Traditional design sashiko sampler

On the personal front, I finished stitching the traditional design sashiko sampler I designed while listening to Owner's Share by Nathan Lowell.  The story, as with all by Mr. Lowell, was enjoyable.  Though I was left with a sadness that I'd not felt from any other book.  So go enjoy the story - but grab your kleenex box!  If you haven't read or listened to his other books - the first is Quarter Share and by far my favorite.

Another note on the personal front, I'm looking into trying my hand at substituting in the school district here.  (Teaching and clerical work.)  As much as I like being a stay at home mom and running my little shop, I think I need to get out more!!!  Cross your fingers for me that I don't get scared off the first day!

Work in Progress - Sashiko Sampler with 3 Traditional Designs

Striving for perfection.  It's a blessing some times.  Working through beautiful crafts and knowing your hands did the work for the final product is so rewarding.  Sashiko is a pretty simple craft, but perfecting it takes time and practice.  I'm putting in my dues so I can feel more confident teaching, so I'll be ready for the next course when it's available, and so I can help keep this craft alive.

Currently I'm working through a new sampler that I finished designing this week.  Started it Saturday and I'm one third of the way though.  Considering the lack of time I've had to work on crafts - it's good progress.  (Archery, science fairs, game days, etc - can't escape them and that time with family and friends is why I'm a stay at home mom. ;)

I'm working through quite a few samplers of late and wondering what should be the final project to use them and combine them.  Currently I'm thinking a lap blanket.  (I have WAY too many bags - so those are out!)  Adding them into an apron design could be fun too.  Any other ideas?

The PDF version of this Sashiko Sampler with 3 Traditional Designs is available in my shop.  Stitching order instructions are included.

What projects are you working on lately?

New Printable Sashiko Pattern - Geek Style!

Mashing one of my favorite hobbies and Android fan geek-ness together for this new printable sashiko design was an absolute blast!

Here I stitched the sampler to show that you don't just have to use a single color.  This one was meant for you to let your hair down and get a little crazy with. :)

It's easy to trace and easy to stitch.

Now to ponder what other crazy designs should be put into sashiko patterns.  Any suggestions?

NCFF here we come!

Today I head out for North Country Fiber Fair and I'm incredibly excited!   Several friends and I are sharing a booth and it will be a blast hanging out with them for the whole weekend.  (I've never had "time off" from being a mom for more than 24 hours.)

Spots are still available in the Beginning Sashiko class I'll be teaching and several other classes have spots yet too.  I'm hoping to firm up which classes I can take too today - just need to confirm schedules with my vending cohorts.

I'll be featuring some new products at the fiber fair too - focused on the sashiko theme.  Here's a sneak peek.

I'll also have make your own furoshiki kits with tying instructions, but I didn't have time to photograph those.

When I'm back I'll post a report of the fair and of the spiffy lip balm I won in a giveaway from Five Seed. (Fab lip balm!)