Saturday, December 22, 2012

Snowman Mugs- Gift Idea & Sandy Hook Angels

An adorable Snow Boy & Girl in mugs that will melt your heart is what's new this week at The Country Needle! This set includes Filled Redwork Designs for the 4x4 5x7- 12 designs total. There's a sample for you to download when you visit.
Snowman Mug Set
View the Snowman Mug set and all that's new here:
http://www.countryneedle.net/index.php?main_page=products_new

Fill the embroidered bags with packages of cocoa mix, extra marshmallows, and a peppermint stir stick.
Place inside a ceramic mug or use the larger bag and put your treat in the mug and put everything inside the embroidered bag. A wonderful quick and easy last minute gift giving idea for everyone!
ITH Drawstring Bags
View the ITH- Drawstring Bags here:
http://www.countryneedle.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=529

Angels for Sandy Hook are beginning to arrive! Thank you so much to everyone who's participating! Remember, we will be sending all angels on January 15th, so you still have time to stitch and send. If you'd like to participate, please join our Yahoo group for more information. I've uploaded both a Sunbonnet Sam & Sue FSL angel in memory of those lost. Please feel free to join our group and download. Every angel counts!
 

Have a wonderful & very Merry Christmas and may the miracle of Christmas be with you all throughout the coming year!
Happy Stitching!
Nathenia
The Country Needle® http://www.countryneedle.net
Hoop & Holler: http://countryneedle.blogspot.com/
Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/countryneedlenews/

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Prim Stocking Samplers

It's not too late! By popular demand, the "20-40-60 Sale has been extended through December 7th! Hurry on over for the following savings: 

20% OFF Bundle Packs
40% OFF reg. design sets $6.97-$9.99
60% OFF reg. design sets $10.00-$24.97

Two primitive stitcheries are new this week. These are great for any Prim Christmas decor and suitable for framing. I've stitched these on tea-stained fabric, but I'm going to stain the finished designs one more time and leave them wrinkled before I put in distressed frames so they'll look even older! 

Both sets have the look of being hand-stitched but done in only a fraction of the time! Mix and Match the two sets for even more possibilities. Sentiments are also included as separate designs so you're able to use with or without the stockings! 

Have a wonderful, creative weekend and as always...
Happy Stitching!
Nathenia


Prim Snowman Stocking Sampler

These sweet Ginger & Snowman Stocking Samplers stitch quickly and have the look of being hand-stitched. Use for Christmas, decor, pillow shams, wall hangings and yes even stockings! 12 designs included in the Ginger Stocking Set and 10 design included in the Snowman Stocking set. Both include the 5x7 sampler in Redwork and Colorwork.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Crabby Cathy & 20-40-60 Sale

Hi Everyone!
This year Black Friday specials starts today and will go through the end of November with a 20-40-60 Sale!

20% OFF Bundle Packs
40% OFF reg. design sets $6.97-$9.99
60% OFF reg. design sets $10.00-$24.97


Crabby Cathy is the newest character at The Country Needle. While I don't share her exact sentiments when it comes to Christmas, I do know quite a few Bah-Humbugs that do! :)

Have a wonderful, creative weekend and as always...
Happy Stitching!
Nathenia

Crabby Cathy - Christmas


Set includes:
• Filled designs in 4x4 & 5x7
• Redwork designs in 4x4 & 5x7
28 designs total!
Put a smile on the face of the Bah-humbugs in your life with this set!

