Tutorial ....

Edited 9/30/2012:    Per request, I added some patterns I created / used to the tutorial.    And enlarged some of the photographs (tho, I think if you click on them, they will enlarge on your computer screen).    

Welcome new readers from Craft Gossip dot com!    I was excited to be featured.     Link here.     

I have tried a step-by-step

tutorial for the 

matchbook style needle books 

that were favors for a recent NANI workshop.

Direct link HERE

or from the sidebar.

If you have questions, please send me an e-mail.

Barbara (and others who have asked):   

I hope to have the kanzashi tutorial up soon.

fun stuff + giveaway

Party Favors!!!

On Saturday, before the workshop began, each participant selected a gift bag.

Inside was the kit (instructions, linen, perle cottons, needles), an ort container

(made by the lovely and talented South Paw Stitcher)

and match book style needlebook - open the matchbook + there is felt where the matches should be.

(made by yours truly)

Interested in seeing photos of the stunning

show-n-tell?

Visit South Paw Stitchers' post.

Interested in having an ort container of your own?  

Along with some needlework stash?

Visit The Molly Giveaway post for details.

I am over the moon with my new patterns ...

Here are some of the designs I created on the matchbook covers:

and ... the ones left over from the workshop

will be sold at the Holiday Boutique.

More metallics on card stock ...

OK, I think I have the hang of this --- after a few matchbook covers,

I realized two things ...

First, remember to change needles when you switch from

Kreinik size 8 braid - to DMC spool of gold thread ...

Second, use a tool to score the paper before

folding.   

I thought I wouldn't like the off white; however, it 

really isn't that boring -- and I found some lovely

felt earlier today (teal, purple, etc).

Will see what I can accomplish tonight (or into the wee hours of the morning).   

It really is a fun thing to do.

Stitching on Card Stock

For some time, I have been interested in experimenting - trying something differernt.

   stitching on cards.

And, there are some interesting pinterest ideas about making matchbook-style needlebooks.    Of course, there are tutorials, which explain how to make them.    Yet, late at night, when the computer is in another room (where DH is sleeping), I just kind of winged it.

I used Recollections brand, Bookmarks, from Michael's (these are 'Primary", I also have "Speckled" - an ivory card stock).   There are 50 precut cards in a package, for around $3 or $4 (depending on the coupon).    I took a matchbook out of the kitchen drawer and folded the bottom, and folded two places at the top.

Some of the matchbooks I've seen on line have one fold at the top; however, I really wanted this to look like a matchbook + wanted the needles to have 'room' without getting squished.   Perhaps only one fold is needed.   I thought two looked ok.

Then, I grabbed graph paper.    I drew out some possible designs,trying to keep them diamond shaped on the outside.   With a lace tool, needle pricker, I put the holes in the paper (which was easier than I previously thought).  

Of course, with spool of DMC metallic thread in hand (then found some Kreinik braid), I sorta skipped the design and just used the holes to 'stitch'.   I had five different designs stitched with the same holes in the card stock.    Then, did a basic diamond with lots of criss crossing.   (which DD said looked the best).    They take about a yard of metallic thread / matchbook cover.

I have some felt in the wardrobe, and can get the pieces cut for the inside, and also a new stapler -- with jam proof staples (did you know there was such a thing?).  

The plan is to make up all the cards and send them to South Paw Stitcher.   Some to be used at the NANI workshop on September 8th (if Southpaw Stitcher says they are a good match with her triangle boxes), and some to be sold at the Boutique in November.     I hope the colors are ok, and if not, the off white card stock should match up with just about anything.

Meanwhile, I have oodles of ideas, never enough free time, and hope to be able to pull this off in a week!