JenniferStern
Jennifer Sterncontributor
craft interests: embroidery, fashion, restyle, sewing
Member Since: 03/24/2008
Creative Recycling in Embroidery
Sometimes all you need is a book to get you going...
How to Draft a One-Seam Skirt in 30 Minutes
You can make this pattern, cut it out of stretch velvet, and have it sewn together in plenty of time for a New Year's Eve party!
How to Rescale a Single Embroidery Design and Make a Snazzy Pillow
Start the New Year off with a fresh look for your couch or bed with this bolster pillow. Sometimes all you need is one design...in three sizes! Here's how to mix three fabrics together with a single design that's been converted into small, medium, and larger.
Crafting Is Thriving...Is It the Economy or Is It Because of the Fringe Benefits?
Hey, CraftStylish readers...you're in good company. The New York Times reports that sales at big craft stores like Michael's are up! And, on that day in September when the stock market plunged sharply, Etsy had record sales. But is it just because of the economy? Maybe more people are discovering our secret!
How to Make a Roll-Up Tool Organizer, Complete with Embroidered Size Labels
Organize your wrenches, chisels, paintbrushes, or whatever you're into with these quick tool rolls. Whether you make the luxe version out of leather or the durable standby out of denim, your tools will be organized and ready to go when you need them!
DIY Gift Tags with Scraps of Fabric
I love this gift tag—even though it's really simple to make, the possibilities are endless!
The Ultimate Recycle-Reuse Wrapping "Paper"
Why not consider using fabric in your stash to wrap up your handmade gifts?
How to Keep Your Guy Warm in His Baseball Cap at a Football Game
Here is a headband ear warmer that's designed to keep your favorite guy's ears warm when he's wearing a baseball cap...perfect for winter spectator sports or errands!
Take a Minute to Get Some Holiday Perspective
The rush is on...gift making, holiday parties, baking, and such. Here's one way to keep your Fa-La-La-La-La!
Who's Who in Connecticut: A Wrap-Up of Etsy Crafters at the Show
After collecting a gift bag at the door, the girls and I entered a wonderland of handcrafted goodies—all made by Connecticut crafters.
How to Make a Machine-Embroidered Felted Wool Tote
Here are some tips on felting an old sweater, embroidering on felted wool, and inserting a zippered pocket into a lining. Put them all together to make your own felted wool tote or bag!
The Etsy Holiday Craft Spectacular Is Coming to Connecticut!
Hey, lucky Connecticut crafters, check out the Etsy Holiday Craft Spectacular on Saturday, December 6, for inspiration, gifts, and goodies!
How to Restyle Two Tees into One with a Fancy Ruffle
Make this quick ruffle top to wear to your next holiday party. Just pick two tees out of your closet and voila...the perfect thing to dress up jeans or pair it with a pretty sweater and skirt!
Happy Thanksgiving from my Little Turkeys to Yours!
Take a peek at one of our family traditions...apple turkeys, complete with marshmallow heads, Swedish fish gobbles and wings, and a colorful plume made of Twizzlers!
Decorative Stitched Gift Card Holders
My search for machine embroidered gift card holders ended (for the moment) with the discovery of a cute decorative stitched version.
How to Needle-Felt on Fleece While Making a Cozy Hat
Add a splash of color on a fleece hat by using whisps of wool roving and barbed needles to create a design.
The Modish November November Giveaway, Part II
Here is part two of the exciting Modish handcrafted goodness giveaway!
While You're Watching TV, Macrame a Necklace Using a Cool Button or Medallion
Inspired by a necklace the cashier at the grocery was wearing, I am going to whip up this macrame necklace while I'm watching TV later tonight!
How to Embroider a Festive Polarfleece Stocking
Polarfleece is really easy to work with, especially when you're machine embroidering. This is the first of a few quick fleece holiday projects I have dreamed up for you—perfect for decorating your home or gift giving!
The November November Give-Away at Modish
Tell em' why you like it and it could all be yours!
How to Embroider a Leather and Ribbon Belt
Belts are an essential to any wardrobe, and this one is a treat to behold, crafted in rich leather and hand-dyed silk ribbon! It's perfect for gift giving or to add a designer touch to your holiday wardrobe.
