News 'n' other stuff...,

There have been a few unexpected surprises over the last week, cheques turning up through the post for magazine projects I'd all but forgotten about, a mention in a new sewing magazine (thank you Claire!),  and this...,

2012 Sewing Calendar, from Andrews McMeel Publishing, now available for pre-order on Amazon.  There are instructions to make 100 projects, including a few from me, look, thats my toadstool on the front!

I've also just had word of some new projects being selected for a collaborative pattern book too, more on that soon though!

ps, I think my computer chair may be broken, while I've been typing this it's gradually gone down, I'm now almost sat on the floor!

Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit...

This is an idea that had been simmering for a while. When I worked for Coats, we had a lot of Beatrix Potter cross stitch designs in the range which were consistently popular. I had seen animals made out of toweling in a book by Tone Finnanager and thought it would be great to try a rabbit using an old towel and mixing it with some of the Beatrix Potter printed fabric.


The fabric has a lovely vintage look to it as it is from the original illustrations. To dress the rabbit, I made a little apron out of felt, and a carrot to go in the pocket. I'm not sure I can actually do anything with the rabbit, as it does say on the fabric, 'not to be used commercially'. After my time in the industry, I am very aware of copyright issues, as we spent a huge amount of time going through lengthy approval processes with all the character licensed designs. A very tedious process which I do not miss and one of the reasons I wanted to work for myself so much. I count my blessings every day, as that is now what I am able to do!

Cotton reels,

I love old cotton reels, there is something very appealing about all that wound up thread waiting to be sewn with.  For a while, I have been wondering if there was a way of making a cotton reel out of fabric, felt and embroidery.

With some tinkering around involved, I came up with a pattern and began a little cotton reel production line.  After I'd added a felt label to one end, I sat staring at it for a while, and thought, this would make a great pin cushion!

Funnily enough, the other day, I'd already ordered some key rings, so attached one to the pincushion, and made a little needle book to match.  Was really handy for storing all my bits and bobs when we went away last weekend.

Oh, and if you happen to see a copy of the August issue of 'Quick & Crafty' magazine, turn to page 70 for a little interview...

...with me!

Thank you for all the lovely jam pot comments, we will have the best dressed jam in the land!

(sorry for the terrible photos, it's rain, rain, and more rain here, where is summer hey?!)

Wildlife update,

The Beaver, is a primarily nocturnal, semi aquatic rodent with two main species, the North American Beaver and the European Beaver.  They are best known for their natural trait of building dams on rivers and streams.  Their population has been dwindling worldwide, and in Europe, they have been hunted almost to extinction.  However, in recent years the Beaver has began to be re-introduced throughout Europe, including Scotland and a select number of areas within the english countryside.

To protect the Beaver, and their still fragile community, new breeds have been established which are harder to spot.  If you see one, you have been extremely lucky indeed.

Embroidery threads,

I've never really been one to pay much attention to brand names, but have to admit to having always favoured Anchor embroidery threads, mainly because I worked for Coats as a Designer for nearly twelve years, and as a result, have quite a supply to hand.

But, a while ago, I was sent some threads by DMC.  Now, from my experience of the UK needlecraft industry, there has always (and probably still is!) a bit of rivalry between Coats and DMC.  In my fledgling days as a designer, myself and a colleague were sent to spy on the DMC stand at a trade fair in Germany, only to be recognised and asked to leave.  I am certain the DMC design team will have been simultaneously spying on the Coats stand too!  

So, I guess, now I work for myself, I am free to choose.  I've not used the DMC pearl cotton before, but today my needle is threaded and I'm giving them a go.

Which do you use?