Chicken Scratch embroidery has been around for many many years. If you aren’t sure what I’m talking about, it is a simple series of embroidery stitches that are stitched exclusively on gingham fabric, using the grid of the gingham pattern itself to stitch the design. The finished pattern, which is a lot like traditional cross stitch, enhances the gingham fabric in a pretty way, and is a technique often used to embellish gingham aprons, clothing, curtains, etc. You may have seen vintage gingham aprons with this sort of stitching on them. Each country seems to have their own version of this simple stitching technique, as well as their own name for it- Amish lace, snowflake embroidery, Broderie Suisse, Australian cross stitch, depression lace, etc.
It blows me away to think I’ve been working on this 2024 temperature quilt for almost half a year now. Is it the act of recognizing these sort of details for each day what makes it all seem to zoom by?READ MORE
Some of you that follow me (especially over on Instagram) may know that my husband, and 2 adult children, went to Tokyo in April of this year. (You can watch the highlight reels from our trip here.) To say it was the trip of a lifetime is no exaggeration! Traveling with my kids as adults added an element of ease for my husband and I. They know what they are doing (at times better than we did.)
A swan embroidery pattern currently being designed.
So much goes into developing a new sewing pattern. For grins, I thought I would go through the process of how I create new content. As sort of a reminder to my future self as I plan these sorts of things throughout the year.READ MORE
I recently went to Taos for an annual art studio retreat. It’s my third year in a row going on this particular retreat. It happens at different times during the year and I have usually gone in September. This year, however, I had a conflict during that time and decided I’d try April.READ MORE
I am often asked about my collection of vintage sewing notions when people stop by my studio, so I thought I would start a little video series to document all of my favorite ones. Most of my collection came from either eBay or antique shopping (I have found some amazing pieces in local antique shops).
These days I try really hard to resist impulse shopping because we have downsized so much. Its helped me to have some questions in my mind to ask myself whenever I see a vintage sewing notion that I think I can’t live without…
Would it get damaged by the intense sunshine in my studio?
What about it do I find inspiring?
Would it be enough to just take a photo of it? (Many times it is!)
What about you? Do you have some vintage sewing notions that serve as inspiration to you in your creative space? I would love to hear about them!
Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel as I will be adding more content to this channel this year. (Did you know that I get a small amount of compensation from YouTube views as a content creator when you watch, but not when I post to Instagram or Facebook? It’s a great way to support small business artisans like me. In addition to subscribing, clicking the thumbs up button, leaving a comment, and sharing your favorite videos are great ways to help a favorite small channel grow.
I made a very quick trip to Raleigh, North Carolina recently, to attend Quiltcon 2024, put on by The Modern Quilt Guild. I also was able to slip in some family time with my brother and his family (I grew up about 1 1/2 hours outside of Raleigh). at Quiltcons past, I have taught workshops and stayed highly scheduled, but this time around I went purely as an attendee, so I had the chance to walk the show, see the quilts, and catch up with people in person instead of through the computer screen! It was wonderful!READ MORE
I tend to settle into cycles that can leave me creatively stuck at times. Especially in winter, when it is all too easy to just veg out in front of the tv every night and let my brain and my body “go limp”.READ MORE