~ Farm Fresh Sawdust Tip For Pinkeeps ~

 Hello dear friends and stitchers!

Hard to believe it's Friday again....hope you're enjoying

this beautiful summer day.

I've got lots of different things to share with you today, 

and I'll start with my wonderful find from Ebay....

~ Early Primitive Sewing Basket ~

This sweet woven basket is from the 19th century.  What makes

it very unique is the two set-in attached basket pockets, 

and two attached pincushions.  

It's in wonderful condition for its age, the only sad 

thing is that it's missing a top lid, but that's

okay with me....I've got great plans for it!

**********

This next piece I've had in my collection for many years....

~Early Thread Well With Pincushion & Storage Box ~

I remember purchasing this lovely piece while on a road trip 

to Madison, Wisconsin to visit all my favorite shops.

 It's hard to find these 'Thread Wells' with all the original

pins that go through the center of the spool, and holds

it in place.  This one also has hand painted vines on 

the wood, plus its original pincushion.

The pincushion lifts up to reveal a center storage box.

**********

I know it's a little early to be thinking about Christmas, but in 

looking for inspiration for designing Christmas patterns 

coming up, I LOVE this book....

~ An Early Christmas ~

By Tina Woltman

Wow, this is a really awesome book filled with color photos

from cover to cover!

Hardcover, 160 Pages

Copyright 2011

Printed in the U.S.A. by Custom Printing, Inc.

Appleton, Wisconsin

It you love antiques and primitives, this book is overflowing

with wonderful ideas and inspiration.

Also, if you love German Sheep and Santa's....this is a book 

worth searching for.

During the Christmas season I'll share photos of my personal 

collection of antique German Sheep.

**********

Next up is my special feature for sharing my 

farm fresh idea on how I dispense SAWDUST.....

Back when I was a retail shop 'Salem Stitchery' I used

an antique automotive oil jar with the funnel 

top as my candy jar....it worked perfect for

candy hearts, jelly beans, candy corn,

M & M's etc. 

It was really nice because customers were only 

touching the candy that they were dispensing into their hand.

When I transitioned from my retail shop to designing, I had 

this empty dispenser, not knowing what to use it for.....one afternoon

the idea came to me, how about my sawdust?

I absolutely love how well the idea worked out!  It really keeps my 

work area nice and neat.

The tip of the funnel fits nicely into the slit of the pinkeep being

filled, and you can control the amount of sawdust coming

out.  I just keep slowing pouring the sawdust in and

keep packing it down with the tip of the funnel.

I was lucky to find an extra oil dispenser out in my husband's 

workshop....this one holds my crushed 

English Walnut Shell.

I love to use big old candy jars to store my extra supply.

Hope you like my idea?

******

Here is a photo from my Studio showing my one of my

 worktables with different fillers....

I love turning old objects into something practical for my 

sewing passions.

These smaller glass tobacco jars work well for odds and ends....let

YOUR imagination run wild!

(small oil cans, lavender & cedar balls)

**********

While walking out to our pond, I was so happy to see our 

Purple Cone Flower is in full bloom....

This field of Cone Flower covers about half an acre 

surrounding our pond....it's really pretty!

The sound of bees buzzing is really intense!

They just fly from one flower to the next.

Also, lots of butterflies, but I couldn't focus my camera on 

one that would stay still....I'll try again next week!

**********

We woke up to a nice gentle rain this morning...the 

Marigolds just love it!

**********

We had more visitors in our hay field....

Six Sand Hill Cranes walking and squawking....this time I 

was able to get a little closer.

They finally decided I must be a predator...and started to fly off.

********** 

I have decided the thread & linen for my next pattern....

The chosen threads will be DMC.

The linen for the model is going to be 32ct. Belfast 'Heritage'.

Here's a tiny peek at one of the Rabbit's eyes, sorry I can't 

show more.....maybe on Monday?

**********

I'm off to my daily trip to the post office.

Hope you enjoy your weekend.... please

stop back to visit me for my 

post on MONDAY.

Country Blessing,

~ Kindly, Tammy ~