Author Archives: Jennifer Crutchfield

About Jennifer Crutchfield

Jennifer is a crafter and freelance writer living in Northern Indiana.

Book Review – The Gentle Art of Stitching

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Gentle Art of Stitching Book CoverOnce again, I come to you offering a glimpse into a simply beautiful book. In The Gentle Art of Stitching (A20786) by Jane Brocket, the subtitle offers “40 projects inspired by everyday beauty.” However, the book is so much more than a project book. You’ll find instructions and contemporary twists on age old traditional techniques. Buttons, cross stitch, embroidery, needlepoint, and sashiko are all represented here. All this and more are just waiting for you to enjoy in this lovely book.

The chapter entitled “Haberdashery” offers ideas for recycling and upcycling items you already have at home. This is one of my favorite things to do, using old items in new ways. My only problem is knowing how to store all of these sometimes oddly shaped, often singular items. Brocket offers suggestions on this as well as directing the reader to other potentially helpful resources.

Sashiko stitching

I’ve heard or read “Sashiko” mentioned quite a bit but have never investigated what it really means until now. Sashiko is “an ancient form of stitching from Japan, a form of darning … used to reinforce and patch worn and damaged clothing. … The distinctive look of sashiko comes from the consistency, and the visibility of the stitching combined with the vast number of patterns – ancient and modern – to which it can be applied.” (p. 18) Personally, I think the geometric patterns are what draw me to this art style. I will definitely be ordering myself a kit to try this style of stitching very soon.

Needlepoint Pin CushionsAnyone who can take a craft such as needlepoint, and make it look interesting and dare I say, modern, is impressive in my book. It’s nice to be able to learn from other’s experiences and the author’s work with needlepoint is just such an opportunity. She’s broken down the process into only it’s most integral steps and created several stunning, yet simple, projects for you to try.

Kantha QuiltOne thing I’ve been challenged by since working at a quilt shop is how to use Kaffe Fassett’s fabrics in projects for my own home. I’ve not yet allowed myself to buy any because I really just haven’t known what in the world to do with it. I may have found my answer in the Seasonal Kantha Quilt projects. The simple stitching is just the foil for the bold, colorful fabric.

We all can use opportunities to slow down from the hectic pace of life that we live now. Overall, I think it’s the “gentleness” of this book which appeals to me the most by offering just such an opportunity.  The author manages to make all of the different, very disparate craft types easily accessible to all. From cross stitch to kantha, there truly is something for everyone.

By the way, if you’re still wondering which design I chose to use with my log cabin squares, here it is! Log Cabin - Final

The Straight Furrows design won out over the others this time. It was simply soothing to the eyes which, I thought, is what the fabric combinations were suggesting.

(To find an item on our web page after clicking on the highlighted words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

Remember, you can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

Log Cabin Conundrum

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I’m taking the Easy Log Cabin Class with Nancy this month. If you’re local, I highly recommend this class. Again I’ll say, Nancy is a great teacher and the method she’s teaching really is easy. The next quarterly newsletter will be out in April, watch it for dates and times.  If you can’t come to class, you can stil use the terrific tool we’re using.  It’s the Log Cabin Trim Tool.  There are two sizes.  One makes 8″ blocks (A16764) and the other makes 6″ or 12″ blocks (A19020). 

I’ve finished my blocks, so now I’m ready to decide how to arrange them. This is where the conundrum comes in. There are literally hundreds of different ways to arrange log cabin blocks to make different designs.

Log Cabin Block

The block doesn’t look scary, does it? But the sheer number of choices has me a little stumped. I’m going to share the start of some designs with you and see what you think. In the interests of time, I’ve not set up the entire quilt, but just a few rows on a table in the office.

First, we have the traditional Barn Raising set.

Barn Raising

Second is one I really like, Streak of Lightning. Of course, if I use this pattern I’ll have to decide which direction my lightening is striking, since we’ve made enough blocks for a rectangle quilt and not a square. I guess I could make more …

Streak of Lightning And, as you can see, I’ve got one of my blocks turned the wrong way at the bottom of that picture. I highly recommend taking photos of your quilts after arranging your blocks. It is quite often so much easier to see the design that emerges. It also is essential in a situation like this when you have several choices as to block arrangement.

Third, we have Sunshine and Shadows.

Sunshine and Shadows

I’m liking that one, too. If I use that one I’m thinking I would like for red to end up all around the outside edge of the quilt. Or maybe let the lighter color end up around the edge and bind it in red?

Fourth is Straight Furrows. Again, a simple pattern, and honestly it took the least amount of time for me to arrange. Some of these patterns can get really confusing.

Straight Furrows

Fifth and finally, we have an unnamed pattern.

UnnamedIt’s very similar to the Barn Raising but starts off just a little differently in the center.

