quick-bracelet

Originally posted 2008-07-30 07:58:36. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

delightful little house made of plastic canvas

Plastic Canvas, more than any other kind of needlepoint, has a bad reputation. Even among needlepointers. For most people it conjures up picture of tissue boxes, acrylic thread, and garish colors. I know, my beloved Grandmother loved plastic canvas and I have several pieces she did.

But plastic canvas can be hip and fun and is a wonderful basis for making all kinds of three dimensional needlepoint.

14 count plastic canvas can use the same threads as 18 count needlepoint canvas and can be finished without any trouble.

I found a wonderful podcast and article about using plastic canvas. In the article there are lots of links to supplies and information.

So, open your mind and try this great material.

Continue reading here:
Plastic Canvas Podcast

WikiHow

Originally posted 2008-03-26 07:03:09. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

As my H says “Isn’t the Internet wonderful? You can find anything there.”

WikiHow is a great place to go to find out how to do almost anything.

So why am I writing about a site which will tell you how to put a needle through a balloon?

Well, I’ve added several step-by-step how-to’s on some basic needlepoint information to the site.

The thing I love about Wikis is that they are designed, from the outset to be collaborative. So if you have a tip about stretching canvas, say, you can add it.

Go ahead, have some fun, and add some how-to’ s of your own.

Mine are:

See the rest here:
WikiHow

Plastic Canvas iPod Case – Make it Today, Use it Tomorrow

From Family Fun magazine’s website comes this cute holder for an iPod or other MP3 player.

It’s made using mostly exposed plastic canvas and a bit of stitching.

You could easily make it in an afternoon.

Read the original here:
Plastic Canvas iPod Case – Make it Today, Use it Tomorrow

Idea for a Quick Rug or Floor Pillow

Here’s a great idea for a quick contemporary needlepoint rug. It was designed by Karen Barbe and complete instructions for the rug are on her blog.

The key is to use rug canvas (if you can’t find it, try latch hook canvas). Ad you’ll need a bulky, hand-wearing yarn. A single stitch, leaf in this case, is used throughout.

You could also use the same materials and pattern to make a floor pillow.

You can use any bold, highly textured stitch on rug canvas to make a fast and easy project. I used Norwich Stitch, an ANG stitch of the month) and three shades of rug wool to make a bold pillow. You can do the same. And remember if it’s 7 mesh rug canvas a 12″ pillow is the same number of intersection as a 4 2/3″ inch piece on 18 mesh.

Thanks and a shout out to Denise from Craft Gossip.

Originally posted here:
Idea for a Quick Rug or Floor Pillow

Another Plastic Canvas Alert

in accessories,Nuts About Needlepoint

Originally posted 2008-11-10 08:27:39. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

I feel like I’m living vicariously through Sister Diane’s CraftyPod blog and her love for plastic canvas.

Today she has another wonderful post about a great Japanese plastic canvas book.

The projects in this book include a neat, graphic pencil cup and the most adorable coin purse you can imagine.

And, like Diane, I’m fascinated by the thread which is a thick cord variegated with matte and metallic in it.

I’m thinking Gold Rush would have the combination, but not the variegated. Treasure Box would have both. These Rainbow Gallery threads are both chainettes, so they would be softer and probably flatter.

If I wanted something rounder, I almost think I would combine some Rainbow Gallery Sparkle Braid with Bravo, Encore, or Overture (whichever was the right size). It would be more matter, but that’s probably the closest substitute outside of Japan.

Check out the post, it’s very inspiring.

Two Great Plastic Canvas Patterns

plastic canvas diagonal mosaic tissue box cover

Free Patterns.com is a great resource for project ideas, especially for plastic canvas designs. Thanks to Denise, the Needlework Editor at CraftGossip for ferreting out these and tons of other great stuff.

You may think of plastic canvas as something icky done by your grandmother, but it can be so much more than that. My friend, Diane from CraftyPod, is another huge PC fan and her stuff is not boring or old-fashioned at all.

PC projects such as this Diagonal Mosaic tissue box cover are only as boring as you make them. Make it from acrylic knitting yarns and it’s dull. Make the same box using leftover knitting wool (maybe a self-striping one) or Persian Wool from your stash and it becomes something special.

It’s charted for 7 count canvas, which means thick, thick thread. But double the count for each piece (or use the measurements) and use 14 mesh PC. Then you can use most threads you would use on 18 mesh mono canvas and will have a piece of great delicacy and grace.

Because this pattern uses one stitch. that’s simple to do. Start the initial row in one corner and alternate the colors.

plastic canvas patchwork quilt block jar covers

Or what about making these delightful quilt jar covers to turn a jar of homemade jam into an even more special gift.

Patchwork designs are perfect for using your scraps and with my ebook, you can find even more. I’m thinking of making some of these for gifts.

One last thought, just because a technique is out of fashion or you see it in icky colors doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth doing. By ignoring the garish 70’s colors, I figured out how to do needlepoint damask. Anne Orr’s dull 30’s color reflect the smaller selection of threads available then, but the designs are great. Part of the beauty of needlepoint is making it into something that reflects you.

Great Plastic Canvas Diane, who blogs and podcasts at CraftyPodposted a wonderful entry…
Plastic Canvas Gift to Make for Knitters I am of the opinion that it is never…
Make a Quick Bracelet from Stash Threads & Plastic Canvas Looking for a fast project that’s suitable for kids,…

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See the rest here:
Two Great Plastic Canvas Patterns

Plastic Canvas Gift to Make for Knitters

plastic canvas knitting needle case from crafty pod

I am of the opinion that it is never too early to be making Christmas gifts. I am also of the opinion that no one appreciates a handmade gift as much as someone who also makes things.

So finding something you can make (and finish) that uses your stash and is for your friends who knot or crochet is a gifty home run.

That’s why I am so delighted with this needlecase from Diane of Crafty Pod. You can use it for knitting needles, crochet hooks, or pencils. Use threads from your stash and a cute button to finish up.

And it is easy and fast to stitch, it’s basically weaving. And if you want to impress people, tell them it’s laidwork and it sounds difficult, even if it’s not.