Sunday, September 16, 2007

How to Embroider - 6 Good Reaons Why You Should Learn

Learning how to embroider can be one of the most valuable things you learn how to do. It can give you countless hours of enjoyment not to mention the therapeutic benefit it can have as well.

In fact I love embroidery so much that I'm going to share with you 6 great reasons why you should learn how to embroider today.And the exciting thing is that I have a video for you that shows you how to start. But first things first.
Why should you bother to learn how to embroider?


Embroidery is Relaxing


As a busy mother of three I understand all too well how easy it is to get caught up in a hectic schedule. A lot of my spare time is taken up with my family's commitments. If you're like me and most people out there you probably spend very little time on yourself. Am I right.? There's always so much to do and there never seems to be any time left for you.


That's where learning how to embroider comes in. Isn't it about time that you did something for yourself? Isn't life supposed to be fun? Relaxing and getting rid of stress in your life can reap big rewards.It's fabulous for your health and for the people around you.


Embroidery can be very relaxing. Especially if you are working on something that doesn't take up much mental thinking (the projects I like the best). There's something about the repetitive nature of the stitches that is very calming for the mind and and good for the soul. It's almost impossible to rush the process unlike the sewing machine!

After a busy day there's nothing more enjoyable than sitting down with a needle and thread in hand.


Learning How to Embroider Can Be Inexpensive


Embroidery is one of the few hobbies that doesn't require a lot of money. You need very few tools to get you started and the equipment that you do need is very inexpensive. All you will need is an embroidery hoop, some fabric, a needle, thread and pair of scissor. That's it.


Embroidery is Portable


One of the other benefits of learning how to embroider is that it's portable. This means you can take it with you where ever you go. It's very easy to take your work in the car, on holiday or to a friend's house.I always attend my kids sporting and musical commitments with an embroidery or hand sewing project close at hand.


Embroidery is quiet


Learning how to embroider is very quiet . It's a hobby that you can still enjoy as well as watching the TV and being with your family. It's not necessary to have a separate room for your hobby and it doesn't disturb anyone around you.


You Can make Beautiful Things for You Family and Friends


Learning how to embroider can open up a new world of possibilities when it comes to gift giving and furnishing your home. Once you master a few simple stitches the sky is the limit to what you can create. You'll never be short of ideas for Christmas and birthday presents again. Imagine your friends faces when you tell them you made it yourself!


You Can Make Money from your Embroidery hobby.


Once you start creating lovely things for you and your friends you could also make some extra money for yourself by selling your work. There are lots of possibilities such as selling at a local market or selling online. Etsy and Ebay are just two sites on the Internet you could try.


Learning how to embroider could be one of the best decisions you make all year. So where do you start?


Start by watching this video I've put together for you. It shows you how to use an embroidery hoop, how to thread a needle the easy way, how to work a simple Backstitch and how to finish off your work


The next step is to start with a simple pattern. Click here for a free pattern to get you started.

Learning how to embroider can be lots of fun. I hope you enjoy this wonderful past time as much as I do. And remember life is empty without a passion.
For more information about learning how to embroider click here.


Warmly Lenna
www.stitchingcow.com





Monday, September 10, 2007

School Fetes - Easy Crafts For Kids

Why is it so hard to think of some easy crafts for kids?

For the past few weeks I've been extra busy making craft things with school children for their upcoming fete. Each Thursday afternoon a friend and I visit one of our kid's classes and make wonderful things with them.
It all started in a weak moment when I volunteered to co ordinate this year's craft stall. I used to co ordinate the craft stall each year at my children's old school. For the first few years it was heaps of fun. However as each fair rolled around my enthusiasm would start to waiver as I struggled to come up with some new quick and easy craft ideas. Eventually I was all "crafted out" and eagerly handed the reins over to a friend of mine who I convinced was made for the job.
I then took on the organization of the haunted house which was even more fun. The best thing about this was that most of the work was needed the day before the event. And after the first year we simply re used the same props. No more slaving over a sewing machine for hours and hours. Finally I had my dream role and I was happy about it...until we moved interstate.
Which takes me to my current dilemma as I once again find myself co ordinating the craft stall and racking my brain for easy craft ideas for kids. So just in case you find yourself in the same situation, here are a few pictures of the things we have made so far. You might get some
inspiration!



These are pet rocks I made using two decorative glass beads (the kind that you place in vases to look special). I simply stuck them together with gem stone glue and attached two eyes


These cute little dollies are made from 2 pieces of cardboard covered with fabric. Add some jute string for legs and beads for shoes. Curly wool or matted threads can be used for hair. I also stuck a magnetic strip on the back so they can decorate a fridge.Thanks to Sharon for including this idea on her website. The pattern shape can be found here
Although I have been informed the original idea came from Wendy Hill. So thanks also to Wendy.


Here we have a few heart shaped things for the girls.



Some novel decorated pencils



And some fluffy creatures.

I hope these easy crafts for kids give you some ideas as well. Click here for some more sewing craft ideas for kids.The kids will never be bored again!

Warmly Lenna
www.stitchingcow.com

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Hand Embroidery Designs

One of my favourite things is to stumble across some new and original hand embroidery designs. Truth is I already have a stash of hand embroidery patterns waiting for me in my sewing cupboard. They are all carefully stacked one after the other in a special box. My pile includes both hand embroidery patterns and quilting patterns that I just had to have. If you're passion about hand embroidery or sewing you'll understand how it is. It's kind of a condition isn't it? Like an addiction that only fellow fabric and pattern hoarders can truly understand.

There are so many beautiful designs and not enough hours in the day to get them all sewn. I often worry about how I will ever live long enough to get to the bottom of my pattern stash. Maybe I never will and these fabulous patterns will be passed on to my two daughters to become part of their pattern and fabric stash. (Yes I think I have converted them both into fabric and pattern lovers themselves) I have spent years converting them. I had to. I had to protect my fabric and pattern stash for the future. I couldn't bare the thought of my stash ever being thrown away, heaven forbid.

On some days I find myself looking through my stash of patterns in secret. Like a true addict. Hiding them from my husband for fear he will not understand why I have so many. I pond over them slowly trying to decide which one I'd like to start next. I get excited thinking about the fabrics and the fun I'll have. But then I glance over at my work baskets (yes I have more then one) and see the unfinished projects spilling over the top and I place the new pattern back into the pile for another day.

Still, despite my huge pattern pile, I find myself drawn to new hand embroidery designs and quilting patterns that I can collect. In fact I love them so much that I now design patterns myself. So now I have two piles. A pile I have collected over the years in my travels to craft fairs and quilting shops, and I pile that I have written and designed myself. So I have a real problem. The time has come.Can you please help me get rid of one of these piles so that I can make room for some more. They are cluttering up my work space.

Please take a look at these hand embroidery designs and take one home to your house where I know they will look superb in your pattern pile.
Here are a few examples of the hand embroidery designs that you can choose from:









If your pattern stash is looking a bit depleted, so even if it's not, do me a favour and check out these hand embroidery designs and much more by clicking here.
There are even some free hand embroidery designs that I'd love to share with you.
Happy pattern collecting!

Warmly Lenna
www.stitchingcow.com

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