Stitch 'n Dish

Tag: creativity

  • 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.…

  • Spooky fiber arts

    Spooky fiber arts

    In recent years, I have come to love crafting for Halloween as much, if not more, that the Christmas season. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s the lack pressure around gift acquisition. Plus, there’s less pressure to decorate – although many of us do like a spooky front yard. Overall, it’s a fun holiday with…

  • 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…

  • 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.

  • A simple holiday gift idea

    A simple holiday gift idea

    I recently acquired a new pattern for a little fabric container, of which I’m going to make a few different versions. I’ve identified this as the prototype for a “gift bag” for the candy and gift cards that I generally give to my employees at the holidays. This is straightforward (2 squares of fabric), is…

  • 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!

  • My latest library finds

    My latest library finds

    Like other fiber arts activities, quilting has moved being from a necessary skill to an artistic endeavor. As such, we should choose the path less traveled, take chances with designs as well as fabric combinations, and enjoy ourselves!

  • A Joann’s kind of vibe

    A Joann’s kind of vibe

    Michaels, it seems you may be on to something positive here in your yarn and possibly even your fabric sections. Please (please!) don’t let the Private Equity bros that are counting your money screw this up like they did at Joann Fabrics. I’m not sure we can take that kind of heartbreak again.