CHARM ABOUT YOU

Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway! I have to say some of the answers were really poetic and made me feel happy to welcome autumn.

This is one of my favourite things I have made! I wanted to teach an embroidery class and it's always nice to have something useful at the end of a class and you learn a new technique. My inspiration was a folded fabric needle case I received in a swap a couple of years ago and thought it could be a great way to show off pretty stitches. *Edit - the needle case I was kindly given in the swap was made by Cara of Pink Stitches.

The stitches range from basic to slightly more complicated and are all stitches I love to use in my embroidery. 

I chose a palette that feels quite folky, with a mix of subtle and bright colours. I used a combination of Aurifloss embroidery thread and perle cotton. The blue fabric reminded me of denim and the pop of the geo print from A Little Bird Told Me by Lewis and Irene makes me smile. 

I added a magnetic fastener so it stays nice and secure when you're carrying it around and you can use the different sections to separate your needles. In mine I have written the various types of needles I use at the top of each section so I know which ones to use! You could even embroider them if you wanted to.

I based this English Paper Pieced quilt on a geometric fabric print, after Nicky suggested it. The pattern was a bit of a puzzle to work out but I really enjoyed doing it. The mad mix of fabrics makes for a bright and cheery quilt and the Lizzy House Catnap print makes it a cute I-spy! You can see a list of the fabrics used here.

After considering some sort of straight line quilting I decided instead to do some random overlapping circles in various sizes. The quilt was pieced and quilted with 50 wt Aurifil.

I will be teaching my Butterfly Puzzle class on Monday 16th November, all the details of my classes will be posted HERE. See the Patchfinders website for a list of all the classes and how to book.

✓ another check off my finish-along list (#9 EPP mini quilt)!

I finally have some finishes to show you! Over the next couple of days I'm going to share projects that I will be teaching as classes at Patchfinders in Poynton. The shop has moved premises and we are having our opening day tomorrow Tuesday September 1st. There are giveaway goodies too so come by if you can!

The first finish I have to share is this cute quilt I designed:

The quilt is perfect for children or artists! I quilted it with 12 weight Aurifil thread, to get those fun 'drawn' lines and to add texture to the pencils.

I really enjoyed making this quilt and hope others will too! My kids are absolutely in love with it and have asked that we can keep it after it's been displayed in the shop. The true seal of approval :)

The white Widescreen by Carolyn Friedlander fabric makes a great background and the black seemed perfect for the backing and binding:

I will be teaching my Coloured Pencils Quilt class on Friday 9th October, all the details of my classes will be posted HERE. See the Patchfinders website for a list of all the classes and how to book.

✓ another check off my finish-along list!

The most adorably wrapped package from Sunny Day Supply arrived with my order for these pretty prints, which I plan on adding to my Farmer's Wife 1930's quilt and some needles:

I'm venturing into a little dress making, which I might share depending on the results!! I have a full on hatred for making bias binding so I decided to get some from So Biased - who has fabulous fabric taste and stocks binding made from beautiful prints! She has single and double fold, so you can get some for quilt making too.

Then I am incredibly grateful to Carrie Bloomston who sent me this gorgeous bundle of her new collection Story because I was one of the winners of her IG giveaway. 

The practice of putting the paper and fabric together and stitching up patterns with perfect points is so satisfying. It's not the fastest method but it is the most rewarding for me. Smaller projects can be done quickly though, like this adorable doughnut pincushion kit I got from Sew & Quilt.

The kit contains pre-cut fabric squares in vintage prints, all the paper pieces you need, the pattern and instructions. Sew & Quilt stocks the most gorgeous fabric so you know you will have a cute pincushion! 

I used some wooden buttons to finish it, the gingham and dots suit the 30's repro style of the fabrics perfectly!

Sew & Quilt have recently added even more paper pieces, making it easier and more fun to create fabulous epp projects! Honestly I want to buy everything in the shop! Pop over to check it out and stayed tuned for an upcoming giveaway :)

linking up to:

**GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED** 

Let's have a little back to school giveaway! I feel like September is always a great time for planning and deciding what projects to work on for the upcoming months. I was one of those kids at school that loved having timetables and using highlighters, I covered all my exercise books and stationery is still one of my favourite things. 

The newly released Modern Background - Paper by Zen Chic for Moda is perfect for paper lovers and the low volume prints are gorgeous. All of the prints are versatile backgrounds and blenders. It's not often I see a range where I know I can easily separate prints to use in different projects. I think Zen Chic have done a fabulous job building a usable and beautiful collection.

And as if these aren't gorgeous enough, Zen Chic will also be releasing Modern Background - Ink in September and you can pre-order bundles and precuts from Green Fairy Quilts at great prices!

1. Tell me your favourite thing about September, anything you like!

2. Sign up for the Green Fairy newsletter, click here to subscribe or let me know if you already receive it (optional entry)

3. Follow my blog or let me know you already do.  You can follow in a reader using the buttons up there on the right sidebar or click here to subscribe to Charm About You by email (optional entry)

4. Spread the news - share this giveaway on facebook, instagram, blog, twitter, pinterest etc - then leave a comment letting me know how you shared (optional entry)

The giveaway is open internationally and ends 3rd September 2015. A winner will chosen by random.org.
Please please leave your email address in the comment e.g. mslaptop (at) ipreferpens (dot) com - unless you are totally sure you are not a no reply blogger!!

Good luck :)

p.s. I usually do respond to comments but forgive me that I can't always reply during giveaways

There's an awful lot going on in my world. I feel like doing a Bill and Ted, shouting 'excellent!' and playing air guitar... well I would if the kids hadn't totally worn me out ;)

I have a lot of upcoming sewing related things and plenty to do, so I have been trying to crack on with getting my WIPs done. First 'to sew' on my list is my Star Crossed Quilt. I had my pieces already all cut out and sitting on my desk and today was spent chain piecing:

This is a great pattern and should come together quickly.

I also finished up an Etsy commission this week. It was a custom order for a very special and personal embroidered cushion, I didn't ask permission to share so here's a peek of part of the embroidery:

I had an exciting delivery today, The Farmer's Wife 1930s Sampler Quilt book:

Having seen the book all over social media I thought I had an idea of what it would be like but I was blown away. This book is STUNNING. I haven't really had time to sit and digest it yet but even a quick flick through impressed me. The colours and fabrics are beautiful and the blocks are fabulous. And hello?!! A block with my name!  If you don't have a copy I would highly recommend buying one or seeing if it's available at your local library.

* edited to add - see my FREE TUTORIAL on hand piecing, it's so easy and how these blocks were sewn! *

I am thrilled to be part of the upcoming Sew-Along with the Fat Quarter Shop and Gnome Angel as a guest blogger. I will be sharing my blocks and, most likely, either hand sewing or English Paper Piecing them.