The idea for Stitch Village came to me while I was packing up my collection of vintage needlecraft booklets during our recent move. These old pamphlets had fun, achievable projects, created during an era when women learnt a multitude of stitch crafts because they were mostly expected to become homemakers.
The current resurgence of needle-based crafts means that women and men are learning these skills again, but this time around it's because they want to, not because they're expected to.
A lot of contemporary crafters are skilled at multiple crafts yet want to learn more. Though we live in a modern, disposable world, I think many of us still need to craft but for 21st century reasons, mainly just to switch off. I hope these simple projects will allow people to do just that, and lose themselves in little stitches.
The first collection of patterns comes from my own craft space. It's made up of projects I've created for my family or gift-giving and I've now drawn up these patterns for Volume One in the form of an ebook.
Future collections will offer a variety of needlework crafts similar to the vintage booklets. They'll feature other designers, their needlecrafts of choice, and if they let me, a peek into their spaces. There will also be links to suppliers (suppliers are often hard to come by outside the US) and community crafting projects.
The first issue includes patterns and tutorials for five projects and a few extras. Also, the Cheeky Cherub embroidery pattern will be my gift to those who purchase this first issue.
A percentage of this and every future issue will go to charity. The charity this time is the British Red Cross for the Haiti appeal.
You can learn more or order through the new shop linked at the top of this page. Or go to my other blog, Nini Makes to enter contests celebrating the start of this new venture.
I'll leave you with a few sneaky peeks at Volume One.
Thanks for visiting :)
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It looks simply wonderful!
Posted by: dottycookie | 02/12/2010 at 11:28 PM
I agree with Dottycookie, fabulous!
Posted by: Ruth | 02/13/2010 at 09:15 AM
yay yay yay, you did it ! :)
so proud of you, my friend !
I know it was a lot of work
I'm sure it'll be a big success !
xoxox
Posted by: Sonia | 02/13/2010 at 02:19 PM
What a brilliant idea! I'm off to have a closer look at your new e-book - I think I may have to break my self-imposed ban on crafty spending now........! Lucy x
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | 02/13/2010 at 04:20 PM
Congratulations on your fabulous new venture Joanie. It looks amazing.
Posted by: Marina | 02/14/2010 at 11:43 AM
Oh Joanie, the e-book is fabulous! Amazing first effort!
I love the variety of projects - each with your very own special touch!
The steps and images are so well thought out and are presented so well that it should be easy for anyone to complete any of these projects!
I never thought I could make a doll - but now you have me convinced I CAN do it using your patterns and instructions! I think I will make mine a Christmas doll!
I am thrilled for you to have completed this e-book - I know it was a labor of pure love on your part and that love got you through the challenges.
I wish you every success with this first issue and all future issues.
Posted by: pam | 02/16/2010 at 03:07 AM
BRAVO Nini !!! You did it ! I'm so impressed by your talent and your perseverence. Your Stitch Village is such an inviting place ! Wish lot of success and a long life to these new blog and shop. Lot of love, sweet friend.
Posted by: Nanou | 02/23/2010 at 06:18 AM
cute blog!! I love the free bunny pattern. My girlfriend just had a baby and I think I will sew one up for her :D
Posted by: Katie Trott | 05/12/2010 at 06:25 PM