I promise I’ll get to the little stitched houses above in a minute…

Anyway, I put out a call on Facebook to neighbors asking if anyone was thinning their mint. Right away, I was offered plants by a mom whose daughter graduated high school with mine, a woman I know from church and one of my husband’s former coworkers. It made me realize how lucky I am to be part of an amazing web of community.

Still going to get to these little houses…

The idea of community ties reminded me of an ice-breaker game I’ve played with a large group of kids. Everyone sits in a circle with one kid holding a ball of yarn. That child says something about herself (could be number of siblings, a favorite food, where she goes on vacation… whatever). If another child shares the characteristic, they raise their hand. The first child holds the end of the yarn and tosses the ball across to the child with the raised hand. The holding and tossing continues, and soon kids around and across the circle are connected to each other with a web of yarn — and with the realization that they share many things in common.

If only we could play this game on a massive scale in our deeply divided world right now…

Anyway, I’m grateful for you, my dear readers, and how we are all connected by a love of slow stitching.

OK, so now to those houses… I’ve been doodling around with scrappy houses ever since I saw this photo on Facebook of sweet little cottages by Ly Rose. (Head over to her Instagram account to enter a world of amazing French antique fabrics.)

I’m having fun building my community of tiny dwellings, especially this one, which makes me think of a wee cabana by the sea with lace curtains in the open windows.

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Want to join the fun? Here are two more stitchy “home builders” to inspire you:

I hope you are finding a community to surround and support you. If your community includes other stitchers, I’d love to hear about it.

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Or you could share this newsletter with them!

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Thanks and happy summer to all,

—Janice

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How’s about a little house pouch? The inspiration for this “wishes” pouch came from a photo I saw on Claire Voelkel-Sedlmeir’s Instagram account. It’s super easy to make and lots of fun to give with a sweet note or treasure tucked inside. Plus, I got to plant flowers in the little flowerboxes with no worries about a late spring frost!

The lining fabric is from a thrifted men’s shirt. You could always do a button instead of a snap — maybe using a loop at the peak of the “roof” instead of breaking it up with a buttonhole.

Good news: You can learn to make this pouch (for free!) with help from Claire during the Making Zen online retreat. The retreat has a packed schedule of 40 workshops that run from May 4 to 6. It’s free to watch, but lifetime access to the workshops requires purchasing a VIP pass.

I hope to tune in when I can next week. I’m eyeing two workshops: Stitching With Colour by Saima Kaur and Claimed Scraps with DeeDee Catron.

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Peonies are poppin’

Speaking of flowers… it seems to happen earlier every year, but the peonies around town are emerging in all their gloriousness. They smell soooo good. I’m sure I’ve already told you how I wish I could shrink down and just go to sleep inside their blooms with layers of frilly petal blankets.

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One more flowery thought

Artist Kata Golda offers a free pattern for these fabric-wrapped bud vases on her blog. She provides three variations using felt or patchwork and a glass test tube to make the hanging vases.

You’ll find a handful of other free patterns on her site, along with information on her plant-dyed fabric and thread, and look… more sweet little houses! This time in kit form and made from felt.

Wishing you days filled with flowers. Until next time, happy stitching!

— Janice

\It’s Lent and in the Midwest that means Friday fish fry at every restaurant, Catholic church and social club. My husband and I make the rounds. I’m partial to the places that offer big slabs of homemade cake for dessert.

Speaking of fish, I thought I do a roundup of cuties you can stitch.

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Congrats!

Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway celebrating 500+ subscribers to Slow Stitching Circle! The winner was Beatrice from Joyful Soul Stitching. Take a look at her Substack to see her beautiful work.

Cushy cushion

I decided to treat myself to a new pin cushion, since my old one was literally bursting at the seams.

Here’s the new one:

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To make the pin cushion, you basically make an oversized yo-yo (or Suffolk puff) and stuff it. Start by tracing a circle on a piece of fabric. Then stitch around the perimeter. Pull the stitching to gather the circle up. Add polyfil or any other stuffing material you have. I stuffed mine lightly so it would remain relatively flat.

Sew a button into the center, pulling it tightly. Use perle cotton to wrap the puff and give it a flower-like shape.

As you can see, there are plenty of needles in my pin cushion, when really I should be using a needlebook.

Well friends, that’s all for this month. I hope you find some time for peaceful stitching in our noisy world. Happy spring!

—Janice

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I’m excited for you to browse the titles and maybe choose a stitchy gifty for yourself or someone else. Here’s the lineup with current prices. You’ll get an extra 15% off with code BSO15.

It’s a win, win, win, win

You’ll find inspiration, from boro to doodle stitching, fabric journals to sashiko, kantha and more. Unlike Amazon, Bookshop supports local indie bookstores. In fact, they’re increasing their donations during this promotion. You get a discount just for being a fan of Slow Stitching Circle. Full transparency: As an associate, I get a small percentage of the sales, too.

Here’s the fine print: Use discount code: BSO15. 15% off good through April 1, 2026 (US-based only. Excludes Ebooks)

Thank you and happy reading!

