Pat Sloan's Holiday Book Tour! Update 06.15.21 This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to everyone who entered and congratuations to Robin J. who is the winner of a copy of Pat Sloan's new book! Come back soon for more FAB fun and check out our books and patterns via the links you'll find… well… pretty much all over this site! S&J
If you’ve taken one of our quilting classes, you know we love these little mats cum mini quilts. They are in the Goldilocks Zone of quilting projects providing you with a way to try out a quilting technique or pattern without committing to a full-size quilt, but you still have something FAB and useable when you are finished. Hang them on the wall or use them as… well… table mats! Use them as the base for your centerpiece or as a resting place for a vase of flowers that you definitely did not pick from the neighbor’s rose bushes that are growing out into the alley that they will never miss because they don’t take care of them or ever come out to look at them or smell them and they are just going to go to waste back there so why shouldn’t you enjoy them?!? *ahem* You get the idea; a little bit of gorgeousness that is both beautiful and useful for a relatively small time commitment. Moving on…
Giveaways! And y’all just KNOW that a book tour means giveaways and there are a couple of different giveaways you can enter to win. First, we’re giving away a copy of Holiday Celebrations that you can win by leaving a comment right here on this blog post telling us what your favorite holiday is. Our giveaway ends on June 14, 2021, at 11:59pm PT. We will choose a random winner on June 15, 2021 and notify that person via email and here at the top of this post… so be sure to leave us your email so we can get ahold of you! Our giveaway is open to both US and international entries. US residents will receive a printed copy of the book and those outside the US will be sent a PDF of the book. There are also wo big ol’ prize packs you can enter to win from Martingale until June 14 2021 on the Martingale website and on the Martingale Instagram page.
Make sure you take a minute (or several) to visit Pat’s blog to follow along the book tour (and get in on their giveaways too!). And, if you don’t win a copy, you can grab a copy of "Pat Sloan’s Holiday Celebrations" from your favorite quilt shop, or anywhere quilting books are sold including on our Amazon page! (Or download the eBook version of the book from ShopMartingale.com today!) Here are all the folx on Pat’s book tour. Be sure to check out their interpretations of the FAB projects from Pat’s book to inspire your own projects.
We had a lot of fun creating the fabric for this project and we are so happy and honored that Pat included us in her tour. We hope those of you who are new to our piece of the Universe will stick around for a bit. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest Shibaguyz news and explore our website for more articles, tutorials, our own books and patterns, and our growing product line of fabric and sashiko tools and notions. And, of course, y'all can find us on social media by clicking on those little icons below this post. Until we see y'all on social media or in the virtual classroom… STITCH ON!! S&J Show us the Colors of Your Pride! 
As with most of the endeavors of the Shibaguyz, our mantra of "If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing!" held true here. We started with the They/Them Pullover crochet pattern to speak to Shannon's non-binary gender expression and the Progressive Pride Flag mini quilt project was a way for us to talk about the need for more inclusion of BIPOC and TGNCNB folx in Rainbow Pride Flag and the community as a whole. Both were projects created as a way to express our own Pride and it kind of snowballed from there into three different quilt designs during the past year. Also true to our modus operandi, we started working out the designs for all of those quilts at the same time. Soon, one of the designs started consuming our minds and became almost an obsession. Piece by piece, the blocks grew. Block by block, our vision expanded… as did the project! The patterning experiment became a wall hanging, the wall hanging became a lap throw, the lap throw became a queen sized quilt for our bed which brings us to this pattern release: the Colors of my Pride quilt pattern! Before we dive into the new quilt pattern, let's add some context to the content and take a brief look at the history of Pride flags. A brief glimpse at the History of LGBTQIA+ Pride Flags The history of the banners we wave to represent us in the LGBTQIA+ and TGNCNB community is as deep and as colorful as the members of our community itself. Without writing a tome on the subject, we would like to give you an overview of the flags and colors that influenced us in the creation of the Colors of My Pride quilt.
 Gilbert Baker 8-Stripe Pride Flag with color designations and meanings of each color.
Beyond the Rainbow The LGBTQIA+ community is not a monolith, and neither are the colors of our Pride! In addition to the incarnations of the Rainbow Pride Flag, there are individual flags that represent the communities we each identify with. There are flags hoisted for the lesbian, bear, agender, transgender, and non-binary communities, as well as flags that represent the leather, pansexual, intersex, and genderfluid communities. And that’s just a few! Regardless of how we feel on the inside or how we represent ourselves on the outside, each of us celebrates our Pride differently and we certainly express our Pride with colors that go beyond the rainbow.
The Project: The Colors of My Pride Quilt Our quilt, The Colors of My Pride, is a combination of colors from across the wide range of vibrant Pride flags that speak to us the most; the colors that we feel represent us best. We worked with Karla Overland at Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabrics to pick our very specific colors that best represented our Pride. As we encourage each of you to do with your own Colors of My Pride quilts, we chose colors from different flags and pulled the ones that had the most meaning to us to include in our blocks. Our choices were very personal to us… as yours will be to you. For our The Colors of My Pride quilt, we included the six colors from the Rainbow Pride Flag since that is the first flag that either of us remembers flying as a banner at marches, plastered on our vehicles, worn on our bodies, waved in defiance, and painted on our skin for the better part of 30 years. However, in more recent years, we have come to feel that the representation of the colors from the More Color, More Pride Flag is more inclusive and even further encompasses our community, so we included the black and brown stripes from that flag. Shannon is non-binary, so we also brought in the soft blue and pink from the Transgender Pride Flag and added a lavender stripe to represent those of us who feel we are outside of (or fluid within) the gender binary. And the soft pink for the framing of the blocks? We had asked Karla of Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabrics for a soft pink that was just barely there. We wanted something that would subtly frame and complement each of our blocks and would provide an overall unifying color when the blocks were assembled. For us, the pink framing of the vibrant blocks represents the overall LGBTQIA+ and TGNCNB community and our unity regardless of where we are and how we represent ourselves. Again, all these color choices are very personal to us and represent OUR LGBTQIA+ and TGNCNB Pride… if those colors speak to you, then use them for your own quilt but, if you feel like other flags and other color combinations represent your place within your community, pick the colors of YOUR Pride and make your quilt your own.  The Colors of My Pride Quilt by the Shibaguyz The Colors of My Pride Quilt Color Choices How many colors? Which colors? That’s up to you. The blocks themselves are created using a Scrappy Wonky Log Cabin block construction with 17 pieces built from the center out. We used a total of 11 colors repeated starting with either of the three color sets. Don’t worry… in the quilt pattern, we break down the different color sequences we used. You can follow those exactly or substitute in your own colors that represent your Pride!
