introducing wild olive's holiday stitching club

We've stitched the seasons and the fifty states. Now it's time for some holiday stitching!

If you haven't heard about the Wild Olive Stitching Clubs before, let me tell you about what has become one of my favorite ways to connect with stitching friends from around the world.

Each Stitching Club has three components: embroidery, English paper piecing, and a project. And all of those elements work together. You do some embroidery, you use that embroidery with some paper piecing, and it all comes together in a project. You also get to share your work with others, which is great for getting to know other stitchers and encouraging each other along the way.



My newest club starts on September 1 and runs for 12 weeks. Registration is officially now open, and is discounted through the first day of the club.

The Holiday Stitching Club will include six embroidery patterns of sweet little animals enjoying winter activities. It will also include six templates for making large pieced hexagons (with space for embroidery), as well as three projects to use the pieced hexagons.

We will make a mug rug that also works as a candle mat or trivet, a table runner, and a quilted fabric wreath.




Holiday Stitching Club might be a confusing name because nothing in the patterns will have a holiday theme to it. Rather, the idea here is that you can use these designs and projects for making holiday gifts and decor. Or you can just use them for your own winter enjoyment. (The club will end before we reach peak holiday season!)

You can choose to make the projects in wintery colors, Christmas colors, or really...anything you like! The hexagon templates use a variety of shapes and range from simple to moderately complex (the red, green, and yellow one shown below is the most complex).

Basic English paper piecing will be taught, and all necessary instructions for the projects will be included with lots of pictures. I recommend that club members have some basic embroidery experience. Throughout the club and beyond, I'm always happy to give individual help.




When you register, you'll receive a welcome PDF with a basic supply list, EPP instructions, and a bonus hexagon template. Then, starting Tuesday, September 1st you will receive weekly emails with the patterns, templates and projects.

All of the elements are sent via email, and club interaction happens through social media, so anyone in the world can participate!

Holiday Stitching Club 2015: $12




If you are outside the US or Canada, please register in my Etsy shop. Thank you!

I'm so looking forward to share all of these designs with the Holiday Stitching Club, and even more excited to see what everyone is making! I hope you join us!

stitch-love-along // round two

Okay, my stitching friends. I have been having an awesome 2 weeks, and the reason is that I've been seeing the creative Pocket Pals that folks are making. Take a look at what's been posted on Instagram!

And I have a confession. This is as far as I've gotten on my own Stitch-Love-Along project:



I'm giving myself special treatment though since I'm the author. I get perks like that. So I'm not forcing myself to finish in time for the end of round one. Which ends today. (I'm pretty lenient about these things in general though, so read on!) In the meantime, take a look at a few projects that fellow stitchers made during the last two weeks!

A photo posted by Kappa (@kappalovescucumbers) on Aug 11, 2015 at 4:33pm PDT

A photo posted by BitsofStitching (@bitsofstitchingtoo) on Aug 16, 2015 at 6:39pm PDT

A photo posted by @ceciliainthestable on Aug 11, 2015 at 4:18am PDT

A photo posted by @ceciliainthestable on Aug 14, 2015 at 3:36am PDT

If you participated in round one, you get a free pattern! If you aren't quite finished, don't worry about it. So long as you got it started and have plans to finish, you're good. To claim your free pattern, send me an email (molliejohanson at gmail.com) and I'll send it over to you. The pattern is a surprise animal, created just for this round of the Stitch-Love-Along.

And now, let's move on to round two!



This round is to make an animal! What does that mean? It means choosing a project that actually forms an animal, rather than embroidering or appliquéing one. Nearly half the projects in Stitch Love fall into this category, and it's very possible to adapt or expand them. Seeing how people take an idea and run with it makes my heart go pitter pat!

To participate in this round, choose one of these projects from Stitch Love:

Awesome Outback Plush Trio
Darling Dachshund Wrist Rest
Flighty Frog Pond Game
Fluttery Butterfly Pencil Topper
Frozen Yeti Ice Pack
Gleeful Guinea Pig Plush
Glowing Fireflies Jar
Precious Possum Hanging Sachet
Restless Robin Drawstring Pouch
Sniffly Sea Turtle Tissue Cozy
Whimsical Whale Wristlet
Wild Animal Finger Puppets

Again, customize these to your heart's content! Not too long ago I saw someone who made the animals from the Wild Animal Finger Puppets, but in the style of the Awesome Outback Plush Trio. Such a fun way to make these! And I can't wait to see what you make.

