Better Homes & Gardens has this to say about this pretty heel/toe stocking. “The homespun look of this stocking is reminiscent of those that hung from the mantels of yesteryear. A chenille toe and heel help create a cuddly setting.”

The pattern and instructions are at BHG and of course, they are free.

These Snowfolks Beanbags are so cute. Look at them on this wreath:

The pattern and instructions are free over at BHG. Check it out and let me know what other ways you use them!

This week’s feature article is by Felicity Walker. Beading garments is an easy way to put new life into an old piece of clithing. Embellish with a few or go all out and do a lot!
If you’ve seen someone wearing a beaded garment, then you may have been inspired to make one for yourself. Done correctly, it’s a wonderful way to liven up your wardrobe and have a collection of clothing that is unique and individual. But there are a few basics that you need to keep in mind when you’re getting ready to bead a …read more

A while back when I was looking for a folding fabric needlekeeper, I came across this site with instructions on making a needlebook using crazy quilting for the outsides.

I absolutely adore the needlebooks Annie shares with us, the bits of lace, the delicate embroidery stitches, the beads and buttons. If (when?) I make one of these, I plan on using a nice felted wool for the pages that needles stick in. I think it will be better in terms of not-tarnishing, than some of the synthetic felts.

The instructions are clear and complete, and she includes a …read more

Recently I mentioned stitching covers for jam jars. I’d like to expand on that idea a little bit. Some of us are fairly crafty and will fearlessly weild our scissors upon defenseless cloth, and others of us want the tangible reassurance that a pattern provides. So, you may have been wondering how one goes about actually making a jam jar cover on which to stitch, or where to buy one so you don’t have to bother with the sewing part.

The basic idea is fairly simple: you need a circle of cloth that is a bit …read more

It is Spring for some of us, and too early yet to plant out tender Annuals. I am already thinking of Autumn Harvest and all the tasty treats I would like to put up. (”put up” being “canned, frozen or otherwise preserved”) For a personalized decorative touch, cross stitching a mini motif for jam jar lids would be quick and easy. Teensy fruits and vegetables motifs can be found easily, and chosen to correspond with whatever tasty bits are in the jar.

A Fruit and Vegetable Alphabet by Vermillion Stitchery has some great designs which may …read more

Do you love to sip tea while stitching? Do you prefer it to be piping toasty hot each time you pour a cup? You could use a tea cozy.
Kreinik has instructions for making a Crazy Quilt Tea Cozy with oodles of pretty embroidery stitches and embellishments.

The Crafter’s Attic has instructions for An Easy Tea Cozy. You could substitute a finished piece of cross stitch, crewel or other needlework for the plain cloth; or perhaps you are feeling ambitious and want to piece together your own crazy quilt.

Inspiration for crazy quilting: Dawn Smith …read more

I am very fond of old and ancient things- whether rustic Viking-esque wrought iron, or delicate illuminated manuscripts from a later period, or perhaps lush tapestries and pillows that bring to mind a touch of the exotic Near East.

When you’ve completed a timeless piece of needlework, perhaps it is missing that finishing touch. A few more French knots, or a sprinkling of beads to catch the light, a woven ribbon border. Or mayhap what you need is to add a quote, or other lettering. But you look in your stash and realize that all your alphabets are …read more

Random thoughts often pop into my head throughout my day, and today was no different than usual. Occasionally a particular thought will rattle around a while until I succumb to curiosity.

I was thinking about the various projects I’ve begun and not yet finished. There’s the applique quilt my mother made for me about 20 years ago. The embroidery holding the iris petals and stems onto the blocks is failing in places. I’m going over all of them with new floss (directly on top of the old floss), and hoping that this will keep my …read more