If you’ve made a log cabin quilt before, which block setting did you use? I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to make more log cabin quilts so I can use different settings. We have some great books with log cabin instruction and design ideas, such as Judy Martin’s Log Cabin Quilt Book (30692), Log Cabin Quilts (A19751), and one with a little more contemporary feel, Log Cabins Today (A14585).

I’m really hoping you’ll let me know which setting you like the best out of the five above. If you prefer another I’ve not mentioned, by all means, let me know, too.

Until next time (hopefully with a finished quilt top),

Jennifer

(To find an item on our web page after clicking on the highlighted words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

Remember, you can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

Patterns, Patterns Everywhere

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I had the opportunity to travel a bit recently, and while I was away, I tried to notice everything around me. I had the most fun searching for patterns to photograph as inspiration for future quilts or drawings.

Hexagon FloorOf course, one of the first I found was the ever popular hexagon. I’ve mentioned before that it’s one of my all time favorites.

Some times even a very simple pattern can seem fresh or new. It just depends upon the colors, the size (unexpectedly large or small), or perhaps the placement of the shapes, or the combination of all three.

Black floor with color squaresLarge Sidewalk SquaresBrick Sidewalk

I also love finding a familiar pattern used in a way that makes you see it in a fresh way. This next one is pretty simple, really. Hexagons and triangles. But with contrasting colors it’s a rather bold pattern. The triangles at the bottom are pretty cool, too, broken up the way they are. My reflection in the glass only makes the whole thing more fun (to me, at least).Star of David Floor

This last image isn’t as much a pattern as just a cool image. When the building next door was torn down, the wall revealed parts of two advertisements that had been applied over the years. It reminded me of old, worn quilts that people would sometimes use as batting for a new quilt. There’s a lot of history inside those quilts. (And of course we don’t recommend this as older materials can’t stand up to the quality of new materials.)Advertisements on Building

So, have you ever looked for quilt or other craft designs in the world around you? Where do you find interesting color combinations?

Until next time, enjoy your world.

Jennifer

Remember, you can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

Order from Chaos

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I’m pretty sure I’ve shared here at some point about how much I love all of the crafts that I try. I can actually only think of a handful that I’ve not yet tried.

However, it’s possible that my first love will always be cross stitch. I can remember making small Christmas ornaments, and a small teddy bear design for my cousin when he was born. Of course, those were the days before smart phones and taking pictures of e-ver-y-thing was the norm.

Cross Stitch StashSince I’ve been doing this for a while, I’ve amassed quite a collection of supplies.  At this point, my stash is a mess.

I’ve decided that today is the day I’m going to do something about it. At least one part of it. We’ll start with the floss.Loose Floss

This is where I’m at now.Floss Container

Not too bad really. Except all of those in the bag. Yeesh. I really don’t want to wind all of those around the plastic cards.

Instead I’m going to invest in the Stitch Bow system. They have floss holders (80170)  that are so simple to use. You simply place the skein of floss onto the holder, maintaining it’s original shape. The numbered paper fits right on, too, ensuring that you’ll know exactly which colors you have when you’re planning your next project.

Floss Holders The next step is to place all of your stitch holders into your binder inserts (80171), then place your inserts into binders. You could even sort them by color! Or by number! Can you tell I’m a little excited about this prospect?

And finally, for today, I’m going to put some into a Stitchbow Roll (58831).Stitchbow Roll  I think that will be a much better solution than the way I stored my last project supplies, don’t you?

Egg Crate Supplies

Maybe next time I’ll work on that pattern and fabric stash, but at least for now, I’ll be able to know which floss I have and not buy again what I already have.

Oh! And speaking of which floss I have, I have to show you my new favorite thing. We have the new floss lines from Sublime Stitching! My favorite is “Frosting” (A19654). Now, I’m off to find an embroidery project to use them for…

Sublime Stitching Floss

Happy xxx-ing,

Jennifer

Remember, you can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

Color

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IsacordI’ve been thinking about color quite a bit lately. It’s just so amazing the way all of the colors work together, the way they blend to make a harmonious whole, or how they contrast to add interest to a piece.

And no matter which department you visit at Erica’s, you’ll be visited by a riot of color. I thought I’d offer you a little color adventure today.

Bulky Yarn Sock Yarn

Through the yarn department, from bulky to sock yarn.

And on into embroidery, where every color under the sun greets us, ready to create any scene or design your heart desires.Cosmo Floss

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then on back to wool; this thick, rich fabric that holds its shape so well and loves to be fashioned into so many lovely items to adorn our homes.Wool

 

 

 

And of course, the fabric. So, so many colors and textures, just waiting for you to come and claim them as your own. Solids

 

 

 

 

 

Now you must know, that I would not, in a post like this, leave you without a photo of everyone’s beloved Bali fabrics.