Fold Your Dinner Napkin into Turkey
How many ways can you fold a dinner napkin into a turkey? Here's an economical way to add some crafty fun to your dinner table without any added expense!
Craft the Vote...or Craft at the Vote?
Crafty things to do while you're waiting in line to vote!
How to Machine-Embroider Freestanding Lace Napkin Rings
Here's an easy way to add some elegance to your next dinner party this holiday season. Choose embroidery thread that either coordinates or contrasts with your napkins and stitch these fancy napkin rings with little effort!
Hand-Embroidered Redwork Angel Ornaments or Gift Tags
This hand-stitching project is perfect for beginners.
How to Embroider on a Baseball Hat—When You Don't Have a Cap Hoop!
Personalize a soft baseball cap (without a stiff front panel) using this simple technique. Whether you want to make a statement while participating in a walk for the cure or while you're at the grocery store, it's easy to machine-embroider your message on a soft-sided baseball cap. If you have a favorite sports team, you can proclaim your "No. 1 Fan" status, too!
A New Pink Measuring Tape Ribbon Pin Introduced by ASG
Here's a new way to show your Breast Cancer Awareness from the American Sewing Guild.
How to Make an Embroidered Water Bottle Carrier
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it's full of active events to raise money for the cure. The weather is also cooler—this little tote will keep your hands from getting cold holding your water bottle!
Recycle and Restyle Your Clothes with Tips from the Trade
I found some great tips for restyling tees and other knit garments that you can afford to experiment with on the Janome website—check it out!
Use These Halloween-Inspired Machine-Embroidery Designs to Patch a Hole in an Old Pair of Jeans—Instant Festive!
Got kids??? These embroidery designs will really come in handy! Cute pumpkins, candy corn, and more, use these designs to patch a hole or cover a stain in your child's pants...better yet, patch one for yourself, too! Plus there is a cool calculator at the bottom of the page that converts inches to millimeters in a snap—no more guessing!
How to Transform a Natty Cashmere Sweater into a New Designer Original
Fall is definitely in the air, when you get your closet organized for the cooler weather, gather up all your sweaters that need a make-over, and design new ones.
Pink Inspired Projects at the Expo
I had a few minutes to zip around and meet other vendors at the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo this past weekend. I was looking for way to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month...I hope you're inspired.
How to Frame Your Own Embroidered Masterpiece
Some embroidery designs beg to be framed, and some frames really need a face lift. Make a $10 donation to the Susan G. Komen Foundation and get the floral embroidery design that I used...now that's a real win-win!
Show Your Breast Cancer Awareness Every Time You Wind a Bobbin!
If your craft involves a sewing machine, show your support by winding your bobbins on the Pink SideWinder. The best part is you'll never have to unthread your machine to fill a bobbin again!
Button Jewelry at the Expo!
The J. Stern Design Booth at the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo in Chantilly, VA, was the perfect vantage point to see all sorts of cool crafts. Here are some of my button favorites!
Get into the Fall Spirit with the Leaf Peeper's Tote
Perfect to carry all your essentials when you're off to a country fair or a weekend trip to see the foliage!
How to Machine-Embroider a 3-D Flower
The Confederate Rose is just one of the many beautiful three-dimensional flowers that you can embroider from Pam's 3D flower. They're so fun to make, you'll want to stitch up enough for a whole bouquet!
Hot Fashion in BRAG Showroom at Gibbs College!
I attended the Grand Opening of the BRAG Showroom featuring three very talented designers...I was so impressed!
Amy Butler Fans Rejoice: Check Out Her New Daisy Chain Fabric Collection
I'm a big Amy Butler fan, and I just had a chance to check out her new collection of fabrics, Daisy Chain. It's full of large- and small-scale florals with a few stripes thrown in.
How to Embroider the Back Pocket of Your Favorite Pair of Jeans
Got pocket envy? Here's how to transform your plain back pockets into mini works of art!
Japanese Inspiration for the Flower Power Challenge
Omiyage is a book by Kumiko Sudo that is in full bloom with folded flowers, buds and leaves. Check it out and be inspired!
How to Embroider Your Own Book Covers for Back-to-School
In just a few short steps, you can embroider a book cover to fit every size textbook in your child's backpack!
