9 Temmuz 2012 Pazartesi

Patriotic Cross Stitch Digital Download Patterns!

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Looking for a patriotic cross stitch pattern to work on while you celebrate the 4th of July? I’ve found some great cross stitch ePatterns (digital download patterns) on LeisureArts.com.Take a peek:American Sampler Cross Stitch ePatternShow how proud you are to be an American with this spirited, flag-waving sampler. The design was cross stitched over two fabric threads on Tea-Dyed Irish Linen (28 count) and custom framed. The stitched wording says, “America, In God We Trust, Our Country, Our Destiny” and includes the alphabet and numbers.Lest We Forget Cross Stitch ePatternShow how proud you are to be an American! Remember those who fought to keep our flag flying with this patriotic cross stitch digital download featuring American military men from 1776, 1812, 1848, 1861, and 1900. Our design was cross stitched over two fabric threads on Antique White Lugana (25 count) and custom framed.Made in the U.S.A. Cross Stitch Bib ePatternShow off Baby's true colors with this star-studded bib digital download. The patriotic pleaser is a snap to whip up in three all-American colors. The design was cross stitched on the 14 count insert of a denim bib. ALTERNATE PROJECT IDEA: Stitch the design on a length of any evenweave fabric and attach to a tote bag, a lunch box, or other item. If stitching on white fabric, substitute red or blue floss for white backstitching.A True Salute Cross Stitch ePatternSalute the broad stripes and bright stars of Old Glory by stitching our patriotic cross stitch digital download. It's great for Independence Day or during an election year. The design was cross stitched over two fabric threads on Dirty Dublin Linen (28 count) and custom framed.American Eagle Cross Stitch ePatternBlack fabric provides a dramatic background for this stately eagle, a proud symbol of our American heritage. The regal bird makes a fitting accent for your home on patriotic holidays -- or let your national spirit shine by displaying it all year through. The digital download was cross stitched on black Aida (16 count) and custom framed.A Grand Old Flag Cross Stitch ePatternShow your patriotism or support our military with this charming flag-themed cross stitch digital download. It will make the perfect addition to your July 4th decorations, too. This design was cross stitched over two fabric threads on Antique White Lugana (25 count) and custom framed.These patriotic cross stitch pattern are inspiring me to pull out the needle and floss for the 4th of July! I love download patterns ’cause they’re affordable, portable, have no shipping fees, and you can get started stitching almost immediately! What more could you ask for!

Vintage Collectibles Update

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I scored on vintage collectibles during my last weekend’s rounds of flea market, auction, and yard sale venues! Came home with some cool 1950s-era snack sets, an Iris pattern depression glass candle holder, a Hazel Atlas Chevron pattern depression glass milk pitcher (my only auction loot this week), a fun pincushion, some sterling silver jewelry, tatting shuttles (bone and sterling), two John Wayne biographies (for the Love-Of-My-Life), plus a bound copy of the movie script of Casablanca (for me)!During the holidays, my family likes to have appetizer nights, so I was tickled to find two snack sets still in their original boxes at a flea market—Federal Glass Company Homestead Snack SetAnchorglass Serva Snack SetSnack sets work great for appetizers with the cups filled with dip or soup!Yard sale treasure: Gotta love this vintage, Made in Japan, Lovebirds double pincushion! (I can’t help but wonder about the first owner of these lovebirds. Did she fall in love on a trip to Dallas? Am I being lame?) Plus a not-very-good peek at my tatting shuttles...My turtle ring! Its head, feet and tail actually move! Too much fun!How’s your vintage collectibles search going? What’s the greatest find you’ve made lately? I’m on the lookout for a new glass display case for my vintage goodies (need more no-dust-allowed storage space)…Now, I need to get busy planning how I’m going to use my new vintage snack sets for the 4th of July!

