Robin Atkins of Beadlust acknowledges that, when it comes to beads, “there are only so many colors and those you have can’t be mixed like paint.” So she’s sharing a masterful technique for blending beads to achieve new color gradations. … Read More...
Tutorial: The proper way to cut pearl cotton
With a few quick photos and words, Bargello Needlepoint blog shows us how to turn a twisted skein of pearl cotton thread into an easy-to-use pull-skein. No more winding; no more tangles. Brilliant. See the tute.
Video tutorial: Sausage Dog CD Envelope
Dash over to feeling stitchy and grab Kirsty‘s design for this adorable Sausage Dog CD Envelope. Yes, the little pooch wraps all the way around the CD. Too cute. Go to the blog post to download the pattern and … Read More...
Free charts: Cross-stitch
This week, we’ve gathered the greatest hand-embroidery patterns for you to try! We offer something for everyone, whether you’re a novice or an expert. Our free patterns range from simple cross-stitch designs to more complicated flower and animal motifs. With … Read More...
Free chart: Plastic Canvas napkin rings
The pattern and instructions for these plastic-canvas napkin rings are free from FreePatterns.com. I know they look a bit “traditional PC” in this image, which may be pleasing to some stitchers. But if you’d like something a bit edgier, you … Read More...
Tutorial: Easier cutting for felt applique
Robin of Needlepoint Study Hall shows us how to use Glad Press ‘n’ Seal wrap to hold a paper pattern in place while you cut out a piece of felt, which she says makes it fun and easy to add … Read More...
Free stash-buster project from Janet
Here’s another rockin stash-buster project from Janet Perry of Nuts About Needlepoint. She says,
… Read More...Brimming with Scotch Stitch diamonds in two sizes, the Scrap Bag Needlepoint pattern is a good one for medium and large projects. Two colors appear
Tutorial: Needlepad with picot trim
Janet M. Davies of JMD Designs has posted a tutorial for this beautiful needlepad, including a stitch tute for the buttonhole stitch with picots that she used around the edge. So pretty! See the tutorial.
The Needlework Show is open!
Here’s a heads-up from Cindy Ward of The Needlework Show:
… Read More...The Needlework Show is currently open…
The General Viewing pages will close on Sunday at midnight, so if you’re wanting to browse the show and place orders with your
Help out: Take the survey
Kristin of Getting Stitched on the Farm said it better than I could:
… Read More...The National Needlework Association is doing a survey of consumers to help the needlearts industry keep a-chuggin. Here’s the link – it will take you 10 minutes
Free Mom images
Cathe of Just Something I Made is sharing some vintage clip art with Mother’s Day in mind. You may want to print some of the images for a special project. And you’ll probably notice that many of them are eminently … Read More...
Tutorial: Rope stitch
This week’s TAST challenge on SharonB‘s Pin Tangle blog is rope stitch. The example shown here is just one of the exquisite stitch-outs featured on her blog. See the tute.
Inspiration: The Lone Beader
The Lone Beader just keeps amazing me. I thought her touchable, dimensional beaded doggie brooches were untoppable. And then she comes up with tiny bead-embroidered Scottie dog earrings. If these don’t make you swoon, then you have no bead passion. … Read More...
Stitch and swap an artist trading card
Shanti (aka Stitch ON Grrl!) is revving things up over on the Hand Embroidery Network. She’s putting together the HEN ATC Spring Embroidery Swap, and you’re invited to participate. Follow the easy steps on the HEN post to … Read More...
Inspiration: S’Mockery Sm’Art
Kay Susan of S’Mockery Sm’Art doesn’t have any scraps. Well, she does…but then she turns them into these fabulous fabric brooches (shown here) and pin cushions. She says they’re “Odds and ends made from scraps and leftovers, useful to put … Read More...
Free chart: Plastic Canvas How-to: Plastic canvas blocks
Look what Rachel Hobson of Craftzine.com found: great information about creating plastic-canvas baby blocks! See Rachel’s post.
Looking for more Plastic Canvas patterns? Check these out on Etsy.
Need plastic canvas supplies, we highly recommend Annie’s Craft Store
Try lots of transfer techniques
I got this sweet note from Ruth of Ruth O’Leary Textile Art:
… Read More...I’ve read a couple of your recent posts where you mention different ways to transfer a design to fabric. I’ve written a hints and tips article where
Free chart: Needle gauge for needlepoint
Dash over to Bargello Needlepoint blog and bookmark the handy chart posted today. It will guide you in choosing the right needle for the size of canvas mesh you’re using. See the chart.
Free charts: Cross-stitch
Giveaway: Urban Threads’ bonanza
Heads-up! Urban Threads is having a giveaway free-for-all! Karline says,
… Read More...Urban Threads is celebrating April Fools’ Day with a very real giveaway! You could win a $50 gift certificate for Urban Threads’ stylin’ designs (machine embroidery, hand embroidery, and digital