Sewing Stories from the Crafting Journey of Wednesday Elf

A Craft Review

Let Me 'Sew you a Stitch' About My Crafting Adventures 

My hobby of choice is fiber crafting and has been since I was a youngster. My crafting journey has led me through the field of fiber arts in many different areas.

As a child I began with embroidery. I also learned the basics of knitting and enough about sewing to sew simple things, but never became an expert. As the years went by, my primary focus became working with yarn, primarily in crochet and needlework.

Sewing - The First Hobby of my Fiber Arts Journey

My wonderful grandmother, who was an expert seamstress and quilter, taught me to sew. She made most of our clothes when we were children, but I never acquired sewing skills even close to hers. I did manage to make quite a few simple dresses and such for myself, and later dozens of outfits for my children when they were very small.

The summer before my daughter started kindergarten, I found a bunch of one yard/one-half yard pieces of fabric on sale (it doesn't take a lot of fabric for a tiny 5-year-old) and she was the 'best-dressed' little girl in school, with about 3 dozen outfits to choose from. Since I ended up with 2 boys and only one girl, it was great fun sewing for her.

Daughter Kimberly Modeling Raggedy Ann Dress

The sewn outfit I was proudest of was a dress with pinafore decorated with a Raggedy Ann applique (shown in this picture of Kimberly when she was 6), as well as a duplicate dress for her 6-year-old cousin as a Christmas gift that year. 

I saved that dress for years, hoping to pass it on to a granddaughter, but I ended up with 5 grandsons instead. :-)

Buttons and patches and the cold wind blowing,

The days pass quickly when I am sewing.

~Author Unknown

You, Too, Can Learn to Sew

If you don't have a talented grandmother or other relative to teach you to sew, a beginner's guide to the basics of sewing can be a tremendous help. To begin learning the art of sewing, start with the basics.

Sew Everything Workshop: The Complete Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide with 25 Fabulous Original Designs, Including 10 PatternsCheck Price

 

Sew Everything Workshop: The Complete Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide with 25 Fabulous Original Designs, including 10 Patterns.

Written in the language of today's creators, this hold-your-hand beginners sewing guide teaches you everything you need to know from winding a bobbin to sewing a dart to customizing a pattern. Currently in the top 10 in beginner sewing books.

 

First Step to Sewing.... - You Need a Sewing Machine

My sewing machine is a Brother I have had for more than 40 years. This new model has so much more than my old 'basic' sewing machine, and is currently on a terrific sale!

Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine, 70 Built-in Stitches, LCD DisplayCheck Price

 

The Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine comes with 10 sewing feet plus a quilt guide. It includes a wide table for larger projects such as quilts. 

Summary

If you love to sew as your craft of choice, come tell me your stories in the comments. I love hearing from fellow crafters. 

Related Sewing Reviews:

• Summertime Stitching Craft Review by Wednesday Elf
• When is the Best Time to Learn Something New - September Sewing Month by Olivia Morris
• Let's Sew Together and Build Lasting Memories by Coletta Teske

*My Sewing Journey Story was written by (c) Wednesday-Elf

**This post was originally published on November 1, 2014 on another site no longer in existence.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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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

Sparrows Quilt PatternCheck Price

 

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, the Hartland Quilt Shop.

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: This tissue box cover has sold, but other handmade in needlepoint tissue covers, including Betty Boop and Thomas the Train, are currently in my Etsy Shop here! :)  A new bunny tissue cover can be created upon request in my Etsy Shop.

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. 

For more Craft Reviews

Check out ReviewThisCrafts.com

*Summertime Stitching Review written by Wednesday Elf

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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The Whole Kit and Caboodle

 A Craft Kit Review

What's the meaning of the phrase 'The whole kit and caboodle'?

A collection of things. 

Dictionary Meaning of Kit & Caboodle (The words have similar meanings):

• A kit - is a set of objects, as in a toolkit.
• A caboodle (or boodle) is an archaic term meaning group or collection. 

