Needle Crafts

Truth! When I decided to join in on the Plastic Canvas Blog Hop hosted by Diane over at Craftypod, I had never in my life made one single stitch on plastic canvas. Tons of needlepoint and Bargello stitching yes, but never plastic canvas.

Most of my readers know that when I am working on a project in earnest, I carry it with me almost everywhere I go to take advantage of what would otherwise be "lost" minutes! This habit is a big part of how I manage to fit as much crafty goodness into my life as I do! Generally speaking - most fiber crafts - knitting, crochet, embroidery and hand sewing - are excellent candidates! Hexies on the go - a bit more challenging! So many little bits and scraps - and hexies to corral. 

Marking straight lines on felted fabrics can be a bit tricky. Chalk barely stays in place long enough to get the job done and marking pens seem to find the uneven texture a challenge. So I tried using masking tape and to my surprise it worked perfectly!

Masking tape clings just enough to stay in place while stitching and releases without pulling the fibers. I used the same pieces over and over - no need for a fresh piece each time a line needs to be marked.

Dutch Canal Houses Embroidery completed! And I am happy to report - completed in time for St. Nicholas Day last December. At least one end of it.

I am the first to notice my stitching is not perfect, but one thing I did learn is that, in this particular case at least, the whole is greater than it's imperfect parts!

Please join me here on "Scandinavian Christmas" to learn how to make this little Sami Elf!!