Have you heard of Embellishment Village?
It’s a company dedicated to fiber art and all the fun things we can use to enhance & embellish!  They have free patterns, an inspiration gallery and a great link list

I saw this cool idea on Apartment Therapy for large-scale framed fabric kits.   There were a couple of small issues I had – first of all, I live in a small house and don’t have any more room for biiiig pieces of art   The second is that I have tons of my own fabric and don’t really need to buy anymore to display as art (although that could be a great excuse to go fabric shopping!)
I decided to try making my own framed fabric art, using small (5 X 7″), inexpensive wooden frames.  I hunted through my stash …read more

Have you ever tried bamboo fabric or yarn? It’s becoming more available lately, and I just found out about a new use for it:

Fairfield (the company that makes Poly-fil) is now producing a bamboo and organic cotton batting. Bamboo is a great enviromentally-friendly fiber – and it’s lovely to work with. It can grow as much as one yard per day and doesn’t require as many pesticides as cotton does, or the use of petrochemicals – like polyester batting does.
I haven’t personally had a chance to use the bamboo batting, but I’ve heard from several textile artists …read more

Robert Kaufman Fabrics has teamed with Project Runway to create a line of fabrics inspired by projects from the show.  Here’s a sample of some of the fun prints:

Now go make it work!

I’ve had a few requests for the source of the silk floss I used in the igolochkoy Christmas tree ornament.  I finally tracked their website down!  Prepare to drool…

Is that not a luscious photo?  Those are some of the colors that The Silk Tree in British Columbia carries.   You can also buy it at The Silk Weaving Studio if you’re going to be in Granville Island (Vancouver) BC.
They do mail orders in Canada & the USA… I’m sorry – I’m such a bad influence

Sew Thankful is holding an end of the year close-out sale and they’ve got some lovely hand & machine embroidery threads for awesome deals.
There are Finca Perle Cotton in solids & variegated.   El Molino rayon floss & La Paleta machine embroidery rayon thread.

Is there a technique that you used to love doing but haven’t had the time/energy/whatever for lately?
I’ve been thinking about taking up igolochkoy again.  It’s also known as Russian punch-needle embroidery and I used to love doing it as a child & teenager.  It’s a technique of embroidery, using a fine needle to push floss or thread through fabric, leaving a little loop on the right side.  When it’s finished the surface almost feels like velvet or carpet.

These are the original punches I learned with – unfortunately I’ve lost mine!
I’ve been browsing and have found some charming patterns that would …read more

I’ve heard some good things about the new “Sidewinder” portable bobbin winder from Wright’s.

It’s a little gadget (5.25″ X 3.5″ X 3″ high) that allows you to wind bobbins in the middle of a project without having to stop & unthread your machine.
I must admit, I got spoiled by my first sewing machine – it had a nifty little bobbin winder that you could use while you sewed! My current machine isn’t so lucky.  The Sidewinder could definitely make your life easier – no more threading & unthreading in the middle of a seam
Anita’s Arts is offering …read more

I thought it would be fun to post a great site for hand-work & embroidery

Nordic Needle carries an amazing variety of supplies & tools for handwork. I believe they have something like 19,000 different products? Definitely worth exploring!

If you do as much needlework as I do, you need this.
Needlework Frame Holder Floor Model
Of course, you know that you need a frame for most needlework projects but this is it! This frame sits on the floor leaving both hands free. First – no cramps from holding the frame and second, you can easily work on the back to make it as neat as the front. Oh yes – you can talk on the phone without having to put your work aside!
I love my frame and hope you love yours too.