Gone To Earth

A little reading inspiration..

I love my craft books but magazines too can be a good source of inspiration.  They can spark all kinds of ideas.

 
 Inside this months Sewing World there are projects, lots of stuff to make, techniques to get to grips with, style updates.

 Flowery felt bag a project by Betty Barnden (Sewing World - September)

Amongst the articles on sewing Techniques, there are instructions for turning a pair of high waist trousers into hipsters and if you're not inspired by that, then why not have a go at designing your own jacket with the help of their Design series.

Each month Sewing World include a full size dress pattern and this month it is for a maxi-dress, just right for late summer parties.  There are patterns for dungarees for prem-babies and for the felt bag shown above.  So, lots of things to make.

There is a focus on the work of Emma Boyne a textile artist who uses vintage textiles and antique wooden print blocks to create some very stylish textile cushion and bag designs.

 

There is also a very interesting article on what to charge for clothes alterations.   

 

If you're more into patchwork, 'British Patchwork and Quilting' is probably already a familiar magazine to you.  This month it celebrates it's 200th issue.

 

There a lots of projects inside for you to get to grips with .  There is this foundation pieced rose cushion cover.

 

'Red, red Rose' A foundation pieced cushion cover'

There are instructions for making 'Sara's Bag'.

 

Nice shape

There are quilts to make and reviews of various exhibitions around the country.

There's also a sweet little activity book designed for children which is a double sided folding quilt to help you tell the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears... (part two of the project comes in next months' magazine.)

The three bears Activity book ... 

I love the Autumn Star project .... organza....embroidery... plus a soldering iron equals the most beautiful star shaped table mat.

 I think this fused applique probably has a lot more uses than just as a table mat... it's gorgeous.

Speak soon!

Sometimes all it takes....

Sometimes creating something pretty requires some gorgeous fabric.... and the simplest of designs. 

  

A simple envelope back cushion cover made from Amy Butler's Love Paradise Garden in Midnight.

And the back with a little binding (Sunspots) which picks up the turquoise dots....

... in the Paradise Garden fabric and emphasises the fact that the fabric pattern isn't meant to match precisely.  

Simple, bright, gorgeous and took less than an hour to make. 

Happy Sewing!

The year is turning...

Does that sounds a little pessimistic... I suppose it does.  But when you look around the berries are ripening, the harvest is nearly in, the birds are beginning to gather on the wires and the mornings have that still, quietness that signals that summer is passing into Autumn.

Another sign of the cooler days to come is that brushed cotton or flannel, if you prefer has begun to arrive in the shop.

 

Squares in Blossom  and Stones in Ocean
 

Just two so far but more will arrive soon.  These are both from Valori Wells Della Flannel Range.  Lively colours aren't they?   Want something comforting and cosy to curl up with on cool autumn evenings?  (!!) Then they'd make a lovely soft, snuggly backings for a quilt or a throw.   And how about a soft cuddly toy? 

If you're wondering about sewing for cooler days and evenings then this is a recent addition to the shop from Indygo Junction, The London Jacket.

or a waistcoat for a light extra layer...

I love the buttons on that design.

There is also the Simple Sleeved Shawl which can be made out of knitted fabric or wool if you prefer.

 

Then because at some point it will probably rain (Cheerful aren't I ? ), there is the Amy Butlers 'rainy days hooded raincoat and runabout jacket'

 

....and for children the  'Little Splashes hooded raincoat and runabout jacket' patterns.

 
Make them out of Laminated fabric for a waterproof outer layer or a use home decor weight fabric if you prefer for warmth and style.

Perfect to see you through the Autumn in style.

Go take a look...

Katy over at Imagingermonkey has been writing a series of posts about fabric shops... and today it's my turn.

I won't confuse you with pictures of pretty fabrics but you may find something over there that may help with your 'summer sewing' budget and it doesn't expire until the end of August. 

Thank you Katy.

The winner of the Small Stash Sewing

This is the 'Small Stash Sewing Book' written by Melissa Averinos.

 Thank you everyone for taking part in this giveaway and for popping in to say hello. 

It never seems very exciting using the Random Generator but as least it's fair.  This is what it came out with.

 Number 7, and the seventh comment was made by Ali of Craft Matters.

Congratulations, Ali.  Seven must be your lucky number.  If you'd like to e-mail me your address, I'll send this lovely book off to you and then wait and see what you make with it...