Good intentions and Good morning!
Cross stitch has been taking over as my favourite pastime recently. To be fair it's probably half and half with quilting, though I find I'm drawn to the meditative following of charts and making cross stitches after a day of work.
I purchased a few patterns this year and I'm working my way through them. The first one I completed is Good Intentions by Kathy Barrick. Its a lovely design and the sentiment is just so true of me.
I made a few adjustments to the pattern and changed the colours slightly. The colours are a similar palette to the original but was using what I had and substituted the black for a dark navy blue. I stitched a 3 on the hoop she's holding, 3 is the magic number and the number of kids I have.
There's a few single threads used in the pattern and the trickiest part for me was the detail in the face, though I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.
I like the little motifs too, the 'star' shapes very much remind me of patchwork.
Sunshine and Shadow: Manx log cabin coverlet
It would be nice to write about all the things I made this year before the end of the year is up!
One of the makes I'm most proud of, I finished in early autumn and it had been a while in the making. I started making this coverlet when Jenni Smith taught the Manx log cabin technique at Stitch Gathering in 2019.
This traditional technique involves measuring and ripping fabric strips by hand, folding and sewing the blocks by hand and sewing them together front and then back. I made all the blocks by hand, sewed the fronts together on the machine and then hand sewed the back of the blocks.
My previous posts detail the process and my decisions a little more. I used fabric, mostly scraps, from my stash for the blocks. The centre squares are metallic Essex linen. A lot of the backing fabrics were bought for this coverlet though because I wanted to use woven fabrics, there's some shot cotton and lots of gorgeous Robert Kaufman Fabrics - yarn dyed, herringbone and gingham.
I did think about doing a normal quilt binding, I wasn't sure I could be bothered with the traditional butted edge. I guess this is like a knife-edge but there's no sewing around the edges or trimming of wadding required like there is with a quilt, so technically I don't know what it's really called. Anyway, I did decide to finish it by hand the traditional way. I turned the edges under 1/4" and did a ladder stitch closure.
The whole thing is far from perfect and, to me, that's what makes it so absolutely wonderful. It's not about being precise, it's so personal and handmade.
I arranged the blocks in a traditional Sunshine and Shadow layout. There's no doubt that I will make another Manx log cabin at some point, next time with a different layout. I love this though. The pink, mint and navy are quite dramatic and give it a modern look.
Big thanks to my youngest for being such a good helper with these shots!
Here's the back. You can see how the light shine though the centres of the block, where there's just two layers of fabric.
A close up of the quilt label I made last year. I did try to make the 1 into a 2 but it didn't really work! That'll teach me for counting my chickens before the coverlet is hatched!
Pretty pictures of it draped on the tree, just because.
The texture is what makes this so different and special. It's still warm like a quilt but so light. It's tactile in such a lovely way and this is my favourite make to date.
It's funny that I'm writing this as I sit in the living room where I spent so much time with my Nan, given my last post. I'm currently visiting my Dad and since I can't go to sleep before around midnight, I thought I'd stay up and try to catch up on writing about things I've made this year. There's a few more posts I'm hoping to cram in before 2023, stay tuned!
my Nan
This blog post is wholeheartedly selfish, I am writing it because I need to. My blog has documented so many life events and I can't miss this one out. It's taken me many months, adding bits here and there so if it reads like that, well, it will. The whole time I am typing I am sobbing, this post may be triggering - if you are grieving right now, you have my full empathy and it might be best to skip this one. Then again maybe we all share grief. This may be cathartic to some of you, I don't know. I feel like that's a warning of what is to come. Some of you may think this is oversharing. Please allow me this space, it's my creation and this is part of my processing.
This is a tribute to my Nan. Sadly she passed away in April 2020 at the amazing age of 101.
The first ever quilt I made, I gave to my Nan - so she was also mentioned in my first ever blog post. I talked about her when I was on TV, I talk about her to everyone all the time! She grouped together with my Dad and they bought me my current (amazing) sewing machine. I have things that belonged to her all around the house, many of her sewing supplies too and SO many things remind me of her. I get that feeling that I need to call her and share something with her all. the. time.
She was also a firm believer in science and technology - "they can do amazing things Lucy, just think what they can discover in the future!". She would always read in detail about the latest inventions or progressions in health care. And she was smart enough to be sceptical of fads or sensational news. She told me to eat real food, "Watch," she said, "they tell you margarine is good for you but one day they'll turn around and say it's not and that we should eat butter". YEARS ago she told me that and, it's happening!
Crows cross stitch: a wedding gift
I recently gave this cross stitch to my friends, in celebration of their wedding earlier this year. As soon as I saw this pattern I knew it would make a perfect gift. The design is based on a New York subway tile. I like the Charles Rennie Mackintosh vibe, both in style and colour and thought they'd like too. A quick google tells me the design is actually an interpretation of a book cover by Talwin Morris.