If you have never made a quilt before or if you are newer to quilting, you’re going to love how forgiving this method of construction is. No… really… time after time, folx in our scrappy wonky quilt classes who were intimidated by matching corners and perfect lines are thrilled with how they can sit down and, with a basic machine that sews a straight line, create something glorious and stunning. Experienced quilters will love this style of construction both because of the freedom of expression it offers and the modern esthetic it creates. Most experienced quilt makers love the sense of play in the creation of these blocks and the resulting randomness is always a thrill… new or experienced! Click on the button below to be whisked away to the Creative Spark website where you can reserve your spot in the live class OR you can pre-order the recording to watch after the live class. Either way, purchasing the class comes with a copy of the pattern AND you have access to the recording for one year after enrolling. That way, even if you can't join us live, you can still participate, ask questions, learn at your own pace on your own schedule, and discuss your quilts with others in the class via the Creative Spark platform. It's the best of all worlds! A final word… or two…
On this, the 51st anniversary of the riots at the Stonewall Inn that sparked the fire that became the modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement and, ultimately, the reason we celebrate Pride Month in June, we are proud to be a part of this vibrant, diverse, exciting community of people. We stand in the shadow of those first transgender Black and Latino women, lesbians, and sex workers who threw the first bricks at Stonewall. We stand on the platform that those folx and so many more before and since have built so that we can be out and proud. Without them, we would not be where we are today… period. Now it is our time to speak out and use our own platform of creativity and education to express ourselves and make it possible for others to stand tall and proud. Whether you make this for yourself to show the color of your Pride or if you make it for someone else to show them your love and support, we hope you think of those who have come before and all of those of us who are still fighting every day just for our basic human rights as members of the LGBTQIA+ and TGNCNB community. Whether you make a Colors of My Pride quilt as a silent encouragement for yourself or as a way to shout out to the world, whether it is a personal journey or one of support for others, we hope you find the same strength and power in the creation process as we have. STITCH ON! S&J Food & Fiber Arts Classes at BARNHey there folx! We are thrilled beyond words to be back in the grooooooove of teaching again and we wanted to let you know about a new venue for us that we have LOVED working on. The Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN) is a non-profit community center for artisans and makers and serves as a creative hub for many on Bainbridge Island and throughout our home base region in the Pacific Northwest. Here in Seattle, we are a quick but STUNNING ferry ride to Bainbridge Island so we were fortunate enough to hook up with the programing folx in their fiber arts program to plan out a series of yarn and fabric based classes before the pandemic shook everything up. Luckily, when we approached the folx at BARN about virtual programming, they were already headed in that direction and we worked with them to adapt our classes and workshops to fit this new way of interacting with our students and their members.
If you haven't heard of BARN before, be sure to check out their full website (while you're there signing up for one of our classes) to learn more about this gem right here in the Pacific Northwest that now, thanks to their virtual platform, you all can experience from all over the world!
If you have any questions about the logistics of the workshops, contact the BARN folx via their website or drop us a note here via our contact form and we'll get you where you need to go to answer your question. For now, go… enroll… and we'll see you all in the virtual classroom! STITCH ON!! S&J It's Time for a Crochet Wardrobe Refresh Yes, we know. It's just the first of September. But we are big fans of Fall and the temps have been down in the 50's here at night so we're calling it. Fall wardrobe refresh season is here! Even though the daytime temps prevent us from wrapping up in cozy layers, we all know it takes a bit of time to gather the materials and actually make new crochet garments sooooo… no time like the present to get started! For this season, we present four new crochet patterns that range from light and layerable to downright cozy. Here's a quick look at all four. Click through the photos for a more detailed look at the sizing and materials specs.
We hope you all love wearing these as much as we loved designing them. Click through the photos above to go to the individual pattern pages. As always, we appreciate your support of our studio by purchasing our patterns. Be sure to tag us on social media at the links below to show us what you've made so we can help you celebrate! STITCH ON!! S&J Crochet Cabled Hooded Cardigan - DIGITAL PATTERN
$7.50
Incredible cables adorn the edging and back of this cozy hooded cardigan with long sleeves that double as mitts with an opening for the thumb. If you love cables, this show stopping cardigan is the pattern you've been waiting for.
This digital download includes the full crochet pattern in PDF format with photos, cable charts and blocking schematic. ------------------------------------- SKILLS USED
SIZES S ( M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X) FINISHED MEASUREMENTS To Fit Bust Circumference: 34 (38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62)” ” Finshed Bust: 37 (41, 45, 49, 52. , 57, 60. , 65)” bust circumference with fronts overlapping for 4 (4. , 4. , 5. , 5. , 6. , 6. , 7. )”. Sample shown measures 37”, modeled with 5” ease. Length from Shoulder: 28 (28, 28.5, 29, 29, 29, 29.5, 29.5)”. SKILL LEVEL Advanced: Knowledge of Post Stitches and Cables MATERIALS Sample uses Valley Yarns Haydenville (distributed by WEBS) (60% superwash merino, 40% acrylic microfiber; 220 yd [201 m]/ 3. oz [100 g]; ): #9 red, 14 (15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 23, 24) balls. CROCHET HOOK Hook Size 7 (4.50mm). Adjust hook size if needed to obtain correct gauge. NOTIONS Yarn needle BLOCKED GAUGES 18 sts and 20 rows = 4” in sc patt; 21 sts and 21 rows = 4” in linen st patt. Originally published as Crimson Hooded Cardigan in Interweave Crochet Winter 2018 Effortless QuadTop - Crochet Digital Pattern
$7.50
Crocheted from four rectangles, this crocheted top is a perfect addition to any ensemble. Made from fingering weight yarn, this top is easy to wear alone or with an undershirt. Crocheters new to the craft will appreciate the simplicity of the stitching. Advanced stitchers will certainly welcome the visual interest sported by the final sewn garment. This digital download includes the full crochet pattern in PDF format with photos, stitch charts, and blocking schematic. ------------------------------------- STITCHES USED: Double crochet Foundation double crochet (Fdc): Linked first double crochet (Linked first-dc) 1-over-2 pulled double crochet cross (pulled dc cross) (worked over 3 sts): SIZES S ( M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X) FINISHED MEASUREMENTS To Fit Bust Circumference: 28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56)”. Finshed Bust: 30¾ (34, 38¼, 41¾, 46, 49½ , 53, 57¼ )” Sample shown measures 36” bust. To Fit Hip: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58)” Finished Hip: 32.5 (36, 41, 44.25, 49, 52.25, 56, 60.5)” SKILL LEVEL Intermediate YARN Light/Fingering Weight MATERIALS Sample uses Malabrigo Sock (100% Superwash Merino Wool; 440 yd [402 m]/3.5 oz [100 g]; CYC #1): #SW800 Tiziano Red, 4 (5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 8, 8) hanks. CROCHET HOOK C/2 (2.75mm). NOTIONS Yarn needle BLOCKED GAUGES 6.63 sts and 2.88 rows = 1” in pattern stitch 53 sts = 8”; 23 rows = 8” in pattern stitch Originally published as Courageous Caftan in Love of Crochet Fall 2017 The Conch Cardigan - Crochet Digital Pattern
$7.50
