Summertime Stitching Craft Review

Many hobbyists enjoy stitching. Sewing is one form of stitching, either by hand or by sewing machine. But it is not the only stitching craft. There is also stitching found in embroidery and in needlework. Quilting is also a form of stitching and yarn crafts (crochet and knitting) involve stitches.

In this review, we will look at a few examples in the craft world of stitching. And since summer is just beginning, we shall focus on a summertime theme.

Sundresses to Sew

Image Source: Pixabay

 

Summertime encourages the wearing of lightweight clothing. Thus, a sweet sundress is just the thing for those hot summer days.  There are a large variety of sundress patterns available in your local fabric stores and on Amazon and Etsy.

Vintage patterns are also found on the eBay site when you are in the mood for that ‘retro’ look.

Pick up a new (or vintage) sundress pattern from Simplicity, McCalls and more at your favorite place to purchase sewing patterns and stitch up something new for your summer vacation. 

Stitch a Quilt

Quilt pattern for a modern Flashback design
by Orange Dot Quilts on Etsy

Quilting is another form of stitching and takes many forms from a full bed size blanket quilt to quilted home decor in the form of placemats and table runners, hot pads and more. You can find this pattern at Dora's Etsy Store

With so many quilting patterns to choose from, your summer stitching choices are unlimited. 

Embroidery & Needlework

Embroidery Example - Pixabay Image

Projects in embroidery, cross stitch and plastic canvas needlework are great summer projects for the hobbyist because they are usually small and, thus, very portable. Take along one of these smaller projects on your summer vacation or your staycation in your backyard while the kids are playing in the pool. 

My tissue box cover craft project in progress

I worked on this tissue box cover in plastic canvas and yarn while house sitting and pet sitting my grandpuppy Pepe the Poodle while my Kids and Grandkids were on vacation. A fun way to feel productive while living at someone else’s home. 

Finished tissue box cover
with cartoon character design

*Note: Finished project is now in my Etsy Shop here! :) 

Summary

Image Source: Pixabay

So, choose your favorite form of stitching and fill some of your free summertime hours working on the creative project you like best. 

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*Summertime Stitching Review written by Wednesday Elf

 

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March is National Craft Month

Reviewing the Wonderful World of Crafting!

As an avid crafter, I am thrilled to have a month for celebrating crafts.  Since March is filled with cold days kissed by spring, it seems like the perfect month for crafting.  

It is exhilarating to look out the windows at the beautiful days.  It fills us all with the desire and energy to do something.  However, March weather is not often cooperative, or conducive to outdoor activity. 

In my region, you never know what weather you will wake up to on any given day.  Some days we have beautiful spring weather bursting with new life in our flower beds.  Then the following day we can find ourselves thrown back into winter with ice and snow.

The spring days make you want to go outside, breathe in the fresh air, and have fun "running with the wind".  Unfortunately, when those days are followed by freezing weather, you find yourself stuck in the house still feeling that desire to do something.  I turn to my crafts and harness that energy while I wait for the warm weather to return. 

Fun Crafts - There's Something for Everyone

The wonderful thing about crafts is that there is a craft project for everyone.  For those of us who love needlework, there are a variety of options.  Sewing, quilting, cross-stitch, or embroidery fall under the category of needlework.  The beauty of many needlework kits is that they are often small and portable.  

Several of my fellow contributors enjoy crochet and working with yarn instead of thread.  That is also a craft that is portable.  Both Wednesday Elf and Dawn Rae have Etsy stores where they sell their beautiful creations.  

 DawnRaeCrochet
Store Owner: Dawn Rae CoastalCrochetCrafts
Store Owner: Pat (Wednesday Elf)

Avid crafters, like myself, tend to skip from one craft project to another.  Not only do we enjoy needlework, crochet or knitting, but we also explore the world of stenciling, painting, decoupage, flower arranging, latch hook, mosaics, beaded crafts, and many more.  

Regardless of the craft, it is always a creation made by our own hands.  Hours of love are often poured into whichever craft we choose and many finished projects turn into treasures for a lifetime and passed down for generations. For such a worthy endeavor, a month is not really enough time to celebrate, but it is a great beginning.

Here are a few websites you might enjoy visiting when you are ready to select a craft, kit, or pattern.  The tutorials on Crafter's Kingdom will make it easier to learn a new craft too.

 Christmas Craft Collection Website Crafter's Kingdom Website A Cross Stitch in Time Website

The Business of Crafts

Because of my own love for a variety of crafts, like Wednesday Elf and Dawn Rae, I also opened an online store 19 years ago.  My craft supplies store is on eBay, which predated Etsy.  I love both sites and highly recommend either for selling or buying.

 House of Sylvestermouse on Ebay

All of the craft kits, patterns, or books featured in the introduction photo, are available in The House of Sylvestermouse eBay store. 

March is National Craft Month by:

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Needle Minders for Needlework & Sewing Enthusiasts Reviewed

A few years ago, I was gifted with a beautiful needle minder.  At the time, I had no idea what a needle minder was, but I quickly learned what a fabulous aid a needle minder can be for those of us who love to sew and do needlework.

The best description of a "needle minder" that I can think of would be to refer to it as a needle magnet that attracts and holds needles.  

I couldn't begin to guess at how many needles I have dropped, and lost, over the years.  I have even been know to wash them simply because they were attached to a blouse I was wearing while sewing.  Let's face it, when we sew, we get interrupted.  The needle is stuck quickly into "something".  We may not get back to our work within the hour, or even on the same day and we have totally forgotten what we did with our needle.

Therefore, I now consider a needle minder an essential sewing & needlework tool. 

My Needle Minder

My needle minder is a lovely mouse, which is totally appropriate to me.  Clearly, the gift giver knew me well.  

When I am sitting behind the sewing machine, I attach my needle minder to my shirt like a brooch.  When I am cross stitching, I attach it to the aida cloth itself.  

Magnetic needle minders do not damage clothing or fabrics.  They are ingenious designs with a strong magnet that holds the needle minder from the back side.  

The magnet "attracts" needles and holds them for us.  When we return to our work, we know exactly where to look for our needles. So much better than randomly poking them somewhere and finding them later, often by surprise, when they stick you.  

I am currently working on a cross stitch design that requires dozens of different floss colors.  I frequently thread several needles in different colors so I can continue cross stitching without having to change the floss on one needle too often.  As you can see in the photo, my mouse needle minder hangs onto the multiple needles nicely, and all in one place.

Needle Minders Available Online

There are several places online that offer needle minders.  I happen to know that mine came from True North Needleminders on Etsy because it arrived attached to the store's business card.  She has a large variety of choices available so you can select the character that best reflects your preferences and personality.

Here are a few that are currently available at True North Needleminders, but you can click the store link above to see the entire collection. 

I can tell you from experience, they make awesome gifts for needlework and sewing enthusiasts.  I am most grateful to Olivia for giving me mine.

 Panda Needle minder Designer Needle Minder Pirate Owl Needle minder

 

 

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More Gift Ideas for Needlework & Sewing Enthusiasts

Needle Minders for Needlework & Sewing Enthusiasts Reviewed  written by:

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