Lark Crafts

Tic Tac Toe Board from Stash Happy: Appliqué

Remember trading cute Valentine’s Day messages with friends in elementary school? The classroom was filled with exchanges of colorful little cards, cute candies and chocolates, and even the occasional carnation. Teachers handed out clusters of hearts to paint in reds, whites, and pinks. Vocabulary lists for the day contained words like ‘cupid,’ and everyone seemed just a little extra excited to be in class. Well, today’s free project would be the perfect gift to make Valentine’s Day a little extra special for the youngsters in your life. With sweethearts in the O’s, this soft and portable Tic Tac Toe board from Stash Happy: Appliqué will breathe new life into an old favorite just in time for the holiday.

To download the free pdf project instructions click here.

There are so many ways to craft a Valentine’s message… why not say it with a mini quilt? In this lovely piece by Deborah Boschert from Creative Quilting with Beads, “love” is happening on multiple levels! The patchwork pattern forms a large “L” shape with cute beaded Xs and Os for added dimension. And what’s not to love about the quilting pattern! Plug in some of your favorite beads and fabrics, and up the love factor even more.

Download the instructions here: Love Letters quilt

See more of Deborah’s work on her site.

Okay, serious question… and be honest. What is the best part of sewing handmade goodies for babies and kids? Picking out the fabrics, of course! From there, it’s pretty much all downhill: cutting patterns, pinning, sewing, repinning, pressing, and, finally, worrying about the fit. Wouldn’t it be great if you could pick the fabrics and then let someone else do the work?

Just Ducky offers just that: American-made, custom children’s clothing perfect for your little one. And you get to pick the fabric… plus a bunch of other fun options, too!

Based in our neck of the woods here in Western North Carolina, Just Ducky has been creating custom clothing for kids since the early 80s. They’re currently celebrating the release of their spring 2012 line, a collection of new designs and new fabrics to choose from. Available in a few select retail stores in the Asheville, Just Ducky does most of their work through home shows: think trunk show in a cozy environment, good company, and fun with fabric. And you’re invited!

Join us:
Wednesday, February 8th
5:30-7:30
At Lark Books (67 Broadway, Asheville, NC 28801)

Want to find a home show in your area? Click here. Or maybe you’re interested in hosting your own Just Ducky home show? Click here.

What better way to spice up your socks life than with a new pair of hand-knit lovelies? Or maybe you want to show someone special you really care this Valentine’s Day? Either way, the Joy of Socks kit can take you there with 30+ masterful sock designs, a set of 5 double-pointed needles, two skeins of superwash merino yarn, and plenty of giggles along the way.

To enter to win the Joy of Socks book and kit, please leave a comment on this post by 9 p.m. EST on Thursday, February 2nd. Any comment is fine—though we’d love to hear what crafty things you’re making – or planning to make – for Valentine’s day. Three winners will be selected at random from among all eligible entries and notified by Friday, February 3rd. Click here for the official rules.

This giveaway is now closed to new entries. Thanks to everyone who left a comment. The winners will be announced shortly!

Maybe the start of a new year is a good time to think about starting a new craft? We think so! Ever tried needle-felting? Complete with felted rocks, life-like leaves, and amazing little mushroom gills, this Mushroom Terrarium project by Lisa Jordan (from Stash Happy Felt) is the perfect place to start. But crafter beware: it’s hard to make just one!

Download the instructions here: Mushroom Terrarium

See more of Lisa’s amazing work on her blog!

Does the start of a new year have you inspired to try a new technique? The time has come, friends, for you to give pieced curves a try. I know, they can be a bit intimidating, but Jess Berrett‘s Arches Quilt – from Pretty in Patchwork: Doll Quilts – offers a neat technique (and a clear explanation) for creating pieced curves in your quilts. Even better, the technique is perfect for freeform, improv style piecing….and think about all the fun ways you can use this technique in other projects!

Download the project here: Arches Doll Quilt

And be sure to pay Jess’s blog a visit – her work is seriously inspiring!

Check back with us next: we’ll be sharing another fun technique and quilt from the book!

Not ready to get out of holiday crafting mode yet? Or perhaps you just want to get a head start on next year? Here’s a roundup of all the free holiday projects we’ve shared this month, all in one handy dandy place.

Woolen Tree Trio

Oh, Christmas Trees Ornaments

Felt Blooms Wreath

Sweet Trio Ornaments

Toadstool Ornaments

Sewn Tablet/Ereader Case

Gingerbread Men Embroidered Apron

Holiday Shopping List Taker

We so hope we’ve added a little handmade merriment to your celebrations this year… and beyond. Happiest of holidays to you and yours from the needlearts team!

When it comes to fast crafting, felt is – or will be soon! – your best friend. It’s relatively inexpensive, easy to work with, and you don’t have to worry about raveling. Not sold yet? Well consider this: there’s no limit to how you can use it! It’s perfect for applique, dimensional work, or my personal favorite, combining it with print fabrics…and for last-minute crafting, should you need some ideas, you know,  for a friend. (Wink, wink: we’re absolutely certain you’ve finished all your handmade goodies this year! And if not, your secret’s safe with us.).

Made for quick crafting, stitch up this fast and fun Hexy Stocking from Stash Happy Felt.

Or have fun with felt baubles with this simple and scrappy Cheery and Bright stocking by Laura Howard.