CHSI Stitches 2019 ~ I won an award!
Each year I look forward to the CHSI Stitches event - a UK trade show packed with all things fabric, crafts, sewing and quilting. It's a great opportunity to ogle at new launches, discover different products and brands and meet up with - or indeed meet new - people in the industry. Here's a round up of the day (I went on Sunday), the things I loved, new products I spotted and the British Craft Awards evening!
stitching progress + epp giveaway!
**Giveaway now closed**
Those quiet moments in the evening, a few stitches on my lunch break, this pick up and put down project is slowly coming to life. It is a soothing, mindful way to relax and all the colours together look very peaceful and calming to me.
I knew that the Kindness & Fortitude: A Quaker Sampler from Modern Folk Embroidery was going to be the first project I started in 2019. It was no coincidence that my word for the year is FORTITUDE, I did chose this pattern partly for that reason but also because it appealed to me and there is that Quaker connection.
Geo Diamond block 🌿 terrarium
As I was going through my stash to make this block inspiration struck. Isn't it funny how memories and things can suddenly come to mind and influence you. This wasn't my original direction but I am so pleased with how this came together!
The block is called Geo Diamond and designer Naomi Clarke has just launched the Geo Diamond English Paper Piecing Sewalong! Click the link to get all the details, parcels start shipping in March and there are lots of options available.
It's a 12" block, so a great size! There are loads of layout possibilities and it's even cooler to see it repeated. I really like sewing with larger pieces, not at all fiddly and the block was relatively quick to stitch. I always use Aurifil 50wt thread for English Paper Piecing.
I chose a selection of Art Gallery Fabrics for my block and I was drawn to the leaf prints. I kept thinking about a leaded glass terrarium my parents had. It had lots of angles, some green glass and it always puzzled me growing up how the plants got in there?! Turns out on one side there was a 'pane' missing to allow access (or maybe it opened I don't quite remember!). I couldn't find the exact one but it was a larger version, similar to the image below.
So my Geo Diamond is an ode to that terrarium. I used the metallic feather print, from Decadence by Katarina Roccella, in the centre because it felt opulent and pretty. I envision large terrariums being in some magnificent Victorian property full of velvet and dark wood... probably completely historically inaccurate but that's my imagination!
I like how the plants create a frame all around the block and I chose the fabrics to intentionally create a contrast of soft and bold. It has whimsy but also strength.
The two leaf prints I used are Lamina, Fusion Rainforest by A Collaboration of AGF Designers and Cadence Winds Oliva, Virtuosa by Bari J.
The two leaf prints I used are Lamina, Fusion Rainforest by A Collaboration of AGF Designers and Cadence Winds Oliva, Virtuosa by Bari J.
The three low volume prints I used, for the background and top of the triangle, let the 'terrarium' stand out and also give a sense of calm. I also like how modern they are, in contrast to what I see as a tradition from my childhood.
Those prints are Aerial Blush, Gathered by Bonnie Christine; Marked Sights, Craftbound by AGF Studio and Fair Peonies Traced, Decadence by Katarina Roccella.
Those prints are Aerial Blush, Gathered by Bonnie Christine; Marked Sights, Craftbound by AGF Studio and Fair Peonies Traced, Decadence by Katarina Roccella.
In the bottom corners I fussy cut houses from The Gingerbreads Fondant, Little Clementine by AGF Studio. It seemed perfect as the terrarium was in the living room of the house I grew up in! I plan on making another block, perhaps continuing the theme or with a different memory. I love the repeat these blocks create but I'm so pleased with this one I might end up making a pair of cushions and let the blocks stand alone.
If you'd like to create your own blocks - CLICK HERE to visit Naomi's site for all the information about the Geo Diamond sewalong!
*** I am having a giveaway for a two month subscription of the Geo Diamond block of the month - open internationally, ends 12th February 2019 - go to THIS POST to enter!
Find UK stockists of Art Gallery Fabrics at Hantex.
My Wonderwall
It should come as no surprise that I get very excited about fabric. I've been sharing what I buy, stitch and make here for over seven years. The colours, prints, the way it handles, the endless combinations... fabric brings me joy.
The opportunity to get to chose and work with fabric is truly something special. I SQUEALED a lot when these beauties I picked arrived from Freespirit. Vibrant, rich, bright, happy colours of Designer Essentials Solids:
top row: Cosmo, Melon, Pomegranate, Gold, Tropical
bottom row: Serpent, Clearwater, Julep, Citrine
scraps + stash
I have had a little bit of a splurge, nothing crazy but there was fabric I really wanted and embroidery floss that is needed, along with a couple of other utility items for making. It's not all buying, though, as I recently used up scraps to make my first ever open wide pouch...
This thread is my second order from Lakeside Needlecraft, I adore the subtle tones of the gently over-dyed embroidery floss - Sampler Threads by The Gentle Art - and the colours are even prettier when stitched.
left to right: Chalk (x2), Mustard Seed, Celery, Cornhusk, Avocado, Apricot Blush, Peach Ice Cream, Coral Reef, Copper, Adobe, Nutmeg, Heirloom Gold, Tarnished Gold and Aged Pewter.
The Creative Craft Show ~ giveaway!
**GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED**
It is always fun to be among fellow crafters, take a workshop, get inspiration and shop a little (or a lot!).
At The Creative Craft Show at EventCity you can do just that!
Step into a haven of new supplies, demos, show discounts and exciting
features.
"We’ve got so much in store, from a nationwide bee project to life sized felt animals and everything in-between! We also have a range of specially selected 60 and 90 minute workshops for beginners through to advanced"
The Creative Craft Show offers all the very latest supplies, ideas and innovations in the hobby world. You’ll find everything from kits, charts and patterns to fabrics, yarns, threads and buttons plus opportunities to gain advice from industry experts.
Check out the Makes & Takes section to see stands where you can do some crafting. Or book a place on one the workshops to learn a new skill or create your own project, click here to see the workshops available.
Do you fancy a fun day out full of crafty inspiration and a browse through stalls and stands packed with brand-new crafting innovations, classic tools and products and accessories in every colour of the rainbow!
I am giving away TWO pairs of tickets for a day at The Creative Craft Show at EventCity, open 31st January - 2nd February.
**GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED**
Congratulations to the winners! They have been contacted by email.
*** Please sign in to an account or leave your email address in the comment so I have a way to contact you!
Also make sure you are able to attend the event before entering! The giveaway will close after my kids have gone to sleep on Monday 28th January and the winners will be contacted by email.
Good Luck!
Jetset Cinched Bags
I have had the bundle of minikins patterns by Sew Sweetness for a little while now and finally got round to making the Jetset Cinched Bag.
Doing a little swap was just the excuse I needed, it's always better making for someone else! After receiving handmade socks from Sarah, I asked what she would like in return; she mentioned a bag to keep her yarn / knitting projects in. This seemed like just the thing, it's sturdy and a good size.
start off stashing
Today I'm sharing a monthly sewing themed treat and my new favourite custom thread organiser!
How brilliant are these stickers?!
Part of the latest Signs of the Sewdiac subscription box from Sew Crafty, which has now ended but you can still snap up some of the goodies from the range in Samantha's Etsy shop. I'm not a knitter but still appreciate the design of this month's box 'The Knitting'.
And although I will probably pass the pin on to my knitting mum, these two products made me do a happy dance...
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