Wear it to the beach, in the garden, at the store, or anywhere you need a ready layering item. The easy fit and versatility of this dolman sleeved cardi makes it a FAB piece for any body type and just about any occasion. This digital download includes the full crochet pattern in PDF format with photos, stitch charts, and blocking schematic. ------------------------------------- STITCHES USED: Foundation single crochet (Fsc) Linked first double crochet (Linked first-dc) Double crochet Double crochet V-stitch (dc-v) Half double crochet v-stitch (hdc-v) Single crochet v-stitch (sc-v) SIZES XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X) FINISHED MEASUREMENTS To Fit Bust: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58)”/76 (86.5, 96.5, 106.5, 117, 127, 137, 147.5) cm Finished Bust: 34 (38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62)”/86.5 (96.5, 106.5, 117, 127, 137, 147.5, 157.5) cm Cuff to Cuff: 44 (45, 47, 47.5, 49, 49, 51, 51)”/112 (114, 119.5, 120.5, 124.5, 124.5, 129.5, 129.5) cm SKILL LEVEL Advanced FINISHED MEASUREMENTS To Fit Bust: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62)" Finished Bust: 38 (41, 44, 50, 53.5, 57, 63, 66, 69)" Finished Length: 30.7 (30.7, 30.7, 30.7, 30.7, 35, 35, 35, 35)" Top Line: 38 (39.25, 41, 44, 45.5, 47, 50, 51.75, 53.5)" Main Body Width: 19 (20.5, 22, 25, 26.75, 28.5, 31.5, 33, 34.5)" YARN Super Fine MATERIALS Sample uses Cascade Heritage Silk (85% Superwash Merino Wool/15% Silk); 3.5 ounces/100g = 437 yards/400 m): 5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8) balls in color Storm Blue #5675— 2185 (2185, 2622, 2622, 3059, 3059, 3496, 3496) yards/2000 (2000, 2400, 2400, 2800, 2800, 3200, 3200) meterss of super fine yarn CROCHET HOOK 2.25mm (size B-1) and 3.25mm (size D-3) or size to obtain gauge NOTIONS Yarn needle BLOCKED HANGING GAUGE 10 V-sts and 18 rows = 4” with larger hook in patt; back lace insert = 7 (7, 7, 7, 8. , 8. , 8. , 8. )” wide. Originally published as Conch Cardigan in Interweave Crochet Summer 2017 Motif Duster - Crochet Digital Pattern
$7.50
There are two things the Shibaguyz really love: Dusters, and the 70's. When we were asked to create this 70's inspired duster for Interweave Crochet Magazine, we were in heaven! We think you will be in heaven too when you see how fast this garment comes together. The "flowers" are made from a fun bobble stitch in all join-as-you-go crochet (so no seaming needed there...). The top section is a simple sc/Hdc pattern stitch that even newbies will find fun to work up. We also give you all the instructions you need to be able to change yarns in the round. This digital download includes the full crochet pattern in PDF format with photos, charts, and blocking schematic. ------------------------------------- SKILLS USED: Single crochet (sc) Half double crochet (hdc) Foundation single crochet (Fsc) Extending foundation single crochet (foundation sc as used for extending rows) (Ext-Fsc) Linked first double crochet (Linked first-dc) 5 double crochet bobble (5-dc bobble) Joining with new color SIZES S ( M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X) FINISHED MEASUREMENTS Finished Bust: 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60)” To Fit Bust: 28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56)”. Sample shown measures 36”, modeled with 4” of ease in the bust. Cuff to Cuff: 24 (26, 28.25, 32, 34, 38, 40, 42.25)” Finished Length from Shoulder: 40.5 (41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44)” SKILL LEVEL Intermediate YARN Light MATERIALS Sample uses Yarn Cascade Yarns Roslyn (65% superwash merino wool, 35% silk; 382.76 yd [350 m]/3.5 oz [100 g]; CYC #3): #06 Deep Red, #03 Sand, #05 Gold, #13 Olive, 1 skein each. Cascade Yarns Hampton (70% Pima Cotton, 30% linen; 273 yd [250 m]/31/2 oz [100 g]; #08 Ecru (MC), 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 8) hanks. CROCHET HOOK E/4 (3.50mm). NOTIONS Yarn needle, 3/8” clasp closure BLOCKED GAUGES Motif = 4.5 x 4.5” 31 sts = 7”; 21 rows = 6”; 4.43 sts = 1”; 3.5 rows = 1” in hdc/sc patt with larger hook. A Brief History: Pride Project 2020Happy Pride!! Every year as June rolls around, we take time to reflect on our LGBTQIA community: to consider how far we’ve come, how far we have to go, and to pay our respects to the folx who lead our community now and those who came before us who made it possible for us to celebrate Pride Month. From the Mattachine Society and the Society for Human Rights, the Daughters of Bilitis and the homophile movement, to the Stonewall Riots and the Christopher Street Liberation Day March. The Gay Liberation Front, the Gay Activist Alliance, ACTUP, GLAAD, the LGBTQ+ Freedom Fund, the Black AIDS Institute, the Transgender Law Center, and Trevor Project… we could write rich volumes about each of these organizations… and so many more like them. (FYI, those last two sentences would make a great jumping off point for internet searches to learn more about the LGBTQIA community.) LGBTQIA organizations and the leaders who marched, threw bricks, fought, wrote, sang, chanted, and gave their lives for us are the reason we are able to be open and proud of who we are. We have a long way to go… but we have most definitely come a long way. This year for Pride, we decided to focus on one of the most prominent symbols of the LGBTQIA community: The Pride Flag. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all of the flags representing all aspects of our community. Instead we started from the end (we’ll get to that in a minute) and worked our way backward to show you how we got to the final Pride flag that inspired us to create the project at the end of this post.
While there are many other flags that represent the diverse communities that falls under the umbrella of the LGBTQIA community, these are the ones that lead us up to the topic of today’s post.
In the designer’s own words on their site: “When the Pride flag was recreated in 2017 and 2018 to include both black/brown stripes, as well as the trans stripes, I wanted to see if there could be more emphasis in the design of the flag to elevate its meaning. The 6 stripe LGBTQ flag should be separated from the newer stripes because of their difference in meaning, as well as to shift focus and emphasis to what is important in our current community climate. The main section of the flag includes the traditional 6 stripe LGBTQ flag as seen in its most widely used form so as not to take away from its original meaning The trans flag stripes and marginalized community stripes were shifted to the Hoist of the flag and given a new arrow shape. The arrow points to the right to show forward movement, while being along the left edge shows that progress still needs to be made.” And that brings us to our Pride 2020 project! Obviously, the design is taken from the Progress Pride Flag… and, yes, we contacted the designer to let them know about our project and this post. We are not selling this design. It is, instead, a way for us to pay homage to all of those who have come before us and all those who are with us now. This is the new standard under which we will rally to march, celebrate, and live as our truest selves. 
But times change and flags change. The LGBTQIA community must continue to expand and open ourselves to uplift the voices of and give representation to ALL of the folx within our community. As we grow and learn how to uplift the voices of ALL of our community, the creative folx within our ranks will come up with new physical incarnations of that resulting PRIDE.
Who knows what yet unheard voice out there might create and lift up as the next evolution of the representation of the diversity and unity of our FAB LGBTQIA community? Indeed… who knows? Here's a little video documenting the making of our Pride 2020 Project (and, of course, Shannon's new nail color).Happy Pride to all of the amazing, fantastic, gorgeous, FAB members of the LGBTQIA community. We love you all and stand proudly next to you as we move forward into our futures. STITCH ON!! S&J Big shout out to some of the folx who made this project possible:
Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabrics for donating all of their FAB fabric - check out Karla's work here: Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabrics Daniel Quasar for their permission to use their Progress Pride Flag design - check out their work here: Progress Initiative More Than Just a Gender-Inclusive Design It may look like just a crochet pullover to you, but, for us, it is a statement of power. A statement of independence from the arbitrary binary masculine roles we were taught to play out our entire lives.
For years, we have tried to break out of the arbitrary gender binary with our design work but, according to the folx paying for our work, non-gendered or uni-sex designs just wouldn’t work for their magazine/yarn/books. So, all of those designs we gendered according to the arbitrary binary and published as such. To be clear, working for other companies in the fiber arts industry barely pays the bills and selling your work on your own even less so. So we justified it all by saying that we just had to do what we had to do to pay the bills. Once again, we swallowed our pride and learned our lessons… and we did the work to pay the bills. After a while, paying the bills and building a business become the norm and we learned your lessons so well that we forgotten who we set out to be. That realization was, again… a kick in the gut.
While a pink and black crochet pullover with a non-binary name might not seem like that big of a deal to a lot of folx, for us, it was a triumph in our own journey to realize who we really were as designers and as humans. It was the first monumental step that shook the foundations of our lives and put us on a path that we’ve been trying to get back to for a very long, exhausting time. For me, Shannon, it was a sigh of relief that I no longer had to hide who I was. And I’m telling you, seeing my husband, Jason, proudly wearing that pullover on the stage at STITCHES West was one of the most life affirming events of my 50+ years on this planet. Plus… he looks really good in it… don’t ya think? Yeah the leather pants don’t hurt at all.
