9 Things on My Crafty Wish List

Did you notice something missing from my wishlist the other day? As I was putting these posts together, I quickly noticed that there were plenty craft-related items to make up their very own list. So here it is! I've been trying really hard this year to carve out more time for personal creativity and to learn new skills, like quilting, garment sewing, and embroidery, and I intend to carry that through into 2014, maybe even more so. These kits and tools will surely help. I hope they'll spark some ideas for the crafters on your list too!

1. The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt / I feel like I have the basics of quilting down now and need a book to inspire specific quilt patterns and blocks more than a how-to book. I've been admiring this one in Needlework for awhile and love that all of the block patterns are paired with letters from the 1920s!

2. Quilting Hoop / I intend to hand-quilt portions of the sampler quilt I've been making, which means I need a quilting hoop. Apparently the small embroidery ones will snap under the weight of a quilt. On the other hand, I'd kind of like to see that.

3. Carve-A-Stamp Kit by Yellow Owl Workshop / Who doesn't love stamps? I immediately began imagining the fabric design possibilities (another skill I'd like to learn more about) when I spotted this in Mixed Media this week. Actually, Mike pointed it out. He knows me so well.

4. Iron-on Transfer Pencil / I still really struggle with fabric markings, especially when I have to trace embroidery designs and I'm always searching for the perfect tool to end my headaches. Could this be it? I'd love to give it a test drive at least.

5. Embroidered Doll Kit by Kiriki Press / Speaking of embroidery, despite all the custom embroidery I do for customers, my lettering only ever requires two stitches. I'd love an opportunity to learn more with a kit like this and make an adorable little toy in the process. The fox is my favourite. Available at Needlework.

6. French Curve Ruler / By the looks of things around here, I've become a ruler collector. What's one more? As you would expect, this type is helpful for drawing curved lines, which is useful when altering or drafting patterns.

7. Archer Button Up Shirt Pattern by Grainline Studios / This pattern is probably a little advanced for my skills, but a part of me really wants to try it. Maybe I'll make it a goal for 2014. A safer choice is this dress pattern by Pattern Runway -- there is a particular fabric I've been holding for over 10 years that is perfect for this dress. Who's judging the fabric hoarder now?

8. Embroidery Needle Threader / Threading needles makes me cry, especially when it's thick, multiple-strand embroidery thread. I've tried the little metal threaders, but they always snap after one use. A tool has been created for every frustration in sewing, so I know there's a solution out there, and I've come to the conclusion that this is it. And if it doesn't work? It has to work.

9. Sashiko Kit / This is another embroidery kit I've been eyeing at Needlework for ages. Sashiko literally means "little stabs" and is a traditional Japanese stitching technique used on indigo cloth. I lived in Japan for a year and a half and seriously regret not searching out more textiles while I was there. This seems like a worthy compromise.

Block Party

I mentioned awhile back that I was taking a quilting class. Yes, I've already made a few small quilts, but there were little imperfections in each of them that nagged at me, and I figured that if I'm going to keep up with this, I best be learning how to do things properly. So I signed up for the 7-week sampler class with Johanna Masko at Needlework. And I'm so glad I did! Not only has my technique improved exponentially (talk about tight points), but I also really loved having those 3 hours a week carved out for me to learn, to sew for fun, and, quite frankly, to get out of the house! You've heard me whine before about the work-at-home lonelies. In 6 classes I managed to get my whole quilt top pieced and everything basted together, but now that the holidays are creeping in, I haven't had time to quilt yet. That's a project for the long cold winter ahead, I suppose. But I still wanted to share with you my four completed quilt blocks. Because they're pretty... and I'm proud.

Maple Star

I didn't read the title of this block until later and was pretty pleased that I had chosen a "maple" colour palette for it. Plus, I used the kitty print. Everybody loves kitties.

Star of Hope

I love the movement of this one -- almost like a windmill. I can see many variation possibilities with this pattern too. So pretty.

 Weathervane

If I had to pick a favourite, this would be it, I think. I can see myself making a whole quilt with just this block. It's also the first one we made in class, so it's extra special.

Rolling Stone

Obviously I forgot to snap a photo of this one before it was pin basted. Haha! Fun fact: this is the second version. I wasn't happy with the centre, so after class, I went home, ripped it all out and sewed it together again with a new middle square. Silly perfectionist.

