Essential Hand Sewing Stitches. Running Stitch. Backstitch. Blanket Stitch. Whip Stitch. Cross Stitch. Pickstitch. Catchstitch. Invisible Stitch

Huge list of sew and no sew projects for fabric scraps. Make gifts, jewelery or home decor items out of the trimmings, crumbs and other items you would normally toss in the scrap bin.

Learn these six common stitches and you can apply them to a myriad of projects.

Essential Hand Sewing Stitches. Running Stitch. Backstitch. Blanket Stitch. Whip Stitch. Cross Stitch. Pickstitch. Catchstitch. Invisible Stitch

Here are more than a hundred of cute ideas and projects on what to do with the leftover scrap fabric you have at home.

Create a life that reflects your dreams.... Live a life that defines your purpose.

Huge list of sew and no sew projects for fabric scraps. Make gifts, jewelery or home decor items out of the trimmings, crumbs and other items you would normally toss in the scrap bin.

I should break up this post into 3 parts instead of packing everything in one post! If you are like me you would probably like to share what you are doing. Let's see what I have to share with you. First it's the Simplicity of the little things. Second it is the Autumn dyeing in jars. Third is the update on the online workshop and lastly, a little exciting news I can't wait to share with you at the end of this post. After the last exhibition Connecting with Nature in November 2013. I was on a roll and wanted to work on another exhibition straight away! I thought I would only work on something small for the next exhibition. Small, simple, but meaningful! While trying to think for the right name for it. Emma Ayres, is my favourite classical radio presenter that I wake up to 5/7. One morning Emma said the word I was looking for Simplicity of the Little Thing! I jumped and knew that I would call my next exhibition the Simplicity of the Little Thing! The exhibition won't happen until 2015 though, but it's okay to keep the idea in mind! The idea was hatched years ago in Barcelona when I worked on my first simple little thing! I never leave home without a bunch of threads and fabric in my carry-on. I always prepare for being stranded in a desert island somewhere! On my first trip to Barcelona, yes have been there more than once, I got inspired by Park Güell that Antonio Gaudi created. I decided to create a piece of embroidery using the dyed threads and fabric I took with me. Until today I still feel that it was one of my most original creation I have ever made. Having been eco-dyeing a lot recently I started stitching small pieces using dyed silk and dyed threads. I'm trying to keep the stitching simple and minimal, letting the marks on the fabric dictate my stitching. See the circle on the piece? Circle appears here too Heart instead of circle Below is the Autumn dyeing in jars. Autumn leaves are gorgeous lately. On my walks I always gather leaves for dyeing. Dyeing in jars only takes a small amount of leaves and fabric. Dyeing station out on the back deck Jars filled with concoctions of various leaves, rusty caps, copper pieces, rain water and vinegar. I steamed them for an hour and let them cool in the canning pot. How long can I leave dyeing in jar? The answer is, not long at all. A week in this case. If you are like me, you open one and then you would open them all! My first time dyeing with She Oak pine needles after watching the video on Irit Dullman's blog. The result from the pine needles is very pleasing. I definitely will use them again. Here are the two small pieces of silk using She Oak Pine needles. I washed and pressed these. Very happy with them. Plenty of pine trees in my campus, how lucky! From Mother's Day bouquet to silk Ornamental grape leaves on silk Eucalyptus Iron Bark leaves on silk Just want to say, dyeing in jars is great because I only need a small amount of silk for each jar and the same with leaves. It's fun to add things like used teabags, onion skin, turmeric powder and pomegranate skin. The list is endless. Update on the online workshop I'm taking with Karen Kuane. I posted a few embroidery blocks on the last post. I then used a photo editing program to set the images on point. My original plan was to embroider around reversed appliqué on the dark block, but after seeing this prototype of my journal cover, I don't think I need embroidery on the dark blocks. I have since finished a few more light blocks with different embroidery designs on each one. Now come to the exciting news! Made in Australia I hear you asking? We were at the hardware store yesterday looking at samples of Australian building products to build an extension for Upstairs Studio over the exiting double garage at the back of the house. Every artist needs a studio right? Up until now, all my stuff is in a single bedroom. It's far too small to do anything in there so I usually work on the dinning table. There are a few hicks-up getting everything ready for a building permit, but we got that sorted now. Any luck the work can start next week. I was told it will take eight weeks to complete. We have to paint it before I can move in. I'm excited as the thought of having my art studio all for myself. Will keep you posted on the progress of the work. Until next time Nat

Learn more about fabric types and how to use them for garments and upholstery through this guide. This will help you know your craft better.

