Stitch 'n Dish

Category: Wisdom

  • A trick or treat treasure

    A trick or treat treasure

    When I pick up a “rescue” from a thrift store, I always wonder about the fiber artist. Was this the first thing they made with this pattern? Is it an old favorite? Who did they make the item for? Was it a gift, or something made for their own use?

  • 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…

  • In between the stitches

    In between the stitches

    Fiber arts are well-documented as supportive activities, but we must take care not to saddle ourselves with unrealistic and unnecessary expectations. I am getting better about practicing acceptance of the time issue, as well as embracing my own unique style. My wreath doesn’t look like the wreaths being modeled on social media, and that’s OK.…

  • New tools of the trade

    New tools of the trade

    I cannot tell this story without addressing the issue of AI in the context of the fiber arts community. Many fiber artists get angry anytime Artificial Intelligence (AI) is mentioned, so we don’t talk about it in public. The vitriol and intolerance for AI is widespread, and in some corners, it’s considered sacrilegious to use…

  • 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…

  • 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.…

  • Education, training, or just another money grab?

    Education, training, or just another money grab?

    I have been digging into the back story on a popular fiber arts product that went VIRAL after being on Shark Tank. I have been exploring this recent phenomenon and started with their origin story. According to available public information, the founders left high-profile jobs (one at Google UX and the other at Deutsche Bank/Wall…

  • 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.