I'm pretty sad that tonight is the last class. Sniff sniff.  

If you're interested in learning to quilt at all, I highly highly recommend taking a class with Johanna at Needlework. That woman really knows her stuff and teaches it well. You'll make a beautiful blanket, learn the skills to make many more, and have fun doing it. My only regret is not having taken a class earlier!

2 Christmas Crafts

The Christmas cards are in the mail, the baking is in the oven, the gifts are under the tree... sounds like you have some time to get crafty with me! How adorable is this embroidered ornament and those Christmas tree tea bags? They are both perfect either as small gift or party favour or as an extra special gift topper, but the best part is, they are super easy and quick to whip up. Gather your materials, pour a glass of wine, and let's do this!

After seeing this beautiful blog post, this tea lover couldn't resist giving these a try. And now that my sewing room is covered in tea leaves, I figured a few more detailed, and English, instructions were in order.

1. Supplies: looseleaf tea (I used Tealish's Christmas blend), tea filter bags, needle and thread, scissors, and old Christmas cards or wrapping paper for the tag.
2 & 3. Draw a Christmas tree shape on the bag. Sew around the tree, leaving the bottom open. If using a sewing machine, be gentle -- paper is lot more delicate than fabric. Cut as close as you can to the seam.
3. Fill with about a teaspoon of tea.
4. Gently shake the leaves through to the tip of the tree. Sew up the end.
6. Thread your needle and draw it through both the top of the tree and the paper tag. Tie in a knot. You're done!

My embroidery practice continues. This one turned out so cute that I had grand plans of making a bunch of them in time for the craft show. But, as usual, I overestimated my time and ended up completing just this one. Haha!  I'm now planning to put one of these on every gift. I never learn.

Supplies: 4" embroidery hoop, two 5x5 pieces of fabric for front and back, embroidery thread, needle, fabric glue, foam core board or thick cardboard.
1. Click here to download the Joy image. Trace it onto fabric. There are lots of ways to do this, but I like to use a combination of carbon paper and a vanishing fabric marker. Add the snowflake and border freehand with your fabric marker and embroider away using your preferred stitch! I used a split stitch here.
2. To finish off the back, sew around the edges in a circle and pull tight, like a drawstring.
3. On a piece of foam core or thick cardboard, trace around the inside of another 4" hoop and cut out. Place this onto the other piece of fabric and cut approximately 1" beyond the edge of the board.
4. Line the edge of the board with fabric glue and press the edges of the fabric into place.
5. Add more glue on the back of the disc and press into the back of the hoop. String some ribbon or string through the top and you're done!

The Newsroom

Have you been watching that show? It's pretty legendary. Get on that.

But there's more to life than TV and, as it turns out, the world doesn't stop turning when I stop blogging. Imagine that? So today I've got a bunch of newsy bits to share with you before we get back to our regular crafty program, if that's alright with you. I had a little fun with Photoshop while I was at it. :)

Now don't panic... it's temporary. After an entire spring and summer of planning, our kitchen renovation is finally happening! Our home, which also happens to be my workplace, will be a tad chaotic for the next couple weeks and I'd rather not be running between the sewing machine and a dusty kitchen, sewing with screwdrivers and sending out aprons with pockets of drywall crumbs. You understand.

Plus, I'm already starting to feel pressure to start preparing for the holidays, so I'm also going to try and use this little time off to get myself a little more organized for that. I hope to be back in business for the start of September, but please forgive me if I need a little more time. You know how these things go.

Just because my shop will be closed, doesn't mean I'll be disappearing. I still plan on blogging, facebooking and twittering as much (or as little) as usual. Also, don't forget that I still teach monthly sewing classes in Hamilton at Needlework. This Sunday, August 26th from 10 to 2, I'll be teaching some lovely crafters how to make a reversible apron. There are still a couple spots left, if you want to join us. And on September 19th, I'm teaching something new, a fabulously feminine retro apron. You'll have the option of making either a full or half style, depending on what you're comfortable with, or have time for. I can't stress how great classes at Needlework are — you can find out more by visiting the Needlework website here. {Side note: while visiting the classes page, take a look at the wild-looking girl in white in the photo. That's me making leather mocassins. Don't judge... it was tough work.}

And last but not least, it's time to hand in those hexies we've been busily hand-sewing all summer. What do you think of my final product? It's grown a little since you last saw it here. I love it, and have to admit, I got pretty possessive for awhile there and wanted to keep it for myself. I'm pretty used to this feeling though — I want to keep everything new that I sew — so I'm getting good at recognizing it and letting go. We were supposed to learn sharing in kindergarten, right? Meh.

