stitching stash
I recently got a few stitchy bits and bobs to help set me up for stitching projects this year. It's custom for me to share, mostly to document the details of things for my own record but also to give recommendations. I'd also love for you to share what items you have tried / use / love in the comments because there's nothing better than word of mouth!
First up is this lot from Lakeside Needlecraft. An 11" Q Snap frame, I already have an 8" that I love and I plan on having a couple of cross stitch projects on the go this year so another frame was needed. I went slightly bigger as I plan on using this for the Modern Folk Embroidery SAL. The silk thread is Waterlilies by Caron in #308 Italian Ice which I plan to use stitching another Modern Folk Embroidery pattern, on to the 32 Belfast Linen in Mushroom you see below. Finally I got some more Aida band because I love them and want to incorporate them into projects somehow, also I fancy making a bookmark.
People seem to rave about Tulip needles but I haven't tried them yet. I placed an order with Sew & Quilt for some Sashiko needles and Embroidery needles to test out, along with a cute pair of Tulip scissors. They have a sight curve on the tip so you can get nice and close when trimming threads.
I've been putting all my stitching projects for this year into bags and organising the patterns, fabric and thread so I am ready to stitch and switch between them as I please!
My quilty list has yet to be tackled but I do plan on making my way through old unfinished objects (again) this year!
What are your sewing plans for 2021?
on the road again
Spider web blocks are not the fastest quilt blocks I've ever constructed and this quilt has taken me quite a while to complete. It was put away for a while but it is enjoyable seeing the pattern emerges as it grows and this was the year to get it done. I made the first few blocks as part of the Art Gallery Fabrics Quilt Block Collection Blog Tour back in 2017 and had only made 10 blocks when I pulled it out.
I got to work only to realise that I would run out of fabric. This quilt is for my Dad, he didn't want a big quilt but even so I wanted it to be big enough. Thankfully I managed to find a few of the prints online in the UK and as a couple of the prints have striped patterns I decided to make the most of what I bought and just cut triangles from the fabric rather than piecing strips. So part of this quilt is cheating.
It totally works though and is hardly that noticeable right?!
Wee Billow Bag
I have long been a fan of Sweet Cinnamon Roses and her pattern the Wee Billow Bag is utterly fabulous! It was the most fun choosing fabrics and making something for myself with all the brown and florals and leopard - all beautiful Anna Maria Horner prints. Recently I have been USING my favourite fabrics and it's really lovely to be able to see them all around me rather than stored away in a cupboard or basket. Especially for every day items like this bag, it's happy inducing. Mine is a pouch version but you can see Laura's bag here and other stunning versions by different makers here.
Usually I just start cutting and sewing but this required a little more planning to keep track of which fabrics I wanted where. The Project planner inserts from 8lotus are a great way to make notes, record dates, list progress and to-dos. They've really helped me focus on getting things finished.
sew a scented sachet
These cute scented sachets are quick and easy to sew, perfect to scatter around your house for an uplifting or comforting burst of fragrance! They are a great way to use up scraps of fabric and make nice gifts. Throw them in drawers or shoes, add a loop to hang one in your wardrobe or anywhere that you want a little scented goodness.
The theme for the Aurifil Artisan challenge this month is Holiday Project and having designed these little sachets, I thought it would be fun to sew some winter themed ones and share a tutorial so you can make your own.
I picked out some cute trees and moon fabrics and then the bright orangey red/pink fabric just jumped out at me. Let's be real, we want our houses and spaces to smell nice all year round and this makes such a nice seasonal project - you could switch them up and change the filling with the seasons. I used scrap fabrics and cut up a gift bag that had been given to me for the organza - use what you have! So grab a fabric print that takes your fancy, add trimmings, ribbon or twine and make a pretty sachet for your space.
Sew a scented sachet
You will need:
- sewing machine
- thread
- cotton fabric - see below for note about size
- organza, mesh or similar open weave fabric
- medium weight fusible interfacing (a tiny bit smaller than your piece of fabric)
- ribbon / twine for loop
- scissors
- pinking shears (optional)
- nice smellies to fill the sachet - suggestions detailed below.