Meet Your Rotary Cutter's New Best Friend--WD-40!
Embroidery is hard on your equipment, especially if you use spray adhesive to hold your fabric in the hoop. Here's a great tip to keep your rotary cutter working great.
Lost Your Embroidery Foot? The Free-Motion Quilting Foot Works Great for Embroidery, Too
Here's a great back-up option to keep the embroidery going if you can't find your embroidery foot.
How to Keep Your Embroidery Machine in Tip-Top Shape
Here are a few things you can do to keep your embroidery machine from unnecessary visits to the repair shop!
Free Spooky Craft Projects to Do with the Kids
A crafter's paradise of free projects for Halloween and every other holiday that you can think of! Pick up some great safety tips for trick-or-treat, too!
Got a Match? Update on The Burning Man Festival 2008
I woke up this morning just in time to see a segment on the CBS news featuring The Burning Man Festival 2008.
The Burning Man Festival 2008
Check out craft in a radical form of self-expression.
How to Make a Reverse Applique on a T-Shirt by Machine
Combine an easy machine-appliqué technique with a little machine embroidery to create your own designer tee!
Crafters for Obama
Crafty causes are getting political!
Iron On, Hand-Stitch a Little, and Out the Door You Go!
These iron-on transfers are the best of both worlds: No tracing required, just use the cotton thread included to fill each butterfly in with easy embroidery stitches!
More Free Designs than You'll Know What to Do With!
It doesn't matter what brand embroidery machine you own, you can take advantage of free designs on every sewing-machine manufacturer's website!
Pamper Your Hands with Gloves in a Bottle
Embroiderers, sewers, knitters, and paper crafters rejoice: There is help for irritated, itchy hands! No matter what your craft is, Gloves in a Bottle provides a barrier between your skin and what’s irritating you.
Embroidery Term: Baste in the Hoop
Basting in the hoop is the greatest—and even if your embroidery machine does not have this capability, you can still do it!
How to Use a Chart When Working with Aida Cloth
A great advantage to using Aida cloth when embroidering is that you can work from a chart instead of transferring the pattern to your fabric.
Strip-It, the Fabric Strip Cutter
Make light work of cutting mountains of fabric strips for quilting, weaving, knitting, or crocheting!
The Alabama Stitch Book
Hand Stitches Rejoice--A whole book featuring fashionable garments, accessories and home decor projects designed using recycled fabrics.
How to Insert a Crocheted Lace Band into a Hand Towel
Make these luxurious bath towels by transforming the standard variety with some crocheted or embroidered lace.
Use Embroidery Software to Speed up the Process
Using embroidery software can get you more out of your embroidery machine faster than with standard methods.
How to Embroider the Hem of Your Favorite Yoga Pants
Pick an embroidery design that's perfect for stretchy fabrics, and it's a snap to add some fun around the hem of your yoga pants!
Fabulous Crafters at the Southern Vermont Art & Crafts Festival
Every year I trek to Vermont for this crafting spectacular--here are some of the highlights.
How to Machine Embroider Your Own Paper Right at Home
Inspired by Jeffery's post on unusual embroidered papers from India, I decided to show you how to do it right at home!
How to Finish the Trendy Tunic
The more I worked on this restyled garment, the more I liked it. I suspect I could stick it in a store like Forever 21 and no one would guess that it was transplanted there.
Use Your Favorite Photo to Create a Unique Hand Embroidery Design
Take a cherished picture of a family member, pet or prized flower in your garden and turn it into an embroidery design to stitch by hand!
DIY Embroidery Hoop Corkboard
Make one of these embroidery hoop cork boards to create a space to keep all you notes, photos or business cards at your fingertips! Cute or sophisticated, you decide by your choice of fabric.
How to do a French Knot
Here is my easy tutorial for this basic embroidery stitch
How to Make a Bullion Knot
Here is an easy tutorial for another basic embroidery stitch.
How to Transform an Embroidered Beach Cover-Up into a Trendy Tunic
Take the pattern pieces you designed in Pattern Drafting 101 and make this stylish tunic.
