Patterns: Sun embroidery

Sun embroidery pattern by Jackie Hyder

Christmas has passed and I don't know about everyone else but at least here in the Northern Hemisphere, I think there's probably quite a few people looking forward to some sun. So whilst we're waiting how about stitching up a sun of your own? This lovely pattern by HyJackArt, feels almost a little medieval to me and I like that, you can find it here.

Countdown to Christmas: Christmas Eve Stockings

It's Christmas Eve and Santa starts his journey delivering treats to good girls and boys. Which list did you make this year? Don't lie...he knows! Lisa's Tea Time stitched this adorable little stocking just in case Santa decided to pay a visit to her and her friends. I know Lisa and I'm guessing he is going to be very good to her this year. Let's raise a candy cane to hope, peace, happiness and prosperity on this Christmas Eve and every day of the year. 

Countdown to Christmas Day 1: Reindeer Ready

As Santa checks his list one last time, the reindeer are gearing up for their annual trip around the world. Like any long trip, they prepare themselves by packing a few snacks and of course, some stitching to work on while waiting for the big guy to shimmy down the chimney. Snacks and stitching are great, but looking good is very important too. You never know who you will run in! Tana Ferguson stitched up Blitzen looking festive for her voyage. The beads are a sparkly touch to the finished piece. I would love to see how the other reindeer are decked out. I'm sure it is equally as beautiful. 

Countdown to Christmas Day 2: Blackwork Hexie Holiday Tree

At first glance, this looks like your normal hexie quilt. Look a bit closer...see all those patterns? They are blackwork done by Pam Harris of Gingerbread Snowflakes. I am in complete awe of this work. The amount of detail is astonishing. Each hexi is an individual pattern brought together to make a holiday tree. You can see more of the process on her blog. 

Countdown to Christmas Day 3: Snowman

Snowmen make the best ambassadors for winter. They are not here for long, but bring us happiness and smiles. What a perfect reminder to enjoy what we have, for it may be gone tomorrow. Briarstitch84 has stitched up this very sweet snowman. His background is equally impressive-watercolors on linen. I love everything about this hoop. Here's wishing you and yours a peaceful first day of winter. Let's all hope that we can be as happy with snowfall as the snowman is.  

Patterns: Christmas trees

Handmade Christmas Trees by Teresa DownUnder

TeresaDownUnder has posted a summary of her Christmas tree crafts she's made over the last few years, I particularly like her patchwork and embroidered trees, check out the link for the how-tos!

Countdown to Christmas Day 4: Oh Christmas Tree!

The Christmas tree is the focal point of our house. I usually want to get the biggest one they have but my husband's better judgement always reels me in. Each ornament on our tree represents a memory. Kim Ouimet has stitched this very sweet tree and the best part-no needles to clean up. It is the perfect little reminder for Christmas 2014.  You can read more about the project on her blog and purchase the pattern at her shop. 

Countdown to Christmas Day 5: A Major Award

The Leg Lamp...a major award and it's Italian! Kwgronau stitched up the Christmas Story's iconic leg lamp as a prize for her family bingo game. I think I want to be a part of her family. The Christmas tree fabric is the icing on the cake and the fringe is to die for. Don't forget to check out her other creations, she is one talented lady! 

Countdown to Christmas Day 6: Ugly Xmas Sweater Cat

Mr. Kitty will wear your Christmas sweater, but he won't be happy about it. Oh wait...that IS his happy face. One of my favorite crafty embroidery peeps, Cate Anevski stitched up this adorable, yet slightly annoyed kitty in an ugly Christmas sweater. You can make your very own but downloading the pattern and the tutorial on &Stitches. 

Countdown to Christmas Day 7: Dala Horses

I always associate Dala Horses with Christmas.  My husband's heritage is Swedish and we have many Dala horses and pigs in our house. Each Christmas we pull out a box of special family heirloom Swedish ornaments including Dala horses just like the ones from Jacque Davis. These beautiful ornaments hold a special place in my family's heart and connect us to past. 

