Sublime Stitching - Hand Embroidery

A few years ago I picked up this book at an Urban Outfitters called Sublime Stitching by Jenny Hart. I was looking for some way to make my tea towels a bit different.  I fell in love with hand embroidery. It definitely is a labor of love and I have embroidered a fair amount of tea towels but I do find that I simply enjoy embroidering. It is quite fun and relaxing.  It is something to do with a group of friends or alone.  And there are so many designs to choose from.  It is the perfect little simple creative diddy you can add to an item and make it special.  I now follow Jenny Hart's Sublime Stitching on Twitter.  The other day she posted a tweet, or rather she tweeted something and it sounded cute. I clicked on the link and this is what it was:

 

How adorable and only $5.00! 

Embroidery is an inexpensive craft and it is something that everyone can do.

Check out this link for more info or to purchase.

http://www.sublimestitching.com/chichifever.html

Have you embroidered anything cute lately you would like to share?

Historic Embossments

My brother in law sent me a very cool picture that he took.  He and my sister used to live in Rome and my Uncle's sister (Uncle thru marriage so not blood related) lives in a town called San Vincenzo. They would visit occasionally.  The picture here was taken in a ghost town near San Vincenzo.  I am told the town was destroyed by an earthquake but a few buildings remain. This embossment is of a pair of scissors and a sewing machine.

Just by looking at it I can imagine the work and creation going on in this building. The daily business and interaction with all the clients. Clothing being made with love and passion, how it should be. 

  I might be romanticizing a bit, but that's ok.

Do you think it's beautiful?

(photo by Jason Angelus)

Crocheting

It's a New Year and well....resolutions.....no....hopes, yes and goals yes. I started taking crochet classes in December. I already am a knitter.  Lion Brand Studio/ Retail Store right in Chelsea has great classes to offer at great prices! To check out their website click here,  Lion Brand Studio is at 34 W 15th St. Not only do they have crocheting but knitting as well. So I realised that knitting I can watch a movie and do, crocheting I have to intently concentrate.  Hopefully this will change.

Tuesday night at Lion Brand is the Crochet Doctor, Andrea, she is great! Very knowledgable and patient. This past Tuesday I went with my friend Diane who is finishing a baby afghan for her new niece or nephew.  Since she doesn't know yet she is making the afghan in gender neutral colors. This is being done in a double crochet stitch.  This is what she brought to class:

 

She is finished with it and decided she wanted to do a boarder on it. She started it during the session:

 

I think the finished edge is looking nice. What do you think?

Do you have any afghans you have crocheted? 

Send a photo.

I can't sign off with posting a photo of Lion Brand's Windows. They are always so adorable and inspirational!

Happy Yarning!

Christmas already!

I can't believe it's been almost a month!
I love Christmas and have been so busy.
Had a few sales and craft shows.  Have been busy adopting out cats and kittens finding new homes for them (I am a co-founder of a rescue group).
 But enough excuses lets get down to business. BUY LOCAL!
So much to choose from. Get out there and buy those last minute gifts.
Are you in NYC? Go to Columbus Circle Tents- so many great and unique artisan gifts. Check out Union Square's market.  There is also a new market in Astoria.
For a complete book of markets buy this book. http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Markets-of-New-York-City/Karen-Seiger/e/9781892145857 

Etsy - not too late to have things shipped. Napkin set of 2 http://www.etsy.com/listing/63375910/flatware-napkins-set-of-2-in-liquorice?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image+-+http%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fview_listing.php%3Flisting_id%3D63375910&utm_content=etsy_finds_122110&utm_campaign=etsy_finds_122110 

For the cat lover in your life. This is such a cool ring.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49204170/lazy-cat-ring-black?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image+-+http%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fview_listing.php%3Flisting_id%3D49204170&utm_content=etsy_finds_122110&utm_campaign=etsy_finds_122110


And for the coffee or tea drinker in your life check this out. Cute and vintage. 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/63817375/postcuptm?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image+-+http%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fview_listing.php%3Flisting_id%3D63817375&utm_content=etsy_finds_122110&utm_campaign=etsy_finds_122110

Enjoy your holiday and shop local!

Enough talk of turkey hangover...

Enough turkey hangover and Black Friday now extended for 3 days. Well I joined in. I just added a coupon to my etsy shop. Now, today only, Cyber Monday get 15% off anything in my shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop/traceyt  use the coupon code CYBERMONDAY15  Lots of other etsy sellers are also having coupon day today.

So many cool shops to check out like http://www.etsy.com/shop/HomeDeconomics  very cute retro kitchen items and other.... I love this mouse pad. I try not to eat bacon but this looks yummy. And it is less than $10!

Looking for some cute fabrics? Check out http://www.etsy.com/shop/luckykaerufabric
I have purchased here before and she ships it fast and fabric is always great quality!

Want to buy some art? Check out http://www.etsy.com/shop/matteart  Matte Stephens has the cutest and most whimsical art. I have already purchased a few. I am so tempted to buy this owl.

Needless to say there is so much on Etsy from all over the world. You get some cute items, one of a kinds to give as gifts and support a independent artist! People really do love these types of gifts! So get shopping!