Hari-kuyo Needlebook
![front cover with straps](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7399/13917327286_6d7ff65c42_z.jpg)
Back in 2012, I signed up for Susan's Hari-kuyo Needlebook course. Just as it was getting started, my Mom fell ill in Costa Rica and off I went to help her. Within two short weeks, she passed away, and my life went through enormous changes. Needless to say, I was unable to complete the course and needlebook project at that time. Since then, I have returned to Susan's instructions time and again thinking that sooner or later, I'd start stitching again and this would be my "re-start" project.
I must have chosen at least three different sets of fabric for this project and cut out all the pieces, but when I went to work on them, none of them seemed right, so I'd lose motivation and set it aside once again. I even went so far as to dye some silk embroidery ribbon for one of them and embroidered a different cover, but wasn't happy with the way it turned out.
Then, just a few weeks ago, I looked at it again and realized that what I really wanted was my favorite linen for the cover. It went perfectly with the Japanese bunny fabric I wanted to use on the inside. Suddenly I was motivated again! After adjusting a few of the other pieces of fabric, I finally got it completed!
![front cover](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5486/13940419105_bc9386e7d2_z.jpg)
I love the Colorstreams variegated ribbon that I found for the flower! The colors were a perfect compliment to the fabrics I had chosen. I believe this is the Arabian Nights color with the gold tones removed. The leaves are Hannah Silks over-dyed bias ribbon. The stem is couched silk chenille.
![back cover](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3675/13917321162_83bd0f06a9_z.jpg)
Here is the back of the book.
![inside front cover](https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2903/13940471443_d05e61a78b_z.jpg)
Inside the front cover. I have a few pieces of Japanese bunny fabrics that I just love! So "hoppy"! They make me smile! One of the things that really makes the needlebook special are the wonderful labels for the needle pages!
![Inside back cover](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/13940857874_779b5ed41b_z.jpg)
Inside the back cover. If I had it to do over again, I'd shift the felt page for the broken needles to the left about 1/4" to 3/8". It's been a long time since I've stitched enough to break a needle, but I've broken two within the past week! I also missed the instruction to trim the ties to a better length once the book is assembled ~ but before the flowers were attached! They are a bit long, so this is something that I'll have to go back and fix.
I'm so glad to have this project completed. It feels like a fresh start and a sign that life is finally back to a more normal routine!
Comments
I'm glad Susan's project motivated you to pick up needles, thread and ribbons once again.
Very lovely work as always.
Love and hugs and Happy Easter ~ FlowerLady
Your little book is so beautifully done...a real little treasure!
xo Paulette
Judy in MS