wooly Primitives - link for Prim Nest!!!!!

This and That

Its been a busy two weeks. We are moving one of our parents to a senior citizen's home that is absolutely gorgeous. Thank God she has already downsized so it is not a nightmare - just a bit of running around and co-ordinating everything (movers, phone lines, mail delivery, and internet). This new place is just perfect for her and will give us peace of mind.

I have been adding new items to my website and expanding my inventory. Deanne Fitzpatrick books on rug hooking are on their way along with new cross stitch patterns by some brilliant designers. I am also looking into carrying some applique patterns that I can see being done in wool. So drop in and see what is up at 

Fully Wooly Primitives. 

Island Cottage Needlearts - Clover Sheep

On March 1st the new designer site opens up - Prim Nest - where I will be offering one of my original rugs. It's never been listed before - so i am excited about that. It also happens to be one of my favourites and has fond memories as I hooked it while I was in PEI last fall while sitting on the porch overlooking the ocean.

Since I am now a stay at home Mom to the furries I have been dyeing wool and working on my cross stitch designs as Island Cottage Needlearts. I have two spring ones on the drawing board.

Also have a new punch needle design next in line to do, which has been inspired by the new TWEED threads introduced by Valdani at Nashville Market this past weekend. I am anxious to execute the design and see how these new threads work out. I'll be carrying them on my website as soon as I get them - ordered yesterday.

Off to relax for a half hour before bed - reading a mystery on my Kindle (which I love) so much easier to read in bed and up early tomorrow to make some scones for breakfast.

G'nite all -- Joni

New Valdani threads - Robin's egg

New Valdani Threads - Lime Sand



Roby's Lamp

I met this wonderful artist at the Hudson, Quebec artisan show this past fall. Her name is Nancy Jane Farnum. I just loved her papier mache figures and the way she made them come to life in a very comical way. Adding practicality by making her pieces into lamps was a huge bonus.

I sent her a couple of pictures of Roby (the spoiled one) and asked that a lamp be made from them. This was a birthday present to myself. Of course it had to reflect his keen herding abilities as a sheep herder (only in his dreams) The cats have become his sheep in this life. I love it! Thank you Nancy....

A Simple Life

It has been absolutely beautiful these past few days – we are definitely into our Indian summer. Everything seems to be late this year. I don’t think we can even consider that we had a summer and our autumn was pretty wet. So these days are much appreciated and ideal to clean up the outside of the house and prepare for the onslaught of winter. Everything has to be tucked away from the harshness of the elements.

I know people think I am crazy but I do love my winters – probably won’t when I get older but who knows with on-line ordering really why would I ever have to go out in the winter except on a nice sunny day. I love my wintry days with snow falling and the silence is unbelievable. Perfect time to be reading, rug hooking, knitting and the myriad other crafts I get involved in. Well enough of that since it will be here sooner than ever and I know you are reading this and saying is she nuts!  Especially when it looks like this.

I was talking to my brother and he asked when we were going to Vermont – that is our annual pre-Thanksgiving trip. We go the weekend before to pick up our Christmas turkey, which is so much cheaper than here at home. The point being – oh my Lord it is already the 9th and where did it all go – all that time I thought I had to knit those socks, mitts and make all those gifts I wanted to make. I keep saying I have to start earlier, well I think I need to start in July – No wonder they call it Christmas in July! So some things won’t make my list but that is ok – I have learned over the years not to delude myself into thinking I am super woman, just take everything in stride and prioritize that is my buzz word.

This past weekend I spent exploring the Quebec countryside north of us. It is amazing what you will come upon driving meandering roads through the mountains. I was on the hunt for beeswax for another project I have in mind – can you believe it for Christmas! More of that later….

I did finish not a pair of sock but only one sock – I do that knit 3 at a time and then go back to finish up the pair. This way I am not bored. I took out my punch needle (been awhile) and made a small little design which I then put on a black felted zippered purse along with some appliquéd wool. This was so much fun and I plan to make more of these using different designs. The appliqué brings back my love of quilting and playing with layers of fabric. Then of course I am into adding beads to things now – so the zipper pull has some beads hanging from it.