My friends also happen to have a love of birds - well I already knew the groom did but happily have since discovered they both do. He's been my friend since primary school, for as long as I can remember, and I wanted to make them something special.
It was such a fabulous wedding, me and my family camped in a bell tent! It was laid back, awesome fun and we couldn't be happier for such a lovely couple.
The first stitches were made in February 2021. The fabric is 18 count Zweigart Aida in Willow.
I didn't use the DMC colour chart from the pattern and instead picked similar Aurifloss colours. I did refer to this conversion chart, though if memory serves I deviated slightly.
I used Aurifloss in 2692 Black, 2021 Natural White, 1114 Grass Green, 5023 Medium Green and 2320 Light Toast.
Since it was a wedding gift, I wanted to personalise the design with names or a date. My first idea was to add their names towards the bottom, I went off the idea because it could have ended up being too busy and distracting. I then decided just to add the date of their wedding, which handily would serve as a good reminder for anniversaries!
It was my husband who suggested adding it in to the border at the top. Genius. It was perfect, like the birds were singing the date.
Granny Square finish
Finally a fully finished object! I got my Granny Square SAL finished and framed it in this quite dramatic frame.
I loved choosing the colours for this, picking out my favourites and calmly stitching along. One square a week was a relaxed pace.
I would have happily kept on stitching these squares, it's quite addictive and a really big piece full of granny squares would look amazing. Maybe one day.
With other projects to get back to though (and oops maybe start!), I stuck to four. Also I liked the idea of keeping it small within a bigger frame.
In my search for frames, I happened upon this black and gold frame from photo frames & art on Etsy. I got the 8 x 8" frame with mount, which is for a 4 x 4" photo. They have so many great frames and a lovely range of sizes. It was a reasonable price and came really nicely packaged. Highly recommend, they are a family run business and the frames are made in the UK.
Currently this piece is sitting on a ledge, as the frame has a stand, but it also has a hook so it will get hung on the wall eventually. I can't be expected to get pieces both framed and hung surely?!
The Granny Square Cross Stitch pattern is free, you can download it from Fat Quarter Shop.
Have a fabulous weekend and don't forget to join in with the #SaturdayNightCraftAlong over on Instagram!
Sunday Stash: a bit of everything
I've been enjoying a return to what started as my 100 day project, hand piecing my Merrow Croft quilt (pattern by Margaret Mew). If you haven't done any hand piecing before, I have a how-to with lots of tips in my hand piecing tutorial. Using some of my treasured hand printed fabrics by Karen Lewis and Lucy Engels, I'm enjoying the neutral cool vibe of these pieces.
So I'm using up my stash but I'm also adding to it...
Granny square stitch along
Sew alongs and stitch alongs are always great fun! I enjoy seeing people make a pattern their own or even if they follow the pattern exactly, it's nice knowing you're creating something with others and it helps keep you on track for a finish.
The most recent ones I've joined in with were a year long but the Fat Quarter Shop is doing a summer Great Granny Squared-Along that is cute and simple. With patterns designed by Lori Holt, you can make a quilt, crochet or cross stitch piece. There's something for everyone and they make for good scrap busting projects too!
The Granny Square Cross Stitch pattern is free, you can download it from Fat Quarter Shop.
The pattern lists the colours for DMC and Aurifloss colours. I'm using what I have and picked out a selection of Aurifloss in colours that I love. I grouped them into 4 and sort of planned which colours to use where, though I might change up the positions. Kind of random but I like them all so it should work out.
Here's my first granny square stitched up:
From the centre, Aurifloss in 2435 Peachy Pink, 6728 Cinnabar, 2880 Pale Green and 6722 Sea Biscuit.
And I just finished my second square:
From the centre, Aurifloss in 6723 Fairy Floss, 2930 Golden Toast, 4020 Fuchsia and 2606 Mist.
I'm stitching on 32ct Linen in Natural by Zweigart, using two strands of floss over two. I know linen isn't everyone's favourite (I'm looking at you Kimberly!) but I really like doing 2 over 2. For as long as my eyes can take it, I will keep stitching on linen. I do use Aida too, I recently finished a project on Aida that I will share soon! That's one of the great things about cross stitch, you can use whatever count or type of fabric you like. It may come out smaller or larger but that doesn't ever concern me. I have to admit, I haven't been sewing quite as much but I know I will switch things up and return to my quilty projects when the mood strikes.
