February is National Embroidery Month: NewNew Picks

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In honor of National Embroidery Month, here are some of my NewNew top picks to celebrate.

This sampler by Miniature Rhino strikes me as simultaneously nostalgic and edgy. It would fit equally well in a modern decor setting as a Victorian one. Also this piece is a boon for those who want someone to remember us, but are a little camera shy.
Now your tea will be neither confused nor cold with the help of this fun cosy by KnitStorm. The use of recycled wool for both the cozy itself and the embroidery can make you feel toasty to your toes with the warmth of choosing something good for the earth.

This art quilt by Look Closely Press elevates the lowly blanket stitch to new heights. This one-of-a-kind artwork captures the spirit of sitting quietly to embroider.
If embroidery has captured your heart, what better way to display that love than with a heart ornament by copabananas. The vintage fabric is what really caught my eye in this piece.
thirdfloor makes embroidery art wearable in this wool and kimono silk cowl. Copper is one of my all time favorite colors since it has all the glamour of a metal, but a little softer.

If your eyes are still hungry for embroidery, there is time left to check out the exhibition, Forget-Me-Not: embroidered love from the new craft movement. This show at the Hanahou Gallery runs until February 27th, and NewNew members loveforever and Miniature Rhino have work on display.



Check back tomorrow as we continue to honor National Embroidery Month with a project and stitch how-to.


~Kari
http://ikyoto.etsy.com

The Year of the Ox--New Year's Goodies and a Soup

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A new president, a new economic era, and a Chinese New Year. The Year of the Ox begins next week on January 26th. According to Wikipedia, "The Ox is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work." But since all work and no play would make the Ox a dull year, here are some fun things that can accompany you into the new year:

Soap
In anticipation of the New Year it is important to clean everything. Nordea's Soaperie has just the thing for you: Citrus Laundry Soap


Clothes
The New Year is also a time to acquire a new outfit, if possible in red since this color is known to scare away the mythical beast Nian. Nian devoured everything in sight on the first day of the new year but was afraid of red. So protect yourself with one of these garments:



Jewelry
A new outfit needs to be adorned with matching earrings:


finish it off with a ring from Lia and Adornments NYC's dragonfly necklace (but careful, dragonflies symbolize rapid change).



Home
Now it's time to decorate your newly cleaned home. How about a koi fish painting symbolizing love and friendship by C Line Creations.


Or Bill as crafted by Karen's Monsters, who stands for, well, Bill.


If all this cleaning, decorating, and shopping has made you hungry, maybe you should fortify yourself with my mother's wonton soup:

Wonton Soup

Soup Ingredients:
8 cups of chicken stock
3 shallots
1/2 tsp. sesame oil
Wonton Ingredients:
25 wonton wrappers
1 beaten egg
1lb ground pork
1/4 small cabbage, finely shredded
1 TB soy sauce
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp fresh grated ginger

Combine the ground pork with the cabbage, soy sauce, sesame oil and ginger. Mix well.
Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of the wonton wrapper. Brush around the edges of the wrapper with some beaten egg. Fold the wrapper diagonally in half forming a triangle. Brush some beaten egg on the left and right corners of the triangle, bring the corners together and seal them with a pinch.

In a large saucepan, bring the chicken stock, shallots and sesame oil to a rapid boil. Drop the wontons into the boiling soup and cook them until they float to the top (10-15 min).

Serve them in one of May Luk Ceramics' beautiful bowls.


恭喜發財

Simone
groundsel.etsy.com

Cavalcade

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CAVALCADE:

A cavalcade is a procession or parade (of sorts), or a mass trail ride by a company of riders. The focus of a cavalcade is participation rather than display.

cav⋅al⋅c ade
[kav-uhl-keyd, kav-uhl-keyd]
–noun
1. a procession of persons riding on horses, in horsedrawn carriages, in cars, etc.
2. any procession
3. any noteworthy series, as of events or activities.

Handmade:
[hand-meyd]
–adjective

Made by hand, rather than by machine.