ann wood handmade

an entirely satisfying activity involving scraps

All you need are scraps. And a sewing machine. It is the kind of thing you could lose yourself in, the next thing you know hours have gone by and… Read More

inspiration, on my work table

hunting, gathering and percolating ideas

I like to think about ideas and where they come from, how they grow, what sticks and what doesn’t. And I find it hugely satisfying to share what I learn.… Read More

workshops

the sudden appearance of a third toe and a workshop in brooklyn

The truth is I thought birds had two toes. Some birds anyway. I was aware that many birds had 3 toes but, for reasons I don’t fully understand, I thought… Read More

how to, patterns and kits

how to make a tiny bicorne hat

They are such fun to make. I want to put a bicorne on everything. I might start wearing one (kidding). You just need a few scraps and a few minutes. … Read More

inspiration, productivity

have a stubborn heart

I don’t know who said this (do you?) but I love it: “Magic happens when you do not give up, even though you want to. The Universe always falls in… Read More

on my work table

woodshedding birds and owls

I’m in the woodshed with songbirds. Evaluating the pattern and steps, testing and adjusting little things – using what I learned teaching the workshops last month to make the pattern… Read More

how to, resources

how to hide knots and an easy way to add seam allowance

If you have taken a workshop with me then you know I am the seam allowance police. I always mark my stitch line. I think it’s essential for small sewing.… Read More

on my work table

fly inspected, fly approved and a tip for sewing with difficult fabrics

Most people don’t realize that all of Fortuny’s fabrics are inspected by a tiny Venetian fly. A diligent and thorough fly. It is careful and slow work requiring long hours… Read More

inspiration, my big creative year

happenstance, chance, accidental beauty

Why does this stitching, born solely of necessity, produce such compelling and powerful compositions? Does some perfect rhythm, some harmony with the universe reveal itself if we get out of… Read More

workshops

friends who sew – the LA workshops

We made songbirds and dolls. We stitched and stuffed and tried stuff. We hammered wire bird feet on a tiny anvil and carved beaks from twigs. I repeatedly cautioned everyone… Read More

on my work table

fling your soul upon the gloom and something new in the bird leg department

When I get whacked hard by life, this is the poem I read. And this is my favorite part: An aged thrush, frail, gaunt, and small, In blast-beruffled plume, Had chosen… Read More

becky things, birds

the intersection of real and pretend and that mouse looks like a bunny

Interesting things happen at the intersection of real and pretend. There is a shift, scale becomes playful and there is instant magic, instant enchantment. Nothing is certain and anything is… Read More

ann wood handmade

a coat for tiny rag doll and a free tiny hat tutorial

woebegone pines : a free sewing pattern

french hens

very nice mice : pattern and instructions (and it’s free!)

gather ye scraps – the forest folk pattern is here

hand stitched mushrooms : a new sewing pattern