Anything Goes! - Scrappy String Quilt

Strip Quilt Block Tutorial

December's issue of Sewing World Magazine is available in shops now and I have two projects featured, the first of which is this 'Anything Goes!' scrappy string quilt.  As the name suggests, there's absolutely no design rules to follow, which makes it the perfect way to use up all those miss-mash scraps from your fabric stash! 

The navy central strip of each block gives the eye a rest and provides unity, allowing the rest of your fabric choices to be completely random.  The scrappy approach also creates the opportunity to stitch the most wonderful memory quilts.  My family love to snuggle under ours, pointing out fabrics from previous projects and outgrown childhood clothing!

The blocks are first stitched using a foundation square and then trimmed to size, so there's no boring measuring (or even accurate sewing!) needed and the whole process is super quick!

The finished quilt can be any size, I just kept going until I had run out of the middle strips that I was cutting from a little dress my daughter had worn as a toddler.....So my quilt ended up big enough for more than one person to curl up under!

My son is holding it up in these pictures and he's at least 6'2" and as you can see it absolutely engulfs him!

The December issue has a total of 10 gorgeous projects waiting to be stitched and I'll share my second contribution with you all very soon!

Valentine's Applique Wall Hanging Pattern

Sewing World Magazine February 2017

February's Sewing World Magazine is in the shops now and features lots of lovely Spring and Valentine's projects for you to sew, including my floral 'Loving Hearts' applique wall hanging;

The magazine has a pull out section with full size patterns for each of the makes, along with step by step colour photos and easy to follow written instructions.

Wall hangings offer a great way to display mini-quilts and I use a really simple method to create the casings to hold the dowling hanger (or old knitting needle!).

The quote comes from a traditional Greek proverb and is perfectly complimented with hearts, flowers and vines.  Not surprisingly I designed it to include lots of raw edge applique and free-motion embroidery, as they're my absolute favourite techniques!

The use of black, both in the stitching and binding, adds a really contemporary feel to the hanging and it would fit into any room whether modern or traditional!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Christmas Crafts - Sewing World Magazine 2015

DIY Quilted Dog Coat Tutorial

The fantastic Christmas issue of Sewing World Magazine is in the shops now and it's full of inspiring seasonal makes including my quilted dog coat tutorial and pattern.  I set out to create a coat that was quintessentially English, with an added festive twist! 

The coat is fully lined for warmth and I stitched mine using an old child's kilt which I picked up for pennies at a local car boot sale!  It's super easy to make and the magazine comes with a full-sized pattern, for a medium sized dog, which can then be resized on a photocopier to suit any size of dog.

The kilt buckles provide a lovely traditional feel, perfect for a posh looking pooch! 

The festive touch comes courtesy of a cute 'Santa Paws' applique! 

I used our neighbour's dog for my model - Thanks Yogi! 

The issue is on sale until 18th December, so there's still plenty of time to get your Christmas stitch on!

Upcycled Shirt Quilt - Finished!

Pinwheel Blocks

 Blogging has taken a bit of a backseat over the last couple of months as family life has a habit of getting in the way!  I've still been stitching though, including a number of 'secret' projects which will be published in various sewing magazines over the next few months.

I've also been working on an upcycled shirt quilt which was inspired by this absolutely stunning quilt made by Debbie over at Serendipity Patch.

As I didn't want to directly copy Debbie's fantastic work, I decided to stitch more obvious traditional pinwheel blocks which suit the quilt perfectly.

I laid all my finished blocks out on the double bed in our guest room so that I could rearrange them into a pleasing 'random' fashion. However, our very naughty cat was obviously jealous of my attention being lavished on something other than her!  At first, this simply translated to her lying on top of the blocks but, having failed to distract me from the task in hand, she then decided to attempt to completely shred the blocks by scratching them vigorously with all four clawed feet!

Some of the blocks ended up with caught threads and runs and had to be swapped for new ones but the quilt is now finished and the perfect size for multiple occupants to snuggle under whilst sat on the sofa in front of a roaring fire! 

Patchwork Wedge Sprocket Cushion

'Sewing World' Magazine Feature

October's Sewing World Magazine is in the shops now and includes my 'Sophia' patchwork pillow;

I stitched it up using the stunning range of Sophia fabrics by Makower UK.  A new 1950s retro inspired collection in yummy creams, teals, mustards and pinks.  I loved using this range and the clever mix of modern and classic means that the finished cushions would be a stylish addition to any home!

The pattern is perfect for beginners as the cute little covered button cleverly conceals any mis-matched points!  I made my piping for a fully coordinated look but for a first project omit it completely or simply use pre-made.  The magazine tutorial includes easy to follow step-by-step instructions with colour photos and a full sized pattern piece.

