Souvenir stitched in February and finished last weekend. I shelled all the walnuts we had in the house and then the problem arrised, how on earth could I make these shells small. I put them in a plastic bag and run it over with the garden roller which was hidden in the stable, and is now a feature in my backyard. If anyone knows where you can buy walnut shells I would love to know, in the UK the petshops do not sell it.
Anyway it does the trick and I filled it half with shells and half lavender and there is some weight to it.
Garden Roller, Walnut Shell Killer.
Have also finished Briar Rose by JduPlessis project for the class in May, actually it was not too bad stitching this over one, once I got going there was no stopping (and pigs might fly).
The Treasures of Comfort is a lovely project but to my horror also over 1, the thread is the same colour as the linen, but have done 5 blocks and do this during the day with a magnifier, am sure once it is finished it will be lovely. Hope to show you the outcome in May.
16 comments:
All are just lovely!! You have wonderful taste in projects. I have a garden roller too -- but ours is for a tennis court (which no longer exists). Pretty funny!
Bertie-
You do amazing work and your finishes are just lovely!
Wonderful WIP's, too.
Your method of crushing walnuts had me laughing! Evidently, you can buy them already crushed at craft stores.
Your Souvenir de France finish is wonderful! I still haven't finished mine - I must do it! I love your method of crushing walnut shells - the roller is an awesome looking piece of equipment that I'll bet looks great in the garden! I did see the Threads thru Time book at a quilt store and agree that it is gorgeous! I didn't buy it because I was afraid I'd misplace it by 2011! Now though, I'm wishing I had gone ahead and gotten it!
Beautiful, Bertie!! I love your finish. I had a laugh at the image of you with the garden roller, crushing up your walnut shells. I have been to every pet store I can find here to no avail--no walnut litter or whatever you call it here, either. Lots of gross reptiles and some freaky birds, but alas, nothing I'd stuff in my finished stitching. ;) Over one with the same colored thread--ack!! At least it's nice and sunny now & not December and gray. Lovely stitching!
Love your finishes Bertie but most of all the walnut story
Liefs
Erna
Bertie,
You've gone above and beyond in your efforts to obtain those crushed walnut shells. Love the garden roller story and photo.
All of your projects are lovely.
What an amazing story?.... I love your walnut crusher. Now that's a real antique and very British to this American Girl. I brings visions of gardeners and under gardeners tending the mistress of the manor's gardens. Also visions of you trying to crush the hulls. I am glad you have that crusher because I thought I was going to read....and I ran over it with my car. :)
I can't wait to buy the Honeysuckle Manor book, when the exchange rate is a bit better o:) I tried pet shops for crushed walnut shells too and they just look at you like you're mad. The garden roller makes a great garden feature, I love things like that dotted about. I've always wanted an old mangle too, that would be brilliant.
Love your finishes. I haven't been able to find walnut shells either. Over one on the same colour fabric - oh my, probably just about my worst nightmare in the stitching world!!
Hi Bertie, what gorgeous finishes, you make the BEST pillows. Love the garden roller story, I cant believe you were able to handle that big thing!
You have inspired me to get on with my JdP class piece, not long now til the class.
Hugs BRitta
I love both your finishes and i am glad to hear the tutorial was of help to you.
Have a nice weekend!
Here in the U.S. we do have the crushed walnut shells at pet stores - I found mine in the hamster department! Have you tried using rice? I use it sometimes and like it just as well. I continue to enjoy your blog and your lovely stitching.
Best wishes....
Your Briar Rose stitching looks wonderful Bertie, look forward to seeing you in class, not long now. Treasures of comfort is a real quick stitch, each box has taken me less than an hour.
xx
That is some yard roller! It has been a while since I visited your blog. Love your finishes and hearing about your trips!!
Lovely work, Bertie. I need to get my book out and make something. Thanks for the inspiration.
You can buy crushed walnut shells on ebay but it comes from the US and therefore the postage cost are high. Maybe a group of you could share?
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