Ahhh, summer! Is there any better time of the year? Spring allergies have settled, mosquitos are aplenty, the nights are short, and the days are fragrant with meadows and wildflowers. Truly, the most wonderful time to spend all your time outdoors. Unless, that is, you live in Furnace Creek; then summer might be a curse word for you. However, we believe that the majority of people can soak in the sun without shriveling to a dehydrated lump of hide, and if you’re looking for some summer activity ideas to make the most of this gorgeous season, this is our list dedicated to exactly that.
This week I made the CHELSEA Tee in TERRA linen! I have been eyeing this simple tee for months and finally downloaded the free pattern to give it a try. The CHELSEA Tee features a boxy silhouette, raglan sleeves, and a bias binding neckline. Like so many of Fabrics-store’s patterns, the Chelsea Tee is a...
Over 30 free cross stitch tools, including calculators, color guides, size charts, etc
If you’re just joining us here on Needle ‘n Thread, we’ve been exploring five different ways to interpret wheat in hand embroidery. Last Friday, we looked at how to embroider wheat in two quick and simple ways, using daisy stitch and granitos on two different stalks. Before that, in Part 1, I posted the free ...
In your journey to becoming a textile artist, the most important thing you can learn is to trust your artistic instinct. Have belief in the inherent quality of your work, and celebrate where you are now. Recognising where you fit in the Four Stages of Textile Art Mastery can help you on your way. When
Looking for some easy thread storage ideas? This tutorial shows you how to make your own DIY sewing thread rack!
First things first, before you dive into your embroidery project, I’d like to show you how you can start and finish your embroidery thread to secure it. Traditionally using knots to start and finish your embroidery thread is a big no-no. And there are several reasons for this. Firstly the knot can show through your
Kawandi is a style of quilt created by the Siddi people of India, traditionally done by hand. It is truly scrappy and improvisational. While I like doing hand work, I was also intrigued by faster machine methods. I've listed some resources at the end of this tutorial if you are interested in creating Kawandi by hand, want to see another machine tutorial, want to see some footage of Siddi creating Kawandi by hand, and a discussion of creating Kawandi in your own style. This tutorial describes a new way of creating Kawandi by machine. These are NOT traditional Kawandi, but inspired by the joy and movement of Kawandi-style. I started with a background piece of fabric approximately 8x10", a piece of batting of the same size, and many scraps of batiks or quilting cottons. 1) Place the background over the batting, right side up (this is a quilt as you go technique, so the batting is incorporated from the beginning. 2) Place 4 scraps in the corners, right side DOWN - NOTE I'm using batiks in these examples, so its hard to tell that these pieces are upside down. In this image, you are looking at what will be the WRONG side of those scrap corners. 3) Begin UNDERLAPPING adjoining scraps into the corners. Fold approximately 1/4 inch on the side that will go UNDER the corner. Again, the scraps are placed upside down. Pin the piece in place along the edge. This will be machine sewn. 4) When you get to the next corner, fold the 1/4 inch on both sides of the scrap because it will go under 2 pieces of fabric. 5) Continue folding and underlapping scraps, pinning along the outer edge until you get the entire edge filled. Notice that it doesn't matter if you use short scraps, or long scraps. And again, its impossible to tell from this image because I'm using batiks, but you are looking at the right side of the background, and the WRONG side of the colorful scraps. 6) Sew 1/4 in seam all the way around the edge, removing pins as you come to them. 7) Clip the 4 corners close to the seam, being careful not to cut the thread. 8) Turn right side out by flipping each scrap over the seam. Use a tool to poke out or pull out the corners. There should be no raw edges of fabric along the edge of the piece because they are either in the seam OR they are folded under. 9) Carefully press the outer edge - taking care not to press the batting, as it might melt depending on fiber content. 10) The result is a piece with finished edges like this: 11) Top stitch close to the edge, This will secure all the folded under edges of each scrap. 12) When you are on the 4th side, approaching the beginning of your stitch line, turn the corner about 1/4" or 3/8" before you get there, to start the 'spiral' of stitching. The next steps are done just like Kawandi by hand, but you continue sewing on the machine. 13) To place the next piece, fold under 2 edges. Finger press or iron as necessary. Overlap the unfinished edges of previous scraps. 14) to place a color into a long strip, fold under 3 edges, staying aware of where you will place another scrap to overlap. 15) To keep a small scrap straight as you sew over the edge, it may be necessary to use long tweezers or stiletto. 16) Continue placing scraps and sewing in concentric rectangles, into the center. Note: this picture is from another project than the ones above. 17) Prepare the final scrap by folding under all 4 sides, and sewing the ever smaller rectangles/squares of stitching. 18) For the piece made of batiks, I decided the center "squares" looked better on the diagonal. Although not traditional at all, I've already broken so many 'rules', that I just decided to make this mine. Also, I'm aware that traditional Kawandi have 'folded flowers' in the 4 corners. Include them if you wish. Make it yours! Paula RESOURCES: How to make a Kawandi by hand by Kieren Dutcher https://youtu.be/yFd0xEfKeto How to make a Kawandi by machine (with binding) by Mel Beach https://pieceloveandhappiness.blogspot.com/2019/03/modern-kawandi-making.html Margaret Fabrizio travels to India to learn Kawandi from Siddi quilters: https://youtu.be/WqdIswL96q4 Margaret Fabrizio shows her own Kawandi quilts, and talks about making them in her own style. https://youtu.be/4NRxqOqp_UA
How to tie a knot in thread using a quilters knot video tutorial and photo tutorial! (Hi! Want more sewing how to tutorials just like this? Then don’t forget to check out my other sewing how to tutorials or my free easy sewing projects!) This tutorial will be showing you how to tie a knot […]
I've crocheted a lot of dragons already. They always turn out differently - surprised, thoughtful or funny. Because I don't make copies.