Countdown to Christmas Day 8: Bunnies Also Look at the Sky

Bunnies love to look up at the winter sky and wish upon a star. What is he wishing for...a bunch of carrots, world peace? This little brooch created by Makiko_at is so sweet. I just want to jump into the embroidery and give this fuzzy guy a hug. Each piece she creates is one of a kind and in addition to brooches she creates jewelry, ornaments and art dolls. You can see more of her work here. 

Countdown to Christmas Day 9: Woodland Christmas Friends

One of the most important things to me during the holiday season is to make sure that I spend quality time with my friends. These adorable Woodland Christmas Friends by Bustle and Sew are an excellent reminder that the best friends are the quirky ones. I am dying over the rabbit with his ear covers. You can see other patterns for sale, magazines and freebies on Bustle and Sews' website. 

Countdown to Christmas Day 10: Christmas Elf Girl

Who doesn't like cute little elves at Christmas? Tell me who and I will give them a bonk on the head! Christmas elves are adorable! Check out this great tutorial by Wendi Gratz if you don't believe me. If you are not in the Christmas spirit you can use the pattern for a spring sprite or a summer gnome. You can read more about the post and download the pattern here. 

Patterns: some sad news - #VATMESS

Wave Goodbye by Nicole (Follow the White Bunny) - 

pattern available here until 30th December 2014

Hands up who's addicted to embroidery .pdfs? I am, there's nothing like a spot of instant pleasure, affordable art and anticipation (of the stitching you plan to do with the pattern), that a good embroidery .pdf can bring. So, I'm very sad to hear that some of my favourite designers have been badly affected by a change in European tax law, that comes in force at the beginning of next year, meaning that, if you're an European designer, selling digital products (such as .pdfs) will suddenly become a hell of a lot more complicated. You can read more about the change in law on this excellent post from What Delilah Did. 

Nobody has ever become rich from selling embroidery and craft .pdfs, in fact even before this some embroidery designers were shutting up shop, the new ruling makes it even more questionable whether selling embroidery .pdfs is worth it. Reading the recent crop of blog posts has been sad and frustrating, that bureaucracy meant to tackle tax avoidance in large multinationals, is instead going to stifle fledgling businesses. Nicole from Follow the White Bunny is no longer going to sell .pdfs from 31st December, however her shop will remain open. Carina from Polka and Bloom thinks she may have to put up her prices to counter the cost of the extra administration. Sami from Teasemade will also stop selling .pdf patterns on 31st December. Laura from Bugs and Fishes will be removing her .pdf patterns from her shop on 22nd December, as well as no longer accepting blog ads (also affected by the new rules), she will be looking for a VAT compliant reseller and selling her .pdfs that way. 

So, if you've been eyeing up that Follow the White Bunny .pdf that you never quite got round to buying (Nicole's latest pattern Wave Goodbye is particularly lovely), want to get in on the action on one of Carina's classes or pattern clubs before prices may rise (I love her new Stitchy Souvenirs pattern club) or fancy wanting to know how Laura makes one of her felt creations, or support any of the other talented European designers out there that are selling digital products, now is the time to do it. 

If anyone knows of any other European designers whose businesses have been negatively affected by this new ruling and I haven't mentioned them, please do leave a comment below.

Countdown to Christmas Day 11: Sparkle Baby!

Kerry A from Candy Floss Ramparts has a message for you that not only applies to the holiday season but throughout the year. Don't Let Anyone Dim Your Shine is a perfect uplifting message for anyone in your life. I am even thinking about stitching it up for myself! The pattern as well as a tutorial is available for free on her website. 

Countdown to Christmas Day 12 : Baby, It's Cold Outside

There is only one way to kick off a countdown to Christmas and that is with a free pattern from the most awesome Cherry & Cinnamon. The pattern is inspired by the movie Elf and I can just hear Buddy and Jovie singing in harmony with each stitch. You can download the pattern HERE and don't forget to stop by her blog, Green Geenie. 

Patterns: Felicity Hall Christmas Ornaments

Felicity Hall Christmas Ornaments patterns

Felicity Hall, purveyor of fine cross stitch patterns, has a special offer on her site at the moment where with any order you get a free copy of her Christmas Ornaments PDF chart. There's lots of goodies in her store, I particularly like her purse kits but if you're overseas (from the UK) and worried about postal times, she also sells some lovely PDF patterns. And if nothing else in her shop does tempt you, you can buy the Christmas Ornaments PDF pattern itself for £10.

