tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291667593888169672024-03-18T19:51:46.986+00:00A Little Happy PlacePretty Fabrics and Trims BlogA little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.comBlogger236125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-29095548252380462032022-11-18T14:35:00.008+00:002022-11-18T15:19:46.210+00:00Christmas Charity Pattern 2022 ~ Advent Stocking Mini Quilt<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNl0IjBvglkDL9f-u0ss2PZ1Exrir8gN6kUSxgm0GVFiljEoAK7yL9KuIkggmCioS3CHtzu30z4nC0NF0SCmanZ7ZEv1RYjTkJNrR0uGJRRgi8AnJe7fMvKqeQolywnV8Y7IaTxOiXNflSPRdxD1aogzD0A7fzAZ8BHvnQ-wrwnJeeCKVW4LnuitO/s3024/Christmas%20Charity%20pattern%202023%20Advent%20Stocking%20Mini%20Quilt%20with%20logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNl0IjBvglkDL9f-u0ss2PZ1Exrir8gN6kUSxgm0GVFiljEoAK7yL9KuIkggmCioS3CHtzu30z4nC0NF0SCmanZ7ZEv1RYjTkJNrR0uGJRRgi8AnJe7fMvKqeQolywnV8Y7IaTxOiXNflSPRdxD1aogzD0A7fzAZ8BHvnQ-wrwnJeeCKVW4LnuitO/w640-h640/Christmas%20Charity%20pattern%202023%20Advent%20Stocking%20Mini%20Quilt%20with%20logo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Christmas is the time of year when we like to give a little something back and share our annual Christmas Charity Pattern. Our chosen charity this year is once again The Trussell Trust, who support a nationwide network of food banks across the UK and together they provide emergency food and support to those locked in poverty. We felt this year, the need for food banks is greater than ever. As always, whilst the festive pattern will be free as a little thank you from us to you, we would ask that, if at all possible, you could make a charity donation as well, this could then be used to help someone in need…. together we can make a difference. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/page/prettyfabricsandtrimschristmas2022" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="1500" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFSa3ZdAabQsE3nMQDERXsiRRw5Fknwh8lkttKvSph68GF3i3NI_SoNQALS02lsyl3CrzFQZv8hHkN6SfzViEWVSRBEYP8LMR81dikd4OwspTF2RSuVJXyJg2vPPlaLHdS7XkkT8bV0nJpVs9SBh8jI4J1m3gK7ffLB_2XIEruVoXWx5u0HG7yAym/w400-h64/Donate%20Here%20Button.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWk9f5cam-rBwi7qpz4I6m3JJCp97cB2bxfYvO2sTkTa_YxQFlt8molWW8vCLPJVM6FnnICh8FK4ewkpmaVJ7Qv7e7a4bn8hF035y2dtcSBZwLLBPDT2nKsqAjdppkOG7EBqoslFBha09b5QDmv5K8eBXrJDe_MbPvBJfAfPkXOrnLcoI1a5FkHmhD/s2400/Christmas%20Charity%20pattern%202023%20Advent%20Stocking%20Mini%20Quilt%209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="2400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWk9f5cam-rBwi7qpz4I6m3JJCp97cB2bxfYvO2sTkTa_YxQFlt8molWW8vCLPJVM6FnnICh8FK4ewkpmaVJ7Qv7e7a4bn8hF035y2dtcSBZwLLBPDT2nKsqAjdppkOG7EBqoslFBha09b5QDmv5K8eBXrJDe_MbPvBJfAfPkXOrnLcoI1a5FkHmhD/w640-h640/Christmas%20Charity%20pattern%202023%20Advent%20Stocking%20Mini%20Quilt%209.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvr-tG5BSYCHhpXPQkCK3izI0MIx-1dg7WLtB0Kj6iKbu9tp5n5I2a4eWlZN240semPfbDVplE-SuZ2C37S99j2lHOA06Aig2N480ySZ194A5jBxp_5M12QuqHtUqo2BmK-tH1jrR0BKCAlLuPLRg3VFo4TMQa5wl-811d5qcbuUnOemiczOM3ECsC/s2869/Christmas%20Charity%20pattern%202023%20Advent%20Stocking%20Mini%20Quilt%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2869" data-original-width="2869" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvr-tG5BSYCHhpXPQkCK3izI0MIx-1dg7WLtB0Kj6iKbu9tp5n5I2a4eWlZN240semPfbDVplE-SuZ2C37S99j2lHOA06Aig2N480ySZ194A5jBxp_5M12QuqHtUqo2BmK-tH1jrR0BKCAlLuPLRg3VFo4TMQa5wl-811d5qcbuUnOemiczOM3ECsC/w640-h640/Christmas%20Charity%20pattern%202023%20Advent%20Stocking%20Mini%20Quilt%205.