Cross Stitch Fabric Count Explained
Sara McLean Fabric count confused me for far longer than I want to admit. I’d see “14-count” or “18-count” printed…
Tools & Materials
Needlepoint Stitch Types
When I first picked up needlepoint, I genuinely believed there was one stitch — the small diagonal one…
Needlepoint Canvas Types & Mesh
The first canvas I ever bought was chosen entirely because I liked the picture printed on it. I…
How to Stop Shoes From Blistering: The Real Science Behind Prevention
I went through three pairs of shoes in one season—each giving me heel blisters. I thought I had…
How to Fix a Sewing Machine: My 15 Years of Personal Experience
When my Singer machine jammed mid-project and the repair shop quoted $200, I made a decision: “I’m not…
How to Stitch Leather by Hand Saddle Stitch Method
When I first picked up leather stitching five years ago, I made the rookie mistake of trying machine…
Why Coats All Purpose Cotton Thread Is Still My Go-To After 12 Years
I remember standing in front of my local fabric store’s thread wall in 2012, completely overwhelmed. I was…
EOS Advent Calendar Train: Finally, An Advent Calendar That Doesn’t Suck
I’ve been that person. You know—the one who gets weirdly excited about advent calendars every December. Not in…
How to Clean the Iron Plate of an Ironing Machine: What I Learned From 15 Years of Heavy Use
I ruined my favorite silk blouse last year. My iron’s soleplate had accumulated so much burnt residue and…
Magnificent Pro Adjustable Magnifying Lamp: Essential for Precision Appliqué Work
After 15 years of hand-appliquéing quilts and embroidered pieces, I can confidently say that a pro adjustable magnifying…