Sew Hot
Showing posts with label Sew Hot. Show all posts
〰 stitchy / fabric stash 〰
I'm a busy bee over here, so many projects being planned and worked on. Of course when you craft, you need supplies! Happy mail in the form of fabric, cross stitch supplies and vintage trim. Over the past couple of months I have bought the things you'll see here, some have already been used and others are for upcoming makes that I will share soon. Shopping small and supporting independent businesses is important and I found some fun creative businesses to buy from. This post is really a way for me to keep a record of the things I've bought so I can return to it, to remind me of the details when I share my makes. If you do not need enabling then come back soon because I have a finished project to share... but keep reading to see some lovely things and get details of my machine quilting class 🧵
First up, look at these adorable individually wrapped needle minders - opening them was such a treat, like it was my birthday! I love this kind of personalisation and in her note she apologised for the puns but it made me chuckle.
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.
fabric and day off frolics
I'm gearing up to prepare for next year, despite this definitely being the time of year where I feel like hibernating! It's time to make plans, thinking about what next year will bring and sorting out sewing projects. I'm hoping to get things in order over the Christmas break, sorting out my sewing stuff ready for a fresh start in 2020. Recently there have been a few stash additions, I've been out in Manchester stocking up and enjoying cheese toasties, and finally sneaking some project finishes in!
As I continue to work on my Manx Log Cabin blocks I realised I wouldn't have enough Essex Metallic for the centres so ordered a bit more from Sew Hot and the other prints were just irresistible:
clockwise from top left: Essex Yarn Dyed Linen Metallic in Oyster; Camo in Yarrow, Gleaned by Carolyn Friedlander; Dottie in Coral Metallic, Basics by Cotton + Steel and Pop Off in Peach Fizz, Pop! by Rashida Coleman-Hale - this print is one of those that I HAD to have and knew if I didn't get some I would wish I had. Honestly it's pretty easy to resist these urges nowadays but when it comes to Rashida Coleman-Hale prints I have no control because they are always fabulous.
This next selection was a surprise treat, a very kind lady that came to one of my classes had been to Standfast & Barracks and picked up these big cuts of Liberty Tana Lawn. She knew I loved Liberty and so I got all this for less than the price of 1/2 metre! These aren't scraps, they are large folded pieces. I'm very grateful she let me buy them from her and these snowdrops have already found their way into my log cabin blocks.
Sew Hot ~ GIVEAWAY! 🌈
Not only that but Sew Hot are now also open as a bricks and mortar shop and offer classes too! There are already awesome classes listed, with more to come ;)
A little about Sew Hot...
A little about Sew Hot...
can't deny favourites
There hasn't been a whole lot of stashing going on but when I see my favourite designers and prints there isn't much self control to be had!
Here's a little fabric splurge and I've also discovered what is currently my favourite notion and have to share the joy...
Who doesn't occasionally (or often!) have to reach for a seam ripper? I've tried a few and I do like the Prym large seam ripper, the fact that it's bigger and ergonomic really does make a difference for long seams. It's sharp too, which is a must. I like having two though and despite trying other ones I still hadn't found the perfect one to put in my travel kit - just to be clear that's usually the kit I use a lot because it's also the one I keep beside me when I'm hand sewing on the sofa (as well as taking with me when I travel).
After browsing around I came across this seam ripper by Pam Damour, lovely and delicate made of beautiful brass. It's very pretty, there is something so dainty about it and it certainly feels dainty when you're holding it but it rips perfectly. I'm going to put it through it paces over time and report back but the seams I've ripped thus far have gone smoothly, it's really sharp and I do like the smaller size of this one. As a plus the lid also fits onto the end, making it easier to hold and you won't lose it. And can you see the loop on the end? You can put it on a chain (totally Mad Men!) or ribbon, which is a nice touch.
I wasn't specifically looking to buy fabric but Sew Hot had these beauties and I couldn't resist.
It was a delight to see Sun Print 2019, I had the text print from the 2014 collection and Alison Glass creates such great colourways, I knew I needed more. I snapped up the Path print in Love (white) and Sweet (pink). Text is a stash staple and these have such positive words!
For no other reason than I absolutely LOVE her whole style and again I've had a previous incarnation of the leopard print fabric, I got these Anna Maria Horner prints to add to my collection.
from left to right: Spotted in the Crowd in Prince, Tambourine; Keys in Toffee, Passionflower; Gyspy Heart in Waking, Tambourine; Lace in Marmalade, Passionflower and Spotted in the Crown in King, Tamourine - all by Anna Maria Horner.
If you can't tell I haven't really been keeping up with fabric releases recently, I feel like I missed a chunk of time or maybe sometimes it's so long between seeing prints on social media and when they actually get released that I've forgotten them or even worse can feel like I'm over them because they were everywhere!?! I've probably ranted about this before but I do feel like it takes so long between seeing sneak peeks and fabrics actually hitting shops.