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>This year, I have designed a little festive mini quilt, which includes a whole host of my favourite techniques for you to enjoy. The little mini quilt includes four little festive stockings, one to celebrate the meaning of each Sunday in Advent..... Hope, Peace, Love and Joy. You can either display it with all four stockings in one go or hang a little stocking on each Sunday in the lead up to Christmas. Advent this year begins on Sunday 27th November, which rather excitingly, is also when we'll start revealing the contents of this year's Advent Box!!!!!</p><p>I know some of you have already kindly asked, if we will be doing kits for this....I'm afraid not. I used fabrics from my stash to make mine and honestly, it's a perfect project for using those tiny precious scraps that you've been saving.</p><p>BEFORE STARTING Always Remember to:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Read all instructions before you begin.</li><li>RST means Right Sides Together.</li><li>All seam allowances are 1/4”.</li><li>FWOF means Full Width Of Fabric.</li><li>If you need any help, please do get in touch!</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>You will also need to print <a href="https://sites.create-cdn.net/sitefiles/56/6/4/566449/Christmas_Charity_Pattern_2022_Advent_Stocking_Mini_Quilt_Templates.pdf"><b>THIS SHEET</b></a>, which includes the embroidery and applique stocking templates that are required.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Let's gather your supplies.... you will need:</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaLIy__T6EObn6jr6eVvT9DyclwCu1Yne29cz62ei3APWxpkIgA7Po0OK6_r5qFA3EQ9IY_hCbhF7mg2-lJ_tI9hS3MlysJwqT_kBwQo42FS0RplkR48nAzW7BY33C3VZAAkQdtVGEkFup7N6gVh3N1t4BHBj6SXzS9cC_c5JqHbASe-HizwpXngl/s1521/Christmas%20Charity%20Pattern%202022%20cutting%20guide.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1521" data-original-width="1182" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaLIy__T6EObn6jr6eVvT9DyclwCu1Yne29cz62ei3APWxpkIgA7Po0OK6_r5qFA3EQ9IY_hCbhF7mg2-lJ_tI9hS3MlysJwqT_kBwQo42FS0RplkR48nAzW7BY33C3VZAAkQdtVGEkFup7N6gVh3N1t4BHBj6SXzS9cC_c5JqHbASe-HizwpXngl/s320/Christmas%20Charity%20Pattern%202022%20cutting%20guide.png" width="249" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>A selection of small scraps for the mini quilt as follows: </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>From Fabric <b>A</b> cut (1) 3 ½" x 4 ½ " rectangle</li><li>From fabric <b>B</b> cut (1) 1 ½" x 4 ½" rectangle</li><li>From fabric <b>C</b> cut (1) 1 ½" x 4 ½" rectangle</li><li>From fabric<b> D</b> cut (1) 1 ½" x 5 ½" rectangle</li><li>From fabric <b>E</b> cut (1) 1 ½" x 5 ½" rectangle</li><li>From fabric <b>F</b> cut (1) 1 ½" x 5 ½" rectangle</li><li>From fabric <b>G</b> cut (1) 1 ½" x 7 ½" rectangle</li><li>From fabric <b>H</b> cut (1) 1 ½" x 6 ½" rectangle</li><li>From fabric <b>I</b> cut (1) 1 ½" x 8 ½" rectangle</li><li>From fabric <b>J</b> cut (1) 1 ½" x 7 ½" rectangle</li></ul></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Festive fabric for the stockings, approx. 