Pattern Drafting 101: How to Close a Bust Dart and Move the Fullness to the Hem
With a few simple adjustments, you can transform a standard shirt pattern into a stylish tunic pattern.
Christian Lacroix--On Fashion
Flipping through my latest issue of Australian Vogue, I spied a review of this new book featuring the flamboyant couturier, Christian Lacroix--I ran out and got a copy!
More Bobbin Tips: Try Magic Genie Bobbin Washers
Put these little Teflon discs under your bobbin to eliminate backlash and bird nests in your bobbin case while you’re embroidering.
How to Make Your Own Embroidered Ribbon Belt
Use two different color ribbons, the same thread in the bobbin as you are embroidering with, and your belt can be reversible!
Embroidery Term: Prewound Bobbin
Winding bobbins is not on anyone’s top ten list of fun thing to do while machine embroidering. A prewound bobbin is a bobbin that comes with the bobbin thread already on it. They are very convenient to have on hand when you are working on a big project, but there are pros and cons to using them.
Embroidery Term: The Jump Stitch
A Jump Stitch is not really a stitch at all. So what are they? Read on for a little primer and some jump stitch tips to save you time
Machine Applique Flip Flops right in the Hoop!
You can embroider these adorable flip-flops right in the hoop! If you’re new to machine embroidery, this is a great project to work on because it focuses on one technique...machine embroidered appliqué.
Handmade by RosiePink
Inspiration for wool felting projects infused with machine embroidery stitching.
All Crafters Need Inspiration!
Get Inspired at the StyleHive.
Do You Have Lots of Duplicate Embroidery Design Slowing Down Your Computer?
The Embroidery DeDuper can clean your computer right up!
Are You Wondering Which Book Is Best for Beginner Sewers??
Spend less time trying to figure out a sewing technique by keeping a great reference book beside your machine.
How to Tell If Your Fabric Has Enough Stretch for the Pattern You Picked Out
Have you ever bought a pattern designed for knit fabric, measured twice, cut once, and still ended up with a finished garment that was on the tight side? Maybe it wasn't the size you cut out; maybe your fabric wasn't stretchy enough for the pattern.
How to Machine-Embroider Your Own Refrigerator Word Art
Clever word art is just a push of a button away when you machine-embroider your own!
How to Place Pattern Pieces Straight on the Grainline
Here's what to do with that long, straight grainline marking printed on all your pattern pieces...
Quick Tip: Stitch and Place from Nancy Zieman
In this video, Nancy shows us how to get our embroidery designs to stitch out in exactly the right place.
How to Personalize Your Reusable Grocery Tote
Make a quick gift by adding a special message or name to a reusable grocery tote—or show that you recycle and reuse by personalizing your own tote!
Crafty Chat
If you want to check out what other crafters and crafty business people are doing, check out Crafty Chat for weekly on line chats about what's selling and being made
Did you have a sock monkey when you were a kid...
I was cruising around looking for cool embroidery, instead I found cool Socktopus! They remind me of one of my favorite childhood pals--my sock monkey
Transform Your Embroidery Mistakes by Changing Your Outlook
Mistakes and boo-boos fall into two different categories—Designer Details and Character Builders.
"Patching the Hole" in My Stabilizer to Do Multiple Embroideries Saved My HTML Tee!
Using a "patch the hole" method to embroider the same design over and over saved my shirt...and probably my machine when it got jammed.
Crafty in Connecticut
If your 4th of July social calendar isn't full yet, why not check out the 22nd Annual New England Arts & Crafts Festival in Milford, CT.
Stitch, Dissolve, and Distort with Machine-Embroidery Stitches
We pay so much attention to stabilizing so that fabric won't pucker. Try loosening up a little and go for the wrinkles, puckers, and crinkles.
The Last Stitch: How to Finish Your Hand-Embroidery
When it comes to the end of a design, a color change, or running out of thread, a secure finish without adding bulk is what you need! Here's how to make a clean finish!
Check Out SWAK Embroidery.com and Enter to Win a New Janome 350E!
Seal it with a kiss and enter to win this fantastic embroidery-only machine—it's the perfect companion to your trusted sewing machine!
Machine-Embroider a Tee with a Slogan: HTML Style!
