If you're a U.S. reader, you might've heard the news that Joann fabric and craft stores declared bankruptcy for the second time in a year. Now it seems like they really might go under.
I'm sad—they are my favorite of the "big three" craft stores. If you're curious about what happened or just want to know who they owe the most money to (👀), check out this comprehensive episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast.
👉 ICYMI: Kinusaiga was the most clicked link in the last 5/5.
✨ 5 creatively inspiring things
1️⃣ Perler beads (aka melty beads) are often used in kid’s crafts. But when Rachel Burke incorporated them into her Pla Pla project, she reimagined them by creating a colorful tapestry-like effect with the square pegboard format. I love how she made the floral fringe.
2️⃣ “Growing an orchid with needle and thread.” I’m going to leave it at that!
3️⃣ At first glance, the embroideries of Iyo Okumi look like they could be pen drawings or etchings. It’s because each stitch has a tiny amount of space between it. How meticulous!
4️⃣ Ciara LeRoy is stitching in the shadows—literally. Her “secret word” embroidery technique has her stitching similar (but slightly darker) colors into floral fabric.
5️⃣ Beaded flowers will never wilt and remain as brilliant as the day you got them. Artist le métier is like a floral shop, creating sculptures featuring blooms like tulips and hyacinths. Their delicate beauty captures the vibe of the real thing.
🪡 5 ways to DIY
1️⃣ If I knew how to crochet, I would be working on Alexandria Masse’s free frog purse pattern this weekend.
2️⃣ Transform your junk mail into seed paper! This tutorial shows you how to turn it into gift tags that can be planted afterward.
3️⃣ I know, I know, it’s February. But I can’t help but think this bucket pack sewing pattern by bookhou would be the perfect accessory to make for spring.
4️⃣ From dreaming of spring to back to the realities of winter! The Sophie Hood by PetiteKnit is part hood, part scarf, and wholly cute.
5️⃣ You can embroider with a regular sewing machine! Brittany of Risk Thrift shows how she does it using a free-motion sewing foot and tear-away stabilizer.
6️⃣ Bonus: Ever wonder if a hand embroidery is AI? This helpful graphic has some things to look for.
Join me!
- I'm vending at Handmadeland in two weeks at Magnuson Park Hangar 30. The dates are Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16. It's going to be a super fun shopping experience. I can't wait!
- Tickets are now on sale for Camp Craftaway, the three-day adult craft camp I co-host with my pal Melissa of MCreativeJ! We'll have over 20 different workshop throughout the weekend. Join us August 1 - 3 in Des Moines, WA.
Talk to you next week,
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Sara Barnes
Embroidery illustrator and writer
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