Craftster December Hoopla Along

I can't believe that December is already here. I'm not ready! Can someone please tell time to slow down. Another month means another great Craftster Hoopla Along. This month's theme is Winter/Christmas/Winter Holidays. 

Do you dig cold weather? Love a snow day? Are you crazy for Christmas? Having a Happy Hanukkah or maybe a solemn Soltice...whatever the case may be, stitch up your wintery goodness. You might even be the opposite of all that cheer and hate the cold weather-that's cool too, just pull out your floss and fabric and let us know! 

You have until December 31st to be eligible for a random drawing. The prize this month is a 20.00 Amazon gift card.

Come on over and join the fun!

Patterns: Aotearoa Tree of Life

Aotearoa Tree of Life by Liz Smith

When I spotted this piece in the Flickr pool by Liz Smith, I was curious to see if it was a pattern, so I checked out Liz's Flickr profile and I found her online store, The Stitchsmith, which as well as having the lovely pattern above (which in the sample in the store looks great as white work on black fabric), also has loads of colourful birds and New Zealand themed patterns to! I will definitely be bookmarking that site!

Home Sweet Home

As we get ready to dive into the holiday season, I believe we must slow down for a minute and remember what is important to us: our family, friends and a warm place to gather with them. This House Pillow created by Isabel Freire is a beautiful reminder of saying, Home Sweet Home. The textures are amazing. I can almost smell the wood burning from the fireplace. This is just one of many  designs Isabel has created. You can see more of her work on her Flickr account. 

Patterns: Wild Olive Christmas Sampler

Wild Olive Christmas Sampler 2014 by Wild Olive

Wild Olive has created a very cute red work Christmas sampler; on her blog she says she hopes they become a yearly thing, ooh I hope so! Check out Wild Olive's blog to for a great tutorial on how to frame your embroidery in an Ikea frame as well.

Hand and Lock Prize 2014

1. Meta Mckinney, 2. Myra Chung, 3. Justine Bonefant, 4. Justina Moncevicute, 5. Krista Terauda, 6. Maria Alina Hera, 7. Julia Titchfield, 8. Eranga Bandaranyake, 9. Ana Maria Restrepo, 10. Umme Salma, 11. Katrina Viper, 12. Wan Hung Cheung

Feeling Stitchy was very kindly invited to the Hand and Lock 2014 Prize Giving at the historic Bishopgate Institute in London, UK. Hand and Lock is a fusion of two embroidery companies dating back to 1767. M Hand was a Hugenot refugee, who added embroidery to his range of laces and his company M Hand and Co continued for the next two centuries, creating beautiful embroidery for the military, royalty and tailors, throughout the Commonwealth and beyond. Whereas S Lock started life in 1898 as CE Phipps and Co, an embroidery business that supported London's growing couture houses. In 1956, the designer Stanley Lock took over from Mr. Phipps on his retirement and the company was renamed S Lock Ltd. For the next 45 years the company worked on commissions with couturiers including Christian Dior, Norman Hartnell and Hardy Amies. S Lock Ltd was awarded a Royal Warrant and they made gowns for both the Queen and the Queen Mother, as well as the wedding ensemble for Princess Anne. Princess Diana was also a big fan. Their embroidery also hit the stage, working on productions from Barnum to The Lion King. In 2001 M Hand and S Lock merged to form Hand and Lock.

So, as you can imagine, a competition run by such a prestigious embroidery company would have high standards, so it was an exciting opportunity to see the finalists work in person. The embroidery and attention to detail in the pieces was exquisite. It was great to see hand embroidery used in such innovative ways.

There were two categories, student and open and we were all given voting cards to choose which from the two categories we liked best and the audience's votes were combined with the judges votes before the prize giving ceremony itself. The winner of the student prize was Myra Chung (2nd from top left in the mosaic above) and the winner of the open prize was Julia Titchfield (middle row, 2nd from the right). Well done to the winners and to all the finalists, the standard was amazing and a massive inspiration.

The Hand and Lock Prize is an annual event, you can read the design brief for next year's competition here and read how to enter here, who's tempted to give it a go?