This one is called A Simple Life and I was not content to have a blank side staring me in the face so I proceeded to appliqué on that one also. The original and the kits are being offered for sale tomorrow on Pfatt Marketplace. I only have a limited number of kits right now.

So I have been busy and another punch needle is in the works. The framed original will be for sale and the pattern will be released at a later date. I am trying to finish up some cross stitch ornaments with beading – similar to my punch needle ones of last year which sold like hot cakes at a show I did but I have found out that cross stitch is very intensive and teeny tiny besides taking a whole lot more time to do. Whether they make it this year or not – this NOT superwoman will decide.

Off to get some craft time in…G’ nite - Joni

Orchids and Summer's End

Oh my it has turned cold - where did the summer go -I think we had two weekends of summer weather and the rest has been pretty dismal. They say we are going to have a warm winter well that means ice. Because we are surrounded by water in a valley we have been getting more rain during the winter that turns to freezing rain. The bane of my existence. I hate the stuff - it is dangerous and every Montrealer cringes with fear at the mention of freezing rain - hearkening back to that one terrible January years ago when we had freezing rain and is forever more known as THE ICE STORM...hearts flutter in fear.

But hey it is still officially summer and my orchids are still outside and have been blooming since Spring. It is the only indoor plant I can grow can you believe it!

I am working on some special projects right now but did happen to get together a few things to sell on The Primitive Gathering on Sept,1st. Here is a sneak preview of them with the thought of Halloween just around the corner. I have already started making my Christmas gifts. We sort of informally agreed that giftgiving would be handmade stuff this year which I am only too happy to do. It can be homemade edibles or any craft item. We are all pretty crafty and love to cook so there will some really great wowers to be found under the Christmas tree. I just love a gift that says "I thought about you!"

Tomorrow is sock washing day - have to block all those handmade socks to be put on Etsy next month - next month is a couple of days isn't it LOL! I am trying a new wool soap so I will let you know how it goes with that. Time to make raspberry pie tomorrow. I think this is the last crop of the season and we have been eating them all summer just plain - so delicious like that but one pie has to be made.

It's 1:00am and Roby (my dog) is making his nest which means time to go bed. I wonder why dogs do that. He scratches and paws and rearranges his blankets and just plops himself down with a big old sigh and as my mother-in-law once told me - Good ole bed - which I am thinking sounds just about right..

Good Ole Bed - G'nite.. Joni

Textures & Colours to Delight the Soul

Another rainy day today – This morning at 5:30 the sun was peeking through but by the time I got my day going it was torrential rains. That seems to be the story of the summer up here on my island in the St. Lawrence River. One never knows what the weather will be as we are situated in the middle of a valley between the mountain ranges north of us and south of us in Vermont.
Last week was cool and comfortable - this week heavy and humid (which by the way I hate). It’s been a topsy turvy summer in more ways than one.

I have been having fun with some of my smaller punch needle designs – and if you want to know what punch needle is all about peek in at The Primitive Gathering where you can get a lowdown of what it is all about plus a couple of my more seasonal pieces are for sale. This month for PFATT Marketplace I did some quick thinking. What is practical and yet pretty? I had bought these felted mini purses – they are 100% wool Fair Trade from Nepal. Add some of the punch needle and voila. I am into beading so added some felt and glass beads. I love the subtle play of light on glass beads.

I have been adding beads to my knitted socks and to some of my punch needle designs. My next step is to make bracelets – I love the ones that have all those funky beads especially lamp work ones. No I am not about to attempt to go into the jewelry business – this is something I enjoy in my spare time – at this point Peter would interject – what spare time is that??

