Posted in Crochet, Serendipity, Travel, tagged crochet blanket, Wave Stitch on December 29, 2023| Leave a Comment »
I worked on completing some UFO’s while on vacation the last few days. I know you were thinking of the other type of UFO’S but these are UnFinished Objects! And I have quite a few laying around. I did finish this throw yesterday that I started some time last year. I’m glad to get it done. It features a Wave Stitch and Lion Brand Ferris Wheel yarn.
Posted in applique, Collage, Crochet, Drawing, Embroidery, Felting, Furniture, Holidays, Knitting, Paper Art, Pet Portaits, Portraits, Quilting, Recipes, Sculpture, Serendipity, Sewing, Small Town Life, Still Life, The Studio/Classes, Weaving, tagged gifts, handmade on December 24, 2023| Leave a Comment »
It ‘s Christmas time. The family is all gathered together. The gifts are beginning to be passed around. And you see it…there it is…. right there… all wrapped up…a gift from Grandma or Papa or Aunt Noreen or Cousin Virgil. You know exactly what it is before you open it. It’s a handmade something ________ (you insert the item here….a knitted hat, a crocheted scarf, a painting, a bowl cozy, a quilt, a vest, a pottery mug, etc.) They always “make” you something for Christmas. Well, this year when you open that handmade gift hope you will think of this.
You should consider yourself extremely special and loved….and here is why.
First, making the gift requires much consideration and thought to choose just the right project and design for you. The giver wants it to be something special that is specific just for you. Often this takes hours of research and thought to find the right design and colors. A handmade gift is NOT an afterthought.
Next, the materials must be assembled. Sometimes they are easily found but other projects like quilts require that the designs are drawn, yardage is figured and fabric is ordered and purchased. Again, this can take many hours and quite a bit of expense. Based on the size of the quilt a conservative estimate of the supplies alone is at least $125.
Then the actual project begins to be made. Depending on what the object is this could take a few hours to several weeks. What you need to know and remember is that the giver is willing to give up this much of their life for you….to make something special for you! And while they are making it they are often thinking of you and the fun times you have had together. Again, in the case of a quilt a conservative estimate for an small quilt is 25-30 hours.
So when you consider the time plus the cost of supplies that goes into a handmade gift you begin to see the real value. It would be so much easier for the giver to go online to Amazon or Walmart and order a cheaply made object that would cost less in money and time. But because they obviously love and care for you they gave you their time and made you something that is one of a kind…just like you!
So this holiday season when you receive a special handmade gift from your creative family and friends whether it’s a quilted banner, knitted mittens or crocheted sweater or scarf or a painting, a table runner, a wooden bowl, a pottery mug, etc. be grateful to the person who cares enough for you to give you hours of their time and thought to make something special just for you! Be grateful for something handmade!
Merry “Handmade” Christmas!
Posted in Crochet, Embroidery, Knitting, Quilting, Rag Rug, Sewing, The Studio/Classes, Travel, Workshop/Retreat, tagged Crochet, embroidery, knit, Quilting, sewing, Stitch & Bitch on November 21, 2023| Leave a Comment »
To say we had a great time at Stitch & Bitch VII would be a huge understatement. This group of stitchers made beautiful projects while having fun playing games and winning prizes. It would be hard to describe all the things we did, all the delicious food we ate, and all the laughs we had. I can’t remember when I laughed so much. We are all looking forward to the next one in April.
Posted in Crochet, tagged beginning crochet, Crochet on October 19, 2023| 3 Comments »
As the cooler weather sneaks in it is time to grab those crochet hooks and get to work. Crocheting is a wonderful hobby. You can take it with you just about anywhere to pull out and work on for a short period or for hours. And there are so many beautiful things you can make. Come to class on Thursday, November 2nd and learn to crochet. Click here to register.
Posted in Crochet, Knitting, Quilting, Serendipity, Sewing, Workshop/Retreat, tagged crochet hat, crochet scarf, placemat, Quilting, Retreat, rugs on February 9, 2023| Leave a Comment »
With all the game playing and museum visiting you wouldn’t think we would have had time to get much accomplished….but just look at all the great projects we made. We quilted, crocheted, knitted, make rugs, and more! We are a creative, fun-loving group! Can you tell???!!!! We can’t wait till the next one!
Posted in Crochet, Knitting, Quilting, Sewing, Travel, Workshop/Retreat, tagged Quilting, Retreat, Stitch & Bitch VI on February 9, 2023| Leave a Comment »
I’ve missed several days of posting here as I was out of town for our sixth Stitch & Bitch Retreat out at Shenandoah River State Park. We always have such a great time. We sew, crochet, knit, eat, drink, share ideas and play games. The games are a highlight. We play “Strip” Poker using jelly roll strips and the winner gets a ton of them and has to make something and then share. Sometimes it’s scary to win. LOL! We played Left, Right, Center and the winner got to choose from a ton of great sewing/quilting prizes. And you can tell by the photos that there was a lot of joking and laughing going on.
Posted in Crochet, tagged beginning crochet, Crochet on January 11, 2023| 2 Comments »
Do you want to learn to crochet? It’s a great hobby….especially for the winter. If you want to learn join us at The Studio on Friday, January 27th from 11-1 for a Beginning Crochet class. Click here for more and to register.
Posted in Crochet, daily painter, Serendipity, tagged Crochet, crochet gift, crochet tablerunner on June 1, 2022| Leave a Comment »
A few weeks ago my friend Jackie gave me this beautiful crochet item. It appeared to be 4 placemats crocheted from crochet thread . My grandmother used to work with crochet thread but I have never been able to work with such small stuff. But I do love how it looks so I was thrilled when Jackie gave these to me. I sewed them together to make a table runner and it looks so pretty and happy. Thanks Jackie for thinking of me with this beautiful gift of craftsmanship. It’s just lovely!!!!
Posted in Crochet, tagged blanket stitch on May 2, 2022| Leave a Comment »
I love this Everyday Blanket stitch. Just finished this one and it’s a great one for those who have a hard time keeping count and always comes out with an even edge. And this simple border sets it off just right. For those who need help getting a good straight line, watch for this class coming soon.
Posted in Crochet on April 27, 2022| Leave a Comment »
Have you always wanted to learn to crochet? Or maybe you know how but need to learn some new stitches and patterns. This Saturday we have a class for beginners and one for those who want to learn to do more. Just click here to register. We’ll see you Saturday!
The Studio 