Just a few cute little hedgehogs that I came across recently:
Stuffed hedgehog from Apple and Eve.
Rubber stamp from Craft Pudding.
Buttons from Bunte Fabrics.
Resources Page
Two-Minute Book Reviews
My mother has always chastised me for not reading directions. This has been a problem with my sewing. I just began using my embroidery machine to sew this year and I seem to learn by trial and error. If I make a mistake, I fix it and usually learn something. When I buy a pattern, I cut out the fabric and try not to follow the directions, which are usually so confusing anyway!
But I got some great books for Christmas that I’d like to share with you. Now in my usual fashion and considering that I am on a sewing roll, I have only skimmed them. But here are my thoughts.
Girly Style Wardrobe, a Japanese pattern book that I read about on angry chicken. I found the book on e-bay, but it is available here at Lemon Squeezey, along with what looks like some other great Japanese pattern books.
And since I mentioned her blog, Amy Karol of angry chicken wrote this book that I also received for Christmas: Bend the Rules Sewing. Published in June, the book has a lot of great tips and projects for those new at sewing (and those who, like me, don’t normally read directions). I recommend it.
I also received the Crafter’s Companion: tips, tales and patterns from a community of creative minds compiled and with contributions by Anna Torborg of twelve22. This book, also published this year, features seventeen crafters and a project from each. Each person explains her (hmm….all women) esthetic and motivation for creating. A great book for those interested in crafting.
Last, but not least is Last-Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson, owner of purl, a New York fabric store that I would love to visit. This book is full of excellent projects and beautiful photography.
Crafting for Kids
Here’s an update to this post. I’m adding .pdf files of the un-personalized craft can labels. Here they are:
I’m sharing the birthday gift that we gave to a five-year-old today. My husband brought home paint cans with some kind of promotional materials in them, so they’ve been sitting on my shelf waiting for a good use. I created a personalized label and filled the can with craft supplies. The outside of the can reads “miss paddy’s craftcan” and the top says “make. create.” I filled it with felt, embroidery needle and floss, glue, beads, buttons, stamps, stickers, etc.
I also made this cute little crayon travel case with Kaffe Fassett fat quarters that I bought a few weeks ago. I came up with a pretty easy pattern that you can make from start to finish in under an hour. I will post the pattern soon. The case holds 12 or 24 crayons securely.
Welcome.
Welcome to the long thread, a blog about crafts: how to make them, where to buy them, what’s new, etc.
I’m a mother of two girls and I own a small sewing and embroidery business, which you can view here: www.monarchmonograms.com. In our world of mass production it’s nice to take the time to make (or simply appreciate) handcrafted goods. As a mother and someone who cares about the environment, I feel much better knowing where and how the objects in my home were created.
I’ll be looking for new crafts to try and will pass along instructions and photos of those that turn out well. I’ll also feature new finds from independent designers and crafters. Want to pass along some tips? Please send your ideas/photos/links to me at thelongthread@gmail.com.
Thanks for looking and please check back soon!