Central Plateau, North Island

Central Plateau, North Island
View from a friend's farm

Monday 30 March 2015

From the Pine Tree to the “Pin Cushion”

 

Some time ago Kate   gave a link to  Cheryl  at   The other Pin Cushion contest      . All you had to do was become an “ Honorary citizen in the Kingdom of Coco” , ( I emailed the immigration department right away) then  make a pin-cushion, take a photo and email it to her. Sounds so easy doesn’t it? Well, life got in the way down here, what with Doctor’s visits, hospital phone calls, pain meds and more. I finished it on Saturday, sent the photos yesterday, and Bingo!! There it is    on     2015 pin cushion contest  photos

I can see some stunning entries.

For my entry, first, Mike felled the trees, the huge trunk was cut into rounds, and I selected a mighty fine one, with no cuts across the grain. Then I found a standing tree with lovely bark patterns. A few photos, some editing, then the fun to print those onto photo fabric. A bit of cropping, then some sewing. It was meant to look like a log on green grass, but somehow didn’t play the part. The brown was not clear, the green grass was brown, maybe it thought the summer drought was still in vogue . Then a friend suggested I turn it upside down. Well, that looked a lot better.

So,  that is how  “  The Real NZ Pin Cushion” was made.

First in the queue

Pine tree rounds #1

 

Bark for pin cushion

 

pin cushion  top #1pin cushion  the other way round,sitting on the grass

I recently found a wall hanging I started some years ago, and like this, mine  was muted, dull colours, grey, fawn, brown, and a little black, it is still waiting  for a finish !!!! A friend did hers at the same time,all lovely bright pinks and purples, blues,  mauve and a little dark thread for contrast.  This was our dear friend Jeanette’s , and a few weeks ago when her daughter and grandies visited, Joyce and I  had great happiness  to give this to her, with all the love we had shared together.

Maybe we could call it

 “ The Three J’s Wall Hanging”

Jeanette did the placing of the wool and threads, I did some of the stitching, and then the quilting onto the backing, and Joyce finished it with a binding. It was finished just a few weeks ago, and as we all know “ Good Things Take Time”.

 

Wall hanging in fleece and thread #1

Quotation of the day ,author unknown

“ Tread out into the wider walks of life, and find happiness and enjoyment every day “

Greetings from Jean

16 comments:

Kate said...

I am so glad you are now a citizen of the Kingdom of Coco. It is a fun place to hang out, even when the citizens ate in different time zones.
Love your tree.

Janet said...

I LOVE your NZ pine pincushion! Very creative!!

Leeanne said...

Cute wee log pin cushion!

eileeninmd said...

Hello jean, I love the subject behind your pin cushion! It looks great! And the wall hanging is pretty. Another great quote! Have a happy new week ahead!

TexWisGirl said...

printing the photos onto fabric to make the pin cushion - brilliant! i love the 3 Js wall hanging! so neat!

Fundy Blue said...

Hi Jean! Your quotation of the day really resonated with me, as did your stories of the pin cushion and wall hanging. What fun to finish the colorful wall hanging with your friends. I love your NZ pin cushion ~ so original! I had no idea that you could print a photo on fabric. That sounds like something you could have a lot of fun with. Have a great week!

Georgia said...

Great pincushion idea Jean! I hope you enjoy your new country LOL.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

That's a neat idea for a pincushion. I wanted to tell you that I visit your beautiful country every single time I put in one of the LOTR dvds. It is my all-time favorite book and movie series. I would truly love to see it all, but I won't fly, so I am destined to be US bound forever. :(

g.a.s. art said...

thanks for the comments about my owls and pincushion.I really like your idea for the pincushion also.I would like the owl pattern for sure.email:gas.art2909@yahoo.com thanks again keep in touch. g.a.s.

Cheryl said...

Glad to have you in the Kingdom!

Linda said...

Jean,

I love your pine pin cushion, and the quote you are sharing today really touches me deeply. Thank you!

Hannah said...

I"ve had experience too with some quilting projects that end up being a very long time in completing. Congratulations on finishing the lovely orange and swirly textures and threads wall hanging, the colors are superb. The wood with decorations and pin cushion are well crafted, too.

Our photos said...

That's nice !

Jenn Jilks said...

I know how hard you are working for your family. I'm happy you could take some time for some fun.
You are such a beautiful person and you work so hard.
Good to see your post!
hugs from away! xo

joanne said...

Oh, wow, the kingdom of Coco! I love the pin cushion and the wall hanging is beautiful. You've been a busy girl.
Thanks so much for you sweet words on my post today. It never gets any easier does it? The memories fade a little but the yearning is still there.

Heather said...

I enjoyed all the entries in the pin cushion contest. I knew I wouldn't get one made, but I could sponsor a prize. It was a hard choice since all the pin cushions were so nice. Thanks for entering.