I did a workshop at the Embroiderer’s Guild of WA.
At first I used glue when I wrapped the fabric around the board, but I hated having sticky fingers, so I switched to double sided tape (acid free) – from here.
I used a curved needle to do the sewing, which was a challenge, but I think I improved by the end.
My box is a weird size – a 15cm cube. What was I thinking? So I am not really sure what to use it for. I have heaps of everything left, so I might try to make a more useful-sized box.
Filed under Cardstock, Fabric Stash, Sewing
I am more of a decorative/craft sewer than a plain sewer (make your own clothes sewing), but I often think about the person who makes my clothes.
Here’s the blurb …
Tens of millions of people sew for necessity or pleasure every day, yet the craft is surprisingly under-appreciated. The Point of the Needle redresses the balance: this is a book that argues for sewing’s place in our lives. It celebrates not only sewing’s recent resurgence but sewists’ creativity, well-being, and community.
Barbara Burman chronicles new voices of people who sew today, by hand or machine, to explore what they sew, what motivates them, what they value, and why they mend things, revealing insights into sewing’s more intimate stories. In our age of superfast fashion with its environmental and social injustices, this eloquent book makes a passionate case for identity, diversity, resilience and memory of what people create for themselves as they stitch and make.
Barbara Burman has done two research projects talking to people about their sewing – One in the late 20th century and one this century. From these studies where hear real people talk about how they learnt to sew, what sewing has meant to them, and the change from sewing to save money to sewing to have a better fit or design.
There are chapters on
Textiles are fundamental to humans, so it is important to think about how the cloth is made, the thread, and the needles. Who does the sewing? What effect is textile manufacture having on the earth and the people in the industry? And I think she should question whether textiles are too cheap?
This T-Shirt from Kmart is $1.50. How is that possible? And it certainly doesn’t encourage people to take care of their clothes or to buy second hand when new is so cheap.
But there are other aspects to sewing as well. The mental health benefits of doing something with your hands, a sense of community and a link to past generations.
If you use a needle (sewing, embroidery, machine sewing, etc.), then I think you will find this book fascinating.
Filed under Book Review, Sewing
I had a good year this year.
I finished 6 pairs of socks, 2 cross stitches, 3 stitching projects and some machine embroidery projects. I also read some books, and abandon one project (the Scout Shawl).
I don’t have strict plans for this year.
My main goal is not to buy anything (unless I need it to finish a project). However, I am giving myself leave to buy craft souvenirs when on holiday.
Embroidery – I am going to stitch monogamously and the order will be
There’s more but that’s probably enough to be getting on with.
Knitting – monogamous (again)
Machine embroidery
Filed under Canvas Work, Cross Stitch, Embroidery, Knitting, Machine Embroidery, Sewing
The embroidery might be a bit too subtle.
I used pink cotton canvas, wild flowers design (from Urban Threads), cut-away stabiliser, and I lined it with a pillow case from IKEA.
Filed under Digitizing, Embroidery, Fabric Stash, Machine Embroidery, Sewing
I was a bit more successful this year.
I am going to try to have modest goals next year
Filed under Cross Stitch, Cross Stitch, Embroidery, Knitting, Machine Embroidery, miscellaneous, Patchwork, Quilting, Sewing, Sock Knitting
I am determined to turn my stitched pieces into something useful – rather than framing them. Hence the needle book and now a project bag.
The cross stitch is cinnamon stars by Plum Street Samplers. I quilted around the cross stitch, lined the bag with mushroom fabric and added a zip.
This bag is enormous 56cm by 50cm, which means my largest Q Snap should fit.
Filed under Cross Stitch, Cross Stitch, Embroidery, Fabric Stash, Quilting, Sewing
I turned my mattress ticking surface embroidery piece into a needle book (no more putting my needles into random bits of fabric or paper)
I put a piece of wool felt inside for the needles.
Filed under Embroidery, Sewing
I bought this pattern way back in 2016 and finally got started about a year ago, and today I finally finished it.
It’s the Scout T- Shirt from Grainline Studio. The instructions are great, I would definitely recommend this pattern.
Filed under Sewing
I worked on some big projects this year; Miss P’s blanket and the Cinnamon Stars cross stitch.
I finished
So next year I would like to finish my
And then I would like to start my
I think that’s enough projects planned.
Filed under Cross Stitch, Cross Stitch, Embroidery, Machine Embroidery, Sewing, Sock Knitting
The Pi embroidery is a design I bought from Urban Threads a while ago (maybe a year) with plans to make a project bag. Originally I planned black on white, but then I saw this embroidery and thought white on black was very effective (I have this design too – already stitched out).
I just made a simple lined draw string bag – Martha Stewart has a great video tutorial.
It is the perfect size for a sock project.
Filed under Knitting, Machine Embroidery, Sewing, Sock Knitting
