'Big Top' Applique Circus Bag

Embroidered Circus Tent Sack

May's issue of Sewing World Magazine is available in shops now and it's packed full of lots of lovely projects just waiting to be stitched, including my 'Big Top' Toy Sack.

Leanne, the magazine's editor, asked me to design a drawstring bag which pulled up to create the vaulted top of a circus tent!

It has a fantastic retro vibe going on (not least because we no longer expect animals to be used as a source of amusement and fun!) and the nice and roomy size means it can easily swallow absolutely loads of toys or a full PE kit.

As usual I used my favourite freemotion machine embroidery and raw edge applique techniques.  I just love the way the 'doodled' black stitching really brings the pictures to life  ~ Take look at that cute monkey!

We also have a baby elephant...

 ..and a very talented seal

 

Happy Stitching!

'You're my Sunshine' Embroidery Hoop Art

'Rainy Days' Project ~ Sewing World Magazine

April's issue of Sewing World Magazine is in the shops now and it's packed full of Easter and Spring makes to sew, including my little appliqued embroidery hoop picture.

I love Spring and at this time of the year, here in the UK, we often feel like we experience all four seasons in one day!  As the skies open it's good to remind ourselves that 'April showers bring May flowers', just as some people always brighten our gloomy days!  

I stitched up the hoop for my big sister who has a birthday later this month, as I know she really is the 'Sunshine on a rainy day' for lots of different people!

The magazine has a total of ten spring projects just waiting to be stitched, including these;   

 Happy Easter!

Beautiful Bags ~ New Bookazine

Applique Peg Bag

I've had seven different projects published in various sewing and crafting magazines so far this year and it's only March!  However, in between the actual stitching and writing of patterns, I juggle the needs of my children with caring for elderly parents, suffering from dementia, so blogging unfortunately takes a (very) back seat.

I'm hoping that as the nights draw out taking photos will be easier and I'll therefore be able to use the lighter evenings to create some longer blog posts but in the meantime it remains hit and miss!  However I wanted to quickly share this project featured in a new bookazine by the folks behind Sewing World Magazine.

I particularly like bookazines as I find they work out such good value, this one is priced at £6.99, and contains fifteen new bags with clear step by step photo instructions and a full sized pull-out pattern sheet ~ That's just over 45p per project!

My contribution is an appliqued peg bag with a very cute little house and washing line

 I want to live in a house with a white picket fence!

 The bag has a little velcro strap so that it can be quickly and easily fixed to the washing line.  The bucket shape also means that it can be free standing, if preferred, so your pegs will always be close at hand.

 

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 Applique Hoop Art

Embroidery Hoop Tutorial 

In my blog post last week I shared the first of my projects from 'Creative Christmas', a lovely festive bookazine which is available in shops now.  My second design for them is this cute little woodland scene, featuring an adorable fox and robin dressing their tree ready for the holidays!

The design can be stitched up in just an evening and it makes a perfect first project if you've yet to try free motion / free hand machine embroidery.  However be warned that Kirsty Allsopp declared it's highly addictive and 'craft crack cocaine'!

The magazine includes full sized patterns and clear step by step colour photographs.  I used a frixion pen to mark the stitching lines (and then erased them with a warm iron) which makes precise sewing a doddle!

The hoop would look perfect hung on the wall of a child's bedroom or nursery and you could even change the colours of the bunting flags to perfectly coordinate with your own decor!

Merry Christmas xx

Creative Christmas ~ New Bookazine!

Appliqued Felt Christmas Tree Decorations

This year has rushed by as I have been pretty busy being part of the sandwich generation!  In other words caring for elderly parents-in-law whilst still having children at home.  My blogging has sadly diminished to practically nothing but, with Christmas just around the corner, I thought I really ought to share my festive makes featured in a lovely new bookazine 'Creative Christmas' which is available in shops now.

I was asked to design a number of projects the first of which is these retro inspired applique felt baubles evoking memories of vintage glass ornaments.

There are seven different designs in the set and they're the perfect way to add a touch of retro glamour to any Christmas display! 

The designs feature both hand and machine stitched elements for a lovely homespun feel!

Stitch the whole range in just one colour of felt for a sophisticated look or pick your favourite design and repeat it onto baubles cut from different coloured felts for a more relaxed family friendly effect!

The magazine contains full sized patterns, easy to follow instructions and clear step by step colour photographs

Merry Christmas!

Leather Corner Clutches With Tassel Trims

Leather and Linen Trimmed Pouches ~ As Seen in Sewing World Magazine!

The September issue of Sewing World Magazine featured my SewforSoul leather trimmed zipper pouches, which I stitched up in a selection of gorgeous colours and textures.  Their handy size makes them suitable for lots of different uses and they would make great Christmas presents!

As they only use tiny amounts of  leather, I didn't bother using a leather needle in my machine and they're also an ideal first project if you haven't stitched leather before.  The only thing to remember is that you can't use pins to baste your layers together as this would leave permanent prick holes behind - To overcome this I simply used a glue stick and paperclips! 

The pouches are so easy to make I got a little carried away and ended up stitching up four of them!  My absolute favourites are this 'William Morris' one and the green version stitched up in a gorgeous 'Liberty of London' cotton print.

As ever, the magazine features an easy to follow tutorial with full step by step accompanying colour photos.  The little matching tassel is such a cute finishing touch and 'bang on trend' rocking that boho vibe!

Happy Stitching!