A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD Life goes better with needlework
rnaments! O FREIOEN! VERS
Simplify the
Season
50
Over Christmas ornaments!
Celebrate OUR 155 th ANNIVERSARY
We are celebrating our 155th anniversary by introducing the NEW creative icon™ sewing and embroidery machine and two Limited Edition Anniversary machines!
creative icon
™
W H E R E P E R F E C T I O N M E E T S F R E E D O M TM
LIMITED
Anniversary EDITIONS!
Visit a PFAFF® dealer near you today. PFAFF, PERFECTION STARTS HERE, CREATIVE ICON, WHERE PERFECTION MEETS FREEDOM, SMARTER BY PFAFF and AMBITION are trademarks of Singer Sourcing Limited LLC. ©2017 Singer Sourcing Limited LLC. All rights reserved.
www.pfaff.com/en-CA
MAKE & BE HAPPY
E
co. Photo by Alessia De Fus
the Welcome to o n f our FREE versniots issue! Orname to enjoy pportunity o e th u o y to give d I'm pleased all the free content, an s rn e tt a p se Pick&choo te ornaments!* ri u o v for your fa
Something about ornaments is indisputably charming. On second thought, ornaments are oversized charms. They take up hardly any space at all, they are fun to hold, to give and oh so fun to make. Each one with its own personality and good tidings ‘wrapped up’ in it. Particularly when we make an ornament, we let our creative nature unfold with the recipient in mind. Strangely enough, a big part of how we see things creatively is fabricated within it. If you’re not one to start your Christmas list in February, you still have a chance to prepare a multitude of ornaments and be ahead of the gift giving season. Part of the beauty of this issue is that there are many different styles of ornaments that you can surely find one to suit every person on your list, thanks to our creative and unique needlework designers. In browsing this spectacular array of ornaments, you might just get intrigued by another form of needlework so much you’re willing to give it a try, learning a new skill in the process. Ornaments are perfect for this purpose. You don’t have to invest in a lot of material, they’re small and not overwhelming, and results can be seen fairly quickly. Like a two-bite brownie, you’re quickly done!
Regal cute
BOLD delicate country Charming
fabulous
RUSTIC
ELEGANT
And then there’s the case where you like one so much you want to make more. One example is My Whole Heart by Olha Khaperska of the Halifax Charity Knitters. It needs to be said that I love hearts, so it was love at first sight (what can I say, I’m quirky that way). I made one to use up left over yarn I really liked, so you can imagine I was in heaven. Furthermore, I was thrilled with the project because I needed something to make and say ‘Voilà!’ within 48 hours. And there was my trifecta: yummy yarn, my favourite shape, and instant gratification. I had more yummy yarn left. So I made another, and another, until I made six. Olha should have put a warning of some kind at the beginning of the instructions – ‘highly addictive’. No matter. As I accumulated these hearts, I had a happy thought of giving these out to my favourite people at Christmas and perhaps dressing them up with charms, and surface stitches. Really, our imagination is our best friend if only we trust it. Cynthia MacDougall knit the heart in a lighter yarn weight, making it itty bitty, perhaps make another 20, and hang them on the tree or a garland. But I’m racing ahead wildly. Enjoy your jour n ey through out th e issue and hopefully you’ll let your imagination fly enough to create great memor y-making ornaments for all your favourite people on your Christmas list. Cheerfully,
rnaments! O
ditor's l e t t e r
*This issue includes free patterns and specially priced patterns for the holiday season, and for the whole year round!
s t n e m issue orna
the
40
41
16
21
24
25
20 22
12
38
32
14
8
26
35
39
44
28 52
30 31
14 36
23
33
34 8 Cheryl Stranges
machine embroidery Christmas Creations
10 Christine Baker
12 Michele Cheong
sewing Gingerbread Love Ornaments & Clutch
14 Denise Powell knitting Pale Blue Dot
35 Kim Beamish
22 Laura Gebhardt
30 Iryna Varabei
36 Christine Allan
23 Rose Langley
31 Judith Marquis
38 Maria Gollek
24 Sharon Mann
32 Erla Wilson
crochet V Stitch Snowflake crochet Flower Ball Ornament
25 Rebecca J. Venton
16 Cynthia MacDougall knit together Simplify the Season Simple Snowflake Elf Stockings Simplify your Knitting knitting My Whole Heart
28 Nancy Devine
knitting Little Knit Stocking crochet Birds of Good Tidings
appliquĂŠ Wool Christmas Ornaments
20 Olha Khaperska
21 Edie Eckman
crochet NYC Taxi Cab
26 Michelle Miller rug hooking The Warmth of Christmas
embroidery Cute as a Hoop-la! needlepoint Kaliada Star Ornament surface embroidery Cookie Cutter Ornaments smocking Holly Berry & White Christmas Kissing Balls
reversible blackwork I HEART Christmas Swedish weaving Oh Tannenbaum! & Sparkles cross stitch Poinsettia Biscornu Christmas Mother & Child
39 Kathrin Ellison
cross stitch 3 Christmas Reindeer
33 Judith Marquis
40 Joanne Gatenby
34 Carolyn Mitchell
41 Carmi Cimicata
ribbon embroidery Icing on the Cake Ornaments canvaswork Where Would You Like Me to Sit? placecards
cross stitch The Fantastic 4
fibre art Christmas Poufs!
44 Brenda Franklin
contents
beading Beaded Medallion Ornament
5
www.TheNeedleworkPages.com
a d n fi shop! l a c lo
9 listings 9 reviews 9 events 9 new products 9 free patterns 9 blogs
&more!
the
PUBLISHER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, ART DIRECTOR Carla A. Canonico carla@ANPTmag.com PUBLISHER, ADVERTISING SALES John De Fusco john@ANPTmag.com PHOTOGRAPHERS John De Fusco, Carla A. Canonico QUILTING CONTRIBUTOR Elaine Theriault KNITTING CONTRIBUTOR Cynthia MacDougall cynthia@ANPTmag.com
GRAPHICS ASSISTANT Sondra Armas
Website : www.ANPTmag.com Toll Free: 1.866.969.2678 SUBSCRIPTIONS
Facebook : ANPTmag Ravelry : ANPTmag
A Needle Pulling Thread (ISSN 1715-4650) is a quarterly publication. Subscribe online, by phone, or by mail. In the USA: In Canada: A Needle Pulling Thread A Needle Pulling Thread Subscriber Services Subscriber Services PO Box 197 1025 Rouge Valley Dr Niagara Falls, NY 14304-0197 Pickering, ON L1V 4N8 Subscription rates for 4 quarterly issues: PRINT: Canada : CAD$29.95/year USA : USD$29.95/year. DIGITAL: Canada : CAD$19.95/year USA : USD$16.95/year. PRINT + DIGITAL : Canada : CAD$35.90/year USA : USD$35.90/year. Applicable taxes extra. For back issues please visit our web site or call us for availability. Also available on iTunes and Google Play.
RETAILERS
If you are interested in carrying A Needle Pulling Thread in your store, please call 1.866.969.2678 or email john@ANPTmag.com.
EDITORIAL
Designers and other contributors who would like to be considered for future issues please email Carla with a brief description of your work and your proposed project for the magazine.
pages
A Needle Pulling Thread® is a registered trademark. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. ©2017 A Needle Pulling Thread. All rights reserved. All designs, patterns, and information in this magazine are for private, non-commercial use only, and are copyrighted material owned by their respective creators or owners.
sit i V www.PatternsByJeanBoyd.com for a wide variety of patterns
6
SOCIAL MEDIA Alessia De Fusco I.T./Web ASSISTANT Alejandro Araujo
traditional quilts appliqué redwork stitchery memory quilts
What colors inspire you?
BOLD BASICS
Northcott offers a wide selection of basics that can be mixed and matched to create a palette perfect for your next project! Combine ColorWorks Premiums Solids, Stonehenge earth textures and Toscana suede-like cottons to make bold beautiful quilts. Visit Northcott.com to see the full range of colors and textures, and use the Product Finder tool alongside each collection page to locate a quilt shop that carries these fabrics.