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Recently I wanted to trace a design to embroider it and purchased one of these Sulky iron-on transfer pens from 123Stitch. Here’s a little overview of how it works: You draw or trace your design on plain paper with the marker, which is similar to a paint pen. Then you print from the paper onto fabric by using an iron.

If you’re transferring letters, like I did here, you have to trace them in reverse so they print the right way on the fabric.

In addition to tracing designs, you can draw or make marks with the pen on paper. Use the drawing several times to create a repeated pattern that you could stitch over — or not. The ink will print over and over, but may appear lighter after several uses.

• Use the hottest iron setting possible and iron the fabric to heat it up a bit before applying the transfer.

• Don’t use steam and try to keep the iron still so the ink doesn’t smear (unless that’s the look you’re after).

• The ink may bleed through the fabric. If you want to protect your ironing surface, put scrap fabric under the fabric you’re printing on.

I’m curious how you would use a transfer tool like this. It could be a fun way to make tags for your finished pieces with your signature.

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Giveaway time!

Friends, more than 450 of you subscribe to this newsletter. It warms the cockles of my heart (as my Great Aunt Ella used to say). Thank you!! To celebrate, I’m giving away this stitching-inspired journal from Anchal* with a few stitchy goodies tucked inside.

The fine print: This giveaway is open to Slow Stitching Circle subscribers in the U.S. only. To enter, comment below with something you’re loving right now (chocolate? the color aqua? the book Virgil Wander?) I’ll choose a name randomly from among the commenters on March 20, 2026, and announce the winner in the next newsletter.

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* About Anchal: A nonprofit, verified fair-trade organization based in Louisville, Kentucky, Anchal works with marginalized women in India to craft home decor, accessories and quilts using Kantha stitching and often vintage textiles. I love their pieces and their mission.

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Tiny altar, shrine or pocket hug?

Have you seen these sweet little rollups? Some makers create them as shrines or altars with a pocket for rosary beads. Some fit out the interior as huswifs or needlebooks to store handsewing essentials. Some, like Madame du Bocage, use them to invite you into an exquisitely charming storybook land. See this video of her work on Instagram.

Here’s my first attempt. I don’t love the little “wing” shape, but it’s just a prototype.

That’s it for February! Hope you’re finding inspiration to slow down and stitch. The world needs as many peaceful moments as possible.

Happy stitching! —Janice

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What can I do? What can we all do? Maybe send a letter. Maybe make a phone call or 50. Make donations. Say prayers. Maybe still our minds with stitching.

If you do decide to go the letter-writing route, here’s good news from the USPS: They’ve just released stamps commemorating Harriet Powers, who was born into slavery and made astonishing artwork late in life.

Maybe take a minute to read about Harriet Powers, a person who no doubt lived through unimaginable cruelty and still found beauty and wonder in her world.

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Bring on the color

Winter is not messing around in Ohio this year. It’s all we’re talking about. I’m more than ready for Snow White to pack her bags and go. In the meantime, I’m using cozy couch time to work on a floral still life of sorts. Here’s how it started and how it looks now. Is it done? Probably not. Stay tuned.

What are you stitching now?

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Everything old is new again

Have you heard? The newest trend is to carry an “analog hobby” bag to keep you from scrolling when you have a minute of downtime. “Revolutionary!” cry all of us who have been carting around our knitting, sewing, crocheting, English paper piecing, etc. since God was a boy.

Ok. Crotchety is never a good look.

So, yay! Really. There truly is so much to be discovered when we create with our hands and our hearts. Analog hobby bags for everyone! (Maybe especially our kids?)

Here’s how Better Homes & Gardens puts it:

An analog hobby is something that you can do slowly. It’s meant to be peaceful, providing your mind with a respite from the busyness of the digital world. Scrolling through your social media feed inundates you with hundreds of bits of information all at once—focusing on an analog hobby can help you expand your attention span and train your mind to focus better.

Not sure the attention span upgrade has kicked in for me yet, but “respite from the busyness” sure sounds lovely.

Making ripples

Way back in December 2023, I started a Substack post like this:

You stitchers are some of the nicest people on the planet. I bet when you see a need, you look for ways to fill it. Have you used your skills as a maker to help others?

The post included 12 ways to share your time and skills to support causes and make the world a little softer.

What ones did I miss? Do you have a favorite?

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Another way to send out a ripple: I don’t know if you have a creative re-use store in your town, but Scrap It Up is local to me. I can donate my unused craft supplies (a lady never mentions the size of her stash) and purchase supplies with all the proceeds going to a local arts organization. Win-win!

Here’s my $4 haul from today:

Sensing a theme? Yup, I’m having a few friends over for Galentine’s and forcing them to do a heart craft. I’ll just tell them it’s analog and it’s good for them.

Happy stitching everyone. Thanks for being here.

— Janice

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Aimee Hagedorn creates tiny pockets she calls wish keepers that hang from kilt or bulb pins. See them up close on her Instagram.