Hey friends! I have been trying to think of ways to be more environmentally friendly when I am quilting. I am really thoughtful about the beautiful fabrics I select and I want to use every scrap so that nothing goes to waste. Today I am sharing a scrap buster tutorial to make a quilted bookmark! How to make a quilted bookmark: Materials: Fusible Midweight Interfacing Quilter's Cotton Scraps Sewing Machine Iron & Pressing Mat Other Helpful materials: 6 1/2

Slow Stitching is a new term for an age-old practice of quiet gentle making, mending, repair and stitching. Here’s what slow stitching is and how to do it, as well as what you can make from all your beautiful stitched pieces.

Huge list of sew and no sew projects for fabric scraps. Make gifts, jewelery or home decor items out of the trimmings, crumbs and other items you would normally toss in the scrap bin.

I should break up this post into 3 parts instead of packing everything in one post! If you are like me you would probably like to share what you are doing. Let's see what I have to share with you. First it's the Simplicity of the little things. Second it is the Autumn dyeing in jars. Third is the update on the online workshop and lastly, a little exciting news I can't wait to share with you at the end of this post. After the last exhibition Connecting with Nature in November 2013. I was on a roll and wanted to work on another exhibition straight away! I thought I would only work on something small for the next exhibition. Small, simple, but meaningful! While trying to think for the right name for it. Emma Ayres, is my favourite classical radio presenter that I wake up to 5/7. One morning Emma said the word I was looking for Simplicity of the Little Thing! I jumped and knew that I would call my next exhibition the Simplicity of the Little Thing! The exhibition won't happen until 2015 though, but it's okay to keep the idea in mind! The idea was hatched years ago in Barcelona when I worked on my first simple little thing! I never leave home without a bunch of threads and fabric in my carry-on. I always prepare for being stranded in a desert island somewhere! On my first trip to Barcelona, yes have been there more than once, I got inspired by Park Güell that Antonio Gaudi created. I decided to create a piece of embroidery using the dyed threads and fabric I took with me. Until today I still feel that it was one of my most original creation I have ever made. Having been eco-dyeing a lot recently I started stitching small pieces using dyed silk and dyed threads. I'm trying to keep the stitching simple and minimal, letting the marks on the fabric dictate my stitching. See the circle on the piece? Circle appears here too Heart instead of circle Below is the Autumn dyeing in jars. Autumn leaves are gorgeous lately. On my walks I always gather leaves for dyeing. Dyeing in jars only takes a small amount of leaves and fabric. Dyeing station out on the back deck Jars filled with concoctions of various leaves, rusty caps, copper pieces, rain water and vinegar. I steamed them for an hour and let them cool in the canning pot. How long can I leave dyeing in jar? The answer is, not long at all. A week in this case. If you are like me, you open one and then you would open them all! My first time dyeing with She Oak pine needles after watching the video on Irit Dullman's blog. The result from the pine needles is very pleasing. I definitely will use them again. Here are the two small pieces of silk using She Oak Pine needles. I washed and pressed these. Very happy with them. Plenty of pine trees in my campus, how lucky! From Mother's Day bouquet to silk Ornamental grape leaves on silk Eucalyptus Iron Bark leaves on silk Just want to say, dyeing in jars is great because I only need a small amount of silk for each jar and the same with leaves. It's fun to add things like used teabags, onion skin, turmeric powder and pomegranate skin. The list is endless. Update on the online workshop I'm taking with Karen Kuane. I posted a few embroidery blocks on the last post. I then used a photo editing program to set the images on point. My original plan was to embroider around reversed appliqué on the dark block, but after seeing this prototype of my journal cover, I don't think I need embroidery on the dark blocks. I have since finished a few more light blocks with different embroidery designs on each one. Now come to the exciting news! Made in Australia I hear you asking? We were at the hardware store yesterday looking at samples of Australian building products to build an extension for Upstairs Studio over the exiting double garage at the back of the house. Every artist needs a studio right? Up until now, all my stuff is in a single bedroom. It's far too small to do anything in there so I usually work on the dinning table. There are a few hicks-up getting everything ready for a building permit, but we got that sorted now. Any luck the work can start next week. I was told it will take eight weeks to complete. We have to paint it before I can move in. I'm excited as the thought of having my art studio all for myself. Will keep you posted on the progress of the work. Until next time Nat

See how to do an invisible stitch by hand, using the so-called ladder stitch, slip stitch, or even blind stitch. Easy and quick!

