Hooks, Needles and Brushes

Quilt Album Review- Coming Soon!!

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:47:00 PST

Stay connected as I will be posting review of Quilt Album.. an amazing software for quilters.

Quilts!!

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:04:00 PST

Hey Everyone,

I recently finished this quilt from all the scraps I had. I am happy the way it turned out and plan to do some more when I collect some extra scraps. I made it like a wall hanging with pictures of my pet from the time we got him home till date. The picture isn't the best, will post one once I put up on wall as wall hanging.

Let me know what you think about this quilt. I am also working on spiderweb quilt for classes...hope everything turns out great.

New Year!!

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 07:14:00 PST

Hey Everybody,

Trust everyone had a great time with friends and family, I had a wonderful time with my family. Now I am back to more teaching, projects , tutorials and my own quilting. I have started 2 quilts from all the scraps for my home. 1 is about to get over today and so will share pics...what are you guys working on.

Love,

Happy Holidays!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 19:16:00 PST

Wishing everyone Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!

Dress made from Hankie

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:45:00 PST

Hey Everyone,

I had a busy and a very tiring day however had to share this project that we worked on today. The pattern is from the book Hankie Couture from Marsha Greenberg. You can read the book review in my last post.
I love the way this dress turned out. I also made a small purse to go with her and used twines from twinery for her dress and as her hair accessory.Next I will work on her shoes and different designs for accessories. I am planning on using more of these twines in my upcoming Moda Project i.e. if I happen to buy.

She is such an adorable girl, right?. She is also one of the dolls Marsha sells.

I am currently working on my own quilts as have off time in between busy schedule, so will post pics soon.

Love,

Review and Interview with Marsha Greenberg of Hankie Couture

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:29:00 PST

"Hankie Couture" is an amazing book featuring pretty barbie kind of dolls dressed with victorian as well as modern form of clothing. The book features dolls dresses sewed by "Marsha Greenberg". It is a book which every doll lover would love to have in their collection or would love to gift someone. We may grow up however there is still a small child in us who still loves dolls atleast in me. I am totally in love with this book and the doll dresses. It amazes me that the entire dress is stitched just using a hankie...yes that's true she stitches the whole dress with just a hankie..isn't that just cool. Her book not only features doll with pretty dresses but also has a pattern if you would love to try your hands on stitching. She owns store on ebay, etsy where she sells her doll dresses and even her own unique dolls featured in the bookIt is very much evident how much Marsha loves creating these dresses for her doll with vintage looking hankies.Go check out Marsha and her wonderful creation at Hankie Couture on the below links and I can guarantee you will fall in love with her creations. They are just wonderful.

Interview with Marsha Greenberg.

When did you start sewing?

I started sewing when I was eight years old.

Did you always love sewing/designing?

I love, love, love creating, designing and sewing. The ideas just keep on coming, even in my sleep.

Did you take any formal training?

The only formal training I've ever had took place when I was eleven years old and my mom enolled me in summer sewing course.

How dit it all began, the idea of sewing doll dresses?

One day in 2002, I was on an antiquing trip to Adamstown, Pennsylvania. What I saw ib the corner of an antique store there- a breathtaking display of vintage handkerschiefs and that changed my life forever.

Which is your favorite Hankie Couture dress?

MY favorite Hankie Couture dress is the one I named the Anniversary Muse. It is a red, blue, and white apron dress featuring a double-scallop pattern on the skirt and large red roses in the center. The strategically designed skirt features an apron stitched down on the back and bottom, but the front of the apron is free and can lift up. The apron pattern continues around to the back and the two pieces come together in a perfectly matched seam. The white dress underneath is pure cotton linen. Finishing touches include a matching scallop-rimmed collar, a satin-ribbon belt adorned with a rose, and a floral headband.

How old is a "vintage" handkerchief?

Handkerchiefs became popular in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s, and most of the hankies used in Hankie Couture come from that era.

What other products are you creating for Hankie Couture?

I am now creating Hankie Couture furniture, including bedroom sets, chairs, sofas, lamps, dining-room sets, and vanity tables with matching stools.

Would you love to teach in future?

Absolutely, If I can I would love to teach in future.

Can you share pictures of your workspace with us?

Absoulutely, You can watch this video where I take you through my work area and also demo how I do a dress.

Which websites are your book available on for purchase.

My books can be purchased on one of the stores through this link.

Where can one buy your dress and dolls, if interested?

Store for adorable dresses and unique dolls.

Ebay Store

Are you on FB or Twitter to connect with your fans?

Yes I a, I would love to coonect with my fans on both or either place and would love to hear from them.

Facebook Fan Page

Twitter

Thank you Marsha for your time and for giving me the opportunity to review your book. Hey my sewing/quilting buddies do check out Marsha's creation and I am sure you will fall in love. I am currently in process of stitching a dress from her book. Will post pictures soon.

