Natalia's Fine Needlework

2024-05-14T12:01:00.000-05:00

Fall in May

It is incredible how quickly time seems to be passing by. I stepped inside Hobby Lobby today to grab a couple of DMC skeins and they already showcasing their Fall items even before summer has officially begun.

It made me think FALL, and I realized I am not ready for the Fall yet, because I didn't have time to enjoy Summer yet. The transition from one season to another appears to be happening faster than ever, making me feel like I barely have time to fully enjoy each season before the next one arrives.

The sight of autumn decorations in the store while we are still anticipating the warmth of summer is a bit disorienting, but serves as a reminder of how fleeting time can be.

2024-05-04T17:53:00.000-05:00

I abruptly stopped posting on my blog 7 years ago back in 2017. After festively greeting a new 2017 year on January 3^rd, I couldn’t even imagine that in 20 days I would have realized that 2017 was the worst year in my life.

On 23^rd January 2017 I tragically lost my son Egor at his 21.

The life completely changed, my heart shuttered in small pieces, my soul died, my brain fogged, my eyes were puffed from endless crying, and still… 7 years later it still shockingly hurts, and I don’t know who I am anymore and why I am here. The purpose of life is lost and there are still so many questions. I miss Egor terribly, his personality, his jokes, his smile, his wise advice, his opinions.

7 years later, today, I decided to come back to my blog. I realized I need a space for a rant, just a place where I can keep sharing my thoughts (or, I would rather say, to learn how to speak again), my ideas, my work. So, please, be patient with me…

Small things make big days,
Natalia

Happy New Year and Free Pattern!

2017-01-03T17:35:00.001-06:00

Натсупил Новый 2017 год! Я так долго ждала его, очень рада, что високосный 2016 позади, даже не смотря на то, что для меня он не был плохим. Но я всегда прибываю в радостном ожидании нового года с надеждой, что следующий год будет еще лучше. Как всегда душа полна новых идей и новых планов.

Ну, о планах попозже, а сегодня я хотела бы поделиться новой схемой. Точнее она не совсем новая. Схемка ковра была закончена аж в 2013 году, но вот совсем только недавно, перебирая свои закрома, я наткнулась на нее. Ах, сколько таких вот забытых схем еще лежат на полочках...

Reproduction of an antique Konya Prayer rug, free pattern ONLY FOR PERSONAL USE!

ENJOY IT!

Happy New Year!

http://www.dollhouseneedlepoint.com/free-patterns

Natalia

Dollhouse Miniature Needlepoint Rug VERA

2016-11-09T19:36:00.001-06:00

I started stitching the medallion of this rug years ago when a pattern was not even completely finished yet. Sometimes I am so excited to start working on a new project that can't wait till I finish charting a pattern. So, I had to put it a side and wait until inspiration to finish the pattern hit me.

A message from someone asking if the pattern is available reminded me about that forgotten carpet. I finished charting it, surprisingly for myself, in one breath literally. I called it VERA, that translates from Russian as Faith, to honor my Mom who always has been teaching me to finish anything whatever has been started. So, better late than never, true? The carpet was finished last October.

The rug is so fine that can be easily rolled and carried by little people.

This rug is stitched on 49 count silk gauze with Gutermann silk floss (only 4 colors) and measures 5" x 10" with fringe.

Miniature needlepoint rug VERA is available as a finished rug, as a pattern and as a kit at my website www.dollhouseneedlepoint.com. If you interested, please, follow the link
http://www.dollhouseneedlepoint.com/apps/webstore/

Natalia

Nutcracker's Museum in Leavenworth, WA

2016-08-07T16:47:00.000-05:00

A Bavarian village Leavenworth, that is located in Chelan County of Washington state, is a perfect gateway for a weekend.

Being there so many times never have had an opportunity (for some reasons) to visit a Nutcracker's Museum till yesterday.

A big Mouse Nutcracker meets you at the front door.

Then just wall shelves full of thousands of nutcrackers of all sizes from all over the world and centuries. For example, this nutcracker was displayed in a pub in Amsterdam from 1850 to 1950 when the building was remodeled, it was carved in Germany.

This Erzgebirge Miner was carved in Germany as well, in the 19th century. Note the candle that miners carried to determine if there was a sufficient oxygen in the air.

There are shelves full of mechanical nutcrackers for those who are interested.

No doubts that miniature nutcrackers attracted my attention first. Unfortunately, not for sale...

