Stitch 'n Dish

Category: Self-Care

  • Just say no (craft show review)

    Just say no (craft show review)

    As serious fiber artists / artisan crafters, let’s “Just Say No” to cheapening our efforts by trying to sell the things that we make in a market that is never going to respect them for the time, talent, creativity and effort that we put in. Let’s raise the bar, elevate the standard, and stop desperately…

  • The science of reflection

    The science of reflection

    Over the weekend, I was combing through my photos to find a Fall graphic for my home page, and I came to a realization. It was quite satisfying to look through all the photos of my completed projects. I’d had a challenging few days prior to that, so my mood wasn’t great. I was feeling…

  • Retreat countdown

    Retreat countdown

    As the Northeast moves more fully into Fall, engaging with fiber arts activities will be an important piece of managing the seasonal “meh” that can set in this time of year.

  • Managing stress

    Managing stress

    Sometimes I am thankful that I hoard craft supplies. Tonight was such a time. My collection of buttons came in VERY handy!

  • An upcycling adventure

    An upcycling adventure

    If we live in fear of falling short of perfection, and never try things that we may not know how to do, we will never find out what we CAN do. Use the good fabric (& yarn) – life is too short not to!

  • The benefits of struggle

    The benefits of struggle

    I learned to sew on a Kenmore sewing machine, which I was using up until about 10 years ago when I purchased a Singer model at Joann’s. About a year ago I was offered a great deal on a used Brother sewing machine that had a (basic) embroidery option, which is why I bought it.…

  • A quilting we will go

    A quilting we will go

    My sister and I are signed up to attend another 2-day, “sleep in your own bed” quilting retreat at the end of September. We attended our FIRST one back in March, and had a blast! The same local quilt shop is offering the Fall retreat, so we’ve begun to plan our retreat projects. We’re planning…

  • A question of value(s)

    A question of value(s)

    In today’s blog post we explore overpriced designer handbags, the acrylic vs. natural yarn debate, yarn shop snobbery, and the StevenBe controversy.

  • How Marketing Shapes What We Buy (and Why It Shouldn’t)

    How Marketing Shapes What We Buy (and Why It Shouldn’t)

    In this blog post, I explore how easily fiber‑arts consumers are nudged into buying tools and materials that don’t necessarily improve our craft. From scarcity language to influencer hype, the marketing around “designer” hooks, needles, and boutique yarns often shapes our spending more than actual performance of the items. This post examines what truly matters…

  • Unintended consequences

    Unintended consequences

    If ALL of us do a little, (supporting our local fabric and yarn shops) is not a hard task. It just takes each of us remembering to think of our local fabric and yarn shops, and give them some of our time, attention and (of course), money!