Cool Blue

While we know that some areas of the country are experiencing some early signs of autumn, it is still hot as blazes here and keeping cool is not always easy. However, this lovely sampler in her wavy blue frame certainly provides a "cool" place to rest one's eyes, doesn't it? We can almost feel those ocean breezes . . .

A Nantucket Sampler by Elizabeth's Garden
Frame by Valley House Primitives
Moulding MCA in Yankee Blue with "Wave" design

Enjoy these last days of summer, everyone!

A champion is born

As many of you are followers of Vonna, The Twisted Stitcher, it will come as no surprise that she is a fabulous stitcher and finisher. However, we now know that she is a champion stitcher and blue-ribbon winner, as well!

Needless to say, we are so very honored to have framed Vonna's entries, photos of which ~ in all of their be-ribboned glory ~ she has graciously allowed us to share here.

"The Family Sampler" by Little House Needleworks ©
Frame: MCC in Tavern Gold, Hairpin design©

"Sarah Seifer" by The Goode Huswife©
Frame: MCL in Moss & Redcoat with Chesapeake and Distressed design©

So hearty congratulations to you, dear Vonna! We look forward to many more ribbons, including that "Grand Champion" prize, next year!

New Frame!

Between last week's monster "haboob" and a 118-degree day, our thoughts have been turning to the (relatively) cooler days of autumn. So what better time to introduce our newest frame style, The Game Board Frame© shown here on The Primitive Needle's Patriotic Jack Game Board ~ all ready for Halloween. There are a number of game board charts out there, and this frame would work for any of them.

As with most of our frames, this one can be custom sized with your preference of color and graining style.  Our model is shown in "Redcoat" with a "Marble" design.

Game of checkers, anyone?

We love a good mystery

Especially if it is tied to a sampler! This is the frame we were asked to do for With Thy Needle & Thread's new "Birds of a Feather Mystery Sampler." We think Brenda did a fabulous job (as always) pairing this particular frame with this sampler. We know lots of you are stitching it as we have already had orders. So we thank you for that!

For inquiries or ordering information, please call (602) 989-1905, where you will reach Janet, or contact us through email valleyhouseprim@aol.com.  Shop information can also be found on our Web site Valley House Primitives.  We have more shops to add to our list, but if you have trouble finding one that carries our frames, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Until next time, happy stitching everyone!

Remembering Lisa

So many touching and heartfelt sentiments have been written over the past few days about the untimely passing of Lisa Roswell of The Primitive Needle.  We cannot really add to these words so well expressed by others but to say that we are honored to have had the opportunity to frame some of her wonderful designs and blessed beyond measure to have called her our friend. The loss of Lisa has indeed left a void in the needlework industry and an even larger hole in our hearts.

May peace and comfort be with her family, all of the many friends and "sampler sisters of the thread" she leaves behind.

Prim Little Pumpkins

photo courtesy of The Garden Gate

A few years ago, Joy posted these little pumpkins on her Garden Gate blog. So many people asked for the recipe, that we thought we might share it again here.  These little pumpkins seem to last forever! While they did need a little dusting of spices this year, they look (and smell) just as good as when they were first made. So make some for yourselves and enjoy their autumn-y goodness!


Cinnamon Dough Recipe


1 1/2 cups ground cinnamon
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup white glue, such as Elmers


Combine all ingredients in a bowl and knead until the dough is smooth and pliable.
Form into pumpkin shapes and lightly score with a toothpick to form the ridges. While the dough is still moist, place a small twig into the top center for the stem.
Dry for a few days or speed up the process by drying in a warm oven (200F).

Big, Beautiful Frame

This is just a short little post to show you this gorgeous frame, which graces a new release from  Little House Needleworks entitled "The Family Tree Sampler." It is difficult to capture perspective in this photo taken on the patio decking, but it is a large frame. The details are our moulding MCC (copyright 2007 by Valley House Primitives LLC) in Tavern Gold with a Hairpin graining design. And after you have visited Diane's Web site, hop on over to her Little House Needleworks blog ~ it's always filled with lovely things!

Please visit the Valley House Primitives Web site for a list of shops carrying our frames. If you do not see one close to you, please contact us at valleyhouseprim@aol.com.

Thanks for stopping by and as always, happy stitching!