Passementerie Pincushion

I whipped up this cute pin cushion today after I finished the hot pockets (the potholders in the post below, not the frozen pizza concoctions). 

This pattern, featured in the spring 2010 issue of Stitch, is designed by Eva Hanusova.

The most time consuming part of this pattern is the decorative stitching on each trim.  The assembly is straight forward.  I backed mine with silk dupioni. 

Hot Pocket

I love this hot pocket pattern!  It is the design of Penny Layman, and you can find her blogging here.  It is featured in the spring 2012 issue of Stitch magazine.

When I saw this pattern, I knew I wanted one for myself (my potholders are in a sad state), and one for my grandmother (who is probably my biggest cooking inspiration).  She can (and has) thrown a party for a hundred, at her house, and made it look easy!

So, this pattern was pretty straight forward, though a little time consuming.  As long as you follow the directions, it should come together without much trouble.  The funnest part was, of course, picking out the patchwork fabric!

Here is mine- I love the binding!

The backer and the binding work well together, I think

Inside is just as pretty as outside!

Here is my Grandmother's- her kitchen is done in shades of green

Pretty Petals Clutch

This super cute and easy clutch pattern is designed by Rebeka Lambert.  You can find her blogging here.  The pattern made the cover of the spring 2010 issue of Stitch. 

When I first got the magazine, I stitched up a clutch for myself, complete with buttons on the flap. 

This year for the holidays, I worked up six clutches for each lady on my list.  They were a big success!  Instead of buttons on the flap, I added a faux leather piece, which I accented with variegated thread stitching. 

I used some beautiful linen fabric in bright saturated colors.  You might recognize the linen from this post. 

The clutches worked up really quick, and were fun to make.  I added fleece interfacing because I wanted the purses to have a little more structure. 

Sashiko Coaster Set

This coaster set is featured in the Spring 2012 issue of Stitch magazine, and is the design of Rachel Hauser.  You can find her blogging here. 

This is my first project featuring sashiko embroidery, and I quite enjoyed it!  I opted for a saturated color palette instead of a muted one, and used linen throughout.

These coasters are small in size, but embroidering each makes this more of a weekend project. 

Elf Baby

He came together pretty quickly!

I made this cute little doll as a xmas present for my nephew,  who is known by his nickname, 'Seaweed'.  He's a boy on the move; he hates to sit and play, so I thought the shape of the doll's head was perfect to grab and go! 

This pattern is from the Stitch 2011 gift issue, and is the design of Jessica Beaudet.  She has a blog, which you can visit here. 

I stitched 'Seaweed' on the back

The original pattern used felted wool sweaters, which
is a great idea.  I went with a soft flannel and fleece
combo.

Party Lanterns

These cute party lanterns are from Stitch spring 2012, and are designed by Stephanie Smith.

I caught up on a few online episodes of Craig Ferguson, and before I knew it they were ready to hang!  The lanterns hold their shape very nicely with just the interfacing, though some fiddling in necessary to get them pushed out just right.  I also added some hand stitching around the tops.

I have them hanging in my craft room; I like how they sway with the ceiling fan.