Photos of Jason on stage taken by the talented Kellie Nuss Photography used with permission of STITCHES Events. Yarn is Blue Moon Fiber Arts… we know… it's pretty amazing! If you'd like to make your own They/Them Pullover, click on the link below!  They-Them Crocheted Pullover - DIGITAL PATTERN Size Small-5XFashion is meant for EVERY body regardless of gender Designed by the Shibaguyz – Shannon & Jason Mullett-Bowlsby, the They/Them Pullover is a gender neutral pullover that is perfect for him or her or they or them. This design features fabric made in a Half Double Herringbone crochet stitch with a large cowl neck collar, easy slip stitch shaping at the neckline, and the arms are crocheted long enough to become handwarmers, just insert your thumbs into the openings and you’re good to go. You can customize this design to fit your body, your life, and your style and make your own kit with NEW colors of Blue Moon Fiber Arts, Soft Rock yarn available from Needlepoints West. SKILLS USED
SIZES S (M, L, 1X, 2X {Sample Size}, 3X, 4X, 5X) To Fit Chest: 34 (38, 42, 46, 48, 50, 54, 58)”/ 86.25 (96.5, 106.75, 116.75, 122, 127, 137.25, 147.25) cm Sample shown to fit chest 48”/122 cm FINISHED MEASUREMENTS To Fit Chest Circumference: 34 (38, 42, 46, 48, 50, 54, 58)”/86.25 (96.5, 106.75, 116.75, 122, 127, 137.25, 147.25) cm Finished Chest Circumference: 38.25 (42.25, 46.25, 50, 52, 54, 58, 62)”/ 96.5 (106.75, 117, 127, 132, 137.25, 147.25, 157.5) cm Finished length from shoulder: 28.75 (29.5, 29.75, 30, 30, 30.25, 30.5, 30.5)”/ 73 (75, 76.25, 76.25, 76.25, 77, 77.5, 77.5) cm Neckline Width: 9.5 (10.5, 10.5, 11.25, 11.25, 11.5, 12.25, 12.5)”/ 24 (27, 27, 28.5, 28.5, 29.25, 31, 31.75) cm MATERIALS and TOOLS Sample uses Blue Moon Fiber Arts, Soft Rock (100% Superwash Merino; 4 ounces/113g = 500 yards/475 m): 3 (4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5) balls in color F*ck Cancer and 3 (4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5) balls in color #Survivor—3000 (4000, 4000, 4000, 4000, 4000, 5000, 5000) total yards/2743.25 (3657.5, 3657.5, 3657.5, 3657.5, 3657.5, 4572, 4572) total meters of fingering weight yarn; 18 WPI; CYCA 1 Crochet hook: 2.75mm (size C-2) or size to obtain gauge Yarn needle A Homemade Ten Grain Sandwich Loaf? |
 | What you need: 1½ Cups Bread Flour PLUS 2-3 Tbsp for kneading. 1½ Cups Whole Wheat Flour ½ Cup Bob's 10 Grain Hot Cereal Mix 2 Tbsp Honey 2 tsp Sugar 2 tsp Salt 2½ tsp (1 packet) Quick Rise Yeast ¼ Cup Powdered Milk 1 to 1½ Cups Lukewarm Water ½ Cup Hot Water |
Directions:
Part One: The Night Before
Make Your "Sponge"
Part One: The Night Before
Make Your "Sponge"
- In a mixing bowl combine 1½ Cups Bread Flour and 1½ Cups Whole Wheat Flour.
- Split and set aside half of the flour mixture.
- Add Sugar and 1 tsp of yeast to the first half of the flour, mix well.
- add 1 Cup room temperature water to this mixture and mix till smooth.
- In the second half of the flour, add remaining yeast, stir, then mix in the salt.
- Pour the dry mixture over the wet and cover with plastic wrap.
- Sit the bowl on the counter overnight. In the morning you will see the wet mixture has bubbled up through the dry... this is good.
Part Two: Lets Make Bread
Make the Dough
Make the Dough
- Mix Hot Water and Honey together in a bowl or 1 cup glass measuring cup.
- Pour 10 Grain mix into water and stir.
- Allow to set for at least 30 min.
- Add the wet 10 grain mixture and any remaining liquid, and the Powdered Milk to the Flour mixture.
- Install a dough hook to your KitchenAid or food processor and knead for 5-7 minutes, until dough comes together in a smooth(ish) ball. You may need to add a few Tbsp of flour if the mixture is too wet, or dd a few Tbsp of water if the mixture is too dry. Dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl, but not be crumbly.
- Allow the mixture to rest covered for 30 min.
- Knead dough for 10 minutes in your machine OR 20 minutes by hand. This is a hefty dough, so if you have a machine with a bread hook, now's the time to pull it out...
- Place dough in a bowl that has been greased with butter or oil and cover with plastic wrap.
- Allow dough to rise in a draft free part of your kitchen. I recommend the microwave for this.
- When dough has risen to 2X its original size take it out of the bowl, stretch it gently and fold in thirds.
- Replace in the bowl, cover and allow to rise again.
- When Dough has risen again to 2X its original size remove from the bowl and split into 2 loaves. You can shape these into any shape you like, I prefer a Torpedo shape (think football for you Americans out there).
- Place shaped loaves on parchment paper or on a baking sheet and allow to rise until puffy and springy (about 30 min, or until your oven is nice and hot. Speaking of that...
Part Three: Baking
Get these puppies in the oven!
While loaves are rising
Eat and Enjoy
Get these puppies in the oven!
While loaves are rising
- Pre-Heat your oven to 425°F (218C)
- If you have a bread stone or pizza stone, heat it in the oven on the middle rack.
- Place an ovenproof pan/skillet on the bottom rack and allow to pre-heat with the oven.
- When bread is risen, slash the top with a sharp razor or knife and brush on a light egg wash (1 egg and 1Tbsp water).
- Place bread directly on the bread stone or place parchment lined baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven...
- At the same time pour 1 cup of ice into the hot pan in the bottom of the oven... close the door quickly. The steam created will give your bread a nice toothy crust.
- Bake for 30-35 min or until crust is deep golden brown and bread should hollow when thumped (an instant read thermometer will read 190° to 200°F ).
- Place bread on a wire rack to cool.
Eat and Enjoy
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Complete Crochet Course - Autographed Copy
$29.95
From renowned crochet designer Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby comes the ultimate reference manual for the absolute beginner to experienced pro.
Filled with step-by-step photography throughout for an easy-to-follow and fully visual experience, this unparalleled guide teaches you how to crochet from the very first stitch—and will keep you crocheting as you gain experience! The Complete Crochet Course explains all the tools, materials, and techniques you need, from choosing a hook and yarn to seaming, working in the round, handling specialty stitches, and adding details. We've included ten patterns, perfectly designed for novices eager to complete their first projects, while intermediates can enjoy mastering even more advanced skills.
Filled with step-by-step photography throughout for an easy-to-follow and fully visual experience, this unparalleled guide teaches you how to crochet from the very first stitch—and will keep you crocheting as you gain experience! The Complete Crochet Course explains all the tools, materials, and techniques you need, from choosing a hook and yarn to seaming, working in the round, handling specialty stitches, and adding details. We've included ten patterns, perfectly designed for novices eager to complete their first projects, while intermediates can enjoy mastering even more advanced skills.
Sashiko Vest #1 Digital Pattern
$15.00
Literally meaning "little stabs" or "little pierce", Sashiko is a form of decorative reinforcement stitching (or functional embroidery) from Japan. We added Sashiko stitching elements to a vest based on Japanese patching technique, Boro to complete this design.
