Notions: Less Is More

Mighty oaks from tiny acorns grow. And it is true that every teeny stitch, every wrap of yarn over a needle or hook, and every pass of a shuttle brings us nearer to completing our envisioned project. However, acorns are also fabulous in their own right: small, beautiful, and bursting with potential.

Crafters from the past appreciated the lure of little things. Museums are full of precious diminutive objects that were wrought either for economic reasons (such as scarcity of cloth) or for sheer marvel (such as incredibly fine needle lace). I know that I can’t resist impossibly clever tiny tools and painstakingly worked miniatures; I find it easy to believe that the best things do come in small packages.

Make learning sweater construction easier with a mini version.

With our busy lives and short attention spans, the charm of wee things and quick and manageable projects is undeniable. Portable projects are a great source of comfort and creativity when we are on the go—and if the task is small and intricate, the reward is in the quicker finish.

Get ready for tea time with Lily M. Chin’s granny square placemat.

In the Winter 2024 pages, you will find Mary Jane Mucklestone’s delightful mini-motif socklets to knit and Lily Chin’s clever itty-bitty granny square placemat to crochet. Susan Strawn introduces us to a world of miniature knitted mittens that are so captivating they are sure to put a smile on your face. And Mary Uhl Brooks presents scaled-down globes sewn by Quaker schoolchildren in the nineteenth century that are so unusual you will ponder them with amazement.

Please tell us—what tiny stitched treasures capture your interest?

Pat Olski is the editor of PieceWork magazine.

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