Hand stitching

my stitch guide bag ~ by Jane LaFazio

I wanted to have a stitching reference for my students, so I created this bag (above) from my watercolor illustrations of the embroidery stitches I use regularly. While I was making the bag, I thought they'd be great to sell. When I finished the bag, I realized I'd have to sell it for something like $400! ha! Yes, there is only one bag, and I bring it to workshops I teach.

sample of the buttonhole wheel stitch ~ by Jane LaFazio

detail from my stitch guide bag ~ by Jane LaFazio

I love to use variegated hand dyed threads like these from Laura Wasilowski. I also like these, from Caron. I like either 8 or 12 size pearl cotton thread, and use single strands when I stitch. Here's a guide, from Laura, on which needle for which thread.

Speaking of thread, I store my threads using this inexpensive yet practical system called "Floss-A-Way. 

Button hole wheel stitch by Jane LaFazio
(Read about my stitched and beaded bra for charity here.)

Oh, did you see this post from Pokey Bolton about CRAFT NAPA and my stitches?

I'll be teaching two hand-stitching workshops at Craft Napa:

Garden Patch Friday, January 8 

Text & Textiles Saturday, January 9

Registration closes for CRAFT NAPA on December 7th!

If you can't take a hand-stitching class from me, take a look at this online stitch guide, it will keep you busy!