christmas wish list

In case you were wondering (you were, right?), here's what's topping my Christmas wish list this year:

 

Many Mountains Stitchable Tote Bag by Sublime Stitching

Made in France: Cross-Stitch and Embroidery in Red, White, and Blue

Zipper Purse by Made by Hank

sashiko throw pillow

Inspired by this post on The Purl Bee earlier this year, I decided to try my hand at sashiko (Japanese embroidery). I purchased my supplies (sashiko kit, needles, cotton thread, and leather thimble) from KimonoMomo on Etsy and got started stitching. I did most of the stitching during our trip to Seattle last March---including while on the plane---and I turned the finished piece into a pillow a few weeks ago. 

The lovely graphic patterns used in sashiko are my favorite part, and I've used them in the past---like on this cross-stitch travel mug---without even realizing it.

cross-stitch goods for the wondercraft

A package of new Salty Oat goodies is currently on its way to The WonderCraft, just in time for the holiday season and EtsyAustin's November Craft Riot. 

The package includes cross-stitch wall pieces, cross-stitch pincushions, and cross-stitch pinback buttons!

If you haven't already, be sure to stop by The WonderCraft's shiny Airstream trailer and take a gander at all of the awesome, locally made things they stock; they're open every Friday and Saturday.

screen-printed fabric by small talk

Two weekends ago, I had a chance to run through my very first Crafty Bastards Arts + Crafts Fair (I was on my way to work, so I couldn't stay long). While there, I picked up a swatch of screen printed fabric by Small Talk, a studio based in Baltimore. 

I still haven't decided what to do with my panel, though a pillow is on the top of my list.

P.S. Thank you, Seaside Siblings, for the lovely mention!

sewing kit

With a new job (at a fabric store!), a quilting class, and crafty preparations for the upcoming holiday season underway, things are busy, busy, busy in the studio. I promise to share lots of projects with you in the coming weeks, including some exciting Salty Oat news. In the meantime, if you're in need of some sewing encouragement, check out this adorable sewing kit which supports a great cause.

P.S. If you're in Austin this weekend, be sure to stop by the opening of the brand-new Visual Arts Center on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin. The weekend events promise to be spectacular!

cross-stitch furniture

Back when we first moved into our new apartment, my husband and I took a trip to Ikea (many trips, actually) to pick out some new seating so that we'd have something other than the wood floor to sit on while we waited for the movers to arrive. 

We wound up picking up an armchair and an ottoman covered in--wait for it--cross-stitch flowers! Though it's nearly impossible to photograph, the fabric is pretty amazing and its fun to incorporate more embroidery into our decor.

stitchable stationery

I have a confession to make: I'm addicted to stitchable stationery. Last week, I visited the Renwick Gallery (the Smithsonian's craft museum) with my mom and aunt who were in town for the weekend. I picked up a package of Sublime Stitching's Stitchable Stationery in the museum's gift shop, and for the past day, I have been furiously stitching away. 

I love the look of floss on paper, and I'm excited to come up with a few stationery designs of my own. In the meantime, I'll be sending these cards to my pen pals and including them in birthday packages.