Freeform shapes show up in this collection of brooches from Hikaru Noguchi. Look for instructions in her book, Beyond Darning.

Beads and treasures make this charm pin from Veronica Bonuccelli one of a kind. Head over to her Instagram to see the dozens of gorgeous pins she’s crafted.

Here’s a fun idea for a brooch from Jacq Brill: Use a heart shape and sketchy-stitch something you love — your house, sewing scissors, a rose…

Suzette from Suzette Smart Textiles took a cue from badges and ribbon awards when making these brooches. Love how she combined ribbons with strips of fabric.

With the winter solstice just a few days ago, this sunshiny pin from Thread Spells brings a welcome shot of whimsy and warmth.

Growing up in snowy Buffalo, where heavy wool coats were a wardrobe staple for months, adding a sparkly brooch (especially one with a Christmas theme) was de riguer.

One (or a whole collection!) of these sweet makes would be charming on a lapel, tote bag, scarf, fabric journal cover or even a bulletin board. Have you made a stitched pin or brooch?

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Word play

Do you choose a word of the year? I’ve never had any luck with sustaining interest in a single word. But twice in my dreams last night, I saw an image of artwork with large blank spaces, and I woke up thinking of the word “expansive.” Hmmm… maybe? It’s kind of a long word.

According to the Thesaurus, some synonyms for expansive are “ample,” "all-embracing” and “inclusive.” There could be something there: I’ll let you know after I give it more thought.

If you have a word of the year, how do you “commemorate” it? Benzie Design offers this tutorial for making word-of-the-year banners.

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Well, that’s a wrap for 2025! Sending my best wishes to all of you for a new year filled with peace, love and joy-filled stitching.

—Janice

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A kit full of flowers

Packed full of blooming goodness, this kit from the Missouri Star Quilt Co. includes instruction cards, preprinted washaway sheets, essential tools and 10 balls of Perle cotton all in a pretty box.

Take a seat

Next up is this hoop stand from Fat Quarter Shop. I’m wondering if a stand would help me work just a little faster and with less stress on my dominant hand. If you’re curious, too, here’s one that you sit on to keep it in place.

To dye for

Scrap packs of hand-dyed silk velvet from Fig and Moss Makery look yummy enough to eat and would add a special something to your stitching.

Project inspiration

Diana Li Fitzgerald offers 14 fun projects in Patchwork Sashiko, her new book (being released in late December). You can pre-order through my Bookshop.org account to support independent bookshops across the U.S. and this Slow Stitching Circle newsletter as an affiliate!

Cute container

This 5-inch ceramic “thimble” would make the perfect desk or sewing table accessory. Available in pearl white from Ken’s Sewing Center.

Inspired by the everyday

Jessie Chorley’s new book Journal With Thread showcases her distinctive style while walking readers through the creation of a personal fabric book.

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Tres chic!

From the French thread winders to the Eiffel Tower scissors to the French blue bag that opens to a bowl shape, this kit from Brooklyn Haberdashery makes an ooh-la-la gift.

Happy scrappy

Add more texture to your stash with vintage kantha scraps from Amour FabriQues. Each snippet features hand-stitched layers of vintage cotton sari fabrics.

Brilliant!

Why has no one thought of this before? The easy store tape measure from Colonial Needle has an elastic band to make keeping the tape from unspooling simple.

More great reads

Can you ever have too many books? I don’t think so. I’ve compiled a whole list of slow stitching books on Bookshop. If you buy books online (and would rather not put more money into a billionaire’s pockets) Bookshop.org is an amazing alternative. As an affiliate, I’m a bit biased, but it’s amazing that Bookshop has raised more than $42 million for independent bookstores across the country.

Find your next stitching book (or millions of other titles)!

So what’s on your wish list this year?

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Happy Holidays!

I hope you find peace and joy during this season and on into 2026!

Best wishes,

—Janice

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I just finished a pouch (this time, not grouchy), inspired by my fave Australian stitchers (Fleur, Kate, Roxy, et al).

Since it’s a vintage textile collage of sorts, I thought I’d break down its anatomy for you. The background fabric for the outside and the lining is a handkerchief with pink scalloped edging and a ditsy floral print. The rest of the elements were salvaged from the items below (L to R): A green cutwork doily, a peach hanky with crochet edging, a dish towel with stylized sunflower embroidery, a crocheted dresser scarf, parts of a child’s dress and a blouse I thrifted for just $1.

Here’s a closer look at the back and front of the pouch, along with the scalloped edge of the hanky on the inside.

A finished project! Off it went to the holiday market at the Kennedy Heights Art Center.

Speaking of holidays… keep scrolling for a little gifty inspiration.

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Make a mini-notebook

Teachers, the mail carrier, your pet sitter, coaches, friends… There are so many opportunities for gift-giving every year. Gift cards are always appreciated. To make them a bit more exciting, I created this pattern for a fabric-covered mini-notebook with a pocket inside for a gift card. (And I’ve reopened my Etsy store for you, dear readers! You can purchase the pattern, download it right away and get crackin’!)

