Get your stitch on

Mimi Shim sews a mean pillow. Just look at her revolver pillowcase. Tough! But the New York-based artist isn't the only one into needlework that would make my grandma grin. Read on.



First up, a nifty book with photos and patterns called "Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts: Woolly Embroidery." ($14.95 at The Curiosity Shoppe)

Then there's this little lion, handcrafted and felted by Cary Walker of Atlanta. ($48) Her etsy shop, Little Love Blue, has a few other animals as well. No scary jungle beasts there! (Check out her adorable Flickr page for more.)

Finally, want to try your own hand at embroidery? Hearts and Laserbeams, an online goodies shop, will show you how with its "underwater critters embroidery pattern." ($4) Buena suerte!