Tangled Thread - Tips, Trick and Tutorials in Sewing & Stitching

September 5th, 2008

creative gift wrapping ideas from Simplicity

I spent some time browsing through my local fabric store today (dangerous idea, I know :-) and picked up this pattern today - it’s pattern #4320 from Simplicity (you can try this link, but I’m not sure if that will work at the moment).

Aren’t those pretty?  I’m always on the look-out for new holiday patterns, […]

By Chloe -- 0 comments

August 29th, 2008

new plus-size Hallowe’en costumes from Simplicity

I’m sorry, I know the kids have only been back at school for two minutes and I start talking about Hallowe’en.
But think about it, how many times have you ended up cobbling a costume together - the afternoon of the Hallowe’en party?
Doesn’t it make sense to start working on it early?
Luckily, Simplicity thinks that too […]

By Chloe -- 0 comments

August 25th, 2008

cross-stitch patterns from rubber stamps

I think this is such a clever idea! Leisure Art’s designer, Kathy Elrod, has come up with an easy way to create your own original cross-stitch designs with rubber stamps.
Just use a water-proof ink (I’ve had really good results with Staz-On) and stamp your design directly onto your aida cloth. Use the same […]

By Chloe -- 1 comment

August 18th, 2008

video of the day - making your own needlework patterns

This is such a cool technique for all you cross-stitch and needlepoint fans!
Unfortunately, I can’t post the video here, but you can follow this link to Youtube and watch it there.   Basically, the video is a tutorial on creating your own gridded needlework patterns using your own photo and a transparency sheet.
It’s definitely worth […]

By Chloe -- 0 comments

August 15th, 2008

free clip-art from Dover

I love Dover Publications books of iron-on embroidery transfer, clip-art and copyright-free designs! Did you know that they also offer free clip-art & patterns by email subscription?
To subscribe, just enter your email here.
As a bonus, once you subscribe, you’ll have access to several free pattern libraries immediately :-)

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By Chloe -- 5 comments

August 11th, 2008

you can use cross-stitch patterns for needlepoint?

 Did you know that you can interchange needlepoint and cross-stitch patterns?   For instance, this needlepoint tapestry (from an out-of-print book by Stephanie Hedgepath) I did a few years back is actually from a pattern for cross-stitch:

As long as there aren’t a lot of half or quarter stitches (which you can’t do in needlepoint) you’re […]

By Chloe -- 8 comments

August 8th, 2008

more vintage patterns from the Vintage Pattern Lending Library

I just found the Vintage Pattern Lending Library, and boy am I excited!  They have patterns available for sale, dating back to the 1860s!
Looking for a fishtail ball gown from 1929?  They’ve got it…
How about a pattern to create embroidered Egyptian-style beaded trim?  Yes, they have that too…
Let’s see - can we find a ladies […]

By Chloe -- 1 comment