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Stitching on Plastic Canvas

© Christine Barron

When I was younger, I remember having the best time trying out different stitching projects. I was always inspired by my Mom, or by Grandma. Both of them always had a project going, either sewing, crewel embroidery, knitting, crochet, or any other handiwork they were into at the time. So, needless to say, I always have a project going...at least one. (I can't remember the last time I had just one going!) My first real project with "productive" results was created using plastic canvas, and I still enjoy using it today, from time to time. So, it's safe to say that plastic canvas has appeal to creative folks from all age ranges!

There are so many different projects that can be created using this medium. I've always found plastic canvas to be a wonderful way to test new fancy stitches, such as Algerian eye stitches. I remember one of the first things I made with plastic canvas was a doorstop. I used a brick for weight, and using the dimensions of the brick for a guide, I stitched the sides using all kinds of fancy stitches with pretty variegated yarn. (I remember using a cute little plastic blue needle!) I could have done more fancy stitches on the two short sides, but decided to use a long satin stitch instead. Then I simply stitched up five of the sides, slid the brick in and stitched on the last side. It was easy, fun and functional, and it turned out to be a long-lasting item my mother used for years. It was a simple project that I'll never forget.

Plastic canvas, as I mentioned, is fun and practical for crafters of all ages. It can be used to learn stitches, to branch out and stitch with items other than the typical floss or yarn, and there are millions of fun projects that can be made with it. To learn how to do some of the fancier stitches, check out http://www.tsplace.com/html/stitch_guide... A good idea for showing off those stitches could be this nice-looking notebook cover: http://www.tsplace.com/html/notebook_cov... And for a smaller scale project which could be rewarding for the younger set, http://www.caron-net.com/sep99files/sep9... Plastic canvas can be found with larger counts than regular Aida cloth, therefore lending itself for stitching with fun things, such as ribbon, braids, metallic braids, plastic lacing, multiple strands of yarn, and even shoelaces! Endless possibilities.

There are so many projects that can be created using plastic canvas. One of my favorites to do is making little baskets. Simply create a topless box with the canvas, then cut a long strip of canvas. Stitch all as desired, then attach the strip of canvas for the handle. They can be used for Easter eggs, fruit, buttons, etcetera. It can be a cute, personalized way to give a little gift, or to get the top of your dresser clutter-free. For more ideas on plastic canvas projects, check these sites out: http://www.tsplace.com/html/fred_the_fro... http://go.webring.org/go?ring=plasticcan... http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/B... And these are worth checking out, as well: http://www.clevercreations.com/baskets.h... and http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Flats...