Trees and Cardinal Magnetic Needle Rests

I've made two magnetic needle rests to add to the set. They are too small to feature Bears so I've used snow laden trees and a Cardinal. 

The smallest magnetic needle rest features a tiny tree. I've pictured it with a 20p coin so that you can get a better idea of the size. It is designed to sit on my magnetic pattern frame without obscuring the pattern. 

The second is larger and features a cardinal on a fir tree branch. 

Trees and Cardinals

Before starting to stitch 'Bear Tree Forest' I decided to make two small accessories, just to see how the snow looked on the newly dyed linen. I think the dye job was successful as the snow is clearly visible.

The sweet little Cardinals and Tree are taken from a Christmas ornament called 'Christmas Cottage' designed by Belinda Karls-Nace of Blue Ribbon Designs.  

Both items are stitched in DMC threads on 30 count linen. The lining is sage green linen. The tassel and the cord is handmade.

The bigger piece is a Needle Case and the smaller piece is a handmade Needle Threader. I chose Cardinals and Trees as they fit well with 'Bear Tree Forest.'

This is a first for me -  A Handmade Needle Threader.

Needle Case - Front

Needle Case Inside 

I used thin padding so that the case has a nice feel but is not too bulky to close. It also means the needles can be inserted into the case directly.

Needle Case - Back

Berry Stitcher's Purse, Magnetic Needle Rest and Needle Threader Holder

I added some hanging beads to the ensemble for no other reason than to make it pretty.

Berry Magnetic Needle Rest

I made a tiny magnetic needle rest by stitching a single berry in the centre of a small square of linen. I stitched a square around the berry in the same green as the squares on my needle organiser. 

I wanted something small enough to sit on my magnetic pattern holder without obscuring the pattern to hold the needle whilst I change threads. 

I added a gold plated loop and attached a piece of gold plated chain with a lobster clasp. This then attaches to the loop inside the Berry Stitcher's Purse when not in use. 

Matching Bobbin Holder and Needlerest

I was so pleased with my new Needlebook that I decided to make a matching Bobbin Holder. 

I simply stitched one quarter of the main design for the front of the Bobbin Holder. Then, I took the heart and leaves from the top of the design and stitched it on the back because I didn't want to leave it plain. 

This pattern is really quick to stitch on the 18ct cream aida and I finished it in an afternoon. The fiddliest bit was inserting the eyelet. I have two tools for this and I don't find either particularly easy to use. One is very difficult to squeeze closed and doesn't permit use of a washer for the back and the other does allow use of the washer but requires a hammer. Both tools were purchased economically as an experiment. I am now wondering whether I'd benefit from buying the more expensive tool. 

Next, I threaded the Bobbin ring through the eyelet. The ring is medium sized and will comfortably hold approximately twelve plastic bobbins full of thread which is usually about right for stitching a 'small.'

Now I know that many people make these Bobbin Holders purely for decoration but I like to add function as well. I always stuff my Bobbin Holders so that they can double as Needle rests because I just don't find scissor fobs comfortable to use.