Embroidering with The Badass Cross Stitch at Fuller Craft

I've been a follower and a fan of Badass Cross Stitch (AKA Shannon Downey) for some time.  I was thrilled to learn that Shannon would be hosting a Stitch-Up in Brockton, MA at Fuller Craft Museum.  You can learn all about it here -  Badass Cross Stitch - but essentially, the project is about telling your story, becoming empowered, and making a difference by engaging with community.

I took my daughter, and we spent a long afternoon stitching, talking, learning, and creating. 

We didn't finish during the workshop, but we worked hard at home until they were finished and sent off in the mail to Shannon!

These are not super photos, but at least you get the idea.  The ultimate goal of this ongoing project is to create a massive 3-D installation with everyone's 12" x 12" squares stitched together.  How cool is that?!  I know I'll be checking in on this ambitious project periodically to see how things progress.

If readers have any interest in learning more, do click on the link above to learn more (or Google Badass HERstory).  Trust me, you'll be impressed.  And then you'll want to join this amazing project.  You will.

Easy Peasy T-Shirt Fabric Flowers

There was a lot of interest for the Fabric Flowers from last weekend's workshop.  I thought I'd publish the pattern here, for anyone looking to keep on making flowers!  This pattern is the no-sew version.  If you are so inclined, it is very doable to put a tiny hand stitch in each fold as you go along, rather than the hot glue.  Either way, you'll have an adorable accessory by the time you are finished.

Easy Peasy T-Shirt Fabric Flowers

1.  Draw a circle on the back of your t-shirt scrap and cut it out.
2.  Mark the center of your circle with a small dot.
3.  Put a small amount of hot glue on the dot.  Fold the bottom edge of the circle up to meet the dot
     and glue.  Fold the top edge to the dot and glue.  Repeat for the two side edges, bringing them to 
     the center and gluing.  
4.  Take one corner and slightly unfold it.  Bring this up to the circle and glue.  Repeat for the other 
     three corners.
5.  Embellish the center with buttons, beads or gems.  DONE!  

The trickiest part of this pattern is Step 4.  It might help if you think about origami and how sometimes corners are unfolded and brought to the center.  It's the same idea.

Make lots!  Enjoy the process!

 
**all of the pictured flowers were made by my daughter.  :)

Creative Reuse Workshop

I'm excited to be hosting my very first workshop!  I was asked by a local library to come and share my art and process, and to demonstrate and teach about crocheting with plastic grocery bags.

Photos of the event coming soon so be sure to check back!