All it takes is some fabric, a button, some interfacing and one of those mini composition books from a big box or dollar store. The original pattern calls for an elastic hair tie to keep the book closed.

The construction is simple and I was happy to see how well it worked up with a Kantha stitched piece. I used a length of fabric for a closure instead of the hair tie. The pattern also calls for interfacing for the outer cover. I found that with the layers of fabric in this type of slow-stitched piece, I didn’t need to interface the outside cover.

You probably have everything you need to make a whole sleigh-full of these cuties. So why not pick up a few notebooks and make like an elf?

Of course, you don’t have to add a gift card, or even give the notebook away! I like having one in my bag for shopping lists or notes.

If you do purchase the downloadable pattern, thank you, thank you! Let me know what you think!

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Thread lovin’

The Original Sewing and Quilt Expo made its annual appearance in Cincinnati last month. I was happy to find one vendor offering Sashiko threads in a variety of weights. Sashiko threads I’ve bought previously have been much heavier and honestly, I don’t love stitching with them. This #4 weight thread is thin and smooth as butter (and not just ‘cause it’s yellow). Here’s a link to an online vendor of these Daruma threads.

Pause for a moment

I read this quote recently: “Stitching infuses energy into cloth.” Hmmm…

What are you bringing to life right now?

Happy stitching,

—Janice

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Still, I was intrigued by the trellis stitch mentioned in the class, so I dug around for videos that better explained the linear and round trellis stitch.

With perle thread, I used the round trellis stich to make this bunch of circles (including one that was apparently inspired by a nipple. #Can’tUnseeIt). They worked up fairly quickly once I got the hang of it. (Although you’ll notice uneven stitches if you look closely.)

Then the creative “what ifs” rushed in: What if the shape wasn’t round? What if I filled in one part of a shape, leaving an irregular space in the middle? What if I didn’t completely fill the circle?

I liked where it was all going, but regretted the stark white background fabric I was stitching on. Up popped another “what if” that felt low-key risky: What if I painted the background?

So I hauled out my solid watercolor sticks and gave it a go. The result is OK, but I wish I had picked a different color fabric in the first place. Good to know for next time…

By the way, if you’ve ever wanted to attach something fairly flat, like a small stone, coin or flat bead to the surface of your embroidery, I think this stitch could work. You would need to decrease the rounds to make it “cup” the item.

Now I’m wondering if that’s how Shisha mirrors are attached in Indian embroidery…. (But I’m NOT going down that rabbit hole right now… Focus on this newsletter, Janice! )

Another plus for the trellis stitch: You use back stitching to create the foundation shape in the base fabric, but once that stitching is in place, you don’t have to pierce the fabric again. You’re creating knots almost like crochet. So, it might be a great way to use heavier fibers, like yarn, that would be difficult to pull through a base fabric.

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History lesson

I wish I could spend all my time stitching, but alas, on Saturday, I had to address the legion o’ weeds that had claimed my garden beds as their own. I’m an outdoorsy gal, but in general, I would rather have my gums scraped than spend time weeding.

To distract myself, I listened to a new-to-me podcast, Handmade History, which as you might guess from the title, takes a deep dive into handcrafty topics.

Hosts (and sisters) Sonia and Alicia de los Reyes nerd-out about lace-making, sewing machines and more. I enjoyed the topic of historical low- and zero-waste garments. Like a good non-fiction book or documentary, the episode offered plenty of “huh, I never thought about that before” moments. Like, for centuries, people had to spin their own thread or yarn and weave it into fabric, which was incredibly time-consuming. So, it makes sense that their garments (like ponchos or kilts) were basically rectangles of that hand-woven fabric. Why would you cut away any of that precious fabric?

The weeding got (kind-of almost) done, and I learned some fun facts in the process, so win-win.

Herding cats

Process or product? Ye olde debate rages on in my monkey brain even as I’m trying to stitch peacefully. What to do with all these random pieces of stitched fabric drifting around my house? Something like the quilter’s workbook created by Bec from Sew Be Curated would at least corral them. It’s basically a fabric book that can be used to hold works in progress. Jump over to YouTube to watch her series of video tutorials for putting a workbook together.

I’ve started one of my own, with lots of pockets, but it’s early days yet. Hopefully I can do a show and tell with it next month.

What are you stitching lately?

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Happy October, friends. I hope the month brings you time to center and stitch in this world that feels upside down in so many ways right now.

— Janice

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I missed my August newsletter deadline. Here’s what happened: I planned to finish a little purse project and have photos to share with you but, best-laid plans…

A few days ago, I remembered that somewhere in my stash I had a small metal kiss-lock purse frame. Like a lot of slow stitchers, I’m often wondering what to do with the pieces of fabric I’ve stitched. Making a clasped coin purse seemed like a perfect project and I had a bit of time this holiday weekend (since my birdies have officially flown far, far from the nest — but that’s a story for another time).

Things started off well, when, miracle of miracles, I actually found the purse frame amongst the chaos of my craft supplies. A YouTube search led to this pattern from JustynaTHandmade with instructions for the 3.5-inch frame. The burnished color of the frame called for something softer than my usual bright color palette.

