A Knife and Steel

Take a look at these beauties.

(Never mind my old stained cutting board.)
A good year or so ago

Mr. LB found a good deal on J Russell Green River knife blades.

This one is the 'sheep skinner.'

He thought the angle might be interesting and useful.

With one, he used the two blocks of wood that come with the blade
 to make the handle.

It turned out fine, and he has used it several times.

The other, he took to my brother.

He enjoys knives and does a pretty nice job.

 So they worked something out.  You know how horse trading goes.

Hubby was thinking of having it done "nicely" as a possible gift

to maybe his brother or my dad, but my brother didn't know that part.

My brother thought he would do something nice for Mr. LB.

He used deer antlers instead of the blocks that came with it,

 and made a steel to match.

Hubby is right handed so the knife goes in his right hand,

and the steel in his left.

Look at the contour of the antlers used.

He cut the antler right where it would lend the proper angles

to fit each hand.
My baby brother said he used a new kind of shellack,
and he didn't seem to care for it as well.
Mr. LB is also disappointed - that's sarcasm incase you didn't catch on.
Needless to say, it has not yet been used.
It is at present sitting on the mantel center stage.

Until next time,
Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

My Christmas Quilt

Each year for the past several, December means something very special to me, that is in addition to the regular specials. The beginning of December, I quietly go to my room and slowly open the lid to my hope chest at the foot of my bed.  I peer in and my eyes sparkle and my heart does a little leap in my chest. I set aside one then another, then I see it-  

My Christmas quilt, folded so neatly (a little differently each year so it doesn't get stress folds.)  I take it out of the trunk an set it on the bed while I replace the others I removed.  Only very special quilts go in this chest.  I gently unfold the quilt and position it on the bed accordingly.  

There is a church in the middle of the quilt with an embroidered garland.  

To each side of the church is a forest scene with snowmen and women and beneath a row of houses.  A little toy drum, rocking horse, airplane and other toys are just above the train hauling even more toys.

At the foot and on the sides are vines of poinsettias and pine cones. 

 Each corner has a wreath.

Above the church, are red-headed angels.  I love them.  You don't often see angels with red hair.

And a row of bells above the angels.

You're going to love this...

Across the pillows are Santa in his sleigh and his nine reindeer - even has Rudolph leading the team.

There are some pieced sections, but it is primarily needle-turned applique.  There are bells on the harnesses of the reindeer, buttons for holly berries, all the toys are appliqued as well as the poinsettias and pine cones.  There are embroidered embellishments throughout as well.  I do not take credit for this lovely work of art.  I actually won it at the Baker City Quilt Show several years ago.  It was the end of July & I was asked, "You couldn't win an air conditioner?"  I was thrilled to say the least.  This is such a wonderful example of the talent that sweet group of gals possess.  I admire them and am eternally grateful.  The beginning of January, I will gently refold it, place it back in the chest, and look forward to next December. 

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches  

Gifts

Just a quick post to let you know what is new.  I was fortunate enough to happen by a sale that was at the home of an artist.  I found typing paper, water-color paper, a bunch of cookie cutters, and several odds. 

The gold medals have already been removed from the board and cleaned and might become the 'pulls' for some creative bell-pulls.  I have a bit of a collection of tea cups & tea pots.  My dishes are all white (one of the smartest moves I've made) so this little sweetie just fits right in.  There were several fabrics - old small prints :)  and an antique compass that still works! 

I am still stitching on the same projects so won't bother with those, but will share with you a wonderful gift from God.  As I was looking out my front window to see how the sprinkler was doing, I spied this view.

That's mama eating my plum tree.

*One of the fawns*  I took these photos through my front window - I didn't want to scare them by opening the door.  The fun thing is - this doe and her twins have made their home in our yards.  Our neighbors (within a couple miles) and ourselves - have all been watching out for them since they were born.  They have enjoyed spending time in the middle of the road.  Either the pavement was warm for the babies or they are just suicidal.  We have 'shooed' them off the road more than once.  I hadn't seen them for a few weeks so was glad to see that all three are still kicken'.  We don't even mind them being in the yard - until they start destroying things.  It's all part of living in this beautiful place.  If I wanted a town yard, I would live in town.  We also saw a bear cub yesterday - think we spooked him.  He raced right up a tree and held on tight!  I didn't have my camera out and ready so no picture - sorry.  Just in case you are wondering, you don't try to get too close to cubs or spend much time trying to get their pictures.  Where there is a cub, there is a mama who doesn't want you bothering her cub.  It's best to leave them alone. 

Off to work on my challenge quilt - hoping to finish it up this week - will share after the show.  Until then, happy stitches and nimble fingers.