Boro came to predominately signify clothing worn by the peasant farming classes in the Edo era of Japan who mended their garments with spare fabric scraps out of economic necessity. A boro garment would most likely be handed down over generations, eventually resembling a patchwork after decades of mending. Only in the modern era are we beginning to see the care and beauty of these textiles.
Sashiko Vest #1 is a long vest sewn using Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabric cotton cloth, then hand stitched in various Sashiko patterns using The Shibaguyz FAB Sashiko Essentials thread collection from Aurifil Thread.
Fabric: Body - Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabric in Indigo.
Patches - Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabric from fat quarters in various colors.
Sashiko Stitching - Shannon and Jason Mullett-Bowlsby hand stitched Hitomezashi Sashiko patterns (where the pattern emerges from the alignment of single stitches made on a grid) then the garment pieces are machine sewn.
Pattern includes:
Instructions for making the vest in Sizes Small through 5X and doing the sashiko stitching.
Fabric amounts for all sizes
Detailed schematics, stitching instructions for the vest and for the sashiko embellishments
SIZES
Small (M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
To Fit Measured Bust: 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60)" / 81.3 (91.4, 101.6, 111.8, 121.9, 132.1, 142.2, 152.4)cm
To Fit Finished Bust: 34 (38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62)" / 86.4 (96.5, 106.7, 116.8, 127.0, 137.2, 147.3, 157.5)cm
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
MATERIALS
Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabric
2 YDs (3 YD for XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, and 5X)
-Back Panel
-Front Panels
-Collar Panels
-Sides Panels
10 fat quarters in various colors for patches
PLUS Two more fat quarters in the same color for the F Patch 1 (left and right)
Sewing Machine
Sashiko Notions
Sashiko Needle and Thimble
Sashiko Pattern Templates
Not Required, but will make it easier
Plastic grid
Circular plastic grid
Washable or heat removable White Marking Pen from Clover
Washable Blue fabric marking pen(s)
Serger/Overlock
Limited Edition Crochet Collection Stitchip - Signed by the Designers
$20.00
Fill your library with innovation, inspiration, and instruction. Each Stitchip contains a COMPLETE pattern collection in a credit-card- sized USB drive.
We are thrilled to offer 12 of our favorite crochet patterns on this limited edition stitchip.
Crocheters in search of sophisticated designs will find what they’re looking for in this chic, contemporary collection of 12 crochet patterns.
This Limited Edition Collection consists of sweaters, pullovers, and vests, all patterned in a wide range of sizes (most up to 3X and some up to 5X). We’ve also included two FAB shawls and two afghans to dress up your home décor.
Patterns Included Are:
Chrysanthemum Shrug,
Diamond Mandala Afghan/Wrap
Filigree Leaf Shrug
Infinity Squared Afghan
London Tunic
Marsala Tunic
Men's Cabled Vest
Men's Hooded Vest
Ripples and Leaves Scarf
Spring Fling Top
Tiamat Shawlette
Women's Hooded Vest
To help master the skills needed to create these stunning items, these PDF patterns include stitch charts and schematics where appropriate, hyperlinks to various tutorials at ShibaguyzDesignz.com, bookmarks to major pattern sections for easy navigation, and many other fun extras. This exclusive collection of 12 crochet patterns is a superb addition to any crocheter’s library.
These patterns sell for $6 each individually... so this is a real bargain to be able to get 12 of our best patterns for only $20 per stitchip (that's a $72 value if you download each of these patterns separately).
We are thrilled to offer 12 of our favorite crochet patterns on this limited edition stitchip.
Crocheters in search of sophisticated designs will find what they’re looking for in this chic, contemporary collection of 12 crochet patterns.
This Limited Edition Collection consists of sweaters, pullovers, and vests, all patterned in a wide range of sizes (most up to 3X and some up to 5X). We’ve also included two FAB shawls and two afghans to dress up your home décor.
Patterns Included Are:
Chrysanthemum Shrug,
Diamond Mandala Afghan/Wrap
Filigree Leaf Shrug
Infinity Squared Afghan
London Tunic
Marsala Tunic
Men's Cabled Vest
Men's Hooded Vest
Ripples and Leaves Scarf
Spring Fling Top
Tiamat Shawlette
Women's Hooded Vest
To help master the skills needed to create these stunning items, these PDF patterns include stitch charts and schematics where appropriate, hyperlinks to various tutorials at ShibaguyzDesignz.com, bookmarks to major pattern sections for easy navigation, and many other fun extras. This exclusive collection of 12 crochet patterns is a superb addition to any crocheter’s library.
These patterns sell for $6 each individually... so this is a real bargain to be able to get 12 of our best patterns for only $20 per stitchip (that's a $72 value if you download each of these patterns separately).
Limited Edition Knit Collection Stitchip - Signed by the Designers
$20.00
Fill your library with innovation, inspiration, and instruction. Each Stitchip contains a COMPLETE pattern collection in a credit-card- sized USB drive.
We are thrilled to offer 12 of our favorite knitting patterns on this limited edition stitchip.
Knitters in search of chic, stylish, and contemporary knitting patterns will love this Limited Edition Collection of 12 knitting patterns.
The collection consists of sweaters, pullovers, tanks, vests, and tunics patterned in a wide range of sizes (all to at least 3X, and the majority up to 5X). Stitch patterns range from easy stockinette stitch to exquisite cables and lace.
Included are:
Belted Knit Tunic
Lace Blocked Tunic
Drape Front Cardi
Cabled Pullover
Poncho Top
Diamonds Knit Top
Chunky Turtleneck Sweater
Knit Cardi
Knit Tank
Lace Pullover
Men's Cabled Sweater
Ribbed Edge Knit Vest
These PDF patterns include, stitch charts and schematics where appropriate, hyperlinks to various tutorials at ShibaguyzDesignz.com, bookmarks to major pattern sections for easy navigation, and many other fun extras. This exclusive collection of 12 knitting patterns is the perfect addition to any knitter’s library.
These patterns sell for $6 each individually... so this is a real bargain to be able to get 12 of our best patterns for only $20 per stitchip (that's a $72 value if you download each of these patterns separately).
The stitchip will be signed by Shannon and Jason then mailed to you... be sure to let us know to whom we should make the inscription to.
We are thrilled to offer 12 of our favorite knitting patterns on this limited edition stitchip.
Knitters in search of chic, stylish, and contemporary knitting patterns will love this Limited Edition Collection of 12 knitting patterns.
The collection consists of sweaters, pullovers, tanks, vests, and tunics patterned in a wide range of sizes (all to at least 3X, and the majority up to 5X). Stitch patterns range from easy stockinette stitch to exquisite cables and lace.
Included are:
Belted Knit Tunic
Lace Blocked Tunic
Drape Front Cardi
Cabled Pullover
Poncho Top
Diamonds Knit Top
Chunky Turtleneck Sweater
Knit Cardi
Knit Tank
Lace Pullover
Men's Cabled Sweater
Ribbed Edge Knit Vest
These PDF patterns include, stitch charts and schematics where appropriate, hyperlinks to various tutorials at ShibaguyzDesignz.com, bookmarks to major pattern sections for easy navigation, and many other fun extras. This exclusive collection of 12 knitting patterns is the perfect addition to any knitter’s library.
These patterns sell for $6 each individually... so this is a real bargain to be able to get 12 of our best patterns for only $20 per stitchip (that's a $72 value if you download each of these patterns separately).
The stitchip will be signed by Shannon and Jason then mailed to you... be sure to let us know to whom we should make the inscription to.
