<Living Crafts Blog

a fly stitch sample from week one of Take a Stitch Tuesday

Looking to learn some new handsewing skills this year?  This may be just the challenge….

Take a Stitch Tuesday is a project initiated by Sharon B. at Pin Tangle.

It’s a project that is as much about creative community as it is about learning a new stitch and stretching our handwork abilities, with challenge members sharing their experiences with the stitches through on online forum, comments, photos and blog links.

Sharon's fly stitch sample from TAST week 1

Sharon's buttonhole stitch from week 2 of the challenge

“There is not a particular project to work on. The idea is to experiment with stitches. They can be small samples on scraps of fabric or doodle cloths. Some people are going to make a band sampler, others are making fabric books, others working the challenge stitches on a crazy quilt block or project, while others are going to use fabric postcards, and ATCs (Artist Trading Cards).  The challenge is to work the stitch. The format or project is totally up to you.”

The stitch for this week is Feather Stitch- are you ready to start?  With such a beautiful presentation of stitch inspiration, plus instructions, it’s hard to resist the urge to find a quiet moment and get stitching!

Sharon's feather stitch sample from TAST week 4

Sharon has also developed a wonderful stitch dictionary at: Sharon B.’s Dictionary of Stitches for Hand Embroidery and Needlework.

Her website is an amazing resource in stitches, with tutorials, stitch worksheets, and inspiring photographs.

Learn more about the Take a Stitch Tuesday weekly challenge at Sharon’s website: Pin Tangle

Fiona Duthie is a regular contributor to Living Crafts.

In her studio on Salt Spring Island, BC, she creates in a bountiful beauty of color, wool, and texture, inspired by the natural world. Fiona designs fine feltwork, felting and knitting patterns, gives workshops in natural craft, and runs her hand dyed, artisan fibre company, Kattikloo. You can read more about her fibers, projects and creative living at www.kattikloo.com and on Facebook.

Check out this Cross stitch double decker bus.

This beautiful onesie, stitched by OliverHandmade is practical and cute. This design is also offered for bibs.

This hat tutorial from annekata is so smart and easy to make. It’s a great project for recycling too.