Showing posts with label Sewing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sewing. Show all posts

Things Made/Things to Make

Wednesday, January 15, 2014


2013 was a big year for me in many ways. Among other things, I moved back to the United States, established myself in a new city, finished a good chunk of the initial part of my book project, and (re)took up cross stitching. Though I am usually kind of tough on myself when thinking back on what I did and did not accomplish in the span of a year, I can truly say that I am thankful for what I was able to accomplish in 2013, and I'm pretty sure 2014 is going to be even more productive and amazing. 


Quite a few of the projects I worked on this year craft-wise were for gifts, including the Monticello bookmark, the Christmas ornaments, and three plush heart ornaments (below) that I made for James as part of his Christmas present. I also completed two smaller pieces with quotations on them, but I'm still figuring out how to frame them before I share. This little Russian star pincushion (above) I made for myself was a necessity, as I was constantly losing needles to the depths of my hungry couch. There were also a couple pieces that I stitched a bit of and then ripped out.


I've already made a list of all the cross stitching projects I want to complete in the next few months including one piece that will be my largest yet, a pattern I'm working on, and a few little "experiments." Any big stitching or crafting plans you have for 2014? I'd love to hear 'em!


All the lovely photographs in this post were taken by the very talented and supportive, James. I think I'll let him photograph my work from now on!


Giving Handmade Gifts

Saturday, January 11, 2014


Part of living on a budget is exercising restraint when it comes to gift giving. Of course this holiday season I would have loved to have spent a bunch of money on friends and family, but that just wasn't in the cards this year. And probably not next year either. But that's okay! I'm totally not gonna sweat it, because making gifts this year turned out to be a really wonderful experience and one that I want to make a tradition from here on out. I love the idea of ornaments as gifts -- they are fun to make and pack a big punch of love and memories in a tiny package. Plus, I got to watch a whole lot of Little House on the Prairie while I worked on them!


I based my ornaments off a pattern by chez sucre chez and only changed the date and the finishing. I decided instead of tiny hoops that I would stuff them and add ribbon and a gingham back. I'm really happy with how they turned out and I think the recipients enjoyed them too. This year was a bit of a learning experience, but I am so ready to do it again. I've already designed a pattern that is my own for next year and I have every intention to begin them earlier to avoid a mad dash in December.


How about you? Do you enjoy hand making gifts or do you find it too labor intensive? Did you make anyone anything this holiday season? 
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