3" x 5" is required for each stocking</li><li>Felt for the stockings, approx. 6" square is required for each stocking</li><li>(3) ½" English Paper Pieced pre-cut hexie papers, plus fabric, a 2" x 6" piece</li><li>A 2 ½" x FWOF strip for the binding </li><li>A 9" x 11" piece of wadding/batting</li><li>An 11" x 13" piece of backing fabric</li><li>Threads for the embroidery, quilting and piecing.</li><li>Twine </li><li>(4) Buttons</li><li>(4) teeny Jingly Bells</li><li>Plus, all your favourite patchwork and quilting tools and notions</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">PIECING INSTRUCTIONS....Let’s get stitching!</h3><p>First off, we're going to piece the Log Cabin inspired background. With RST, stitch the fabric <b>A</b> rectangle to the fabric <b>B</b> rectangle. Press the stitches to 'set' them, then press the seam towards the fabric B rectangle. This unit should measure 4½ square.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRotmDmJ2ZrZhWZnB-RunPE8P84hh8_8YZ8YFsi0vEjkdwF7FKAGoIs1Sk18wMe9BDnXP-hCLrY6iDzbvZsO-E87s5xxk5KxzQebuo_BNxWu1ctyOPsDVx4V6TVL4zxh2gi6k8ASgt0rnY9VwQqG-_lzEx-2_nsYr4bqqQZdDuWRH6rM7qm8xZfNd/s847/Christmas%20Charity%20Pattern%202022%20step%201.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="847" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRotmDmJ2ZrZhWZnB-RunPE8P84hh8_8YZ8YFsi0vEjkdwF7FKAGoIs1Sk18wMe9BDnXP-hCLrY6iDzbvZsO-E87s5xxk5KxzQebuo_BNxWu1ctyOPsDVx4V6TVL4zxh2gi6k8ASgt0rnY9VwQqG-_lzEx-2_nsYr4bqqQZdDuWRH6rM7qm8xZfNd/w111-h89/Christmas%20Charity%20Pattern%202022%20step%201.png" width="111" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><p>Then, with RST add the fabric <b>C</b> rectangle, as shown below. Press the stitches to 'set' them, then press the seam towards the fabric <b>C</b> rectangle. This unit should measure 4 ½” x 5 ½”. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68zSUaxTI1bX49Kx8h7Vlbbs5kG-_7zOZ7yYdWizgO0c1KxlKT9pgQgjTVjGEMvmr381H1nqhP-87K-S9B3pXsUc3tLPS4N-4XufN-fPNiQpPgPB2822yrySQGAOuGyZT5PJLvkbPaPf9DUjc0r1snGYfbpXfgXM1Drsx0mrJ6Ic84Rr0FF3Vbpgb/s1028/Christmas%20Charity%20Pattern%202022%20step%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="679" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68zSUaxTI1bX49Kx8h7Vlbbs5kG-_7zOZ7yYdWizgO0c1KxlKT9pgQgjTVjGEMvmr381H1nqhP-87K-S9B3pXsUc3tLPS4N-4XufN-fPNiQpPgPB2822yrySQGAOuGyZT5PJLvkbPaPf9DUjc0r1snGYfbpXfgXM1Drsx0mrJ6Ic84Rr0FF3Vbpgb/w85-h128/Christmas%20Charity%20Pattern%202022%20step%202.png" width="85" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Then add the fabric <b>D</b> rectangle as shown below. Press the stitches to 'set' them, then press the seam towards the fabric <b>D</b> rectangle. This unit should measure 5 ½” x 5 ½”. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14vZbf-iBPbpFfYQ7IiqHVMn4gOTYkut6A1j2WO2LPuWAi0nmkGWiusFgE08m_XqD5hDb3tBAZhIDbl0gqgFC7Gt70h5Q55wlYIX_bVP319b1k4Ij_6qG6ETQBnOWyK8YmwvJbc3MrCJ2Xb9LasHdBEVUjCT5_M1SNV_5ahAc78p6B9WI8YvBf8rR/s981/Christmas%20Charity%20Pattern%202022%20step3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="981" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14vZbf-iBPbpFfYQ7IiqHVMn4gOTYkut6A1j2WO2LPuWAi0nmkGWiusFgE08m_XqD5hDb3tBAZhIDbl0gqgFC7Gt70h5Q55wlYIX_bVP319b1k4Ij_6qG6ETQBnOWyK8YmwvJbc3MrCJ2Xb9LasHdBEVUjCT5_M1SNV_5ahAc78p6B9WI8YvBf8rR/w132-h115/Christmas%20Charity%20Pattern%202022%20step3.png" width="132" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Next add the fabric <b>E</b> rectangle and continue to build the ‘cabin’ pressing the seam toward to the newest rectangle addition until you have added the fabric <b>J</b> rectangle and the block is complete.