7
click here to download
Buy Now
C
pattern only $2.45*
T
hese ornaments are wonderful to embroider, and the versatility of the thread choices makes them appear soft. If glitter is what you are after try metallic threads. Christmas Creations are machine embroidered using dissolve away stabilizers.z
machine embroidery 8
Cheryl Stranges husqvarnaviking.com
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
â—?
ornaments
free version
hristmas reations C
9
click here to download
Buy Now
wool
pattern only $3
.95*
T
his is a great project for using up your collection of recycled buttons. Make a special ornament for each member of your family using buttons saved from favourite articles of clothing or intersting buttons found at flea markets or estate sales. z
wool appliquĂŠ 10
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
â—?
Christine Baker
fairfieldroaddesigns.com ornaments
free version
Christmas ornaments
ARCH
9-10
2017
ay | 9am – 6pm
rday | 9am – 5pm
hase tickets in vance to Save!
e information please visit
w.creativfestival.ca
1-855-723-1156
@creativfestival.ca
11
Beauty is in the details.
click here to download
Buy Now
pattern only $4.95*
Z
akka, in Japanese, means “household goods or many things” referring specifically to hand sewn items for domestic use that improve a home and one's appearance such as tableware, kitchenware, containers, picture frames, tote bags, simple clothing, and so on.
The beauty of Zakka is in the details. You can embellish a project with buttons, lace, hand quilting, stamping, embroidery, etc., to make it uniquely yours. Handmade Zakka sewing uses a simple technique to make projects unique, useful, simple, and lovely to look at. I started my Zakka journey a few years ago and it has been completely amazing to make friends who share in the joy of fabric creations. We visit fabric stores and quilt shows for fun and to get inspired. We gather at our neighborhood coffee shop for a show and tell to share ideas, special techniques, books, and fabrics. Come join us! It is so much fun!
Gingerbread
Love
This Gingerbread Love clutch and matching ornaments make the perfect hostess gift to cherish forever. z
sewing Michele Cheong Michele@ANPTmag.com
12
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
ornaments
free version
ornaments & clutch
Super Power requires Super Stretch!
Eloflex is a new innovative thread from Coats that sews soft, secure, stretchable seams that will not pop! Whatever the super power, you can suit up your little hero with confidence.
makeitcoats.com Coats & Clark, Greer, SC 29650
17-022 Š 2017 Coats & Clark. All rights reserved. Coats & Clark is a registered trademark.
13
click here to download
Buy Now
Pale Blue Dot knitted ornament
pattern only $2.95*
I
n 1990 the Voyager I spacecraft, at the end of its primary mission and 6 billion km from Earth, was turned to point backwards and take pictures of the solar system. One of these photos included the Earth as a tiny pale blue dot. Carl Sagan subsequently used the photograph’s name as part of the title of his 1997book Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space. Some of Sagan’s thoughts on this image include the line:
“To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known.” z
knitting 14
Denise Powell DenisePowellKnits@gmail.com Ravelry: Doctor Knit
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
ornaments
free version
Brenda Franklin 519.638.9958 help@bfdesigns.on.ca
Rypan Designs 416.247.1993 www.rypandesigns.com NEW! Downloadable Patterns!
Brenda Franklin designs more than just realistic cross stitch. Also available are beaded knits, bead stitch, intarsia and needle felting. Check out www.bfdesigns.on.ca for the complete line of books, patterns and kits.
Maria Rypan is an international designer, researcher & instruction book publisher recognized for her ‘Gerdany’ beadwork and projects for many publications. Since 1995 Maria teaches, produces a kit line and presents on beading & global folk arts.
Harebrained Happenings 416.282.9949 or 416.284.7924 www.harebrainedhappenings.com
Crochet Designs by NanaRuth 416-754-0998 www.NanaRuth.com NEW! Downloadable Book! Main focus is traditional designs in crochet and knit for children. All garments are designed and/ or handmade with discerning attention to comfort and finishing. Baptismal sets, dresses, suits, blankets and shams, cardigans, hats and other items.
Harebrained Happenings is the brain-child of two talented ladies who have come together with their love of crafts, and folk art. Our company incorporates the love we have for our pets with design patterns for quilting, tote bags, and wall hangings.
free version
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
ornaments
15
son season season Knit Together
with Cynthia MacDougall
T
Photo by Mike Guilbault.
he holidays are a bustling time – there are all the preparations for shopping, meals, and decorating, plus, at times, the logistics of getting family members back home, and having the house ready to receive them.
Researchers have said that we can be happier if we simplify our lives, but with all of these things to do, where does one start?
Cynthia MacDougall Canadian Guild of Knitters PO Box 20262 Barrie, Ontario L4M 6E9 705.722.6495 1.866.245.5648 (CGK-KNIT) www.CGKnitters.ca blog: cgknitters.blogspot.com ravelry name: macknitnow
My life is structured such that I am not impacted by a lot of the hustle and bustle of this time of year. Still, as the season approaches, I can feel my anxiety level go up as I try to find the ‘perfect’ gift for my parents or a niece I don’t see very often. So, even with my seemingly simple life, I’ve had to adopt strategies to simplify. With so much going on, it can be difficult to find a minute’s peace to sit down and knit, even though we know that a few minutes of knitting might be just what we need to restore our energy. As an avid knitter, finding knitting time is important to me. I learned years ago not to knit gifts for Christmas, although, for each of the past few years I have made sure that Dad has a pair of handknit socks at Christmas. To avoid a lastminute crunch, I keep a pair of "Dad socks" on the needles year-round. If I can get the 2013 socks done and start the 2014 socks before this Christmas, great! To enjoy more of the season and get as much time for knitting as possible, I’ve taken steps to scale back in other areas too: I decorate the house more simply and have one or two smaller get-togethers rather than one big one. A new tradition I’ve started is a "holiday knit night," which gives some of
my knitting friends an oasis in their holiday bustle. To avoid making extra stops, I purchase an extra gift or two to have on hand for hostess gifts. Locally made honey or handmade soaps (with a hand-knit facecloth, if there’s one finished) are usually welcome gifts. And, because there’s so much food this time of year, I leave the baking to those who are so inclined. Simplification is also part of my knitting strategy for this time of year. Christmas is not the time to be tackling a knitted tablecloth or an Aran sweater. I like to have at least one simple project on the needles over the holidays – a pair of plain socks, dishcloths, or hats that can be finished and set aside for gifts another year. Another of my secrets to "steal" a few moments for knitting (and I do this year-round), is to keep a ‘company project’ in a drawer in the living room, and a "grab-and-go" project in the front hall closet. Most of my friends and acquaintances know about my need to knit and aren’t offended when I stitch away as we converse. Still, as a courtesy to them, I make sure that the project is something that can be picked up discreetly, is simple enough to let me maintain eye contact, and is one that doesn’t require frequent attention to count stitches or cross cables. These are opportune times to work on the "boring" section of a project – a long section of stocking stitch or the ribbing of a cuff. Before rallying yourself for the season this year, sit down with a cup of tea and a notebook and jot down some things that could simplify your season. While you’re at it, note ideas for some easy projects that will help you carve out a little more time to knit or do something else that you love. z
Have a simply wonderful season! 16
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
ornaments
free version
on season seasonse Simplifying the Season click here to download
Buy Now
pattern only $2.45*
T
his little snowf lake was designed to be an easy introduction to knitting with crochet cotton. For the cost of a ball of department store crochet cotton, such as South Maid, an ent ire knitting group can have a k nit along and make an or nament for each member of the group.  *
a simple snowflake Photos by Cynthia MacDougall.
free version
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
â—?
ornaments
17
click here to download
Buy Now
Elfstockings
pattern only $2.45*
Imagine a row of these little stockings hanging on a tiny mantel at the North Pole! Sock knitters will enjoy these tiny socks; they use up scraps of sock yarn and are the perfect size to hang on the tree. They can double as mementos of sock projects throughout the year or as a game for family members to try and figure out if their socks will be the blue ones or the brown ones. They can be used as package decorations or as wrappers for small gifts such as lip balms, candies, or USB drives. The stockings can even be linked together with i-cord to make a garland for the mantel. z
implifying your knitting S Cynthia MacDougall
At this time of year there are benefits to simplifying our sometimes over-complicated lives. Even in knitting there are times when it’s beneficial to simplify and get back to basics.