Working miniature mechanical nutcrackers

This pyramid was handcrafted in the Erzgebirge and was a gift from Erstes Nussknackermuseum Europas (First European Nutcracker Museum) located in Neuhausen, near Seiffen. The 3 small wooden nutcrackers in the pyramid are working nutcrackers.

More lovely mini nutcrackers

This incredible carving of a nutcracker only 5.1 mm was done by Herr Gunter Werner Gotz of Germany. Mr. Gotz made it out of a toothpick. He had to make 9 tries before completing it. The mouth DOES open, but a mechanism through the mountain operates it as a finger could use too much of pressure. Can you see it?

Another striking miniature and the smallest angel that I've seen (Have you seen any angels?) is the next one. This tiny little angel also was carved by Mr. Gotz and was in Guinness Book of Records in 1999.

It can be seen through a magnifying glass only

The nutcracker at left was made by John Bruce of Bruce's Woodworks of Utah. The Match Stick Nutcracker actually works. Then, his nephew Greg Bruce of Washington had to try his hand, and made the tiny one left of the match stick. The "Running Nose" was made from the nose of a wooden toy soldier nutcracker produced in Bruce's Woodworks. The engraved nutcracker, made from a single piece of cherry wood, was carved by Mr. Bruce as a gift to the museum.

The nutcrackers at the museum are also presented through cross stitch

and needle lace

...but enough talking. Please, enjoy the rest of pictures of a fine collection of nutcrackers from all over the world.

This is my favorite - Shakespeare Nutcracker

and one more that needs a comment...
This Nativity was carved for the museum by Weichelt in teh Erzgebirge. Mary and Joseph are nutcrackers. The base is in 2 parts and the figure bends back to reveal the place for a nut. As a figure bends forward the nut is cracked.

Have a wonderful evening,
Natalia

Pattern of the Month - Dollhouse Miniature Petit Point Carpet IZMIR

2016-07-01T01:39:00.000-05:00

Today I would like to present you my new pattern. The design for a dollhouse miniature petit point carpet IZMIR was adopted from an antique rug Izmir, 18th century. The field of the carpet is composed of three dots arranged in a triangle that resemble the spots on a leopard.The border consists of rose, carnation, and tulip motifs representing the garden of Eden.

There are 361 x 470 stitches. The carpet, when finished, measures 7.52" x 9.79" (19,10 x 24,87 cm). Charted for 48 count silk gauze, DMC floss.

As you can see from the previous post, I stitch this rug in a smaller version with over dyed silk floss.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Natalia

Week 2 - Miniature Petit Point IZMIR Carpet

2016-06-09T02:00:00.000-05:00

This is an early weekly update on my new commissioned project - dollhouse miniature petit point rug IZMIR. Just to remind, I stitch on 48 count silk gauze with over dyed Gloriana silk floss. The approximate size of a finished rug is 3" x 4".

Natalia,

Pattern of the Month - Dollhouse Miniature Petit Point Rug SERENITY

2016-05-30T08:42:00.000-05:00

Today I would like to show you my first new pattern of the year - Dollhouse Miniature Petit Point Rug SERENITY.

It is currently available for sale as a kit on my website www.dollhouseneedlepoint.com

219 x 325 stitches

If stitched on 40 count it measures 5.47" x 8.13" (13,91 x 20,64 cm)

If stitched on 49 count it measures 4.56" x 6.77" (11,59 x 17,20 cm)

I hope you like it!
Natalia

Dollhouse Miniature Petit Point Izmir Carpet

2016-05-28T20:04:00.000-05:00

It is those last stitches that are always mundane, but a new project to start excites me a lot.

It is a whole ritual that takes a couple of hours for me: to prepare and frame a piece of silk gauze, to print out a pattern, to cut the silk floss.

This weekend I've started a new project, a commissioned miniature rug Izmir. This is a reproduction of an antique rug, 18th century.

I use 48 count silk gauze, Gloriana over dyed silk floss. The approximate size of the finished rug is 3" x 4". The updates on the stitching progress will be posted each Sunday. Here is update # 1

What are you working on?
Natalia

I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud...

2016-05-27T06:07:00.000-05:00

I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

BY WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

Miniature daffodils is a gift made by a Russian artisan Marina Maslova.

New Addition To My Collection of Threads

2016-05-24T13:10:00.000-05:00

It is hard to call it "collection" since I use all floss I have in my stash. However, today I received a new addition to it - a whole line of Pipers pure silk threads for fine count silk gauze.

