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.
Action to end period poverty
It's something that needs talking about, it makes some people uncomfortable, but many of us have the luxury of being able to access sanitary products and others don't. There's a huge need for safe hygienic menstrual products and a pressing concern about making products sustainable. 28th May was World Menstrual Hygiene Day and I'm happy to be sharing the great work that ActionAid UK are doing to end period poverty.
"We focus on women and girls because the denial of their rights is a grave injustice and one of the underlying causes of poverty worldwide. By working directly with communities, women’s movements, groups and networks, and other allies, we aim to tackle the structural causes and consequences of poverty and injustice.
Through our ‘Share a Better Period’ campaign, running throughout the summer of 2022, ActionAid is working to end period poverty, because around the world thousands of women and girls live without access to the safe sanitary products they need, putting their health and safety at risk. You can read all about the campaign, the issues, and what we are doing to help on our Share a better period web page."
Having read more about their work, I realise how difficult periods can be for women and girls with the hardships they experience and the many myths around periods.
There is also a real issue with the environmental impact of disposable menstrual products.
"Mass-produced menstrual products are disposable and contain plastic and other non-biodegradable materials that are harmful to the environment.
Pads are made of 90% plastic while tampons have at least 6% plastic. This large-scale plastic production releases vast amounts of greenhouse gases, which cause air pollution and global warming.
In addition, the improper disposal of menstrual products (like wrapping them in plastic bags) fills up landfills and takes years to biodegrade.
Some menstrual products are also flushed down the toilet, which could mean that disposable pads and tampons can end up in our seas and washed up on our beaches. This has a detrimental effect on humans, the wildlife and our habitats."
It's important for me and my family to try to live as sustainably as possible. I use a menstrual cup partly for that reason. There are times when a pad is a good back up or alternative, so I used the ActionAid template and instructions to make a reusable pad. And if you're not sure that sounds any good, read this review and test of the pads.
I have to say they are super easy to make, I was rushing a bit but even with a bit of hand stitching this took less than 20 minutes.
I did decide not to use a button, buttonholes aren't my favourite thing and since I have snaps I might as well use them. I made a little reel of the process over on my instagram if you want to check it out!
Have a go at making your own! You can also find out about ways you can help in your community to end period poverty and visit ActionAid UK to learn about the share a better period campaign and how this project makes a difference.
🎟 ticket giveaway 🎟 (& a bit of a catch up...)
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You of course know that The Festival of Quilts is Europe’s leading patchwork and quilting event, and this year’s event offers some spectacular highlights, including work by internationally-acclaimed artists Michael A. Cummings and Danny Amazonas, African-American Quilts from the Cargo Collection at the International Quilt Museum, and quilts from the Roderick Kiracofe Collection. There will be 700 competition quilts, an extensive programme of workshops, Academy classes, talks and lectures, 200+ specialist craft retailers, and a Product Stage offering top tips and advice from brand ambassadors, experts and quilting VIPs.
Last time I visited was in 2019 and it's always so fun, meeting up with friends, viewing the quilts and of course shopping ;)
If you've never been, I highly recommend it. Wear comfy shoes, take some bags with you for purchases and, if you can, visit for more than just one day.
breaking symmetry: Earth Day x Karen Nyberg
Creativity is a curious thing. It ebbs and flows. I have to be in the right mood. At times I want to follow a pattern, create my own patterns, stitch mindlessly, stitch with focus, colour inside the lines, scribble like nothing matters. It happens in the moment, in the mood. Recently I have realised how much I like having structure and routine in my life but without being confined or limited. This applies to my creativity too. One of the things that keeps me making and motivated is the Aurifil Artisan challenges. We are given a starting point, a theme, supplies or just a word and let loose to create whatever we feel inspired to. This month we were sent fat quarters of the amazing Earth Views by Karen Nyberg and I received a spool of 50 weight Aurifil thread, which is featured in Karen’s Aurifil collection.
The pattern I chose is Minnie Stars, Quiltfolk Patterns 007. It's one I wanted to make for a while and I thought it would showcase the prints well. I was going to chose a solid blue background fabric but none of the blues I had worked at all. In the end I went for a pale grey - I have no idea what fabric this is - note to self, label your solids!
Had I labelled it, I might have been able to get more because I did run out. Thankfully I had just enough from the fat quarters to make up for it. You might spot the areas where I had to swap the solid for prints in the photos below. I was determined to use what I had and it just added to the quirkiness of the quilt.
Nature is so fascinating and the amount of symmetry found in patterns, creatures, trees, oceans, time and space is incredible. Repeating patterns, shapes, mirrored symmetry; it's all so beautiful. And then there's distortion, broken symmetry, changes; all of which can also be really beautiful. As I laid out the blocks it was clear they weren't going to fit together in a neat pattern, without me cutting quite a bit away or losing some blocks. I could have added more using other fabric but I decided not too. Instead I pieced the blocks like a puzzle, so they would all get used. The result is the most oddly shaped quilt I have ever made. It's weird and I like it.
Once the quilt top was done, next was the quilting...
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