Inspired by Kate in the Nest, I pulled a couple vintage linens and handkerchiefs to cut up. I drew the outline of the pattern piece on the fabric to help me keep the stitching inside the lines so it wouldn’t slice through it when I cut out the pattern pieces.

Things were going along merrily. The colors were working. The stitching was simple (running stitch and Colonial knots). A salvaged pair of pants offered the perfect striped fabric for the lining. I hauled out my machine and followed the instructions for putting the outer pieces and lining together. Easy peasy mac and cheesy.

Then it was time to sew on the frame… Screech.

The videos make it look super simple. Just baste the frame in place, then follow the little holes and sew it on.

Hours later, my fingers are cramping as I try to get a needle up from the back side of the frame, hiding the stitches under it as well as possible, while digging around in metal to find the hole in the front. Why is this so hard? Maybe because I had too many layers of fabric? Maybe my needle should be heavier? If you have used one of these frames do you have any advice?

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I’ll give it another go (or maybe give up and try to put in a tiny zipper?) when my mood improves. Online, there are frames that glue in place and some that you crimp on with pliers. Maybe those would be better?

Sigh. This is not at all the happy place I like to visit when slow stitching.

In the meantime

Do you get ads in your social feeds for Domestika, too? I enrolled in three of their embroidery classes with a trial subscription. I’ll let you know what I think in my next newsletter.

Meanwhile, here’s to projects and stitching that feel pleasant and peaceful. Have a gorgeous September wherever you are.

Happy stitching!

—Janice

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I've always enjoyed stitching circle motifs, so I was excited to learn a new technique for making buttonhole rings thanks to a YouTube video by the very lovely Jeri Bellini.

I tacked some of my completed rings down onto some vintage velvet. (Or maybe it's velveteen? Not sure what the difference is. Do you know?)

The technique is simple to learn and is really addicting. As Jeri suggests in the video, I used the cap to a large size glue stick for the biggest rings and made slightly smaller ones using the ridged cap of an eye drops bottle. To make the smallest ones, I just wound the floss around my left index finger a few times (since I’m right-handed). Jeri also suggests using a dowel or smooth-sided pencil.

The rings made with perle cotton have a nice sheen, but I also like the way embroidery floss with multiple colors creates color blocks. I used all six strands of floss at once. The thicker the thread you use, the faster it is to cover the whole ring. By the way, this is a perfect project for using up the off-brand floss that comes in those kits for making friendship bracelets.

My rings wanted to twist up a bit, which I think looks interesting, too. What if there were bunches of these scrumbled-up rings in shades of one color... could they mimic waves or tree bark or moss? Hmmm…. more inspiration.

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Entering the stream

Have you heard of Emma Freeman and her Contemplation Cloths? To make them, she uses simple stitches in one color that ripple over the entire surface of her background cloth.

Here's what Emma says about these works:

“This has been a practice of mindfulness and meditation, the slow stitching gave me a steady rhythm and anchor to return to again and again where I didn’t have to think about what I was making, I didn’t have to conceptualize anything or plan anything, I just had to return to the simple repetition of the flow of stitches, like entering a stream.”

On these hot, muggy days in Ohio, “entering a stream” sounds heavenly. And I love the idea of stitching as something you can just slip into and turn down the volume on a noisy world for a while.

Emma offers a range of services through her website, and classes, including an online class on fabric meditation books that looks so very yummy. Follow her on Instagram at Deep Rooted Healing.

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Wherever you are this summer, I hope you’re enjoying some time immersed in stitching!

—Janice

Well it’s hotter than hot here, so that means indoors stitching, sitting on my couch with a cold drink. I’m enjoying layering random patches on a rectangle of batting with a backing fabric, then adding improvised stitching all over. Once it’s “finished,” I turn it into a pouch.

Here’s a little tour of my latest one featuring:

• Random circles. The background included scraps with arched and rounded shapes, so I continued that in the stitching.

  

• Itty bitty stitches or maybe pick stitches? Not sure what they’re called, but either way, they’re tiny and I just love the little dimples they make when they’re worked on a fabric-batting-fabric sandwich. The back is kind of a mess, but really, who cares? Life is short.

  

• Starbursty blossom things. I’m certain this is not an “official” stitch, but I like this (new to me) way to tack down a circular scrap.

  

Here’s the finished product, front and back. I plan to add a button closure to the front.

The inside is a double gauze I “harvested” from a thrifted shirt. I wish you could feel how squishy and soft it feels with the stitching and the batting layer.

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Variation on the theme

Next up on the pouch parade is this number, this time with a zipper and a tassel pull I made from crochet cotton.

And just because I just love the little ditsy print on the vintage fabric lining — here’s a peek inside:

Here in the Cincinnati area, the Kennedy Heights Arts Center sells goods from local makers with proceeds going to the center’s programming. I’m excited to drop these off in their gift shop this week.