Gorgeous colors, limitless possibilities!

I like to have all available colors from a brand, because it allows me to play with the colors the way I want and chose as many for a new project as I am pleased.

Aren't they stunning?

Miniature Quilts

2016-01-17T14:45:00.002-06:00

Recently I finished a miniature quilt that I called "Red Barn - My little American Dream". A real red barn inspired me to make this quilt. I used to drive a country road where I saw that barn first time. It was for sale for more than a year, and I regret I never took a picture of it, because one day it was finally sold. The new owners turned that little charming red barn into an ugly brown rectangular house with small square windows. It is so interesting how we all look at the same things differently...

Anyway, I continue to make little miniature Christmas quilts and finished these 2 quilt tops with a Christmas tree.

My Santa is definitely love it!

Have a wonderful weekend,
Natalia

Dollhouse Miniature Petit Point Rug VERA - Stitching Progress

2016-01-11T18:01:00.000-06:00

It is a weekly update on stitching progress of a dollhouse miniature petit point rug VERA (Faith) to hoonor my mom. I use 49 count silk gauze, Gutermann silk (4 colors). It took me from 5 to 7 hours each day during a week to finish the field of the rug. Now I can start working on the borders.

In spite of the fact that I enjoy a lot working on this rug, I need a little break from it, because of the colors, and I must finish some other projects this month as well. So, I hope the progress won't suffer too much.

Have a wonderful week!
Natalia

Dollhouse Miniature Petit Point Rug VERA - Stitching Progress

2016-01-03T22:03:00.000-06:00

My first post in the new 2016 year will be an update on a stitching progress of one of my UFO projects - a dollhouse miniature rug VERA (Faith) to honor my mom. As a reminder, I use 49 count silk gauze and Gutermann silk (only 4 colors).

I started the main border (white lace) and moved on the field of the rug (black lace). I still have to fill up the left low corner with white silk (it is hard to see on the picture, but that area hasn't been stitched yet). Back to work!

HAPPY NEW 2016 YEAR!

2015-12-31T12:16:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year to all my friends!

Dollhouse Miniature Christmas Quilt

2015-12-30T17:54:00.001-06:00

I was such in a hurry to finish this miniature quilt before the New Year starts. I finished only the quilt top but still decided to show you.

This Christmas quilt measures 4 3/4" square. There are total of 25 squares, each little square measures 9/16". Each strip measures 3/16". I used 3 different color fabrics for strips, 12 white fabrics each with different design; 2 different fabrics for corners and borders.

The quilt top is made by using English paper piecing method, completely hand sewn.

Happy New Year!

Chinese Coins Miniature Quilt

2015-12-29T00:32:00.000-06:00

Today I would like to show you another miniature quilt I've finished. The pattern is called Chinese Coins.

I used 6 different solid color fabric, total of 44 strips 1/4" each. For the background 6 different whites were used. I used machine piecing method this time.

I printed the grid with 1/4" squares on Velum paper

and jointed each strip together; Velum paper with printed grid helps to keep the stitching straight

After that I cut 9 strips

and played with them for a while

After that, using Velum paper, I added white strips in between

Then I cut off the sides and took the paper off the quilt

When my quilt top was ready (here you can see all white fabric pieces are different)

I put the quilt together and finished it.

The width of strips of the miniature Chinese Coins quilt is 1/4" each. However, next time I'll try to go smaller.

First Attempt in Miniature Quilting

2015-12-28T01:50:00.002-06:00

After visiting the Washington State Quilt show last October (see the previous post) I caught myself on a thought that I have to try making a quilt in miniature. I always admired the quilts in real life size and always thought this is something I personally just don't have any patience for, and I don't, it is true. I've never in my life finished any real size quilt and don't have any skills for it. However, the desire to try it in miniature was so big that I picked up some fabric, cut little paper squares and,

using paper piecing method, hand sewn all squares together.

My first miniature quilt is finished. It is out of scale, each square measures 1/2", but it was my practice piece and Hank admires it.

Washington State Quilt Show 2015

2015-10-18T21:46:00.000-05:00

Recently I expressed an interest in making dollhouse miniature quilts and I'll make a post about it later this week. Today I would like to share with you some pictures of the beautiful quilts I saw at the Washington State Quilt show 2015 that was held last weekend in our city. I took gazillions of pictures and hope you have enough patience to look through all of those I posted here, :)) Enjoy it!

First, I want to show you my favorite.

It is the one that took me most of the time to explore it.

