Last week I mentioned Diane Gilleland’s new plastic-canvas-project e-booklet, Hook, Needle, Pencil Case. Since then, I’ve had a chance to step through the project instructions and experiment with most of the techniques.
Wow. Diane continually amazes me. This guide — like all of Diane’s work — is stepped perfectly, explained thoroughly, and illustrated beautifully. I almost had a few questions; but just as I approached the point of confusion, Diane stepped in with either info or reassurance. See the ideally staged photo above? It comes at a point when a mistake would be easy to make and frustrating to correct. The words that accompany the photo: “In this photo, I want you to notice where the seam in the tube is – right behind where we began stitching. That’s important! Make sure you begin stitching in the same spot. I’ll explain why in a moment.” Just-in-time information + reassurance. Instructions just don’t get any better than this.
As for the project itself: It’s practical, giftable, and beautiful. Diane’s stitching technique and color choices produce a plastic canvas project that looks nothing like a fluffy tissue cover. In fact, I can easily imagine finding something similar in our local fair-trade import shop. The cases are that classy — modern and yet somehow almost ethnic.
Go to Diane’s online home, CraftyPod, for information about ordering the e-booklet.
