My Wonderwall
It should come as no surprise that I get very excited about fabric. I've been sharing what I buy, stitch and make here for over seven years. The colours, prints, the way it handles, the endless combinations... fabric brings me joy.
The opportunity to get to chose and work with fabric is truly something special. I SQUEALED a lot when these beauties I picked arrived from Freespirit. Vibrant, rich, bright, happy colours of Designer Essentials Solids:
top row: Cosmo, Melon, Pomegranate, Gold, Tropical
bottom row: Serpent, Clearwater, Julep, Citrine
scraps + stash
I have had a little bit of a splurge, nothing crazy but there was fabric I really wanted and embroidery floss that is needed, along with a couple of other utility items for making. It's not all buying, though, as I recently used up scraps to make my first ever open wide pouch...
This thread is my second order from Lakeside Needlecraft, I adore the subtle tones of the gently over-dyed embroidery floss - Sampler Threads by The Gentle Art - and the colours are even prettier when stitched.
left to right: Chalk (x2), Mustard Seed, Celery, Cornhusk, Avocado, Apricot Blush, Peach Ice Cream, Coral Reef, Copper, Adobe, Nutmeg, Heirloom Gold, Tarnished Gold and Aged Pewter.
The Creative Craft Show ~ giveaway!
**GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED**
It is always fun to be among fellow crafters, take a workshop, get inspiration and shop a little (or a lot!).
At The Creative Craft Show at EventCity you can do just that!
Step into a haven of new supplies, demos, show discounts and exciting
features.
"We’ve got so much in store, from a nationwide bee project to life sized felt animals and everything in-between! We also have a range of specially selected 60 and 90 minute workshops for beginners through to advanced"
The Creative Craft Show offers all the very latest supplies, ideas and innovations in the hobby world. You’ll find everything from kits, charts and patterns to fabrics, yarns, threads and buttons plus opportunities to gain advice from industry experts.
Check out the Makes & Takes section to see stands where you can do some crafting. Or book a place on one the workshops to learn a new skill or create your own project, click here to see the workshops available.
Do you fancy a fun day out full of crafty inspiration and a browse through stalls and stands packed with brand-new crafting innovations, classic tools and products and accessories in every colour of the rainbow!
I am giving away TWO pairs of tickets for a day at The Creative Craft Show at EventCity, open 31st January - 2nd February.
**GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED**
Congratulations to the winners! They have been contacted by email.
*** Please sign in to an account or leave your email address in the comment so I have a way to contact you!
Also make sure you are able to attend the event before entering! The giveaway will close after my kids have gone to sleep on Monday 28th January and the winners will be contacted by email.
Good Luck!
Jetset Cinched Bags
I have had the bundle of minikins patterns by Sew Sweetness for a little while now and finally got round to making the Jetset Cinched Bag.
Doing a little swap was just the excuse I needed, it's always better making for someone else! After receiving handmade socks from Sarah, I asked what she would like in return; she mentioned a bag to keep her yarn / knitting projects in. This seemed like just the thing, it's sturdy and a good size.
start off stashing
Today I'm sharing a monthly sewing themed treat and my new favourite custom thread organiser!
How brilliant are these stickers?!
Part of the latest Signs of the Sewdiac subscription box from Sew Crafty, which has now ended but you can still snap up some of the goodies from the range in Samantha's Etsy shop. I'm not a knitter but still appreciate the design of this month's box 'The Knitting'.
And although I will probably pass the pin on to my knitting mum, these two products made me do a happy dance...
first finish
woo hoo!! I'm happy to start the year with a finish. I was encouraged by Carolyn Friedlander's informal QAL and, while this isn't a quilt, I knew it would be the push I needed to get it done. The fact that I have purchased a new cross stitch pattern, specifically to stitch this year, also meant this one had to be finished. A woman with so many quilt projects on the go can't possibly work on two cross stitch projects - so not true - but I'm sticking to that because it will prevent a slippery slope.
Keep it Simple is a kit from Stitchsperation - Charlie creates such a cool selection of modern cross stitch kits and the hand painted fabric makes them so unique! You can choose your colour / colours / or even rainbow too. I picked 28ct evenweave (she also has 14ct aida) and obviously I went for pink. The kits are so nicely packaged, with everything you need (I actually had a bobbin of thread left over) and I definitely recommend getting one of the snap frames. I got mine last year and love it, it's so easy to use and adjust. Great for embroidery and cross stitch.
And not only did I finish stitching it, I actually framed it too!
Makes us stronger
I cannot tell you how very important the word of the year has been for me. Especially this past year. My word for 2018 was 'centre' and I did a good job of staying centred, to pay attention to what was affecting me and focusing on the core of what I wanted to achieve.
This year is really one of new beginnings, lifestyle changes and even more attention on that determination to make each day my own. I set my intentions for the year, this year it seems to be smaller and simple ideas that have taken priority. The little ways I can enjoy my time, which we all know can make a big difference.
Being present is going to play a big part in achieving this, not getting absorbed in social media too much and trying to make the most of each day. That doesn't mean the endless to do lists (which I constantly have) but finding a small amount of time for the things that bring me joy. For me that's mostly silence, reading, writing and of course sewing. These things I can do for just a few minutes - mostly any where. It's like a reset for my mind that gives me great inner strength. It would be nice to not put as much pressure on myself, not feel so hectic and (I can't think of a better word...) chill.
Being present is going to play a big part in achieving this, not getting absorbed in social media too much and trying to make the most of each day. That doesn't mean the endless to do lists (which I constantly have) but finding a small amount of time for the things that bring me joy. For me that's mostly silence, reading, writing and of course sewing. These things I can do for just a few minutes - mostly any where. It's like a reset for my mind that gives me great inner strength. It would be nice to not put as much pressure on myself, not feel so hectic and (I can't think of a better word...) chill.
It isn't just about relaxing though, it's far more than that. Switching off and focusing on what's in front of me is empowering. It makes me more 'me'.
As I thought about my one word for the year, the word that would lead me back to my intentions, I realised it had to be something strong. My word for 2019 is 'fortitude'. For me that suggests inner strength, staying focusing and being bold but that doesn't have to mean loud. I like that the word gives me courage and yet it also has a sense of stillness.
It encapsulates how I'm feeling and how I want to continue the year. Being strong, motivated, challenging myself and having strength of mind. I aim to work hard, always being thankful for the blessings I have and to make the most of my creativity. I have specific goals within the three categories that are listed out in my vision board above. They are quite personal so I've decided not to share them here but my overall goals are to have 'create, health and quiet' be at the forefront of my decisions and actions. The whole vibe I get from looking at my vision board makes me really happy and I'm keeping it where I can look at it daily and be inspired.
I am feeling very positive and tenacious about my life right now and what's ahead in 2019.
This year began with a big change, last week I started my new full time job at Janome as Customer Service/Education Assistant. The UK office and Training Centre are based nearby in Stockport and I'm very happily settling in to my new routine. I will continue to do workshops at Patchfinders and am looking forward to teaching at the Purple Stitches retreat this March. There may well be other classes coming soon and all the information about my classes can be found HERE so keep an eye on that!
Of course I will be sewing, click here to see a list of the projects I'm hoping to work on - mostly some old favourites I hope to finish.
I am daring myself to grow stronger, to have spirit in the things I do and create. To be gleeful and mischievous, to be authentically me and have fortitude in all that I do.
Wishing all of you a very Happy New Year and a joyous 2019!
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