Love,

Coming Soon: Interview with Marsha from Hankie Couture

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:29:00 PST

Stay tuned to know what Marsh's new book is all about and about the author herself.
Happy Thanksgiving to all..have fun and be safe.

Featured Blogger in AccuQuilt Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:35:00 PST

Hey Everyone,

Today I am featured in Accuquilt Blogger Spotlight and you can read my full post on Rag Dies here plus get a coupon to save some money on Rag Dies.

http://www.accuquilt.com/blogger-spotlight-rag-blocks?utm_source=QEK518&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=consumeremails

Love

Hope-Rag Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 07:25:00 PST

Hope- Rag Tutorial

This tutorial was made using AccuQuilt Rag Die which is 5 1/4" that can be found HERE. However if you don't have one just cut squares of same size or larger however you will need to decrease the size of batting square pieces too accordingly.

Material Needed:

27 square pieces of Main Fabric of 5 and 1/4"

27 square pieces of lining fabric of 5 and 1/4"

27 square pieces of batting (cut each piece into 3 1/4" each not with Rag die)

2 strips of fabric (I used 3 1/2" wide x 32" long)

Small Strip for loop

small strip of satin ribbon for embellishment

1 Button

Thread and Needle

Sewing Machine

AccuQuilt GO! Baby (That is what I have)

Scissors

Let's get started:

This Rag-tote is very easy to make and is reversible. I have attached photos at every step as I struggle to explain with words.

1. Cut all fabric and batting pieces and keep aside

2. Now you will need to work each square 1st and then assemble them. Take a main fabric piece and place it facing wrong side on top, then lay batting piece and then lining fabric piece facing right side to you. You will sandwich them.

3. Now stitch all the 3 pieces together with a X.

4. Make all pieces in similar fashion. You should have 27 pieces.

9 pieces for front

9 pieces for back

3 pieces for each sides and bottom

5. Now start stitching this sandwiched pieces to each other like shown below

6. Assemble the front and back 1st ans then sides.

7. Attach the side and bottom panels to the front panel and then to the back

8. Now make handles and button loop. Instruction available on my other tutorial.

9. Place it and then insert the handle between the X mark of front and back panel and pin it. Do the same for button loop.

10. Top-stitch the top of the bag 1/4" away from fringe. Make sure you may want to do it twice so handles are sturdy.

11. Sew button. (See how to make button tutorial)

12. I used a small pink ribbon to make the hope ribbon as it was for breast cancer (It is optional)

Tips: If you don't have a rag die or AccuQuilt stitch your tote in same manner by stitching each pieces individually as shown in step 2 and 3 and then cutting snips 1/4" on all sides. The bag size may vary in such case.

Wash the tote to get fullness of rag.

Make this as a gift for someone you know or for charity.

Think PINK!!!!!

Pardon me for errors as I can teach but struggle to write a tutorial. If any errors pls do let me know. Pls join our blog or leave comments we love to hear from our friends.

Michael Miller Fabric used for the tote.

Do not copy picture or content. Pls link back to our tutorial if you wish to share.

My Own Fabric Design

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:44:00 PST

Hey Everyone,

Just a quick update, I have designed 4 fabric prints with Spoon flower and I am totally excited about it. My own fabric is on it way to me and I already have decided so many projects. I love as they are hand drawn prints as I love such fabrics myself more natural looking. This is just a start and I will be adding many more cool design fabrics in future juts trying to see what software works best for designing.

Here is the link to my shop if you want to have a look and maybe buy if you like

http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/sskcraftshop

Happy Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:30:00 PDT

Hey Everyone,

Happy Halloween ..Have a Spook-tacular day ahead. I am soon going to out up a Rag tote tutorial I made for Breast Cancer Charity...just busy with teaching classes.

Another AccuQuilt Sale

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:14:00 PDT

Hey Everyone,

Things are bit slow on my blogs due to my health problems and classes. Here is another sale you might want to check out for Accuquilt.

GO! Baby Crazy

If you’ve been contemplating purchasing the AccuQuilt GO! Baby Fabric Cutter after seeing my review, now’s the time! AccuQuilt is offering a very special deal to its Facebook Friends! Receive a FREE GO! Die Set with a GO! Baby Fabric Cutter purchase which is a $112 value! This set includes two essential dies to get you started on your journey. GO! check it out!

Click on the link below for all the details: http://on.fb.me/przXyS

Accuquilt Sale :)

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:31:00 PDT

Calling All AccuQuilt Facebook Friends!

