NEW THIS WEEK - October 17th, 2007
Country Roads
Free Project Instructions!
In the country, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, is a world less complicated. A place where the inhabitants have forged relationships with the wilderness and nature that is so abundant around them. Wander down any rural road and witness the unexpected beauty and charm of farm scenes, in which the boundary between domestic and wild life is often blurred as the only barrier is often a simple wooden fence and the nearest neighbor is miles away. It is quiet and peaceful.
Bring this serene mood directly into your home with this week's series of realistic Rustic Country Scenes, Farm and Country Quick-Stitch designs, and primitive, stitch-filled and applique Country Time designs.
Continuing on the country theme is a set of Pennsylvania Dutch hex symbols, often found decorating the sides of barns, and the Request of the Week featuring Redwork Days of the Week on the Farm. Stroll down the page and take in the sights!
Create a fashionable denim purse from recycled jeans. Click here for free project instructions!
Pennsylvania Dutch Hex Symbols Pennsylvania Dutch hexes are colorful, circular patterns that can be found on the sides of barns, stables, and houses, painted on candles; on household good such as kitchen utensils and racks; and on wooden and metal disks which can be hung in windows. Found primarily in Southeastern Pennsylvania, the origin and purpose of hexes is still in question. It may be simply an error in linguistics that they were ever referred to as "hexes" and that they were strictly for decorative purposes. Or, they may have been used for protection against heverei (Witchcraft), and used to bring about good spells.
Whatever their purpose may be, hexes are lovely, brightly colored decorations that would be a gorgeous addition to tote bags and purses, tea towels, cozies, table linens, quilts, and bedding.
"Distelfinks," German for "Goldfinch," are one of the most prominent motifs in hexes.
Bold colors such as purple and blue express feelings of protection, peace, calmness and sacredness.
Available in four sizes: 7.82"X7.80" and 5.87"X5.87" and 4.82"X4.82" and 3.87"X3.86"
Available in four sizes: 7.81"X7.79" and 5.87"X5.85" and 4.84"X4.84" and 3.87"X3.87"
Chock full of clovers, this hex is rife with luck and good fortune.
Swirling leaves bring tidings of strength and endurance.
Available in four sizes: 7.78"X7.77" and 5.87"X5.88" and 4.87"X4.86" and 3.87"X3.84"
Available in four sizes: 7.79"X7.79" and 5.87"X5.88" and 4.83"X4.82" and 3.87"X3.86"
Stars in hexes can stand for many things: protection against fires, good fortune, hope, love, fertility, energy, and harmony.
These vivid turquoise Birds of Paradise and magenta heart represent friendship.
Available in four sizes: 7.80"X7.81" and 5.87"X5.88" and 4.87"X4.86" and 3.87"X3.84"
Available in four sizes: 7.83"X7.82" and 5.88"X5.89" and 4.88"X4.87" and 3.88"X3.85"
Brilliant colors bring to life a hex of tulips and a scalloped border, symbolizing waves and the wish for smooth sailing in life.
The beautifully combined heart and tulip patterns conjure up feelings of faith, hope and camaraderie.
Available in four sizes: 7.82"X7.81" and 5.87"X5.88" and 4.87"X4.86" and 3.87"X3.84"
Available in four sizes: 7.82"X7.79" and 5.87"X5.86" and 4.87"X4.85" and 3.87"X3.84"
The symbol for hospitality, a golden pineapple encircled with vivid flowers, is welcoming.
Available in four sizes: 7.82"X7.84" and 5.87"X5.90" and 4.87"X4.88" and 3.87"X3.86"
Want to see more? Click here to see designs released in previous weeks!