Patriotic Craft Digital Download Patterns

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With a digital download pattern, you’ve still got time to get crafty on these fun little paint, plastic canvas, no-sew, and paper craft projects for the 4th of July!Uncle Sam Ivy Bowl Paint ePatternFor a fun and inexpensive holiday decor accessory or gift, try out our digital download to paint Uncle Sam for Independence Day or any other patriotic occasion. Our design calls for Delta PermEnamel and Ceramcoat paints to be used on a readily available glass ivy bowl. Pattern and full instructions are included.All American Tissue Box Cover Plastic Canvas ePatternHurray for the red, white, and blue! And for our patriotic tissue box cover, too! Designed with Smyrna Cross Stitch stars and lots of stripes, this digital download is a spirited way to salute the Fourth of July or to honor friends and family in the military. The design is stitched using worsted weight yarn and 7 mesh plastic canvas.Uncle Sam & Patriotic Heart Plastic Canvas ePatternThese little creations are easy to make and versatile to use. Try working the digital download designs on 7 or 10 mesh plastic canvas to decorate baskets, jars, wreaths, bags, and other items. They also can be made into package ties, plant pokes, magnets, coasters, and more.Patriotic Patchwork Table Runner Craft ePatternShow your pride in the red, white, and blue with our patriotic table runner! Created using a no-sew strip piecing method, it can also be draped across the table to serve as two place mats. Digital download includes patterns and full instructions.Patriotic Paper Art Craft ePatternPledge your allegiance to the land that you love with a stirring collage. Fashion a landscape with bits of paper torn from out-of-date magazines or advertising circulars, then add a sprinkling of words that express what America means to you. We placed ours in a store-bought mat and frame. Digital download includes pattern and full instructions.Affordable and portable, our instant digital download patterns are perfect for last minute patriotic crafts!

Little Black Dresses to Crochet or Knit

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I have a dressy occasion looming in the future, and rather than hitting the department store racks, I’m shopping in our Leisure Arts crochet or knit pattern books for the perfect little black dress. (You all know about that essential little black dress I’m sure. It’s a required well-dressed wardrobe staple…Mine needs to be replaced rather desperately…the grown daughter put a lot of mileage on it—playing dress up in her childhood days!)The Quintessential little black dress in the Crochet Dude Drew Emborsky’s Crochet It. Love It. Wear It! is one of my favorites. Love the elegant neckline, slightly off the shoulder look, and the waist would help hide a multitude of muffin-toppy sins!Shibaguyz Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby’s NYC Dress from Urban Edge really makes a crocheted statement. The use of classic crochet techniques in this visually stunning, fashion forward design is just way cool.I can totally see this Daring Decollete Dress from Lena Maikon’s Knits Extraordinaire transformed into the perfect little black dress. With its low-cut front (and even lower-cut back) it’s simple yet seductive. Perfect for very special evenings!And for perhaps a more simple and conservative little black dress option, this springy Peridot Dress from Deborah Newton’s Warm Weather Knits would also look lovely in black and very dressy with all its textured detailing! I was already contemplating adding it to my summer wardrobe anyway...And the search for the perfect crochet or knit little black dress continues…Did you see one you like? Oh, and just in case you’re interested, three of these books are available as digital download eBooks: Crochet It. Love It. Wear It!Urban EdgeWarm Weather Knits

Embroidery Designs for Redwork or Not...