I am quickly knitting a pair of socks for my mother- in-law in a hand painted wool called Macintosh put out by AppleLaine. I had bought the skeins from an online website Earthfaire – which is such a delight and I love all their yarns, beads and kits. If only I could knit faster. So I got the wool –which was to be a beaded scarf and then decided a few days before my MIL’s birthday that these would make beautiful socks. So two days past her birthday my fingers are flying! I then discovered that this wool is local wool from Ottawa. What heaven! This called for a road trip (2 hour drive) to see all their sumptuous wools in their true colours. It’s a beautiful wool/mohair and silk blend, knits like a dream and so soft. I can confidently say there will be more of these skeins in my wool basket waiting to be turned into little treasures.

Since taking up knitting again I have to say that I am awed by the amount of hand dyed wool out there and the quality of the wool. To knit today is such a pleasure with the resources that abound. Unfortunately when I get going on a new craft – I tend to go overboard. It’s good I have limited space what with all the other crafts taking their place in my home. This calls for a good clean up to see what can be got rid of. I keep saying that but then I pick up my punch needle or my rug hooking and now knitting and say another day. Nothing gets done but a lot of creativity and where would I be without that to enhance my life.

Have a great day - Joni

A little bit of Whimsy...

Just a short post but I will be back in a couple of days. I have been knitting up a storm - I am doing some lace knitting - new for me and challenging. I love it! I needed something that was a little difficult to execute and exercised the brain cells. Anyway will talk about that later and my immersion into hand painted wools and beading :)

Talk about beading. I treated myself to a little self-indulgent gift. This wonderful artist appeared on Pfatt this month and I adore her pieces. This is the bracelet I bought made of copper, lampwork and swarvoski beads. Her name is Sheri from Moondog Cottage. If you have a minute check out her pieces!

Good nite...Joni

Pleasures of Creating

Hard to believe it is already the middle of March. Where does time go? I expect lots of people ask themselves that. I have always been a very busy person – well I make myself busy. I never have idle hands and have been that way since I was a kid. I can’t remember ever telling my mom and dad that I was bored. There was just too much to do. The fondest memories I have are living in a two storey house in a rural setting (which has since been built up) and exploring woods and streams. We did not have computers or TV (by choice). Our imagination was our best friend. They are very fond memories and I consider myself very lucky to have been a child during those times.

Today I often hear from children I know that they are bored – and it puzzles me. Is it too much reliance on the instruments of technology that surround the youth of today? Honestly I can’t even keep up with the new things that come out every day. It is beyond me. Perhaps it is not using their imagination that has them bored. Crafting is such a wonderful way to let children explore their imagination. This month I have been told is craft month so why not take up a new craft and if you have children in your life expose them to the pleasures and satisfaction of creating something on their own.

For myself I have signed up for some doll courses. I have always dabbled in doll making but was never really happy with them. So why not learn the basics – get introduced to some of the materials available to doll makers, run with that and see what happens. That is my new craft to learn this month! It is not like I need something new to keep me busy! But sometimes you just need that new little burst of energy.

The past two months I have been working a lot with wool. I bought some lovely silk thread and I am knitting a lace pattern shawl. It took quite a few starts to getting the pattern down. This girl is a sock knitter so it was a little challenging for me. But I got out my trusty new row counters and they worked like a charm. I bought these on Etsy from Crimson Orchid.

I have made some new wool pincushions - one of these a large tomato - this one is available on ETSY.

The other is a small dainty one combining some punch needle and some wool felting. I call these Ladies Treasures as they are tiny little pincushions.

I discovered this great site for all kinds of crafting necessities JOGGLES. I am always looking for new ways to display my punch needle patterns . On this site I came across wool felted purses and fell in love with them. So with that in mind and a new pattern in the works, I came up with this piece. I have plans to make a few new punch needle designs that would use these different coloured purses.

Now that the weather is getting a little warmer - it is time to get the dye pots out. There is just something about spring that brings about a yearning for colour. That in between time in the seasons when everything seems to be brown and gray. You just know you need some colour to speed up the coming of spring. For me the rite of sprin g is bringing out the dye pots. This week I have been replensihing my stock of wool threads and introduced 3 new colours..Aubergine, Bitterweet and Cinnamon Rose.

