// slice //
The best tools are ones that make life easier, in this case the Slice seam ripper makes a 'not fun' task much easier! Unpicking is a necessary job on occasion, made harder if you have a dull or difficult to handle seam ripper. Don't even get me started on those tiny ones you get in sewing kits that go dull and rust so quickly. If you find that your seam ripper isn't cutting easily, it's too small to manage well or unpicking takes a lot of effort then it might be time to level up to a longer-lasting and more professional seam ripper.
I made some videos demonstrating my first use of the seam ripper so you could see it in action. Since making these clips I have been using it for all my unpicking and I honestly can't get over just how much better it is than standard seam rippers. Let me tell you why...
My first task was resewing some buttons on a blouse, a couple had come off but it was pretty poorly made in the first place so all the buttons needed to come off and be resewn. Before changing the blade to the pointed tip, I used the rounded ceramic blade that comes with the seam ripper to remove the buttons.
Initial thoughts are that the Slice seam ripper is really lightweight and a nice length. It is very comfortable to hold and control. You can see that I brace myself ready to have to rip hard in order to get through those threads but it was simple. What I've since learnt is that with this seam ripper I can be confident that the blade will do the work, I do not have to grip so hard and don't need that tension in my hands. The ceramic blade and ergonomic design are clever features that result in no hand strain and that's a big deal! It's also ambidextrous so can be used as is whether you are left or right handed.
Slice uses ceramic safety blades, which are 11 times longer lasting than steel and they don't rust. The blades are finger friendly®, meaning that the blade edge is safe enough to touch. This makes changing blades safer and swapping out the blades doesn't require any tools. Here's my first blade change - now I know how to do it, it's less bumbling but I wanted to give you the reality of my initial try.
Having that notch means you know that the blade is fitted correctly and makes it fool proof. You can see that the textured slider button makes moving the blade up and down super simple, there is also an auto-retractable seam ripper should you wish for an added safety level.
I changed to the Slice pointed tip seam ripper blades, perfect for ripping machine or hand stitches. The pointed tip can easily rip small stitches, my stitches are usually 1.8 when I am doing patchwork and it can still catch those small stitches without a problem. I have not yet had to unpick quilting but I know that this tool will be invaluable as there is no risk of cutting through the fabric thanks to the design of the blade.
So super simple! And it really does glide through stitches like butter. I hadn't caught my back stitching at first so had to rip through that at the end. I was so impressed with how refined the seam ripper is, I know that might sound a strange description for a cutting tool but it just requires so little force that refined is what it is!
If you'd like to replace your seam ripper and you're in the market for a new, awesome one then take advantage of 10% off at Slice by using the code CHARM10UK available to UK residents.
Slice kindly sent the seam ripper and blades to me in exchange for an honest review, this is not a paid sponsorship. The links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small percentage if you make a purchase and it costs you nothing extra. I only review products that I deem worthy of mentioning because I love using them myself and Slice produces excellent products, as well as a portion of the purchase price being donated to fund autism research.
sewing machine cover
I have been wanting a new machine cover for a while. My previous handmade one didn't cover the sides, the room I sew in can get quite sunny and a full cover gives better protection and stops dust too. After seeing this free pattern for a Serger and Sewing Machine Cover by Closet Core Patterns, I went on the hunt for fabric. The print they used was gorgeous and canvas seemed like a good choice. Sew Hot had this Poolside by Cotton + Steel print so it jumped into my basket in a recent haul, along with some black velvet piping that I thought would compliment the print well.
There's a nice Miami Vice vibe to this print that makes me smile. A larger print works well for a cover and as my machine is pretty big it really does suit it. I have an Elna 680 sewing machine, which did come with a really nice cover but it's RED and that's not my colour at all - also I sew in our dining room and it just doesn't work with anything else in the room. In case any of you have the same, or a similarly sized machine, I've included my cutting dimensions for the cover further down in this post.