I loved this masterpiece a lot. I am wondering how many total fabric pieces were used to "paint" it?

Of course, cats, cats, cats. This one was # 1 favorite for my daughter.

This Crazy Quilt attracted a lot of attention

The Spokane Doll, Toy and Teddy Bear Show and Sale, September, 2015

2015-09-28T12:27:00.000-05:00

Today I want to share with you my adventure at the Spokane Doll, Toy and Teddy Bear Show that had a place last weekend.

The Saturday morning was so wonderful and there was nothing more better than treating myself with the trip to the Doll show that was organised by the Spokane Doll club. Many doll club's members presented there collections of dolls, toys and Teddy Bears. Here are some of the pictures.

I also met Sheila Brizius with whom we've been Facebook friends for a while but have never met before even though we live in the same city and belong to the same dollhouse miniature club. Sheila does absolutely gorgeous crocheting for the dolls. The pictures, as you know, do not make justice, but you can see her work here:

Sheila has crocheted all dresses for the Jean Nordquist's dolls whose work I also have been honored to see at the show. It was my first time I met Jean Nordquist as well and was in awe of the originality of her work.
These are the pictures of Jean's booth and her products

There was no doubt I'd would left that show empty handed. Here what I bought:

One of Jean's doll, antique French lace, some viscose to make dolls' hair and Jean's kits.

This is it for today!
Talk to you next time!
Natalia

New Pattern of the Month - Dollhouse Miniature Needlepoint Rug KONYA

2015-08-19T12:22:00.002-05:00

It is time to present you my new design - dollhouse needlepoint area rug pattern "KONYA". It is done in 3 variations: as a square rug, rectangle rug and narrow runner that easily can be made longer.

293 x 291 stitches, 6 colors

The measurements are:

if stitched on 18 count: 16.28" x 16.17" (41,35 x 41,06 cm)

if stitched on 22 count: 13.32" x 13.23" (33,83 x 33,60 cm)

if stitched on 35 count: 8.37" x 8.31" (21,26 x 21,12 cm)

if stitched on 40 count: 7.33" x 7.28" (18,61 x 18,48 cm)

if stitched on 50 count: 5.86" x 5.82" (14,88 x 14,28 cm)

293 x 515 stitches, 6 colors

When finished on 50 count silk gauze it measures 5.86" x 10.30" (14,88 x 26,16 cm). The size of the rug can be always modified.

132 x 291 stitches

The measurements are:

if stitched on 40 count: 3.30" x 7.28" (8,38 x 18,48 cm)

if stitched on 50 count: 2.64" x 5.82" (6,31 x 14,78 cm)

These patterns are available for purchase at my website www.dollhouseneedlepoint.com

Happy stitching!
Natalia

New Pattern of the Month - Dollhouse Needlepoint Area Rug MAYFLOWER

2015-07-14T12:53:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it is the middle of July already? Time is flying by and so little is done.

Anyway, it is time to show you my new pattern for petit point. This time I was inspired by summer and bright colors of the flowers in my garden.

I called this rug MAYFLOWER . It comes in different sizes.

Rug #1 has

171 x 323 stitches
10 colors, DMC

Rug measures:

4.28" x 8.07", or 10,86 x 20,51 cm, if stitch on 40 count

3.42" x 6.46", or 8,69 x 16,41 cm, if stitch on 50 count

This narrow rug #2 has

119 x 323 stitches
10 colors, DMC

Rug measures:

2.98" x 8.07", or 7,56 x 20,51 cm, if stitch on 40 count

2.38" x 6.46", or 6,05 x 16,41 cm, if stitch on 50 count

This repetitive pattern will look nice as needlepoint upholstery for your furniture: stool, couch, settee

I made one more pattern modifying the same design, but I'll make a separate post about it.

I hope you like my new design. I am sure it will enhance any room of your dollhouse when the rug is finished.

Have a wonderful week,
Natalia

Bead Embroidery - St. Natalia the Miracle-Worker Beaded Orthodox Icon

2015-07-02T19:01:00.000-05:00

Today I picked up my framed beaded work from the Art Supply store. St. Natalia is completely finished. This is my gift to my daughter Nataly.

The Martyrs Adrian and Natalia were married in their youth for one year prior to their martyrdom, and lived in Nicomedia during the time of the emperor Maximian (305-311). The emperor promised a reward to whomever would inform on Christians to bring them to trial. Then the denunciations began, and twenty-three Christians were captured in a cave near Nicomedia.