I'm super content when I'm cross stitching, focused but chilled. If you haven't ever given it a go, this is a great pattern to start you off! Download the free pattern and join the SAL!
paper fabric
Have you tried sewing with paper fabric? Also known as washable paper / vegan leather. It is often used for labels on denim and it is really fun to sew with. I have made a whole host of projects and tried a new to me brand of paper fabric that I'm going to share with you today. I also have another product to share, that allowed me to use some vintage embroidery transfers to create cute decorations. Heavily inspired by stationery these simple, modern makes are perfect to give as gifts... it might be is a long post, so grab a brew and I hope it inspires you!
I first used this material about four years ago and have since enjoyed sewing with it to make a variety of things: folder, card holder, monogrammed label, and bookmarks.
kraft-tex seems to be the most commonly available washable fabric paper, they make a range of colours and is what I've use most. There is also some made by Rico - like the beautiful metallic rose gold one above. Recently I found HappyHide at Frumble, a nice range of neutral colours and metallics, it is slightly softer and crinkles beautifully. I think with people looking for leather alternatives it is likely to get more popular and there may well be more brands making similar products too.
One of the things that is so cool about this material is the way it wrinkles. As a stationery lover, it excites me because it really looks like paper. You can keep it flat so it looks more like card but if you wash it then in creates lines and wrinkles that mimic leather or crumpled paper. It is tough though, this is not a flimsy material - I have put pieces in my washing machine, it dries with more texture but it's still firm. The card holder I made for my husband 4 years ago is still going strong. Obviously he opens and closes it, carries it in his pocket and throws it around. He's had other wallets that haven't lasted that long!
For my latest projects, I was inspired by packaging, brown paper bags and simplicity. Paper fabric allows you to do things you can't do with quilting cotton and projects are quick and fun to sew. I made up these samples for a CraftyMonkies class which is now available on demand, and wasn't kidding when I said these are quick to make, we got through a lot! Obviously with me chatting and sharing all the tips while making.
We started simple, making this cute wallet. Straight line sewing, 3 pieces and a layer of felt. A good way to get used to the feel of sewing with fabric paper.
You can see the texture of the paper fabric well here. It is flat but has a sort of grain, I really like the feel of it. It does look more rigid and cardboardy when it isn't washed, as is the case here. But then that does give it a modern, minimal feel.
When sewing paper fabric I use my regular piecing cotton, Aurifil 50 weight. I have used thicker weights of thread too, for top stitching or decoration and it all works well.
You do need to make sure your stitches aren't too small, as that can perforate the fabric. Honestly I did have some trouble when I starting designing and testing because turning the fabric through can be tricky.
I cracked it though! Before this I had sewn pieces together with the seams on the outside but it's much more satisfying seeing the possibilities of what you can make when you can turn it right sides out.
Finished with a snap closure and embroidered detail (more on that later).
Next up is my favourite, the string closure pouch or envelope. This took the most time to design, until I got it just right. I played with proportions, the closure, different stitches and edges. I made some mistakes and got a bit frustrated but now I'm super happy with it. It has an old school envelope look and it's a useful size and it can has an expandable flat bottom so it will stand up. The bakers twine gives the perfect finish and there's so many ways you can adapt and use this pattern.
Another thing I LOVE about paper fabric is you can use scraps too, perfect for labels or tags and these useful cord keepers. These are keeping all our cables, plugs, cords and headphones neat - hurrah!
You can draw, write and stamp on paper fabric. The rubber stamp alphabets I own get used in quite a lot of my projects - I use them on regular cotton fabric too - but they are even easier to use on paper fabric. It's important to use a good ink, preferably fade proof. I like the Memento Dew Drop ink pads.
I created another version of the snap pouch for storing receipts, with a cheeky reminder! I also like that it has 'egg' colours 😂
The final make is one I use daily. I created scissor holders for all my embroidery scissors. I have a few pairs of small scissors because I like to keep them with my cross stitching, embroidery and epp projects. That way I'm not always looking for scissors.
I designed two slightly different styles of cases and although I didn't have time to demonstrate making one in the class I did give instructions. I've seen cases made by the class participants since and they look fab!
Here's my table after the class had just finished, a complete creative mess!
I didn't get to finish this sample in class but did since and I love it in the brown paper fabric. At this point how can you not sing 'brown paper packages tied up with string'! This one will hold templates I think, or maybe epp papers.
So easy to make, you can whip up a whole bunch and have them handy to use as storage or gift wrapping. Be sure to tell the recipient that it is reusable.
It's very easy to add embellishments to these projects too; not only stamping, you can draw on them or even, as I did, add some embroidery. I create some 'patch' type embellishments, which is super easy and fun.
I used some felt and Thermoweb Peel n Stick Fabric Fuse Sheets, which allows you to essentially make a sticker.
The embroideries are all from vintage transfer sheets, kindly shared with me by a reader.
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