Craftster November Hoopla Along

It is time for the November Hoopla Along over at Craftster.org. This month's theme is Vintage, Retro and Nostalgia. Do you wish for the old days? Feel like you are living in the wrong time? This month's stitch along cries out for the days of long ago. Stitch up your favorite retro or vintage image...something you are nostalgic for. It can be any time period, any image. 

You have until November 30, 2014 to be eligible for random drawing

Prizes:
This month's prize is: Craftster mug filled with goodies

 

You can read more about this month's theme HERE. 

#crafttheparcel - envelope quilt block (free pattern)

Feeling Stitchy was very kindly asked by InPost UK to take part in their #crafttheparcel, you may have seen my tweets about it on Feeling Stitchy's twitter account. The idea was for each blogger to make a quilt square, could be anything, a traditional quilt block, applique, knitting, you name it and each week the growing quilt would pass from blogger to blogger via InPost. InPost is a new service in the UK and as someone who gets quite fed up of waiting in for couriers (and post office counter queues!), I think it could be quite handy. The idea is that you leave your parcel in one of InPost's lockers, with a prepaid label to the nearest InPost locker of the person you're sending it to. InPost then pick it up and take it to the new locker and your friend / relative / customer, gets a text message to say that the parcel is ready to be picked up, along with a special code to allow you entry into the locker.

For my quilt block I decided to go with a post theme to match the idea of #crafttheparcel and I made an applique, openable envelope, with a little 'letter' inside with an embroidered quote from Phyllis Theroux, which I thought was quite apt.

To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart.

If you would like to make your own envelope and letter, you can download the pattern and tutorial here for free (personal use only). You could embroider the quote or maybe something else that is important to you. We'd love to see what you made!

And if you would like to see what more blocks get added to the quilt (there are actually two of them going round at the moment), don't forget to check out #crafttheparcel on Twitter.

(Sponsored post)

Patterns: Alphabet Motif Club

Carina is half way through her alphabet motif club, but you can still join in and download the earlier letters. I love how colourful these are and I think they'd make a great quilt!

Edited to add (sorry, me being forgetful and forgetting the link!) - you can find Carina's Alphabet Club here.

Book Review: Colorful Stitchery

Colorful Stitchery may look a bit familiar to some of you, and that's because it is a reissue from 2005. Roost Books has revamped the book but it still holds up and may be even better than before. 

The projects in the book are great for beginner to advance stitchers, so there is something for everyone. One of the things I love about the author, Kristin Nicholas is that she not only gives us great projects, she explains the tools and techniques needed. Her book offers clear, easy to understand directions. I felt as if I had her in the room with me, guiding me through each step. 

The only problem I have with this book is which project to start with first! Do I stitch the embroidery blanket or maybe the chicken scratch pillow...decisions, decisions! Do yourself a favor and go to your favorite book store and demand Kristin Nicholas' Colorful Stitchery. You can thank me later. 

Stitch the Halls Review and Very Special Giveaway!

Hello all! I'm reviewing Stitch the Halls by Sophie Simpson from What Delilah Did today, and we're also doing a very special giveaway!

This is an absolutely delightful book that I wouldn't hesitate to add to your library - the main focus of this book's projects is counted cross stitch and embroidery, but many of the projects could easily translate into freeform embroidery, as well. The book begins with a nice summary of counted embroidery basics - going over fabrics, thread, and frames, and how to read counted charts. There's also a helpful stitch directory of 11 counted stitches you can use in addition to the basic cross stitch.

Let's open it up and have a look, shall we?

As you can see, the watercolor illustrations by Ana Victoria Calderon are absolutely gorgeous, and you'll find them throughout.

The book's 12 projects are divided into 3 broad categories: Stylish and Chic - for sophisticates; Merry and Bright - for modernists; and Classic and Cosy - for traditionalists.

I am loving the Stylish and Chic section of the book - with muted shades and classic black and whites for a nice variation from the ordinary Christmas red and green:

The Merry and Bright section is just as modern and refreshing, however. I love how crisp and geometric the designs are, and the bright pops of color in the projects within:

Last up is the Cosy and Traditional section, and although there is a traditional selection of red and white, the patterns don't lose their clean, modernist take - and how adorable are those mini Christmas sweaters?!