Round 1 // August 4-18
Stitch a Pocket Pal (any Stitch Love embroidery motif with the Pocket Pal project on page 53)

Round 2 // August 18-September 1
Make an Animal (choose a project that creates an animal...examples to come!)

Round 3 // September 1-15
Stitch a Critter (embroider any Stitch Love motif on a handmade item...ideas to come!)

Share your progress on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, or your own blog. This is all about stitching along together and sharing with each other, so be sure to tag your posts #StitchLoveAlong. We all want to see your materials, your process, and of course...the finished project!

At the end of each round everyone who participates will receive a free Stitch Love pattern designed just for that round of the Stitch-Love-Along!

Many thanks to Faith and Becca for helping me with the Stitch-Love-Along! They are such supportive gals!

thread bits // choosing thread for epp

If you've been here before, you have probably noticed that English paper piecing is something I do on a regular basis. I love it.

And while I try not to be too particular about my supplies, I do like trying options to see what I like best. Usually I baste and join the pieces with hand quilting thread. It works well for me, plus it's easy to find at JoAnn (which makes it not too expensive too).



My typical thread of choice is the Dual Duty on the left. But then someone suggested that I try the So Fine thread on the right. My local quilt shop carries it, so I figured I may as well give it a try.

It's 100% polyester, as compared to the 68% poly/32% cotton of the Dual Duty.



The biggest difference to be see between the threads is the thickness. Taking pictures of strands of thread isn't easy, but I think you can see the difference here. Which, to me, is significant that it shows up in a photo like this.

The So Fine really is so fine. And the theory is that it will show less when you stitch with it. I think it does.



I say "I think" because I often wonder if it has a placebo effect. I'm expecting it to show less, so maybe I'm seeing it less? Or maybe it really is the Superior Thread. I'm going to work with it longer before I show off samples (although they may be even harder to photograph!).

For now I ask, what kind of thread do you like to use for EPP?

pattern // stitching thimbles on tumblers

I've finally started making some EPP tumblers. There are a few projects I'd like to make with this shape, but right now I'm super slow. So we'll see.

But as I was looking at these tumblers, some of them were turned around, and I noticed that when they are upside down...



...they also look a lot like thimbles! I'm certainly not the first to spot this, but it made me think that it would be fun to make something sewing themed with thimbles stitched into the tumbler pattern. Of course, that let to this:




A thimble embroidery pattern that will fit perfectly on a tumbler!

Obviously you don't have to use the design in this way, but wouldn't it be cute? Maybe for a little patchwork needle book or project pouch? I'm officially calling on you to make it happen.

DOWNLOAD THE TUMBLER THIMBLE PATTERN PDF

In the download, you'll have the embroidery motif, as well as the EPP template pieces that the pattern fits on. And if all goes as planned we'll make some more things with these little shapes.

I do love this simple shape and how it fits together!

5 things to do when your stitching gets frustrating

Has this ever happened to you? You're going along, stitching normally, and then the mother of all knots appears. You try to remove the knot, but what happens after this can only be described as catastrophic. The floss frays and splits, more knots appear, you start crying, and then the scissors or seam ripper comes out.

I'm here to tell you that you're not alone.

I've been stitching for a while now, learning from books, videos, blogs, and much of my own trial/error/practice. I've blogged, taught online classes, worked with people one-on-one, and even written a book. In my mind, I should never have trouble with stitching. Ever.

My mind doesn't know what it's talking about.

You see, it's normal to think that when you're just getting started with a new craft or technique that you will run into problems. That you'll make mistakes or struggle for a bit. But the expectation is that you'll reach a level of mastery where mistakes don't happen.

I think that's a lie.

Lately I've been doing all the same things that I've been doing that have been working well for so long. But I've run into issues. Far more than I have had for a long while. Threads knotting or pulling through. Needles catching and floss fraying. Or maybe the embroidery just doesn't look like I want it to. And maybe this is a new lie that I'm telling myself, but I think that these things just happen sometimes. No matter how long you've been at it. Sometimes you just get in a stitching funk.

But there's hope. Any time that these issues come up, I have a few ways to be able to press on.

1. Try it again. But not too much. It's good to not give up, but the more you run into the same problem over and over, the more frustrated you'll get, and that usually makes it worse.