Introduction to Hitomezashi Sashiko
Offset Running Stitch and Offset Crosses
If you've spent any time around our social media feeds or classes, you know we've been obsessed with sashiko. The history, the applications for strengthening and mending fabrics. Even quilting! Sashiko is now a permanent part of our creative lives.
Lately, folx have asked us for an introduction tutorial for sashiko… we can't blame y'all for being as excited to explore this fascinating Japanese mending and reinforcement technique as we are. So, to get y'all started, we've created a short video to introduce you to the basics of the sashiko Offset Running Stitch and Offset Crosses.
The offset running stitch and offset crosses are the basis for a profusion of other hitomezashi sashiko patterns and it makes a great stand-alone stitch for reinforcing or embellishing fabrics. Both stitches are perfect for fastening down patches and for layered patchwork and visible mending patches (like on Jason's jeans in the photo above). After all, sashiko IS visible mending! These two sashiko stitches are the first stitches all of our students learn in our live classes and now you can give them a try!
Links To The Tools We Use In The Video
Sashiko Needles
Adjustable Ring Thimble with Plate
Thread Snips
Shibaguyz FAB Sashiko Essentials Thread: We recommend stitching with Aurifil 12 weight cotton thread instead of the "sashiko thread" you can find online and in some craft stores. And this particular thread in this video is our very own FAB Sashiko Essentials Collection from Aurifil thread!
Sashiko Needles
Adjustable Ring Thimble with Plate
Thread Snips
Shibaguyz FAB Sashiko Essentials Thread: We recommend stitching with Aurifil 12 weight cotton thread instead of the "sashiko thread" you can find online and in some craft stores. And this particular thread in this video is our very own FAB Sashiko Essentials Collection from Aurifil thread!
Come find us on social media!
Shibaguyz FAB Sashiko Essentials Aurifil Thread Collection
$77.00
FAB Sashiko Essentials by the Shibaguyz
Includes 6 large spools of Aurifil Cotton 12wt thread with 356 yds/325 m per spool
Colors Included
2024 – White
2740 – Dark Cobalt
2265 – Lobster Red
1240 – Very Dark Eggplant
1147 – Light Leaf Green
4657 – Tramanto a Zoagli (variegated)
Our FAB Sashiko Essentials thread collection for Aurifil is the perfect starter pack of colors to set you on the right path for your sashiko projects. We use these thread in our classes and our book and personal sashiko and handsewing projects. However, we’ve also used these same threads for hand quilting, embroidery, and even cross stitcha nd machine embroidery. We picked the colors for this collection specifically to work across a wide range of projects and fabrics whether you want your threads to stand out for sashiko or blend in more for shading in embroidery and quilting.
If you’ve never worked with Aurifil thread before in your hand sewing and sashiko, do yourself a favor and try this essentials collection. You’ll find out very quickly why we only work with Aurifil thread: smooth thread that doesn't easily tangle or snag. Aurifil thread produces virtually no lint or thread dust to clog up your machines. We were hooked from the first samples we used and are now Aurifil Ambassadors and designers.
From the Aurifil Website
Aurifil’s 100% Cotton 12wt thread is the heaviest weight thread we offer and is perfect for hand applique, hand embroidery, hand quilting, cross stitch, embellishment, handmade lace, machine applique, blanket stitch, machine embroidery (especially for designs that use a longer stitch length), machine art quilting, Sashiko, redwork, lower looper serging, and longarm quilting.
Uses
Hand applique, hand embroidery, hand quilting, cross stitch, embellishment and lace, machine applique, blanket stitch, buttonhole stitch, machine embroidery, machine art quilting, sashiko, redwork, lower looper serging, longarm quilting.
Needle Recommendations
· Sashiko Needle (hand stitching)
· 100/16 or 90/14 Topstitch Needle (40wt in the bobbin)
· 4.5 Longarm Needle (28wt in the bobbin)
Tips
· When using 12wt thread by machine, we recommend using a much thinner thread in the bobbin, like our 40wt.
· When using in a Longarm machine, quilt slowly, using a longer stitch and silicone conditioner where necessary.
Shibaguyz Mighty Ten Hand Sewing Essentials Thread Collection
$45.00
This new collection of 50wt thread is perfect for machine or hand sewing, and includes 10 small spools (164 yards, 150 meters) of glorious 100% long staple Egyptian cotton Aurifil thread.
Colors Included:
2692 - black
2024 - white
6711 - pewter
2260 - dark carmine red
5023 - medium green
5022 - mustard
2784 - dark navy
2770 - very light delft
4030 - plum
2395 - pumpkin spice (don’t judge us)
From the Aurifil Website
Aurifil’s 50wt thread is our most versatile and most popular Cotton thread. It is available in all 270 of our Cotton colors, and is wound on our iconic orange spool. The 50wt is strong and thin, and results in remarkably flat and crisp seams.
Uses
While it is wonderful for piecing, subtle quilting & topstitching, and English Paper Piecing it also works incredibly well for Needle Turn Applique, Bobbin and Machine Lace, Machine Applique (Straight Stitch, ZigZag, Blind Hem and Blanket Stitch,) Machine Embroidery, Dense Machine Quilting, Subtle Machine and Longarm Quilting, Basting, Whole Cloth and Micro Quilting, and Dense Background Designs.
Needle Recommendations
Perfect for: Needle Turn Applique, English Paper Piecing, Hand Piecing, Bobbin and Machine Lace, Machine Applique (Straight Stitch, Zig
Zag, Blind Hem and Blanket Stitch,) Machine Embroidery, Dense Machine Quilting, Subtle Machine and Longarm Quilting, Basting, Whole Cloth and Micro Quilting, Dense Background Designs
Sashiko Vest #1 Digital Pattern
$15.00
Literally meaning "little stabs" or "little pierce", Sashiko is a form of decorative reinforcement stitching (or functional embroidery) from Japan. We added Sashiko stitching elements to a vest based on Japanese patching technique, Boro to complete this design.
Boro came to predominately signify clothing worn by the peasant farming classes in the Edo era of Japan who mended their garments with spare fabric scraps out of economic necessity. A boro garment would most likely be handed down over generations, eventually resembling a patchwork after decades of mending. Only in the modern era are we beginning to see the care and beauty of these textiles.
Sashiko Vest #1 is a long vest sewn using Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabric cotton cloth, then hand stitched in various Sashiko patterns using The Shibaguyz FAB Sashiko Essentials thread collection from Aurifil Thread.
Fabric: Body - Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabric in Indigo.
Patches - Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabric from fat quarters in various colors.
Sashiko Stitching - Shannon and Jason Mullett-Bowlsby hand stitched Hitomezashi Sashiko patterns (where the pattern emerges from the alignment of single stitches made on a grid) then the garment pieces are machine sewn.
Pattern includes:
Instructions for making the vest in Sizes Small through 5X and doing the sashiko stitching.
Fabric amounts for all sizes
Detailed schematics, stitching instructions for the vest and for the sashiko embellishments
SIZES
Small (M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
To Fit Measured Bust: 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60)" / 81.3 (91.4, 101.6, 111.8, 121.9, 132.1, 142.2, 152.4)cm
To Fit Finished Bust: 34 (38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62)" / 86.4 (96.5, 106.7, 116.8, 127.0, 137.2, 147.3, 157.5)cm
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
MATERIALS
Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabric
2 YDs (3 YD for XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, and 5X)
-Back Panel
-Front Panels
-Collar Panels
-Sides Panels
10 fat quarters in various colors for patches
PLUS Two more fat quarters in the same color for the F Patch 1 (left and right)
Sewing Machine
Sashiko Notions
Sashiko Needle and Thimble
Sashiko Pattern Templates
Not Required, but will make it easier
Plastic grid
Circular plastic grid
Washable or heat removable White Marking Pen from Clover
Washable Blue fabric marking pen(s)
Serger/Overlock
Complete Crochet Course - Autographed Copy
$29.95
From renowned crochet designer Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby comes the ultimate reference manual for the absolute beginner to experienced pro.