Supercrawl is September 14-15, so the Beehive is asking everyone to submit their pieces by the end of the month. There are lots of locations where you can drop them off, like here and here. Have a beer while you're at it.

My little brother is getting married September 15th, so I won't be able to attend and see my beautiful hexies in action, adorning the buildings of James St. North. Feel free to paparazzi them... but only if you agree to share.

Summer Reading

Something surprising has arisen from all of these limited edition aprons I've been sewing from my fabric stash. After being so used to sewing multiples, I fully expected to be annoyed at having to make one at a time. However, all the extra time and effort that comes with physically sewing a unique piece is of no matter when you consider all the fun you can have designing a unique item. When you don't have to consider recreating a design element hundreds of times, your creativity is suddenly given some room to breathe and experiment and play! I don't know the last time I felt that way about sewing. And I've found myself turning to apron, needlework and even business books to add fuel to the fire, so to speak. Here are some of my favourites.

The Apron Book by EllynAnne Geisel

This book is a bit of a mishmash of history, anecdotes, sewing patterns, household tips and recipes. I especially loved all the personal memories shared throughout of mothers, grandmothers and even fathers tying on aprons, reinforcing the idea that aprons are so much more than a practical houseware.

A Is for Apron by Nathalie Mornu

This book is more of a how-to book for sewing various kinds of aprons, so I was pretty quick to dismiss it, that is until I discovered the vintage apron section. Six glorious pages of bright patterns, ruffles upon ruffles, delicate embroidery, and tulip pockets. This is what I turn to most often when I want to add a little something extra to an apron. They sure don't make them like they used to.

Complete Book of Sewing Techniques by Dorothy Wood
Seeing all these beautifully embellished vintage aprons has be yearning to add a similar touch to mine. Mikey J bought me this book for Christmas and it has been an invaluable resource for everything from identifying types of fabric to quilting to intricate lacework. Lately, I've been absorbed in the needlework section. So pretty.

Beginner's Guide to Sewing & Knitting by Helen Allen

This is a tiny 7x5 pocketbook that I inherited, I believe from the woman who gave me my first sewing machine. It covers everything that is in the book above, plus knitting and crochet, in 64 hand-illustrated pages. Haha! Obviously these are extremely condensed overviews, but there's something quaint about it that keeps me coming back for more. It's a much more portable resource, that's for sure.

Grow Your Handmade Business by Kari Chapin

This book has nothing to do with sewing or aprons, but it's no less interesting or inspiring to me.  I loved Kari Chapin's first book, The Handmade Marketplace, which is all about starting to sell your handmade crafts, so I knew I needed her sequel about growing said business. The timing is so perfect, it's like she's writing these for me! I'm only a few chapters in, but so far I'm impressed with the sheer amount of information. This is the meat and potatoes of business books and I can't wait to dive in!

I'm off to Montreal this weekend and you can be sure I'll be packing a couple of these. Now that I'm through The Hunger Games, I can give them my undivided attention.

What about you? What are you reading this summer?

Back to School

A couple weeks ago I taught my first sewing class at Needlework and it went really well! I enjoyed the whole process, from making copies of my pattern to meeting the students and sharing some of my patented techniques and tricks. (Ok, so maybe they're not patented, but 20 years of trial and error should count for something.) The atmosphere was friendly and laid back, and there were lots of laughs, oops and ah-has from everyone in the group, including me. The best part is that by the end of the class everyone had a finished apron to bring home! Great job, ladies!

The class was so fun that I've agreed to teach another! On Saturday, June 10th, I'll be demonstrating how to sew a reversible apron, just like the his/hers versions in my shop. You can find out more info here. And while you're there, check out all the other classes scheduled. It's a super interesting lineup and I'd take them all if I had the time. Instead, I've settled on two, Amy Kenny's leather moccasins and Kate Jackson's machine embroidery. Learning is fun!

