Fiber Harmony (Stitch 'n Dish)

Fiber Harmony: a blog on fabric, yarn, and life

January’s creative work

Celebrating even the tiniest of our accomplishments isn’t self‑indulgence; it’s a psychological power move. The recognition strengthens our mind in ways that build over time, especially when we are juggling jobs/work, caregiving, or leadership roles – areas where progress is often difficult to see.

January 28, 2026
Tuesday evening

Lately, I have found myself browsing the patterns posted in a Facebook group dedicated to sewing pattern destashing. It’s amazing to me the sheer volume of patterns that exist out there, not in stores, but in sewing rooms and storage areas of people across the country . Last week, a woman I have purchased from…

January 28, 2026
A quick gift

Whether we are making a gift to give, or making one for ourselves, these are fun, quick, and for those who sew – the materials are usually readily available in our stash. Here’s to a Winter season of stitching fun!

January 26, 2026
A snow day project

I have always loved Back-to-School shopping, and browsing in office supply stores. I cannot resist a new, clean notebook – of ANY size – so this fabric craft is the ideal combination of happy things.

January 25, 2026
The hermit response

I will continue to engage with my fiber arts groups and remain connected with fiber friends. These are the connections that become so vital in times of national stress. But I will also allow myself to be comforted with the impulse to hibernate, focused on fabric and yarn; like my grandma before me. And like…

January 16, 2026
A post-holiday project

After the stress and frenzy of the holiday season, there’s no better activity than “yarn therapy”. Here’s to the cost savings that come with stashbusting; to relaxing with yarn, and to making things for ourselves as we settle into the New Year.

January 13, 2026
Gifts from the heart

[We] know from research in Psychology that gift giving is beneficial to us, in and of itself. Multiple studies have documented that “gift-giving, particularly when the giftee is someone with whom we have a close relationship, activates key reward pathways in our brain” (APA.org).

January 11, 2026
The true cost of hand-made gifts

It’s another New Year, and the time when we all think about making resolutions, implementing changes, and improving our lives. I can think of NO BETTER GOAL than for fiber artists everywhere to start valuing ourselves more fully.

January 3, 2026
Confessions of an educator

A call to businesses that sell a lot of patterns (think bigger businesses and not individuals): consider setting up a feedback mechanism where you can receive constructive criticism on patterns (specifically) that you sell. Think Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) – not generic Customer Service.

December 31, 2025
A new skill

As the Xmas portion of this holiday season draws to a close, I find solace in quiet evenings on the couch, Xmas music in the background, tree on and looking festive, cat at my side, feet up, and yarn work in my hands. Too soon I will reenter the work week shuffle, along with the…

December 27, 2025