Make It Easy to Travel with Needlepoint!

It’s summer and that means vacations. Needlepoint can be a wonderful and relaxing activity during long hours waiting in airports and riding in a car. Here are some tips, adapted from my book, NEEDLEPOINT TRADE SECRETS to help make stitching on vacation more enjoyable.

Needlepoint - Right from the Beginning

Sometimes I think that although I became addicted to needlepoint in 1970, I did not really learn how to do needlepoint until sometime in the early 80’s. Because my then I actually had learned about materials, good technique etc. So here’s a pile of mostly unorganized tips to get you started right.

Painted - Screened - Printed - Computer - Printed - A Guide to Needlepoint Canvas Terms

You see them in the titles and descriptions of needlepoint pieces all the time, but what do they mean? They are on eBay, in catalog, and in descriptions of needlepoint in magazines. How can I be sure that when I find a canvas which is a pleasure to stitch? Knowing what you are buying is the key to finding the perfect canvas. The imprecision of a printed canvas can make it difficult for a beginner to know what to stitch. The expense of a hand-painted canvas could put off someone on a limited budget. The keys to picking the perfect canvas are understanding the skills and knowing what you see when you look at a canvas.

Picking Stitches in Needlepoint

Whenever you buy a painted canvas or when you design your own needlepoint, you will need to pick stitches for it. Here are some simple rules for deciding what stitch should go where.

Essential Guide to Quilting for Beginners

So, you want to learn how to quilt. That's great because quilting is a fun hobby and it results in something functional that may be used in your home, given as gifts, and just enjoyed all around. If you really want to learn how to quilt then you should educate yourself on the basics.

The Love Story of Barbie and Ken

When Barbie strolled onto the world of dolls in 1959, everybody knew it will change the doll scene forever. Since Mattel introduced her, more and more girls all over the world fell in love with the most popular and lovable creation. Aside from the dolls itself, Barbie and everything about her became quite a hit to so many endeared markets-especially her long-standing relationship with Ken Carson.

Collecting Seashells

How to collect seashells.

Ebonizing - A Cheap Alternative To Using Ebony?

Ebony is a beautiful wood but there are environmental issues concerning its harvesting and its also very expensive. There is an alternative. Not perfect, but a lot of fun if you like to experiment a bit.

The Joy Of Craft Bead Jewelry

You can purchase beaded jewelry from local stores or you can make your own by using craft beads. Local craft shops such as Michaels, AC Moore and others offer a wide selection, superb quality and low prices for the beads they sell. Whether you are a novice or experienced working with beads, you will find the beads, findings, wires, threads, tools and everything else you need to create stunning jewelry and decor pieces for your home.

The Many Types Of Hand Embroidery

If you are talking about embroidery, you are talking about the way to stitch that can be accomplished by hand sewing or machine sewing. Hand sewing is the hardest to do out of these two types.

Quilting Frame Plans Save Money And Provide A New Creative Outlet

If you are going to do any job properly then you need the best tools possible. Investing in proper quilting equipment will infinitely enhance the quilts that you produce, regardless of your talents and abilities.

The Many Uses For A Sewing Pattern

For many people, sewing is a hobby of yesteryear - a time honored skill that was passed down from generation to generation. Today, while sewing is not a necessary skill it is still one that many enjoy doing - as much for its money saving benefits as for its ability to relax our minds as we infuse a project with our creativity and style. For those who enjoy sewing - or for those who are just taking it up - a sewing pattern can be a wonderful way to make the ideas in our mind come to life.

Antique toys

Antique toys are popular collector items these days and many collectors are attracted to curious items. Antique toys are purchased from everyone all over the world for the stories they tell, and the eras. Almost any toy that is over 10 years old and still in reasonable condition will qualify as an 'antique toy'

Dyeing Wool - 7 Tips to Jump Start Coloring Animal Fiber

Dyeing wool seems like such a daunting task. It's really not as hard as you might think and it opens up an amazing new colorful world for your projects. These seven tips will get you started.