06.2021 Crafty Recommendation // Bargello Needlepoint

I am what some might call an eclectic crafter. I love trying new things! Recently, I discovered a fiber art form called bargello on Instagram and fell in love. It's abstract and repetitive and perfect for keeping your hands busy while watching Netflix or listening to an audiobook.

Bargello is a kind of needlepoint embroidery that utilizes very simple straight stitches of various lengths arranged in geometric patterns to create repeating motifs. This craft was very popular in the 1970s and sometimes is also referred to as "Florentine work," "Hungarian point," or "flame stitch."

If you want to give it a try yourself, I would recommend the book Modern Bargello by Tina Francis (available at ACLA libraries) or the website www.hellobargello.com, which features lots of easy-to-follow videos and instructions for getting started!

02.2021 Crafty Recommendation // Upcycling (a.k.a. Creative Reuse)

If you're a sentimental person like me who has a difficult time getting rid of things, if you've tried everything to downsize but even Marie Kondo couldn't break you of your habits, might I recommend trying your hand at upcycling? (UpcycleThat.com defines it as the act of taking something no longer in use and giving it a second life and a new function.)

I recently made these handy and adorable little wall organizers using embroidery hoops and cut-up jean pockets!

Pinterest has an incredible amount of projects involving everything from worn denim to corks to baby food jars, and you can also keyword search "upcycl*" at librarycatalog.einetwork.net to find lots of books on the topic. You needn't be the craftiest person to transform something old into something new, wonderful—and all your own!