Having said all that -time to get back to the pots and start creating some wonderful colours. Have a great day and hope you are planning to do something creative today! TTYL Joni

Reality of Cross-Stitch and Age

I guess I have this thing about pincushions - one of my newest creations. I love making pincushions. They are small, can be made quickly and are very satisfying when finished. This one reflects my love of old quilt patterns. This beautiful pattern is based on the Rose of Sharon. I punched it using my hand dyed wool threads and stuffed it will sheep's wool from the western plains of the USA. I like to keep to my wool theme as much as possible. Besides wool is such a nice medium for your needles. This one is for sale on TDIPT Mercantile.

I'll be posting more in the upcoming months.. the ideas are there but it is the time to do it which is the crux of the matter. Oh to be able to stay home and just create would be my idea of heaven!

The days are cooler and the nights even cold, but I love it. This is the time of the year when all the yummy harvests come in. It is the time of year when I start thinking about my favourite vegetable - buttercup squash.

I bring in the squash - cook it - puree it - season it with butter, pepper and nutmeg - stuff myself with lots of it and then freeze the rest for the winter. Makes such a nice addition to the Christmas dinner. Came across this site What's Cooking America? which gets down to the nitty gritty of squash and lots of great recipes for all kinds of foods.

You know you are getting older when you need to use a magnifying glass to do your needlework. Eons ago I scoffed at these tools and said I would never use one. How the mighty fall! I started doing itty bitty cross-stitch a couple of months ago. Something I had done many years ago but since discovering Stacy Nash designs have found a new love for it.

I am now working with 28 to 32 count. Ok that is small. After trying to cross-stitch (now I know it is cross for cross-eyed) I ran to the local needlework shop and desperately asked if they had one of those magnifying things you need to use to see! I got myself one that hooks onto my Ott lamp and I am back in business and happy as anything to be able to see those teeny tiny stitches at a more reasonable size. Happy days. Motto of the day " Never say never".

To the left is a beautiful pattern by Stacy called "1782 Wall pocket and another one below called "Biscornu Pinkeep" Both are available on my website. Her style is so primitive and looks like something that has been around for years.

This evening is devoted to using that magnifying glass and getting the current project done - now that it is much more enjoyable! G'night.

All patterns copyright Stacy Nash except for the top one which is Joni Black.

Food Parties

Just a short note right now as I am off to an Epicure spice party this afternoon. Have you ever been? It is like a Pampered Chef one (great cooking tools and best of all food!) but this is using spices in food. It is the fall one so lots of spices for Christmas baking. Dried cranberries, cherries, Belgian chocolate, ginger, spices for stuffing, pumpkin spices - all fresh....to name just a few. It will be making a dent in my wallet - lots of taste testing ...hmmmm...delicious. Just perfect for this dull rainy Sunday.

Wanted to tell you that Lana of Honeysuckle Lane is having a blog giveaway so get yourself over there and post your ideas on the August 19th post which ends at midnight. She makes the most wonderful pieces. To own one of her artistic pieces is a must. Check out her cards on her website.

When I get back I will tell you about this new little rug that the lovely postman delivered to my door on Friday!

all for now....

8:45pm

I had a fun time at the Victorian Epicure party. I bought more than I should have and the fragrance of fresh spices and herbs will be filling the upcoming baking months. There was a bit of everything to sample. A lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

The pic above is my treasure that I bought - a Deanne Fitzpatrick original. I cannot afford her larger rugs but then she recently did a series of ladies (within my budget) and I asked her to pick out one for me and this is what she sent. Isn't she a grand madame? All decked out in her red dress and pocketbook getting ready to go to town from a little seaside Maritime village - off to visit the big city. Anyway that is how I see the rug and each person can have a different story which is the beauty of art.

G'night...

