I’ve never really been one for scrappy quilts, which is surprising really and a little unimpressive when you look at my scrap basket which is overflowing with fabric bits just perfect for such projects. However, when I first saw this quilt on instagram, I knew it was a ‘make’ for me.
Read MoreOne of the real joys of platforms like Instagram is that you can find all sorts of inspiration for making things. I am not a great knitter, but I love hand knitted things and love seeing wonderful images on the internet that make me want to rush out and buy gorgeous organic yarn and set my needles clicking. A long while ago, I used to knit a few things for my kids but these days they are not interested and sewing has taken over much of my time. However, I am always totally inspired by the fabulous ‘Loop of London’s’ daily posts and decided to be brave and try the new way of knitting in the round. It was easy to select a pattern - so many delicious choices out there and amazing blogs by the likes of ‘a verb for keeping warm’ and ‘Quince and Co’. This ‘Annabel’ cardigan seemed like a good choice for a rusty knitter with new techniques to learn.
Read MoreThere is something so deliciously Enid Blyton about going on holiday to an island….you just know it’s going to be full of adventures. We have just got back from the most glorious week on the Isle of Wight. I know we were exceptionally lucky with the weather, but honestly…. it is the most charming island. There is a lot to do and see, fabulous sandy beaches and endless cream teas.
Read MoreIt starts with a denim skirt - I have probably had it over 10 years and it is a more than a bit dated. I haven’t worn it for a long time, but it found it’s way into the cupboard in my sewing room because of the embroidered band on it - I always planned to do something with it. It has been sitting there for about 4 years and last week, I was clearing and tidying my sewing stuff and I plonked it on the floor of my sewing room with a firm intention to get on with it
Read MoreSo after a bit of a break, I am thrilled to present my new embroidery pattern and kit. The ‘Embroidered Diamonds Scarf’ is just the tonic for spring days and it’s a versatile project to make and add to your wardrobe. When I first began to do embroidery, one of the first things I made was an embroidered wool scarf. I like things to be useful and pretty and this is definitely both.
Read MoreThis ‘book nerd quilt’ is such a great pattern to let your own individual style shine - travel around the world, bury yourself in the classics, whip up the romance or make a book cover that might inspire you to write a book of your own someday.
Read MoreLast week I was lucky enough to take a trip up to Edinburgh to visit a dear friend and to go to the Yarn Festival. It was a terrific few days and I was glad to get reacquainted with a city that I hadn’t visited for a very long time. It really is a splendid place …. it has everything - a castle, a palace, a university, Georgian squares, Victorian monuments, a harbour, a beach and is surrounded by highlands.
Read MoreNot all the costumes were in this display (some are at Hampton Court) but I was thrilled to see these. I have always been fascinated by historical fashion and theatrical costumes, but this was something unexpected and changed my views on how you can portray characters from the past. Taking the essence of the story as the lead, the technical inaccuracies of these outfits is irrelevant, as their boldness and innovation enhances the story of a Queen who was until now, mostly lost to history…..I think she might have liked this.
Read MoreAdding a touch of hand embroidery to items of clothing that you have bought from a shop, can be a great and reasonably quick way to have a totally unique and bespoke garment. I think it is something people don’t often think to do and yet it is incredibly effective.
Read MoreSome days you just wake up and in the haziness of that early morning cup of tea an idea just pops into your head and before you know where you are - it’s lunch time and the housework is untouched, but you have solved a problem with a little stitching.
Read MoreFor the last four years I have been using a Janome Horizon sewing machine. It’s been a great piece of kit and I love it dearly, but late last year I made the decision to invest in a new sewing machine - the Juki TL-2200 QVP mini. There were a few reasons for this.
Read MoreHello there and Happy New Year to you all. I do find this time of year quite hard, taking down the decorations and feeling a bit flat after Christmas, so the best thing to do is hole up in the sewing room and create something….the result is a new mini quilt pattern to start off my new project ‘Literary Threads’.
Read MoreMaking Embroidery Modern