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Prim Raggedy Mom Sampler

Prim is in at The Country Needle this week with a new Raggedy Mom sampler set!
Perfect for Framing & totes and makes a wonderful gift for all Mom's!
Set includes:
• 2 5x7 & 6x10 Samplers,
• 4x4 - 5x7 - 6x10 Filled & Redwork Singles
• 2 4x4 individual sentiments
18 designs total!
Tcn_raggedymomsampler

View this set and more here and enjoy 35% OFF on regular designs sets priced $6.97 and up.
http://www.countryneedle.net/index.php?main_page=products_new

Have a wonderful, creative weekend and as always...
Happy Stitching!
Nathenia
The Country Needle® http://www.countryneedle.net
Information: help@countryneedle.net
Hoop & Holler: http://countryneedle.blogspot.com/
Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/countryneedlenews/

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Pumpkin Harvest

Pumpkins are everywhere here in Western Pennsylvania! On the roadside, vegetable stands, grocery stores, craft stores...pie pumpkins, carving pumpkins, foam pumpkins, there's just no escaping them!
Pumpkin Cart in Smicksburg, PA ©2012 Nathenia Roberts
So while the leaves are still falling and the frost is beginning to settle on the pumpkin patch, grab your cup of cocoa and stitch out our Pumpkin Harvest set! Great for fall table linens and framing for "Fall Country Prim Decor!"

And while you're stitching out the Pumpkin Harvest set, be sure to visit the recipe section here on The Country Needle's Hoop & Holler for a very delicious Pumpkin Butter Roll recipe!

The $5.97 Sale ends 10/31. Hurry on over for Fall Savings! 

Have a wonderful, creative weekend and as always...
Happy Stitching!
Nathenia
Pumpkin Harvest 01

Celebrate Fall and pumpkins! The Pumpkin Harvest includes both the 4x4 & 5x7 hoop sizes.
Great for fall table linens and framing for "Fall Country Prim Decor!"
16 designs total!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Pumpkin Butter Rolls


Have you ever noticed that the colors of Autumn sometimes resemble the colors of the spices and some of the foods we use for Fall baking? The colors are at their peak here in Western Pennsylvania and it's absolutely gorgeous! Shades of orange like the colors of pumpkins, butternut squashes and sweet potatoes; the subdued yellows of ground ginger and acorn squash; while the fuchsias, magentas and other shades of red make me think of apples, cranberries, raspberries and grapes! Leaves that have already peaked falling like molasses do not go unnoticed, as specks of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, brown sugar, allspice and roasted pecans dot the earth below.

It's no wonder that so many, and I count myself among them, enjoy Fall baking!
I hope you'll enjoy this Fall inspired recipe I'm calling Pumpkin Butter Rolls! We sure did!

First you need a basic sweet roll recipe. Use your favorite, or you can use my favorite posted HERE.
If you don't have a sourdough starter, here's how you make the one I use:

Sourdough Potato Starter
Mix together in a medium to large glass jar the following ingredients:
3 packages active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (105-115 degrees F.)

Seal loosely and refrigerate 3 or 4 days.

Please note this word of caution:
Covering the jar loosely allows the gases from the fermentation process to escape as they build. Failure to do this could cause personal harm if the container explodes. Please use caution and your best judgement!

Remove the jar from the refrigerator and feed to the starter the following ingredients

3/4 cup sugar
3 Tablespoons instant potato flakes
1 cup warm water (105-115 degrees F.)

Stir well with a wooden or plastic spoon. DO NOT use metal utensils as this can react with the fermentation process and kill the yeast.

Cover the jar loosely, and let stand at room temperature at least 12 hours or overnight. Mixture will be bubbly.

When you're ready to bake, stir the contents, remove 1 cup of starter. Cover the jar loosely and return to the refrigerator. Feed and bake weekly until your starter has had time to "grow." If you don't feel like baking, just toss out the 1 cup of starter needed for recipe and return to refrigerator.  (Because my starter is over a year old and well established, I now only feed and bake about every 2 weeks.)

Okay, so now you've finally (if you went the sourdough route) got the bread dough prepared! And it's ready for the filling:

Pumpkin Butter Filling:
1 cup pumpkin butter
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground ginger

Mix together well and spread over prepared dough that has been rolled into a 1/4 inch thick rectangle (approximately 16 x12), keeping filling about 1 inch from the edge. Sprinkle with 1/2 cupped chopped pecans.

