Jenni of Vintage Umbrella has started a series of tutorials for 24 handmade ornaments. Yea! First up is this precious Santa Owl. Go to her blog post for the free pattern and tutorial. And be sure to bookmark the … Read More ...
Get JMD’s free November calendar
Janet M. Davies‘ desktop calendar design for November features a quilt composed of whitework blocks. Divine! Download the free image.… Read More ...
Applique a scottie
Bustle and Sew is sharing the pattern and tutorial for Best in Show, this adorable applique and embroidery scottie dog. Get the free PDF file.… Read More ...
Read CQ Mag Online
The latest issue of CQ Magazine Online is available now. Included are articles by Lynn Schoeffler, Sharon Boggon (who created the gorgeous block of the month shown above), Allison Aller, and Lisette Root. Go to the free … Read More ...
Recent stitch tutorials
(1) Basic blanket stitches from My Sweet Prairie
(2) Zig-zag cable chain stitch from big B
(3) Herringbone stitch and variations from My Sweet Prairie
(4) Cretan stitch (video) from We Love French Knots (scroll down to 10/18/11)
(5) Chain … Read More ...
How to tension a full frame
When a work fills a slate frame, how do you tension the piece further if you need to? There’s no room. Thanks to one of her readers, Mary Corbet has an awesome tip for coping with this situation. Check out … Read More ...
Free hand-embroidery patterns
We’ve chosen the best hand-embroidery patterns for you to attempt this week! We offer something for everyone, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned veteran. Our free cross-stitch patterns range from simple cross-stitch patterns to more complex floral and animal … Read More ...
Simply beautiful fall stitching
Here’s a great idea from Angel of Stumbles & Stitches: Use burlap as the ground fabric for a rustic fall hoop. I’m crazy about the sunflower, with its stem on the main canvas and its bloom popping up in … Read More ...
Bead it forward
Bead&Button is now managing Jeanette Shanigan‘s Bead-It-Forward bead-quilt project and invites you to participate. Beaders from around the world stitch 1.5 x 1.5-in. (3.8 x 3.8 cm) beaded squares depicting the year’s theme. The squares are then joined into … Read More ...
Eye candy: tinytoadstool’s berets
See a breathtaking survey of the evolution of tinytoadstool‘s gorgeous embroidered felt berets–a mosaic she created as a portfolio for an exhibition. Go to her post.… Read More ...
Pattern and tutorial: Star ornament
Troublet of The Trouble with Crafting shares another Stashbustin’ Ornament: a folk-art star. Go to her post for the pattern and tute.… Read More ...
Invent a collection
Jules of Adventures in Thread had a collection of small embroideries she’d done a couple of years ago. What do you do with little tidbits such as those? She put them together into an Edwardian Nature Scrapbook Page, inspired by … Read More ...
Inspiration: Threads and Patches
This crazy-quilt block by Marjolein of Threads and Patches is as good as a textbook for creating an interesting and complex yet harmonious design. Each detail deserves attention. Like the drooping grape clusters. Or the tiny silk-ribbon-rosette flowers. Or the … Read More ...
Inspiration: The Relaxolotl
The Relaxolotl gives us a peek at the fabulous steampunk dress she created over the past year. Look closely at the skirt. Some of the stars in those constellations light up! See more at her blog post.… Read More ...
Birches in silk Ribbon Embroidery
studio creates the look of birch trees by embroidering different widths of white silk ribbon with brown floss. Whether rustic on burlap (as on the pendant) or refined on dupioni (as on the pillow), the effect is natural modern. … Read More ...