Project 1 from Needle Arts

Many of the small projects from Needle Arts are suitable for using up stash materials.  For example, the White work project, “Flower Patch,” in the March 2017 issue is shown in black and white.  I will, at the very least, change the black to another color, but the white floss could be changed as well as the fabric color.  Be careful when you change the fabric, because using a fabric with a different thread count can mean you need a larger piece of fabric.  I get distracted when finding a piece of fabric that I know is just right for a small project and forget to count and measure it!

Are you looking for a quick spring project? Yvonne Hallock found two cute projects for you to check out:

– A cross stitch piece for all of us who collect fobs — Fob collector

– For those of us who like pansies, a pansy bookmark — Pansy bookmark

How about stitching a card for someone special? A small design doesn’t take long, but it sure will tell someone that you care. You should be able to find cards with a “window” wherever craft supplies are sold. One source for free small designs is http://www.cross-stitching.com/free-cross-stitch-charts (you have to register to download the patterns, but it’s free). If you stitch a card, make sure and send a photo to Becky at egastitcher@hotmail.com for March Show & Tell.

Ladies – Let’s start the new year with a small CHALLENGE and get lots of PARTICIPATION!  I challenge you to do SOMETHING snowflake themed! (Hint: a bookmark takes only a couple of evenings.)  Get creative!  Dip into your stash!  Do blackwork or whitework or crewel!  Bead it!  Design your own snowflake!  Check out the Photo Gallery for inspiration!  BUT DO SOMETHING!  Send photos of your finished work to Becky at egastitcher@hotmail.com to get them into the Photo Gallery.  (If 5 or more members other than me and my stitching buddy Mary participate, I’ll award a prize to whoever’s snowflakes tickles my fancy.)

If you need a pattern to get started, here is a link:  snowflakes

(If you have trouble printing off the Word chart, let me know at dentonra@wavecom.net and I’ll e-mail it to you.

Caroline’s Mini Lights

Design By: Sally London
Here are three small fun ornaments that stitch up quickly, just about two hours each. Trace the Christmas light outline and then fill in with two colors using simple stitches. Customize them with your own colors and favorite stitches. Use for your tree, for ornament exchanges and on gift wrappings.

Click here for the link.

Do you need a quick Christmas item?  Then this plastic canvas photo ornament may be just the thing.  Click here to take a look at the instructions.

Are you familiar with whitework embroidery? This term refers to any embroidery technique in which the stitching is the same color as the foundation fabric. Traditionally, it was worked in white or natural colored thread on white or natural colored linen.  But who says we need to be traditional?  One of our members has already started them in a beautiful blue.  Pull some fabric and thread (we’re trying overdyed floss) out of your stash and get started!

For the Beginner Whitework Ornament, click here.

For the Intermediate Whitework Ornament, click here.