Love Thy...
neighbour X work in progress X cross stitch X Aurifloss
My current cross stitch project for the year is coming along well, there's been a little bit of unpicking but that is most often the result of late night stitching. The pattern is Love Thy Neighbour by Modern Folk Embroidery and I started stitching it as part of Jacob's Summer Stitch A Long. Summer may be nearly over but I am in no rush to finish. The original pattern is stitched in one colour but like my last finished cross stitch I enjoy making it my own and mixing it up.
I'm enjoying stitching this motif by motif, choosing the colours as I go. I didn't pick a full colour palette before starting and have added in colours when needed. The overall vibe is happy colours, a mix of bright and pastels, and despite the rainbow layout of floss below, the colour pairings/groupings for each motif are intentionally not too matchy matchy. I really like a bolder, more mismatched style. I keep thinking 60/70s, a happy hippy Clothkits look.
top row #: 1103, 4020, 2530, 2425, 2435, 2220, 2150, 1135, 2606
bottom row #: 2880, 2888, 2860, 2835, 1148, 5006, 2805, 2815, 2021
Not shown above is the Very Dark Navy used for the text and focal frame, it is #2785.
I really like how the dark pops but your eye is still drawn around the piece. Still a way to go but here is my progress so far - and please excuse the wrinkles but this is a work in progress and my iron only comes out when absolutely necessary...
the WHY = artistic fire
Today I'm sharing a couple of special projects, exciting news about how you can learn from me online and hopefully preempting a few concerns. The WHY matters. So I want to focus a little on why I do what I do, how sharing makes a difference and most importantly what I want to impart to you. Keep reading because it's not just pretty pictures, I would love to help you thrive and shine my spark for getting the most of out of your creativity.
Hand sewn projects are probably my favourite. I prefer to spend hours on the sofa, in the company of others, with the option of sewing outdoors or on the go (when possible). There is also something immensely satisfying about sitting at my machine and getting something sewn up fast too. My first project incorporates both, a happy mix of slow hand stitching and quick, easy machine sewing.
Two new zipper pouches, made using my A Piece of Me Pouch pattern. It's super easy to adapt the pattern to different sizes and these cute versions are perfect for carrying in a handbag or holding supplies.
The hexie pouch was made with Liberty tana lawn, starting with traditional English Paper Piecing (epp) hexagon flowers and adding in more hexagons as required. The random placement and geometric quilting make it modern. That's my favourite mix, modern + traditional.
The applique version takes on different shapes, with an epp dresden flower and centre circle. This is so fun to stitch, getting rounded curves can be a struggle but it's all in the preparation. I have a couple of ways I like to baste curved shapes and have found, through trial and error, tricks for sewing them together.
EPP can be used in different ways and I thought it was nice to show that you can just sew a little and make it a feature. Applique is the most versatile form of patchwork in my opinion, you can do about anything with it! I was going to hand applique this flower but I was on a time crunch and instead decided to top stitch using my machine. This works perfectly for epp because your seams are folded over during basting so there's no raw edges. I use my walking foot and have found the best setting for top stitching on my machine, so it's neat every time.
As this pouch is all mine I decided to use my much loved Liberty prints - some I only have a scrap of but this makes it all the more special. The mix is maybe a little bold but each one makes me smile. I teamed it with a hot pink zip for even more pizzazz! The background is Essex Linen Metallic in Oyster - so much more beautiful and sparkly in real life. The binding here is probably my absolute favourite Liberty print, Pepper in colourway M. It's like a marble or tiny camo print with flecks of almost pinky/purple and lovely greys. It curves and frames the pouch so beautifully.
If you've followed me for a while you will have seen me create a few versions of this pouch and there's some stunning ones made by others over on instagram, take a look #apieceofmepouch
This pattern has the easiest way to sew a zip, it works whether you need to cut the zip down or if you have the perfect size. No need to worry about zip ends and it's perfectly neat on the inside too! Note to self, must get more metal zips, they look fabulous.
My next project involves more hand work, this time embroidery. I designed two patterns, to showcase different embroidery stitches and ways of creating text. Writing can look amazing when embroidered and using the right stitch for the way the letters are formed is crucial. At the same time a sense of naivety can also add to a piece, it depends on the look you want but I do think this is when 'handmade' shines. Every stitch that goes in the project is right there on display.