Beginning with the long side, roll the dough into a jelly roll, keeping the edges even. Don't roll too tightly or the filling will squish out! :-)  Pinch edge together to seal. Let dough rest for about 5 minutes.

Cut into 1 inch slices and place on lightly greased cookie sheet. Let rise until doubled- about 45 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.
Pumpkin Butter Rolls before baking
Spread cream cheese frosting on warm not hot rolls and serve.
Pumpkin Butter Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Makes approximately 24 rolls. 
Bottom of Pumpkin Butter Rolls after baking- Ooey Gooey Goodness!
Enjoy!
Nathenia

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Spook-tacular & Awareness Designs

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but did you also know that it's Domestic Violence Awareness Month as well? So while you're out saving the "hooters," please also try to help those affected by Domestic Violence. It's never too late to show your support with Pink & Purple! Be sure to check out our awareness designs for both causes below. 

This week's new set will also work with the blank treat bag included with the ITH 5x7 Prim Halloween Treat Bags Set for even more fun possibilities! Details below! It's not too late to get started on Spook-tacular Projects!

The $5.97 Sale continues on all regular design sets! Save up to 69%!

Have a wonderful, creative weekend and as always...
Happy Stitching!
Nathenia
Spooky Pals

Spook-tacular! Perfect for sweatshirts, sweaters, and tee shirts! Don't forget your little goblin's treat bags too.
Includes designs for the 4x4 & 5x7 hoops
18 designs total!

Awareness & Support
Domestic Violence Awareness
While some of the designs in this set are specifically for Domestic Violence Awareness, this 25 piece set does include designs that by changing the colors, are suitable for other causes.
The FSL ribbons in this set could be stitched out and given to those in shelters as a way to offer hope. The filled designs would be great for creating quilts, wall hanging and t-shirts for fund raising events. 25 designs total. 

There's a sample for everyone to download when they visit.
Pink Ribbon Gals

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and who better to remind us to check those hooters than Stella?
Stella has gathered some of her best gal pals to bring awareness and support to all! This set includes both 5x7 and 4x4 designs. The text files are separate so you can use Stella and her friends either with or without their saying, or mix and match them for even more fun possibilities.

Don't forget to download the sample when you visit.
It's not too late to get started on Spook-tacular Projects! Try these:
ITH Prim Halloween Treat Bags- 5x7
If you want a tasty sweet, be sure to holler Trick or Treat! This In-the-Hoop set was so much fun to make. Set includes 4 treat bag designs & one blank bag panel to add your own design for the 5x7 hoop. 

Single designs for the 4x4 & 5x7 hoops are also included. To give the bags a more "finished" look, the option to add a lining has been included. Stitch on cut-away stabilizer or stiffy felt too!

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Pure Lacework Quilt Blocks 02

Hi Everyone! 

Be sure to check out the second set of the Pure Lacework Quilt Blocks and download a sample when you visit the individual product page.

Not only does this set make for great quilt blocks, they can also be stitched on the blank cozy covers in the Mug Mat/Corn Cozy sets located here

By popular demand, the $5.97 Sale has been extended on all regular design sets!
Save up to 69% OFF! 

Have a wonderful, creative weekend and as always...
Happy Stitching!
Nathenia
Pure Lacework Quilt Block Set 02
Price: $9.97
Sale Price: $5.97


While they're not freestanding lace, they do have the look and feel of antique stitched lace.

Create beautiful wedding quilts or use for quilting with tone-on-tone. Table runners and mantle scarves also come to mind.

Add your quilt batting to the back of your fabric as you're stitching for a trapunto style block too!

Includes both the 4x4 & 5x7 hoop sizes
12 designs total!
There's a sample for you to try too!

