We got a question from one of our readers about the Woven Spider Wheel Stitch. And although the diagram we have in the glossary is the “textbook” picture, I have found a few tricks that make this stitch not only a breeze, but fun! And since this has become one of my all time favorite …
It’s fall and that means a trip… nay… many trips to our local apple orchard. Actually, we are very fortunate, in our area there are several apple orchards and cider mills to choose from. My son Drew, and his wife Meghan, moved to Wisconsin a few years ago and have been searching high and low for a true, …
To make this wooden apple orchard toy set you will need to use a scroll saw, a dremel and a drill. I am a VERY novice woodworker, and have no tips or suggestions for how to use this equipment. I’m learning as I go, trying to be as careful as possible, but would not even …
I’ve had a few people mention the fabric in the rug and I got an email asking me what fabric I used. I almost always make note of the fabrics I’m using, but for some reason I didn’t on this one. I bought the fabric at JoAnns. I got it in their holiday designer section. …
Falls here, and it’s time to help your gnomes or dolls getting their homes ready for the cool months ahead. What could be nicer than a few throw rugs under their feet. Here are directions for turning otherwise unusable scraps of fabric into cherished gnome accessories! Finished size of this rug is slightly large than …
Having a gnome or dollhouse is a great way to make use of those little pieces of fabric that common sense tells us we should pitch. For example… when making my September Rip and Tear Napkins (yes, I’ve decided to have a stack of 24 rip and tears for each month of the year) I was left …
We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. I’m not sure how ours could have been any better! But with the very last hurrah of summer over, we are ready to roll up our sleeves, and seriously ponder autumn! And what could be more autumn than pumpkins? I crafted these little guys to go in …
To create one teeny tiny pumpkin, or a whole patch, follow these simple instructions. The pumpkins can be made out of cotton calico or wool felt. The calico pumpkins will be slightly smaller. If making a whole patch, mix and match autumn colors to give a “natural” look. Materials: Scraps of cotton calico and wool …
Just letting everyone know Michelle and I will be “off” this weekend. All 5 of our children will be home, and there will be much merriment ensuing! Adam, from South Carolina, flew in last night, Drew and his wife Meghan will be driving in today, and our youngest, Mike, and his new girlfriend, Katie, who …
Self fringing shawls can be made from cotton or wools. Although I used cotton plaids, solid colors may be used too. This is a no sew project that can be done in under an hour. But be warned… they are easy and fun to make and the materials that are available are so beautiful you might just get …
There’s a misconception that you have to be highly skilled to make truly beautiful gifts. Not so! Even the “noviest” novice can make lovely gifts, if they chose the right project! Take these beautiful shawls. They are gorgeous enough to be found in the nicest boutiques, yet, with just the tiniest bit of effort, anyone can make the …
So, here’s what happened… Michelle and I were talking about birthday gifts for Pixie… she’ll be three next week. We were at a couple of our favorite natural toys sites. Michelle’s children have many of the Ostheimer and Holztiger wooden figures but they need some accessory pieces… “We want a shubbery!” (Okay, I’ll admit it, …