Japanese rice bag
This adorable Japanese rice bag was another #justjudecollaborates make, this time it was the turn of lovely Stuart Hillard and his handy bag tutorial! I have made drawstring bags before but nothing like this style or shape of bag so I was really excited to learn how to make it. I'm not always brilliant with making 3D items, thankfully Stuart has a YouTube tutorial that shows every step to making this bag, so easy to follow!
And this is why I should always blog when I actually make the project not months later... I can't actually remember what inspired me to use these blocks I made for the bag. I actually think it might have been something Stuart said in the video! Anyway, that's what I decided! I had this Crosscut panel from 2016, which I was saving to make into something or to use in a larger quilt.
It was calling to me for this project, the colours and fabrics are so lovely and I thought that Debbie (who designed the Crosscut block tutorial) would likely appreciate me cutting it up and using it.
I'm glad I did because it works perfectly! Each side of the bag is so different and it's really fun to look at.
For the straps I used beautiful Manchester Metallic Yarn Dyed in Bronze, it is so pretty and the glimmer is just so happy making! I added some gold geometric beads for even more dazzle. It's not an obvious option but I like the contrast with the softer low volume fabrics around most of the bag.
The tabs are Tiny Tile, Black and White collection 2017 by Alexia Marcelle Abegg - I really loved those fabric collections. I kept a bit of the selvedge on one of the tabs, I like that it adds a little pink.
The bag is currently hanging on a hook next to my sewing desk and holds some of my machine accessories... including my foot pedal! I have switched to using the start/stop button on machine almost completely, I only use the pedal sometimes when I'm quilting. I like keeping the pedal close by though and I love seeing this bag all the time. My daughter covets it so I must make her one of her own. This really was a fun sew and it's a great size, you can fit a good amount in there!
Definitely check out Stuart's tutorial, it's one of those patterns you can use again and again creating different looks and playing about with. Enjoy making!
horseplay
Today I'm sharing another project that ignited my creativity, reinforced my style and encouraged me to push my skills. I am so happy with this finished table runner, which now sits pride of place on top of my fabric cupboard (no longer covered in mess!).
I created this runner in the summer as part of the #justjudecollaborates series of makes organised by Judith Hollies. It's actually made using the Horseplay cushion pattern by talented designer Kerry Foster of PennyDog Patchwork.
The fabric pull took a long time. I really liked the fabrics Kerry used in her original version. It was a struggle finding a print combination that would work, and having decided that it would ultimately live in our dining room/my sewing space, I wanted it to not be too fussy. I picked out some pastel solids but then added in more deeper jewel tones of mustard, blue, turquoise and raspberry. Now if you told me that list I wouldn't be convinced it would work but somehow combined with the pastels it looked pretty. Thinking it may be too flat, some pastel prints were added in the mix and I hit on a combination I really love.
The darker print that Kerry used in her cushion adds such depth to the pattern so I knew there had to be some contrast. I tried a dark solid grey but again it was too flat with the other solids. Then I unearthed one of my favourite Karen Lewis prints from my stash, Trellis in Coal from Blueberry Park, and may have squealed! (I must ask Karen if there's a chance Trellis could be re-released!)
Of course the grid pattern of the print wouldn't stay perfectly symmetrical as some pieces of the pattern are curves, but the intersections look like sparkles and it fit so well with the theme I was going for.
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.
stockings + top trend
You don't need me to tell you that the year so far has been crazy! I'm ready to settle down for a cosy, quiet winter. I still have a few projects to sew and if you're anything like me, you might have a few projects to sew this season too!
Last year I created a tutorial for these simple patchwork stockings. A calm colour palette was called for by my girls (who are the users of these stockings!) but you could make them festive with Christmas prints or whatever colours fit your home.
The fun addition of pom poms and tassels add whimsy and hopefully these pretty stockings will grow with them, as they are not too kiddish and nicely neutral.
You can get the free pattern for the stockings HERE at gathered - with not much fabric you can create two different modern patchwork stockings! One uses a cool bias stripe effect and the other is made up of easy half square triangles and rectangles.
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