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Prim Rag Doll Hugs

Hi Everyone!
If you look at the photo below, you'll see a tattered Raggedy Ann. She was a very much loved doll and I can't even begin to tell you how many times my Mom patched her up and off we'd go again.
I think my Great Grandma would be happy to know that the doll she made for me all those years ago is still one of my favorite treasures. Of course, my little raggedy is used only for decoration now, but I'm sure if I picked her up, she'd still have lots of hugs for me just like she did when I was a child!
Be sure to check out The Country Needle's newest set called "Prim Rag Doll Hugs." This prim set is wonderful for mini quilts and framed art. How about making a new apron for your favorite raggedy using one of the designs?
Regular design sets including this one are $5.97 this week with savings up to 69% OFF! One week only!
Have a wonderful weekend and as always...
Happy Stitching!
Nathenia
Prim Rag Doll Hugs
Reg. Price: $14.97
Sale Price: $5.97

•Includes 4 sentiments in 4x4 & 5x7 to use separately or mix and match with included designs.
• Filled & redwork Prim Annie & a Tattered Doll for the 4x4 • 5x7 & 6x10 hoops.
20 designs total!
Download a sample when you visit.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Prim You Gave Me Wings

Hi Everyone!

We've all needed encouragement throughout certain times in our lives and like me, I'm sure there have been those special people that gave you strength or comfort either through actions or prayer, friendship, love and faith. They gave you wings and taught you to fly...not literally of course, but with the support of parents, grandparents, teachers, friends, mentors, spouses, etc., we've been encouraged to move on and even try new things.

That's the intent behind this week's new design set. Create a sampler and frame like the one shown and give as a gift to that special someone(s) who taught you how to fly! Also use the single designs to create cards or stitch on other items.

All designs in the Angels & Samplers-n-Such categories are $5.97 this week with savings up to 63% OFF!

Have a wonderful weekend and as always...
Happy Stitching!
Nathenia

Prim You Gave Me Wings
Reg. Price: $9.97
Sale Price: $5.97

•Includes the sampler for 5x7 & 6x10 as well as a 4x4 sentiment to use separately.

• A filled & redwork Prim Annie Angel is included for the 4x4 • 5x7 & 6x10 hoops.

9 designs total!

 

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Pure Lacework Quilt Block Set 01

Hi Everyone! 

I'm not quite unpacked and I'm beginning to wonder if that's going to happen anytime soon! LOL, I've had to unpack and then repack because I've run out of room for places to put things, especially in the kitchen and dining room! LOL, I really didn't need all that stuff anyway, right? 

I did finally find my stabilizers and fabric and how good it felt just to sit down and digitize something in the room which is starting to slowly feel like my "space!"

It's raining again today and there's a slight chill in the air. I'm sure the spectacular Fall colors that I've heard so much about will soon be visible to all. Of course this time of year, keeping warm and cozy always comes to mind! I'm excited about the new set of heirloom quilt blocks I've just done called "Pure Lacework" and am looking forward to digitizing the second set that goes with these. 

While they're not freestanding lace, they do have the look and feel of antique stitched lace. Create beautiful wedding quilts or use for quilting with tone-on-tone. Table runners and mantle scarves also come to mind. Add your quilt batting to the back of your fabric as your stitching for a trapunto style block too!

All designs in the Quilt Blocks and Motifs category are 20% OFF this week! 

Have a wonderful weekend and as always...
Happy Stitching!

Nathenia
Pure Lacework Quilt Block Set 01
Price: $9.97
20% OFF

Includes both the 4x4 & 5x7 hoop sizes
12 designs total!

Thursday, July 19, 2012

We're Moving Sale! Embroidery Machine for sale too!

Okay, we have a LOT going on here. Several weeks ago, I mentioned that The
Country Needle may be in a new location by Fall. Our initial plan was just to
downsize, but we also knew there could be a possibility of moving out of state.

Well yesterday, my husband got the news that we are moving to Pennsylvania!
Indiana, PA to be exact. He goes back on Sunday, while I get the house packed
up. As you know, I've been trying to get the house ready for sale- working in
the yard, trying to paint etc., but I hadn't even begun to pack! LOL...boy do I
have my work cut out for me!