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I love the traditional, nostalgic look of classic redwork embroidery, and I’m feeling the need to play with embroidery stitches and for some serious application of needle to fabric (plus I need to make a couple of gifts), so I’m shopping the Leisure Arts redwork pattern books for inspiration. Wanna look, too? 
Cherished Redwork for Baby
Create handmade treasures for Baby that are sure to become cherished keepsakes! Redwork embroidery is easily learned and lovely to behold on a wall hanging, quilt, pillow, and two bibs. Iron-on transfers are included. 
Happiness and Cheer, Redwork Through the Year
{Thinkin’ about stitchin’ this Decorate The Tree design from Happiness and Cheer, Redwork Through the Year on a pillow from the Love-Of-My-Life’s aunt!} 
Happiness and Cheer, Redwork Through the Year is a seriously cute collection of redwork embroidery designs that capture all the joy of the holidays and seasons. Designer Dolores Storm of Lakadaisies is winning the hearts of stitchers everywhere with her folk-art portrayals of childhood. These 10 whimsical designs celebrate Halloween, Christmas, Easter, May Day, Thanksgiving, and five more events and occasions youngsters have always adored. Each fun design uses only one or two easy embroidery stitches and can be worked in your favorite floss color -- redwork doesn't have to be red! Our instructions also show you how to give your stitched piece an authentic folk-art look. (Also available as a downloadable eBook!) Work & Play, Redwork Through the Day presents 10 whimsical embroidery designs of youngsters romping, playing games, and doing chores. These irresistibly playful designs are from Dolores Storm of Lakadaisies.com, who has been winning the hearts of stitchers everywhere with her folk-art portrayals of childhood. Each fun design uses only one or two easy embroidery stitches. And did you know? Redwork doesn’t have to be red! Use your favorite floss color, and if you want, follow our instructions to use tea or coffee to dye your fabric for an antique folk-art look. 10 designs: Jumping Rope, Driving, Gardening, Ironing, Sewing, Wash A Dish, Along Came a Spider, Fishing, Rocking Baby, and Skating. (Also available as a downloadable eBook!)Simple Pleasures in Redwork
{Wouldn’t this Summer Reigns Wall Hanging make a great house warming present—maybe for my house?} 
Little birds pause to sing or spread their elegant wings in this collection of ten embroidery patterns by Kathy Schmitz. The wall hangings and pillows are just perfect for adding timeless style to your home's decor. Embroider and sew a bluebird shoulder bag to carry your needlework or necessities. Create a graceful bird pincushion or a "bird's nest" folding notions keeper. These heirloom-quality designs will have everyone chirping over your talent and excellent taste! 10 embroidery designs created with a variety of embroidery stitches: Bluebird Nest Shoulder Bag, In My Garden Drawer Sachet, Sing Hanging Sachet, Soar Pincushion, Quill Bird Pillow, Blackbird Sings Wall Hanging, A Bird's Life Pillow, Redbird Sampler Wall Hanging, Ruby's Notions Keeper, and Summer Reigns Wall Hanging. (Also available as a downloadable eBook!)The Sunbonnet Sue Primer
Capture the charm of redwork with these simple embroidery designs of Sunbonnet Sue. The 16 reusable iron-on transfers make it easy to create pillows, towels of the week, aprons, and other nostalgic projects using only four basic embroidery stitches. 
Redwork With a Twist
Pat Sloan takes traditional redwork embroidery and updates it for today's home. This collection includes seasonal embroidery designs, sometimes in the red embroidery stitches on white background of traditional redwork and sometimes in updated colors to work with the fabulous fabrics available in today's quilt shop. Pat discusses the stitches and a little of the history of redwork. Projects include a sewing set, seasonal wallhanging, quilt, tote, sampler quilt, changeable pillow cover, and hexagon table runner. Everything a quilter needs to know to get started and to finish something beautiful is here in Redwork With a Twist. (Also available as a downloadable eBook!)
Stitchin’ Retro
{I may need to stitch up this Shaken, Not Stirred design from Stitchin’ Retro for a wedding shower present!} 
You can create dozens of really easy retro embroidery projects using these 150 iron-on transfers and only five basic stitches: Satin Stitch, Chain Stitch, French Knots, Backstitch, and Lazy Daisy Stitch. Most of the designs were inspired by vintage linens from the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s. From Tiki gods to rock 'n' rollers, this book by Banar Designs is sure to be popular with those longing to go back to earlier times. There are cowboy designs for the little tikes, 1950s aprons for retro entertaining, 50s felines, south of the border images, lots of flower power posies and butterflies, and four stylish alphabets. With the easy-to-follow instructions and stitch diagrams, anyone can learn to be a retro stitcher. Well, what do you think? Lots of cool pattern books to choose from, huh? You know what the really cool thing is about redwork embroidery? The really cool thing is that just because it’s called “redwork” doesn’t mean you actually have to use red floss. You can make every design you stitch your own! I may need to do some “greenwork”!

8 Temmuz 2012 Pazar

Loom Knitting: 2nd Baby Hat Complete!

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Remember the Next-Step E-Wrap Knit Hat that I started loom knitting from Kathy Norris’ how-to book—I Can’t Believe I’m Loom Knitting?I just finished tidying up the loose ends, and I have to say that this is the greatest pattern ever! I like it even more than the first hat I loom knitted. I was amazed at how fast a novice like me could finish this little loom knitting project, plus I really like the texture created by using two stands of yarn.Now, I’ve got to decide what my next loom knitting project from I Can’t Believe I’m Loom Knitting will be!I probably should take the learning process slow and easy and simply go on to the third hat in the book—the Garter Stitch Brim Hat. It teaches a different way to cast on, the purl stitch, and how to change colors. I could make another baby hat. But…Part of me wants to jump ahead to flat loom knitting and this pretty Sampler Afghan…And I’m certainly tempted by this Felted Basketweave Tote (I’m definitely a bag lady at heart)…I really like this Hooded Vest!While the Darling Daughters want me to try my hand at loom knitting Robin’s Hood!And those are just a few of the 18 fun loom knitting projects in I Can’t Believe I’m Loom Knitting! So many cool projects and only two hands...Of course, since I liked it so much, I may just have to make some more Next-Step E-Wrap Knit Hats like the one I just finished. It’s such a stress free pattern, and I’ve gotten behind on my charity hat making for this year!

