Wool embroidered lids

Christmas is just around the corner and I needed two more gifts. I saw these pincushion jar lids and could not resist them! The embroidery is simple – I am not too good at it yet but I think they turned out lovely!

Instead of using wool as a background as the pattern suggested, I used flannel so it would not be too difficult to close the lid once the work was done. Still, the lid does not close all the way but you can turn it once and keep treats safely inside.

This is the second one I made varying only the colors of the shapes. At first, I stuffed them well with Polyfill because I like pincushions or anything I stuff with it for that matter, to be filled to the top. Well, I removed some of it to ensure the lid would work. Despite my unsure blanket stitches, I think my friends will like them.

They look great with anything inside, any size of Mason jars (it is for a large mouth jar), in the sewing room or in the den with chocolates, jelly beans, peanut M&Ms (dang, it is barely past breakfast and I already want treats!).

If you haven’t embroidered with wool yet this is a perfect project because it is small and fast. I added the vines in between the wool leaves but the pattern did not call for it.

You may have already guessed I got the pattern from one of Kim Diehl’s books, her latest “Simple Harvest: A Bounty of Scrappy Quilts and More” by Martingale. Kim’s projects in this book are colorful, full of texture and versatile enough to be gifted year ’round.

Photos by Brent Kane for Martingale. Used with permission.

Here is another small project: aren’t these mug rugs beautiful? They remind me of thick bear paws! The rich palette is enhanced with easy stitches: Kim uses freezer paper and I use Heat’nBond Light (I cover the wool shapes with fabric before fusing them to prevent scorching or making the wool ‘shiny’). Whichever method you use, this applique’ will not take long.

I like the quilts which mix piecing and applique’. In “Dresden Dish Garden Quilt” above Kim uses cotton and wool to create a gorgeous design, well suited as a welcome wall hanging or a table topper.

This bedroom ensemble is so beautiful! I can actually envision the bed runner in Spring colors, too, as its negative space combined with modern fabrics will make for a fantastic version of Kim’s work. “Simple Harvest” is another amazing chapter in Kim Diehl’s constant celebration of nature. Oh, but wait until you see the recipes included in this book! Cookies, apple pie, quiche… OK, my craving is getting worse by the typed line…

I also liked the decorating and the PinPoint tips sprinkled throughout the book, the instructions on how to applique’ and the stitch diagrams (thanks to the latter I was able to attempt blanket stitch again – move over, Kim!). 🙂

Now, if you will excuse me, I need to bind a huge quilt, add a hanging sleeve to its back, and ship it to a magazine. Yes, I procrastinated finishing this quilt by working on these two jar lids. Oh, but I am starting the week much more relaxed and, for that, I thank Kim Diehl and her creative talent.

Happy Monday!