Auntie's Workshop

Since my last post, I've finished my first version of the Christmas stocking.    I'm pretty pleased with it.  However, free motion quilting is so different from straight line quilting or stitching in the ditch.  Since free motion requires the feed dogs of the machine to be down, I have to coordinate my hand movements with the speed of the needle.  So far, it's been like chasing a runaway train. As in most instructional YouTube videos, things like this aren't covered.  The videos make it seem straightforward enough. It isn't...at least for me.  I can't just do steps 1, 2, and 3 and get glorious results. Instead of a one video tutorial, I need more detailed lessons and more practice on how to catch the rhythm of this style of quilting. I also want to try another means of stitching the names on the stocking.  What I did was fine, but the lace ribbon was difficult to work with.   Speaking of straight line quilting... This is my first quilt d...

One of my favorite ornament patterns is this popcorn wreath ornament.  I got the pattern from here  more than 20 years ago.  Since I don't (and didn't) go through many tape dispenser rolls, I use Yarnology's 2-inch cabone rings from Hobby Lobby instead (not a sponsor).  Every season I have the opportunity to make these, I strive to try something different with them.  This round, I'm using a simple weave.  I may try something different the next round, or leave them sweet and simple like this.     I mentioned in my 26 for 2026 list  that I'd received my dream sewing machine.  When I say received , I mean it. I didn't buy it: some sweet person who knew I had my eye on it had it delivered to my doorstep.  I have a hint as to who it was, but I'm not 100% sure.  I don't even know if they read my blog, but if so THANK YOU! Part of the reason I wanted it is because unlike my other sewing machines, this one is computerized, has more tha...

The month of July is when my sister Clara and I usually start our "Christmas in July" crafting.  We get a jump on holiday gifts and decorations, plus it gives us time to try new ideas to see if we like them.  In previous years I've missed getting started, but not this year.  I began with a revisit to a 30 Day Art Challenge 2024 project.    This time I solved the problems I had with my first attempt at these: I used wood glue instead of hot glue to put the wooden pieces together.  I only used hot glue on the insert and that worked much better. I made use of the eye hooks I use to add picture wire to my paintings (I've got plenty). This makes a much better looking and functioning hanger than twine held down by an unsightly amount of hot glue. I cut the backings slightly smaller than preiously, plus I cut the chipboard backings with a sliding blade paper cutter.  This was so much more accurate than the ruler, pencil, and utility knife method I was using...

Not a sponsor Several years ago, my niece Cassandra started making Deco mesh wreaths and selling them on Facebook .  She offered to teach me how, but life happened and I moved away.  Over the years, I watched several YouTube videos to see if I could get a grasp of the concept.  They looked quite tedious (yeah, I know this is coming from someone who will paint on a 16 x 20 canvas with a brush with 4 hairs in it). Anyway... In the winter of 2018, I determined to make myself a mesh Christmas wreath and purchased what I needed, but later chickened out and returned it all to the store. Yeah, I know. Leave me alone. Fast forward to last month when my sister Clara and I decided to keep our tradition of starting Christmas crafting in July and planned a crafting day over video chat.  I decided I was going to tackle this project since I knew sis would be encouraging and honest all at the same time.  If it looked a hot mess, she would tell me.  So, th...

CHIRSTMAS BELLS   $2.00 each. Bells can be customized to your color palate.    

Not only are these mini stockings for sale at $5.00 each, but a replica of each will be donated to Operation Holiday Stockings : A charity that sends filled Christmas stockings to deployed soldiers.    More styles will be added when available.

GRANNY SQUARE ANGEL TREE TOPPER/ORNAMENT   $5.00 each + shipping  This sweet cherub can top your tree or be easily used as a hanging ornament.   

Rings and Things   Christmas Wreath Ornaments (Plain) $2.00 each + shipping   Photo Ornaments $5.00 each + shipping Baby's First Christmas Ornament Team Spirit Ornament (Various teams available) Stuffed Star Ornament (Various colors available)  

Starlight Mint Coaster / Ornament   $1.00 each + shipping Winter mornings are even more precious with these minty lovelies. Rest your morning cup of java on these coasters, and/or display their sweet swirls on the tree.       

Rippled Christmas Tree Skirt   $40.00 each + shipping Customize this skirt for your holiday décor.  It's available in numerous color combinations (limited to availability of materials).  Contact me for details. 

Look at this poor lonely tree.  It's as sad as a Charlie Brown tree.  Let's see what we can do this next month (or two) to fill the tree with lovely friends.  All decorations on the tree (unless noted) are for sale now if you wish to start your Christmas shopping early.  They will also be for sale in the fall and winter.