When we work on an easy project, our minds can wander and think of other creative endeavours. In the same way that gardeners can find solace by digging, weeding, and planting, a simple project can help us through a stressful time by giving our hands something to do while our minds work through the challenge. There can be joy in the simple lines of a ribbed vest or a garter stitch jacket. A simple project can be used as a canvas to showcase a beautiful yarn or as a backdrop for other techniques such as embroidery or appliqué.
18
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
ornaments
free version
Simple projects can offer us a return to the ‘Zen’ of knitting by creating something beautiful from basic stitches.
Another reason for putting a simple project onto the needles is to ‘get back to our knitting roots.’ When one sees the change that time and practice inevitably has on the evenness of stocking stitch tension, or when one compares how much better our seams look than the ones we did on a sweater we made five or ten years earlier, we get to see our growth at a basic level. My grandmother used to tell me to keep the first project you ever make; perhaps this is why. No matter the reason, give yourself a break: find a simple pattern, find a beautiful yarn and step back in time to the beginning of your knitting. You might just fall in love with knitting all over again.
Saskatchewan Saskatchewan
Lowery Workstands
Stitches Stitches Conference
The Strong Steel Workstands from England
www.workstands.com
Available in Canada from Tygarth Enterprises at 519-956-9632 or email to: tygarth@cogeco.ca
Conference P rou d P rou d Sp on sors Sp on sors
&&
S W I S S D E S I G N S W I S S D E S I G N
May 31 - June 9, 2018 St. Peter’s Abbey, Muenster for more information call
1-800-344-6024
626 Main Street 626 Main Street Humboldt Humboldt 306-682-0772 306-682-0772
www.saskstitches.ca
Fabric and yarn you won’t find just anywhere!
AuthorizedDealer DealerFor For Authorized
Sandpiper Creations Canada
1-800-671-2272
QUILT MAGIC
905-715-7725 www.thatsewingplace.ca
NO-SEW WALL HANGING KITS So much fun and EASY to do!!! ■ ■ ■ ■
SPECIALIZING IN SEWING MACHINE SALES/SERVICE/CLASSES
No sewing No gluing No special tools Instructions included
AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR
Quilt Magic is just like painting with numbers, except that you use fabric instead of paint!!
nd
bra
te! bsi Order Securely On-line at: e w www.sandpipercreations.ca or www.quiltmagic.ca
Supplies & Classes
42 Industrial Street Toronto, On
free version
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
ornaments
19
skill level Intermediate finished measurements 5" x 4.5" [13 x 11.5cm]
my
materials 1 ball 33-38.5yds [30-35m] of Stitch Nation Full o'Sheep 100% Peruvian wool, in Poppy colourway, or any Aran or worsted weight yarn
whole
needles Set of US#6 / 4mm double-pointed needles
HEART
other stuffing scrap yarn tapestry needle gauge 21 sts and 28 rnds over 4" [10cm] in stocking st Cast on 4 sts using Judy's Magic cast on, 2 sts on each needle. Rnd 1: Knit. Rnd 2: Kf&b. (8 sts) Rnd 3: (K1, kf&b, kf&b, k1) 2 times. (12 sts)
This is a seamless heart that doesn't require any sewing at all. You can use it as a simple pin cushion or to express your love, friendship, compassion or memory. Add a little something to make it extra special for that special someone! Wholeheartedly.
Distribute sts to three double-pointed needles as follows: 6-3-3. Rnd 4: (K1, kf&b, k2, kf&b, k1) 2 times. (16 sts) Rnd 5: (K1, kf&b, k4, kf&b, k1) 2 times. (20 sts) Rnd 6: (K1, kf&b, k6, kf&b, k1) 2 times. (24 sts) Rnd 7: (K1, kf&b, k8, kf&b, k1) 2 times. (28 sts) Rnd 8: (K1, kf&b, k10, kf&b, k1) 2 times. (32 sts) Rnd 9: (K1, kf&b, k12, kf&b, k1) 2 times. (36 sts) Rnd 10: (K1, kf&b, k14, kf&b, k1) 2 times. (40 sts) Rnd 11: Knit. Rnd 12: (K1, kf&b, k16, kf&b, k1) 2 times. (44 sts) Rnd 13: Knit. Rnd 14: (K1, kf&b, k18, kf&b, k1) 2 times. (48 sts) Rnd 15: Knit. Rnd 16: (K1, kf&b, k20, kf&b, k1) 2 times. (52 sts) Rnd 17: Knit. Rnd 18: (K1, kf&b, k22, kf&b, k1) 2 times. (56 sts) Rnd 19: Knit. Rnd 20: (K1, kf&b, k24, kf&b, k1) 2 times. (60 sts) Rnds 21-27: Knit. Rnd 28: (K1, ssk, k24, k2tog, k1) 2 times. (56 sts) Rnds 29-30: Knit. Rnd 31: (K1, ssk, k22, k2tog, k1) 2 times. (52 sts) Put sts 14-26 on the first needle (13 sts) and all stitches on the second needle (13 sts) on scrap yarn, dividing the top of the heart in two parts, 26 sts each. Redistribute remaining sts to 3 double-pointed needles as follows: 9-8-9.
knitting 20
Rnd 32: (K1, ssk, k20, k2tog, K1). (24 sts) Rnd 33: (K2, k2tog) 6 times. (18 sts) Rnd 34: Knit. Rnd 35: (K1, k2tog) 6 times. (12 sts) Rnd 36: K2tog 6 times. (6 sts) Cut yarn, leaving a 6" [15cm] tail. Using tapestry needle, thread tail through remaining sts and pull tight. Weave in ends. Stuff the heart up to the live stitches level, filling the finished top. Pick up 26 sts from the scrap yarn, distribute to 3 double-pointed needles as follows: 9-8-9, starting from the outer edge and join yarn. Repeat starting from Rnd 32, adding more filling as you go. Secure yarn and use the tail to close the gap in the middle. Weave in ends.
Olha Khaperska halifaxcharityknitters.wordpress.com www.ravelry.com/designers/olha
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
ornaments
free version
skill level easy finished measurements 4" [10cm] circumference x 5" [13cm] long. materials 1 skein each of Red Heart Super Saver 319 Cherry A, 512 Turqua B, 656 Real Teal C, and 672 Spring Green D US 8 [5mm] double pointed knitting needles Susan Bates H-8 [5mm] crochet hook Susan Bates yarn needle gauge 20 sts = 4" [10cm], 26 rows = 4" [10cm] in stocking stitch. Check your gauge; use any size needles to obtain the gauge. Notes: 1. Slip all sts as if to purl. 2. The heel is worked in short rows. 3. Carry colour not in use loosely on the wrong side of your work. special stitches bobble – (K1, yo, K1, yo, K1) in next stitch, turn; P5, turn; K5, (insert left needle into the second stitch on right needle, passing it over the previously worked stitch and off the needle) 4 times. bobble stocking With double pointed needles and A, cast on 20 sts, leaving a 12" (30 cm) end for sewing. Join, being careful that sts are not twisted, and begin working in the round. Place marker for beginning of round. Round 1 (Right side): (K1, P1) around. Rounds 2 and 3: (K1, P1) around. Rounds 4 and 5: Knit around. Round 6: K5, drop A, with B work bobble, drop B, with A knit around, cut B. Rounds 7-9: Knit around. Round 10: K10, drop A, with B work bobble, drop B, with A knit around, cut B. Rounds 11-13: Knit around. Round 14: K16, drop A, with B work bobble, drop B, with A knit around, cut B. Rounds 15-17: Knit around, remove marker. Heel Row 1: Row 2: Row 3: Row 4: Row 5: Row 6: Row 7: Row 8: Row 9:
K4, turn, leaving remaining sts unworked. Slip 1, P7, turn. Slip 1, K6, turn. Slip 1, P5, turn. Slip 1, K4, slip 1, lift strand between needles to right needle, Knit strand and slipped st tog, turn. Slip 1, P4, slip 1, lift strand between needles to right needle, Purl strand and slipped st together, turn. Slip 1, K5, slip 1, lift strand between needles to right needle, Knit strand and slipped st together, turn. Slip 1, P5, slip 1, lift strand between needles to right needle, Purl strand and slipped st together, turn. Slip 1, K4, place marker to indicate beginning of round.