Here I cover 7 different thread starts: Ways to make that first stitch so that your thread stays in place and keeps your back tidy!
Have a DMC thread color and want to lookup the others that are closest to it? Enter the code or click the thread color to instantly see the best matches
Alexandra Kehayoglou was born into Argentina's first family of rugmakers. The 34-year-old artist started making unique, moss-like carpets after finishing art school in 2008. Kehayoglou uses scraps and threads from her family's Buenos Aires factory, taking up to two months to create one piece; some even resemble paintings.
Welcome to Week 3 of the QAL! We made it to the best part - ASSEMBLY! This week, we'll review each step of assembly with lots of photos to visualize.
A few years ago, I started to play with quilting clothes. The first few pieces turned out less than ideal. I didn’t know the paths to avoid the foibles of quilting. But after a few playful experiments and failed garments, things started to fall into place. I’ve put together this tutorial to share the things...
Shirring is an old technique, I know. (Shirring and smocking aren’t actually originally done with elastic…..but it sure makes things easier. And faster.) Sometimes I assume everyone knows how to do it. But then I get another email asking how to shir (or smock) fabric. So it reminds me I shouldn’t assume…………..because it is …
Очередная подборка вышивки с Пинтереста. У кого что спинила:) - не серчайте, лучше сами делитесь. PaulaKovarik У автора этой вышивки ещё есть куча клёвого . Всё отсюда . своё-родное Индия я - фанатка одуванчиков
Needlework is an impressive enough technical skill, but pair it with some top-notch creativity and you end up with embroidery projects that are truly next level. This online group is dedicated to helping beginners and showcasing the top talent out there.
Seriously, it's so cool.
Are you frustrated with your sewing machine thread constantly bunching up? In this article, we share the top 10 reasons why your sewing machine thread may be bunching, and provide helpful tips on how to fix it. From tension issues to incorrect threading, we've got you covered. Don't let thread bunching ruin your sewing projects any longer.
I’m so excited to be able to share my new sewing room with you!
Wondering what to wear this coming fall? We've got you! Discover the Fall 2024 fashion trends every It-Girl will be wearing!
If you're a beginner at stitching, you might get confused why some artists use less number of strands, and the others more. What is the big deal? What is the difference at all? Can I work a pattern designed for using 6 strands, with 1 strand? And can I work a pattern design for 1-2 strands of thread, using 6 strands? Let's take it one step at a time :) Related posts: 10 tips for hand embroidery beginners Top 10 beginner mistakes in hand embroidery How many strands should I use? There is no correct answer for that because it depends purely on your taste. Take a look at the little chart below. Here I stitched short lines in stem stitch using from 1 to 6 strands of thread. As you can see, the difference between the first line and the last line is quite striking. In short, the more strands you use, the bolder and more raised and dimensional your stitching is. You also will need less time to work an element. And the lesser the number of strands, the more delicate and “flat” your stitching is. However, you will need more time to work the same element. It is also important to mention, that the thread consumption will be lower if you use a lesser number of strands. If you stitch with 6 strands all the time, be prepared that your skeins of thread will finish quickly. Speaking of time, stitching the same element with 1 strand of thread will take more time than with 6 strands. That's why, if you want to make some cash by selling your needlework, adjust your resources and time wisely. Stitching a larger scale artwork with 1 strand will take quite a lot of time and effort and you will need to charge quite a lot for it. If you want to charge moderately, it would be reasonable to increase the number of threads – it will speed up the process but it will increase expenses. Or you can stitch smaller works with 1 strand of thread – either simple, minimalistic designs, or something of a brooch scale. Yeah, it is tough maths! However, I hope that you choose what you ENJOY first! That is our priority, since making art that you are not enjoying is very sad :( Now, as for embroidery patterns, most of them are designed with a specific number of strands in mind. If you use a bigger/lesser number of strands, you will definitely get a different result than intended. Will it be better/worse - no idea. In the best-case scenario, it will be just as pretty but either bolder or more delicate. Sometimes switching up number of strands is not even possible. Because, let's say, a pattern designed for 1-2 strands may have tiny elements that will be very inconvenient to work with a bigger number of strands. In the end, it all boils down to your preference!
Lois Ericson shows you how to create uniquely colored and patterned fabrics with ordinary household bleach.
Browse free vintage patterns, retro hair tutorials and affordable vintage clothing. Enjoy diy fashion crafts and classic style inspiration
Hey, gorgeous crochet friend! Can you believe it? I finished […]
