Embroidered Needle Books

Well I didn't expect to be back quite so soon. But here I am with my embroidered needle books, made with the embroidered squares from my recently finished Garden Path sampler. The hard part was already done, so they went together quite quickly! 

Backed with squares of Essex Linen in Natural and lined with coordinating prints from scraps and stash, they are each just under 4" square when closed. 

I purchased felt from PixieFibers for the interior 'pages' - 8" x 12" sheets European 100% Wool Felt, 1.2 mm thick. Like on my Strawberry Needle Book, I opted for no closure since they are so small. 

Anyway, it feels good to finish a Dropcloth sampler and turn it into something usable in short order. Do you have a favorite?

  

Strawberry Needle Book

When I started my latest Dropcloth Sampler, I had no idea I'd end up stitching one of my favorite things ever! That strawberry took a while but was so fun to stich.

The project is the Strawberry Needle Book, just 2.5" x 3.5" when finished.

I actually started with the rain on the back, and that rainbow, which was what called to me in the first place.

I chose to construct the actual 'book' a little differently than the pattern suggested, lining it with a coordinating print and then sewing in the felt pages. I'm pretty sure that sweet fabric is a Lecien Minny Muu print from way back.

It felt good to be working on another Dropcloth sampler, even though it was tiny. And I'm looking forward to another - the new Garden Path, though I've also got some hand-quilting planned. Always plenty to work on, right?