Foot Rounds 1-3: Knit around. Round 4: K7, drop A, with B, work bobble, drop B, with A knit around, cut B.
Rounds 5-9: Knit around. Round 10: (K2, K2tog) around: 15 sts. Round 11: Knit around. Round 12: (K1, K2tog) around: 10 sts. Round 13: Knit around. Round 14: K2tog around: 5 sts. Cut yarn, leaving a 12" (30 cm) end. Thread yarn needle with end and weave through remaining stitches. Draw up firm; fasten securely.
little knit stocking
hanging loop With crochet hook, using cast on end, and working from cast on edge, ch 8. Fasten off. Thread yarn needle with remaining end, fold chain in half to form Loop, and secure end to cast on edge. striped stocking With double pointed needles and B, cast on 20 sts, leaving a 12" (30 cm) end for sewing. Join, being careful that sts are not twisted, and begin working in the round. Place marker for beginning of round. Round 1 (Right side): (K1, P1) around. Rounds 2 and 3: (K1, P1) around, drop B at end of Round 3. Rounds 4 and 5: With C, knit around, drop C at end of Round 5. Rounds 6 and 7: With D, knit around, drop D at end of Round 7. Rounds 8 and 9: With A, knit around, drop A at end of Round 9. Rounds 10 and 11: With B, knit around, drop B at end of Round 11. Rounds 12 and 13: With C, knit around, drop C at end of Round 13. Rounds 14 and 15: With D, knit around, drop D at end of Round 15. Rounds 16 and 17: With A, knit around, drop A at end of Round 17. Round 18: With B, knit around, remove marker. Heel Row 1: Row 2: Row 3: Row 4: Row 5: Row 6: Row 7: Row 8: Row 9:
K4, turn, leaving remaining sts unworked. Slip 1, P7, turn. Slip 1, K6, turn. Slip 1, P5, turn. Slip 1, K4, slip 1, lift strand between needles to right needle, Knit strand and slipped st together, turn. Slip 1, P4, slip 1, lift strand between needles to right needle, Purl strand and slipped st together, turn. Slip 1, K5, slip 1, lift strand between needles to right needle, Knit strand and slipped st together, turn. Slip 1, P6, slip 1, lift strand between needles to right needle, Purl strand and slipped st together, turn. Slip 1, K3, place marker to indicate beginning of round.
Foot Round 1: Knit around. Rounds 2 and 3: With C, knit around, drop C at end of Round 3. Rounds 4 and 5: With D, knit around, drop D at end of Round 5. Rounds 6 and 7: With A, knit around, cut A at end of Round 7. Rounds 8 and 9: With B, knit around, cut B at end of Round 9.
free version
The best things come in small packages! These tiny stockings can hold small and special treasures on your tree. Round 10: With C, (K2, K2tog) around: 15 sts. Round 11: Knit around, cut C. Round 12: With D, (K1, K2tog) around: 10 sts. Round 13: Knit around Round 14: K2tog around: 5 sts. Cut yarn, leaving a 12" (30 cm) end. Thread yarn needle with end and weave through remaining stitches. Draw up firm; fasten securely. hanging loop With crochet hook, using cast on end, and working from cast on edge, ch 8. Fasten off. Thread yarn needle with remaining end, fold chain in half to form Loop, and secure end to cast on edge. abbreviations A, B, C, D = Colour A, B, C, D ( ) = work instructions in parentheses as indicated.
knitting
Edie Eckman redheart.com
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
ornaments
21
click here to download
Buy Now
pattern only $2.45*
Cute. Adorable. Soft. Quirky. Fun. Addictive.
crochet 22
Laura Gebhardt lauracrochet@yahoo.ca
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
â—?
ornaments
............................................................................................
birds of good tidings
free version
Fast to wo rk Wonderfu up. l to GI V E.
V
click here to download
Buy Now
pattern only $2.45
stitch
Snowflake
Rose lives in Burlington, Ontario. She teaches crochet in several places to many eager students. Last year she received her certification as a Craft Yarn Council certified instructor.
crochet
Rose Langley crochetwithrose@gmail.com
free version
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
â—?
ornaments
23
Flower Ball
ornament
FLOWER A (make 11) With A, ch 2 Round 1 (RS): 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook, join with slip st in first sc—6 sc. Fasten off. Round 2: With right side facing, join B in last sc made, *ch 2, hdc in same st, ch 2, slip st in same st, slip st in next st; repeat from * around, ending with slip st in first st of last round—6 petals. Fasten off. FLOWER B (make 11) skill level easy
Tiny flowers add a soft touch to these delicate ornaments for your tree. Choose the size St y ro fo am® b all you want, make enough flowers to cover, and simply pin them on for a unique decoration.
crochet 24
Sharon Mann redheart.com
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
finished measurements 2" [5cm] in diameter materials Red Heart Super Saver Ball #1: 1 skein each of 505 Aruba Sea A, 885 Delft Blue B, and 672 Spring Green C Ball #2: 1 skein each of 706 Perfect Pink A, 254 Pumpkin B, and 319 Cherry Red C US G-6 [4.5mm] Susan Bates crochet hook yarn needle straight pins two 4" [10cm] Styrofoam balls fabric glue ball measuring 5" [13cm] in diameter gauge For an ornament gauge isn’t too important. But if you want to finish with a 2" [5cm] in diameter ornament, use any size hook to obtain gauge. Note: Size of wrapped ball may vary. Make enough flowers to cover ball completely. BALL (using colour combination for Ball #1 or Ball #2)
ornaments
With B, ch 2 Round 1 (RS): 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook, join with slip st in first sc—6 sc. Fasten off. Round 2: With right side facing, join A in last sc made, *ch 2, hdc in same st, ch 2, slip st in same st, slip st in next st; repeat from * around, ending with slip st in first st of last round—6 petals. Fasten off. finishing With C, wrap yarn around the Styrofoam ball, covering the entire ball. Before gluing on the flowers, attach flowers to the ball with straight pins for placement. Add glue to the back of center and petals of each flower, glue to the yarn-wrapped ball. Straight pins can be used to hold flowers in place while drying. hanger With C, ch 24. Fasten off. Fold chain in half and attach ends to the top of the ball. Weave in ends. bow With C, ch 52. Fasten off. Tie the chain in a bow around the base of the hanger. Trim yarn at the ends of the chain. abbreviations: tr = treble crochet; * or ** = repeat whatever follows the * or ** as indicated; ( ) = work directions the number of times specified. Photos this page and next courtesy of Red Heart.
free version
NYC Taxi Cab skill level intermediate finished measurements 3½" x 5" [9 x 12.5cm] materials 1 skein each of Red Heart Super Saver 324 Bright Yellow A, 316 Soft White B, 312 Black C, 319 Cherry Red D, 672 Spring Green E, 341 Light Grey F. US F-5 [3.75mm] crochet hook Susan Bates yarn needle fiberfill gauge 10 sts x 14 rows = 4" [10cm] in single crochet. Check your gauge. Use any size hook to obtain the gauge. Notes
1. Gauge is not critical for this project. Work tightly so stuffing will not show between stitches.
2. To change colour, work last stitch of old colour to last yarn over. Yarn over with new colour and draw through all loops on hook to complete stitch. Proceed with new colour. Do not fasten off old colour until instructed. Carry colour not in use across wrong side of piece or under stitches of working colour. abbreviations A, B, C, D, E, and F = Colours A, B, C, D, E, and F [] = work directions in brackets the number of times specified; * = repeat whatever follows the * as indicated. BODY Sides Beginning at lower edge with A, ch 46; taking care not to twist chains, join with slip st in first ch to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in each ch around; join with slip st in first sc—46 sc. Rounds 2 and 3: Sc in each sc around; join with slip st in first sc. Fasten off A. Round 4 (top edge): With right side facing, join B with sc in any st; change to C, sc in next st, *with B, sc in next st; with C, sc in next st; repeat from * around; join with slip st in first sc. Fasten off B and C.
