sew organised
I'm going to show you around a little bit, sharing how I (try to) keep my sewing supplies and projects organised and how, as someone that has a lot of projects on the go, I like to keep things accessible and easy! The theme of this post 'sew organised' is the Aurifil Artisan challenge for this month and I thought it was the perfect opportunity for a peek at my honest craft space. Hopefully some of these ideas or tips might be helpful to you, or you simply enjoy seeing what works for me.
I do not have a minimalist space, as much as I love that look I have yet to achieve it. I sew at a desk in our dining room and sewing time happens any time I can take it. It's nice to have things on hand, every now and again I have a good tidy up but I'd rather be making stuff when I have the opportunity. So usually the threads I have been using stay out until I'm moved to put them back away. The baskets on my desk store the things I use most often; pouches filled with clips, basting safety pins, scissors I can grab etc. I always have bits an bobs I'm working on, you can see my notebook above which is filled with ideas for designs and some cut up pieces of aida that I sent out and recently used to teach cross stitch to a children's group on Zoom.
My fabric is nicely organised, I have an Ikea PS cabinet, half of which is pictured below and three baskets filled with fabric. I don't organise by colour but rather by theme or designer. This helps me because I usually know the look or vibe I want to go for. I've tried rainbow stacks but I find it limiting, somehow I can't create interesting palettes when it's already organised by colour! So I have stacks of low volume, some by designers like original Cotton + Steel/Ruby Star, Anna Maria Horner and Tula Pink, prints for fussy cutting, linens and solids.
shapely rope basket
This was a 2020 finish but am just getting round to sharing it now. My hand sewn basket was a learning experience and the result truly has that handmade, rustic look. You are either going to love it or pity me!
There are plenty of tutorials out there for machine sewn and hand sewn rope baskets. I've made many machine versions but really wanted to try sewing one by hand. It has a different look that I really like and honestly I will make one again but here's what I found...
The base is really fun to stitch, it creates such a beautiful effect and I was very happy with that. I used Aurifloss to stitch the basket, staring with a beige colour and then switching to neutral white/cream for the main part of the basket.
So far so good...
handmade stitching extras
These are extras but could be deemed necessities. Each project is contributing to helping me stay neat and organised while stitching. I have been down the rabbit hole of flosstube videos on YouTube and decided to make a thread catcher mat and also try making a 'grime guard' for my new 11" Q-Snap frame. My 2021 cross stitch project needed a project bag to house the larger frame too (it would also be perfect for storing quilt blocks) so that's where it started. The slippery slope of making things to prepare to make things!
I searched through a lot of online tutorials and videos and am sharing today which ones I used to make my projects and explain why these makes are all so useful.
Perhaps, like me, you have a sofa/armchair/floor covered in bits of thread. I like to hand sew sitting on the sofa and the armrest is where most of my snipped threads end up. Occasionally (most of the time!) I forget to move them and they can end up in little nests all over the place. I've seen a whole load of different styles of thread catchers and I actually have a really cute little book thread catcher kindly made for me by Archie the Wonder Dog a while ago. That one lives with my sewing kit that I take out and about (not right now!) - to prevent trains/classrooms/cafes having to deal with my thread nests! Ultimately I decided to make these thread catcher mats, which again there are different variants of, but what I like about this version is you can easily replace the square of wadding when it gets worn out. Also it a good size and as it's flat it can easily fit into a project bag.
super tote
I am just so THRILLED with this bag! I searched for a long time for just the right pattern to sew, as this was a Christmas gift for my mum. Like me, she is particular in what she wants in a bag - a good size, big enough to hold A4 documents/files, a zip closure, pockets and long enough handles to be worn over the shoulder. This hit every need and it was a joy to make. I've honestly learnt so very much making it (read on for the specifics), I'm really happy with the combination of prints and all the details of the bag. Best of all, my mum LOVES it!
I have to admit being scared of sewing a dart, I'm no dress maker and making 3D things are already out of my comfort zone. Nothing to be scared of though, I followed the instructions and it looks ok to me! Are both sides perfectly symmetrical?! mmm not sure about that... but can anyone look at both darts directly at the same time... no!