In honor of National Sewing Month, AccuQuilt announces its first ever Facebook Exclusive Sale! If you’ve been contemplating an AccuQuilt Fabric Cutter, now’s the time to do it with this exclusive Facebook offer. If you already have one of AccuQuilt’s Fabric Cutters, take advantage of these savings on dies and other accessories. They have something for everyone – even if you’re interested in patterns and other quilting supplies! If you’re currently not an AccuQuilt fan, it’s never too late. Simply “Like” AccuQuilt on Facebook and you’ll gain access to these savings. Hurry – this sale starts now and ends on Tuesday, September 27^th!

Access the promo codes by clicking on the following link: http://on.fb.me/przXyS

For more information on AccuQuilt, click on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfHQhZqnFp4

Amy Butler Fabric & Pattern winners..

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 07:37:00 PDT

Hey Everyone..

The winner for Amy Butler's Fatquarter bundle and patterns are

Fat Quarter Bundle winner is : Jeanne G
Pattern winner is: Margaret Reeves.

Congratulations!!!.. Winner's I have emailed you pls respond back in 48 hrs with required information. If you fail to do so another winner will be chosen.

Love,

AmyButler Fabric & Pattern Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 07:13:00 PDT

Hey Everyone!!

Hope everyone is doing great. I have been very busy nowaday, due to my health issues I have lot of projects which are getting delayed and I am trying to finish them as my 1st priority. Well keeping aside my health and issues, I am here to announce a giveaway that I wanted to do for such a long time and was waiting for the right time.

Recently we worked on some Amy Butler's patterns that were sent out to us and enjoyed it so much. Her patterns are so great to work on. Also, Amy Butler's team was generous to offer a pattern for a giveaway. So along with the pattern they sent we added 1 more pattern so we will giveaway 2 Amy Butler Patterns and also we have Organic Soul Blossoms Fat Quarter Bundle that Fat Quarter Shop team generously offered to giveaway to one more winner.

Giveaway Prize includes:

Organic Soul Blossoms Fat Quarter Bundle
Amy Butler for Westminster Fibers
Organic Soul Blossoms Fat Quarter Bundle includes 9 fat quarters

Price: $52.50 per bundle

Sewing Patterns 12.95 each X 2 = Approx $26

So we will draw 2 names 1 who will receive the 2 Amy Butler patterns or we may make it 3 patterns and another one will receive Organic Soul Blossoms Fat Quarter Bundle....yaay. I love Amy Butler's patterns and fabrics so much and I am so thrilled to host this giveaway.

Pls read the giveaway rules carefully in the form below. We love comments so if you wish pls leave your comments. This giveaway ends on September 10th 2011 at 12:00 CST. Giveaway open to U.S. Residents Only.

Camp QuiltAlong Giveaways

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:05:00 PDT

Hey Friends,

We will be soon heading from summer days to Fall and what better way to enjoy it other then some great giveaway. Accuquilt along with Fabric.com and Fon & Porter has started a Camp Quilt Along Giveaway starting today and ends on August 29 2011.

Check the details below:

Camp Quiltalong Prize Giveaway

Join in some campfire fun for a chance to win great prizes totaling over $1500! Fons & Porter, Fabric.com, and AccuQuilt have teamed up to provide us all with a huge giveaway on Facebook. Simply “Like” these Facebook pages and gain access to all three sections of a secret code that unlock your chance to win! Follow the camp trail on the bottom of each sponsor’s page and it will take you to the next campground to retrieve the next section of code. Once you’ve captured all three pieces of the secret code, go to www.accuquilt.com/indianblocks and enter the full code to register to win!

Your summer camping trip begins at AccuQuilt, so get GO!-ing at http://www.facebook.com/accuquilt?sk=wall#!/accuquilt?sk=app_10467688569

All the best!!

Good Morning!

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 07:36:00 PDT

Hey Everyone,

Just to let you know what is happening, I will be starting this week giveaway of Amy Butler patterns and maybe something more along with it. As mentioned I have been pretty busy during holidays and since now things have settled down, I will have more time to concentrate on my blog.

Have a wonderful week ahead and I will start the giveaway sometime soon this week..

Love,

I am back

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 08:51:00 PDT

Hey Everyone,

I am back and missed my blog so much. I have now time to spend more time on my blogs, tutorial and giveaways as my classes have reduced to half then what it used to be last month..so soon we will be having fun again.

Love,

Hey Everyone!!

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:53:00 PDT

Hey Everyone!!,

I am very busy with classes and creating new design. I will be on and off my blog for sometime...I am around just busy, will be back blogging by next weekend..hopefully.

Love,

Wall Art with GO Baby Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 07:52:00 PDT

Good Morning Everyone,

I am going to share a wall art I made using Accuquilt GO!Baby. I will soon be posting the tutorial for this on my blog. I will also show how you can create something similar if you don't own a Accuquilt GO!....So stay tuned on my this post where I will update tutorial in a day or 2. You will enjoy this quick and cute wall art you can create to gift someone.

xoxo,

Hello!!!