Purple Bali fabrics

Enjoy, friends. Maybe work with a color you never have before, or pair a new combination. You just never know what might work in a given situation until you try.

Most of all, have fun with color. Maybe share your favorite color in the comments? Today, mine is red. I’ve been known to change my mind from time to time.

Until next time,

Jennifer

Remember, you can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

First Sewing Lesson

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Do you remember your first sewing lesson? I bet many of you do. Maybe hand stitching along while Mom, or Grandma used the sewing machine with you beside her.

The first thing I remember sewing is a pillow in Home Economics class in middle school. It was supposed to look like an ice cream sundae (I think?). And as I recall, the boys made skateboards.

This past weekend I sat down with my daughter, Sarah, and we finally had her first machine sewing lesson. She had been waiting FOR EVER! (According to her, of course.) She’s only five and a half. She can’t have been waiting that long. Sarah Learns to Sew

I’m pretty sure that ecstatic is not too strong a word to express how she felt about this experience. What we did was sew all of the machine’s stitches onto a single piece of fabric. It didn’t matter to her at all. She was in crafty heaven. Of course now I’m on the hook to find some projects for her to sew on her own (she thinks). I’m thinking a pillow case might be a good place to start.

Lace Up CardsIf you’re not sure where to start with your child, you could try an American Girl felt kit that comes with everything you need to complete the project. For even younger kids, Erica’s has Learn to Sew Lace Up Cards (43600). They have pre-punched holes and come with a needle and thread to learn hand sewing.

Maybe you’ve already been teaching your kids to craft and sew. Please share in the comments section, how you started, or maybe which projects you started with. We would also really love to hear about your early sewing experiences. Take a walk down memory lane with us, and share in the comments.

Remember, you can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

Our Favorite Handmade Gifts

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Yep. I’m still going on about gift giving. I just can’t help myself. It’s just this time of year. It’s so much fun to give and receive handmade gifts that I love talking about it.Gift Packages

Today I asked the staff, “What are your favorite handmade gifts to give or receive?”

First off, let me just say, that I don’t think these folks are eating breakfast because I got an awful lot of responses related to food. Of course there were the usual sweets and baked goods; caramels, fudge, cookies, candy, chocolates, breads. And early on I heard, “NO fruitcake!” As I continued throughout the store though, I heard that a certain someone’s mother has a fantastic fruitcake recipe. I guess you just never know with fruitcake.

Everybody(?) Loves Fruitcake!

The next most popular response was gifts made with yarn. Scarves, hats, gloves, washcloths, afghans (made with large needles/hooks and bulky yarn!). Both for giving and receiving, we love these items because they are relatively quick and easy, and fit most everyone! And, working with the yarn is a kind of gift for the maker, too, right?

OrnamentWe also love to make ornaments. I heard about ornaments made from styrofoam balls, glass balls, and even Perler Beads. I loved the idea of making an entire series of one item/ornament for different family members.

As far as quilted gifts go, there were coasters received, and crib quilts given. Apparently at gift giving time, we’re all about speed. )Large quilts take a lot of time, so they need to be started early!)

Some of the more unique gifts I heard about were jewelry, pillowcases for grand kids, and seasonal dimensional stuffed creatures or dolls (such as turkeys, pumpkins, and snowmen).

In general the sentiment when talking about handmade gifts is that no matter the medium or the gift, we appreciate them all. We know that they come from the heart of the giver. And, it seems, that many times handmade gift givers don’t receive many hand made gifts. So if you are making gifts this holiday season, consider making just one more for a favorite crafter ~ you!

Jennifer

Remember, you can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

(To find an item or event on our web site after clicking on the highlighted words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

19 Days . . .

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You know what that means. Nineteen days until Christmas. That means fewer than 19 days of crafting left before those gifts must be given. Maybe even fewer if your family gathers on days other than the actual holiday. Get those sewing machines and knitting needles working people!

So, what are you working on for the holidays? Or are you like me and still in the deciding phase? Yes, I actually ordered a pillow pattern (A18937) last week that I intend to make for a Christmas gift. It’ll be quick. Promise. I can get this done, right?Personalized Pillow Pattern

I also, of course, have several projects half started, or maybe half finished, or.. maybe I’ll call them almost done. Yeah. That’s what they are. I have a cross stitch for my father-in-law in the “drawn pattern” phase. Then there’s the table runner (for an un-named person who has been known to read this blog!) in the “almost done quilting” phase. Of course there are others. Good grief, I’m going to need a week to get all of this done!

Are you in need of some ideas for last minute hand crafted gifts? Check out our sale Cross Stitch Kits; they include everything you need for quick and easy stitched gift giving! And don’t miss the Mill Hill Ornament Kits. They make great hostess gifts!

