• Adventures in frame loom weaving
    Crafts for adults

    Adventures in frame loom weaving

    August 27, 2021 - By 

    I think it’s fair to say that I love an embroidery hoop. I’ve been tidying up my craft space for a little Autumnal revamp and put all my finished embroidery hoops in a crate. It was surprising just how many I had, and how many more I found when I was tidying up. Adventures in frame loom weaving Recently I was gifted a gorgeous weaving set from Elka Sustainable Textiles. As much as I love embroidery I was happy to try something different. The only previous experience I had of weaving was a couple of free cover gifts with issues…

  • Using stick on embroidery transfers
    Crafts for adults

    How to use stick on embroidery transfers

    August 20, 2021 - By 

    I love all things embroidery and noticed there’s a real trend for embroidering on clothes, trainers, bags and hats. How do you transfer an embroidery design on to all these different surfaces? I’ve used vintage tranfers, tried transferring designs using natural light from a window and it’s hard. I also recently received a light box which is great for light fabrics, but totally doesn’t work on darker fabrics. So when I came across embroidery transfers it was a real game changer. How to use stick on embroidery transfers If you haven’t come across embroidery transfers before then let me tell…

  • Conscious Crafts: Quilting
    Crafts for adults - What I'm reading

    Conscious Crafts: Quilting {book review}

    August 5, 2021 - By 

    I love to practice mindfulness in my every day crafting. I was really excited when I heard about Conscious Crafts: Quilting – 20 mindful makes to reconnect head, heart & hands by Elli Beaven and couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy. Conscious Crafts: Quilting In Conscious Crafts: Quilting, maker Elli Beaven reveals the meditative nature of the quilting process and its empowering skill set for creating, mending and mindfulness. Making is mindfulness made practical, and quilting is a renowned and rewarding craft. Drawing on the traditions of hand quilting, Elli has created 20 modern makes, ranging from simple coasters,…

  • DIY Baby Yoda Mug Warmer
    Crafts for adults - Handmade gifts - Star Wars crafts

    DIY Baby Yoda Mug Warmer

    August 4, 2021 - By 

    I love making handmade gifts and my thoughts are beginning to turn to the gifts I want to make and give this Christmas. Handmade gifts are always well received and our DIY mug warmer will be enjoyed by those who love their tea and coffee! I used a sweet Baby Yoda fabric for my little Star Wars fan but this would look great in many fabrics. Baby Yoda Mug Warmer equipment list: 1 yard of Baby Yoda fabric 1 yard of Wrap N Zap (or alternative thick cotton batting) Elastic cord 2 large buttons Matching thread (I used white) Scissors…

  • The Joy of Modern Calligraphy
    competition - Crafts for adults

    {Giveaway} The Joy of Modern Calligraphy

    August 3, 2021 - By 

    I love learning a new craft and the lovely sunny days of Summer seem a great time to try. Last week Search Press published The Joy of Modern Calligraphy by Joyce Lee. It’s been a while since I tried calligraphy but it’s a lovely craft and handwritten lettering can be used for all kinds of occasions. The Joy of Modern Calligraphy Joyce Lee first picked up a calligraphy pen when she started making stationery for her wedding. For her, it is now a way of life, her career and what she calls a ‘calligraventure’. In this practical and inspiring book, Joyce…

  • ‘The Summer Sampler’ Block of the Month Club
    Crafts for adults

    ‘The Summer Sampler’ Block of the Month Club {update 2}

    July 31, 2021 - By 

    Thanks to the first week of the Summer holidays I’ve had time to finish work on Months 3 and 4 of ‘The Summer Sampler’ Block of the Month Club. This was a monthly club I subscribed to back in 2019 from Pretty Fabrics and Trims. Spread over 4 months, each month I received a little packet containing Monthly instructions, super pretty fabrics and embroidery threads for three blocks. Over the 4 months this made a number of blocks which could be stitched together to make a super sweet Summer Sampler. ‘The Summer Sampler’ Block of the Month Club update I…

  • Boro and Sashiko - Harmonious Imperfection
    Craft book review - Crafts for adults - What I'm reading

    Boro and Sashiko – Harmonious Imperfection {book review}

    July 29, 2021 - By 

    I love to discover and try new sewing techniques. I have come across sashiko before but only recently heard about boro. A few months ago I attended an online Boro stitch mending workshop as part of Hey Craft! an event to raise awareness for mental health during Mental Health Awareness Week. It’s a fun craft and I was excited to discover more about it. Boro and Sashiko – Harmonious Imperfection Search Press kindly sent me a copy of Boro and Sashiko Harmonious Imperfection: The art of Japanese mending & stitching by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby to review. Authors Shannon and Jason Mullett-Bowlsby, a.k.a The…

  • The summer Sampler
    Crafts for adults

    ‘The Summer Sampler’ Block of the Month Club {update 1}

    July 11, 2021 - By 

    This year I am trying, and failing, to not buy any more craft kits. At the start of the year I added a little list of unfinished projects to my sidebar and had great fun ticking them off. I recently came across the ‘The Summer Sampler’  Block of the Month Club which I bought in 2019 from Pretty Fabrics and Trims. Spread over 4 months, each month I received a little packet containing Monthly instructions, super pretty fabrics and embroidery threads for three blocks. Over the 4 months this made a number of blocks which could be stitched together to…

  • political embroidery hoop
    Crafts for adults

    Musings at the end of a school term

    July 2, 2021 - By 

    With three weeks to go I am hopeful that both my children will be able to enjoy the last few weeks of term. I am certainly looking forward to a 6 week break if we can get through the next few weeks. Unfortunately my son has had his Transition Day and Year 6 trip cancelled which makes me so annoyed when I see all the crowds at the big sporting events taking place. Musings at the end of a school term So I couldn’t resist this amazing hoop kit I found, it summed up my thoughts perfectly! Beautiful backstitched florals meet…