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Showing posts with label cross stitch. Show all posts

Friday, January 23, 2026

Crafts in the House of Sylvestermouse Reviewed

Have Fun and Craft On!

Let's Play, Create and Make A Lifetime of Treasures

I love handmade gifts and crafts! I guess I have been crafting all of my life. I honestly cannot remember a time that I did not have a hook or needle of some kind in my hand or a project in some phase of construction.

One of the most frustrating problems a crafter or needlework enthusiasts faces, is getting patterns, ideas, or instructions without spending a lot of money. The supplies alone will often deplete any crafting budget.

Because I understand the real desire to make original treasures, I am sharing some of my own personal ideas and instructions for making unique heirlooms. I have also written several articles that teach basic skills for beginners.

Cross Stitch Memories

My favorite needlework is cross stitch. It is certainly one of the easiest forms of needlework and there are tons of patterns and kits readily available.

I started cross stitching when I was in jr. high school (It is called middle school today). One of my earliest projects is still one of my favorites. I cross stitched the flowers in the photo for my grandmother. I made one for my mother as well. My mom helped me make them into pillows.

After my grandmother died, my step grandfather put a lot of her personal treasures in boxes. He later gave some of them to my mother. She discovered the pillow among those items and brought it back to me. The pillow was stained and the cross stitch cloth was "aged." I cut the cross stitch design off of the pillow and carefully cleaned it with Woolite in my kitchen sink. This cross stitch heirloom now resides in my bible. A world of memories right there in that one little square.

Tutorial: Visit How to Cross Stitch on Crafters Kingdom

Beaded Ornaments ~ A Gift to Cherish from Year to Year

Another one of my favorite craft projects is beaded ornaments. They are fairly easy and require very little talent. They do, however, demand patience since they entail working with small beads and pins.

Not only do I enjoy making these ornaments for our family tree, I like making them to give a gifts. The ornament in the photo was a gift I made for my son. I bet you can guess his favorite color.

In just a few hours, I made a lovely treasure, a precious gift and a lasting tradition.

Tutorial: Visit How to Make Beaded Ornaments

Crochet With Love

When it comes to home décor, there is nothing prettier than the lacy effect of a crocheted doily or tablecloth.

I enjoy browsing in antique stores and it never fails to bring tears to my eyes when I see a beautiful crocheted afghan or tablecloth in one of the display cabinets. I know from experience how many hours are lovingly stitched in these beautiful heirlooms. I simply can not imagine selling one of these family treasures. I am always tempted to buy them, take them home and give back the love they deserve.

Tutorial: Visit Beginner Crochet

Beaded Easter Eggs

If you are really looking for something original, this craft project is for you!

Out of sheer determination to find a new, unique gift for my children one Easter, I dreamed up these eggs. They are really very easy and require a minimal investment for the supplies. I actually made the first few with beads and glue I already had in my craft supplies.

They make a great surprise or grand prize in the traditional Easter egg hunt.

Tutorial: Visit How to Make Beaded Easter Eggs

Let's Party ~ Mad Hatter Style

I made this Mad Hatter's Hat for my son right before the debut of the new Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland movie.

Yes, he actually wore it to the movie on opening day! Can you imagine how much fun he had with his group of college friends when they donned their "Alice" attire and stormed the theater doors? I wish I could have been there. I would have at least like to have had a picture, but you know kids, they don't worry about such things.

Tutorial: Visit How to Make a Mad Hatter's Hat
like Johnny Depp's in Tim Burtons Alice in Wonderland Movie

My Decoupaged Purse

One of my most treasured gifts is the decoupaged wooden purse that my grandmother decoupaged for me when I was a young girl.

I love all of the photos on the purse, but the photo on the right shows my favorite picture. I have always loved giraffes and I always had long, blonde hair.

I loved it when she originally gave it to me back in the 70's. I carried it everywhere I went and actually used it as my everyday purse. My grandmother died several years ago and I treasure the gifts she so lovingly and painstakingly made for me. I can't touch this purse without thinking of how her hands touched it so many times as she turned a wooded box into a beautiful work of art just for me.

Tutorial: Visit How to Make a Decoupaged Wooded Purse

A Very Special Valentine

I love the stories behind the original sailor's valentines!

I can assure you, the sailor's valentines that I have made reflects a greater depth of love than those 19th century sailors felt for their valentines.

In the tutorial linked below, I have told about the origin of the Sailor's Valentine and given instructions to make your own. There really isn't a prettier way to express your love.

Tutorial: Click here for - How to Make a Sailor's Valentine

Beaded Cross Stitch Pin

Embellishing cross stitch with shining beads is simply a joy!

I love adding beads to my cross stitch. The beads add another dimension to cross stitch.