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Let’s talk creativity

Kathryn Vercillo, who writes the Create Me Free newsletter, recently called out the myth of the “lone maker” and how community is what truly fuels makers. She writes:

“We need mirrors, challengers, encouragers, and companions. Creativity is not a solitary path up a mountain. It is a weaving of many threads, a conversation that stretches across time and space.”

While I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting most of you here, I like to think of you as encouragers and companions. People who find deep connection (that “weaving of threads”); whether it’s connecting to our inner selves or to each other in some form of collective consciousness. I imagine all of us stitching and listening to our thoughts or the whisper of thread pulled through fabric. Working on a project or working out a problem. Sighing over a tangled thread or a worry. Enjoying the process or a fond memory revisited in our minds.

What do you think? Do you find inspiration in solitude or community? Or a bit of both? If it’s community, do you have a group you meet with in person?

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Applique three ways

Our local library provides free access to all the online classes on Creativebug. Does yours? This very short tutorial with amazing quilt artist Heidi Parkes was fun. If you can’t watch the classes through your library, you can start a free 30-day subscription to the many inspiring embroidery classes the platform offers. Maybe you’ll find something new to try while we get through these dog days of summer.

Happy stitching!

—Janice

There’s so much to say about this topic, but here it is, the very last day of May and I’m hustling to publish this newsletter before June rolls in. We just returned from Iceland, a place that is truly indescribable. Suffice it to say, we spent most of our time there gobsmacked.

Besides the otherworldly scenery, I was fascinated by the culture of the Lopi sweater. These gorgeous handknitted sweaters were for sale everywhere — many were tagged with the knitter’s name. It was nice to see “women’s work” valued and priced accordingly. (The Icelandic Store calls these knitters “mostly retired and nice elderly Icelandic women,” which makes me want to go back and meet them.)

A quiet skill

We had some downtime on this trip, and I regretted not bringing my travel stitching kit. I did, however, bring home a souvenir sinus infection, so there’s that.

Also this week, I ran across a quote from the artist Amy Meissner:

“Hand stitching isn’t fast work. It’s a quiet skill that feels tenuous, nearly lost when placed in a contemporary context; it slips away like childhood, like domesticity, like safety beneath the weight of something handmade. I sew because I don’t know what it is to not sew.”

On her website, Meissner talks about “the collective murmur in women’s handwork.” Mmmmm, do I feel that. If it resonates with you, too, take a look at her project called Inheritance: Makers, Memory, Myth. She created the art from found and donated linens, quilts, potholders and more.

Seeing her work raises those questions again: What is treasured? What is left behind?

Peony envy

Last month, I talked about searching for stitching motifs that weren’t based on flowers. But then, the peonies showed up. I truly can’t get enough of these plush blooms with their beautiful scent. I want to crawl inside one and fall asleep. (Maybe that’s the jet lag talking.)

At the same time, I saw this photo, which sparked some ideas for a different take on the flower.

I hope the flowers are blooming wherever you are. Happy stitching!

—Janice

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Anyway, speaking of flowers…. I’ve been casting around lately for new stitch patterns. I’m sure you’ve also noticed that flower motifs are everywhere in embroidery. Lovely, sure, but I’ve been looking for something a bit different. And the library gods came through with this book by Christi Johnson.

Inside, talented artist Christi offers dozens of stitch designs from moons to mythical beasts, snowflakes to swords and rabbits to rivers. She also talks about the meditative nature of stitching and how to create your own transcendent talisman.

Bonus: You can download some of the patterns from the book for free, courtesy of the publisher. I’m really digging the visionary denim shirt pattern, and I’m imagining how it would really pop in the midst of other stitched flowers. Hmmm….

In addition to the book, I’d recommend checking out Christi’s website, MixedColor.net. You’ll find links to her podcast, courses and free lessons in sewing and embroidery. Of course, she’s on the gram, too.

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Get comfy with a special discount

A few months ago, I attended a new products showcase hosted by the Craft Industry Alliance. One of the products was a crafter’s pillow from Valari. Actually, the pillow was originally designed for gamers, but it works for anyone who spends time sitting and stitching (or reading or typing on a laptop).

It’s kind of like a breastfeeding pillow on steriods. It wraps around the whole torso, props up the elbows and creates a spot to rest the hands. Using it does allow me to lift my chin up and sit up straighter.

Want to try it? The Valari folks were nice enough to give me a discount code for 15% off: CRETIVEGIRLFRIENDS15. (Please note the odd spelling.) If you use my affiliate link that would be super awesome (especially since this is my first ever affiliate link and it makes me feel all fancy, like a Kardashian).

Another bonus: The pillow seems to attract cats.

Well, I hope your stitches are blooming with May flowers or feathers or frogs or whatever your heart desires.

Until next time, happy stitching!

—Janice

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I’ve been making tote bags from men’s dress shirts and luggage tags from the cuffs. I wish I had photos to share with you but I’m currently being held hostage by Delta Airlines in Orlando. It’s not their fault… lots of storms in the area.