4th of July Picnic Dessert

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{Hey Everybody! Our Leisure Arts Food Editor, Celia Harkey, is guest blogging again today! She’s ready for 4th of July picnic food and offering up a free Patriotic Dessert recipe for you from our Best of Gifts of Good Taste Everyday cookbook!}When I plan for my 4th of July picnic, I start thinking of all the wonderful garden-fresh foods we have available to us. On my list every year – sweet corn, watermelon, and fresh berries. For me, fresh berries can only mean that sweet, juicy, and oh-so-delicious combination of blueberries and strawberries—perfect for every 4th of July picnic. Add creamy dairy, and you have the recipe for our Patriotic Dessert – a stars & stripes picnic of flavors (plus throw in some hot dogs, hamburgers, and a lotta barbecued ribs)! 
Frances, a fellow LA’er, got my taste buds in the mood for fresh berries when she showed up at my desk with a bag of freshly picked blueberries that she and her husband David had grown. Can you ask for a better treat to snack on (except a bag of strawberries would have doubled my enjoyment!)? I hope you will search out your local market in time to make the Patriotic Dessert recipe given below. Any variety of fresh berries would be scrumptious, but for my 4th of July picnic, it has to be blueberries and strawberries – going for the red, white, and blue in true holiday spirit!
The “berrylicious” Patriotic Dessert recipe is from a creative gift-giving flip book from Leisure Arts: one side has Best of Gifts of Good Taste Everyday; the other is Best of Gifts of Good Taste Christmas. This great combination of creative ways to make tasty recipes into gifts will come in handy for all occasions. For the 4th of July or any summertime invitation, you can showcase the Patriotic Dessert in a glass trifle bowl that will double as a hostess gift. 
PATRIOTIC DESSERT
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups whipping cream
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 quarts fresh strawberries, halved
2 quarts fresh blueberries
PREPARATION:
1.
Place a large bowl and beaters from an electric mixer in freezer until well chilled.
2. In chilled bowl, beat cream until soft peaks form. In another large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and almond extract until fluffy. Gradually add whipped cream to cream cheese mixture; beat until smooth and stiff peaks form.
3. For garnish, reserve about 20 strawberry halves and 1/2 cup blueberries.
4. In a trifle bowl (we used a 5-inch-high x 8-inch diameter bowl) or large glass container, layer whipped cream mixture and remaining strawberries and blueberries, ending with whipped cream mixture.
5. Garnish top with strawberry halves and blueberries to resemble a flag.
6. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Yield: about 16 servings
While we are on the subject of tasty food gifts, look at these delish Red-White-And-Blue-Muffins with a hand-painted, decorative Flag Plate.
The muffins have lots of goodies in them, including oats and buttermilk, and have a patriotic theme with maraschino cherries, vanilla or white chocolate chips, and fresh blueberries. Instructions for making the star-spangled plate with patterns and techniques are just one of many imaginative gifts in Best of Gifts of Good Taste/Best of Gifts of Good Taste Christmas. Sections in the all-year collection are: Quick Gifts, Tasty Gift Baskets, Friendship Gifts, Gifts by the Bagful, and Holiday Gifts. The Christmas collection has: Breads and Spreads, Cakes and Pies, Candies, Cookies and Bars, Sauces, Seasonings and Mixes, and Snacks and Sips.
Order your copy of Best of Gifts of Good Taste/Best of Gifts of Good Taste Christmas today and have a Happy Independence Day!

Christmas in July Ornament Extravaganza!

