How to Build a Tiny Home

Posted on by
4

houseimprov2In today’s world there is a lot of talk about minimalism, cutting back, simplifying. So why not build a tiny home for your reduced lifestyle?

windycity10

Windy City #10 by Laura Wasilowski

In my Tiny Homes class we create little houses and place them in a cheerful neighborhood. There is no clutter or unused linen hanging around. Life is simple and sweet. I’ll be teaching Tiny Homes at the World Quilt New England in Manchester, NH in August. Here’s a link to a video so you can preview the class offering: click Tiny Homes Class. Please join me! 

Hands Across the Water

Posted on by
2

handoffortunesusanIt’s such a delight to see how people are using my book, Joyful Stitching. Here’s a great example of the Hand of Fortune project made by Susan. Susan is from the Big Island, Pele, in Hawaii. She writes, “Your book is fun. I’m a life long embroiderer, make lots of Hawaiian crafts, feather lei, lauhala weaving, other things too.”

Susan finds needlework very “grounding”. And I couldn’t agree more! Her interpretation of the project warms my heart. It makes me so happy to see embroidery work from around the world whether from big or small islands.

Thanks Susan for sharing your work with us!

An Etui for Youi

Posted on by
2

etui12Traveling this summer? Then you need a portable sewing kit or etui like this to carry all your sewing needs. It’s easy to make and small enough to fit into your purse, glove compartment, saddle bags, or under the seat in front of you.

etui10This little etui measures about 5″ x 6″ and is made with felt and a stiff interfacing like Timtex. Stitched together by hand, it holds your scissors, thimble, needles, and pins. Click here for directions on how to make your etui.

Planning Ahead?

Posted on by
2

listmakingDo you have to plan ahead all the time like me? What’s your secret for success?

One of my challenges is preparing for events that are weeks, months, or even a year ahead of now. It’s important to be organized so I’m not caught off guard. (I can’t not tell you have often this happens!)

Right now I’m preparing to teach several classes at World Quilt New England in Manchester, NH. One of them is called Another Nut House (based on actual experience.) Would you like to see what this class is all about? Here’s a link to a video so you can preview the class offering: click Another Nut House.

Escaping Color to Color

Posted on by
2
dyeing12

Mixing the blues!

It’s been a long two weeks of dyeing. Each day, I dye pearl cotton thread in my basement studio, hand wash it out, and hang it up to air dry. It’s colorful but messy work.

gardenflowersWhat a relief to escape the dye studio and enjoy the colors of my garden. Early summer truly is the best time of year for a stroll through the foliage. Flowers like poppies are in full bloom. Our new crop of zinnias cheerfully fill the world with color. And the mosquitoes greet me gleefully. How does your garden grow?

A Great Idea!

Posted on by
handoffortunepam

Pam of Ithaca and her artwork.

I get the best ideas from my creative students. Meet Pam, who attended my class in Ithaca, NY in April. To my delight she walked into the classroom with this gorgeous embroidery of her hand. She says her hand-embroidery on silk was inspired by the Hand of Fortune project from Joyful Stitching.

handoffortunemax

A tracing of my grandson’s hand, age 3.5.

 

And then she gave me a gift.

Pam suggested tracing those tiny hands of our children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews and stitching them too. What a great way to commemorate the growth of a child!

Thank you Pam for sharing your artwork and your stupendous idea.