fabric
Showing posts with label fabric. Show all posts
Sunday Stash: a bit of everything
I've been enjoying a return to what started as my 100 day project, hand piecing my Merrow Croft quilt (pattern by Margaret Mew). If you haven't done any hand piecing before, I have a how-to with lots of tips in my hand piecing tutorial. Using some of my treasured hand printed fabrics by Karen Lewis and Lucy Engels, I'm enjoying the neutral cool vibe of these pieces.
So I'm using up my stash but I'm also adding to it...
🎟 ticket giveaway 🎟 (& a bit of a catch up...)
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You of course know that The Festival of Quilts is Europe’s leading patchwork and quilting event, and this year’s event offers some spectacular highlights, including work by internationally-acclaimed artists Michael A. Cummings and Danny Amazonas, African-American Quilts from the Cargo Collection at the International Quilt Museum, and quilts from the Roderick Kiracofe Collection. There will be 700 competition quilts, an extensive programme of workshops, Academy classes, talks and lectures, 200+ specialist craft retailers, and a Product Stage offering top tips and advice from brand ambassadors, experts and quilting VIPs.
Last time I visited was in 2019 and it's always so fun, meeting up with friends, viewing the quilts and of course shopping ;)
If you've never been, I highly recommend it. Wear comfy shoes, take some bags with you for purchases and, if you can, visit for more than just one day.
midnight sewing basket makeover
The other night I couldn't sleep and I did what any crafter might do, I starting pottering around my sewing space. On the windowsill sits a sewing basket. A perfectly nice, floral sewing basket. I think it was gifted to me but I don't actually remember. I really like the colours but it's a little twee for my taste and it doesn't really fit my vibe. So - I'm sure to some peoples utter horror - I found a way to make it more me.
Now if you've been here a while, you know I love stickers. I will put them on anything but fabric?! no.
What is the fabric alternative to stickers? Patches!
Here's how I did it and what I learned in the process...
super tote
I am just so THRILLED with this bag! I searched for a long time for just the right pattern to sew, as this was a Christmas gift for my mum. Like me, she is particular in what she wants in a bag - a good size, big enough to hold A4 documents/files, a zip closure, pockets and long enough handles to be worn over the shoulder. This hit every need and it was a joy to make. I've honestly learnt so very much making it (read on for the specifics), I'm really happy with the combination of prints and all the details of the bag. Best of all, my mum LOVES it!
I have to admit being scared of sewing a dart, I'm no dress maker and making 3D things are already out of my comfort zone. Nothing to be scared of though, I followed the instructions and it looks ok to me! Are both sides perfectly symmetrical?! mmm not sure about that... but can anyone look at both darts directly at the same time... no!
The bag also has a recessed zip, which I don't think I've ever sewn before and I am so happy with how it turned out. Even the zipper tab at the end is neat.
I've had these Emmeline magnetic snaps for ages, I must have bought them for a specific project I wanted to make but goodness knows what that was. They are the perfect pocket snap, not too strong (like others, where you feel you might rip the fabric!) and they are very well made. I like the pattern on them too. The installation guide was invaluable and finally I'm confident putting in magnetic snaps.
There were no helpers to take a picture (this was back before Christmas when we weren't all at home again) so this is the best I managed. I was attempting to show you the size... fail! But at least you can sort of see that the straps are a really good 'on the shoulder' length.
The pattern is the Super Tote by Noodlehead. It is so well written and the attention to detail is excellent. Nice topstitching also thanks to Aurifil Forty3 thread with 50wt in the bobbin.
Gathered pockets!! I have never done this before either but it was simple following the instructions.
I added one of my labels (at mum's request) and also decided to add a lanyard for her keys (always getting lost). I looped the clip onto some premade Liberty bias binding I had, rather than use one length of fabric, honestly I don't know why but hopefully it might be stronger when she's pulling out her keys. I did stitch across the base of the clip so it won't move around. I like that you can tuck it into an inside pocket or an outside pocket because there's a gap at the end of the recessed zip.
So it probably wasn't the most well timed gift, especially as now we are on full lock down again, but I've told her just to carry her files around the house with her to break it in!! And she can look forward to using it out and about eventually.
I hope you are all staying safe and well. A reminder that I co-host a weekly craft along on instagram every Saturday night - if you fancy joining us to show what you're working on or just get some inspiration, please do! It's a wonderful and very encouraging community, find more info in this post.
Today is my 41st birthday! Obviously it's going to be quite low key, hoping to spend a nice relaxing evening with my family. To celebrate I am having a giveaway on my instagram, click the photo below and leave a comment to enter. Open worldwide / ends 15th January 2021.
geesey geesey >>
This Autumn I had the pleasure of joining Rachel of Stitched in Color for the Geesey Geesey Sew-Along. Her Geesey Quilt pattern is a brilliant exploration of colour and I spent quite a while debating what sort of look to create and what fabrics to use. Over time I have been collecting black and white prints and ultimately thought it would be an interesting choice for the pattern.
Thinking about what to pair it with, my inner 80's child was screaming PASTELS! Thankfully I had quite a few of those too. My first inclination was to use the pastel solid fabric for the 'geese' and the monochrome prints for the background. A comment on an instagram post made me reconsider, @ingesews kindly wrote about using "pastels for the seasonal colours of the skies". I made some test blocks - always a good idea! - and realised prints as geese would work so much better and the pastel colours could be used in such a way that I could create a sort of sunset effect.
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.