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2moZdMPelTF0x5nx28Xf_iC4X3ibF-R2GY_S2X2c804SQeZWgj6ppo3v7JxVnShgoTDXGJMQtzVJCumfiqTQa-AShdZPlJOLwnXeLujNYydyjZMbVpHcgCqtuiExXYytC7lfF7hPW870fwjloMiR76gw2hYWTcqPwXXeZoxqmU1rceCOANbTK63Hg/s4500/Christmas%20Charity%20Pattern%202022%20step%204.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="4500" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2moZdMPelTF0x5nx28Xf_iC4X3ibF-R2GY_S2X2c804SQeZWgj6ppo3v7JxVnShgoTDXGJMQtzVJCumfiqTQa-AShdZPlJOLwnXeLujNYydyjZMbVpHcgCqtuiExXYytC7lfF7hPW870fwjloMiR76gw2hYWTcqPwXXeZoxqmU1rceCOANbTK63Hg/w640-h134/Christmas%20Charity%20Pattern%202022%20step%204.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The completed log Cabin block should measure 7 ½” x 9 ½".</p><p><br /></p><p>At this point, I added three ½" English Paper Pieced hexies, which I had sewed together into a row and embellished them with some little embroidery details on each. <a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2016/08/a-little-happy-tutorial-english-paper.html" target="_blank">You can find a 'little happy' hexie tutorial HERE.</a> But, if you don't have any papers to hand or if EPP isn't your thing, this would be the perfect spot for a snippet of your favourite ribbon or lace. <a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2017/09/a-little-happy-tutorial-how-to-make.html">Alternatively, you could make a pretty label from a festive fabric, just like I did in this 'little happy' tutorial HERE.</a></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj985SQXylfHO8SUgJy3a9AdFMUKUgo45N8nNl67F7BPoWffQZFDe9JAQ4lsIBhgsw2o5hCB5_z6OuAjypJoONMvTzwa7f_RCpgXSjowxUg-hCmZgSWsh1Y7oPrEOKbx8qMtj-SoMV33Oh6U3unCIzzmI0CKob9kJW9F_UBFKw08MP93ig-A1pMPp8u/s3024/Christmas%20Charity%20pattern%202023%20Advent%20Stocking%20Mini%20Quilt%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj985SQXylfHO8SUgJy3a9AdFMUKUgo45N8nNl67F7BPoWffQZFDe9JAQ4lsIBhgsw2o5hCB5_z6OuAjypJoONMvTzwa7f_RCpgXSjowxUg-hCmZgSWsh1Y7oPrEOKbx8qMtj-SoMV33Oh6U3unCIzzmI0CKob9kJW9F_UBFKw08MP93ig-A1pMPp8u/w640-h640/Christmas%20Charity%20pattern%202023%20Advent%20Stocking%20Mini%20Quilt%207.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Next, sandwich the batting/wadding between the backing fabric and the quilt top. Baste. I use a spray glue baste but you can pin or tack the three layers together, ready for quilting. </p><p>I had a lovely time hand quilting using Aurifil 12 wt thread #2311, with of course my favourite <a href="https://www.prettyfabricsandtrims.co.uk/ourshop/prod_7597354-Sarahs-Favourite-Needles-for-Big-Stitch-Hand-Quilting.html">Big Stitch hand quilting needle</a>, however, feel free to machine quilt if you prefer! I added a grid 'on point' on the fabric <b>A</b> rectangle spaced at ½ apart. I shadow quilted around the hexies. Finally, I added horizonal and vertical lines, both on top of and 'in the ditch' to accentuate the log cabin block fabrics. Once quilted, trim away the excess batting & backing. