Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Now for the hard part...

I finished the stitched part of my needleroll. I like the way it turned out, even if one of the zeroes is a little crooked - it's the fabric, not the meticulous stitching ;--) that caused it. I'm glad I still have about three weeks to tackle the finishing part. It'll probably take me two of those weeks to screw up my courage to try pulling the threads and doing the hemstitching. I just have to keep reminding myself that making the pinkeeps wasn't nearly as hard as I thought they would be, and hopefully I will not only find this to be true with the needleroll, but also that I will enjoy doing it. It makes me feel a bit better that fabulous stitchers like Staci and Vonna have also expressed some trepidation about this challenge.What is a needleroll for, anyway? Is it purely decorative or does it have a function? It took me awhile to find out that bicornus can be used as pincushions, but I haven't been able to find an explanation of a needleroll. Anyone know? Of course, just having an addition to the basket of smalls I am starting is reason enough for me!

12 comments:

Kim B said...

It looks great Michele! And I've been wondering if there was some greater purpose for a needle roll too - not that an addition to said basket isn't a great thing.

staci said...

Congrats on finishing the stitching!!! That was quick and it looks really lovely!

I must admit I'm not too chuffed about making a needleroll :)

Carol R said...

Nice pattern and lovely stitching. Look forward to seeing the finished needleroll.

Sally said...

That is lovely Michele. I am sure you will do fine making it up into a needleroll. I don't think they serve any purpose other than making a lovely display in a smalls basket:)

Nicki said...

It looks great :) And I love your header too. Beautiful.

Needlerolls aren't that hard to make. I was nervous about my first one but it was easier than I thought. I think originally they were for storing needles, but I'm not sure :)

Kathy A. said...

Michele - thank you so much for stopping by my blog and leaving such a nice comment. I have enjoyed reading your blog and getting to know you! I adore your little bird of happiness. Your needle roll I am sure will be stunning. You are very brave to tackle all these new thing. Have added you to my google reader and look forward to hearing from you again.
Kathy A

Unknown said...

Thanks for asking about what a needle roll is! I'm really curious to see what people say. At first I thought it was a roll-up holder for your stitching needles, but someone (I forget who) told me recently they are just decorative pillows. Here's hoping for a deeper meaning somewhere...

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

I don't even think I'm going to meet my challenge this month...this First Communion deal this weekend has taken a lot out of me! ...but I've got a clean house - you could eat off my toilets or floors take your pick! LOL!

I'm not a fabulous stitcher, but thanks for thinking so!

Sharon said...

That is going to make a lovely needlroll!

Lelia said...

This should make a smashing needleroll. I don't know any history of the NR. I remember the first one I saw was a Shep Bush kit & at the time, I guessed it was decorative.

Arthemise said...

Your needleroll turned out great! I read somewhere that stitchers rolled their stitching around the needleroll to store them, so the piece wouldn't get wrinkled or mussed, I presume. Makes sense to me!

Lelia said...

btw, thx for the link to the motif. It is a nice design & I hope to stitch it one day : )