Or, are you already finished with your holiday gifts for this year? You know who you are. You started making gifts for this season on January 1st. So, if you want to plan ahead for next year, ugh, be sure to take a look at our sale fabrics. There are lots of reds and greens that would look great in a Log Cabin Quilt for next Christmas! Please, please, somebody buy the Very Merry Quilt Pattern (A13042) so I’m not tempted every time I see it on the web site. You KNOW I don’t have time to get it done for this Christmas. And you KNOW I’ll try. 

So? What are you working on? I really want to know. If you can get your projects done then there’s hope for me yet. Be sure to check our Facebook page where we post photos of quilts and other projects people bring into the store to share. We’ve seen a few Christmas presents come through already. Hopefully, I’ll bring in a few to share in the next couple of weeks.

And whether we get our projects finished or they become gifts for next year or a birthday, here’s hoping you all have beautiful holidays with your friends and family!

Jennifer

Remember, you can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

(To find an item or event on our web site after clicking on the highlighted words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

One Woman’s Scraps …

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… are another woman’s hexies, I always say.

One of my fantastic friends online offered some “scraps” to anyone who wanted them. I was, apparently, the first to speak up because she sent them to me! There were some big pieces of fabric in that package, folks. Crafters are some generous people.

Fabric Scraps

I opened the package right away to play with the fabrics but I really had no idea what I planned to do with any of them. Last night, though, it hit me. Hexagons.

There are just so many things you can do with hexagons. So many different sizes and patterns. So many different ways to arrange the colors. Hexagons. They make me happy.

Hexie Hipster CathyHexie Hipster Bag 3And here we have Cathy M, our Assistant Buyer. She, apparently, also really loves hexagons because this is the third Hexie Hipster Bag (A17575) she has made. Her first one is the model we used to go along with the pattern online.

Hexie Hipster Pattern

Don’t you just wish she would make a bag for you, too?

The thing I really would love to do is to make a traditional Grandmother’s Flower Garden (A18167) quilt. And I’ve seen them done all in reds as well as several other colors. Of course, I want to make one of each. Again.

If you’re more into the modern look, we have Hexa Go-Go by Tacha Bruecher (A17622) for ideas and inspiration. And to make the piecing quick and convenient we have packages of pre-cut paper shapes, as well.

Hexagons

Here’s my start on the hexagons made from my friend’s scraps. It’s a small start but you’ve gotta start somewhere, right? So how about it? Are you a hexagon fan, too? Or maybe another shape? Diamonds? Dresden Plates?

I’m looking forward to being able to take a bag of these with me to work on in “down” times. I would love to see what you’ve made using hexagons or some other fun shape. We hope you’ll share and really hope that I have a finished project to share soon, as well!

Until next time,

Jennifer

You can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

(To find an item or event on our web site after clicking on the highlighted words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

 

My Favorite Magazines

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Have you entered the Inspiration Contest yet? Dick and Erica are having a great time reading the entries. Don’t miss your chance to win one of two Erica’s gift cards. Someone is going to win!

Oh, and while you’re at it, don’t forget to check out those last chance sale fabrics. They’re going fast.

Now – I have a confession for all of you. I know I’ve told you about how much I love beautiful books. I already own quite a few. Well, I have a thing about pretty magazines, too.

QuiltMania Magazine

The truth is, I’ve loved several magazines for a long time; even before I came to work here at Erica’s. Quiltmania has long been a favorite of mine, even with the interesting translations at times (it’s printed in France). And I’ve always been a big fan of Interweave Knits and Interweave Crochet magazines.

Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts Issue Interweave Crochet

Since I have been working at Erica’s I’ve become a junky for Primitive Quilts and Projects, which is kind of a bummer because it a quarterly magazine. That’s a really long wait in between! It’s like they actually expect me to be completing the projects between issues or something silly like that. Although I do want to make every quilt, rug, and wall hanging in them.Quilting Arts Magazine

It’s truly an occupational hazard that I see all of the new magazines as they come in to the building. People, I don’t even have a quilting machine beyond my regular sewing machine, but I am also in love with Machine Quilting Unlimited and Quilting Arts. This is not good for my budget.

And of course, I’m a sucker for the special holiday issues of cross stitch magazines like Just Cross Stitch and Stoney Creek Cross Stitch. Thankfully,  most of the projects in these magazines are much smaller than the others. There’s at least a chance I’ll get some of them finished in my lifetime.

Now you know that I’m an equal opportunity lover of crafting books and magazines. Which do you prefer? Do you like to subscribe to magazines and have them delivered directly to your mailbox or do you prefer to browse at the store and buy what catches your eye? Or – are you reading magazines on your electronic tablet these days?

Thanks so much for letting me share my secrets with you. Feel free to share your crafty secrets in the comments. What kind of crafty items do you collect?

Until next, time, happy crafting!

Jennifer

You can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

(To find an item or event on our web site after clicking on the highlighted words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)