While my last year's
Valentine's Day gift wrapping was simple and elegant, I wanted to do something completely different this time. I decided to go back to the good-old brown bag and embroider it with red yarn.
First step was to draw an outline of a heart and break it in even increments, marking each one for a new stitch. As this was my second take, I made sure the marks are farther apart from each other: paper is easy to tear when stitches are too close.
Then I punctured paper at each mark with my crochet hook (you can use another sharp object, just make sure it is thicker than a regular needle).
One-by-one - I stitched each line making sure they they are parallel to each other.
Then I went back in the opposite direction, creating perpendicular yarn lines.
I love how much texture it created. Just like my last year's
idea, it turned out to be warm and fuzzy. Most importantly, this year it has more of a hand-made quality to it.
I have been fascinated with the little figurines Robin VanValkenburgh makes. I met her in person at the craft show in April. There is a great sense of humor in every piece she creates. Check out her website here. 
These pillow are the result of yet another chess game. This time around I decided to make them part of my pillow collection. I created stencils out of thick plastic, giving the Queen slightly curvier shape in contrast to the King. They turned out to be perfect spring & summer pillows as they are a combination of cotton and linen. 
Available for sale at my shop
The show was great. I met so many wonderful people, exchanged ideas and shared what I've learned along the way. After working long hours I am back to my usual schedule. Though I am not sure I feel comfortable not working every free minute I have. It is going to be quite an adjustment.
Some of the pillows I made for the craft show have button closures; I decided to cover the buttons with fabric. It was not an easy task, but the result is great. At first I crocheted a string of sorts to use as a tie, but then I changed my decision and went with the ribbon with red stitching along the edges.
These past few weeks flew by so quickly. I have been working non-stop, preparing for the craft show. This whole experience have been nothing but great. With every piece of fabric I dye, with every stitch I sew I learn more and more about textiles, mastering my craftsmanship. Most importantly, I learn a lot about myself.
You are invited... Yes, I am participating in this year's Spring Bada-Bing Craft Show! I have been working non-stop on dyeing fabrics and sewing them into products. I hope to see you there!