Things have also been crazy for many other reasons here in the U.S. Let’s just say this is my current vibe:

Anyway, some of the things I’ve made for the show are what I call pods. They are super simple scrap busters and although there’s no sewing required I thought I’d share them with you.

All you need are scraps of fabric (I prefer to tear them so they have fun raggedy edges), white glue thinned with a bit of water, plastic wrap and some object to use as a form.

Basically, if you’ve ever done a paper mache project using a balloon and tissue paper, this is the same idea.

Whatever you use as a form, whether it’s a yogurt container, a jar or a balloon, wrap the outside in plastic wrap, then dip your fabric strips in the thinned glue mixture and place them all around the form. Allow the whole thing to dry then pull out the form and the plastic wrap. Super duper easy.

For these pods, I used a paper lantern shade (like these) that was able to be collapsed so I could pull it out when the fabric was dry.

Have you done anything like this?

Not to jinx it, but I think my flight may be boarding…. so until next month, happy stitching!

—Janice

In case you’re not familiar with these Australian creators, they are sisters Rachel and Sarah. Rachel popped up on my radar as I dug into the world of junk journaling. I came across Sarah when I started my latest project, a slow-stitched scrappy bowl. Immersing myself in their work feels like bellying up to an all-you-can-eat buffet for slow stitchers.

Turns out these sister-makers come by their talents naturally: Their mom, Judith, also does beautiful work with drool-worthy vintage textiles, as you can see on Instagram.

To make my Roxy-inspired bowl/vessel, I started with a vintage handkerchief (more on that later) as the "liner,” added a layer of batting and began randomly stitching on other bits and pieces. As I work, I have videos like Rachel’s and Sarah’s bowl on repeat.

Something about the gorgeous materials they use and that charming Australian accent is just the space of calm I’m desperate for in our current U.S. political climate.

Where have all the handkerchiefs gone?

Many of the makers who are inspiring me recently, like Fleur Woods and Kate in the Nest use scraps of vintage embroidery in their work. So I’ve been on the search for embroidered hankies and linens. Didn’t there used to be stacks of them at every thrift store for like a quarter a pop? Apparently those days are gone.

At a local antique mall, I did find a few hankies for $2 to $3 each that were certainly vintage, but probably machine-stitched. I remember my mom clearing out her elderly aunts’ homes and tossing armloads of these items. Who knew 40 years later I’d be on this quest?

I guess it makes sense that they are becoming more rare, with disposables having replaced handkerchiefs and table napkins, and no one embroidering linens for their hope chest anymore.

Do you still see linens with hand stitching out in the wild?

Say it ain’t so Jo(Ann)

All across the U.S., we’re crying in our cross-stitch over the closing of JoAnn stores. I went to my local store this week to pay my respects and pick up some essentials like thread and interfacing. The Craft Industry Alliance has a really informative podcast on how the chain melted down. Spoiler alert: It’s not that people aren’t sewing… it’s that the “suits” didn’t get it.

Now I’m nostalgic for all the fabric stores (RIP So Fro Fabrics and Hancock) I used to visit with my mom and sister to plan out first-day-of-school outfits, Easter dresses, prom gowns and on and on.

I had the chance once to visit Mood in New York City; the fabric store of Project Runway fame. We were in the city as a family, so my husband suggested I take 20 minutes in the shop while he took the kids to a pretzel cart.

20 minutes!?!

It’s a wonder we’re still married.

I came home with a Mood apron I love and a couple yards of ribbon.

Where do you shop for fabric? Online? In person? At the thrift store?

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That’s it for February. Keep thinking spring and happy stitching!

—Janice

When you think about it, it doesn’t get much more utilitarian and mundane than a needle. It’s just a piece of metal with a hole at one end and a point at the other. But as a recent discussion on a slow stitching Facebook group proves, they’re not so simple.

Size of the eye? Straight or tapered? Sharp point or blunt? Chenille or sashiko? Everyone weighed in with an opinion on which needles were best. When someone mentioned Pony Black needles with white eyes, I was curious.

I ordered a pack from The Silver Needle in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (The shop had great customer service by the way. They added a small package of jelly beans and a flyer with information on the broken needle festival to my order.)

Here’s my quick take on the Pony Black (could a needle have a cooler name?) The pack included six needles size 18 to 26.

Side note: The Land of Needles is apparently upside-down world because the larger the number, the smaller the needle. (If you want even more mind-bending math, head over to this article that clearly demonstrates that needle numbering is just bananas.)

Back to that bad boy Pony Black…

The five larger needles all had oversized eyes that were, in fact, very easy to thread. The jury is still out with me on whether the white eye made any difference. The first thing I noticed was the needle’s significant girth. These guys are chonky. Doing a running stitch through a three-layer fabric-and-batting sandwich was a workout, even with the needle’s sharp point. The size 26 (which is the smallest, remember?) made for much smoother stitching.

I really appreciated the rounded eye-end of the needle, which made it very comfortable to push the needle with my fingertip. The big drawback? This needle is very short. Take a look at how it compares with a long quilting pin and the kind of needle I use most often.

