Everyone instantly recognizes the term embroidery. However, the word Hardanger may not be so familiar. Hardanger is a very appealing form of counted-thread embroidery and drawn-thread work that produces a sculptural effect. Also known as White Work, Hardanger is simply as the name implies. The look is created by using white or cream-colored thread on a matching background. More contemporary designs use colored threads, such as red or any color of choice, on fabric of the same color.

Hardanger fabric is very similar to Aida cloth (distinct squared holes) and it is available in several thread counts, including 22 count, 28 count and 32 count. Other even weave fabrics, such as pure linen and cotton, can be used for this needlework. Counting and stitching, however, may be more of a challenge since these fabrics do not have the clearly defined blocks.

Hardanger embroidery is very identifiable and finds itself on a variety of household items, such as bedspreads, curtains, linens and linen hand towels. Clothing is also adorned with this type of embroidery. You might find a number of items among your possessions that have Hardanger stitching in the form of geometrical designs, like triangles, squares, diamonds, hearts, crosses, stars and zigzags.

In addition to the obvious supplies of fabric and thread, other basics include tapestry needles, embroidery scissors, tweezers and, of course, a pattern and instructions for the project at hand. An embroidery hoop will hold the work taut. Some needle workers, however, prefer working without the benefit of a hoop. A pattern’s instructions will stipulate the specific supplies needed for a project.

Many handcrafters really enjoy the simple embroidery technique of cross stitching. It is simply an x-shaped embroidery stitch. As a matter of fact, cross stitching is quite easy to learn. If you are a beginner in cross stitching, you might like to choose a cross stitch kit with the basic supplies. The kit will include fabric with a cross stitch pattern stamped on it and the necessary colors of embroidery floss, needles and possibly a frame for the project. You will probably need to have scissors to use and maybe a hoop to keep the fabric taunt while working with it.

One way to do a basic cross stitch is make a single cross on the fabric with two stitches. The other way to do a cross stitch is by doing the first part of the crosses in a row and then go in the opposite direction doing the second part of the crosses above the previous stitches. If the rows are cross stitched from bottom to top, then the first row of below stitches is done from upper right corner of a cell to the left bottom corner. If you need to leave a cell or cells blank, take the thread in a diagonal direction on the reverse side of the fabric to the position for continuing the cross stitching.

Other types of cross stitches are used to make a beautiful pattern. One is a fractional stitch which is only a half of the cross stitch. Do the fractional stitch in the same direction of the upper stitch on the full crosses. Use a backstitch for outlining the embroidery design by taking two stitches forward horizontally and one backward. It's easy to find patterns and directions on the internet. There's also several tutorials that will help in learning cross stitching techniques. Check out Needlepointers.com and enjoy the many types of cross stitches.

Taking life size pictures real close up is called macro photography.  "GrandmotherS CRAFTS" explains that some special tools and knowledge will be needed in order to photograph an object up close this way.  

A tripod is needed to keep the camera steady while shooting an object. A macro lens or extension tube is necessary and you will need to know about ratios and apertures.  The ratio of the object is used in the magnification in the macro lens and the closer you get to whatever you are photographing the smaller the depth of the field is and the smaller aperture you will need.

Just about anything you can think of can be photographed using macro photography.

Crocheting has really changed over the years. Now items that are popular to crochet are different from what they once were. Many starters usually crochet blankets because they are the easiest things to begin with.

However, if you want crocheting to be something personal, it is most useful and that is what is in style right now. This ranges from simplicity, to character, and even charm. Most of the items that fit into these categories are bridal items, dolls, pillows, scrap books, ponchos, scarves, baby clothes, home accessories, slippers, toys, and many things for the Christmas season. Many of the things to crochet are close to the heart and it may be a family tradition to make things for your child as they grow up.

Patterns and certain crocheting styles are quite popular as well. It is also a hobby of many people to crochet items and donate them to charities in need. Since it is Christmas time, many people feel like their hobby could be put to good use. Belts and scarves that are in fashion are crocheted by people who feel like matching them to their clothes in a unique way. In the end, crocheting clothes is actually very stylish. The colors and the fibers of the material used are all combined into many eco-friendly crocheters' work.

Popular items are based off of what is in fashion for the hobby. Also, when people, especially family, feel like making something homemade, this is their way to express themselves. Crocheting is sure to please others and yourself.

It appears that those interested in quilting have discovered some things that are not clear. One might think that quilting was something done on a daily basis to help in keeping a family warm. It seems that only a wealthy family, or one that was able to afford the quilting materials of early history, was able to quilt as a social pastime. Time was used by the moderate family to prepare food or to help with the daily chores of survival. These routines were of more importance than quilting during early history.

The quilting bee, as we today have heard about it, was held by wealthy families and was usually of a small group of maybe three neighborly women. Materials used in early history were silk, satin, or fabrics that were beyond the means of the everyday family. With special gatherings being held by the wealthy, these quilting bees were not especially open for a moderate family.

Quilting was indeed something that was learned. Quilts were items that were needed to keep warm during the cold nights of winter in the chilly and at times unheated rooms of the moderate families. These quilts were made from pieces of fabrics taken from clothes that were worn out. Care was taken to use only the part of the clothing that was in good shape. Every scrap was used, as well, of anything left over from making clothing for the family.

Quilts were made in many different patterns. The modern day quilters can still get many of these patterns. They show the skills used in the quilting process during times when only the hands of the quilters were used to produce extraordinary quilts that lasted for many years. Museums sometimes have quilts that are over 100 years old. Again, this shows the talents of those before us and how they used their hands to produce items that we today can and should appreciate.