Flora Needlebook--Pattern Review

Hi Everyone!

I hope you are doing well.  Sorry again for my absence....Remember in my last blog post how I said I wasn't feeling well?  That persisted, and when I went to the doctor (the second time), she told me I had pneumonia.  Ouch.  So, I've sort of been down for the count for a while.  I'm starting to feel better, but it is a slow healing process.  Thanks for all the well wishes that some of you have sent me.  I really appreciate it.

Ok...Onward!  While I was sick, because I couldn't work or focus on too much, I did get a few stitching projects done.  I am hoping to share some of those with you this week, as well as start getting caught up on some stuff about my recent travels.  Because it's time sensitive, I wanted to start with this one today.

Do you remember a while back when I showed you a new needlebook I had received?  If not, you can check out my blog post about that here.  I just adored these needlebooks so much.  They were made by Larissa Holland of mmmcrafts.

And now, Larissa has written a pattern for these little beauties so you can make one yourself.  I was very privileged to be asked to test her pattern for her.  I was so happy to be asked to do this and eagerly approached this task, because I have made several things from Larissa's patterns.  (For example, check out the totally adorable Wee Mouse Tin House Sweet Pea and I made from her pattern for that.  And check out the really cute Binky Baby Bunny the "Easter Bunny" made for Sweet Pea from another of her patterns.  Oh, yes, and let us not forget the Gadget Cozy, from yet another of her patterns.)  So, I knew firsthand how wonderful her patterns are.  I also know what a terrificly nice person Larissa is.  I knew it would be a pleasure to work with her on this project.  And I was not mistaken!  Above is my version of her needlebook, based on her pattern.

Here is the back of my needlebook.  I just love that I was able to have a lot of success on the very first try, as well as a professional finish, as a result of Larissa's excellent instructions.

Here it is from the side.  You can see what a cute little "book" shape this needlebook takes.  Larissa introduced me a to a new product as a supply for this project (a spray-on fabric stiffener).  This supply is one thing that contributes to the professional finish.  I love it when patterns teach me something new and give me new skills to add to my repertoire.

Here is the inside of the book.  There are four pages for your pins and needles  Love it.  Plenty of room to store pins and needles.  The whole book is made of wool, with a combination of hand and machine stitching.

I am just pleased as punch with how my needlebook turned out.  Sweet Pea has already tried to abscond with it, so we have actually started making another for her.  She even helped with the cutting (and did a great job!), and she is planning to work on the stitching herself as well. 

As far as a pattern review, I will say that this pattern is as impeccable as all of Larissa's other patterns.  The instructions are well written and clear.  Larissa draws beautiful diagrams to illustrate steps in the pattern.  The pattern is extremely wonderful to look at, as well.  Larissa's computer skills on designing a clean layout even for her instructions are amazing.  I highly recommend this pattern and would suggest that a beginner could accomplish this project without too much difficulty.  The only tricky step is sewing the needlebook cofer to the backing and making sure not to hit any of the appliqués as you are doing so.  However, if you follow Larissa's instructions and take it slow on this step, I think even a beginner can accomplish it without a problem.  Her pattern includes tips, tricks, and resources for additional help and supplies.  I find her patterns to be very thorough and instructive.

If you want to purchase the pattern, you can do so by heading to her Etsy shop or to her Craftsy pattern shop.

And (sorry for the late notice), if you head on over to Larissa's blog, she is giving away a couple of patterns, and she is also giving away a finished needlebook!  But she is doing the drawing tomorrow (June 18), so head on over there quick to get in on that action.

While you are there, you can check out several color variations on this needlebook for inspiration.  Larissa shows you lots of different ones she has made.  You might want to see those.  I find her color palette very inspiring.

Hope you enjoyed the review and found it helpful.  I will try to get more blog posts in this week!

Until next time,

Full Disclosure:  Larissa did provide the pattern to me free of charge to help her in pattern testing.  However, she did not ask for a pattern review in return.  There were no strings attached to the free pattern (other than to make the project and give her feedback on the instructions).  I decided to write the review on my own accord, because I like the pattern so much.

 

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Comments

[Terri]

Pneumonia? Darn, that's no good! Hope you get better very soon.

What a cute little project! I love the felt flower pieces on the cover, and the spine, which makes this look like a real book. Thanks for the pattern review. It's very helpful in deciding if I need to have one of these.

[Cindy]

So glad you are starting to feel better!!! Just promise not to over do it. We all want you feeling 100%! :) I LOVE this needle book. It is absolutely adorable!! I can sure see why Sweet Pea is trying to sneak it away for herself. LOL And thanks for all the info!

[Lynn]

This would make a nice swap item (hint, hint).

[caroll]

Your needle book is so cute! Thanks for the links as I've not been to that blog before. Glad to hear you are feeling better. Take care and don't over do.

[Michelle]

As Cindy said, don't overdo it!!! Take the time you need for your body to heal!! Ok, enough of my mothering ;-) Love your needlebook!!!

[Sue]

I'm glad you're getting back on your feet, Stephanie! That is a very sweet needle book. I love the cover!

[Thimbleanna]

Very, very cute Mrs. Pea. I'm SO glad you're starting to feel better -- I'll bet that wasn't fun!

[Larissa]

Ok, Stephanie, huge huge bonus points to you for sewing your beautiful needle book in record time AND providing pure gold constructive feedback to make it a better pattern for everyone, ALL WHILE SICK WITH PNEUMONIA. You have some crafting chops for sure. It certainly would not be as good a pattern without your input, and I was so honored to have you test it for me. WOWEE, and thanks so much for this stupendous pattern review, my ears are glowing. I hope you feel 100% better soon!

[Gill]

This is fabulous Stephanie!
I hope you're feeling much better now!

[Linda in Calif.]

Lovely, and I like that she has several pages. That's how I do mine also. This looks top notch quality.