I use the beads to highlight and accentuate focus areas of my cross stitch work. I love the way the little beads will pick up and reflect light and color.

I made the beaded cross stitch pin for my son for Halloween. As I was making it, I took the time to take lots of pictures to show in an article.

Here is my Tutorial: How to Make a Beaded Cross Stitch Pin

Halloween Ghost

I made the original ghost over a decade ago for my son who just loves ghosts and anything Halloween.

This is my own pattern with step by step instructions and photos, which I have shared exclusively on Crafters Kingdom.

I hope you enjoy my friendly ghost! I am certain he will enjoy being with you.

Tutorial: How to Make a Halloween Ghost with Fleece

A Unique and Impressive Holiday Centerpiece

During the holidays, we decorate our homes with glitter and sparkle that reflects the beauty of the lights on our trees and in our hearts.

I originally made this centerpiece with beaded fruit for autumn and Thanksgiving, but when it was time to decorate for Christmas, I changed the floral picks to gold and red berries.

Since I was changing it out anyway, I photographed the process and wrote an article describing the steps to make a sleigh centerpiece. Regardless of the holder or vase, the steps in the article below will show you exactly how to make you own original arrangement.

Tutorial: How to Make a Christmas Sleigh Centerpiece

Some Things Really Are Just Too Easy

These ornaments are probably the easiest crafting project I have ever made.

You will be surprised and thrilled to find out just had simple these ornaments are to assemble.

We had a bit of an unplanned craft party one year when our family was gathered during the holidays. I had just purchased some glass ornaments and I had a wild idea for all of us to make something and exchange them with each other.

These ornaments are the results of our afternoon of antics and fun. A wonderful memory!

They smell good too!

Tutorial: How to Make Quick & Easy Glass Ornaments

Just Playing Around - Making a Pincushion

As a seamstress, I can really appreciate a large pincushion. If it is pretty, that makes it even better.

I was inspired by a pattern book that gave some basic instructions on how to construct a felt pincushion.

Intrigued, I gathered my supplies, called my mother and we went to work creating our own pincushions. I also created the article below. I have given step by step instructions with lots of photos so you, too, can create a felt pincushion.

This really is a very easy project. The hardest part is choosing the supplies.

I will never again look at my pincushion without thinking of the day my mother and I were just playing around!

Tutorial: How to Make Felt Cupcake Pincushions

Mosaic Picture

Mosaic pictures are rather impressive when complete, but they don't have to be hard to make.

Several years ago, I made the raccoon mosaic picture for my father for his birthday and he loves it.

Making the mosaic was not hard since I used a kit, but I do have several tips and suggestions for making the craft easier.

This is a craft that does take a good bit of time, so organization and taking your time is key to successfully creating a beautiful mosaic picture.

Tutorial: How to Make a Mosaic Picture

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This tutorial directory page was originally published on a website that is not longer in existence and All Photos are the Exclusive Property of Sylvestermouse.

Friday, May 23, 2025

Adjustable Needlework Lap & Table Stand with Scroll Frame Reviewed

For Mother's Day this year, my son gave me a fabulous needlework lap or table stand. For many years, I have had a needlework stand with feet on the floor and I simply pull the stand feet under the couch to work. However, now I find my recliner more comfortable for sitting, but my original stand's feet do not fit under the recliner. I needed one with shorter legs so it would sit on the recliner cushion, between the recliner arms. I thought that would be a difficult frame to find. I was reluctant to request it as a gift because I suspected it would need to be specially made to meet my needs. However, my son found the perfect needlework stand without having to pull out the table saw!

Anyone who stitches knows how important it is to have a comfortable work set-up. For smaller needlework or cross stitch patterns, stitchers use a hand-held hoop to keep our cloth stationary and firmly in place so we can easily slide a needle through it. However, larger patterns and fabric require a larger frame to hold our fabric.

It is best to have a frame the same width as the fabric to keep from crimping the thread or floss under the frame. For instance, the cross stitch picture shown in the photo, requires a 21" wide piece of aida cloth. Therefore, I need an adjustable frame that will accommodate 21" wide fabric. I also like to work with a scroll bar at the top and bottom so the fabric rolls around it without pressing down on and "crunching" the stitched thread or floss. As the needlework progresses, it is easy to roll the fabric up to the desired height (in front of my eyes) without damaging the finished section.

Even though I do a lot of different crafts, cross stitch is my personal favorite after sewing. Sewing requires a sewing machine. Needlework or cross stitching can be done almost anywhere. I have even been known to cross-stitch bookmarks during airport layovers.

As you can see, this cross-stitch stand with the scroll bar frame was the perfect Mother's Day gift for me!