Nip of Frost is in the Air

The weather has turned cooler and the nip of frost is in the air and I love it! For me September has always been a month of new things, new ideas and new challenges. This is the home of Fully Wooly Primitives where the dye pots simmer and Christmas fragrances are in the air - we start our candle making and soap making for the upcoming holiday season. These next few months are a busy time for us.

In November, I have a local art show in Hudson, Quebec where I will be selling my finished rugs and punch needle pieces. It's a new venue for me and very exciting - it's the unknown element of what to expect that can be a little daunting.

Yesterday I announced to Mom that we were going on a road trip. Unfortunately, here where I live, there are no craft stores to speak of so I have to drive 2 hours to Ottawa to visit a Michael's - where they have everything you need and more. At the same time we make a trip to one of our favourite restaurants - Red Lobster - none here either. It was good but does not compare to the seafood restaurants of Maine. Then we head off to my favourite packaging store where I pick out all the holiday packaging I want to use to enhance my product for the upcoming season. Visual is everything and when selling I have always held that taking that extra step makes your product more appreciated. It only costs pennies (well nickles now) to make something look WOW! and the customer will remember that you packaged something with thoughtful care.

It has been blueberry season and that warrants a blueberry dessert. I used up my little blue berries making Maine Blueberry Grunt. So easy and yummy delicious with a dollop of premium vanilla ice cream. You just simmer your berries in some sugar, water ( have to have lots of juice to pour over those dumplings), lemon juice and cinnamon. Make your dumplings, flour, sugar, butter and buttermilk and plop them on the simmering fruit. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Voila - a most perfect tasting concoction.


Make sure you go over to Pfatt Marketplace in the coming month to check out some of the great offerings from the artists there.

A couple of new items I have listed on Pfatt Marketplace.


Twilight Stroll

Harvest 1839

Now off to finish a punch needle for the new listings on the 15th at To Dwell in Primitive Times, come by and visit us. G'day... Joni

"Always remember the past, as it will remind us that life is precious. Never forget."

Joyful for

blue sky with big fluffy clouds

a perfect day with Mom

the happy barking of Roby when I come home

yummy red jujubes

This & That

What happened to September? I am ready for fall - that's my season. We are having weather that is hot and muggy. There is rain tomorrow so that should cool things down and gives me a good excuse to stay in and finish up a couple of items for Pfatt Marketplace.

I have a couple of my original punch needles that I have turned into very practical items - one a pinkeep and the other a little pouch that can hold your favourite tiny scissors and needles. Make sure you come and take a look on September 15th at all the wonderful pieces being offered by very talented artists.


Speaking about scissors aren't these the cutest ones you ever saw. These pink ribbon scissors (4" long) are made by Kelmscott Designs and I will be carrying them on my website after September 24th. Part of the price that I buy them for is donated to charity. They will be $13.00. If you would like to preorder a pair just drop me a line and I will put one aside for you. I think they are wonderful and I will also be carrying a little wool kit you can make to hold these scissors.

I will be offering other little scissors perfect for needlework, that look very prim. There is also a line of mother of pearl needlework necessities, thread holders and winders - each one is wonderfully unique since they are made from mother of pearl.


I am sitting in AC, I am a person who does not function in heat. I don't think I have ever had AC running in September. Roby is barking up a storm, he does that when we are going to get bad weather. He is kinda of high strung, I say with a chuckle.

Too hot to cook so what is fast and easy. My little tomato plant had a crop of cherry tomatoes, that I put to good use. Some cherry tomatoes, little cucumbers, fresh parsley, basil, sundried tomatoes and salad dressing poured on egg noodles. Voila! fast and easy.

Now to settle in front of the TV watching all the political pundits on what's happening in the race to the presidency. Whichever way it goes history is being made. For a Canadian I sure spend a lot of time discussing, watching and casting my fictitious vote for the next president of the United States. . I think it is because our political process in Canada is so ho hum.

Off to punch needle and see what is new in the political arena...g'nite...