Sublime Stitching

Hi Everyone

At a recent visit to one of our stores, I was checking out all the gifts ideas that we have and saw this embroidery stencil book. I haven't done any embroidery for a very long time, but something about it struck me as something I was going have to give a try. I am now stitching up a storm.

There are over 75 different stencils in the book. The stencils can be reused up to about 9 times, and there are also some easy-to-follow instructions included in the craft pad, if you are not sure how to apply the stencils. (I have used the same stencil now 4 times, and it is still working!)


In order to start this project, I did need a few extra items from a craft store. I had to get some cotton towels, and embroidery ring, some embroidery floss, and embroidery needles. You can also use pillow cases, bibs, napkins, or really anything cotton to stitch on.

As I had previously mentioned, it had been a while since I had done any embroidery work, so I started with a practice piece of material. It really only took about a half hour in order for me to get the hang of it. The patterns are not too difficult, and the most challenging aspect is getting the stitches to be uniform, which is really just a patience.

This is the finished first project I was working on. I made two matching dishtowels. My kitchen is red and white, hense the red cake plate!Happy Crafting

Sandra

Craft Kits For Kids of All Ages

Since the weather is really starting to change around here and I am spending a lot more time indoors, I am getting anxious to start a new craft project. We have a few new kits that just arrived for the holidays that look really fun to try. There's a Silhouette Art kit that has all of the pieces and instructions for making silhouettes for ornaments, cards, jewelry and family heirlooms:




There is also a fun little embroidery kit for stitching your own baby bib. The owls are so sweet!



But what really caught my eye was this hilarious kit for making Pom Pom Pals, so I thought I would give it a whirl.



It's a little different, but they are so cute I couldn't resist! The idea behind the kit is that I should be able to go from this:



to this:



We'll see what happens. I started my project today and I have to say, it does take some time. This would be a great gift for the kids that will really keep them busy during the holiday break. It's a simple project...basically just start out by wrapping the yarn around the cardboard rings:



Keep wrapping:



Then just a few scissor snips and some strategically placed glue and you have your new little special friend (her name is Pompidou)!



As you can see, she isn't quite finished yet. :) Like I said, it does take some time. I will post pictures when she's done. Maybe she will have a few friends to keep her company, too!

Happy Crafting!
-Amanda