Here’s a plus: When you drop a black needle with a white eye on the floor, it’s much easier than a silver needle to find before you step on it!

The upshot and a giveaway!

If I’m going to stitch with heavier weight thread or yarn on a looser weave backing, I would reach for the larger Pony Black needles. In the meantime, I’ll keep the petite size 26 close for times when I’m not doing long running stitches.

Along with the pack of needles, I ordered one of these needle threaders.

Y’all know I’m on a personal quest to make threading needles easier. Well, the folks at the Silver Needle sent me five of these threaders which do work quite well.

So, if you’re a subscriber and you live in the U.S., I’d like to share the love — especially since I’ve recently reached an amazing (to me) total of 120 subscribers! Dude!

Just leave a comment below and I’ll pick two people at random to receive a threader in the mail.

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Another kind of needles

I’m blaming my daughter, who was home for the holidays and wanted to start a knitting project. My mom was in town, too, and it was really special seeing Grandma giving my daughter a lesson. Of course, I started craving something soft and yummy to work on, especially as our winter days just kept getting more and more wintry.

It’s been a while since I knitted, so I don’t know what possessed me to choose a lace-weight mohair yarn. But it’s just a tiny scarf…. How hard could it be to whip it up with this yarn that’s the weight of a spider web?

Wouldn’t you know, I made some fatal mistake in row 100-something, and now I’m ripping it all out. The scarf should be finished just as the heat of summer rolls in to Ohio.

Obviously, it’s time to go back to slow stitching.

That’s it for now. Don’t forget to comment above, and happy stitching, friends!

—Janice

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I started by cutting a piece of batting in a triangle shape and laying it onto a piece of thin fabric salvaged from a thrifted shirt. Then I layered on strips of fabric to see how they would look.

I changed my mind, picked some other fabric strips and used a variegated perle cotton in shades of green to seed stitch the pieces in place with their edges tucked under the long sides of the batting triangle.

I liked the look of angling the strips a bit. As I moved down the tree, I shifted to a perle cotton in shades of blue.

I trimmed the batting back along the bottom edge of the blue/purple strip and added a piece of fabric to be the tree’s trunk.

I planned to just trim the base fabric back, but then decided to leave extra backing fabric all around the edges, then fold it back to give a clean-looking edge from the font.

That worked, but left the back looking kind of a wreck — especially for an ornament that might be seen from the back. In hindsight, it would probably have been easier to stitch the fabric strips onto the batting then finish the ornament with more of a pillowcase finish, where the backing was sewn right sides together to the front, then turned inside out. I’ll try that next time.

Forgot to say that to give the tree a few “baubles,” I added Colonial knots in bright pink, a shiny button topper and a little piece of ribbon to hang it on the tree.

Wishes and wonders

It’s almost the new year. To be honest, I’m eyeing 2025 with some trepidation, but trying to find peace in the present… enjoying holiday time with my grown children back in the nest for a few days, pausing to soak in the lights and decorations.

I wish all of us peace and light in the new year, along with time to create and joy in the process.

Thanks for reading, and happy stitching, friends.

—Janice

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Maybe even better than pie is time off on a holiday weekend. I indulged by putting inspiration from Instagram and books into action. First, I practiced the bullion rose on a super soft piece of vintage linen I’d painted.

This bullion stitch is definitely not one of those “it’s like riding a bike” stitches. Every single time I want to make one — doesn’t matter if I just did one yesterday, for heaven’s sake — I have to go find a video. (Here’s a nice clear one, by the way. And watching it just now, I see I made several tactical errors in my bullion rose…. Well, tomorrow is another day.)

Next, I added some half buttonhole wheels in a variegated floss, then I rummaged through all my trims, ribbons and what-nots.

Time to layer on all kinds of goodies…

I liked the acidy-green color in the stitched centers of this sequin trim, so I snipped one out, removed the tiny sequins (which are now forever embedded in my carpet) and appliqued it down.

I wasn’t thrilled about the black background showing, so I started surrounding it with Colonial knots in an (almost) matching floss.

Next, I added a crocheted blossom snipped from a doily thingamabob. By the way, I wish the colors in these photos were truer — the bullion rose is actually more of a raspberry color, not orange-y, like it looks here. Anyway, I began auditioning threads to use next but realized I was wayyyyy overthinking.

Reminding myself that no single element of this layered piece is the star allowed me to make easier choices. So I galloped along, adding more crocheted flowers, Colonial knots and a dahlia-inspired flower in pink lazy daisy stitches.

The takeaway…

Here’s what I’ve learned (so far) from this exercise:

• Variegated floss is kind of magical when used in a repeated stitch. After all, when you look at something in nature, it isn’t a flat, uniform color.

• Using pre-made elements provides inspiration and texture, and they allow me to cover a good bit of real estate on a piece fast. (But what about SLOW stitching? I hear you, but I think it’s OK to combine the two approaches.)

• The bullion stitch is fiddly but offers a nice return on investment.

• Sequins are worse than hangnails.

What are you stitching right now?

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Until next time, happy stitching!

— Janice