Back of Tire With C, ch 2. Round 1 (right side): Work 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook; join with slip st in first sc, turn—6 sc. Place hubcap on top of back of tire so that wrong sides of the two pieces are together. Round 2: Continue with C, ch 1, working through both thicknesses, 2 sc in each sc around; join with slip st in first sc—12 sc. Fasten off.
Top and Bottom (make 2) With A, ch 9. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each remaining ch across, turn—8 sc. Rows 2–16: Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Assemble Body: Use photograph as a guide. Sew top to top edge of sides. Sew bottom to lower edge of sides, stuffing piece before finishing the sewing.
wheel well Row 1: Join A with sc in any sc, 2 sc in next sc, [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] twice, sc in next sc; leave remaining sts unworked—10 sc. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Attach Tires to Taxi: Sew two tires to each side of body, taking care that wheel wells are at top, the hubcaps face outwards, and the black portion of each tire hangs below the bottom of the taxi.
CAB Sides Beginning at lower edge with A, ch 26; taking care not to twist chains; join with slip st in first ch to form a ring. Round 1: Join F with sc in same ch as joining, sc in next 2 ch; [with A, sc in next ch; with F, sc in next 2 ch] twice; with A, sc in next ch; with F, sc in next 6 ch; [with A, sc in next ch; with F, sc in next 2 ch] twice; with A, sc in next ch; with F, sc in next 3 ch; join with slip st in first sc—26 sc. Round 2: With F, sc in same st as joining, sc in next 2 sc; [with A, sc in next sc; with F, sc in next 2 sc] twice; with A, sc in next sc; with F, sc in next 6 sc; [with A, sc in next sc; with F, sc in next 2 sc] twice; with A, sc in next sc; with F, sc in next 3 sc; join with slip st in first sc. Fasten off F, continue with A only. Round 3: With A, ch 1, sc in each sc around; join with slip st in first sc. roof With A, ch 9. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn—8 sc. Rows 2–6: Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Assemble Cab: Use photograph as a guide. Sew roof to top of sides. Sew cab to top of body, stuffing piece before finishing the sewing. Do not center the cab on the top of the body, Place it slightly closer to one end (rear of taxi) than the other (front end of taxi). TIRES (make 4) hub cap With D, ch 2. Round 1 (right side): Work 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook; join with slip st in first sc—6 sc. Fasten off D.
free version
WREATH With E, ch 8; taking care not to twist chains, join with slip st in first ch to form a ring. Round 1: Ch 1, 2 sc in each ch around; join with slip st in first sc—16 sc. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Sew wreath to front of taxi. Cut a length of D, tie small bow to top of wreath. HEADLIGHTS (make 2) With F, ch 2. Round 1: Work 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook; join with slip st in first sc—5 sc. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Sew headlights to front of taxi, sewing one headlight on each side of wreath. "TAXI" SIGN With B, ch 7. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each remaining ch across, turn—6 sc. Rows 2–5: Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Fold sign in half, matching stitches of first and last row. Whipstitch first row to last row. With C, embroider "TAXI" to front of sign, making sure that stitches do not show on back of sign. Sew whip stitched edge to top front edge of cab. finishing With D, embroider two taillights on rear of taxi. Cut a 7" (18cm) length of E. Thread the length through the taxi sign and tie ends together for hanging loop. Weave in any remaining ends.
Rebecca J. Venton redheart.com A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
crochet ornaments
25
click here to download
Buy The Warmth of Christmas Now
Rug Hooked Christmas Wreath and Country Star Ornaments
pattern only $2.95*
rug hooking 26
Michelle Miller m.m.miller@sasktel.net
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
â—?
ornaments
free version
* projects * techniques * product reviews
KNIT much .com
...to K, is to { { { { { { { { { { { { {{
daily blog weekly giveaways monthly newsletter quarterly magazine fun Facebook page yummy Pinterest page ALL of the above!
and ALL
FREE!
SIGN UP today at www.KNITmuch.com and receive a FREE ebook: Cynthia MacDougall’s K Tog: Knitting Essentials!
A
a Canadian knitter? u o y e r
read about knitting learn about knitting join Canada’s knitting community When you join, receive » » »
4 issues of A Needle Pulling Thread magazine
entries into Random Acts of Knitting draws access to the Knitting Accreditation Program
PO Box 20262 Barrie, Ontario L4M 6E9 www.cgknitters.ca
QUILTsocial
.com
…eat, sleep, quilt, repeat
{ { { { { { { { { { { { {{
daily blog weekly giveaways monthly newsletter quarterly magazine fun Facebook page yummy Pinterest page ALL of the above!
* projects * techniques * product reviews
and ALL
FREE!
SIGN UP today at www.QUILTsocial.com and receive a FREE ebook: Elaine's Tech Tips, Quilting with Elaine Theriault! free version
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
ornaments
27
click here to download
Buy Now
pattern only $2
Cute as a
.95*
!
hoop-la
ornaments
C
hr istmas is my favour ite time of year. The sights, sounds, colours, and aromas of December are such fun in the middle of the dark days of winter.
I suspect this deep and enduring love affair with the holidays has its roots in pouring over home decorating and craft magazines, collected during the 1950s and 1960s by my crafty family members. These magazines exploded with ideas for making merry and decking every nook and cranny of a home. My favourites were the gift tags in bright and saturated greens, pinks, and turquoises. They seemed so fresh and relentlessly joyful on brightly wrapped boxes under the tree. My homage to those long ago gems are 4" [10cm] embroidery hoops that can be hung on the tree, nestled into the garland on a stairway, suspended in the middle of an evergreen wreath, or used as package toppers. I’ve used the retro Christmas colour palette I fell in love with all those years ago, as well as some little embellishments that are easy to find in button jars, craft or dollar stores. z
embroidery 28
Nancy Devine nancywhiskeynancyo.blogspot.ca
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
â—?
ornaments
free version
®
EXCLUSIVE
Ltd.
NEEDLEWORK and CRAFTS
Mary’s Home Solutions . Creative Projects . Yarn . Needlework . Latch Hook Quilting . Gifts . Puzzles . Beads . Jewellery . and More!
Call today for your complimentary catalogue when requesting catalogue, please quote CODE 121
Canadian Locations
75 Scott Ave. Paris, ON 1-888-442-2266 2300 Yonge St. Toronto, ON 1-416-644-1243
www.marymaxim.ca
USA Location
2001 Holland Ave. Port Huron, Michigan 1-800-962-9504
www.marymaxim.com 29
click here to download
Buy Now
pattern only $2.95*
Kaliada Star W
hile some Slavic cultures have Christian names for the holidays, the Belarusans name their holidays by their ancient pagan ways. Easter is Vialikdzen as in The Great Day, and Saint Ivan (St. John the Baptist Day) steps aside for Koupalle as in the Summer Solstice Day. And so why should Christmas be any different? Belarusans call it Kaliady.
Kaliady is the pre-Christian celebration of the end of year. It is believed the word Kaliady takes its root from word kola (wheel) symbolizing the sun, seasonal cycle, and winter solstice. Later it was adopted for Christmas celebration by Orthodox and Catholic churches. Celebrating this holiday people get together for frivolous fun and feisty frolics called “going kaliadying”. They go door-to-door singing carols to wish the hosts health, wealth, and great harvest in the year ahead. During this holiday, it’s customary to carry the Kaliada Star – a handmade, ornate, and large rotating beamed ring which symbolizes the sun and seasonal cycle. Later it became symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem. In this Kaliada Star ornament, the blue star represents winter and the red star represents Christmas. Enjoy your stitching and Merry Kaliady, my friends! z
needlepoint
Iryna Varabei
Spirit of Belarus
Photo courtesy of Iryna Varabei.
30
free version
skill level intermediat e finished measurem ents (cushion only) 3" [7.5c m] square stitch size 65 stitches square alternate sizes 18ct canvas = 9" x 5.5 " [23 x 14cm] 14ct canvas = 11" x 7" [28 x 18cm] materials fabric 6" [15cm] square of 22 coun Cordova canvas, white t 6" [15cm] square of ba cking fabric of your choice as in felt, velve threads DMC tapestry t, canvas wool sewing thread to matc h other hoop polyfil scissors 18" [45.5cm] of decorat ive cord a tassel
click here to download
T
hese little felt decorations are so easy to make. They only involve two embroidery stitches and some seed beads for sparkle! You can easily make one in an evening while watching TV or get your young folk involved while teaching them a new skill. Inspired by cookie cutters, you can use felt as we have for these little Christmas tree ornaments or you can choose any other fabric that won’t ravel drastically. We all have fabric scraps that could be repurposed! Choose the red and green colour scheme as photographed or make them in a colour palette that coordinates with your own decorating scheme. The embroidery designs which are stitched with reverse chain and fern stitch are simple enough that you can start designing your own decorations following this theme.