This seasonal pattern is a great sampler, each leaf is made with different stitches and the resulting textures are beautiful. I designed it with The Byrds song playing in my head (and as I stitched and even now!) to create a decorative hoop that could be displayed all year round.
A few of the stitches are quite dense and detailed but the whole look is simple and modern. It didn't take too long to create and I really enjoyed choosing the colours and stitches to use for each part of the pattern.
Some of you may remember me demonstrating chain stitch before, it's one of my favourite stitches to use and makes a great filler for the oak leaf because it adds such movement. There are some hidden details to this piece, that can just be seen in the photographs, such as a line of back stitch around the oak leaf in a lighter green shade. In real life this gives it a nice glow and elevates it from being flat colour.
There is a mix of threads, Aurifloss and Perle cotton. I also used a variety of thread strands with the floss to allow for either more texture or finer detail. It feels so different and my techniques change depending on the number of strands used. I change needles too, usually I prefer working with two or three strands and a fairly fine embroidery needle.
My Happy hoop is just that! A happy mix of chunky text and sweet little french knots in a rainbow of colours. There are lots of ways to make additions to this pattern too - I'm thinking Happy Days, Happy Graduation, Anniversary... a perfect gift for a happy day. And I would be happy to have you join me stitching these projects...
Both of these projects are featured in my upcoming classes with CraftyMonkies via Zoom. I am super excited to get back to teaching because I have been missing it! And online classes mean that if you've ever wanted to take a class with me you now can, wherever you live!
These classes allow for in-depth learning, so that you can get results not just information. Follow the making journey from start to finish, with all my extra tips and tricks for every step. By the end you will have practised and absorbed all the skills to create the projects. You can ask questions along the way and engage with me so you really gain a greater understanding of the methods demonstrated.
Of course it is convenient having me right there, in real time, to be able to show you each stage of the project in detail. I can address any issues you may be having, repeat any parts and give you encouragement and advice on your makes.
And if you've never used Zoom before it is super simple, there are plenty of guides online showing you how to use it. CraftyMonkies have developed a brilliant system so you can really see everything up close and participate in the class. For those of you that feel unsure or the thought of being on camera terrifies you, don't worry you do not even have to turn your camera on - you can join the class and watch! It's less like a conference call and more like watching a live video. Though of course I would be happy to see you / chat with you throughout, I totally understand that for some people that causes anxiety. Everyone really is welcome and this platform makes it so easy. It's just like watching me on telly ;) only better!
Join me if you want to tighten up your skills, even if you are a beginner or if you're just thrilled at the prospect of having three hours of fun making, learning and boosting your artistry. And you get the patterns included to keep! The classes are project based to give you the skills necessary for that particular make but they are also designed to provide knowledge for application in your own creative exploration going forward. The purpose is to give you expertise and fuel your artistic fire to make unique and beautiful projects!
There is a 'lot of ground' content covered in the classes...
*English Paper Piecing Pouch
- cutting
- basting
- piecing
- applique
- quilting
- sewing a zip
- making binding
- sewing binding (and curves)
*Embroidery Hoops
- preparing fabric
- using pattern
- hooping
- variety of embroidery stitches
- choosing stitches
- embroidering text
- finishing the hoop
- added embellishments / personalisation
It's a whole lot more than the techniques though. In every class my aim is to share as much as possible, to really inspire and give you the confidence to be able to use what you've learnt and harness your own creativity. Genuinely nothing fills me up more than a student telling me how much they've enjoyed a class. When I teach a technique or method that inspires you, share something that sets off a light bulb moment or help you create a project you are proud of - that is my why.
▚ I [attended] your brilliant class for this pouch Lucy and the resulting pouch I was so happy with and still use and love - Happy Days! Highly recommended! ~ Gill ▞
Join me for one (or both!) of the classes, English Paper Piecing and Embroidery Hoop: Seasonal Theme. 10% of profits from the class go to my chosen charity, Children in Need.
