The best things come in small packages, so surprise the sewist you love with some of our favorite notions that we can’t seem to get enough of:

1. Crystals-lots, most project use more than one package, so any color, shape or size will work

2. Professional Touch Hot-fix Applicator Wand-to go with all the crystals you are going to get!

3. Buttons-decorative, any kind, we’ve never met a

button I didn’t like!

4. 4″ Gingher scissor w/sheath-for close trimming and snipping curves, nothing is better!

5. Gingher Appliqué Scissor, 6 inch-must have for any in-the-hoop appliqué

6. Yo-Yo and Pom-Pom makers-okay, these aren’t just for you, they are perfect to involve the younger ones in sewing and crafting!

These are just a few of the items we came up with. For the complete list visit the Designer’s Gallery e-News.

What are you getting or making your fellow sewists?!

As Christmas quickly approaches, I’m once again in a last minute scramble to finish making decorations and gifts. The gifts come first, then the decorations. And, as usual, I’m thinking of things to make that could last longer than the next couple of weeks. What pretty winter themed home decor items can I make?

I go to my stash of designs and software and Christmas Traditions from Designer’s Gallery catches my eye. The snowflake creator built into this interactive design collection is just what I need. With this handy collection you can quickly whip up a table runner or topiary to last through the winter. What could be easier?

It seems that every year, so much emphasis is put on the Christmas list. You know, that never ending list you get from your children, God bless them everyone! You deserve to have a list too! And your list doesn’t have to be too extravagant. Goodness knows, we never want much for ourselves. Also, remember; the best things come in small packages. So, keeping that in mind, here is my list of stocking stuffers. If a stocking full of these items was all I got, I would be as excited as the all the children that got their wish for a puppy!

Click here to see the list.

Looking for something to do with the kids, a Sunday School class, while you’re watching all those great holiday movies, or driving to visit family? Why not make yo-yos?

Over our travels during Thanksgiving I managed to sew enough yo-yos to make this cute holiday wreath. And, the perfect holiday buttons from Nancy’s Notions helped give the wreath a finishing touch.

The best part, next year I can change the wreath around or put the yo-yos into a new project.

Happy Holidays!

Wanting to learn more about embroidery? Designer’s Gallery Embroidery Software releases an e-news every month. Each issue has new information to help inspire you and educate you on embroidery.

Get insights from the creator of Designer’s Gallery. Learn tips and techniques from our embroidery experts. Find an embroidery event in your area. And, read insider reviews on notions, books and other fun sewing items!

Sign up for the Designer’s Gallery e-News today!

Urban Threads is giving away a big bunch of awesome just in time for Christmas! Let UT know what crafty rules you’ve broken this year, and enter to win a black furry “Naughty” stocking overflowing with goodies including:

-$100 gift certificate for any Urban Threads designs
-Urban Threads hoodie
-Coal (soap, that is)
-Some rockin’ fabric
-Sweet little Gingher stork scissors
-Festive embroidery floss and a hoop
-Decadent hot chocolate
-Your very own furry fanged bunny

Get the details and enter to win here.

For my final project this semester I am making a knock off dress. I am using a suede cheetah print fabric and I made my own patterns for this project. It is lined in a pink satin. The really awesome thing about sewing with suede is that you don’t have to finish the seams. I just used pinking shears to give the seams a clean finish but they wont fray. It was a wonderful fabric to work with. I will post pictures once it is completely finished.