Friday, October 24, 2008

PRACTICE MAKES IT PERFECT/BETTER

You can say that I have always had a strength (or maybe it is a weakness) to think I could do whatever I see someone else doing. It is definitely a weakness right now because I have so many projects going that are not completed because I'll see something else and want to start that one immediately! Well....I had never seen a pennyrug before I began the world of blogging. Of course, my husband will say my decorating style definitely changed after blogging, also. Back to the pennyrug.....I would see some of the most beautiful work and the idea hit me that I should try it. I didn't have any wool but had bunches of felt so one of my new friends told me of a site to get this freebie pattern for a pennyrug table runner of a Christmas tree. I cut the circles out (which wasn't as bad as I thought) and found a tutorial for stitches. You have to know me to appreciate the fact that I don't sit very much UNLESS I AM WORKING ON SOMETHING (or on the computer). Last night I thought I'd sit and watch the ballgame with my husband and work on this project. I had about 10 of the "pennies" stitched and I thought that something didn't look right. I put my work down and pulled the tutorial back up on the computer and realized that I had done all my stitches (that had been done) completely backward. See picture below.

I wanted to put the thing in a bag and forget it but thought that this is something I'm going to really enjoy once I learn the stitches correctly so........I took them all out and started over. "If at first you don't succeed...try again!" While I watched the ballgame I was able to complete one tree. There are two for the table runner. I KNOW...I KNOW that the stitches are horrible but this is my first (well second if you count the ones I took out) attempt. I'll show you the finished project hopefully next week.

16 comments:

Terry said...

Well good for you! I think you did a fantastic job on it!
It sounds like you're like me and can't sit and do nothing. I have to have my hands busy, and penny circles are a great way to do it.
I can't wait to see your next project.
Terry

Darlene said...

I have never heard of a pennyrug. That tree looks gorgeous though...great job on it!

B J's Corner said...

I'm like Darlene, I've never heard of a pennyrug. How cute! Looks like alot of work tho--- I'm not sure I could sit still that long.
Great job!
bj

simple~needs said...

great job!!!
here is a site for some penny rug info

http://pennyrugsandmore.blogspot.com/

this is some great info for recycling wool clothing from thrft stores( which is what i do)
http://featheredfibers.wordpress.com/2007/09/22/current-projects/

Robin Beck said...

I'm always thrilled to come to your blog and see what you have been up to Sue!
You really inspire all of us with all your cute things!
Have a great weekend,
Robin~♥

StitchinByTheLake said...

Sue would you share the site where you got this pattern? I'd love to make it. You're doing a great job! blessings, marlene

basketsnprims said...

Wonderful job! Pam

Something Nice and Pretty said...

I think you did great for the first time, it is addicting though isn't it? Here's one for you...one of my pennies had fallen off, must not have went thur all of the fabric, and I couldn't find it...well I found it, Buster had chewed on it!!! I freaked out because this was a kit that someone had sent me and I didn't have any extra wool. Well, I scrunched it together and I don't think you can tell, only if you get right up close and look.lol
I love it though!
Rondell

Sue said...

Marlene,
Kim from Simple Needs gave me this website awhile back for the pattern. Here it is http://www.patchpieces.com/Applique.html
I know yours will be beautiful!

Dena said...

How cute! I think you did a great job. I've been wanting a penny rug and the ones I've seen are pricey. After seeing this I'm thinking I could just make one myself. My own version anyway LOL

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

Good job!! I have learned several new techniques since I started blogging too. Isn't it fun?!!

{lauren} said...

I think this looks great for your first try! I've been wanting to try one myself..I don't have any supplies though..and I'm totally clueless on how to do it. I'll get there eventually though...like you my to-do pile is overflowing with half-done stuff! I can't wait to see this one done, though:) Have a great weekend! <3Lauren

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

Sue,

This is something I want to try too! I think this is the same pattern that Sandy sent me! I think you did a great job! I'm impressed!

Tammy

simple~needs said...

SUE, thanks so much for your comment on my blog... it really means alot!!
hugs, kim

Angie said...

You are more patient than I am. I probably would have just thrown it away because I'd be so mad at myself! I'm glad you didn't because it looks great! Stay with it so we can see the finished product!

Nana said...

I love it, that's the first time I've ever heard of one! Thanks for the warm welcome to blogging... I've been reading your posts ever since Kristin started and I've really enjoyed it. I look forward to catching up :)

Oh, and btw, I have an unfinished quilt top for a throw that I started at least 5 years ago; how sad is that?? I think I may have 5 or 6 blocks put together, lol.