Over the past few years I've been hand sewing much more. Machine sewing is fast and professional-looking, but these days I often prefer sewing by hand for its slow, meditative quality. It's relaxing and also portable, meaning I can work on it wherever I go. Today I'm focusing on one of my favorite hand stitches

This is such a gorgeous little book. Made from a selection of fabrics some of which are vintage or upcycled with a small square of vintage lace. Vintage buttons, cross stitch and other embroidery stitches and a pom pom fringe which is so cute. Predominantly purple and yellow with a lovely hand made tassel which has fabric beads and cordage as well as glass beads. The spiral bound inner has 33 pages (66 sides) measuring 9cm by 11cm approx, some of which are vellum and some hand dyed. Two envelopes are also bound in for your keepsakes etc. With three subject dividers this book has it all and more. It's a stunner.

Explore this photo album by Connie on Flickr!

I should break up this post into 3 parts instead of packing everything in one post! If you are like me you would probably like to share what you are doing. Let's see what I have to share with you. First it's the Simplicity of the little things. Second it is the Autumn dyeing in jars. Third is the update on the online workshop and lastly, a little exciting news I can't wait to share with you at the end of this post. After the last exhibition Connecting with Nature in November 2013. I was on a roll and wanted to work on another exhibition straight away! I thought I would only work on something small for the next exhibition. Small, simple, but meaningful! While trying to think for the right name for it. Emma Ayres, is my favourite classical radio presenter that I wake up to 5/7. One morning Emma said the word I was looking for Simplicity of the Little Thing! I jumped and knew that I would call my next exhibition the Simplicity of the Little Thing! The exhibition won't happen until 2015 though, but it's okay to keep the idea in mind! The idea was hatched years ago in Barcelona when I worked on my first simple little thing! I never leave home without a bunch of threads and fabric in my carry-on. I always prepare for being stranded in a desert island somewhere! On my first trip to Barcelona, yes have been there more than once, I got inspired by Park Güell that Antonio Gaudi created. I decided to create a piece of embroidery using the dyed threads and fabric I took with me. Until today I still feel that it was one of my most original creation I have ever made. Having been eco-dyeing a lot recently I started stitching small pieces using dyed silk and dyed threads. I'm trying to keep the stitching simple and minimal, letting the marks on the fabric dictate my stitching. See the circle on the piece? Circle appears here too Heart instead of circle Below is the Autumn dyeing in jars. Autumn leaves are gorgeous lately. On my walks I always gather leaves for dyeing. Dyeing in jars only takes a small amount of leaves and fabric. Dyeing station out on the back deck Jars filled with concoctions of various leaves, rusty caps, copper pieces, rain water and vinegar. I steamed them for an hour and let them cool in the canning pot. How long can I leave dyeing in jar? The answer is, not long at all. A week in this case. If you are like me, you open one and then you would open them all! My first time dyeing with She Oak pine needles after watching the video on Irit Dullman's blog. The result from the pine needles is very pleasing. I definitely will use them again. Here are the two small pieces of silk using She Oak Pine needles. I washed and pressed these. Very happy with them. Plenty of pine trees in my campus, how lucky! From Mother's Day bouquet to silk Ornamental grape leaves on silk Eucalyptus Iron Bark leaves on silk Just want to say, dyeing in jars is great because I only need a small amount of silk for each jar and the same with leaves. It's fun to add things like used teabags, onion skin, turmeric powder and pomegranate skin. The list is endless. Update on the online workshop I'm taking with Karen Kuane. I posted a few embroidery blocks on the last post. I then used a photo editing program to set the images on point. My original plan was to embroider around reversed appliqué on the dark block, but after seeing this prototype of my journal cover, I don't think I need embroidery on the dark blocks. I have since finished a few more light blocks with different embroidery designs on each one. Now come to the exciting news! Made in Australia I hear you asking? We were at the hardware store yesterday looking at samples of Australian building products to build an extension for Upstairs Studio over the exiting double garage at the back of the house. Every artist needs a studio right? Up until now, all my stuff is in a single bedroom. It's far too small to do anything in there so I usually work on the dinning table. There are a few hicks-up getting everything ready for a building permit, but we got that sorted now. Any luck the work can start next week. I was told it will take eight weeks to complete. We have to paint it before I can move in. I'm excited as the thought of having my art studio all for myself. Will keep you posted on the progress of the work. Until next time Nat

If you have an overflow of scrap fabric in your craft room you and your family can have lots of fun creating any of these cool scrap fabric projects. These DIY crafts with fabric are great for all ages to get creative with! If you're looking for a perfect upcycled project, here are multiple to choose from.

