Not one but TWO finished huswifs!

What a treat I have for you today--not one but TWO finished Mrs. Waddelow's Huswifs.  I've debated all week whether to show you the huswifs on separate days or show them together. I decided to show them together so that you can see the difference that the choices in fabric make.

The first huswif is from Barbara.  She and I have corresponded several times, and during that time I discovered that, although she is originally from the Pennsylvania Amish area, she now lives in Orlando where I grew up.  In fact, her daughter even graduated from the same high school that I did.  My, it is indeed a very small world, isn't it?

Barbara stitched her lovely huswif on 36-count cream linen using Burnished Cranberry silk thread from Hand Dyed Fibers. She describes the thread as a beautiful mauve and green mix. Barbara found five beautiful coordinating floral fabrics to line her huswif. Wow!! Aren't her choices gorgeous?

Here is a close-up so that you can get a better view of the pretty embroidery thread Barbara used on her huswif.

Barbara comes from a family of needleworkers.  She wrote, I learned everything I know from my paternal grandmother, Anna Grace, starting when I was just 7 years old.

Barbara also wrote that although she has made several other of my cases, Mrs. Waddelow's Huswif is her favorite.  She is hoping to also stitch Mrs. Waddelow's Needlework Basket.  I can hardly wait to see what she does with that.  She's debating using the same basket I did or perhaps using an oval basket instead and changing the design in the basket bottom.

Next, are photos from Patty who also lives in Florida (Gulf Breezes). Patty is married and has four children.  She works as a nurse and likes needlework and gardening in her spare time.

Patty stitched her huswif on 32-count Belfast linen using Carrie's Creations' Bordeaux thread, which is a cotton thread.  She chose to line her huswif using just one fabric instead of a variety.  I've not previously seen a version done with only one lining fabric, but I think that you'll agree this is another wonderful option for lining your huswif.  I also like seeing all the wonderful goodies "peeking" out of her pockets.  What a tease you are, Patty.

Patty also wrote, The project was wonderful in that it taught me new skills without being overwhelming.  I was able to accomplish the finishing even though I am a novice. Beautiful piece !!!!

 Thank you, Barbara and Patty, for sharing photos of your beautiful work!  It's amazing to see how much the pieces are alike and yet at the same time different.  Each of you has put your own "stamp" on your needlework to make it unique. 

If you want to see more versions of Mrs. Waddelow's Huswif, go to the left side bar of this page and click on  Mrs. Waddelow's Huswif under the blog topics.