CHARM ABOUT YOU

You may have seen these polaroid blocks if you're following me on instagram, well I made a couple more and turned them into a zip pouch! What follows is a mini tutorial of how to stamp text on fabric and also a little explanation of those words.

The fabric used for fussy cutting is Menagerie, Indian Summer by Sarah Watson. One of my favourite prints. I picked out a few animals to fussy cut and the sketched design of the print works really well for the polaroids. I used Paint Dot, Paper Bandana by Alexia Abegg for the background. Such pretty dots and the colours are just perfect.

I have 'written' on polaroid blocks before (I don't like that empty space) - embroidered text - but I just didn't have time for that. I needed something quick and so turned to stamping. The same method I used to stamp my initials on the bottom of my Everything In It's Place Bag.

It requires a rubber stamp alphabet, the kind you can get from stationery or craft shops. Each letter is an individual stamp - clear stamps with an acrylic block are definitely the easiest to use because you can really see where you are placing the letters. 

To use them you simple peel the letters you need from the plastic backing and 'stick' them to the acrylic block to spell the word you want to stamp. I used a Memento Dew Drop Ink Pad, a really nice sized ink pad for the small letters.

Then to make the letters waterproof and also more even I went over them with a fine Pigma Micron pen. The 02 was the perfect line width for my letters. Finally it's important to heat set the ink with a dry iron.

*I managed to spill water on 'strength' (hence the smudging) while ironing the piecing before using the micron pen so do that sooner rather than later!

So why did I stamp those words?

I like surrounding myself with things that make me smile, positive images and words. I have a book Animal Wisdom by Jessica Dawn Palmer, which is all about the myths, folk stories and traditions that surround the animals. I looked up the bear, owl, fox and racoon, then chose the words that most appealed to me. The ones I feel are important, mean something and I want to always be part of me. It will just give me a reminder and boost when I see those words.

I would like to be a more adaptable person, I struggle with change a lot and it has led to anxiety.

Physical strength is important to me but also inner strength and mama bear strength.

Honesty and instinct come fairly naturally but I sometimes silence my instincts and that leads me to not be honest with myself. Doing my #100daysofsilentsewing project is really helping me to focus more on my instinct and the silence is so calming.

Despite my serious concentrating face I can assure you that my time at Patchwork in the Peaks 10 was full of laughter, creativity and great company! 

Elita of Busy Needle Quilting hosts incredible Alpine quilt retreats in Morzine, France. Surrounded by the most beautiful scenery at the fabulous Chalet Les 4 Vents excellently run by The Mountain Lodge Company, it was so relaxing and yet totally invigorating at the same time. The four day retreats take place semi-annually and I attended 22-25 September 2016.

I took my rose star quilt and knew it would be slow going because that's the nature of hand quilting. So while I made good progress the other ladies were machine whizzes and managed to produce so much incredible quilty goodness!! The group included a couple of 'beginners' and they quickly picked up lots of techniques. People came with projects they wanted to finish, some things were made entirely on the spot and they were all amazing. So many different techniques, styles and fabulous fabric creations!

In between all this making we had the most delicious meals. Really delicious. I am vegetarian and have nightmares about bad 80's nut roasts but this was gourmet food and honestly some of the best meals I've ever had. The sticky toffee pudding was also a clear winner! I failed to take pictures of the food because I was busy eating.

The group also brought snacks, so there was delicious choccies and tasty treats when I needed a wee boost from all the relaxing ;) Which reminds me I actually had a nap one day!! Unheard of for me but perfectly acceptable on retreat and a nice luxury. 

On Saturday I taught a class 'Fussy Cutting Snapshots', making Polaroid blocks and having fun with fussy cuts. The ladies produced fabulous blocks - some using their own photographs we had printed on fabric the day before, thanks to Elita's great tutorial!

The ladies were all so inspiring and it was a complete joy to be part of #peaks10. There were so many hilarious moments and I have lots more I want to share. Later this week I will be showing you what I made for my 'secret sister' and also what I received, along with a few other stash additions!

I can't recommend Patchwork in the Peaks enough, it really was an amazing few days with the most welcoming and lovely women. I consider them all friends and hope I will be able to attend again because I definitely want to repeat the whole experience! If you are interested in attending the next retreat you can get more information and contact Elita at Busy Needle Quilting 💙

Make sure you pop back tomorrow for a belated giveaway!