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnR_iLqcrkk-2uW6-Ni2U43BntrtrMv3WbN7bF5GJhy3Y6iC04Poekfv8PJB5LNk3U3rO19M5uY66jHgOt5jM_K_Rq8S3B2aBbcvlUuXVR1w_JSr6vcaw3prlh_xCPmXh-8KgvpaEerYpP8-SwIjLbLyJlmHFBR_vm2b7O-x8zmcsTEebPi8WdPpIr/s3024/Christmas%20Charity%20pattern%202022%20hand%20quilting%20%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnR_iLqcrkk-2uW6-Ni2U43BntrtrMv3WbN7bF5GJhy3Y6iC04Poekfv8PJB5LNk3U3rO19M5uY66jHgOt5jM_K_Rq8S3B2aBbcvlUuXVR1w_JSr6vcaw3prlh_xCPmXh-8KgvpaEerYpP8-SwIjLbLyJlmHFBR_vm2b7O-x8zmcsTEebPi8WdPpIr/w640-h640/Christmas%20Charity%20pattern%202022%20hand%20quilting%20%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>To complete the mini quilt section of the project, add the binding and finally, the four little buttons for the stockings to hang on. I positioned mine 4" from the top and the two outer buttons were 1" from either side with the middle two buttons, spaced evenly in between. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNBjmr3iinvyn9GUaVQzLOeTBMgn14OVGp_Jtwu3-Zu2RAlyrAWrxK8bgOo155STUnYpqbX523caqEGnojGT5zxDsn1Zh0ZxcM2VyQDDJUbZXrqI9eEE6-cwRHS95bdwrvUCP7ZS4QGu7iezAkLh-2qEa0kZd47HvMZ7fr5QbMOCMWNfS9mjhZWSS/s3024/Christmas%20Charity%20pattern%202022%20hand%20quilting%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNBjmr3iinvyn9GUaVQzLOeTBMgn14OVGp_Jtwu3-Zu2RAlyrAWrxK8bgOo155STUnYpqbX523caqEGnojGT5zxDsn1Zh0ZxcM2VyQDDJUbZXrqI9eEE6-cwRHS95bdwrvUCP7ZS4QGu7iezAkLh-2qEa0kZd47HvMZ7fr5QbMOCMWNfS9mjhZWSS/w640-h640/Christmas%20Charity%20pattern%202022%20hand%20quilting%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The four little stockings were great fun to make. Don't forget you will need to print the template sheet which you can find <a href="https://sites.create-cdn.net/sitefiles/56/6/4/566449/Christmas_Charity_Pattern_2022_Advent_Stocking_Mini_Quilt_Templates.pdf">HERE</a>. Start off by transferring the stocking outline onto your chosen fabric. Then, add the text to each one. You can use a light box to do this or <a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2013/10/how-i-transfer-embroidery-pattern.html">DO IT LIKE THIS.</a></p><p>Stitch the lettering in Back Stitch with a single strand separated from the main strand of floss in my needle or use whichever stitch is your favourite.</p><p>Once embroidered, cut out the stockings adding on a scant 1/4" seam allowance. Then applique the stocking to a piece of felt. <a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2018/10/a-little-happy-tutorial-needle-turn.html">I chose to needle turn, which you can find a 'little happy' tutorial for HERE.</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVg2EJmml2RhEukNWLLKNJiB7M0BtO9sDjVnLmdj6or4BLRuZg_yixIL0u536VOxjEegisY4pkMlkcYCAZo6aD4Nl44U1aL4lCDJniJzzExfz8eSO5J1HHxzZ-uFLCv1mRRFkClHekvZ0YDjC_QeP_V8uG1P5c6v1j4Eu-MXFq06L0BriJGoIKXR8G/s3024/Christmas%20Charity%20pattern%202023%20Advent%20Stocking%20Mini%20Quilt%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVg2EJmml2RhEukNWLLKNJiB7M0BtO9sDjVnLmdj6or4BLRuZg_yixIL0u536VOxjEegisY4pkMlkcYCAZo6aD4Nl44U1aL4lCDJniJzzExfz8eSO5J1HHxzZ-uFLCv1mRRFkClHekvZ0YDjC_QeP_V8uG1P5c6v1j4Eu-MXFq06L0BriJGoIKXR8G/w640-h640/Christmas%20Charity%20pattern%202023%20Advent%20Stocking%20Mini%20Quilt%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once appliqued, cut them out again adding on a scant 1/4" seam allowance all round. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiF_JaFOzIxkwI2MOhsHsV-03oRzF247J6LQcRPtsX517234OXiVKtaPU2_BJny6VagioH8Rz1-sJEsdJbvYe9wefXFNb4Db0X-bq3gMIDghvFaotiVlCef7zjX_REV3BtQ5_CBduezo7FGLv46x64HTYI6rcYfwPM-jzMVW8M4AGdS0DyMukguVmp/s2872/Christmas%20Charity%20pattern%202023%20Advent%20Stocking%20Mini%20Quilt%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2872" data-original-width="2872" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiF_JaFOzIxkwI2MOhsHsV-03oRzF247J6LQcRPtsX517234OXiVKtaPU2_BJny6VagioH8Rz1-sJEsdJbvYe9wefXFNb4Db0X-bq3gMIDghvFaotiVlCef7zjX_REV3BtQ5_CBduezo7FGLv46x64HTYI6rcYfwPM-jzMVW8M4AGdS0DyMukguVmp/w640-h640/Christmas%20Charity%20pattern%202023%20Advent%20Stocking%20Mini%20Quilt%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Then, using the trimmed appliqued front stocking as a template, cut a matching back piece from the felt.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Next, make a little loop from a 6"piece of twine. If you find it easier using a longer piece of twine and trim the tails once you've created your loop. I simply folded the twine in half and knotted the end, then using off white thread and tiny little stitches, secured it to the wrong side* of the back piece. *i.e the side that will be sandwiched in the centre of the stocking when you sew the back piece to the appliqued front. <i>A 'little happy' tip....to keep things neat, make sure all your start and end knots are on the wrong side too.</i></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, with WST sew the back piece and appliqued front piece together using off white thread and Blanket Stitch. I couldn't resist adding a teeny jingle bell to each stocking!</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9ocEP9SU4rUCDCNv5YX2KumWRlez-uOuyokjBJmBQs_1S9E_ai-wAJRuatGNL05Q0Lep2tSdEikXI4h_WgQDYhzg6geLhlhBpdvJDiuGOhlcsUy9NDAUGM3veO1um6rg-dC0Loqs1sU4XOQU5mnHWJWblG8R75xIWIvGxckgDsWfZcSXTX6iWHXD/s2768/Christmas%20Charity%20pattern%202023%20Advent%20Stocking%20Mini%20Quilt%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2768" data-original-width="2768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9ocEP9SU4rUCDCNv5YX2KumWRlez-uOuyokjBJmBQs_1S9E_ai-wAJRuatGNL05Q0Lep2tSdEikXI4h_WgQDYhzg6geLhlhBpdvJDiuGOhlcsUy9NDAUGM3veO1um6rg-dC0Loqs1sU4XOQU5mnHWJWblG8R75xIWIvGxckgDsWfZcSXTX6iWHXD/w640-h640/Christmas%20Charity%20pattern%202023%20Advent%20Stocking%20Mini%20Quilt%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>To complete my Advent Stocking Mini Quilt, I added some loops of twine to the back of mini quilt, I simply folded two lengths of twine in half and secured with some little stitches at the fold just under the binding. I then tied the Mini Quilt onto a little twiggy branch from the garden and added a further hanging loop...I'm all set for Advent! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bkH6g7JSb9fkxBys5htTYvfypJffBNrjsKc_MT7JGt7X48C3k-sT3oTY88k8r6xP7eWyBr_D1J03fWQbNH-me24aFHQZcnTSjhBnEeoTK7Sx75GQP0F2fSji9geMeh6jK0zY0mNMyo4lCVzGcqRKEnR3CrPdPef9I82KKni-BYixfY814-yXPxEO/s3024/Christmas%20Charity%20pattern%202022%20back.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bkH6g7JSb9fkxBys5htTYvfypJffBNrjsKc_MT7JGt7X48C3k-sT3oTY88k8r6xP7eWyBr_D1J03fWQbNH-me24aFHQZcnTSjhBnEeoTK7Sx75GQP0F2fSji9geMeh6jK0zY0mNMyo4lCVzGcqRKEnR3CrPdPef9I82KKni-BYixfY814-yXPxEO/w640-h640/Christmas%20Charity%20pattern%202022%20back.