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!

'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!

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!

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!

Time Flies! - Appliqued Clock

Sewing World Magazine July 2016

The July issue of Sewing World Magazine is in the shops now and I was delighted to see that my appliqued linen clock made the front cover.  I took my inspiration from the gorgeous bookplates found in antique Victorian texts, when entomology was a popular pastime for the educated middle classes!    

I used a 30cm diameter clock making kit which made the whole process very straight forward and the resulting impressive timepiece would look really elegant displayed on the wall of a lounge or garden room. 

I also gave designer credit to my lovely son George who whipped out his protractor to draft the seconds increments at perfect 6 degree spacings - I hate maths and he loves it!

In keeping with most of my projects, the main technique used was free motion machine embroidery which is basically drawing with thread!  I love this type of raw edge applique as it is so adaptable and suitable for any design, modern or traditional.  I don't lower my feed dogs to achieve this result as I prefer to simply use an open-toed foot, so I guess strictly speaking mine isn't actually 'free motion'!

'Grandad's Shed' Appliqued Journal Cover

Sewing World Magazine June 2016

The new June edition of Sewing World Magazine is in the shops now and is packed full of lovely summer projects, including my fabric journal cover featuring a very cute applique garden shed!

As it's nearly Father's Day, it's themed as the perfect present for a much loved Grandad (or Dad!) but could be easily customised by embroidering any name above the door making it suitable for your favourite gardener or horticulturalist!  

The back of the cover features a cute little watering can and personalised gift label.  Some jaunty summer bunting is the finishing touch, let's hope it encourages the sun to come out soon!

Happy Father's Day!

'Sew Playtime' Bookazine

Pirate Rag Dolls

Traplet Publications have just released a new bookazine full of adorable stitched toys and gifts for children entitled 'Sew Playtime' and I was delighted to be asked to submit two designs for it.  For the first one I knew I wanted to make a doll that was suitable for both boys and girls, so a pirate theme seemed the perfect choice.

As with all of my creations the finished dolls feature raw edge applique and upcycled fabrics.  They also have a very cool retro groove going on and look the epitome of Sgt. Pepper chic circa 1967!  

The published pattern includes a dress-up set with a very dapper felt moustache, so that your little one (or you!) can really rock the look.  I also like to think Johnny Depp would probably approve of this hip take on the pirate theme!

SewforSoul Pirate Doll and Dress-up Set

Question 'Why do Pirates cry on their own?'

Answer 'Because they have private tears'

Boom Boom! 

Happy Stitching!

'You're Just My Type' Appliqued Hoop Art

Valentine's Embroidery ~ Sewing World Magazine February 2016

February's Sewing World Magazine is in the shops now and features my appliqued typewriter hoop art

 The design is a tactile mix of beading, machine and hand embroidery  

 Hoop art is bang on trend at the moment, along with upcycled vintage sheeting ~ Sew hipster! 

The project includes two retro typewriters to choose from, one that is totally hand cut and the second which uses a pre-printed motif from the stunning Melody Miller 'Typewriters' fabric.

I just love the kitsch feel of the vintage sheet I employed for the backing but it would look equally effective with a more "modern" choice of fabric!

My finished hoops are going to be gifted to a couple of fantastic women, both of whom really are 'just my type'!

If you fancy reading more about creating your own adorable retro typewriter, then the lovely folk over at Sewing World have made the full magazine article available as downloadable PDF. 

Happy Valentine's Day!