CHARM ABOUT YOU

Last year I chose a cross stitch pattern to work on throughout the year. This was started in January 2019 and finished in December 2019 (only just got round to properly blogging about it), 15605 crosses in total. Of course I worked on other things too during that time but it was lovely to have this project to pick up in between. It was serendipity because my word for 2019 was fortitude. Obviously it wasn't just the title of the pattern that drew me to it, it is full of beautiful Quaker motifs inspired by antique samplers. There is a delicacy to the unique design, a modern look to some of the geometric elements and some that remind me of quilts. The pattern is Kindness & Fortitude by Modern Folk Embroidery.

In a change from my usual style I went for a much more muted, calm palette of colours. I chose threads that were peachy/pink and then a variety of greens, mustard, browns and neutrals. It has a very natural vibe, which is what I wanted. Simple, pretty and serene.

Don't you love it when a plan comes together? Even better when you finish a project you have been meaning to work on for some time, when the initial plan you had changes and turns out better as a result. This version of my Crossed Orange Peel pattern was a challenge to myself, using slightly more difficult seam construction and it's my project for the April Aurifil Artisan challenge, which is to create a project using my favourite Aurifil thread. That is like a trick question though because I genuinely love and use all the different types of Aurifil thread for different projects. I've opted to focus on 50 weight thread because it is the one I use the most and for a variety of sewing methods.

The pattern is hand pieced and my original Crossed Orange Peel, see above, is different in that it has five pieces making up the central X of the blocks. I wanted to see if it was possible for me to piece that central section using one fabric. The Ladies Night print by Sarah Watts from the Black and White collection was absolutely perfect for this, by sheer coincidence five faces/dots fit beautifully in my pattern template.

I have a few works in progress and finishes to share with you today, so settle and get comfy as this might be a rambling one. There has been a lot of sewing happening and thought I would put (nearly) everything in one blog post to show what I've been up to - there are two more finishes that will feature in separate posts coming very soon!

First up is a finished quilt top - this is the Land of Magic quilt pattern by Kid Giddy The star, crown and castle blocks I pieced sometime ago. I had started the dragon but ran out of the background fabric and ordered more - then didn't get back to it. As this quilt was destined for my niece and she is now three, it seemed like a good idea to get it finished so she could appreciate and use it. 

Thankfully, although some of that background fabric was used in other projects I had more than enough to finish the block. The bright Amy Butler fabric works really well for the dragon and I love that it looks as though it has an eye due to the placement of the print.

Then I made the mermaid block, with the most perfect Carrie Bloomston fish fabric for the background. Many of the blocks contain precious fabric scraps I have hoarded, like the Pearl Bracelet print used for her top. This one contains some very small pieces, like the little crown and the waistband section but it's so worth it because that creates movement to make it appear as though she is gliding underwater. Kerry's patterns are clever like that.

Having already made my mum a similar bookmark, I decided to make one for myself. Given the current situation and the fact we are staying at home, it has made me focus on small things but also the bigger picture. I'm grateful for so much right now and have found it helpful to think about what I would like to achieve in this time. Not to 'hustle' or have unrealistic expectations of a million things I could do or learn or create. Rather what is important, can I prioritise the things I put off but really want to do. I'm still working full time but with kids evening activities on hold right now and no where to go at the weekends, I do have a more time.

The lettering is from the book Cross Stitch Designs by Ondori and I used Aurifloss to stitch on linen.

There are lots of lovely sew a-longs going on to keep us busy and creative during this crazy time. I feel like I need a focus. The thing I have most been looking forward to starts today, the 100 day project. You can find all the info about the project here. It's open to all sorts of artists + creatives and really any project you can think up. I've joined in before and this year is perhaps my most challenging yet for various reasons. Everything is set up, my planner has the 100 days noted with a sticker and I will check it off each day. Notebooks at the ready for my writing and designs. Fabric for creating. Brain bursting with inspiration.

The project I will be doing is '100 days not letting dreams be dreams' #100daysnotlettingdreamsbedreams, you can follow the hashtag on instagram to see what I get up to! Inspired by this, my idea is to do a little bit everyday to make my dream come true. The actual project I want to make is a bit of a secret, it will involve some reading, sketching, writing and designing. Where I can't show pictures I may well just chat on stories or show something else and write about my progress instead. Not really sure how it will work out but my friend Michelle has encouraged me and knows this is an important project for me, so here goes!

Yesterday after work I nipped out to get some shopping for us and a couple of neighbours. I decided to wear this Liberty silk scarf, which belonged to my grandmother. She had good taste. It feels so incredibly soft and it brightened my spirit. There is joy to be found in small things.

But I will need to cut my own fringe soon.

Stay safe and well at home x

Colour has a big impact on us, it can affect our mood and bring us happiness, especially when its in the form of a rainbow 🌈 We currently have three rainbows displayed in our windows for passersby to spot and smile about! I don't usually work in rainbow order (more on that later) and in fact I don't even arrange my fabric stash by colour but I do enjoy playing about with colour and the satisfaction that comes with choosing fabrics for a project.

Today is my stop on the book tour celebrating the launch of 'Modern Rainbow Patchwork Quilts' by Paula Steel. I am thrilled, not only because Paula is a real life friend who I have had the pleasure of spending time with in our little craft group and I am chuffed to bits for her, because she has created such gorgeous projects in this book! It will entice you to create and the projects in the book include quilts, cushions and mini projects, such as the purse I made. She has thorough and really useful guides for colour, tools and techniques, which makes it super accessible for everyone. Paula's writing style is so personable and honest, just as real as getting great advice and tips from a quilty friend that knows her stuff! It would be hard not to feel happy reading it, I found myself nodding a lot and smiling, I was really inspired.

The project I picked out to make is the rainbow star purse, here is Paula's original from the book: 

credits: photography Jesse Wild @wildjesse and stylist Jaine Bevan @jainebevanstylist

Cleverly Paula used waterproof fabric for the lining on hers so it's perfect for a washbag. I didn't have any nice waterproof fabric though so mine is regular quilting cotton. And now for my confession...

A few weeks ago I visited the Whitworth Art Gallery in my home city of Manchester. I was so inspired by the exhibitions that I was going to write a post, life kind of took over and it's been sitting in my drafts. Since we are now on lock down and most of us are staying home, I thought you might like to see a bit of artistic inspiration from the 'Tapestries' and 'Unreformed: Wallpaper and Design Diversity' exhibits, amongst others. 

The colourful mural above was created by Ibukun Baldwin, showing a little about how tapestries are made and reinforcing the skill involved. I also really love the colours in this piece.

From bold and modern to an absolute classic beauty from Morris & Co. ...

Isn't it always fun to start sewing a new pattern or project? When I found out we were working with Paper Pieces for this months Aurifil Artisan challenge, which is English Paper Piecing, I was super happy. They have a huge range of paper shapes and you could spend a day browsing their website looking at all the possibilities, thinking up patterns and imagining blocks. As soon as I found the Joseph's Coat pieces I knew I had found my project. I have never made this traditional block and I enjoy sewing curves, it's also a pretty design that becomes more interesting as it expands. I'm going to show you my layout and how I handle sewing epp curves.

For shapes like these you can't beat the accuracy of machine cut paper pieces and when shapes are curved I really do like to use acrylic templates for cutting. It makes the job so much quicker with a rotary cutter and of course it's super helpful if you want to do fussy cutting, as you can reposition the template and clearly see the area you are cutting.