Click the link to book your place: https://www.craftymonkies.com/online-workshops-sewing-quilting
Thank you, as always, for reading and commenting with such kindness and enthusiasm. Your support encourages me as I continue being able to teach on this new route.
wee boxy basket
There are quite a few things I have made recently that haven't yet been documented here. As a note to myself and to share what I've made I do like to write about the process and will be trying to catch up with blog posts over the next few days. This is the first, the very adorable Wee Boxy Basket pattern by Laura Cunningham of Sweet Cinnamon Roses.
Having made nearly all of Laura's patterns before, they are so cute and well written, I offered to pattern test this one before it was released. I didn't have the interfacing Laura suggested in the pattern so I made two versions. The mustard one using two layers of Vilene H250 interfacing and the cat one with fusible fleece, along with Pellon Shape Flex on the linings. Both worked out really well, just goes to show you can sometimes get away with substitutions!
Choosing one of my favourite Lucy Engels hand printed fabrics, teamed with some grey Cotton + Steel prints, this basket has a modern geometric vibe. Occasionally things get made with no purpose but this was made with the intention of holding my make up. Five years ago I made a different basket, which was nearing the end and looking a bit shabby after much use! But it has been nice reaching for products from a basket and starting my day looking at something I made.
dotti denim pouch
More making adventures with #justjudecollaborates! This past week we have been making Judith's pattern, the Dotti Denim Pouch. Of course from the name you can tell that the original design was made using denim, I do have some regular denim but I decided to use a fun mix of fabrics and some printed lightweight Japanese denim.
This pouch is for me so there were no worries about whether someone else would like the fabric and this is the result of my stash dive - the brown papercuts print and white text one I hadn't yet used so it was fun cutting into them. The pieces in the pattern are a good size so you could totally use bigger scale prints for this pouch.
I got carried away and didn't take many progress pictures, just enjoyed the process of making! The pattern is so well written, Judith gives plenty of tips throughout, which I really appreciate.
stay home stashing
Grab a cuppa and hide your bank cards! This post is full of goodies amassed over the past few months, the majority of it is for specific projects and some were bought from necessity. There's some nice treats and 'just for fun' here too. I like to keep a record to refer back to (I can't tell you how often I have done that over the years) and also to remind myself what I bought things for. If you're not interested in my shopping habits, that's totally cool and you can check back next time for finished projects.
Most of this lot is for an ambitious project so you may not see the results for some time but bits of these fabrics have already been cut up so no doubt you will see those sooner.
First up, a lovely bundle from one of my favourite shops Sew Hot. I splurged here but all with a purpose!
I'm building up a collection of black and white prints, I also needed some greys for a specific quilt I've designed and I like neutrals with a touch of metallic in them. Originally this seemed like such an 80's thing, reminiscent of Christmas fabrics with scratchy metallic/glitter but modern metallic prints generally feel lovely and the sparkle adds a bit more dimension.
Lola pouch ~ collaboration
My sewjo seems to take a wander every now and again. Like anything, occasionally the motivation eludes you. Sometimes you have to ride it out and wait for inspiration to spur you into action. Oftentimes I will start with a smaller make, a pouch or cushion to incite my creativity and make a finished project for that sense of achievement.
I was thrilled to be asked to join Judith Hollies for her #justjudecollaborates over on instagram. Along with Judith, myself, Svetlana Sotak, Stuart Hillard and Kerry Foster will be making each other patterns to create finished projects throughout July. You are welcome to follow along each week and make with us! You can find out details about which patterns we are making on Judith's post here. Follow along on instagram for the details and reveals each week.
Our first project was the Lola pouch by Svetlana Sotak. Her shop SotakCo on Etsy is full of gorgeous bag and pouch patterns. I have followed her blog for a long time and have made a couple of her patterns, the Lola pouch is one of my favourites - you can see other versions of the pouch that I have made here.
I excitedly got to picking out fabrics from my stash, knowing this pouch was going to be gifted to my friend Michelle I wanted to chose fabrics she would like as well as picking a combination I was happy about. It's always a factor for most makers I assume but texture has become something I focus on more and more. Rather than use all quilting cottons I wanted to give each part a slightly different feel.
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