The Quilter's Field Guide to Color ~ Context
This is not just any book about colour, this is The Quilter's Field Guide to Color by Rachel Hauser. I am not exaggerating when I say that this book is a game changer for me. I have learnt so much from reading it and not only through the practical advice Rachel gives but the actual EXPERIENCE of working through the exercises in the book. It's so much more than just information about colour (although it has got lots of that), it is packed full of genuinely helpful topics around colour. With excellent examples, tips and exercises to get you inspired to work with your fabric and create well thought out colour combinations and palettes. The book even contains a pull out of colour swatches that you can cut up and keep in the handy envelope at the back of the book, allowing you to play about and use them with the exercises Rachel gives. It is the most thought provoking and mobilising quilting book I have encountered.
Today is my stop on the book hop and I chose the exercise 'Context'. This is about the relationships fabric form. Ever notice how one fabric print can look completely different paired next to other fabrics or colours? That's context.
I started with a print that I like but hadn't yet used in a project, the mustard/yellow/pink floral - Little Honey, Folk Song by Anna Maria Horner. From there I chose similar prints with yellow / gold colour (not the exact same shade), some paler prints, some brighter prints with bits of pink and a couple of greeny/blue prints. OK so I also auditioned plums, browns, brighter blues and possibly more. After some time spent using the colour swatches and pulling out most of my stash from the cupboard this is what I picked...
The Creative Craft Show
It is always fun going to craft events, especially when you can meet up with friends and it's in your home town! On Friday afternoon I went to the Creative Craft Show at Event City in Manchester. Last year I wasn't able to go so I was intrigued to see what variety of crafts would be included and, after looking at the exhibitors list, I was keen to pay a visit to the Embroiderers' Guild. There weren't many names on the list I recognised to be honest, still I thought it would be good to have an afternoon out and see what was there. This year I have become an ICHF Events Blogger Ambassador, which means I can go to the shows and share my experience - as I have done that with the CHSI Stitches show for the past four years.
◌ Washi Double Dresden Wreath ◌
It feels wonderful to have a new version of the Double Dresden Wreath, made using the free tutorial I created a couple of years ago. The original was demonstrated on Sewing Quarter, the samples that hung in the studio stayed there, and I am so happy to now have one for our house. I made this wreath for my December project as an Aurifil Artisan, our challenge was to create a holiday themed project. Perfect for brightening any door or bare looking wall space, the wreath pattern is a merry make!
My original plan was slightly different but this was one of those projects that naturally evolved and turned out even better than I hoped. The double sided wreath comes together quickly and I took a bit of extra time to stitch some hand embroidery as the added texture gives a fun touch. It's not at all necessary but you notice the extra detail up close.
The fabrics I chose are ones I've kept for something special, the green print is Christmas Wish by Lizzie Mackay for Dashwood Studio and the white print is Washi, Tinsel by Rashida Coleman-Hale. Originally I was going to make the wreath using the many blue Christmas prints I have but somehow it wasn't working and they didn't look good together. When I hit on this white and green combo, with pops of red it made me think of mints and was a winner!
You can use any dresden template or ruler with this pattern to create the dresden plates, I used the Creative Grids 18° Dresden Plate Ruler. Having an acrylic template makes it so simple and much quicker, as you can easily layer and cut the fabric with a rotary cutter. I stitched the plates using 50wt Aurifil - my go to for piecing - it definitely helps with accuracy and reduces the bulk in the seam when turning those points. Dresdens look like they are complicated or tricky but they are surprisingly easy and there are so many options for creating blocks with them. My favourite sewing is often traditional blocks made with modern fabric as it creates a different look.
Stitch Gathering 2019 ✁
"This is the power of gathering: it inspires us, delightfully, to be more hopeful, more joyful, more thoughtful: in a word, more alive." - Alice Waters
Last Sunday was Stitch Gathering, the wonderful day retreat organised by Jo Avery of myBearpaw, in Edinburgh. It is always a full day of fun, with great classes and company and it's always over too soon. I was there teaching a class - something a little different, more on that later! - and also had the opportunity to take a class. As someone that relishes learning and trying new techniques it was very exciting. And oops... I've started a new quilt!
Now, as I type this, something has occurred to me. For the first time I did not have the overwhelming anxiety I've had before every social occasion/journey/outing/time being around other people that I've had for the past three years or so. It could be because life has been extra crazy busy and I didn't have time to stress, though I suspect that's disbelief talking because those negative/anxious thoughts shout really loud. Mental health is fluid, with ups and downs - I am under no illusions but right now it does feel that gradually all those things that previously felt SO difficult just aren't. Usual worries like 'have I got everything?' and 'will people enjoy my class?' were fleeting and manageable. Thoughts like 'I can't do this' and 'I don't want to do this because of x,y,z', which would usually flood my brain, didn't take over. I know I batted a few of them away, they weren't non existent but they were quiet and didn't feel real. Anyway I'm taking that as positive and, however I may feel in the future, it feels nice that there wasn't a dreaded build up and it was all enjoyable!
At Stitch Gathering, Jo asks us to create a 'ticket' and each year these are swapped between participants. This year it was an 8" hoop, which we could stitch and embellish as we liked. It was fabulous to see them all hanging together and a nice variety of hoop art! Here's a closer look...
Spring Fling quilt
This pattern is now available in my shop as the Melody Quilt pattern - click HERE!
I'm so lucky that I get to have SO MUCH FUN creating designs with bright and beautiful fabric. For this quilt I picked out prints from Zuma by Tula Pink and a range of colours from Tula Pink solids. A classic block in the centre and medallion style borders made with a mix of regular machine piecing and foundation paper piecing, make for a modern and dynamic quilt. My Spring Fling quilt pattern is in Issue 71 of Love Patchwork & Quilting - out now!
The detail in the prints is just amazing, there's so many that I thought were nice but it was only when I started working with them that I noticed little subtle elements. One of my favourites is the Glitter Litter print with the dots and cute anchors, seahorses and stars thrown around like confetti.
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!
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!
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!
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