Buy Now
pattern only $2.95*
Cookie Cutter ornaments
Judith Marquis amberlane.ca free version
sewing & embroidery
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
â—?
ornaments
31
click here to download
Buy Now
pattern only $3.95*
H B
olly erry
White Christmas kissing ball
smocking 32
Erla Wilson
erlascountrygarden@hotmail.com
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
â—?
ornaments
free version
White Christmas and Holly Berry are the same pattern, but look at the difference colour makes. All in white, White Christmas can be adapted to all home decors, and could be used for weddings and bridal showers. Holly Berry sports a more regal feel. Choose your own colours to match your setting, for Christmas or all year round.
click here to download
Buy Now
pattern only $3.95*
IC
Silk ribbon seems to come to life when you start to stitch with it and its stitches lend themselves to so many styles of embroide r y. T he s e C h r i s t m a s decorations make use of several straight line stitches that you may not see as often. Add some gold thread and a few bead accents and they ‘glam’ up very nicely! If yo u a re a n adva nce d stitcher, let loose and try some of the suggestions or do your own thing, but do be creative and enjoy!
cing
on the
ake on the
Christmas decorations in silk ribbon
Judith Marquis amberlane.ca free version
ribbonwork
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
ornaments
33
click here to download
Buy Now
pattern only $3.95*
Where
would you like me to sit?
A
s we gather around the family table the first question, everyone asks is “Where would you like me to sit?” To solve the issue, I have taken to making a place card for every person invited to dinner. I make up a few blanks in case we have guests and quickly fill in their names. If they are frequent guests, I keep the place cards, and if they are passing by, they take them with them as a token of the visit. z
canvaswork 34
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
Carolyn Mitchell twitchet@mts.net
●
ornaments
free version
click here to download
Buy Now
pattern only $2.95*
I HEARTChristmas
&& & && &
& & & & &&& &
Kim Beamish craftycreations-beamish.blogspot.ca free version
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
reversible blackwork â—?
ornaments
35
click here to download
Buy Now
pattern only $2
swedish weaving 36
Oh Tannenbaum! & Sparkles
.95*
C
Christine Allan funandfastpatterns.ca
hristmas is my favourite season with all its glitter and glam. These ornaments work up fast and make beautiful stocking-stuffers or hostess gifts. They can be embellished with beads and sequence, the choices are endless. What a wonderful way to create something special for that special someone. free version
Swedish weaving is a relaxing needle craft that is fun and fast to do. It can be woven on the standard 4x4 Monk’s Cloth to the 22ct Hardanger fabric which were used to make these ornaments. What a great way to recycle your smaller pieces of Hardanger fabric and yarns while making lovely ornaments.  z
Visit our brand new website
www.fairfieldroaddesigns.com
to see our large selection of quilting, punchneedle and wool appliqué patterns, books, kits and supplies. Look for the link to our Craftsy page for lots of downloadable patterns!
Diane Ayles Jane Fournie
Yvonne Meriam
Ontario Hooking Craft Guild www.ohcg.org
free version
Facebook: Ontario Hooking Craft Guild email: ohcgmultimedia@gmail.com
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
ornaments
37
P
click here to download
Buy Now
oinsettia
pattern only $3.95*
Happy Stitching
biscornu
cross stitch 38
Maria E. Gollek MarNicDesigns.com
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
â—?
ornaments
s a m t s i r Ch
&
r e h t Mo
free version
Child
ent
ornam
I
love cross stitched ornaments, and every year I decorate my Christmas tree only with hand stitched or hand crafted ornaments. They are small projects that never take too long to complete, and are beautiful Christmas memories we get to unpack every year. Although I stitch a selection of ornaments every Christmas, I also pick one that I will stitch several times as a gift to close friends and family. I always anxiously awaited the Just Cross Stitch Ornament issue every year so I could choose the ornaments I would stitch that year. So you can imagine how thrilled I was when Carla invited me to participate in this Ornament Issue! z
click here to download
Buy Now
pattern only $3.95*
– Kathrin
have a Merry Christmas
3
Christmas Reindeer
Kathrin Ellison gittas.com free version
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
cross stitch
ornaments
39
click here to download
O
Buy Now
rnaments are fun, easy – and quick! And a great opportunity to try new stitches. Jo has designed 4 different ornaments each revisiting timeless and favourite techniques! The Hardanger ornament, Just Like Snow, has a touch of blackwork worked in blue; The Trelliswork Star is so easy, and a variety of looks can be created with minor changes. Both these ornaments can be finished with a buttonhole edging – a great
pattern only $4.95*
the
As
stitch that is also useful for bellpull finishing. Cross-stitch is the timeless favourite, but Jo added some Kreinik braid and Rainbow Gallery Fuzzy Stuff to keep things interesting in Holly Jolly! Assisi work is an ancient Italian form of needlework, and is sort of reverse cross-stitch in that the background is stitched, and the motifs are left unstitched, as in the Assisi Stocking! z
4
FANTASTIC
sisi w ork trelliswork h c t ti s s s o cr
needlework 40
Joanne Gatenby xs-and-ohs.com
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
ornaments
Hardanger free version
click here to download
Carmi's Christmas Poufs
Buy Now
pattern only $2.95*
Poufs are so much fun, to hold, to give, to create.
These are tiny "poufs of art" that I create to celebrate my love of vintage imagery, fabric, beads, embellishments, sewing, and quotes. I use all these items to create one-ofa-kind keepsakes. They are handmade by me and no two will ever be alike. Create your own, it will be hard to just make one, using your favourite images and quotes, and ultimately the message you want to relay to the recipient.
pouf-art
Carmi Cimicata carmi.ca Photos courtesy of Carmi Cimicata free version
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
â—?
ornaments
41
hooked on books
Monster Hats
Hygge Knits
Nicki Trench
Angela Lawrence
These hats certainly make a statement and that statement is “Rawwwwwwr!” Not for the fainthearted, these beautifully designed knitted hats will keep you cozy while turning some heads. Hopefully not right round though... Fun and vibrant, these 15 designs for both adults and children are just the thing to get you noticed on a chilly night. Projects include a creepy zombie, an enchanting griffin, an amusing yeti and a stylish demon.
It seems that suddenly everyone wants to be Scandinavian, and to "hygge" (pronounced hueguh) which means "a sublime state of cosiness" felt when you are with friends or loved ones. It can be enhanced by the addition of a log fire, a sweet treat and a cozy knit. So spread the love, and keep things cozy, by knitting yourself – or your family – a warm and beautiful sweater, hat, gloves, or socks, with a Scandi feel.
144 pages, ISBN 978-1-78494-212-0 The Guild of Master Craftsman thomasallen.ca
128 pages, ISBN 978-1-78249-478-2 Cico Books thomasallen.ca
The author of best-selling Wool Appliqué Folk Art presents a treasure trove of 12 seasonal wool appliqué projects, with 3 for each season. Her Americana aesthetic, although very true to early decorative arts, would look great in many homes today. Presented in a lovely antique color palette, these simple and elegant projects include a journal cover, pillow cover, wallhangings, storage boxes, table rug, and more, perfect for your home or to give as gifts; includes a basics chapter and an updated chapter on the collection, storage, and use of wool.
The Fussy Cut Sampler
The Versatile Nine Patch
If you are like authors Nichole and Elisabeth, your favorite part of quilting is fussy cutting – and it usually involves figuring out how to enhance an interesting quilt block by framing a favorite element in your mostloved fabric! Let fussy cutting become more than just showing a single design. By following along with how Nichole and Elisabeth create drastically different samplers from each of their 48 unique patchwork blocks, see how those same 9'' blocks can easily be adapted to your own personal taste.
