The Ball Point Awl is used for making a hole by carefully stretching the fabric without thread breakage, but I use it for just about everything. I love this little awl! It’s awesome for pulling threads out when I can’t find my seam ripper, and it doubles as a stiletto when I need to guide the ends of my sewing through the machine. Turning corners is much easier with the help of this little tool.  If you don’t have one, you should! My grandmother-in-law was from Sweden and loved to do cut work…

One of the members of my Laid Back Ladies of the Block quilt group shared a picture of this adorable and creative scarf  made by her 16-year-old granddaughter Wendy Keneipp. Wendy had learned the basics of crochet and decided to design her own scarf for friends. Awesome!! That’s  a sign of a true needle worker! I look forward to seeing future designs from this talented young woman.

Oh my, I have been crocheting so much I had to find the Icy Hot for those stressed arm muscles. Crocheting is a very repetitive process and one doesn’t realize the stress put on the muscles in the arm and hand … even the shoulder. So, take a break every so often and make sure you’re using Clover’s Soft Touch Crochet Hook. I finished one of the receiving blankets I mentioned earlier and am well on my way to finishing a second. The picture below shows the blanket made with plisse. The…

Oh my gosh did I have fun working with the Hairpin lace from the early 1900s and will continue to work on patterns. I’ll share my progress as they come together. This week I’m working on crocheted lace from the old magazines. Lace trimmings were very important and popular during the early 1900s If women wanted lace trimmings they had to make them. I’m constantly amazed at the creativity of these women in creating their own designs. One of my favorite projects to make for new babies is a receiving blanket with crocheted edgings. After hemming…

Oh boy! Reading through the needlecraft magazines from the 1900s I found one from 1908 … wow! There is so much history in these magazines I feel very fortunate to have them and be able to look through these treasures whenever I wish. I do fear I may have permanent damage to the eyes, though! Maybe with a few days rest the vision will return to normal. The lace work throughout the magazines captured my heart as crocheted lace is my favorite to make. Hairpin lace, referred to as Maltese Lace in…

I was blessed several years ago with a gift of 20 Needlework “magazines” from the 1920s. I lovingly take them down from time to time and look through them,providing me a respite from the fast pace of my daily life. Can you see the date on this magazine?  December 1915 !  Wow … talk about a trip through the past. Each edition is a real adventure. While recently spending some time with my treasured magazines I came across several articles about hairpin lace and how to join them for different projects. Two articles caught my attention and…

International Textiles Expo in Las Vegas   The time to travel had arrived and I scurried about packing – first my demo and model suitcase with all my tools and fabric, etc., needed to dazzle the attendees with our new products.  I worry more over that case than the one with clothes and makeup.  After all, there are always hotel gift shops and clothing stores close by! Las Vegas is always an exciting place with all the glitz and activities going on … so much energy that you can’t help…

We, at Clover, receive so many e-mails from you all sharing your projects made using Clover products that we decided to have an ongoing SHOW AND TELL section on the blog. If we show your project, you’ll be eligible to receive a fantastic Clover product that will surely spur you on to more creative products. The drawing will be held the end of each month. All you have to do is send a picture of your project and tell me a bit about yourself and the Clover tools you used. I would be…

I hope this is an awesome day for you all. The news these days is filled with stories about strife and turmoil the world over, and we in America are quick to offer help to those in other countries who are in need.  We’re also quick to reach out to those in our own country that need that little touch of love to brighten their lives. I’ve enjoyed making knit hats for preemie babies so much that I am doing a search for other great orgnizations that offer love and comfort through handmade items.…

WOW! What a ride SEW EXPO was! We all had a ball meeting and visiting with the awesome attendees. The Clover crew really treasures the opportunities to spend time with the end consumer of our products and the creative force that drives the market. Working a retail show is fast paced and hectic and we all have moments that can only be handled with fresh scones and raspberry jelly, mini doughnuts, barbecue sandwiches …. and TUMS!  It’s a fun few days and I truly hope you all have the opportunity to…