You might remember that last March (was it that long ago?), I finished up Just Nan’s Gingerbread Needle Case and I was debating about how to finish it. A few of you suggested finishing it as an ornament, which I thought was a great idea. My plan was to get it done and on my tree for Christmas.
That didn’t happen… Nor did I finish it as an ornament.
Gingerbread Needle Case, designed by Just Nan (back)
Since it had been sitting around so long waiting to be finished, I decided that I had better just finish it as given in the instructions. Otherwise, it would sit in the cupboard for ages while I tried to figure out what to do with it.
Gingerbread Needle Case, designed by Just Nan (front)
I suppose that it doesn’t have to be an “ornament” for me to put it on my tree. It is so pretty, so I’m sure it will look very nice if I find just the right space to put it. And, with just under six months until I decorate for Christmas, I will get to try soon enough. 😉
Gingerbread Needle Case, designed by Just Nan (back)
And, since I did finish it as a needlecase, I suppose I could use it as one if I wanted to. The whole piece is stiffened with cardboard (I use comic book backing board because it is acid-free and very inexpensive), with a bit of quilt batting attached to it. This cardboard/batting piece is placed between the stitched piece and some felt, and it is sewn together with whip stitches along the stitched boarder. Ribbon ties were added at the same time in each corner to provide a way to close the case.
Gingerbread Needle Case, designed by Just Nan (interior)
There is some stitching along the interior borders which outlines the cardboard piece and delineates the side flaps. My stitching isn’t the neatest here, but at least it is getting better. 😉
Sock Madness Update – I’ve dropped out. 🙁 I didn’t make it through to the next round because my elbow injury started acting up again. And, as much as I wanted to go further this year, I’ve learned that if I don’t quit knitting/stitching when my elbow starts to hurt, then I am just setting myself up for weeks of pain and discomfort. And, of course, there is always next year!
Needleworker, Knitter, Crocheter, Sewist, Paper Crafter, and more!
How positively adorable, thank-you for sharing.
Blessings
Catherine
Your gingerbread needle case is so very pretty. And I love the finish. And of course I googled comic book backing board and found several hits. I know I want to try this, so thank you so much for sharing your finishing instructions
It looks very pretty. Kudos to you for finishing it.
Love the needle case ~ super cute!
Absolutley GORGEOUS finish on your needlecase!! What a great idea to place it on your Christmas tree!! Great job!
This is so darned COOL! I absolutely love it! Well done!
xxx
It looks utterly delightful, and I am sure you will be able to find somewhere for it to sit as a Christmas decoration as well!
That’s a terrific finish!
Great finish! You make it sound so easy but I’m sure it wasn’t. It’s a beautiful item however you decide to use it!
That is a lovely project, really does look like gingerbread!
That looks brilliant. Such an attractive way of finishing off. Shame about the sock madness, you are right to listen to your body as frustrating as it can be sometimes (voice of experience)
The needlecase is gorgeous. I love the gingerbread fabric. You could tie the ties in such a way it could hang from the tree in December and then revert to being a needlecase after Epiphany?
Your needlebook finish is so festive! I’m sure it will look very pretty if you so sit it among the branches of your Christmas tree! All the beads are certain to sparkle in the lights 🙂 Maybe it could be something special to use to get you in the Christmas stitching mood the rest of the year? However you use it, it is gorgeous! Sorry you had to stop knitting, hope you feel better soon!