Smocking in the Hoop - Brooch or Pin Cushions

Spiritual - Since we know and believe that He who directs all things is our Father, we will entrust ourselves to His direction with absolute confidence, and this we will remain sere even in adversity, strong in the conviction that He can made use of evil, of man's errors, and even of sins and malice for the good of the elect.

Sewing -  These delicate pin or brooch cushions are machined smocked rather than hand smocked.  Lace or edging is gathered around the outside.

Beginner's Handsewing Class

Spiritual - What happens when women give their lives over to God? They become vessels of grace, bearers of healing, consolation, encouragement and strength to a troubled world. Far from being passive, the woman of grace will actively embrace God's will, actively seek out the suffering and lost, and actively bring God's healing love to others. Johnnette Benkovic, Full of Grace

Sewing -  Create one of these lovely hand stitched pincushions in which you will learn 4/5 stitches in this lesson - the back stitch, lazy dazy, french knot, running stitch, and the blanket stitch.  These are made of wool blend felt, embroidery floss, beads, and polyester fill,  It will be completed totally using hand stitches.  This is a wonderful "take anywhere" project and makes a very nice gift. 

  

All Designs Are Copyright Protected copyright 2011

Hand Sewing Pincushion

Spiritual - Holy Images, or liturgical icons, in our churches all principally represent Christ.  Images could not represent God, because of His invisibility and incomprehensible nature.  The incarnation of His Son has brought us a new insight.  These icons express  the same Gospel message that Scripture communicates by words and help to "explain" each other.  All our images, the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, and all the saints are all related to Christ who is glorified in them.  "They make manifest the 'cloud of witnesses' who continue to participate in the salvation of the world and to whom we are united, above all in sacramental celebrations.  Through their icons, it is man 'in the image of God,' finally transfigured' into his likeness' who is revealed to our faith.

Catechism of the Catholic Church, pg. 328

Sewing -  I have a hard time keeping track of the different sizes of hand needles I use when working on a project.  Umm..I thought.  What if I had a pin cushion that had the kind and number of needles written on it?  As I told you before, I love Embird, my embroidery software.  I got busy and I'm quite happy.

All Designs Are Copyright Protected copyright 2010

The new Archbishop Dolan of New York

Spiritually - This morning I listened to the homily of the new Archbishop Dolan of New York during the ordination mass in St. Patrick's Cathedral. It was full of the truth of Catholic values and principles. It gave me hope for the future in spite of these rapidly changing times. He talked about the road to Emus when Jesus explained the Scriptures to the two disciples (Liturgy of the Word) and, later that evening when Jesus was recognized in the breaking of the bread (Liturgy of the Eucharist) - the first mass.

Sewing - I've been making matching dog harnesses/leashes, pillows, and pincushions to place in my sister and her daughter's new antique/coffee shop to open in September. After sewing outfits for the grandchildren and lots of prom alterations, this is a welcome change.

Bella, my miniature Dachshund, is recovering well after being spayed. Now that she is five months old, my husband is looking for a puppy of his own - a red female doberman. They ought to get along!