The bag also has a recessed zip, which I don't think I've ever sewn before and I am so happy with how it turned out. Even the zipper tab at the end is neat.
I've had these Emmeline magnetic snaps for ages, I must have bought them for a specific project I wanted to make but goodness knows what that was. They are the perfect pocket snap, not too strong (like others, where you feel you might rip the fabric!) and they are very well made. I like the pattern on them too. The installation guide was invaluable and finally I'm confident putting in magnetic snaps.
There were no helpers to take a picture (this was back before Christmas when we weren't all at home again) so this is the best I managed. I was attempting to show you the size... fail! But at least you can sort of see that the straps are a really good 'on the shoulder' length.
The pattern is the Super Tote by Noodlehead. It is so well written and the attention to detail is excellent. Nice topstitching also thanks to Aurifil Forty3 thread with 50wt in the bobbin.
Gathered pockets!! I have never done this before either but it was simple following the instructions.
I added one of my labels (at mum's request) and also decided to add a lanyard for her keys (always getting lost). I looped the clip onto some premade Liberty bias binding I had, rather than use one length of fabric, honestly I don't know why but hopefully it might be stronger when she's pulling out her keys. I did stitch across the base of the clip so it won't move around. I like that you can tuck it into an inside pocket or an outside pocket because there's a gap at the end of the recessed zip.
So it probably wasn't the most well timed gift, especially as now we are on full lock down again, but I've told her just to carry her files around the house with her to break it in!! And she can look forward to using it out and about eventually.
I hope you are all staying safe and well. A reminder that I co-host a weekly craft along on instagram every Saturday night - if you fancy joining us to show what you're working on or just get some inspiration, please do! It's a wonderful and very encouraging community, find more info in this post.
Today is my 41st birthday! Obviously it's going to be quite low key, hoping to spend a nice relaxing evening with my family. To celebrate I am having a giveaway on my instagram, click the photo below and leave a comment to enter. Open worldwide / ends 15th January 2021.
the sewing box (after)
I wish there was a before, I really thought I had taken a photo some time ago but it can't be found (maybe I didn't!). **EDIT - I found it...
Anyway the after turned out well and hope you'll enjoy this look at my sewing box.
It's a cantilever sewing box that belonged to my Nan (paternal grandmother). Sadly she passed away last year and it's taken me a while to get to a point where I felt I could sort through some of her things. Over the past few years I went to stay overnight at her house quite often. Though there came a point where she could no longer see well enough to stitch, she enjoyed looking at my projects and I always took 'work' (as she called it) with me. We had picked out thread from this box together on occasion and as an avid crafter she knew I would appreciate it. I thought about just leaving all her things in there but then I wouldn't touch it and I really think she would be happier knowing I am going to make use of the box in the same way that she did.
My Nan told me she'd had the box for years. A quick google shows up similar boxes that are listed as being from the 1960s. From those images I can see that the stain on the handle, arms and legs has faded. I know she used the box a lot and you can tell it was moved around from the feel of the handle. I do wonder if I should re-stain it, I'm tempted to leave it as it is because do love the worn look. Would staining it protect it more over time though? If anyone has experience working with wood or knows how best to look after this box, I would really appreciate your advice.
You're Capable
I'm excited to share a new pattern with you because sometimes you just have to make things that make you feel good! I made this cushion after a period of self doubt, it's a bright happy cushion and a note to self that I am capable. Inspired by the lyrics of Gwen Stefani, "Life is short, you're capable". Hearing her song lifted my spirits, motivated me to take chances and I do ask myself 'What you waiting for?'!
So here's my note to you - a 13 page PDF pattern to make a 'You're Capable' cushion or mini quilt with step by step instructions and full size templates. Included in the pattern is a bonus kindred embroidery design template to create a decorative embroidery hoop, tiny pillow or pin cushion. Or use it to embellish larger projects such as bags or clothes.
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?!
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