Stitchin' with my students

Last week, I held the first (official) Embroidery Stitch 'n Bitch over at the Stitch Lab. It's a special evening for former Stitch Lab embroidery students to meet up and spend the evening snacking, chatting and stitching on current projects.

Of course, I was looking forward to the evening. Stitching and friends in the awesome Stitch Lab environment? Sign me up! And I was glad there were a lot of people who wanted to come. I was nervous no one would RSVP, but ended up not having enough space for everyone who wanted to be there. Embroidery addiction rules!

And while I was expecting to have fun stitching and gabbing, I hadn't given much thought to what it would be like to see so many students and the projects they'd be working on since class. I was so caught up in talk, that I didn't get to snap many pictures (such a bad habit of mine) but I can tell you these folks knocked my socks clean off.

One pulled out a whole handful of projects, including pictures of embroidered portraits she'd stitched and given to close friends. Another pulled out an awesome apron she'd stitched with cute Sublime Stitching images and also screen printed in one of Kat's classes! One practiced silk ribbon stitches while another worked away on a doodle cloth. One student was stitching part of a cowboy-themed baby quilt she was making as a gift. Another student continued work on a complicated cross-stitch Christmas stocking she's been working on for her son.

One student, who had just taken my class less than a month ago, pulled out an awesome Eagle Scout stitching that will be turned into a pillow that she made for a friend. She also pulled out an amazing work-in-progress for her husband's Christmas gift. I'm not going to post the picture I took of that until after she completes it and gives it to him (no spoilers on the random off chance he'd see it) but let's just say it is beyond awesome and a huge undertaking. If anyone can do it, though, she can. She quietly stitched away throughout the evening and completed a nice chunk of it.


I felt incredibly lucky to have been able to get to know these awesome women and to teach them one of my all-time favorite activities. Even to be just a small part of their creative growth is an incredible privilege. It was also really special to sit around the cutting table, stitching and talking, like so many women in history have done. It sounds corny, but there was a definite connection to the past in that room last Thursday night. I can't wait to do it again.

If you are in Austin and would like to take an embroidery class with me (and then get on the super special guest list for future Stitch 'n Bitch nights) check out the Stitch Lab web site for class details! I'd love to see you there.

Brand Spankin' New Stitch Lab Web Site

One of my latest creative endeavors isn't of a crafty nature.

Well, it kind of is.

I'm thrilled to announce the launch of the brand new Stitch Lab web site, designed and built by ... me! For the last six months or so, we've gone through countless versions, gathered massive amounts of content, edited hundreds of photos and built a ginormo-awesome web site for my favorite crafty spot on the planet. It was a huge undertaking, but even in its most stressful moments, was a true labor of love and a joy to work on.


It's so exciting to know how much incredible growth the Stitch Lab has had in the last few years. From a few classes a week in Leslie's backyard studio a few years ago, to dozens of classes a week (and more than 90 different classes on the roster) with almost 10 instructors and a bustling retail shop, I'm simply blown away by what Leslie has inspired and created.


The new web site is built to handle the high volume of enrollments, to share resources for students and to convey the spirit and fun of the Stitch Lab. I can't tell you how satisfying it is to see it up and running.

And it's still growing! More resources will be added, and a fully-functioning blog will be integrated so Leslie and Carol can share their favorite crafty tidbits and what's new in the shop. (mmmmm .... fabric .....)

I hope that even if you aren't in Austin, you'll pop by and check it out and let us know what you think. I feel really lucky to be a part of the Stitch Lab gang, and honestly quite honored to be tasked with creating the Stitch Lab online presence. I'm excited to see what growth the next few years have in store for us!

Dreamy New Stitch Lab Stitch with me here next week!

The Stitch Lab move is complete, and the new location is one of the coziest, warmest, most welcoming and inspiring places I have ever experienced. Leslie's attention to detail is phenomenal, and every little nook and cranny has something special in it. The sewing space is large and open and fantastically functional. The handwork room is cozy and filled with inspiring embroidered pieces and the most awesome crazy quilt curtains you have ever seen. Even the bathroom is inspiring and fun! Come. ON! I love this place! I just want to hang out there all day long and make stuff!

1. Lab A, 2. Lab B, 3. Lab A, 4. Lab B

You can come hang out with me - for a class at least. I have a class scheduled for Monday, Nov 9. This will be my first class to teach at the new place, and I'm so excited! Come on and join us, won't you!? If you need more convincing, read my post about what past students have had to say about my hand embroidery classes at The Stitch Lab.

Even if you can't make next week's class, you need to stop by the Lab (we have retail hours now!) and check out the stunning selection of yummy fabrics. It'll knock your socks off.

Enjoy, and I hope to see you at the new Stitch Lab soon!

Come stitch with me!

Austin folks, here's your reminder about my hand embroidery classes at the Stitch Lab! And have you heard the news? The Stitch Lab is moving to a NEW, fantastic location! Beginning next week, classes will be held at 1000 S. 1st street, a charming, comfy house with loads of space for classes and y-u-m-m-y fabric. We'll even have a separate room for the hand work classes (like embroidery!). I can. not. wait. to get teaching in there. I was able to help paint in the hand work room a few weeks ago (before the flu plague hit us) and it is just so awesome. This is going to be the place to get crafty and comfy and connect with friends. HURRAH!


With the new location comes more of the fabulous class offerings. I truly can't express how lucky I feel to be a part of a group of such awesome instructors and of a teaching facility that offers such a varied and interesting array of classes.

As always, I'll be teaching hand embroidery classes. We're also working on adding in some advanced embroidery and silk ribbon embroidery classes, so be sure to sign up for the newsletter to get the up-to-date info on that. I have ONE SPOT that just opened in my class this Wednesday. It will be the last time I teach at the original Stitch Lab location, and I'm excited to get back to teaching after being off for a few weeks.


If you can't make this Wednesday's class, check the schedule for loads of other opportunities. Grab a friend and learn to stitch! You won't be disappointed. Here are some nice things my students have said about their embroidery class experience:

Thank you for introducing me to the world of embroidery. I'm an addict! There is something so cathartic about pushing and pulling a needle and thread through taut fabric... It's a cheap drug! And I want to thank you for being so patient with me during class. You made me feel so comfortable with the whole process. ~Jen

You now have me hooked completely. Thanks for a great class! ~Jean

Thanks so much for the class! I have been embroidering the heck out of anything I can get my hands on! ~Jessica

Our class sampler, stitched by Eliza!

From Eliza's blog:
Rachel’s class was wonderfully fun, but it wasn’t until the next morning that I realized the calming effect stitching has on me. I finished my french knots while waiting in my car for an early meeting to start and instantly became relaxed.

Some of Eliza's post-class handiwork! Amazing!

Thanks so much to all the rad students I've had. You make my job very easy and very, very, fun.

So what are you waiting for? Nab that last spot in this week's class or grab a spot in one of the others. It's time to unlock the stitcher inside of YOU!

Spreading the Stitch Addiction

The pictures you see here (aside from Kat's stamp carving one ;) are pictures of projects done by some of my embroidery students after they've left class. Enjoy!)

Jessica made this sweet owl bandanna for her pup, who is looking quite dashing, no?

I've said it before: teaching hand embroidery classes is one of my very favorite things to do. And one of my favorite parts of teaching is seeing all the cool stuff people make after they leave my class. I love seeing people get as inspired and excited as I am about embroidery, and leaves class ready to take on more projects.

I've been incredibly fortunate to have the nicest, most enthusiastic students at the Stitch Lab here in Austin. And I love to be able to brag on them when they send pictures of some of the things they've been making.

Jean used one of my very favorite embroidery books to inspire the stitches in this gorgeous embroidered handbag. Lovely!

So as you peruse the fine work of my students in this post, I'd like to let you know that there are a few opportunities to get in on the embroidery class action coming up. If you'd like a tiny taste of the class, head on over to Parts & Labour on Thursday, August 27 from 6-9 PM. My pals, Leslie Bonnell and Anne Marie Beard will be hosting a fan-freaking-tastic trunk show called Dueling Glamazons. These ladies make some insanely awesome jewelry and handbags, and they'll be rocking out at P&L on Thursday.

Kat's skillful hands carve a stamp in our Surface Design class.

As part of the event, there will be a handful of crafty demos going on. The amazing Kat McTee (whom I've fawned over again and again) will be on hand to show how to carve simple stamps. Carol, Stitch Lab Studio Assistant Extraordinaire, will be getting folks hooked on crochet (puns, FTW!). Finally, little ole me will be there showing some basic hand embroidery stitches and sharing my general love for the craft.

It'll kinda be like a drug deal, huh? First little taste for free .....

After mastering her dog's dapper wear, Jessica went on to stitch these adorable tea towels for a friend!

But here's the thing: embroidery has genuinely changed my life. No jokin'! And if I can send some of that happiness and fun creative time out to other folks, then honey - step outta the way, 'cause I'm gonna do it.

So! If I've convinced you to take a class, skedattle on over to the Stitch Lab site and sign up. I'll be promoting upcoming classes at the event on Thursday, so they'll be filling up soon. Grab a spot before they're gone!

Believe it or not, this sweet tote was stitched by an eight-year-old girl! She took my mother/child embroidery class back in May, and her mom reports that she's been stitching like crazy ever since. She made this totebag as a birthday gift for a friend.

And perhaps your work will be the work I'm bragging on here on AJC next ......

Communicrafting Wrap-Up!

Me gettin' chatty with awesome embroidery visitors! Picture from Jenny Hart.

Thanks to all the Austin folks who came out to the Communicrafting event at AMOA last week. We had an incredible turnout (200-300 people!) I had such a blast doing quickie embroidery demos and seeing loads of people get that little twinkle in their eyes when they saw that embroidery was something fun and simple and totally within their reach.

These two kiddos didn't want to stop stitching! They closed the place down!

There was an adorable mother/daughter pair who picked up hoops and sat down and started stitching together, and left with extra floss and their designs so they could continue stitching at home. There were also two adorable kiddos who came up close to the end of the evening and took to stitching like nobody's business. They closed the event down and didn't want to give up their needles! They went home with enough floss to finish their projects, and an excitement for embroidery that made me positively giddy.

It was her first time to pick up a needle and stitch, and she did a fantastic job! She made the most perfect tiny lazy daisies on the flower!

I also got to see some of my awesome embroidery students from my classes at the Stitch Lab sewing studio. I was tickled to hear that they were all stitching or dreaming up new projects to stitch. One student has already emailed pictures of projects she completed within a week of taking the class, and another - who was in the mother/child class on Mother's Day weekend - told me that her daughter has been stitching bookmarks as gifts for her friends. How fun is that!?

If you've been itchin' to get in to one of my embroidery classes, now is your chance. The new Stitch Lab schedule will go out tomorrow to the Stitch Lab email list (more than 1,000 people). For my oh-so-special blog readers, I'll give you a sneak peek at the dates and will get priority enrollment for you so you can be sure to grab a spot. Just email me at averagejanecrafter at gmail dot com with "I wanna stitch!" in the subject line, and I'll get you all fixed up.

This is Jordan from Sublime Stitching. When you order from the Sublime Stitching Web site, Jordan's the pro who packs up your order and ships it out & handles all the order info. Plus, he's super nice! (picture from Jenny Hart)

Teaching embroidery is truly one of my all-time favorite things to do. I love sharing all the tips and tricks on everything from various ways to transfer images to fabric to where to find the best linens on which to stitch. The classes aren't just about learning stitches, but give you all the fundamental information and confidence you need to leave and keep stitching right after class is over. I get such joy hearing from so many students who reveal that they've been bitten by the embroidery bug in my classes and can't stop stitching. That's the kind of habit I love spreading! Join in on the fun!

Mother's Day Goodies & Coveting Crafts

Last year, I got the awesome embroidery necklace charms for Mother's Day. I was so excited to get the sweet little box (packaged so unbelievably well) with the wee charms inside (helooooo Feather Stitch!) This year, I sent my big wishlist item to my husband a little late in the game, so I'm still not sure if he'll be able to deliver.


A few weeks ago, I featured the amazing vintage button flower bouquets from Lisa at Lil Fish Studios over on CRAFT. I was so blown away by them, that I spent at least two days just randomly returning to Lisa's Flickr Stream and fawning over them. They just made me ... happy!

Do you have handmade items that you absolutely covet? Things that you don't just think are "cute" or "cool," but that really inspire you and cause a visceral reaction when you see them?

I've started a list of these "covet" items. My hope is that, by having this list, I'll be more conscious of saving up for these things that I truly love and mean something to me. Some of the things on my list are one of Mimi Kirchner's Tiki Pillows or Tattooed Men dolls, a Cha-Cha bracelet from Naughty Secretary Club, and a bouquet of vintage button flower from Lil Fish Studios. For the time being, the button flowers are the thing that fall closest to our budget. When I first saw Lisa's bridal work, I thought, "Man! I wish I could get married again just to be able to carry one of those!" Then I realized ... I don't have to be getting married to have a nice little bouquet of them right here on my desk. To think of what it would be like to look at them on a daily basis while I work ... well, it just makes me plain ole giddy. So I passed the link and Lisa's contact information on to my husband in hopes he would take the hint. Of course, I could be building myself up for disappointment here, but even if it doesn't come through for Mother's Day, I'm vowing to have one of those button bouquets on my desk by the end of summer, for sure.


Most of the things on my "covet list" have to do with people. They are made by people I know or admire, and that makes me appreciate them even more. What's on your covet list? I'm wondering if I should keep a running list of mine as a link on the side bar ....

In other Mother's Day news, I had a total blast writing a Mother's Day series for CRAFT about some of my favorite Mother/Daughter Crafters. I profiled Maura Madden (of Crafternoon fame) and her mom, Jennifer Perkins (of Naughty Secretary Club) and her mom, and Diane Gilleland (of Crafty Pod) and her mom. It was so much fun to learn about their crafting relationships and share their stories with CRAFT readers. I was really struck by how big a role crafting has played in their relationships, and how truly close it has brought each of them together. It has me rethinking my whole "crafting-is-mom's-time" stand.... So take a few minutes to go read the Mother's Day stories over on CRAFT. My fellow bloggers, Becky Stern and Shawn Connally, also wrote great pieces about their own crafty moms. Do you have any crafty mom stories to share?

Finally, I teach my first-ever Mother-Child embroidery class tomorrow. I thought it would be a fun thing to do for Mother's Day, and I'm looking forward to it (though I'm a little nervous ...) I haven't taught kids before, and I'm really curious how it will all play out. I have to send out huge thanks to Mary Corbet of Needle 'N Thread for her oodles and oodles of invaluable information that she shared with me about teaching hand embroidery to kids. She is highly experienced in the matter, and made no hesitation to give me a hugely thorough response when I asked if she had any tips. I'm so grateful for her generosity.

Have a fantastic weekend, and check back in on Monday when I'll announce the winners of the Sublime Stitching giveaway from earlier this week!

The beauty of the backside

Sublime Stitching has just released some dandy little treats in the last couple of weeks, and I am in luuuuhhhv. I'm going to do some quick reviews of these new products in the next couple of days, so stitck around.
First up, I love this adorable pony journal. It's a perfect size for tossing in a purse or bag and carrying around, ready to capture any inspiration or random thoughts you may have. The front cover is a fantastic piece of Jenny's embroidery. Even better, the back cover is the back of the embroidery work. I love this so much, because it's kinda messy and there are knots galore.

I remember when I took a class from Jenny Hart a few years ago and how stunned - and liberated - I was to hear that she knots on the back of her work. (knotting is typically a big no-no among tradtional embroiderers) Somehow, this one revelation released my fear of imperfection and gave me new found motivation to get stitching.

Now when I'm teaching embroidery, I tell the students of learning about knotting with Jenny and proudly show off the backs of my embroidery - knots and all. I taught a class last week and had this journal with me, and was thrilled that I could finally also show the back of Jenny's work.

There is something darn liberating about seeing "imperfections" in the work of someone you admire. Actually, I don't think they are imperfections at all. I can appreciate that, ages ago, there was great pride taken in having the back of your embroidery match as closely as possible the front of your embroidery work. I understand that, in very few cases, knots in the back of your work may show through on the front side, and thus should be avoided. However, what I scoff at is the idea that knotting is simply "not allowed" in embroidery.

When I'm teaching embroidery, I want the students to feel comfortable stitching, and to leave class with no reservations about continuing to stitch on their own. Breaking down some of the "expectations" of embroidery can help them accomplish that. It gets them stitching faster and easier and helps them be more successful. In turn, they are more eager and willing to continuing stitching after the class.

How often has fear of imperfection stopped you from trying or completing a craft? It's time to cut that fear out! There's fun to be had in imperfection - embrace it, and you'll see what I mean. And that's what I love about this journal - aside from being incredibly practical with lined, blank and grid paper inside - the front cover reminds you how gorgeous and fun embroidery is, and the back cover reminds you to toss your preconceived notions of perfection out the window and get to stitchin'. That's a big, important lesson for such a small notebook, huh? ENJOY!

Next up - the Sublime Stitching Bib Kit, and I'll wrap things up with the Stitchable Stationery and the limited-edition canvas tote and ... a little giveaway. Stay tuned!

Great Crafty Class Action in Austin

The schedule at the Stitch Lab is bursting at the seams with loads of new classes and fantastic new guest instructors. There are some really awesome opportunities for learning everything from how to sew an adorable drawstring dress, to making amazing hats and baby slings. We're even starting to offer knitting! Hurrah! All your crafty bases are covered.

I'm still teaching hand embroidery, and there are still a few spots open in my upcoming classes. I'm really excited to be offering a special mother/child class during Mother's Day Weekend. It will be a fun opportunity for moms and their kids to learn to stitch together. (looks like it's already full, but sign up to be on the wait list if you'd like!) Be sure to check out the schedule page of the Stitch Lab for all the class listings and for more information.

And, if you've already taken my hand embroidery class at the Stitch Lab, and are looking for a way to grow your stitchery in a more artistic way, definitely check out Kat McTee's Artistic Embroidery classes at Studio 1408. You know Kat from my raves about her Screen Printing and Surface Design classes, but what you may not have realized is that she's also an amazing embroidress. She's created some amazing pieces of art that combine her surface design and embroidery. I'm dying to take her artistic embroidery class soon. My friend, Victoria, who was also in our surface design class, took the artistic embroidery class and said it was amazing.

Amazing amazing amazing amazing. I can't say it enough.

Taking craft class is the best way to learn a new skill and to force yourself to make time to work on the new skill. I can't tell you how many times I've been in a class and more than one student comments on how they wouldn't have taken the time to craft if it weren't for the class. Go make time for a crafty class now!

Get yer stitch on!

You know how much I love embroidery. Quite honestly, learning hand embroidery was the thing that kicked me into crafty high gear and - as geeky as it sounds - really changed my life. Getting to teach embroidery is one of my greatest pleasures. I've had some awesome students, and we always have a blast in class. If you'd like to get your stitch on with me, I'm teaching a class next Tuesday night (November 11) from 6:30 - 10:00 PM. You can enroll through the Stitch Lab web site. I'll be adding more classes soon, so be sure to sign up for the Stitch Lab newsletter, too.

Here's some other stuff to tempt you:

• Jen's recap from our most recent class
• Amy's Recap of her class last spring
• Some samples of student work *after* class
• The Class Flickr Set on the Stitch Lab web site

More fab sewing classes at The Stitch Lab!

As if the classes from the Future Craft Collective aren't enough to get you super excited, we're also working on the fall schedule at the Stitch Lab. We'll be working on the newsletter with the new schedule announcements on Wednesday (my favorite day of the week is newsletter day - it's loads of fun) There will be new rounds of the ever-popular Beginning I and Beginning II Series, some more hand embroidery classes from me, and maybe even a few new classes thrown into the mix.

To make sure you are first to be in the know, sign up for the Stitch Lab newsletter over on our web site. The newsletters aren't just schedule updates - we post loads of good information from our Notable Notions series, crafty news from around Austin and beyond, and pictures of Stitch Lab student creations from our Flick gallery. It's an email newsletter you'll actually look forward to receiving - even if you aren't local to Austin! So go sign up for it ... like NOW!

Super Awesome Embroidery Students

Over the last 10 days or so, I've been lucky to have received great emails from some of the folks who have taken one of my embroidery classes this summer. I have been floored by the amazing stuff these lovely ladies have done since class. They are total rock stars with their stitchery - I'm so proud! Fortunately, they've agreed to let me share their handiwork with my blog reader(s).

First up was Amy, whom I met several years ago when I lived in a suburb of Austin. I was so excited that she came to take the class - mostly because I almost never get to see her anymore - but it turns out she took way more from the class than just some fun social time. She sent pictures of some tea towels she's been working on as a gift set.

Check out that amazing chain stitch. Chain is one I always struggle with, but not Amy. She has spanked chain and let it know who's boss. (heh. I just think that's a funny visual) You've gotta click on this one to view large to see what I mean.


I also love that she's using a ready-made towel and not just adding an image, but also embellishing the lettering on the towel. It's a simple little addition, but it makes a huge impact. I love it.

And now to Martha. Here's what Martha had to say in her email after the class: "I have not had a chance to do a LOT of embroidering since, but I've made a few items. I'm sure they look very rookie-ish but thought you might be interested in seeing what you all have started."

Um ... no. Not "rookie-ish" at all. My jaw hit the ground when I saw this adorable shirt she embellished. I want one for myself!


And look at these adorable tea towels! I love the verigated floss on the cat, and I love the detail of the running stitch around the border of the towels. Fantastic!


Finally, there's Jodi (who's due to give birth any minute now!) Jodi is a good friend of mine who wanted to learn embroidery during her months-long "nesting" phase. She had visions of embroidering the placemats and cloth napkins her daughter needed to take to Montessori school. Her daughter started back to school this week, and check out the stinkin' adorable placemats she took with her.

Aren't they fantastic!? And one is using one of the vintage embroidery patterns I only posted last week! Jodi is *fast*, y'all!

More than the fabulous projects I've seen, though, have been the incredibly nice and enthusiastic comments about their experience in the class and after the class. I love seeing folks get so excited about crafting - especially embroidery - and I love seeing them make practical applications of their new - fun - skill in their lives. It warms my heart!

I just taught another class this past Tuesday, and already one of the students has emailed to say she went through her house the night after class to find a pillow case on which she could start embroidering. Hallelujah! The embroidery revolution lives on!

heh. It's the little things that I like.

Super fun sewing classes at the Stitch Lab in Austin

The new Stitch Lab class schedule is up! As usual, there are loads of fun offerings. I'm teaching more embroidery classes, so check the schedule and see if you can come stitch with me. It's a blast! If you are interested in a daytime class, just email and let me know. I'm toying with the idea of offering one.

There is an appliqué class this time 'round, though it was almost full by the time I left work this afternoon. The enrollment status reflects as of about noon today. I won't be back in the Stitch Lab until Monday to go through further enrollments. We had tons of registrations this morning, so if you see a class in which you are interested - grab a spot while you can!

One great opportunity that's coming up starting this weekend is a spot in our Beginning I Sewing Series. This is a class that typically has a wait list three times the spots available, but we've had a hitch with our July Saturday session: turns out lots of folks are traveling and won't be available all three Saturdays. That means that if you've been interested in taking the Beg. I series, you can sign up right now with no wait. The classes start this Saturday, July 12 and continue on July 19 and 26 from noon to 3:30 PM. Grab this opportunity while you can - it won't last long.

Come get creative and crafty with us! You won't be disappointed. :)