Often, the nine patch is one of the first blocks taught to beginners learning to quilt. But the nine patch is also one of the most diverse blocks, offering many different design options. In ScrapTherapy® The Versatile Nine Patch, quilt designer and teacher Joan Ford offers gorgeous designs using the traditional nine patch block plus more challenging and creative patterns that turn a nine patch into something entirely new.
Nichole Ramirez & Elisabeth Woo
Joan Ford
144 pages, ISBN 978-1-940655-22-2 Lucky Spool Media thomasallen.ca
42
Bright and Bold Wool Appliqué
Vanessa Mooncie
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
ornaments
224 pages, ISBN 978-1-63186-675-3 Taunton Press thomasallen.ca
free version
112 Pages, ISBN 978-1-935726-81-4 Landauer Publishing thomasallen.ca
Improv Patchwork Dynamic Quilts Made with Line & Shape
Maria Shell
Explore new options in improvisational piecing and empower your creativity! Cut and combine solidcolor fabrics to create your own "prints" - stripes, polka dots, chevrons, plaids, and more. Forget the rules (and even your ruler) as you piece colorful solids into compelling quilt designs. Use color, pattern, and repetition to develop your personal design aesthetic as you stitch freely to create unique quilts that pack a punch! 96 pages, ISBN 978-1-61745-496-7 C&T Publishing ctpub.com
hooked on books
I Remain, Your Loving Son: Intimate Stories of Beaumont-Hamel
Edited by Frances Ennis and Bob Wakeham
This is a compelling book that contains deeply personal stories of the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel launched July 1st, 1916. The story is told by the soldiers themselves and their relatives back home. Remembering with Rugs, the price pwaid, is a chapter within about how textile artist Frances Ennis helped initiate and facilitated several large group rug hooking projects. This stunning collection of rugs depicts the war in general through the eyes of women who became involved in creating traditional Newfoundland hooked rugs. 138 Pages, ISBN 978-1-77117-568-5 Flanker Press flankerpress.com
Crochet Bears and other Animals Emma Brown
Adorable animal friends to crochet for children of all ages. A world away from mass-produced plush toys, Emma Brown's hand-crocheted creations live on the make-believe island of Shady Bay. The animals all have their part to play in island life. With 25 gorgeous patterns suitable for beginners through to experienced crafters, you're sure to find a unique toy in Crocheted Bears and Other Animals that will spark a child's imagination and become a firm friend for life. 112 Pages, ISBN 978-1-78249-430-0 Cico Books thomasallen.ca
Hope and Survival: A Story of the Halifax Explosion
Story and Quilt Art by Laurie Swim
This brand-new children’s book was written and illustrated by Laurie Swim to accompany the monumental community art quilt project commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion. Hope and Survival tells the story of Jess, a young girl caught up in the aftermath of the disaster. It is richly illustrated with Laurie’s unique quilt art, on snowdyed fabric, and the book acknowledges the legacy of hope and survival that continues to this day. It is a beautifully original gift – perfect for those young and young in spirit. Each book is personally signed by Laurie. 48 Pages, Hardcover, ISBN 978-0-9783548-3-1 Art Quilt Publishing laurieswim.com
One-Block Wonders of the World New Ideas, Design Advice, A Stunning Collection of Quilts
Free-Motion Meandering A Beginners Guide to Machine Quilting
Angela Walters
Jeanette White & Erin Hamilton
Transform a single fabric print with marvelous piecing magic! Best-selling author Maxine Rosenthal and Linda Bardes share stunning One Block Wonders quilts. Learn how to choose the right 60-degree ruler, pick the most useful fabric, and change the look of a quilt with a different strip size. See what others have done - the beginning fabric and the ending projects - and courageously cut into that beautiful yardage! Sew simple pieced hexagon blocks with no "Y" seams, and enjoy the thrill of arranging and rearranging them on your design wall.
Finishing your own quilts is easier than you think. Turn the corner to free-motion success with a meandering makeover! Angela Walters shows you that free-motion quilting doesn't have to be scary - with a couple designs in your pocket, you can finish almost any quilt on your home machine and enjoy the process. Practice 8 meandering stitches for beginners, plus creative variations on each, with step-by-step visuals and quilted samples. Start your free-motion journey on the right foot with proven techniques to help you disguise mistakes and transition between designs with ease.
Grow your skills, row by row! Dresden plates, pinwheel blocks, and flying geese... piece like a pro with The Piper's Girls! Starting with the simplest patchwork squares and working your way up to more challenging appliqué and paper piecing, you'll sew through a cheery, 11-row sampler quilt and 2 bonus projects. Build 25 specific quilting skills such as getting an accurate ¼" seam, constructing on-point squares, and using the 45° angle on a ruler. Straightforward how-to photos and full-size patterns are included. Gain confidence and learn new tips along the way, whether you're just a beginner or a more experienced quilter.
80 pages, ISBN 978-1-61745-518-6 C&T Publishing ctpub.com
80 pages, ISBN 978-1-61745-520-9 C&T Publishing ctpub.com
72 pages + pattern pullout, ISBN 978-1-61745-592-6 C&T Publishing ctpub.com
Maxine Rosenthal and Linda Bardes
free version
Quilting Row by Row
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
ornaments
43
click here to download
Buy Now
beaded ornaments medallion
pattern only $2.95*
You can't make just one!
beading 44
Brenda Franklin bfdesigns.ca
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
â—?
T
ornaments
his ornament is made using a variation of the right angle weave and then embellished with strands of beads to make a tassel. A loop of beads is added at the top of the medallion to make a hanger for the ornament. Fringe or dangles are strung from the bottom of the medallion to add swag. The ornament takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete and is a great project for using up odds and ends of leftover beads.  free version
MarNic Designs
Inspired by life as it unfolds around me. - Maria Gollek
Counted cross stitch patterns from the beginner to the advanced skill level xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
aspiring to inspire before I expire
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
www.MarNicDesigns.com free version
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
â—?
ornaments
45
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
To list your business in this space please call 1.866.969.2678.
Brenda Franklin Designs 7570 Mapleton SR 18 RR 1, Alma, ON N0B 1A0 519.638.9958 bfdesigns.on.ca help@bfdesigns.on.ca More than 500 charts available for counted needlework, latch hook rugs, beadwork, beaded knits and knitting patterns. Mail/fax order or ask for our products at your local shop. Contact us for custom designs or needle felted sculpture.
Impressions Embroidery & Engraving #8-449 Mayor Magrath Dr S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 3L8 403.942.3934 impressionslethbridge.ca impressions22@shaw.ca Our shop does embroidery and laser engraving. Laser engraving is a beautiful process for fabric, as nothing cuts cleaner and more precisely than a laser. We now carry a nice array of fabric as well to compliment the abilities of the laser.
Sew Fancy Inc. Guelph, ON 519.824.4127 sewfancy.com sales@sewfancy.com Your Premier Canadian Source for Specialty Sewing Supplies including Smocking, Heirloom Sewing, Goldwork, Silk Ribbon Embroidery, Needle Tatting, Swarovski Crystals, Sashiko, Quilting and more. Visit the website for the latest in sewing supplies.
Brampton Sew & Serge 289 Rutherford Rd S, Unit 7, Brampton, ON L6W 3R9 905.874.1564 sewnserge.com monique@bramptonsewnserge.com Welcome to Your One Stop Sewing Centre! We are authorized dealers of Baby Lock, Husqvarna Viking, and Singer sewing machines and sergers. We also offer a full schedule of sewing classes for everyone.
My Sewing Room 148-8228 MacLeod Trl SE, Calgary, AB T2H 2B8 403.252.3711 mysewingroom.ca Queenofeverything@mysewingroom.ca Canada's Largest Independently Owned Quilting Store with fabric, patterns, kits, notions, sewing machines and more! My Sewing Room boasts over 10,000 bolts of 100% cotton fabric from designers and manufacturers from around the world.
That Sewing Place 16610 Bayview Ave #10, Newmarket, ON L3X 1X3 905.715.7725 thatsewingplace.ca jaret&liana@thatsewingplace.ca Introducing That Sewing Place as your sewing source and Authorized Dealers for Bernina and Brother machines. Jaret & Liana focus on placing your sewing needs first, providing outstanding support, service, and training.