I'm excited about this new adventure for us, especially for what it could mean
for my husband in the company that he's been with for over 20 years! To be
honest, at the same time, I'm scared too...I have no idea what to expect and we
don't even have a house yet!

We raised our family in The Land of Enchantment, our oldest son and his family
my parents, brother and grandma are all here, not to mention our amazing
grandchildren and the friends we've made along the way! LOL...how do you pack
all that up?!

I had planned on having a new Stella set out this week, but she's going to be
delayed a bit (end of August??).  All of July's sets and 2 sets are up for August
in The Country Needle's Embroidery Barn for those with current memberships.

Phone numbers are going to be disconnected soon, so if any have questions or
need assistance with orders, the best way to contact me will be through the
contact form on The Country Needle's website.

Until we get settled SOMEWHERE in Indiana, PA, please enjoy 75% OFF regular
design sets $6 & up and a never before offered 25% OFF bundle packs!

And if you happen to live near AZTEC, NM I have for sale a gently used (under 500
hours) Melco Bravo 16 needle commercial embroidery machine like the one here:

http://www.melcousa.com/amaya-bravo

As much as I'd like to, I can't move all of my machines, so I'm selling the newer one :(( This would be great for starting your own embroidery business or for expanding your current business. For price and more info, please contact me privately using the form here. Serious inquiries only please.

Have a wonderful day and thank you for your patience as we go through this
exciting transition...

Hugs-n-Stitches!
Nathenia
http://www.countryneedle.net

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

It's not about the fireworks...

I've always enjoyed taking my photographs and setting them to music for special occasions and memorials, but since it can be quite time consuming to get the music and the photos to sync just right, I don't do this very often anymore.  The video below is one I put together in 2009 featuring photos from Farmington, NM  2009 fireworks display as well as photos I took during a 2003 visit to Washington, D.C. where I was also able to view their magnificent fireworks display on July 4th.  The flag and sniper photos were taken at a G.W. Bush Rally in 2004.

The music is by Billy Ray Cyrus from his Some Gave All album, which I make absolutely no claims to or take credit for!

Yes, there are photos of firework displays in this video, but today really isn't about fireworks. It's about celebrating our independence as a great nation, it's about having freedom and the liberties we enjoy that come with that freedom- none of which was without a great price.

As you celebrate this Independence Day with family and friends, with fireworks and picnics where the potato salad is looking iffy, I hope you'll take a few quiet moments to remember our troops who have and still are fighting for the freedoms that we so often take for granted.

Enjoy and have a safe and Happy Independence Day!
Nathenia


Saturday, June 30, 2012

Fun with Fonts!

We're having fun with fonts this week! All alphabet and monogram sets are 50% OFF. I've even brought back two favorites, the Butterfly French Script Monogram and the Sublimina!
All other regular sets are 15% OFF. 

You'll also find a gift in the CountryNeedleNews Yahoo group files. See below for more details.

Have a wonderful weekend and as always...
Happy Stitching!
Nathenia
Look What's New!
Curlz Alphabet
Price: $15.97
50% OFF

2 inch and 4 inch with both upper and lower case letters
104 designs total!

Girls are Weird Alphabet
Price: $15.97
50% OFF

2 inch and 4 inch with both upper and lower case letters
104 designs total!

Butterfly French Script Monogram
Price: $19.97
50% OFF

4 inch textured monogram set.
52 designs total!
Download butterfly sample when you visit!
This set is not available in The Country Needle's Embroidery Barn.
Sublimina Alpha
Price: $12.97
50% OFF

4 inch monogram set.
26 designs total!
Download a sample letter when you visit!
This set is not available in The Country Needle's Embroidery Barn.
Park Avenue Alpha
Park Avenue Alphabet


2 inch set is available NOW for a limited time in The Country Needle's Yahoo Group files.
52 designs total!
Both 2 inch and 4 inch sets available in The Country Needle's Embroidery Barn to subscribing members.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Red Hat Stella

Hi Everyone! 