Computer techies, express yourself by stitching some code. Embroider a bit of code on the back of a tee and display the results on the front! Recycle an old tee to deliver your "Go Green" message.
Be Sweet Products...Everything From Sweet Knitting Patterns to Felted Rocks and Pebbles!
Visit this website for out-of-the-ordinary knitting patterns and other unusual fiber arts...like wonderful felted wool pebbles.
How to Make a Mini Tote out of Embroidered Jeans
If you have some cool embroidered denim lurking around in your closet that you haven't worn in years...or maybe months, pull it out and remake it into a hip bag!
Hot Fashion at the Freedom of Expression Fashion Show
Gibbs College held its students' Spring Fashion Show on Thursday, June 19th.
The Laton Jacket Revisited
I checked in at the Plimoth Plantation to see the latest progress on this beautiful hand-embroidered re-creation. I was delighted to see that they were working on the lining fabric.
How to Hand-Stitch an Outline Stitch
Did you know that this basic stitch, primarily used for outlining, is actually made up of straight stitches that overlap? Learn the steps to making a graceful stitch.
Can you Machine Embroider a Bathing Suit?
Use the "Secret" to learn how to add hot embroidery to your own swim suit...and much more!
Bobbin Embroidery Takes Center Stage
Here is a new way for you to try out bobbin work: a cool technique that lets you stitch out embroidery designs on the underside of your hoop.
Initial Your Work with Snazzy Monograms
Monograms have long been symbols of elegance and luxury. Although they are fairly simple to make yourself, the hardest part is usually finding a cool monogram style to suit your personality. Here is a nifty embroidery tool that allows you to choose just about any font type for any size monogram.
Circles all around the Cocktail Party
This dress was created from hundreds of silk organza circles.
Amy Butler Jeans
I love quilting, but I rarely have the time...When I get the chance to add a quilting technique to a garment that I'm working on, I go for it.
Make Your Own Large-Spool Stand
I love to pass on new ideas I get from friends, teachers, students, and customers. Here is a great way to manage large spools of thread such as those used for your bobbin: Use the spool from packages of new, blank CDs.
Check Out the Hand-Stitching Wonder of Jenny Hart
Jenny Hart’s thought-provoking portraits feature breathtaking detail. See her work at a new exhibit at The Art Center in St. Petersburg, Florida from May 23 to August 16, 2008.
How to Make Your Embroidery Thread Behave
Whether you are hand embroidering or machine embroidering, how you handle your thread can make or break its performance. Here are some tips to keep your thread in line and running smoothly.
Embroiderers Style Accessories with Needlepoint
Needlepoint is making a huge comeback. The pages of fashion magazines are showing how this traditional, hand-crafted embroidery technique gives super-trendy flair to belts, bags, and home décor.
Use Specialty Bobbin Thread for Your Embroidery
Are you new to embroidery? Did you know that there is special thread that is made for use in the bobbin while you’re embroidering?
Embroidery Meets the Needle-Felting Machine
Have you tried those new needle-felting machines yet? They’re fantastic! It’s like embroidery with wool roving and other fibers (instead of threads). When I first got my hands on one, I used it to (of course) embroidery on my jeans!
Use these Tricks for Embroidering with Metallic Threads
I was inspired to share this information with you because I just finished making a cool embroidered skirt out of my favorite pair of old jeans. To give this restyled garment some sparkle, I embroidered with some metallic threads. I was happy to find that some true tricks of the trade made the project easier, and the resulting skirt is now a new favorite.
Restyle Alert: Vintage is Hot!
Vintage has exploded onto the pages of Vogue magazine, and embroidery designer, Hope Yoder, is way ahead of the curve! I almost swooned when I saw this dainty, girly shrug that was adapted from a new shrug pattern. It's so sweet, and sweeter still, Ms. Yoder says that there's more to come.
Quick Tips for Embroidering on Leather
Have you ever tried to embroider on leather? One would think it would be easy to work with because it’s obviously stable enough to support embroidery, but embroidering on leather has some surprising obstacles, such as stretching! Thankfully, these obstacles are easily overcome, and once you know what kind of stabilizer and needles to use, it’s a snap!
