This is my idea of New Years Eve - not that I normally go out and celebrate but I worked the skyscrapers at the bottom in running stitch, then machine-embroidered with gold metallic thread and other bright colours, randomly, showing my impression of fireworks.  Then I added some gift ribbon retrieved from various parcels, which I pinned into the top (I had used a piece of a box side for the mount).  The black satin is from a pillowcase given to me by my daughter.  She knows I'll take any sort of textile, I can always find a use for it.

Pincushions

This website has interesting stuff about pincushions.
http://tinyurl.com/24zchyt 
I discovered it when I was looking for information to put in the Blue Box on a new pattern of mine, and on this other page,
http://tinyurl.com/6ajo7g
you can see a tutorial on how to make one.
The one I have made is different to this, you will see it once I have typed the pattern - only just finished making it.  Here is a sample of it:

Craft Shows

Recently I went to the Adelaide Craft and Quilt Fair.  Had a great day, spent all the money I took, but bought some good stuff.  One of the things I bought was "Shrinking Sheet Fabric"which is fascinating stuff.  For those who have never seen it, you machine it to the back of whatever fabric you want in your design - I did some free machine quilting - and then you hold a hot steam iron close to the Shrinking Sheet side.  It shrivels up which causes the main fabric to scrunch up between the stitching.  As you can see from the photo, I sewed several pieces together.  More on that another time.

Embroidery Patterns

In Embroidery & Cross Stitch Magazine, Gift Special, Vol 18 No. 2, I am delighted to say I have had 2 patterns published - Queensland Icons, which shows Gouldian Finches and Ulysses Butterfly, and my Country Cottage tea cosy.

The Queensland Icons is worked in silks and the Country Cottage in cottons.  Both patterns are available on my website at www.christinelinton.com.au

Beading

I recently was inspired by the Commonwealth Games in India to make a beaded wallhanging.  It is called Shades of India and is satin, habutai, microdot, sequins and beads, and hand quilted to finish.  Oh and feathers and strings of beads along the bottom.  You can see a larger picture on my website on the Gallery Page at christinelinton.com.au

Fabric Flowers

http://www.linda-matthews.com/tutorial-fabric-flower-embellishment/

For a terrific fabric poppy, go to Linda Matthews site above, where there is a tutorial. 

Making ribbon roses

or the link below will give you a YouTube video on how to make a ribbon rose, it is so simple and looks so good.

http://tinyurl.com/2d3whzg