Easy Gift

Our colder then normal weather continues here in Florida. It did hit 70 one day last week but then down again and more rain. Very unusual for winter here. I said I might as well be in Illinois until I thought about it. Here there is no snow - or not to speak of. Daytona Beach had some back in Jan. Kids actually built snowmen.

I have a nice little project that doesn't cost much and is easy. It is a needlecase made out of a small cocktail type napkin. Any small napkin - any shape would work also. I found a pack of 8 of these at a flea market in IL. and thought I had made and given them all away but found one left when cleaning out some drawers. Pays to clean out once in a while. Not too often mind. I embroidered small bouillion rosebuds on it in blue and then sewed some tiny buttons on what would be the front. I made a tassel out of the embroidery threads and used a piece of blue ribbon down the the middle.
I used what they call doctor's flannel in Australia for the inside layers. I bought some back with me and guard it jealously. Just cut one large round, 2 smaller rounds and pinked the edges. Sewed a row of chain stitch down the middle through all the layers to hold it together and that is what I covered up inside with the blue ribbon. I held the ribbon on with 2 small bouillion rosebuds.

I am also going to show you a picture of my well used one that I have had for about 10 years. They look fragile but hold up very well. I did not make mine but bought it from a friend who made a lot of them and was selling them through our friend Sharon's studio. She sold them for $12-15.00. They would make a good boutique item to sell or a gift for friends. Actually if you couldn't find the small cocktail napkins one could make one very easy with some batiste cotton or dupioni and add your own edging or lace.

I think I will use this one for a giveaway. Anyone interested in winning this needlebook just leave a comment on my blog and if you mention this on your blog I will give you another chance. Lets make the date March 14th. to pick a winner. Just looked at the calender and that is a Sunday and the start of daylight sevings time. Remember spring ahead. I will also add a few pretties to it depending on who wins it - CQ-er or not.