What I love about these patterns is that there is plenty of room for creativity - they are fresh and modern while being classic and elegant - in short, not unlike What Delilah Did's signature style.

I chose one of the small Advent Tree designs to stitch up on for this review - it was a quick, delightful stitch - easy to follow, geometric, and striking. I used the Mountain Merino Wool from our previous giveaway, and the homespun quality of the wool added a great deal to this, I think:

So, on to our giveaway! I call this a very special giveaway because in addition to the review copy which we were kindly sent - we have been offered 3 copies of the book to give away to our readers! 3 copies! You have 3 times the chances to win this gorgeous book, just in time to do a bit of Holiday stitching.

To win a copy of Stitch the Halls!: 12 Decorations to Make for Christmas, simply leave a comment on this post by Sunday, October 26, 9 PM US CST, and tell us, which section of the book appeals to you most, and what do you think you might make?

Inspiration: The God of Crabs

When I first saw this on Flickr I thought that it was just printed on the fabric and then a little bit of stitching around the image. The entire piece is embroidered with various types of stitches. It is fully embroidered, people! You can pick your jaw up off the floor now. Mother Eagle's The God of Crabs is absolutely stunning. I'm not sure there are enough adjectives to describe how amazing this is. Check out the various stages of this piece here.  Also check out her other pieces of art, you will not be disappointed. Many of her pieces are available on her website and you can see other collections there as well; Made By Mother Eagle. 

The Knitting and Stitching Show 2014

Feeling Stitchy was very kindly invited along to The Knitting and Stitching Show this year at Alexandra Palace in London. The show was gigantic, with lots of shopping opportunities, as well as lots of craft workshops and lectures. I went along to a red work class to make a needle keeper.

I then hit the shopping opportunities big time. There was a real mix of stalls, quite a lot was for crafters perhaps a little more traditional than I am (but even then I found their stuff lovely, like these 3D needlework cottages from The Nutmeg Company, don't you just love the little post office?).

But there was also plenty of more modern stuff and it was great to see stuff actually made up from popular craft books and companies, such as from Louise Walker's Faux Taxidermy Knits (the two animal heads), Merchant and Mills (the dresses) and Sew Over It (not pictured but they do have a new London shop opening soon!).

There was also lots of fantastic suppliers, it was great to see companies I'd previously only known from the web in the flesh, such as The Eternal Maker (some great fat quarters) or to find companies that I hadn't heard of before but totally won me over with their products and their enthusiasm, such as Ernest Wright and Son, who make the most beautiful scissors that feel like you're cutting through butter (check out this short film about how they make their scissors).

There were also lots of gold work and bead work suppliers to, selling stuff that isn't always easy to find even with the aid of a Google search. This makes The Knitting and Stitching Show a great place to find new craft supplies long term, as most of the suppliers also have websites, so even if you go along to the show feeling a bit broke, you can easily come away with a long list of companies you can try in the future.

(Vineyard Silk from West End embroidery)

There were also lots of displays of work, from a fashion show from Coats, featuring among others knitwear from Rowan and fabrics designed by Zandra Rhodes for Freespirit.

As well as art work from individual artists, my favourite was work by Renate Keeping.

Renate Keeping

So, I had a fantastic day, time flew by, before I knew it I'd been there all morning and a good chunk of the afternoon. I will definitely be back next year. But it's not too late to go this year, as it's still on tomorrow (12th October) between 10am and 5pm.

Mountain Merino Wool Winner!

Thanks to all who entered our giveaway - our random winner is Kendra!

Kendra • 5 days ago

These are very attractive and I would love to work with them. I especially like the blue shades as I am working on a blue wool project. It would be fun to add these wools.

Hope you enjoy your threads, Kendra, and thanks, Mountain Meadow Wool!

Winner of the Fun of the Fair Giveaway

Sorry for the delay everyone but we have a winner for the Fun of the Fair giveaway and the winner is .....

Which is Whiplashed, who would like to make a lion!

Well done Whiplashed, we'll be in touch to get your details to send to the publishers for your prize.

Thank you again to Stitch, Craft, Create for letting us review the book and thank you to everyone for your entries, I enjoyed reading what you would make.