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We are celebrating Christmas in July on LeisureArts.com with an Ornament Extravaganza—and we’ve got something for everybody! Select how-to books with great ornament designs to crochet, knit, stitch on plastic canvas, bead, paint, sew, and cross stitch are marked at 30% off the original price through the end of July. Why don’t you celebrate Christmas in July with us?Big Book of Thread Ornaments to Crochet
Bright snowflakes. Regal angels. Lacy stars. Delicate bells. Add festive beauty to your holidays with dozens of classic thread crochet Christmas ornaments and decorations! Invite a band of angels to serenade you from the branches of the tree. Fashion intricate covers for satin ball ornaments. Welcome visitors with a string of bells on your front door. For unforgettable gifts, frame photos of your loved ones inside heart, wreath, star, and snowflake ornaments. Complete crochet instructions plus finishing and blocking information will ensure that your creations become a favorite part of your family's Yuletide season for many years to come.
Ornaments to Crochet 3 Ways
Oh, what fun it is to crochet a sleighful of festive Christmas ornaments! And it's especially delightful to create these happy designs in three different sizes -- just choose from worsted weight yarn, sport weight yarn, or cotton thread. If you can work a slip stitch, single crochet, and double crochet, you can create all of these designs. Bells, pom-poms, beads, and other small items are added for quick color and enchanting detail. And because these designs are simple, you can make plenty of decorations before the holidays arrive! Each of the 12 ornaments is shown three ways: angel, stocking, toy soldier, skate, Santa, gingerbread man, wreath, snowman, ski hat, sweater, bell, and candy cane.
Beaded Ornaments to Knit
Whether you've just started knitting or been knitting for years, you'll love fashioning these sparkling orbs! Each of the twelve designs cradles a clear glass ornament inside, and each knitted creation is highlighted by dozens of beads. Use yarn enhanced with a metallic thread to make your knitted orbs glow with reflected light. Display them near a window, heap them in bowls or vases, or hang them on ornament stands. These decorator items are beautiful year-round, and they make wonderful gifts! Each is knit of light/sport weight yarn using four double-pointed needles in size 5 (3.75mm).
Best of Dick Martin – Christmas
Whether you're a seasoned plastic canvas stitcher, or just getting started, you'll love these beautiful Yuletide pieces by designer Dick Martin. From adorable Christmas ornaments to glittery tissue box covers, you're sure to find the perfect decoration!
Big Book of Beaded Ornaments
Choose your decorating style from 71 elegant, fun & funky, snow & ice, or new traditions designs, and create dozens of sparkling Christmas ornaments to fit the theme of your tree. Make stars, icicles, snowflakes, and whimsical characters.
Ornamental Magic 2
Turn a glass Christmas ornament into a designer accessory that will add sparkle to your home year-round! All it takes is a little paint and your favorite decorative elements, such as buttons, wire, jewelry, seashells, lace, or feathers. Not just for Christmas, these gorgeous ornaments by Martha Kenton feature a combination of products and techniques. Includes 33 ornaments and 15 techniques: spatter; spritz; drizzle; masking; alcohol drops; mesh pouf; cheesecloth; plastic wrap; string; rubber bands; dry brush; screen; comb; crinkled tissue paper; and textures.
Modern Crafter Jolly Stuff
Want things to look different at your house this Christmas? Let Linda Lum DeBono help you make the holidays simple, fun, modern, and fresh by surrounding yourself with happy fabrics in contemporary colors. Her very cool collection of sewing projects includes ornaments, tags, a banner, pillow, tree skirt, stockings, and table decor. The unexpected hues and fast appliqués are just so much fun! Features 14 Projects: strip-pieced Peace quilt, ruffled table runner with appliqué hexagons, dove appliqué placemat, reindeer appliqué pillow, tree skirt (red felt with simple embroidery snowflakes and the words Hope, Joy, Noel, Peace), flower stocking, ruched stocking, dove stocking, J-O-Y banner, reindeer and flower tags, and owl, flower, and dove ornaments.
New Noel
Make your holidays extraordinary with the exciting colors in Linda Lum DeBono's home decor creations! From a curly-toed stocking that will tickle Santa's funny bone to a fun flurry of red-white-and-black ornaments, you're going to set an all-new Yuletide scene. The machine appliqué and sewing are supremely easy, and the results are simply spectacular! Offers up 22 fun designs to deck the halls: pillowcases (ho ho ho and be merry), pillows (poinsettia, noel, and ho ho ho), stockings (jester, star, snowflake, and patchwork), ornaments (stocking, joy, snowflake, poinsettia), ho ho ho garland, peace & joy placemats, box, table runner, noel apron, and be merry cardholder.
Ornaments Galore
Trim the tree and deck the wall with 50 cross stitch designs for Christmas ornaments by Ursula Michael. There are snowmen, gingerbread folk, bears, a dog, a cat, Baby's first Christmas, Santas, a tree, angels, Nativity figures, stockings, a star, reindeer, snowflakes, a hat, a mitten, a wreath, a gingerbread house, a rocking horse, and holiday greetings. Includes a backstitch alphabet and numbers for personalizing. Includes large, easy-to-read black-and-white cross stitch charts with red highlights. Individual color keys.
Ornaments Galore, Volume 2
Ursula Michael's #3980 Ornaments Galore cross stitch pattern book has been so well-received that we are elated to present Ornaments Galore, Volume 2! This second collection of Christmas designs includes cheerful elves, bears, birds, angels, reindeer, Santas--48 festive images to brighten your holidays. Use these little creations to trim the tree, or tie them to packages for cheery presentations. They're also perfect for ornament exchanges or secret pal surprises! Dozens of fun holiday ornaments are just stitches away!
The Big Book of Christmas Quickies
Make all your Christmases bright with this fabulous collection of quick-to-complete cross stitch projects. There are over 250 merry projects from which to choose, featuring ornaments, fashions, home accents, and gifts.
Beat the summer heat! Seek refuge under the air conditioner, think cool thoughts, and start your Christmas creativity now with our Christmas in July Ornament Extravaganza! Remember, our Christmas in July promotion will only be available until July 31!