Frank A. Edmunds 24" Adjustable Lap & Table Stand with Scroll Frame

Frank A. Edmunds 5850 Adjustable Lap & Table Stand with Scroll Frame, 8.5" x 24"Check Price This needlework frame is designed to sit over your lap. It holds the fabric in place and frees up both hands to stitch. I use my right hand on the front side of the frame and my left hand behind it so I have a constant stitch action going.

When I need extra light over my pattern or work, I clip a gooseneck lamp on the frame or wear my lighted magnifier glasses. It may all look rather strange to someone observing me stitch, but it works and that is what matters.

The needlework frame and stand are very easy to assemble. No tools are required. All of the wood pieces have the holes pre-drilled for the screw bolts, which are held in place with wing nuts.

The frame legs have 3 holes so they can be adjusted for just the right height.

Adjust the frame width by sliding the side bars of the frame across the round scroll bars (dowel bars) and lock in place by tightening the screw bolts on the wing nuts. (Be careful not to over-tighten it! Wood is not flexable)

Adjust the frame itself to your preferred angle with the side screw bolt.
Stores easily by simply taking it apart and putting it back in the original packaging.

I love both of my needlework frames. My new lap & table stand for sitting in the chair with me, as well as my original floor-standing frame.

Frank A. Edmunds 5850 Adjustable Lap & Table Stand with Scroll Frame, 8.5" X 24"Check Price Needlework Floor-Standing Type Stand with Adjustable Frame Made of Organic BeechCheck Price

Friday, July 3, 2020

Just CrossStitch Magazine in Print, on Kindle, & DVD Reviewed

Very few magazines are interesting enough for me to pay for a subscription, especially since just about everything can found on the internet. However, I do subscribe to Just CrossStitch. Every time a new issue arrives, I drop whatever I am doing and browse the pages. Then I set it aside for later, when I have time to really examine the patterns and mark what I might want to stitch.

Just CrossStitch includes beautiful pictures of each finished project, plus easy to read full patterns.

I have saved years of back subscriptions of Just CrossStitch! I never know when I will feel the itch to stitch and I do love having a variety of patterns available.

Long before I started my subscription, I would buy the issues every time I visited Barnes & Noble, which used to be quite often before I was gifted with a Kindle. It was our favorite date night to dine out and then head over to B&N.

Just Crossstitch SubscriptionCheck Price

Just CrossStitch Magazines

Just CrossStitch Magazine -Single Issue
December 2017Check PriceUnlike books, a magazine is very lightweight, which makes it easy to carry when we travel. I always carry either a cross stitch project or a crochet project with me in the car or on a plane.

I well remember cross stitching a bookmark from a Just CrossStitch magazine pattern for my son in the airport on a layover with a flight delay. It was such a restful way for me to wait. I didn't stress at all over the delay. As a matter of fact, I remember thinking how I wished I had time to make a bookmark for our daughter too.

Every time I see my son using that bookmark, I think how glad I am that I used that layover time to make something special for him. I am also glad the magazine had just the right pattern within its pages. Of course, that was probably why I selected that particular issue to carry with me.

Tip: Patterns for bookmarks only require being small single images pulled from any cross stitch design. They don't have to be titled "bookmark" for the pattern to work well on a bookmark.

You can purchase the individual issue that you want like I did in years past, or you can subscribe to receive your issue in the mail. An annual subscription includes 6 issues, plus the Christmas Ornament special edition.

Surprisingly, the Just CrossStitch magazine is now available on Kindle! I haven't personally tried viewing the magazine on my Kindle since I have the print issue subscription, but I can see how it would be awesome to get them on my Kindle Fire. (The Kindle Fire will provide color pictures.)

Just CrossStitch DVD's

Just CrossStitch Collection 1983-–1990Check Price
Don't stress if you wish you had discovered this wonderful magazine years ago! You can purchase DVD's that have the back issue patterns for multiple past years.

The DVD's contain every issue of the years noted of the Just CrossStitch magazine. They consist of PDFs that are searchable, plus provide printer-friendly charts. Therefore, you can print out a pattern and carry it with you wherever you go. Even though I have the magazines, I like having the convenience of the DVD for searching out a pattern of choice.

When you insert the DVD into your computer's DVD-ROM drive, it will open a list of file names. Simply select the year, then the month you wish to view and open using the free version of Adobe Reader. You can print the patterns by clicking on the print icon of the Adobe Reader.

I Prefer to View On Full Screen and click my mouse to click through the pages.

(use the ESC key on your keyboard to close the full screen viewing)

full screen view of a magazine page on a dvd

There are also Halloween or Christmas patterns from the Just CrossStitch magazine available on DVD.

The Just CrossStitch Collection 1991–2000Check Price The Just CrossStitch Collection 2001–2010Check Price Just CrossStitch 2011-2015 Collection DVDCheck Price Just CrossStitch Christmas Ornament Collection 1997–2013Check Price