Always pre-wash fabric before you embroider on it
There is one major embroidery mistake that doesn't actually appear until after you have washed your creation for the first time: shrinkage. Too many times, I've completely destroyed beautiful creations. Luckily, this error is easily avoided if you just remember to take this one simple step.
Embroidery Term of the Week: Redwork
Today, the term "redwork" can be used to describe a general form of outline stitching, but this artful technique using red, cotton floss dates back to the 18th century when this craft’s simplicity and affordability made it very popular.
How Often Should You Change Your Needle?
Did you know that one of the simplest ways to keep your machine in shape and increase the time that you spend stitching beautiful stitches is to change your needle often? Here are some simple tips to guide you towards getting the best out of your machine stitching.
Cross-Stitching on Knitted Fabric
I may use my embroidery machine a lot, but there are times when only hand-worked embroidery will do the trick.
Embroidery Term of the Week: Weave Fill
This week’s embroidery term is weave fill, or the tiny stitches that are used to fill in an embroidery design. While there are several different kinds of fill stitches, weave fill is one of the most commonly used, especially when working with larger shapes or design elements.
Inspiration Everywhere—From Coast to Coast!
Wherever I am, at home or on the road, I am always on the lookout for embroidery inspiration. Recently, right from the comfort of my own home in Connecticut, I came across this amazing blog on the Metropolitan Museum of Art site. And last month, I found plenty of inspiration at the Craft & Hobby Show in California, where I met up with my Craft Stylish colleagues and got to partake in one of my favorite pastimes: fashion watching.
Embroidery Term of the Week: Topping
No, it is not an ice cream topping, but an indispensable tool for embroiderers. You'll get crisp, clear lines and your designs will look awesome. The name of the miracle stabilizer? Topping.
Using Hand Embroidery Stitches to Make a Personalized Card or a Vintage Valentine
After visiting the Plimoth Plantations’s website earlier in the week, I was inspired to dig out my own hand embroidery project.I love Lavender and Lace Designs, and I started this one a few years ago to celebrate my two daughters.
Laton Jacket Project
Plimoth Plantation is producing an incredible opportunity for embroidery enthusiasts: over the next few years the museum will be re-creating a 17th century laton jacket.
Quick Tip of the Week: Incredible Shrinking Thread
My friend Gail started experimenting with this cool thread to embellish a sweatshirt jacket she was working on. She used it instead of traditional decorative thread to stitch across panels of her jacket. After she was done, she steamed it with her iron. The thread shrunk up, creating interesting texture similar to smocking.
How to Create Signature Bath Linens
I love nothing more than stepping into my bathroom and being greeted with a fresh set of personalized bath linens. All you need to plump up plain-Jane towels and shower curtains is your embroidery machine and a bit of contrasting thread.
Embroidery Term of the Week: Dongle
“Dongle” is such a goofy-sounding word, when I hear people talking about their dongles, I always imagine something silly like they’re referring to their latest fashion accessory. Actually, a dongle is the security device that allows you to open embroidery software programs.
How to Make Corset Ornaments
Holiday decorations don't have to be the traditional red and green to be festive. These tiny symbols of fashion not only make great ornaments, gift tags, or saches, but they're also super easy to make: you can prepare, quilt, and construct them in less than an hour.
Quick Tip of the Week: Review of Embroidery Threads
Let's face it, embroidery is basically the artful application of a bunch of thread—I say that because it is so easy to forget how utterly confusing it can be when it comes to picking out the right brand and type of thread for a particular embroidery project.
How to Make a Coffee-Table-Worthy Scrapbook
I love to make things and I especially love to mix it up craft wise—so this totally unique and totally stylish scrapbook cover caught my eye. By simply combining paper arts, fabric, and a huge selection of fab embellishments you can transform any three ring binder into the perfect handmade gift or styling scrapbook to keep your memories.
Did you know you don’t have to hoop your fabric?
I recommend trying this simple “hoopless” technique the next time you embroider on tricky fabric.
Hooked & Pricked
Hi, my name is Jennifer Stern, and I am so pleased to have this opportunity to share my embroidery stories and adventures (filled with both designer details and character builders) with you. Oh, and be sure to check out the Pricked exhibit at the Museum of Art and Design.
Make a Bracelet in a Flash!