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:09:00 PDT

Hey Everyone!

I know I haven't posted for last 3-4 days, reason being I am crazy busy with lot of things such as designing new projects, classes etc. I promise we will soon start Amy Butler Pattern giveaway.

Happy Sewing,

3 New Crochet Patterns

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:04:00 PDT

Hey Everyone,

I have just finished and listed today 3 Crochet /Amigurumi Patterns. Thought will share the pics with you all here...let me know what you think. The patterns are available at my etsy store for purchase.

1)Mini Crochet Pouch PDF

2)Dolchi the Puppy
3)Brownie the Bear
xoxo,

Go! Show your Fabric Stash

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:48:00 PDT

Hey Everyone,

Have you heard the new buzz @accuquilt. If you haven't heard it yet, here is the update.

Last Friday, Accuquilt launched a new photo challenge called the Bust My Stash Photo Challenge. They are encouraging quilters to snap a photo of their fabric stash and submit it to their Facebook page to win a GO! Mix N Match Starter Set. The last day to submit a photo is on Friday, July 22^nd. Voting will begin on Saturday, July 23^rd and finish on Sunday, July 31^st. All photos will be visible on Facebook during this time and the photo with the most votes will win.

In just two days, they mentioned that they have seen a tremendous response to the fun photo contest. So my lovely followers here is the opportunity to win a GO! Mix N Match Starter Set.

Bust My Stash Photo Challenge

Have you stared at your fabric stash and wished that you had the time and energy to cut up your fabric for future projects? AccuQuilt has the answer! Click on the following link to participate:http://on.fb.me/qtyUoq or go to AccuQuilt’s Facebook page and click “Like”. Then go to the ‘Bust My Stash’ tab under their profile picture and upload a picture of your fabric stash. Submit your photo by Friday, July 22^nd and you’ll be eligible to win a GO! Mix & Match 12” Starter Set. The photo with the most votes by July 31^st wins! Photos will be voted on by viewers and fans of the AccuQuilt Facebook page using the following criteria: relevance, creativity, and originality. Share with your friends during the voting period to increase your odds of winning!

Good Luck!

Look at what you could win just by submitting the picture of your stash. I have already done it and I encourage you to go ahead and try your luck...you never know you could be the winner ...so GO!

Ottlite Review

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 19:08:00 PDT

I am sure we all crafter's and artist are and like everyone else, I am also very much careful on how and what my end product looks like. And getting right end results of your project is related and possible with the right color choice of fabric, paper or beads etc while working on a particular project. I was having major issues on these areas as I work , learn or teach everything in evenings when I am free from other chores. While I worked in evenings I would choose colors what I saw from a regular soft light hence the same project in the morning looked completely different in daylight.Recently I had the opportunity to review Ottlite. I used it while I worked on my craft projects especially in the evening to see how different it was and if it would stand the test of what it said.

Well, I am pleased and I honestly mean it, This product is a must for all crafter's and artist especially like me who work a lot in the evening.

The best part about this light: A) Natural Daylight effect in the evening

B) The light helps me to choose the right fabric, paper for my project so I don't have to re-work as I know I have got the right colors for the project I am working on.

C) It really helps my eyes as I don't feel the strain like I used to before.

D) The ottlite I have has tray to store beads, threads etc so easy to find your product and it spins too.

E) The magnifier attached is also a major plus.

The only thing I had issue was the knob to tighten the lamp as it gets loose however that is a small concern compared to other great benefits Ottlite provides.

Below is the picture of pink paper in normal light.

Now, see the picture below, clicked when ottlite was on and see the difference for yourself.

I highly recommend Ottlite and think it is one great investment one would make if they love to craft anytime of the day especially in evenings for people like me. If I could I have purchased more of these...lol

You can buy Ottlite on their website i.e. Ottlite.com or on Amazon and some craft stores.

Main picture is a copyright of Ottlite. Thanks to Ottlite PR for providing this product for review.

Accuquilt GO! Dies Sale

noreply@blogger.com (sskcraftshop @ Hooks, Needles and Brushes) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:23:00 PDT

Hey all Accuquilt GO! and GO!Baby cutters have you checked out this great online sale going on at Accuquilt. No other time is better then this to get some of those dies that you have wanted for a long long time :) ...so what are you waiting for GO! here and buy.

Links for 2011-02-25 [del.icio.us]

Sat, 26 Feb 2011 00:00:00 PST

Epic Combo kit Giveaway by Quickutz/LifestyeCrafts

Links for 2011-02-23 [del.icio.us]

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:00:00 PST