Oh, I almost forgot, the Needlework ladies also kindly posted an interview with me on their blog. If you care to hear more about my story, my 10-year plan, and a pink decoupage cat, read on.

3 Quick Christmas Crafts

Crafting is an addiction and the internet is our pusher. There are so many festive tutorials and inspiring projects out there, I can imagine myself happily hibernating and crafting my life away for the duration of the winter. Alas, like most people, I have a full-time job and a part-time job and shopping and baking and cleaning to do during the holidays, so I typically push my crafty cravings aside. But not this year! This year I found three easy projects and I made the time to try them. I love how they turned out and since I had all of the supplies already on hand, each took less than an hour to make! I hope you can make a little time yourself to try at least one of these out. Let me know if you do! xo

All three of these adorable crochet ornaments/gift toppers can be found on The Royal Sisters blog with really easy-to-follow instructions that this beginner certainly appreciated after stumbling through this not-so-easy pattern. Each one starts the same way and uses the same basic stitches to get the various shapes, so you catch on pretty quick. I got these down to 15 minutes a piece. Let's race!

The inspiration for this little fella came from this cross-stitch pattern by andwabisabi . I purchased the pattern, and fully intend on cross-stitching it, but I wanted something smaller and quicker and have been thinking about making stitched brooches for quite awhile. Plus, I don't have a Christmasy brooch - crazy, I know! After I shrunk down the pattern and transferred it to fabric,  I quickly realized it was much too tiny to cross-stitch, so I tried simply embroidering it with little satin stitches. This was my first time embroidering without cross-stitch, and I think he looks pretty good.

To finish it, I traced the brooch shape onto cardboard, trimmed the fabric so it was about a quarter-inch longer than the cardboard and cut out an oval piece of quilt batting to place in between the fabric and cardboard. On the back, hand-stitch along the edges of the fabric, pull tight and tie off. Then secure both the fabric and pinback to the frame with hot glue. I bought this gorgeous wooden frame from artbase in the Fall, but I'm sure it would be lovely without the frame too.

This pretty ornament idea came from a book I scored at the Hamilton Public Library book sale in the summer for a dollar, Gifts from your Scrap Basket. I gave myself a pat on the back for thinking of Christmas in the middle of the summer and another pat for the sale. If you want to go for a hat trick of back pats, try using all recycled materials, like I did: fabric scraps, cardboard headed for the blue bin and old ribbon. I dare you!

To make, cut out two leaf-shape patterns (8cm x 14cm and 6cm x 12cm) and proceed to cut 6 pieces of the larger shape out of fabric and 6 pieces of the smaller shape out of cardboard. Glue the fabric to the cardboard — when you get to the tips, fold down the fabric over the point first and then the sides. Using an exacto knife and ruler, slice along the center of each piece, being careful not to cut all the way through, and fold. With wrong sides facing, hand-stitch along the edges. Keep doing this for all the pieces. Attach a loop to the top and any fancy adornments you'd like to the bottom before sealing it up. Don't worry if the ends seem kind of open, just keep stitching and pulling tight and they'll close up.

Couples Who Craft Together...

Do you remember way back in January when I first mentioned my recent obsession with needlework and my admiration for this Mr. Darcy pattern in particular? You may recall some other things I said in the new year, promising to set aside more time to learn new crafts and create things just for me? Well, I'm proud to say that six months later, I've killed two resolutions with one stone, and have completed my very own Mr. Darcy! Doesn't he look handsome? The pattern was designed by Naomi Shiek, a talented artist from Tel Aviv. You can download it for yourself here. Thanks, Naomi!

A certain someone was feeling left out of the tv-time productivity and (rather quickly) stitched up this beautiful letter E for me.  Ah, modern romance. He chose to go maverick, using more strands of embroidery floss than the standard two and alternating directions, but it ended up creating a rich berber-like texture that I really love! Thanks Mikey!

I've been looking for ways to incorporate some needlework into Dear Edna for awhile now and these two projects made me even more excited about it. I'm going to start playing around with some ideas very soon and hope to have some stitchery show up in time for the holidays. I can't let Mikey J's new-found talent go to waste! Ha!