Try this fast, easy and fun project from our Sew Stylish: Gifts to Make edition.
Re: How to Draft a One-Seam Skirt in 30 Minutes
If anyone needs help getting their skirt to fit, shoot me an email at info@jsterndesigns.com... One tip I can think of right off the bat--if you are making a low-waisted skirt or have little difference between waist and hip measurements--your darts will be very small, especially in front!
posted: 8:28 am on January 6thRe: How to Make Floor Polish
This is all excellent info for me--my new house has hardwood floors throughout!! Thanks
posted: 8:19 am on January 6thRe: Sewing with Knits...It CAN Be Fun!
I love the ribbon--very Chanel!
posted: 8:15 am on January 6thRe: How to Make a Roll-Up Tool Organizer, Complete with Embroidered Size Labels
There were templates mentioned in one of the captions. That was actually text from a previous post that I forgot to delete. I apologize for the confusion.
posted: 4:50 pm on January 3rdRe: How to Make a Roll-Up Tool Organizer, Complete with Embroidered Size Labels
Hi Everyone...There are no templates to download for this project. When I first read your comments, I couldn't remember if there were any or not...I did this project the week before I moved into my new house. (It's been a little crazy--between loosing my e-mail address in the transfer--to having no heat because the boiler blew.) Happily, the cable company found my e-mail address, and the heat is on! Please let me know if you need more help.
posted: 4:41 pm on January 3rdRe: How to Keep Your Guy Warm in His Baseball Cap at a Football Game
Hi Sue, Happy Holidays. Sorry I didn't get back to you with the measurements of the pattern in time...I'm happy you were able to figure it out. I went rushing around trying to find the pattern and I realized I already packed it...I'm moving into my new house next Tuesday. I know how tricky it is to find the perfect gift for those men in our lives...I'm glad this project worked for you.
posted: 8:50 am on December 26thRe: The Ultimate Recycle-Reuse Wrapping "Paper"
I love your idea of reusable drawstring bags!!!...it's kinda like my Polish Pottery baking dishes that I fill over and over with delicious food! Happy Holidays!
posted: 7:17 pm on December 17thRe: How to Keep Your Guy Warm in His Baseball Cap at a Football Game
Cindylue, that's great...wait till you see how fast they are to make. If you're interested being quick and speedy, sew them all one step at a time--bind the edges and of all the under the brim straps first, then sew the center back seam...etc. I'm glad you and your guys like this project. When I first discovered this project the only picture of it was a line illustration in Polar Fleece Pizzazz. It seemed like a really cool, innovative idea. After I made one up, I has my boyfriend try it on...just between you and me, he thought it was silly. We polled some of the neighbors in his apartment building who were walking by when I was trying to take a photo...Happily most of the guys we asked would wear it to a game!
posted: 7:21 am on December 16thRe: How to Keep Your Guy Warm in His Baseball Cap at a Football Game
Thanks...I know what you mean..They're quick to make, so you can whip one up for you and your guy!! Happy Holidays!
posted: 6:39 pm on December 13thRe: Who's Who in Connecticut: A Wrap-Up of Etsy Crafters at the Show
Sorry about that Peachy Cheek...and Thanks Michaela for the quick fix.
posted: 9:06 am on December 11thRe: How to Embroider a Festive Polarfleece Stocking
Wow, thank for all the comments...I appreciate all the feed back, and thank you Arvid10 for trouble shooting the printing issue! As far as finding the design on embroideryonline.com, the design is swirl dot FB117. If you put that info in the search it will come up! Happy Sewing and Happy Holidays to all!
posted: 10:15 pm on December 8thRe: Happy Thanksgiving from my Little Turkeys to Yours!
Hi Cathy,
posted: 11:45 am on December 8thUnfortunately, I do believe that a sewing center won't help you with something you didn't buy from them...I worked for a dealer for 10 years, and even through we didn't treat customers that way, I know plenty of shops who did. I would love to help you with your question, buy I have to research it first. I've never worked with a magic box. My gut feeling is that if there is digitizing capability, it's limited. I am familiar with most manufacturers' software....Let me check it out and I'll get back to you.