Keeping Cosy

Hot Weather Crafting!

We're having the hottest weather in a decade here in the UK and I'm sweltering whilst stitching a cafetiere (French Press) cosy and quilt but I'm not about to complain!  

We were given this 'Marks and Spencer' coffee set by a lovely friend earlier this year and Mr. Larkin found the coffee pot to be the perfect size for his desk at work.  My sister-in-law has a big birthday coming up, so I bought another set and stitched her a little personalised cozy to go with it.

It features cute appliquéd versions of traditional British biscuits including Jammy Dodgers, Party Rings, Nice Biscuits and Pink Wafers. These names probably mean nothing to overseas readers but for many Brits they invariably conjure up childhood memories.  Here's a potted history for those not in the know;

'Jammy Dogers' have been an iconic British biscuit for over fifty years, and were originally named after Roger the Dodger from The Beano.  The 'Nice' biscuit is a coconut flavoured delicacy which was first mentioned in an 'Army and Navy Co-operative' price list in 1895. Wafer biscuits have been around even longer and sailors used to be given a basic version as part of their daily rations but the Edinburgh based bakers 'Crawfords' made them sweeter and added bright pink colouring.  'Fox's Party Rings' are an iced fancy created in 1983.

Sweet treats for a sweet sister-in-law!

It's been a busy sewing week, as I've also written two features for upcoming articles in Sewing World Magazine and, in-between times, started my first ever 'proper' quilt!  I kept drooling over the fabulous creations made by all my bloggy friends and thought it high time I finally gave it a go.  I dutifully cut six hundred rectangles and started stitching.  It took just two blocks to discover that a pair of loose weave upcycled linen trousers did not equal a crisp finish!  Undeterred I rummaged in hubby's wardrobe and found an old blue shirt with a (very) worn collar to go with the equally well used duvet set I had already sliced up.  At this point the quilt dimensions shrank as I was only able to get 100 rectangles from the shirt, although this will probably be quite big enough for a first effort.

My big confession is that I am not loving quilting!  It took me hours and hours to starch and prepare the thin and out of shape upcyled fabrics before even beginning to cut the strips.  I then had an afternoon piecing before I got bored - I've got another couple of projects to finish but I guess I'll get back to it by Friday (perhaps).

Appliqued Sewing Pouch

Antique Sewing Machine Travel Bag

A quick post today as I'm busy with preparations for Easter Sunday, but just time to show you this little make-up bag / pencil case appliqued with an antique sewing machine inspired by this gorgeous 'Handmade Harbour' digital stamp.

My sister asked me to make it as a birthday present for her sister-in-law.  I used upcycled wool in a soft dappled fawn colour which provides a lovely shabby chic feel.

The tiny sewing notions print fabric was peeled off a damaged sewing box, which I bought at a car boot sale last year.  I also used it for the zipper end tabs and they look pretty cute!

Don't forget also to enter my Easter Egg Cosy Giveaway, to take part you simply have to leave a comment on this blog and sign up to follow it either through Blogger or Bloglovin'.  The winner will receive a handmade pair of linen egg cosies lovingly appliqued in any design and colour scheme chosen from these.

Good Luck!

SewforSoul ~ Appliqued Egg Cosy Giveaway!

Win a pair of Linen Egg Cosies

I have now finished stitching all of the little linen egg cosies needed for our guests on Easter Sunday, but I still have two more to sew.......

I'm offering a pair as a prize to one of my blog followers!

Simply have a look through all of the designs and decide which two you would like me to stitch especially for you! Then just sign up to follow SewforSoul, either through Bloglovin or Blogger, and leave a comment.  It's that simple!

The giveaway is open to everyone and I'm happy to send them anywhere the postal service delivers to!  The blogging community is worldwide and I have 'met' some lovely new friends from around the globe. I want to thank all of my readers by giving everyone a chance to win, regardless of where they live.

The Catholic School my children attend returns after the Easter break on 28 April and I'll be ending the competition and announcing the winner then.  With the children back at school I'll be able to sew the winning cosies without interruption!

Good Luck!

Little Quilted Egg Cosies

Easter Egg Cosy Update

I'm still happily stitching little egg cosies whenever I get a quiet couple of minutes and I have to say that are looking very cute and perfect for Spring!

Regular readers will know that I need thirty-two of these personalised warmers ready for Easter Sunday.  They each have their new owner's initial on the back and a raw edge applique on the front.  I finished another little batch of front pieces last night and they now just need stitching up.

These designs are my own, but some of the previous cosies have appliques based on the work of other more talented folk.  You can see those designs, and their original source, on my Pinterest Easter board.