Needles & Knits 15040 Yonge St, Aurora, ON L4G 1M4 905.713.2066 needlesandknits.com Fabulous selection of yarns. Extremely knowledgable and expert help. Cozy and friendly atmosphere. Classes. Guild night every first Tuesday of the month. Tea with Tove, the owner, every Thursday from 6-8pm.
The Quilt Store / Evelyn's Sewing Centre 17817 Leslie St, Unit 40, Newmarket, ON L3Y 8C6 905.853.7001 or toll-free 1.888.853.7001 thequiltstore.ca Evelyn's Sewing Centre in Newmarket is your Quilt Store Destination! The staff here at Evelyn's is always on hand to provide Quilt Wisdom, Quilt Inspiration and most of all we pride ourselves as the place to make... All Your Quilt Dreams Come True!
Bytowne Threads - Ottawa, ON
1.888.831.4095 bytownethreads.com
mlj@bytownethreads.com Featuring AURIfil® thread from Italy. Extra-long staple Egyptian cotton threads: 12wt, 28wt, 40wt & 50wt - 252 colours. Bobbin threads, black & white: 60 and 80wt. Polyester threads 240 high-sheen colours. Wool threads 180 colours. Canadian National Fabric - Melancthon, ON https://canadiannationalfabric.com/ info@canadiannationalfabric.com We are an online fabric shoppe offering a wide variety of fabrics, patterns, books and notions for all your sewing needs. Flat rate Canada wide shipping of $5 with FREE SHIPPING for orders over $75. Shop in person available by appointment!
Country Concessions 1 Dufferin St, Cookstown, ON L0L 1L0 705.458.4546 or toll-free 1.888.834.4407 countryconcessions.com quilting@countryconcessions.com Visit our lovely and unique quilt shop in the quaint village of Cookstown. We have over 7000 bolts of cotton fabrics plus a wide selection of patterns, books & notions. You will be so glad you came for a visit. Gitta's 271 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga, ON L5G 1G8 905.274.7198 gittas.com questions@gittas.com Gitta's, nestled in the east village of Port Credit, is the place where stitchers meet with their stitching friends, shop for stitching supplies and see the new stitching designs from Europe and the United States. Hardanger House 4708 52 St, PO Box 1223, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0 403.742.2749 or toll-free 1.866.742.2749 tnplisting.com/hardanger-house.html Patterns from Canadian, American and European designers, linen and evenweave fabrics from Zweigart, DMC pearl Cottons, Caron Collection threads, and all the related stitching accessories are kept in stock. Many additional items can be special ordered. Haus of Stitches 626 Main Street, Humboldt, SK S0K 2A0 306.682.0772 or toll-free 1.800.344.6024 hausofstitches.ca Our one of a kind store offers everything you need for sewing, quilting, knitting, rug hooking & needlework. Authorized dealers for Janome and Elna. Heartfelt Fibre Arts 42 Industrial St, Toronto, ON M4G 1Y9 647.920.3616 heartfeltfibrearts.com info@hearftfeltfibrearts.com Canadian Fibre Arts supply store specializing in high-quality, unique fibre and tools for all of your knitting, felting, rug hooking and stitching needs.
46
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
ornaments
Needleworker's Delight / Silkweaver Fabrics Plaza K 181 Route 1 South, Metuchen, NJ 08840 732-388-4545 needleworkersdelight.com info@needleworkersdelight.com Standard & specialty Zweigart Fabrics & canvas, hand-dyed fabrics, floss, fibers, towels, tableware, leaflets/designs, painted canvases, notions, tools, baby items, home decor, and so much more! Pine Ridge Knit & Sew 17477 Hwy 2 PO Box 68, Trenton, ON K8V 5R1 613.392.1422 pineridgeknitsew.com yvette@pineridgeknitsew.com We have knitting machines by Artisan and Silver Reed, embroidery machines by Husqvarna/Viking & White. Sewing notions and supplies, books and software. Hands-on lessons and classes. Wide variety of yarns, threads, dress and pant zippers. Ruby Pearl Quilts 500 King St W, Suite 8, Oshawa, ON L1J 2K9 905.436.3535 rubypearlquilts.com joy@rubypearlquilts.com We are your full service source of professional quilting equipment, products, & courses. Led by 44 years of sewing experience & more than 20 years of quilting experience, we have the experience necessary to help you push your hobby to the next level! Ruti's Needlebed 10 Thomas St, Mississauga, ON L5M 1Y5 905.821.9370 ruti.ca Mississauga's Finest Quilting and Knitting Store!! Come see our huge selection of yarn, fabric, supplies, sewing machines and knitting machines…a local store for all your quilting, sewing, knitting needs! We offer a wide variety of classes. Serenity Knits 525 Brooker Ridge #102, Newmarket, ON L3X 2M2 905.710.3283 serenityknits.ca info@serenityknits.ca We offer a wide selection of high quality yarns as well as needles, hooks, patterns and notions. We also offer a large variety of classes from beginner to the more advanced.
free version
The Stitching Corner #2, 185 First St E, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E9 403.932.3390 stitchingcorner.ca nygabe@telus.net Your Needlework Shop in Cochrane. The Stitcher's Muse 99 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5G3 250.591.6873 thestitchersmuse.com info@thestitchersmuse.com A divine little shop with supplies for all your hand stitching needs! Friendly, knowledgeable, helpful staff. Cross stitch, canvaswork, needlepoint, embroidery, counted thread, lace making and more. Books, patterns, fabric, threads, tools. The Yarn Guy 15 Gower St, Toronto, ON M4B 1E3 416.752.1828 or toll-free 1.800.836.6536 theyarnguy.com info@sewknit.ca See us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter! Knitting machines, sewing machines, repairs, parts for Passap, Studio, Singer, Silver Reed, Superba, White. Sewing notions and supplies, books, ball yarns, coned yarns, TAMM yarns, Paton's yarns, Bernat yarns, Phentex yarns, Bernat kits & crafts. Ultimate Sewing Centre 191 Bloor St East, Oshawa, ON L1H 3M3 905.436.9193 ultimatesewing.com ultimatesewing@bellnet.ca For all your sewing needs be sure to call Durham’s largest one stop shop: Janome and Elna Sewing Machines, Sergers, & Embroidery machines, over 3000 bolts of first quality cottons, Floriani Embroidery supplies, the latest notions, books, & patterns, year round classes, and so much more! Upper Canada Quiltworks PO Box 64, Brockville, ON K6V 5T7 613.345.3956 Fax: 613.342.3327 uppercanadaquiltworks.com Visit us online for a wide selection quilt patterns and books. Techniques include felted wool, fusible appliqué, punchneedle, rag quilting and printing photos on fabric.
INTRODUCING THE DREAM MACHINE 2
Luxury in every detail Enhanced, fine-tuned and graced with refined new features giving serious enthusiasts like you an incomparable sewing, embroidery and quilting experience. Dream big!
Exclusive
Industry First
Innoveye® 2 technology For precise positioning. It’s like having a built-in camera and scanner.
Enhanced My Design Center New design capabilities to make your projects unique, all without a PC.
Large LCD screen 10.1” built-in high definition LCD screen with intuitive user interface.
Disney is in our DNA Only THE Dream Machine 2 has the magic of 166 Disney embroidery designs built right in.
Visit your Brother authorized dealer, or go to brother.ca to discover more.
INSPIRING CREATIVITY FOR GENERATIONS Photos are for illustration purposes only. The XV8550D shown in this ad has been manufactured by Brother Industries, Ltd., under a licensing agreement with Disney Enterprise Inc., through which Brother has permission to use the Disney images. The embroidery designs built into the embroidery machine are for personal use within the home only and may not be used for business or industrial purposes. Brother and its logo are trademarks of Brother Industries, Ltd., Japan. All specifications are subject to change without notice. All registered trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective companies. The Best Buy Seal and other licensed materials are registered certification marks and trademarks of Consumers Digest Communications, LLC, used under license. For award information visit ConsumersDigest.com. ©2017 Brother International Corporation (Canada) Ltd. 1, rue Hôtel de Ville, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Québec, H9B 3H6. ©Disney 06/2017 94607
47
48
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD