I really enjoyed Jennifer Strauser’s Stitch Without Stress presentation in The Art of Handmade Summit last month but my sewing supplies were not handy. Then I saw similar techniques used in two projects in this week’s Making Zen summit and I started to gather fabrics for those projects… then saw them more as a placemat in Jennifer’s style! I’ve got the outside edges all basted on and 3 rounds of running stitches now (photos from the layout and the cat intrigued by hand stitching). I am merging styles and plan to add double fold tape around the finished piece later… but must rest, and tomorrow I’ll have new sashiko needles and thimble to make it even easier! (Oh I also tried sashiko on a salvaged unused face mask panel that may become a wide shield shaped pouch later!) Edit: adding updated picture 10/29 3:30pm to this post and in comments are some of the other projects I did overnight

I made this magpie stitched piece last week, inspired by the Art of Handmade theme and some local sculpture art. I really enjoyed being present and just putting stitches down without too much thought for the 'proper' way to do it. Maybe I should frame this or put it into a fabric journal? Any ideas?

I just leveled up and got the Seasonal digital stickers and i LOVE them!!!!!! Such detail and rich color.....I will definitely be using them in my projects! 😍

We’re deep in prep for the Elves’ Workshop Summit (Nov 18–20, 2025) 🎄 and the lineup is stacked with festive goodness—from cookies to crafts, decluttering tips to dazzling DIY décor. 👉 If you could learn just ONE thing this holiday season, what would it be? (a) Stress-free holiday hacks (b) Fun family crafts (c) Baking & edible gifts (d) Handmade décor & ornaments Vote with a letter below 👇 — your feedback helps us make this event extra magical!

Here’s what to expect & your next steps: ✅ Check your inbox in the morning for an email from me (support@hobbyscool.com). Inside you’ll find the direct link to the Summit website. ✅ Head to the schedule page → pick any Day 1 workshop to start watching. No login needed! ✅ Play along with Summit Bingo 🏆 — we’ve got a ton of prizes (including a free VIP All-Access Pass!) waiting for you. ✅ Share your creations & workshop takeaways right here in the group — we can’t wait to cheer you on. This week is going to be amazing. Let’s do this together. 💛 Destini