Orts: Threads of Creativity
Orts is newsletter collecting small snippets of creativity: embroiderers, textile artists, illustrators, DIY projects, and how we can make time for our creative endeavors. Published every Friday.
Lace electrical cords and giant doodle grids
Sharing threads of creativity 𧾠Written by Sara Barnes It's been a while. Since the last time I wrote, I've launched several DIY embroidery kits in my online shop, Bear&Bean! They have everything you need to stitch a stick-on wild animal patch: red panda, axolotl, sloth, and sea lion. đ Scroll down for an unexpected mailbox, a stained glass embroidery kit, a "doodle grid," and much more. A lace electrical cord and doodle grid ⨠5 creatively inspiring things 1ď¸âŁ Maggie Hensel-Brown creates...
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Mind-boggling bobbin juggling (say that 5x fast)
Sharing threads of creativity 𧾠Written by Sara Barnes Thank you for being an Orts paid subscriber! I really appreciate it. You might've seen that I launched DIY embroidery kits where you can stitch a wild animal patch. When complete, you can stick the patch onto your favorite jacket or tote bag. Here's a discount code for them, just for paid Orts folks! Use the code ORTSCLUB to save 15% on your purchase (DIY kits only). Liz Payne Mind-boggling bobbin juggling ⨠5 creatively inspiring things...
Crop art, egg vessels, and stitching on stones 𪨠đŞĄ
Happy Friday! I had a lot of fun putting this week's newsletter together. Scroll down because egg vessels and stitching over stone await. And ICYMI, this glittery throne was the most-clicked link in the last Orts 5/5. If you're in the Seattle area, come get crafty with me! I'm teaching an embroidery workshop at Make Apothecary in Bothell on September 21 from 1 PM to 3 PM. You can learn to stitch an axolotl patch using three basic embroidery stitches. Alice Fox Crop art, egg vessels, and...
This cross-stitch book is an enchanting way to start spooky season đť
Fall is my favorite season. The chill in the air makes it a perfect time to craft! If you're looking for a project (or 25) as summer transitions into fall, I have a book for you. I was sent a copy of Lindsay Swearingenâs new book, Magickal Cross-Stitch: 25 Witchy Projects to Enchant Your Home. As the title suggests, itâs the perfect book for spooky season, with a collection of designs that bring the occult to life. Hereâs a peek into the book. I come to Magickal Cross-Stitch not as a...
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When a shirt becomes a window
Thank you for being a paid subscriber to Orts! OK Soup Studio When a shirt becomes a window ⨠5 creatively inspiring things 1ď¸âŁ I love illustrative quilting, or images made using piecework and freehand methods to create unconventional quilt tops. Check out a few of my favorites: this set of four portraits by Sarah Gagnon, aka Pelican Quilts; a fox running under the night sky by Lindsey Faith; and an abstract vest by Miesje Chafer. 2ď¸âŁ Youâre likely familiar with adjusting your top, but OK...
Ethereal quilts and glittery thrones â¨
Hi! Itâs been a few weeks since Iâve been in your inbox. Within a month, two events I have been planning for a long timeâThe Illustration Conference and Camp Craftawayâhappened. (Two years and a year of planning, respectively!) I had a lot of âcompeting prioritiesâ as I like to say, and all my energy went to making sure those things went off without a hitch. Iâm happy to say that they are done and went so well! It also means I can focus more on my projectsâincluding Orts. So, letâs get to it...
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An embroidery pattern for you!
*Taps mic* Is this thing on? Ok, good, because I have an Orts Lab project for you. Did you think I forgot? I don't blame you if you did, but I didnât! Iâm sorry for getting this to you much later than I intended. I hate to make excuses, and I dropped the ball on this. Thank you for your patience! Back to the Orts Lab at hand. If you already love embroidery or want to try it, I created Supplies Stitch, an Orts-exclusive design that you can stitch on clothing or in a hoop. I added it to my...
Craft your own cat tarot đ đŞĄ
Hello again! Iâve been gone for the last couple of weeks, some of which was spent in Minneapolis producing ICON12 The Illustration Conference. I was the Board President for this conference, and after two years of work, it all came together! It was a deeply satisfyingâand fun experienceâbut I am glad to be back and focused on Orts and my embroidery. So, without further ado, let's get to 5/5: five creatively inspiring things and five ways to DIY. Craft your own cat tarot ⨠5 creatively...
How one fiber artist embraced mistakes to 'spotlight' her embroidery
Deanna Skow Iâm a day late with the newsletter this week. (Maybe you noticed, maybe you didnât!) But, better late than neverâespecially because I'm thrilled to share with you an interview with Deanna Skow of Six Eyes Stitches. I discovered Deanna's work through her Spotlight embroidery series. As the name suggests, the pieces have a spotlight effect and illuminate a portion of the composition. In Deannaâs case, this is often achieved as a clever hoop-within-a-hoop design. I spoke with Deanna...
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Fantastic fungi and faux fish loaves đ đ
Laura Dalla Vecchia Hi! This email is coming to you later than I wouldâve liked. I am prepping for my busiest week of 2024âThe Illustration Conference (ICON), where Iâm the Board President. Itâs been two years in the making, and it happens in less than two weeks. All that to sayâthank you for your patience and thank you for supporting Orts. Now, letâs get onto 5/5! Fantastic Fungi and Faux Fish Loaves ⨠5 creatively inspiring things Taylor Swift recently stepped out in a granny square-style...
Orts is newsletter collecting small snippets of creativity: embroiderers, textile artists, illustrators, DIY projects, and how we can make time for our creative endeavors. Published every Friday.