Stitch Gathering 2018
Real life wobbles, true friends and bunches of creativity! //
There is something so special about spending time with kindred spirits; especially those people that understand fabric love, why we cut up fabric and sew it back together, the procraftination brought about by a quilt needing to be basted, etc. Quilt retreats are the place where we can enjoy talking about sewing and actually doing it! Earlier this month I went to the Stitch Gathering, organised by lovely Jo Avery of mybearpaw. I taught in 2017 and was thrilled to be asked to teach again this year.
Jo has this fun tradition of people making a 'ticket' when they attend, this year it was dog and cat blocks. They will be made into charity quilts, which is great! This is my resting cat block, using Jo's block pattern, made with appropriately themed fabric she sent me. I spent ages choosing the background fabric, digging through my stash looking for the perfect bright print. The red disco dot shouted at me and is a good mix of fun and cat sass.
I'm going to write a bit about the day, but before I do I feel the need to share that it wasn't so easy for me. I've been struggling with anxiety for a while now and it has this horrible way of either totally jumping out of nowhere, like a massive spider; or creeping stealthily, clawing it's way into my thoughts and building up slowly before it attacks. I notice that more now, aware of what is going to happen. For the few days leading up to the retreat I saw it coming - I doubted myself, I worried about plans, I checked the door was locked too many times, I cried for no reason, snapped, etc.
And this wasn't scary; I know lots of the wonderful people that were going, I've done it before, everyone is supportive and I love teaching. I told my friend, she gave me a few loving and wise words for me to think about. It really helped and I used all the tools I know and have, to deal with those irrational thoughts and feelings. I am functioning with anxiety. I'm sharing this because if I don't, it will seem like another 'oh it was amazing' post and it WAS but it feels important to write how it felt before I went, as a reminder to myself that I CAN and DO do these sociable things and that during and after the event it is all GOOD!
Here is the gathering!
The morning was my opportunity to be a student, always eager to learn and especially when my friend Karen Lewis is the tutor. I have wanted to take a class with her for a long time and it was super exciting to get to play with cutting lino, fabric paint and stamping. Here's a glipse at a couple of my attempts and I will be doing more of this. So much fun and possibility. Karen is an awesome teacher!
In the afternoon I taught an improvised English Paper Piecing / applique class 'Bloom in EPP', everyone came up with such brilliant ways of combining shapes and using epp in a slightly different way. This is one of my favourite classes to teach because it's so different and really allows people to explore their creativity and also learn some new ways and tricks for stitching! I was a bit wired on caffeine, excited seeing all the epp combinations and completely forgot to take any pictures but here is a shot of some of my original blooms:
Or course it was amazing to be able to see friends, meet new people and be around inspiring creatives. There was a brilliant show and tell (again failed with the photography) and it's so nice hearing about peoples process and stories of quilt making.
Another nice part of the retreat is the swapping! This year I took part in the pincushion swap and my partner was gorgeous Natalie. I know she likes flowers and purple, I was seemingly influenced by autumn too as I picked out these rich fabrics.
GINGERBREAD HOUSE SEWALONG
Who can resist such an adorable quilt pattern?! It is seasonal cuteness at it's best. This beautiful Gingerbread House quilt by Gracey Larson features in the latest Love Patchwork & Quilting magazine, issue 66 out now.
The blocks are all traditionally pieced using easy methods like corner squares triangles. Row-by-row quilts are so appealing, the neat structure appeals to my organised side and the possibility of easily mixing things up pleases the rebel in me! Full of sweet blocks, the quilt is made up of the Gingerbread man, Candy cane, Gumdrops, Mint sweet, Tree cookie and Hot chocolate blocks. I fell for the little gumdrops and enjoyed picking out fabrics that had that sugar sprinkle look.
Added in a few metallic prints for a little sparkle and it was a quick block to sew. Actually I would like a whole quilt of these, wouldn't that look amazing! Modern and graphic. Combined with the other blocks in the quilt though it really does look like sweet little treats.
If you like a good sew along, join in with the Love Patchwork & Quilting team and the awesome community on social - check out the hashtag #gingerbreadqal to see all the fabulous blocks made so far! You can find all the details for the sew along HERE.
Grab your copy of Love Patchwork & Quilting now to get the pattern and join in with the sew along!
★ patterns ★
I thought I would share some updates, I have expanded my shop and am working hard to create new patterns. It would be great if you could take a look and maybe give some ♡ to the listings if you can!
First up is the lovely tangible paper patterns, which I have listed in my Etsy shop. They are all printed on quality paper locally and carefully hand packaged by moi.
For the patterns with templates, these have been printed separately to allow you to easily make copies and keep the original in tact if you so wish.
It's been something I have wanted to do for some time, I know that PDF patterns are so easy to buy and download but not everyone likes buying patterns that way. This is for the people who like physical copies and they would also make great gifts for someone wanting to learn a new skill; hand piecing, an easy zip pouch or the cute Stitchy Pie needle case! All of my patterns allow you to sell handmade products on a small scale so they are perfect for those of you that do handmade fairs too.
If you would like some happy mail through the post, click here for paper patterns.
As I grow my pattern shop and add new designs (coming soon!) I hope to encourage more people to try something new and if I can inspire anyone to do some hand sewing I will be happy! If you frequent Etsy I would be so grateful if you would head over and like my shop or patterns - it will help me know which ones are favourites as well as keeping you informed when I do have updates.
There could well be some actual makes heading to my Etsy shop too, I have really been enjoying making tassel charms. Thank you to those of you that bought them at Stitch Gathering recently! The one I made for my sewing case is often admired and they are a really cute addition to any bag or to hang in your sewing space. Hopefully they'll start making an appearance this weekend so keep an eye on the Available now in the shop!
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