In crafting, a kit means having everything you need for your next DIY project in one box or package.  Below are some examples of kits for crafters in a variety of mediums. They are especially helpful to beginners who might not know exactly what they might need to have when learning a new craft. 

Craft Kits

Crochet

Dinosaur Crochet KitCheck Price

 

Start your own Jurassic Park with this dinosaur crochet kit! This kit includes all the materials you need to make 4 different dinosaurs, including a T-rex, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, and Brontosaurus! It even includes instructions for how to customize your dinos with pattern variations. 

Kit includes:

The Yarn (Yellow- Blue- Purple- Pink- White), Plastic Safety Bead eyes x 8, Pipe Cleaners, Stuffing, Darning Needle and Crochet hook (size G6/4.00mm).  The Kit also includes the pattern bundle of 5 unique patterns, each with their own full-length video tutorials so you never miss a stitch!

Knitting

Beginners Knitting Kit for a Keyhole ScarfCheck Price

 

This Beginner Knitting Kit for a keyhole scarf.

The kit includes the yarn & pattern for an easy and simple handknitted scarf. One end of the scarf is threaded through the other when wearing, so it sits comfortably round your neck.

The scarf is warm and soft.

Knitted in DK/Worsted yarn on 4 mm needles (There is an option to buy the kit with or without needles)

Its length can easily be adapted to knit for an adult or child (age 3 or over)

The photographs show the scarf knitted up in West Yorkshire Spinners Colourlab DK. Five colour options are available.

Sewing

Brontosaurus dino - Sewing KITCheck Price

 

The printed file includes:

• The toy PATTERN
• list of tools and supplies
• easy to follow step-by-step detailed instructions, which are divided into lessons
• link to secret video tutorial

All the sewing kits in her shop were created by toy designer Titiana of Parkland, Florida for her Etsy Shop TSminibears.

Felt

Create an adorable centerpiece kit for your holiday décor. This POLAR BEAR & PENGUINS FELT APPLIQUE CENTERPIECE KIT comes with everything you need to complete it (Stamped Felts, Cotton Floss, Acrylic Yarn, Needle, and Instructions) except the stuffing. The completed centerpiece measures 11.5" x 9" x 10". Kit can be found in the eBay store House of Sylvestermouse.

Quilting

Quilted Patchword Tote Bag KitCheck Price

 

Quilted tote bag kit.  

Kit includes Pre-cut fabric of your choice from several designs offered, plus instructions. 

Finished size: 14”x14” with 19” handles

*For more quilting ideas, read this review by Sylvestermouse all about creating a gorgeous wall hanging with a Quilt Magic Kit Wallhanging

Holiday Décor Kits

Create your own bead and sequin Christmas ornaments as Sylvestermouse did. Read her review here to find a variety of kits for many lovely ornaments.

Craft Kits for Kids

There are many craft kits made especially for children.  This review of the Hide and Seek Rock Painting Kit by Wednesday Elf is perfect for kids, especially ones who enjoy artistic endeavors like my grandson David does.

Summary

As you can see, there are craft kits in every medium you can name. Whatever your crafting interest is, you will find a kit available. 

Related Link:

• Make Halloween Ornaments with Easy Craft Kits by Sylvestermouse

See More Craft Reviews at

ReviewThisCrafts.com

*Craft Review by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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When is the Best Time to Learn Something New? September Sewing Month

September is Sewing Month and a Great Time to Learn Something New!

Fall Season has arrived and the evenings are getting so much cooler that spending lots of time outdoors isn't quite as appealing as it was in July.  So what are you going to do with all those evening hours?

If Television isn't your thing, then learning a new craft just might be.  I know I love to keep my hands busy and sewing is one of the ways I do just that.

                                                  

Image by Larisa Koshkina from Pixabay

Now, I must admit to you that sewing had been a big part of my life.  Before my retirement I was a designer/dressmaker for many, many years.

I was taught the craft by my mother, and by several courses taken from my early teens and beyond.  Each course building on what was taught previously.  

