Fort Firefly

New in from Birch fabrics: Fort Firefly

New: Fanfare flannel from Cloud 9 fabrics

Gorgeous soft, warm, perfect for Autumn; just arrived 'Fanfare' organic flannel from Cloud 9 fabrics.

 You can find it here.

Eiko prints in stock!

Now in stock: these lovely prints from Eiko by Birch fabrics!

Flight Map quilt

I'm so excited to have the Flight Plan quilt pattern by Anna Maria Horner in stock. It's been on my mind ever since I saw this amazing photo of it.

It's next on my list of things to make, because you can never have enough quilts, right? You can read more about it on Anna Maria's blog, here.

Pony not included.

Star quilt

Before Tule and Koi arrived, I had definite plans to make a quilt from them, being my most anticipated collections for a while. It was a happy coincidence that they go together so well, saving me the work of making 2 quilts and improving the likelihood of me actually finishing it.

I've had this lovely machine pieced star quilt bookmarked for a while, I love all things geometrical and the idea of machine rather than hand piecing was very appealing.

I chose my favourite prints from the collections, adding a bit of colour with the yellow and pink. The temptation was to add a bit of this and a bit of that, but I was firm and didn't diverge from Tule and Koi.

I had planned to do it on a white background (not sure why with hindsight as it looked dreadful) and nearly chose a turquoise one (too bold for my moderate tastes). In the end I chose Kona Dimensions grey, as you know, I loves grey, and it provided enough contrast to the diamonds whilst being suitable boring neutral enough for my tastes. I love Kona dimensions as they have a really good weight and the honeycomb design has a lovely subtle texture that shines on closer inspection.

I drew the pattern pieces out on paper and cut out a bunch of diamonds and triangles. This was helped by changing my rotary cutter blade for the first time in years (why on earth did I wait so long?!) and this ruler which really helped with the triangles.

Sewed them together only to realise I had miscalculated my sizes and found some pieces 5mm out, I spent a couple of tired and emotional hours trying to figure it out and in the end, I think by fluke I got the sizes right. It was testing, very testing.

But once I was off these are pretty quick to put together - especially since I have been chain piecing for the first time. And it's very satisfying slotting each block together, although I can see myself spending quite some time making the colour arrangement suitably 'random'.

I love it so far though and am determined to finish it quickly (well relatively) summer is gone and I need 2 quilts to keep me warm.

Happy weekend,

x

 

 

New: Zinnia by Colette patterns

Out today: the new Zinnia skirt pattern by Colette patterns.

This quick and easy skirt will have you sewing up a new wardrobe in all your favorite fabrics. It's easy to sew, easy to fit, and works in such a wide range of fabrics that it will become your next handmade wardrobe staple.

With only 4 main pattern pieces (plus details like pockets and belt loops), you'll spend less time cutting and more time making. And because the cut is full, Zinnia only requires fitting in one place — the waist. So there are no tricky curves to get just right.

Zinnia has plenty of features that you can feel free to interchange. You can switch out the in-seam or patch pockets, or use the belt loops on any version.

Version 1 is a gathered skirt that falls below the knee, with a button-front placket and patch pockets. Version 2 is pleated, hits above the knee for a shorter length, and includes belt loops and in-seam pockets. Version 3 is also pleated, falls below the knee, and is fully lined so that it can be made in sheer fabrics. 

... with added pleats

 

Day 1 with the kids back at school left me with an empty house, a mountain of work to catch up on and an uneasy feeling. So what better way to soothe yourself then a little sewing. My old tote bag which I still use a lot as it is so very handy, is beginning to look a little sad and tired, and I fancied a change. 

I really love this Nani Iro fabric with it's metallic gold spots, teamed with some Brussels Washer in charcoal for the top, handles and base (inside and out), makes a lovely combination.

I 'followed' my own tutorial as I couldn't remember how to add the base to the bag.  I say 'followed' because I looked at the pictures, didn't really pay attention and ended up having to make a considerable tweaks to my side seams after calculating the sizes of the pieces with not enough care. Still, it turned out nice in the end, and after some deliberation, I added a pleat to the top, because pleats make things better don't they?

It's a bit grey and autumnal but that's ok, as we approach autumn and hopefully it will be forgiving with chocolate stains and muddy paw prints.

I added a little Smile and Wave to brighten up the inside.

I really want to make something with this Nani Iro fabric, but am a bit nervous of messing it up and ruining some lovely fabric - does anyone else feel like that?

Arrows and Big Birds...

So excited to finally have these gorgeous arrow prints in stock by Melody Miller. It's such a cool print, perfect for all sorts, and has lovely drape so also great for dressmaking. It's extra wide at 60" and has cute details like the ends of the arrows which are felt tip tips and gold metallic dots. It won't be in stock for long, I'm sure of that.

Also arrived are these 'Big Birds' prints from Echino, another lovely drapey, extra wide linen blend fabric. The birds are as the name suggests: big. They would make AMAZING curtains, don't say I didn't warn you.

New Nani Iro

Lots of beautiful new Nani Iron prints have arrived this week, all double gauze, some with surprises, all perfect for making something really, really special to treasure.  

Some prints have metallic dots, pretty flowers, abstract prints, bold patterns and there is even a heavier weight double-gauze perfect for Autumn. You can find them all here.

Tule bundle winner

Thank you to everyone who entered the Tule give-away and sorry for the belated winner announcement as I find myself swamped in post holiday catch-up. But the winner is Pauline who said...

"Wow these are beautiful. I already get the newsletter.

I would choose

Flora’s Oasis Rosa
Embroidered by Moon
Meadow Vale Bright
Windmarks Arid
Terrain Cactus
Mojave Opaque
Native Fringe Celeste
Flora's Oasis Naranja

Thank you!!"

Pauline - congratulations! please get in touch with your details. And for everyone else, you can find Tule here.