Re: How to Restyle Two Tees into One with a Fancy Ruffle
Thanks Craft Crazy22 I like the idea of using the darker knit to finish the armholes. I think the batik threw it over the edge!
posted: 11:39 am on December 8thRe: How to Make a Machine-Embroidered Felted Wool Tote
Thanks Toffy...if you get a chance to try it out, I'd love to see what you come up with! Happy Sewing
posted: 9:13 pm on December 7thRe: How to Make a Snowstorm
I'm sitting here fighting with my too-small circle rings trying to make my wreath--maybe I'll get the dental floss!!!
posted: 8:32 am on December 2ndRe: Happy Thanksgiving from my Little Turkeys to Yours!
Hi Adrien, I'm so happy to meet someone else who has similar sew space...chaotic as it is, there is a certain kind of magic that happens in that room...If I had a dining room, I'm pretty sure it would be taken over as well! I'm thrilled that our Craftstylish community reaches the whole world round. I would love to see what you've been creating in Zambia...get your daughters right on it! (My daughters are sucking in technology faster than I can keep up with it too!) Best wishes and happy sewing to you from the US of A!!!
posted: 7:27 am on November 28thRe: Dare to Make It Knit-Along: An Easy Little Cardi
Oh my god, you're killing me with the cool knitting stuff...I'm trying it. I don't know how to knit, but I'm going to try and knit along with you on this one....do you think I can figure it out???
posted: 12:47 pm on November 25thRe: How to Use Fold-over Elastic
Hi, another thing you can do to get a "straight stitch" look is to use a regular zig-zag and adjust the stitch a little longer, like 3.5 mm and adjust the width very narrow, like 0.5 mm. Those adjustments will give your "straight zia-zag" a little give....if you need lots stretch around the edge, the stitch shown is an excellent option.
posted: 7:25 pm on November 21stRe: How to Embroider a Festive Polarfleece Stocking
Thank you so much, happy holidays to you as well!
posted: 7:19 pm on November 21stRe: Create a Winter Wonderland Holiday Pom-Pom Tree
Tina, What a great idea...I love the non-traditional spin!
posted: 8:48 am on November 20thRe: How to Frame Your Own Embroidered Masterpiece
You can easily cut an opening for your embroidery using a super sharp craft knife. Draw faint lines with a pencil to create the shape you need. If you are making a square or rectangle, use a ruler to make nice straight lines. Firmly hold the ruler along the line and cut along the line with the craft knife. Before you remove the center piece carefully check to be sure the mat is completely cut out...especially in the corners!
posted: 3:04 pm on November 13thRe: How to Machine-Embroider Freestanding Lace Napkin Rings
You're welcome...if you need any more help, please feel free to let me know. Good Luck with your snowflakes!
posted: 2:58 pm on November 13thRe: How to Make an All-Recycled Sketchbook
I'm really a go-green kinda girl, and this one definitely has my vote... I'm adding it to my Christmas Gift Giving List!
posted: 11:14 am on November 10thRe: How to Make Paperless Origami
OK...now I know how you felt when I posted the embroidered paper...I have bolts of the stuff and it never dawned on me to use it like that!
posted: 11:11 am on November 10thRe: How to Machine-Embroider Freestanding Lace Napkin Rings
Hey Jen--they hold up great. Usually if they don't fall apart in the rise portion of the process they will be fairly durable. In the store I used to work in we hung the same lace snowflakes in the window for years!
posted: 11:08 am on November 10thRe: The Name Game
Good luck! I've been following your progress with interest because I've been busy working on my patterns and website and such...and I spent all last week looking for houses (Not the best time for me considering my job situation, but the stars and moon have come into alignment!)
posted: 3:38 pm on November 9thRe: How to Embroider a Leather and Ribbon Belt
Thanks guys...If you don't have an embroidery machine, you could draw a linked circle design, cut two out of soft leather and sew them together (wrong sides facing)...Add some ribbon and you have a non-embroidered version!
posted: 1:46 pm on November 9thRe: Warm and Comfy Afghan
April,it looks so cozy--I especially love the way you did the fringe!
posted: 10:47 am on October 30thRe: Ideas for a Creepy Little Photo Book
posted: 7:04 pm on October 27thI have two little mind controllers!...I'm constantly working on the antidote!