My grandfather used to say, "Learn something that you can do with your hands so that if need be, you would have a "job" using your talents. No one can take that away from you."    I think he was pretty wise with those thoughts.

Sewing is a talent that everyone can develop if they have the will to do so.  I know my very first attempts at learning how to sew, were used to make my room, mine.  I loved pillows and crazy colors.  So with my need to personalize, my mother wisely let me choose some fabrics that I loved and encouraged me to experiment with her sewing machine.  Of course I had her help (I was only seven or eight years old at the time). 

My point is that if a child shows a willingness to learn something, we as parents or grandparents can help them along by imparting our knowledge to them.  Arts of any kind require an inquisitive mind.  Children are always curious about all kinds of things.  It's a great time to teach and have fun without pressure!  At the same time, our kids learn that originality and creativity can go hand in hand in many different ways.  

While sewing and sewing skills are geared more for girls, I think that boys should have the ability to learn too, if they are so predisposed to do so.  Many of our esteemed fashion designers are men!

To help with this avenue for creativity, there are several kits available that girls and boys may find interesting.  I like these two for a starting point.  Pictures feature both girls and boys making and sewing their own creations.

 Sewing School ®: 21 Sewing Projects Kids Will Love to MakeCheck Price Sewing School ® 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing; 20 Projects Kids Will Love to MakeCheck Price

The first book is geared to teaching some hand sewing techniques, while the second book includes the use of a sewing machine as well.  Depending on your children's motor skills and how well they can handle each task, you may like one better than the other.  **I will add a caution here,  Parents and/or Grandparents should be able to sit with the children while they are making these items.  There are sharp instruments involved and extra precautions should also be in place.**

If they are new to sewing, start with the first book and then when they have mastered or expressed that they really like this kind of craft, you can move to the second in the series.

Who knows if you will be the one to spark a new hobby, that could lead to much bigger and more beautiful creations.  

What started out as a pillow in my case ended up with me designing and executing some beautiful gowns, dresses, suits and so much more.  I made a nice living doing something that I enjoyed and also gave pleasure to my many customers over the years.

You never know the power you have to guide and form a new designer, they could end up on Making the Cut! (Our own Tracey, did a review on this show and it is quite a revelation in how many got started in the sewing and tailoring business)

Children love to learn new concepts and this is one that they can take with them into adulthood.  Mending and remaking clothes for the budget conscious may just become a "vogue" idea again.  Our days of "throw away everything" have got to stop.  Who knows where and when these skills will be put into practice as our children grow.  One thing is certain, there will always be a need for clothes and if you learn how, you can become quite a master!

I went from Pillows and Bedroom Decor to making beautiful gowns like this one!  Just one gown from my archives!  This was for a graduation and it's still one of my favorites.

Whatever you do, don't underestimate the joy that spending quality time with your children and grandchildren can have.  It will be memories for you and for them and teach them a really important life skill.  

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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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.

 PARKUVALLEY 3pcs Magnetic Needle Minder, Strong Magnetic Needle HolderCheck Price The Quilted Bear Needle Minder - Needle Minder Magnet for Keeping Sewing & Embroidery Needles SafeCheck Price HENYANMHXH Needle Minder Magnetic Needle Keeper for Cross Stitch EmbroideryCheck Price

 

 

 See More Crafts & DIY Reviews On
ReviewThisCrafts.com!

  and

More Gift Ideas for Needlework & Sewing Enthusiasts

Needle Minders for Needlework & Sewing Enthusiasts Reviewed  written by:

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Hobby Time from the Review This! Contributors

hob·by - an activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure. 

January is known as National Hobby Month.   The contributing writers here on Review This! each have their favorite ways to enjoy a relaxing pursuit and have written many reviews of various how-to books, crafting supplies and DIY tutorials, gardening tips, recipes & kitchen aids for the cook, photography lessons, reading or listening to music, sports, and a host of other hobbies. 

