Back Issues

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From the practical and ordinary tiles to the most sublime tilework designs created in the world, tilework is an abundant source of ideas to apply to the needle arts across all categories. The designers in this issue have drawn from cultural influences and modern tilework to explore the techniques to interpret tile designs into lovingly crafted needlework projects. Quilting techniques explored in this issue are appliqué, free motion quilting, working with half-square triangles, and machine embroidery. Consider one tile as your quilt block and you have the starting point for your quilt pattern. In knitting, tilework is expressed using lacework and mosaic knitting. Mosaic knitting can be daunting for some of us but trying it out by making a cushion cover is like knitting a larger swatch. You must try crocheting Ruth Forbes’s Spring Posy Cushion Cover. This is an advanced skill-level project but worth sinking your crochet hook into. It’s made up of four “tiles” or “swatches” that display beautiful bouquets of posies in relief, mimicking embossed tiles. Breaking the project down to making one swatch at a time is an excellent way to learn intricate stitches. The issue wouldn’t be complete without embroidery options. It seems to me that embroideries in general look sculpted or chiselled, where the work is raised from the background as in many tile examples. We just scratched the surface of design possibilities! I hope you enjoy tilework as an inspiring source for your needlework designs.  

"Inspired by Oceans"...Drop your to-do list and sail away with us as together we explore this dreamy nautical issue! Imagine the possible ocean imagery that can be interpreted in the needlearts. Our designers created projects inspired by waves, sea changes, nostalgia, and a comical take on the ocean waters. Tutorials include how to make waves in your quilt design with easy curved piecing and using your sewing machine and white thread to create foamy waves for art quilts – to name a couple. We have you covered with the ever-soft Aran Inspired Scarf and the exquisite must-knit-now Seafaring Cables Pullover. Take your pick, the pullover pattern is offered in a cropped and unisex version in multiple sizes, offering two options for the back, and several options to make the collar. Both are knit up using Fibra Natura Donnina offering the perfect drape for a pullover that you can wear affectionately for three seasons out of the year!  

"Inspired by Words"...this heartwarming issue includes projects featuring words inspired by the Covid experience. The projects offer quilting and sewing techniques that show you the many ways to express words in your projects like working with metallic threads, ribbon machine embroidery, and creating words using quilting techniques. Words are also incorporated in knitting, embroidery, and rug hooking projects, all related to the designers’ experience of the lockdown.  

Join the fun as we explore neutral colours as the perfect backdrop for highlighting a pop of colour! In quilting it looks a lot like modern quilting, and in knitting, crochet, embroidery etc, it just simply looks divine! As usual, this issue is chockful of gorgeous projects!

Welcome to another thrilling Issue of ANPTmag! Architecture is the word by which all projects in this issue are inspired, exploring the shape of things and how to reproduce structures on fabric. Herein are several tutorials by our quilting experts to show you how to work from a photo of your favourite structure and the methods and products to use to accomplish the right look for the quilted piece. Architecture is also explored in knitting and crochet, talking about how the structure of a garment is key to a polished, professional look. As for cross stitch, we have castles for you!

At ANPTmag, we hope you are in good health. This new issue highlights projects inspired by the special people in the lives of our expert needlework contributors. It's a heartwarming issue, with more than 20 inspiring project ideas to make for yourself or a loved one. While we're sew at home, we're there with you in spirit talking about how the needle arts have healing properties, as you may already have experienced. Sit comfortably and enjoy articles about working with transfer artist paper, a look at the mind-blowing embroidery on a 1911 wedding dress, and what's to love about pinnies. We have your list of favourite relatives covered. Project ideas like a reading cushion for the avid reader, a cross stitched diploma for mothers, a quilted waterproof lunch bag, and the itsy-bitsy patchwork of the excellent quilter Olesya Lebedenko, just to name a few. Stay home and stay creative! Until the next Issue - Carla

Although a rainy day can be very gloomy, it can instantly become an opportunity for crafting bliss! Imagine, raindrops on the window pane and you’re engaged in your favourite needle craft! Let us offer you some exciting suggestions of projects inspired by rainy day activities. In this issue, you’ll find quilts of all sorts inspired by games like dominoes, I spy, hopscotch and word puzzles. Cozy knits, perfect for lounging around the house, including the In the Mood Tunic, the Comfort Crescent Shawl (in the very soft Chic Sheep merino wool yarn) and Colourwash Socks from the Thoughtful Soles Series which will have you singing 'You are My Sunshine' the whole day long! There’s also a tutorial on how to attach buttons using the Designer EPIC, this in a cushion cover project that was born out of sheer button love! And then there’s the cutest duckling wearing cute red boots in the rain – can you resist it? Rainy days are a great opportunity for reorganizing your sewing studio or craft room. Let Cynthia MacDougall help you with great tips on how to sort things out and finish the job for crafting bliss! Join us for a terrific issue!

Just in time for merry-making comes our Ornaments Issue! All ornaments are a great way to learn techniques, use up our leftover fabrics, yarn and threads, and are fantastic for making last minute little commemorative gifts. They are also great for mixing and matching the techniques from one ornament to another - this is quite an adventure! Warning: all ornaments can become an addiction, as it can be difficult to stop at making just one when you find your favourite. Also in this issue, is Part 3 of Judith Marquis's, exploring Arrowhead Smocking and all of its possibilities! And check out the new series in pulled thread work, Pulled Thread Pastries. This is a series meant as a learning tool to learn pulled thread work, but see these adorable cushions! They look like pastries, but they also work well as ornaments. Plus, what will you do with the pulled thread patterns? See what we have to say about taking a trip with Eat Your Heart Out Tours as we travel to the Kutch Desert region to experience a vibrant textile way of life!

What to say about our new issue? Pay attention to the details! Details abound and enhance projects taking them from really nice to super special. Take the Purple Cornflower Quilt for example. You'll find loving words like family, love, happiness etc. We encourage you to machine embroider your favourite words across the petals and leaves. Two extraordinary teapot cozies worth taking notice of, one sewn and the other crocheted. This isn't all. There are quilted projects to make using appliqué, free motion quilting, and adding details a little out of the ordinary. Adding bling to our knitted projects, and making the Eggli Vest for a feeling of versatility, wear it 2 ways! Make the Nutcracker Tree in time for Christmas - using only black floss and a little metallic thread for stars. AND we showcase two fascinating women in the world of quilting: Lise Belanger and Galla Grotto. Don't miss their extraordinary pieces of fibre art! You know there's more in this issue...get it, enjoy it!