Anyway I was happy to discover Looking Forward by Jen Kingwell because I hadn't seen a lot of it. With no specific plan or actual need, I bought a charm pack. That way I get a little of each print and can have a play about. True to my style I will probably break this pack up and use little bits in different projects, though then again you never know, I might surprise you and use it all in one place!
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.
new 💌 pink bambi!
I'm posting this on a day when everyone goes % sales and shopping mad. I've actually not bought anything today (except ice cream!) because I'm pretty sure this lovely lot will keep me busy, along with the rest of my fabric stash.
First are these pretty prints from Rose Garden Patchwork, a brilliant UK site to shop for Japanese prints and notions.
clockwise from top left: Pretty Cards in Lilac by Yuwa; Paper and Marguerite by Suzuko Koseki and Fashionable Cat - Sobakasu Kids, I was also kindly sent a bit of Fruit Love by Atsuko Matsuyoma with my order.
Next up is one metre of Essex Yarn Dyed Metallic in Sorbet from Sew Hot, which I ordered for a specific project... and now I don't remember what!! It is super pretty through, shot through with blue, pink and yellow metallic strands.
The new and upcoming collections from Tilda really are beautiful, I always like the colours they use and when I saw they had some basics I couldn't resist ordering from Sew and So. I bought the medium dots, which I think will be a great blender and would also make a lovely binding fabric.
This isn't at all sewing related but as I occasionally document my life here too I wanted to share the new tattoo I got last week. It's been one I planned for some time and I finally found an artist I wanted to do it. I contacted Alex Fraser and he custom designed my tattoo with everything I wanted in it! The flowers all have personal meaning for me, the anchor is for my faith and 'mutiny' is a reminder of the brilliant manifesto in the book Be More Pirate - which I highly recommend reading, very thought provoking! He works at Tooth and Talon Tattoo in Manchester, it was such a good atmosphere in there and a completely enjoyable experience.
Back to more sewing stuff, today was a good post day! The latest Signs of the Sewdiac subscription box arrived, probably my favourite design so far - so pretty and hand sewing is my favourite thing! The notebook is gorgeous, with dot grid paper, another beautiful pin, sticker, card and a pen. Some starry bias binding too, which I know will be useful!
And this little cutie arrived! I ordered it from Etsy, sold as a vintage planter - obviously now destined to become a pin cushion. I just have to find the perfect fabric...
I love it's face. The nice shade of pink and the gold accents. Also the sweet birds on the pot, totally reminds me of Bambi. Which is what I was calling it but then is it more Faline (the doe in Bambi)? It doesn't have to be a girl because it's pink does it. I like both names, I'm still undecided!!
It's all go preparing for a busy weekend. We've got the middles birthday, a print fair and a family get together. If you happen to be in Manchester this weekend, come and say hello - look for Prints of Cats.
I hope you have a great weekend what ever you are up to!
Everything In Its Place Bag ✂
This is one of my very favourite things I have ever made. It was a not a quick make but it was definitely worth the time and thought put into it because it is so functional and since I sew everyday and am travelling a fair bit, it will get used a lot. If you are short on time, jump to the end to watch a little video tour of my bag.
I actually finished it a couple of weeks ago but am finally getting round to blogging about it, and in a way that's better since I've actually been using it - just yesterday I finished off a little extra addition, which is one of my favourite bits because I use a lot of thread!
So on to the bag...
I made the Everything In Its Place Bag (also called A Place for Everything if you buy the pattern from By Annie).
The pattern is part of a class called Sew Sturdy Travel Organisers by Annie Unrein on Craftsy. I bought the class specifically for this pattern but it also includes a Hanging Cosmetics Bag, which would be useful too - I might get round to doing that at some point!
Before I actually started I did have a good look at all the lovely versions on instagram, Lisa inspired me - she's made a few of them, and this blog post by Bloomin' Workshop was really helpful. I paid attention and made nearly all of the changes.
The Everything In Its Place Bag is a great bag for keeping all your sewing supplies (or whatever!), for travelling with and to take to classes. Mine is currently filled with English Paper Piecing supplies, along with my general sewing kit.
The bag is made up of two removable 'pages', which each have one side of vinyl pockets. The pattern includes a few different options/sizes of pockets but this combination worked best for me. It's worth looking at what you would want to put in the pockets before you make them to determine the best configuration! I used holographic glitter vinyl for the pockets, which is beautifully shimmery and cute. I also chose to bind the top of the vinyl pockets (a la Bloomin' Workshop) and leave the top of the zip as is because I like all the pink.
When you construct the pages, part of the stitching from the pockets can be seen on the reverse side. I didn't like seeing the lines of thread so (where I didn't add a mesh pocket on the back) I decided to appliqué some selvedges to cover them. I also added a little hand stitching because in for a penny...