2. Look for an alternative. If a particular stitch or material isn't working, see if you can substitute another.

3. Ask for help. Going to an expert is great, but even just putting the question out there to your crafty friends will help you get ideas for fixing the issue.

4. Stop. Just stop and work on something else for a while.

5. Take a breath and move on. This can be hard, but learning to accept that these are just little blips is the best thing you can do. Keep stitching because it's going to be okay.

Remember, this post comes to you because I've been working through my own stitching struggles. Seriously, you're not alone. Keep on stitchin'!

printable // kawaii imessage sticky notes

Because I was homeschooled, I rarely had times when my mom needed to pack a lunch for me. When I got older (as in going to work or college), my mom looked for opportunities to send special notes along with me. I like to think of them as old-fashioned text messages.

There's still something nice about a real note, written by hand, no matter how short it is. So I thought it would be fun to combine a text with a Post-It, and then make it kinda cute too.

Printing on sticky notes is so easy and fun. Prepare a few pages to have them on hand for school lunches, or to leave around for your favorite folks!



DOWNLOAD THE iMESSAGE NOTES PDF

First, print the pages you want on plain paper. You'll use those as print templates. Then, grab some 3x3-inch sticky notes.



Place a sticky note on each square of the template. Center the notes within the light-gray squares so that the printing will land on the notes accurately.



With the sticky notes in place, print the template page a second time.

It's VERY important that you feed the paper through the same direction that it went through the first time, and so that the sticky side of the notes feeds in first. Otherwise the notes may not feed well, and I know you don't want them all bunched up. If this is a problem, try sticking the loose edge of the notes down with a tiny tab of washi tape.



Peel the notes off the paper, and put them to use!




You never know when you might need to leave a paper text message. You could even print these off in a few colors to have a conversation on paper with a co-worker!

I know that digital is where it's at, but sometimes a paper iMessage is the way to go. Yay for #kawaiinotes!

cute tips from brandi & brent of kukubee

It's time for another Cute Tip! This week I'm incredibly happy to welcome a super cute couple that makes super cute things.

Kukubee is the home base for Brandi & Brent, but I most enjoy following them on Twitter because they share the cutest things! Most recently I've become addicted to the game Alphabears (look for it in your app store), which Brent did the art for. And Brandi is forever making adorable things from felt, and more. I might have a kawaii crush on them.

Here are two new friends with an awesome tip!

Brandi & Brent of kukubee here with our “cute tip!”

Did you know there’s a science behind cuteness? That’s right, you can make your characters 86.4%* cuter by finding the Goldilocks Zone of mouth placement. Too low? Still cute, but not exactly squee-inducing. Too high? Hm…something is a bit off. Juuuuuust right? “OH MY GOODNESS, I MIGHT CRY FROM ALL OF THIS CUTE!”

Imagine if the great Leonardo da Vinci had applied this rule to his famous Mona Lisa. Would humanity still be trying to unlock the secrets of her mysterious smile? We think not!

*percentage is completely made up in the name of cute art.

Seriously, Brandi & Brent? You couldn't be any cuter. Thank you for giving us a lesson in science and cuteness!

A note to all my bloggy friends: Cute Tips contributors are generously sharing their cutest secrets with us. Be inspired by them, but please, please, please don't try to steal their style! Be your own cute self!

wanted: embroidery hoop bracelet

Nearly every time I pull out my 3-inch embroidery hoop, I slip it around my wrist. Actually, I do this with almost all of my hoops as a way to carry them alongside all my other supplies. But with this small hoop, I always think about how much I wish I could wear it as a bracelet.

Sadly, it's just a bit too big. It also hangs with the screw part down because of its weight. And I'm quite sure that I'll end up getting caught on things.

But that doesn't stop me from wanting a bracelet that looks like an embroidery hoop. It doesn't have to be functional, but I want it to be immediately recognizable. So I'm putting this out there.

If you know of where I can find something like this, or if you know someone who I could talk with about making one, or if you are someone who wants to figure it out...let's talk!

If you think I'm crazy, and that this just won't be possible, please don't dash all my dreams of an embroidery hoop bracelet.

project // tumbler-shaped rainbow felt key covers

True confession: I have no idea where my keys are. They have been somewhere for the last couple of years probably, popping up now and again, only to be lost once more. Undoubtedly this says a lot about me, but above all it says that I'm someone who rarely leaves the house.