They were tortured, urged to worship idols, and then brought before the Praetor, in order to record their names and responses. Adrian, the head of the praetorium, watched as these people suffered with such courage for their faith. Seeing how firmly and fearlessly they confessed Christ, asked: “What rewards do you expect from your God for your suffering?” The martyrs replied: “Such rewards as we are not able to describe, nor can your mind comprehend.” St Adrian told the scribes, “Write my name down also, for I am a Christian and I die gladly for Christ God.”

The scribes reported this to the emperor, who summoned St Adrian and asked: “Really, have you gone mad, that you want to die? Come, cross out your name from the lists and offer sacrifice to the gods, asking their forgiveness.”

St Adrian answered: “I have not lost my mind, but rather have I found it.” Maximian then ordered Adrian to be thrown into prison. His wife, St Natalia, knowing that her husband was to suffer for Christ, rejoiced, since she herself was secretly a Christian.

She hastened to the prison and encouraged her husband saying: “You are blessed, my lord, because you have believed in Christ. You have obtained a great treasure. Do not regret anything earthly, neither beauty, nor youth (Adrian was then 28 years of age), nor riches. Everything worldly is dust and ashes. Only faith and good deeds are pleasing to God.”

On the pledge of the other martyrs, they released St Adrian from prison to tell his wife about the day of his execution. At first St Natalia thought that he had renounced Christ and thus had been set free, and she did not want to let him into the house. The saint persuaded his wife that he had not fled from martyrdom, but rather had come to give her the news of the day of his execution.

They tortured St Adrian cruelly. The emperor advised the saint to have pity on himself and call on the gods, but the martyr answered: “Let your gods say what blessings they promise me, and then I shall worship them, but if they cannot do this, then why should I worship them?” St Natalia did not cease to encourage her husband. She asked him also to pray to God for her, that they would not force her into marriage with a pagan after his death.

The executioner ordered the hands and the legs of the saints to be broken on the anvil. St Natalia, fearing that her husband would hesitate on seeing the sufferings of the other martyrs, asked the executioner to begin with him, and permit her to put his hands and legs on the anvil herself.

They wanted to burn the bodies of the saints, but a storm arose and the fire went out. Many of the executioners even were struck by lightning. St Natalia took the hand of her husband and kept it at home. Soon an army commander asked the emperor’s approval to wed St Natalia, who was both young and rich. But she hid herself away in Byzantium. St Adrian appeared to her in a dream and said that she would soon be at rest in the Lord. The martyr, worn out by her former sufferings, in fact soon fell asleep in the Lord.

Welcome to July!

2015-07-01T00:45:00.001-05:00

June was very interesting month full of happiness, emotions, new impressions, tears, stress, but at the end of the day - still great! Life is wonderful!

I had my birthday this month and it happened to be my husband and I celebrate our years of happy marriage at the same day. One of the gifts I received was these gorgeous bouquet of 108 roses. Why 108? Oh, it is our little romantic love story.

We travelled to Las Vegas and saw some wonderful shows. One of them was show by David Copperfield. Unfortunately, it was not allowed to take pictures during any shows, but I have one picture of David Copperfield that he e-mails to everyone who visits his shows and who has a cell phone (magic in one word...)

I love to take pictures and took a lot of pictures of the city itself. The city is beautiful, however I was surprised to know that the most of people who live there and work for all entertainment industry, don't like neither Las Vegas, nor us, tourists, and I could saw why..., but I loved the shows...

My dear sweetheart was hospitalised to the hospital that month and had another surgery. He is at home now for recovery!

While spending time at the hospital and waiting when my husband will wake up after the sedative medications he received, I managed to work on some little flower. It helped to fight stress. Now it is time to finish it.

Welcome to July!
Natalia

New Pattern of the Month - Dollhouse Needlepoint Area Rug KAZAK

2015-06-10T11:52:00.000-05:00

Today I would like to present you my new dollhouse miniature needlepoint area rug pattern KAZAK

219 x 315 stitches

DMC, 7 colors

The rug measures:

if stitched on 22 count 9.95" x 14.32" (25,28 x 36,37 cm)

if stitched on 35 count silk gauze 6.26" x 9" (15,89 x 22,86 cm)

if stitched on 40 count silk gauze 5.47" x 7.88" (13,91 x 20 cm)

if stitched on 49 count silk gauze 4.47" x 6.43" (11,35 x 16,33 cm)

Have a good day,
Natalia