When I first got my longarm, I wish someone had told me a few things about how to get started. While I like making things up as I go, as a teacher (Latin and history!) I also like having a rubric to follow, a goal to meet, and metrics to use to figure out if […]
Archives for November 2013
Another garland project for little hands
I got this one from the most recent BHG, which is a new magazine for me (support your Special Olympics!). They had a bunch of cute-and-cheap garland ideas, and this one was adorable: Get paper straws in whatever colors you like (I looked for polka dots or chevron, since both exist, but no luck). I got […]
MQU’s Block Design Challenge–check out my block!
It’s up! I had submitted a couple of designs for the MQU Block Challenge, and one of them was accepted as a finalist! You can see all of the finalist blocks here and my block is the one found right here. It looks kind of odd on its own, but I hope you can see the […]
Yeah, I know you probably already have your Thanksgiving meal all planned out, but just in case you’re looking around for other recipes to round out a meal that can sometimes get to be … the same-old same-old, here are some of the things we like to rotate in: aligots, a cheesy french recipe for […]
Best self-directed craft
My little boy has been dying to make paper chains, and while I am usually really reluctant to do Christmas holiday decorating before Thanksgiving (the tree is another story–that happens the day *after*), he’s got some time this week and has the ambition, so why not? What you see here is crafting at it’s discount-store-finest: […]
I have some exciting news–I have made a free Craftsy class!
Friends, there have been so many things happening lately, nearly all of which I am not allowed to share publicly. That makes writing an interesting blog with things to show a bit problematic! Today, though… Today, I can share with you one of the things that I have been working on: a free class with […]
Hit me with your suggestions for basic embroidery supplies!
I’m thinking I want to make something embroidered. Don’t know what. Don’t know when. Have no supplies. What books would you recommend? Supplies? Starter Kit? Couple fingers of whiskey? Hand embroidery. Definitely handwork.
A good feel for Rome
I may not be a practicing archaeologist anymore, but the ancient world is always very much in my thoughts every day. Thousands of years between then and now, and thousands of miles, but we Westerners are still very much creatures of ancient Rome and Greece. What I have found is usually the hardest for people […]
PSA for the day–project organization isn’t my strongest suit, this time
When working with two very large 4′ x 5′ freezer paper templates at once, it is probably best to come up with two different ways to mark them. That way, when you’re looking at the pile of pieces, you won’t have that sinking feeling when trying to figure out which number 21 goes where. Next time […]
Thoughts from Kathy Mack on Quilt Market
Over at the Pink Chalk Studio blog, Kathy Mack talks about the three main trends she saw at Fall Quilt Market ’13. In particular, I want to call your attention to her discussion of the use of the word “modern” as Trend #1, and also to call your attention to “slower is better”, which discusses […]