It's not that I leave THAT seldom, but when I am out on my own, I can borrow someone else's keys. It all works out. Anyway, when I find my own set of keys the next time, I'll be adding these felt covers to my key ring.



I made them in the tumbler shape that I'm playing with this month, and loving already. And of course, putting them in rainbow order was a must. Seeing things in rainbow order, and how pleasing those colors are, reminds me of God's great promise and I treasure that.



To make a set of key covers, you will need:

Felt (wool-blend is a good choice)
Embroidery floss
Leather, suede, or faux-suede cord
Keys
Key ring

Tumbler Key Cover Template



Use the template to cut two pieces of felt for each key cover.



If you have an especially wide key, you may need to widen the template a little. The easiest way is to cut the top and bottom to match the template, then cut just outside the template on the two sides.



Stitch the two sides with running stitch. Or actually, you could use blanket stitch or whip stitch. Choose your favorite! I went with three strands.



Cut a 6" piece of cord and thread a key onto it. Slide the two ends of the cord up through the bottom (wide) part of the key cover and through the top.



Tie each key onto the key ring with an overhand knot. If you are making yours rainbow, be sure to put them on in the correct order!




I love the idea of having your keys color-coded. It's also really helpful for if you have keys for other folks' houses. For example, that neighbor you help out with pet care, or your friend who gave you an emergency key.



Now if I could just find my keys, I could have the prettiest set of anyone in my whole family!

stitch-love-along // round one

I'm so very excited to officially kick off the Wild Olive Stitch-Love-Along!

Faith, Becca, and I have been organizing a stitch-along to go with my book Stitch Love, and we'd love for you to join us! The Stitch-Love-Along begins today, but if you don't have the book yet, this first round is pretty easy to make, so if you want to pick up a copy, you'll still have time.

Round 1 // August 4-18
Stitch a Pocket Pal (any Stitch Love embroidery motif with the Pocket Pal project on page 53)

Round 2 // August 18-September 1
Make an Animal (choose a project that creates an animal...examples to come!)

Round 3 // September 1-15
Stitch a Critter (embroider any Stitch Love motif on a handmade item...ideas to come!)

At the end of each round everyone who participates will receive a free Stitch Love pattern designed just for that round of the Stitch-Love-Along!



This round is to stitch a pocket pal! I love this project and its flexibility. It's also a good way to get your feet wet for the Stitch-Love-Along, or even for embroidery.

To participate in this round, look to page 53 in Stitch Love, choose your favorite motif from the book to stitch in a pocket, and get started!

Share your progress on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, or your own blog. This is all about stitching along together and sharing with each other, so be sure to tag your posts #StitchLoveAlong. We all want to see your materials, your process, and of course...the finished project!

Details for getting the special round one pattern will come when the round is done.



I mentioned that this project is flexible, and here's the tip about this. You don't have to make a shirt, although shirt pockets are adorable with a friend popping out! Just about any pocket will do, and soooo many of the embroidery patterns will work with this.



For mine, I'm using a pre-made tote bag. I grabbed some fabric and trim so that I can customize it a little...I'm thinking slightly girly for me! And I'll let you follow along on social media to see what I start stitching!

If you have any questions, just ask Becca, Faith, or me. We tend to be most active on Instagram, but anywhere you track us down will get you an answer.

We can't wait to see what you're stitching in your pocket! Ready? Let's Stitch Love!

thread bits // fabric bits

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'm a frugal sort of gal. I don't like unnecessary spending* and waste. This can make for interesting crafting.

The other day I starting working on some new English paper piecing and as I was trimming my hexagons, diamonds and rhombuses, bits of fabric starting appearing. The little pieces that I was cutting away were sitting there on the table, looking like they were ready to be discarded.

Or were they?



These tiny bits are too tiny to use in anything normal, so throwing them away wouldn't truly be unnecessary waste. But I couldn't help but think that I needed to keep them. Honestly, this can be a problem for me...keeping things that I don't use.

So I want to use them.

Someone recently told me that she often keeps pieces like this and uses them for stuffing. So smart! Some folks collage them to make handmade cards. I love that too! I can even picture saving up more of them to sew into a itty bitty garland.

I do EPP often enough that I could probably try all of these. Oh goodie...more reasons to save up scraps!

How would you put these fabric bits to use?

*Buying new fabric is always necessary spending. It just is.