Filled with step-by-step photography throughout for an easy-to-follow and fully visual experience, this unparalleled guide teaches you how to crochet from the very first stitch—and will keep you crocheting as you gain experience! The Complete Crochet Course explains all the tools, materials, and techniques you need, from choosing a hook and yarn to seaming, working in the round, handling specialty stitches, and adding details. We've included ten patterns, perfectly designed for novices eager to complete their first projects, while intermediates can enjoy mastering even more advanced skills.
Filled with step-by-step photography throughout for an easy-to-follow and fully visual experience, this unparalleled guide teaches you how to crochet from the very first stitch—and will keep you crocheting as you gain experience! The Complete Crochet Course explains all the tools, materials, and techniques you need, from choosing a hook and yarn to seaming, working in the round, handling specialty stitches, and adding details. We've included ten patterns, perfectly designed for novices eager to complete their first projects, while intermediates can enjoy mastering even more advanced skills.
Few things are as simple as making bread.
Long before humanity created the first alphabet, folx had discovered how to mix together flour, water, yeast, and salt to make nutrient rich loaves of bread. However, whether due to the artisan food movement or because of those photos posted by professional food accounts on social media of perfectly formed loaves of 12-grain bread created by milling their own flour from grain grown on their balcony in their studio apartment then fermented with wild yeast and baked in terracotta pans they made from clay in the desert during Burning Man… the simple loaf of bread has become something, seemingly, unattainable to the every day person.
We, The Shibaguyz, are here to tell you that you do not need a masters degree in chemistry to make great bread. Nor do you need to buy mixes from those professional food accounts on social media to create YUMMY loaves of Instagram-worthy bread. We, in fact, learned to make bread from watching our grandparents. In fact, Jason’s grandpa was well known for his bread recipe. Well… technically he was known for flirting with waitresses AND his bread recipe… but that’s a story for another time…
We, The Shibaguyz, are here to tell you that you do not need a masters degree in chemistry to make great bread. Nor do you need to buy mixes from those professional food accounts on social media to create YUMMY loaves of Instagram-worthy bread. We, in fact, learned to make bread from watching our grandparents. In fact, Jason’s grandpa was well known for his bread recipe. Well… technically he was known for flirting with waitresses AND his bread recipe… but that’s a story for another time…
Banana Bread: the Craving!
Recently, we have found ourselves making and eating a lot of banana bread. First, we have not been traveling as much as expected due to the pandemic so we are home more often and baking a LOT. Second, we like banana bread. Specifically, Shannon really likes banana bread and gets random cravings for it. Those random cravings have prompted me to keep extra bananas in the freezer so I can whip up a batch of bready banana goodness on short notice.
Wait… you didn't know that?
Yes, you can take bananas that have "gone over" (read: turning black) and pop them in the freezer for safe keeping. In fact, these overly ripened bananas provide a more intense flavor to banana bread (and smoothies) than regular bananas.
Wait… you didn't know that?
Yes, you can take bananas that have "gone over" (read: turning black) and pop them in the freezer for safe keeping. In fact, these overly ripened bananas provide a more intense flavor to banana bread (and smoothies) than regular bananas.
New Tutorial and Easy Sewing Project
Many of you have been following our Clover Tool School Extra Credit series where we review Clover products and show you how to use those products in projects. Well, now there's even more to play along with in our STITCH ON! tutorial and projects series. To kick things off, we used the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge to create 3 Easy Projects. Even if you've never sewn or quilted before, this tool will have you looking like a pro in no time. And, with the three different projects, you can progress through the tutorials to up your skills as you go.
Tool School Extra Credit Tutorial and Project Sheet
It's time for another Tool School Extra Credit with the Shibaguyz! This time, we used the Clover Quick Yo-Yo Maker to create a pillow top. As always, the video includes both a tutorial on how to use the product followed by a step-by-step project walk through.
We have to admit, we've not been big fans of the original method we were familiar with for making yo-yo projects. Between fussing to keep the fabric on the circular template and trying to make the stitches just so to make a perfect little yo-yo, we just couldn't bring ourselves to make more than a few. But, by locking the fabric in place and with guides for how to place the stitches, this little tool makes is so quick and easy… we got a little carried away making these while watching a movie one night. Yup… it's that simple with this clever little tool.
As freelance fiber artists, our teaching gigs and the resulting product sales account for a large portion of our income. With two events now canceled (and a possible third cancellation) as well as the early closure of our museum show, we are facing some uncertainty right now. In addition, a few of our clients have shut down their operations and “will not be processing invoices.”
During this time of uncertainty we come to you, our friends, neighbors, students, and fellow makers and crafters to help us out if you have the means. There are a couple of ways to do this:
Thank you for your help and understanding.
Stitch On!
S&J
During this time of uncertainty we come to you, our friends, neighbors, students, and fellow makers and crafters to help us out if you have the means. There are a couple of ways to do this:
- First, you can find something that you love, books, thread, or patterns, in our online store where every purchase is greatly appreciated.
- Second, you can also donate directly to us. Below is a link to our PayPal Donate page. Even the smallest donation will be greatly appreciated and will assist Shibaguyz Designz in weathering through the next few months.
Thank you for your help and understanding.
Stitch On!
S&J
Get Your Tickets to Our Sew Expo 2020 Classes - A Walkthrough
UPDATE: This event has ended. Sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss our next big event!
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
It is time, once again, to register for our classes at Sew Expo! We know some of y’all have had some issues navigating the Sew Expo website in the past but, this year, they have really stepped up their game and made the process a few steps easier. Still… we’re going to do our annual walkthrough to help you find and register for our classes. Again, the process is a little bit easier this year but there is one very important step right at the beginning that you must attend to. So read on…
| First, go to Sewexpo.com |  |
Shibaguyz FAB Sashiko Essentials Aurifil Thread Collection
The time has finally come when we can tell you about a project we have been working on with the FAB folks at Aurifil. We can officially announce the launch of our NEW thread collection from Aurifil! The Shibaguyz FAB Sashiko Essential thread collection is now available for preorder RIGHT HERE on our website. Can you tell we’re more than a little excited about this? We have been fans of Aurifil threads for all of our hand and machine sewing and embellishing ever since we tried our first sampler pack. We because Aurifil Ambassadors in 2018 and have been using Aurifil on projects here in the studio and our students have been using Aurifil threads in the classroom thanks to Aurifil’s generous sponsorship of our classes. So… yeah… we’re big fans.
When we were approached with the opportunity to produce a thread collection of our favorite colors in our favorite thread weight, we were simultaneously excited and stressed. Excited because curating a custom collection of thread and colors is HUGE. Stressed because curating a custom collection of thread and colors is HUGE. But, of course, we did make decisions (with the help of our friends at Aurifil) and we were even able to design our own packaging! Check it out!
When we were approached with the opportunity to produce a thread collection of our favorite colors in our favorite thread weight, we were simultaneously excited and stressed. Excited because curating a custom collection of thread and colors is HUGE. Stressed because curating a custom collection of thread and colors is HUGE. But, of course, we did make decisions (with the help of our friends at Aurifil) and we were even able to design our own packaging! Check it out!