"Age only matters when one is aging. Now that I have arrived at a great age, I might just as well be twenty…Youth has no age." ~Pablo

I love the attitude of the Red Hat Society- "fun, friendship, freedom to express ourselves and a dedication to the fulfillment of our lifelong dreams." and while I'm considered to be a "Pink Hatter" because I'm under 50, I feel age is entirely an attitude and if you find yourself in a progressive and positive state of mind, you can be any age you feel you want to be. 

Today...I'm- well it's only a number and therefore unlisted, but I will say, that I hope I always find myself in a progressive and positive state of mind no matter how old I am! (-:

I hope you enjoy stitching out the Red Hat Stella as much as I did!
Let Stella help you embrace the "Hat-titude", no matter what your age! And enjoy 30% Off this week too!

Have a wonderful weekend and as always...
Happy Stitching!
Nathenia
Red Hat Stella
Price: $15.97
30% OFF

The set includes both filled and redwork designs for the 4x4 and 5x7 hoops as well as 10 separate 4x4 sentiments to use with or with out the Red Hat Stella designs.
These are great for any "Red Hatter," local RHS Chapter events, tote bags, shirts, quilts and more!
38 designs total!
Download "Hat-titude" when you visit!
View more of our newest sets here: Country Needle: New Products

Monday, May 28, 2012

Memorial Day

Thank you to those who courageously gave their lives and those who bravely fight today. Your sacrifices are never forgotten!

Friday, May 11, 2012

Mom's Sentiments & Redwork Sewing Boxes

Hi Everyone!
Enjoy 40% OFF this week at The Country Needle and don't forget Mom this Sunday!
If you need something unique and quick to stitch for Mother's Day, be sure to check our "Mom's Simple Sentiments" which look wonderful framed! Show your Mom, or someone who's like a Mom to you, how much you care this Mother's Day...and EVERY day!
Happy Stitching!
Nathenia
New this week:
Mom's Sentiments
Price: $10.97


Always full of love and wisdom, there is so much truth in the saying that Mom's hold our hearts forever!

"Mom's Simple Sentiments" are suitable for stitching on card stock or better yet, on Aida cloth and framing!
Redwork Sewing Boxes
Price: $14.97

If you've enjoyed the 4x4 Redwork Sewing Boxes that I gave away on The Country Needle's Yahoo Group and need the larger 5x7 version, you'll find those here. The 4x4 are also included with this set in case you missed the files on our Yahoo group.
Mix & match with Grandma's Treasures and/or the Redwork Embroidery Borders for even more possibilities! You'll find links below.

Also New for May:
JJ's Housework
Price: $15.97

No one really enjoys housework, but with these JJ designs, you can make it more fun! This set includes JJ designs in fill and redwork for both the 4x4 and 5x7 hoops with 7 separate 4x4 sentiments to mix and match or stitch without.
View more of our newest sets here: Country Needle: New Products

Have you seen these?
Grandma's Treasures
Price: $19.97


Remember when you were growing up and you took a peek into your Grandma's sewing basket and found all sorts of neat treasures? Well this set is all about what you might have found!

My Grandma always loves to tell me how I used to sit on the floor next to her as she sewed and string buttons out of her mother's old button box. My grandkids have each done the same thing. I hope their memories of sorting buttons is as fond as mine!
Grandma's Treasures includes the 4x4 & 5x7 sizes in both filled & redwork. 64 designs total!
Redwork Embroidery Borders Set
Price: $19.97


I think these borders will add that special finishing touch to the quilt or wall hanging you made with the Grandma's Treasures set!

This set includes the 4x4, 5x7 AND the 6x10 hoop sizes to accommodate those projects both large and small. As a bonus, I've include the centerpiece of each border as an individual design to give you more possibilities. 60 designs total!


