ann wood handmade

5 things bringing me joy this week

March sure does have a sensation. And it’s not even technically here yet. But the days are already gloriously longer and blustery. In addition to spring seeming like a real…

how to

the 2021 scrap festival : 11 + ideas for your scraps

Consider this magnificent scrap, I’ve been holding onto it for 50 years or so. Loosely rendered daffodils on cotton, one of my all time favorites. It was my grandmother’s dress.…

how to, patterns and kits

apple core sewing pattern

Valentines day is right around the corner and nothing says “Hey, I love you and thought of you” like an angry apple core you made yourself. Just saying. Plus I…

on my work table

the big 2020 review and plans for the new year

let’s start with the first project of the new year: Years ago I got a very old, wobbly, pink console table at a flea market in Brooklyn. Turning it into…

inspiration, thanks

creatures and dolls stitched by readers

It’s hard to choose what to share here, there is so much. And one of the ideas I have swirling around for this year is making it easier for you…

how to

handmade christmas: oranges, tinsel and wax paper

Simple and sweet. Low pressure. That’s what I’m looking for this year. Plus most of the Christmas stuff is at the bottom and back of all stored things. It seemed…

how to, patterns and kits, thanks

owl ornament diy

And I’ve made you something! These little owl ornaments are a perfect project for little scraps and they are quick to make. I’m making lots as gifts or to add…

mending, on my work table

what’s on my worktable : mending, rag dolls and other loose ends

Mending never ends. The contemporary holly hobby look requires constant maintenance and if I let it get ahead of me I have nothing to wear. I currently have nothing to…

inspiration, patterns and kits

8 ideas for your scraps : the autumn scrap festival and swap

It’s officially cozy season and I’m comin’ in hot, in full Autumnal mode. I’ve got a spooky book, scraps in warm fall shades for hexies, wool and felt to bundle…

how to, patterns and kits

chicken ornament : free sewing pattern

Let’s make minimalist chickens. They are quick and easy and the sort of thing you can make in batches. I bet you know at least a dozen people who need…

how to, on my work table, patterns and kits

lucky fish : slow stitch project

Who doesn’t need some luck? Plus these very simple fish are pulling me out of slushy, stubborn stuckness. One thing leads to another, if you let it, but first you…

how to

hand sewing tips

As chill and relaxing as hand sewing can be, something not turning out right or completely falling apart after hours and hours of work sure is frustrating. I asked the…

how to, patterns and kits

scrap fabric project : flower garland

*Many of you have asked about the wood thread winders – they are awesome! And you can find them at French General. These garlands are an experiment in color, working…

how to, patterns and kits, the miss thistle society

miniature paper hens : free tutorial

Let’s make tiny chickens! So little and just the right size for tiny rag doll world. They are quick and easy to make and it’s fun to work on a…

dolls, the miss thistle society

july is tiny rag doll month and sweet things made by customers

Pack up a few supplies, find a shady spot and spend a peaceful afternoon sewing. You will also need some lemonade and blueberries. Maybe bring some picnic bugs too, just…

on my work table

so long new york city

After 24 years I’ve said goodbye to New York City and my creaky old place. And because of the current situation I didn’t even see the new place until I…

ann wood handmade

make a house for a mouse

miniature dish tutorial : make tiny teacups and plates

the world’s sweetest needle book : a free sewing pattern

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!)

on my work table