Get Your Tickets to Our Sew Expo 2019 Classes - A Walkthrough
UPDATE: This event has ended. Sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss our next big event! NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
It's time to purchase tickets to our classes at this year's Sew Stitch Expo in Puyallup, WA. WOOHOO! We have a LOT of classes at Sew Expo this year including embellishing crochet and knit fabric, English Paper Piecing, 5 FAB hand stitches, and our whirlwind BORO Class! In addition, we will be sharing a booth with Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabric. What a FAB weekend!!
Now we wouldn't want y'all to miss out on a minute of the FAB fun we have planned for you but, occasionally, we hear from folks that they have problems finding our classes and registering online. So this year we thought we'd put up a little walkthrough to help you with the process. The process does take a couple of steps, but is not difficult. Once it is all over, you end up with the best possible prize... a class with the Shibaguyz! [blush]
Here we GO…
First go to www.sewexpo.com
Now we wouldn't want y'all to miss out on a minute of the FAB fun we have planned for you but, occasionally, we hear from folks that they have problems finding our classes and registering online. So this year we thought we'd put up a little walkthrough to help you with the process. The process does take a couple of steps, but is not difficult. Once it is all over, you end up with the best possible prize... a class with the Shibaguyz! [blush]
Here we GO…
First go to www.sewexpo.com
| On this page you will see lots of options. Click on the TICKETS button at the top of the screen. |  |
Week 4 of the Season of Giving-Away Event is Upon us. That means our final weekly giveaway AND the AWSOME GRAND PRIZE
UPDATE: This giveaway has ended. Sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss our next big event! NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
Balsam Pullover on the Cover of Interweave Crochet
| They don't tell you these things ahead of time… you just open your mail one day to find a mailing packet with your contributor copy and a very nice note thanking you for contributing to the latest issue of Interweave Crochet. Imagine the celebrating that ensued when we realized that was our design on the cover of the Winter 2019 Issue of Interweave Crochet! If you've ever been around us… you know there was some noise. |  |
 | The Balsam Pullover is a cowl-neck pullover that truly embodies our sense of tailored casual style. We used Valley Superwash DK (courtesy of the folks at WEBS) for a mid-weight fabric that would feel good on the body without weighing you down. The asymmetrical hem balances a wide range of body types and the single crochet ribbing at the cuffs and draped cowl neckline are cozy and balance the sleek look of the main body and sleeves. From special occasions to curling up with a good book to an afternoon of shopping, we designed this to be a true wardrobe staple. |
It's Week 3 of our Season of Giving-Away Event
UPDATE: This giveaway has ended. Sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss our next big event! NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
Week 2 is over, but there are a lot more prize packages to give away.
Lets look at what Week 3 has to offer.
Lets look at what Week 3 has to offer.
 |  |
Week 3 is our Knitting Extravaganza
The winner of this week will receive:
From Clover: Takumi Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set
From The Daylight Company: Yoyo Magnifier Light
and from Soak: Soak Wash 12 oz bottle - fragrance "Lacey"
The winner of this week will receive:
From Clover: Takumi Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set
From The Daylight Company: Yoyo Magnifier Light
and from Soak: Soak Wash 12 oz bottle - fragrance "Lacey"
It's Week 2 of our Season of Giving-Away Event
UPDATE: This giveaway has ended. Sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss our next big event! NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
Week 1 is over, but there are a lot more prize packages to give away. Lets look at what Week 2 has to offer.
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A Giveaway to End 2018 with a Bang
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Take a Tour of the Luminos Lamp from the Daylight Company
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In case you missed our recent announcement let us start off by saying have signed on as ambassadors for the Daylight Company and their incredible line of lamps. And, while they do pay us to represent their products and produce content for them, we contacted them because we LOVED their products. In fact, when we first met the folks from the Daylight Company we were blown away by the range and quality of their products and now could not be happier to be spokespersons for such a great company.
The Daylight Company has a wide range of lamps from travel lamps to larger workspace lamps that are perfect for fiber artists, and makers of all kinds. In this video, we are giving you a tour of the Luminos Lamp right in one of our main work spaces. We knew the moment we saw it in action that we'd have to get one (or two) (or three) for our studios. And recently we did, WOOHOO! The folks at the Daylight Company sent one over and we both fell in love with it! After a wild thumb wrestling competition (best 2 out of 3 won by Shannon) the Luminos lives in the fiber arts studio upstairs… but there is a special bonus use for this FAB lamp (we show you in the video) that causes it to disappear into Jason's space every once in a while… just sayin'…
You need to see it in action to really get why we love this lamp so much. So we created a video tour of the Luminos to really provide you with a detailed look all the great features it includes... not all lamps are created equal and this one stands out above the rest… by far!
Click on the video below and see for yourself.
The Daylight Company has a wide range of lamps from travel lamps to larger workspace lamps that are perfect for fiber artists, and makers of all kinds. In this video, we are giving you a tour of the Luminos Lamp right in one of our main work spaces. We knew the moment we saw it in action that we'd have to get one (or two) (or three) for our studios. And recently we did, WOOHOO! The folks at the Daylight Company sent one over and we both fell in love with it! After a wild thumb wrestling competition (best 2 out of 3 won by Shannon) the Luminos lives in the fiber arts studio upstairs… but there is a special bonus use for this FAB lamp (we show you in the video) that causes it to disappear into Jason's space every once in a while… just sayin'…
You need to see it in action to really get why we love this lamp so much. So we created a video tour of the Luminos to really provide you with a detailed look all the great features it includes... not all lamps are created equal and this one stands out above the rest… by far!
Click on the video below and see for yourself.
Check Out Our Latest Video... All About Flatter Smoothing Spray
Shortly before we became paid ambassadors for Soak we tried Flatter Smoothing Spray for the first time... we were impressed to say the least. Imagine an ironing assistant that is starch free, biodegradable, and actually smells great (you’ll see Our favorite in the video). Oh, it also actually works! It's flat-out fabulous! See what we did there? Flat? Flatter? *ahem* Moving on…
We decided to show Flatter in action so you could see for yourselves why we like it. And, yes, this really is the only thing that can make Shannon do the ironing. Watch and you’ll see why…
We decided to show Flatter in action so you could see for yourselves why we like it. And, yes, this really is the only thing that can make Shannon do the ironing. Watch and you’ll see why…
Flatter Smoothing Spray is available from selected retailers locally or online. You can go to soakwash.com to see a list of retailers in your area. Special thanks to the folks at Soak for providing us with their products for our studio and for this review!
Stitch On!
S&J
Stitch On!
S&J
We're Heading Back To DFW Fiber Fest, Y'all!
UPDATE: This giveaway has ended. Sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss our next big event! NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
WOOHOO! We're so flipping excited to announce that not only are we teaching at DFW Fiber Fest 2019, but we have also been selected to be the KEYNOTE Speakers!! OMG! Really, this is such an honor and we have something really special planned for you all. #purplezebra
How to Care for a Soakworthy Handmade Garment with Soak!
We have a lot of handmade items... I mean, a LOT. Many of these are able to be washed in our washing machine - some on regular, others on hand wash or delicate cycles. Others need a little more care. Heirloom quilts, boro'd bags & jackets, and crochet and knit garments and accessories fall into the second category. In fact, the garment you are going to see us cleaning in this video is very special to us… you'll see why in the video.
We get asked the question often by readers and students: "How do I clean my handmade items?" So, we decided to make a quick video to show you how we do it here in the studio... with Soak Wash, a rinse-free wash that comes in a lot of FAB fragrances as well as scentless. We certainly have OUR favorite scents… mmmmm… pineapples…
We get asked the question often by readers and students: "How do I clean my handmade items?" So, we decided to make a quick video to show you how we do it here in the studio... with Soak Wash, a rinse-free wash that comes in a lot of FAB fragrances as well as scentless. We certainly have OUR favorite scents… mmmmm… pineapples…
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