Wednesday, May 2, 2012

JJ's Housework Designs & Liquid Laundry Soap

I made a batch of liquid laundry detergent a couple of weeks ago and the fresh clean scent sent me into Spring cleaning mode. I've been cleaning the Winter cobwebs from the house and working like mad in the yard. Hubby thinks part of all this cleaning might be me also preparing to have an empty nest after our youngest graduates in May. Either way, I thought it was the perfect time to digitize the JJ Housework set. Click the photo below to be taken to The Country Needle's website. Know a young person getting their first apartment or need a housewarming gift? Stitch these on aprons or the back of a cleaning mitt and include with a laundry basket full of cleaning supplies to help make cleaning fun!
JJ's Housework
Price: $15.97
Sale: $11.98
Save: 25% off


No one really enjoys housework, but with these JJ designs, you can make it more fun! This set includes JJ designs in fill and redwork for both the 4x4 and 5x7 hoops with 7 separate 4x4 sentiments to mix and match or stitch without.
 =====================================================================

With hubby and son's jobs, I do quite a bit of laundry each week. And in today's economy who isn't looking for a way to save here and there? So with that in mind, a couple of weeks ago, I decided to make my own liquid laundry detergent. I found a recipe here that was extremely easy to make and after two weeks of using this detergent in my HE washer, I have absolutely no complaints! I've even been using it without fabric softner (I ran out) but discovered it was absolutely not needed after pulling nice warm fluffy towels out of the dryer! More savings! Our son has even asked if he could take some detergent with him when he moves to UT for a summer job after his graduation in May! LOL and here I didn't think he even noticed! 

I took photos of the soap making process which I've included below along with the recipe. Should you like to make a smaller batch or a powdered version, you'll find more recipes on the Soaps Gone Buy website. The Duggar family blog also has a recipe for liquid laundry soap using the same ingredients, but is diluted more to make 10 gallons. Their instructions also include tips for adding essential oils.

All of the ingredients can be found in the laundry aisle of most Wal-mart stores as well as Ace Hardware. Amazon and of course the website mentioned above, also carry the ingredients.

Liquid Laundry Detergent
Water
1 bar grated Fels Naptha soap
5 gallon bucket
1 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing soda (NOT baking soda!)
1 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
4 1/2 gallons water
Put grated Fels Naptha in saucepan and cover with water. Heat on low until dissolved. Fill bucket with hot water and add soap. Stir to combine. Add 1 cup washing soda and 1 cup borax and mix well.

As it cools, it will thicken. If mixture becomes too thick, add hot water to thin it to desired consistency. May be used immediately. Mix well before each use. Use 1/2(normal) to 1 cup per load (heavy). Cost per load .04!

*Note: For my front loading HE washer, I only use 1/4 cup per load.
Grate the Fels-Naptha Soap
Disolve Fels-Naptha in water
Add dissolved Fels-Naptha to remaining ingredients in a 5 gallon bucket.
Stir and let cool. It will gel up and sort of look like egg drop soup.
Store in clean 1 gallon jugs- shake before using.
Have a wonderful and creative week and as always...
Happy Stitching!
Nathenia
The Country Needle® www.countryneedle.net
Embroidery Barn: https://www.countryneedle.net/members
Hoop & Holler Blog: http://countryneedle.blogspot.com/
Information: help@countryneedle.net

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Scarlette's Tidbits

Scarlette is back and as usual she's got plenty to say! She's beautiful, spunky, loves fashion and thinks if she obeys all the rules, she'll miss out on all the fun!
View Scarlette by clicking the photo below or view more new designs here.
Scarlette's Tidbits
Price: $15.97
Sale: $11.98
Save: 25% off



This set includes 7 Scarlette designs in filled and redwork for the 4x4 & 5x7 hoops and 7 sentiments also for the 4x4 & 5x7 hoops. 42 designs total.


Mix & match with Scarlette's Occasions for even more possibilities!
Scarlette's Occasions
Price: $15.97
Sale: $11.98
Save: 25% off



She's beautiful, spunky, loves to shop and thinks that whatever happens under the mistletoe, should stay there!

This set includes 6 Scarlette "Special Occasion" designs in filled and redwork for the 4x4 & 5x7 hoops and 11 4x4 sentiments. 35 designs total.