I like having these messages in the bag, they make me smile!
My most used sewing make has been the Portfolio Sewing Case by Kerry Green, you can get the free tutorial here and see my version here. It was her design that inspired me to add this very useful spool holder. It means I have easy access to my most used threads and also keeps them secure when I'm sewing on the train or out and about.
This removable thread holder was made by creating a base with two 2 x 11.5" pieces of fabric, one 2 x 11.5" foam interfacing (Pellon SF101 / soft and stable). Fuse the interfacing to the back of one of the fabric pieces, place the other piece on top (right sides of the fabric together), sew using 1/4" around all the edges leaving a gap in one of the longer sides for turning. Turn though, press and either hand stitch the opening closed or top stitch on machine.
Then stitch one (or two if you prefer) length of loop tape (approx 11") to the back of the base. You are stitching through all the layers but those stitches will mostly be covered on the right side by the spools.
For the straps holding the spools I used the same measurements and instructions as Kerry's tutorial for holding two spools and made a 1 x 4.5" strip for the single spool. I stitched across the longer one in the centre to attach it to the base, and the shorter one at one end, making sure to stitch over it a few times to secure. The spacing between the ends of the strips was 3.25" - so mark 3.25" between the stitch line to secure the strap and where the press stud will be. That was what worked for my spools of Aurifil. This might need to be adjusted for different spools.
Use tiny sew in press studs to finish - it's important to make sure they are small enough to pass through your spools!
Another modification was the handles, I took note of Bloomin' Workshop's suggestion and after seeing raquelsews version, I decided to use 1" leather strips and brass rivets. I got both from Artisan Leather. I haven't used either before so it was pretty nerve wracking!! It's not perfect, not sure I was that forceful with the rivets, but I'm still happy with it.
I am thoroughly enjoying using this bag - I can take the inner page (which has the essentials and block I'm currently working on) out of the bag and fit it in my (still rather large) handbag if I don't want to carry the whole thing. Everything is in one place. When I'm at home it sits on the side table by the sofa.
I added my initials and some stars (just because) to the bottom of the bag - to learn how, click here.
The tassel I made is the icing on the cake for me. I actually bought one to attach to the bag a while ago (before I even made it!!), then my youngest girl got hold of it and broke it into pieces. I made a new tassel, re sewed all the shells and beads together, made new pom poms and threw in a scissor charm and a sewing machine charm. It is even more me than the original one!
This bag makes me happy. It is me on a good day. It is my inner child. It is sparkly, pink, geeky, cute and original. It isn't perfect and yes I could have just bought a bag, and a much cheaper bag, but I very much doubt I would love it this much.
Pattern Class:
Sew Sturdy Travel Organisers by Annie Unrein
Fabric used:
Main Outer - Brushstrokes by Holly DeGroot for Cloud 9 Fabrics
Inner pockets - Hexagon/spring/small by ivieclothco; Sleepy Eyes, Blush Background by kimsa; Square Grid - Mint by kimsa and Black white and mint mask by pencilmein. All from Spoonflower (which now also ships from Germany!), printed on Kona cotton.
Binding - Essex Yarn Dyed Metallic in Black by Robert Kaufman
Mesh and Zips are ByAnnie from Sew Hot UK
Mesh and Zips are ByAnnie from Sew Hot UK
collecting
This week I have had some beautiful packages of delicious fabric, along with some pink supplies.
I am making the Everything In Its Place Bag and really didn't want to use boring velcro to hold the pocket pages in place. A quick search on Ebay and I opted for this bright pink one. I also got some bright pink zips from Sew Hot, there are a lot of zips in this pattern so it made sense to pick my favourite colour!
Collette sent me a very pretty bundle of fabric that I won from her creativity series and also very kindly sent me a gorgeous panel that she hand printed from a lino cut she made. I am completely in love with it, it reminds me of those fortune telling fish. Collette is a really talented artist and I hope she does more fabric printing!
I also got a bundle of Handprinted Queen Bee panels in copper from Skinny Malinky Quilts. I have bought Lucy's fabric before, she creates beautiful panels from her drawings. There was a lot of gasping and swooning when my order arrived! I made a video, you can click here to see it, because my camera wasn't picking up the colours or metallics well. So I borrowed this picture from Lucy's shop for you to see how amazing it is...
Lastly this incredible fabric swap package from Tanya @yetanotherusername, she so kindly sent me loads of stunning Liberty prints and some beautiful peachy pinks that I can use in my Farmer's Wife blocks. Do you see the fish?! I seem to be collecting aquatic prints, which is probably because Joan loves them. She wants to open her own aquarium, with lots of Pufferfish.
Right I better go and sew some stuff. I am hoping to get lots of sewing time in this week because I have a lot to do! What are your plans this week?
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