These are but a few of the hobbies enjoyed by the Review This crew. The list of hobbies is almost endless.  If you are interested in looking for what we writers here have reviewed, type in the name of your 'hobby' either in the box in the top left-hand corner of any Review This page, or in the search box down the right-hand side. By looking at the author's name, you won't have any problem figuring out which HOBBY is each writers' favorite! For instance, mine  (Wednesday Elf) is crochet and my hobby is shared by several other contributors here, so we learn and share with each other. A more comprehensive list is shown below.

National Hobby Month

Begun by the Hobby Guild of America in 1955,  National Hobby Month was celebrated in April until 1976, then in October until 1986.  Since then, it has been celebrated during the month of January. 

January was most likely chosen for National Hobby Month as it is the beginning of a new year and a good time to start a new hobby.  Many people have never had hobbies during their working years or while raising a family and begin one in their retirement or after the children are grown.  Others try many hobbies throughout their life before finding one or two that gives them the most enjoyment. 

Hobby Examples on Review This!

Hobbies can be passive (such as crafting, reading, writing, listening to music or watching a movie) or an activity such as gardening, cooking or participating in sports. Many people have more than one hobby and often combine them, such as listening to music while crafting. 

In addition to writing reviews here on Review This!, most of the contributing writers here write for their own blogs and websites.  Writers consider writing to be more work than hobby, so time away from writing is important. That's where the activities done in our leisure time become such a pleasure. It is also interesting to note that the passion we feel for our hobbies is shown in many of the subjects we write about.

• Barbara Tremblay Cipak (Brite-Ideas) is crazy about country music and frequently writes about the artists and their music she is so passionate about.  She is also loves to experiment with color in home décor. 
• Dawn Rae does crochet and participates in a group of fellow jeep owners.  She also enjoys gardening and lately 'learning about homesteading'.
• Cynthia Sylvestermouse is a freelance writer and photographer who loves all different kinds of crafts, including crafting in the kitchen, creating fancy cakes and cupcakes. 
• Barbara (BarbRad) is an expert on books and loves to read.  She is also a nature photographer who most enjoys photographing her central California area. 
• Mary Beth Granger (MBGphoto) is a fabulous photographer who continually takes photography classes to learn more.  Photography has become her passion in her retirement, along with traveling.  Lighthouses and beaches are her favorite subjects. 
• Wednesday Elf loves crochet and needlework, watching baseball and reading. 
• Beverly Owens is busy researching her Native American Indian heritage and loves to write about spirit animals and the wisdom of her ancestors. She also enjoys crocheting. 
• Olivia Morris loves gardening and following the fashion world.
• Brenda Little (Treasures By Brenda) collects coffee mugs and researches the history of vintage cups and other vintage items which she shares in her eBay store.  She also loves reading, great movies, cooking, and pop culture. 
• Diana Wenzel (Renaissance Woman2010) enjoys an off-the-grid lifestyle where she pursues her interests in animal rescue, wonderful nature photography, and DIY projects. She also loves to read. 
• Louanne Cox (Lou16) loves reading, 80s music, zombies and dolls, among a host of other interests. 
• Heather Burns (Heather426) is an artist, illustrator and graphic designer. Her hobby is her artistic accomplishments, including the colored pencils she has created for coloring pages and coloring books. 
• Coletta Teske is a published book author and loves to sew. 
• Sam Monaco enjoys cooking and he has a passion for preserving old family recipes. These can be found on his blog Sam's Place. He also loves history.
• Jasmine Ann Marie Annie (Raintree Annie) loves gardening and nature. Her favorite hobby is photography and photographing the wildlife, animals and birds in nature.

These are just the highlights of hobbies and interests I have observed from the articles they publish and the interaction we have as a team here on the staff of Review This!.  I am sure there are other interests each of them have.  

Quick View Home Page

By clicking on the Quick View Home Page button at the top of any Review This! page, you will have weekly examples of many of the articles your hobbyists here enjoy (plus many non-hobby reviews).  

Stop by the comments section and tell us your favorite hobby or activity. The Review This! staff would love to hear about what gives you pleasure in your leisure time.

(c) Written by Wednesday Elf on 1/20/2018

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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