Slow Stitch Kit, Create your own embroidered and sewn slow stitch piece. This kit comes with a background piece of fabric 9”X 6". You can sew to it all the different elements that come in the kit. Kit includes: 1: 9" X 6" piece of muslin fabric for base . Fabric pieces : Similar to those seen in photos Lace, ribbon, trims, buttons, charms, beads Embroidery Floss, 6 strand BONUS: a printed pattern as seen above in photo 5 Kits may vary by fabric and trims, but I will keep to the same color waves and themes. This Kit is entitled Beach House. The first two photos show pieces that I have made from the kit. The other photos show materials similar to those you will receive for your kit. Please see my other listed items for ideas of what my slow stitching looks like. You also can watch my YouTube videos for ideas on how to make these gorgeous pieces. see: peaceomindart This is a KIT, not a completed piece. No written instructions are available, Free YouTube video

Learn to close fill holes in your sewing projects; watch how to sew a ladder stitch in this easy invisible stitch tutorial. You’re sewing a stuffed animal or bean bag, and you get to the part where you’re stuffing the nearly completed project. You finish adding the last bit of stuffing or filling, and you’re ready to close up the hole. But how? How do you sew an invisible stitch that won’t be seen from the outside? Easy; with a ladder stitch! A ladder stitch also goes by a lot of other names like a hidden stitch, blind stitch, or

Sometimes new laces are just the thing to extend the life of a well-loved pair of sneakers. Whether adding a pop of color to a new pair of shoes or replacing a well-worn set of laces, fabric shoelaces instantly add more color. Take the opportunity to customize a pair for all ages!! Consider batch sewing […]

Couching is an embellishment technique that lets you add color and texture to the surface of fabric, stitching cords, yarns, … More

FREE 1st CLASS DELIVERY! This is a small hand-stitched textile mounted onto a greeting card. I have hand-stitched everything with care and used a pretty cotton prints for the border. The miniature applique is made with my own hand-dyed recycled cotton fabrics with finely embroidered details. There are many other designs in my shop, something for every occasion! Each carefully worked miniature is a gift in itself to keep (frame?) as well as a card in which to write your message. I have listed this card under New Home, but it is suitable for many other occasions from birthday, moving in together, or any message when a non-specific card is called for. My cards measure 12 x 9 cm and come with recycled toning recycled paper envelopes in a clear (compostable cornstarch) protective sleeve - no plastic! Each card is signed on the front, where the title is also written: 'Little House on the Hill' and my studio stamp is on the back. Cards are made from stout 100% recycled card - blank inside. Ref: C513 Read more

Huge list of sew and no sew projects for fabric scraps. Make gifts, jewelery or home decor items out of the trimmings, crumbs and other items you would normally toss in the scrap bin.

I just love the look of a fabric collage using mixed media. You can make your piece as small or as large as you like. Sometimes I have a project in mind and will cut the fabric piece to fit, and sometimes I don't have a project in mind and the piece gets put aside until the right project presents itself. Watch the video tutorial below or scroll down for the written instructions What You Need A piece of fabric - cut to whatever size you need for your project. Fusible web such as Mistyfuse An assortment of wool -

The ladder stitch (slip stitch) is an important technique to create invisible stitch closures. Learn this stitch step by step for beginners.

If you are wondering what is a stretch stitch and how to stitch stretch fabric check out my sewing tutorial on stretch stitch on a sewing machine, learn how to do a triple stretch stitch,

Beaded blanket stitch makes for a beautiful edging on bead embroidery and other fabric craft projects. Find out how to do it in this tutorial! Read more...

Turn a bunch of fabric scraps into an adorable postage stamp quilted pillow. A cute fussy cut quilt project. A great beginner sewing project.

Top-stitching is a really handy technique, especially for sewing projects like a tote or any other sort of bag. Learn how to top stitch here!

I recently made this fabric collage for a dear friend in the UK. Used a piece of wet felting I made as the background. And then went to town with lot's of lovely stitches and buttons , sequin's and other goodies. Used some pieces of sari silk too! I do love to stitch and find it very therapeutic. This piece is about 5" x 6".

Hey friends! I have been trying to think of ways to be more environmentally friendly when I am quilting. I am really thoughtful about the beautiful fabrics I select and I want to use every scrap so that nothing goes to waste. Today I am sharing a scrap buster tutorial to make a quilted bookmark! How to make a quilted bookmark: Materials: Fusible Midweight Interfacing Quilter's Cotton Scraps Sewing Machine Iron & Pressing Mat Other Helpful materials: 6 1/2

Step-by-step sewing tutorial on making an invisible stitch by hand so you can repair a tear in your favorite pillow or sew invisible hems.

Huge list of sew and no sew projects for fabric scraps. Make gifts, jewelery or home decor items out of the trimmings, crumbs and other items you would normally toss in the scrap bin.