If you're a fan of Stella, Margaret, Gus, Ruby & Scarlette, you'll want to keep your eye out for JJ in the next couple of weeks.

If you're a member of The Country Needle's Yahoo group be sure to stop by to download the 8th design in the Redwork Sewing Box Series.

Have a wonderful and creative week and as always...
Happy Stitching!
Nathenia
The Country Needle® www.countryneedle.net
Embroidery Barn: https://www.countryneedle.net/members
Hoop & Holler Blog: http://countryneedle.blogspot.com/
Information: help@countryneedle.net

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Calla Lilies Color work & Redwork

With the arrival of Spring, I'm reminded of new beginnings with the blossoming of flowers. This year, lilies in particular. I've always thought calla lilies were beautiful and usually have a bouquet for Easter. But until I digitized this set of Color work and Redwork Callas, I honestly had no idea they came in colors other than white or yellow and just like roses, each color has their own meaning! If you're interested, you can read more about calla lily meanings, here. I'm sure you can Google more sources, but I found that one to be short and to the point. 

Symbolizing holiness and faith, purity and innocence, sophistication and charm, tranquility and peace, the magnificent beauty of the Calla Lily has many meanings. Whether you're stitching the designs on table linens to grace your Easter dinner table or creating a bridal quilt, you'll find many more uses in between, especially if you use the meanings of their colors. These are great for borders and will also compliment other quilt blocks sets on The Country Needle website. 

Colorwork & Redwork Calla Lilies
Price: $15.97
Sale: $11.18
Save: 30% off



You'll find 10 Color work & Redwork designs for the 4x4 & 5x7 hoops in this set. 40 designs total!

There's a sample color work design for you to download when you visit. 

Be sure to check out our Quilt Blocks and Motifs category for more ideas and inspiration
Have a wonderful and creative week!
Nathenia
The Country Needle® http://www.countryneedle.net
The Country Needle Yahoo Group
Hoop & Holler Blog: http://countryneedle.blogspot.com/
Information: help@countryneedle.net

Friday, March 23, 2012

March Madness With New Designs to Hoop it Up!

Hi Everyone!
If you're a college basketball fan, hopefully your favorite team made it into the Sweet 16 and is on their way to the Championship game in New Orleans!

Now that our favorite team was taken out of the Sweet 16 last night, hubby is hoping for Kentucky to take it all while I'm hoping for either KU or NC to take it.
So what do basketball players and embroidery enthusiasts have in common? We like to "Hoop It Up!" And while it's March Madness in the NCAA, I thought we'd have a March Madness of our own at The Country Needle! Coupons codes are on the home page. Hurry this expires 03/28/2012. The more you spend, the more you save with the coupon codes below.

We also have new sets for you to Hoop Up the Savings!
See Below for more details!
 
Little Blue Birds

Price: $15.97


Sweet, fuzzy bluebirds that are just so "Tweet!" Fill & Redwork Birds & a Birdhouse in 4x4 & 5x7 plus 4 Sentiments also in 4x4 & 5x7.
20 designs total. There's a sample for you to download too!

Victorian Redwork Roses
Price: $15.97


Victorian Redwork Rose for beautiful quilts, table runners and other linens. 12 designs for both the 4x4 & 5x7 hoops. 24 designs total!
Be sure to check out our Quilt Blocks and Motifs category for more ideas and inspiration
Vintage Angel Project

Price: $15.97

Bedtime Prayer Angel
Blank Angel
Bedtime Prayer sentiment
in 4x4 & 5x7

* 6 designs total*
* Complete Step-by Step Photo Instructions to complete project included in PDF format
This is NOT an In-the-Hoop project.
Have a wonderful and creative week.
Happy Stitching!
Nathenia
The Country Needle® www.countryneedle.net
Embroidery Barn: https://www.countryneedle.net/members
Hoop & Holler Blog: http://countryneedle.blogspot.com/
Information: help@countryneedle.net