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I hope that you enjoy making your own Advent Stocking Mini Quilt. I can not wait to see your festive versions. Please use the hashtags so I can take a peek: </p><p><br /></p><h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">#CHRISTMASATPFT #PRETTYFABRICSANDTRIMS</span></h1><p><br /></p><p>Finally, please remember if you can, to make a donation and help make a huge difference to someone in need.........</p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/page/prettyfabricsandtrimschristmas2022" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="1500" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQdbZ7WrVCnRV-0fPQMhWRAQ8HY2PFLTDXMfIVT7ZmXnsqbQvmWgosMj0C3E5sV1dSHmSjlb8aVS3DNdXrrsXKKwc7GePnjcJ-nKctY1yh0mHmP-CK3H7EdfchYAbyelfR4jXblrdJioeouetDSc8j-KVz88s3xoC4umiztQzBlibZ7X6FO4LmzKc/w640-h102/Donate%20Here%20Button.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Very best wishes and festive happy stitches,</p><p>Sarah xo</p></div>A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-17087105229880337692022-09-30T13:06:00.001+01:002022-09-30T13:06:58.044+01:00A FREE 'little happy' Felt Pumpkin Pin Cushion Pattern<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRSD4MgRzmZLyqYYQd-6n0KEdvyCcfrdPDWBG_GBUvd6DyYR1NM6ql6C7tOW_1U-tpqp-ychQeahYCJNEfaCUWV5zu8igXGqWxLaKsocsMScskf1L4sMej8l8lSEGhEtTpncRZrpxRK1Jjiw6ZMt1wOCGemaxRUlO3xJ1B0fn_b6CJ6-8wAO5YQPA/s3023/Secret%20Squirrel%20Stitch%20Society%20Autumn%202021%20Pumpkin%20Pincushion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3023" data-original-width="3023" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRSD4MgRzmZLyqYYQd-6n0KEdvyCcfrdPDWBG_GBUvd6DyYR1NM6ql6C7tOW_1U-tpqp-ychQeahYCJNEfaCUWV5zu8igXGqWxLaKsocsMScskf1L4sMej8l8lSEGhEtTpncRZrpxRK1Jjiw6ZMt1wOCGemaxRUlO3xJ1B0fn_b6CJ6-8wAO5YQPA/w640-h640/Secret%20Squirrel%20Stitch%20Society%20Autumn%202021%20Pumpkin%20Pincushion.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /><div>Today is our monthly newsletter day, so please forgive me if you've read that and are now here and for the little duplication of information! </div><div><p>This time last year, in our seasonal Secret Squirrel Stitch Society Autumn box, the 'little happy' extra was a felt pin cushion in the shape of a pumpkin. I used those dinky Baby Boo white pumpkins as the inspiration for mine. Once made though, I did think how lovely a whole basket full of them would look, or perhaps another with some pretty embroidery details decorating the sides. I did have the very best of intentions of making many more....it's not quite happened as of yet, but you never know, I might find that magic hour when I can indulge myself!</p><p>As I have said many times before, we really do appreciate every order that we get from you and every time someone subscribes to one of our clubs. However, we do appreciate that in the current financial climate, it's not always possible to do so. Mum (Penny), Andy and I, were talking about this whilst we were packing Advent boxes this week (<i>did you see how I casually dropped that in..... hands up who's excited...they'll be shipping throughout next week</i>) and we decided it would be a nice thing to do, to release the Pumpkin Pin Cushion as a FREE pattern, so it could be enjoyed by all.</p><p>So, if you would like to make one, you can download and print the FREE pattern <a href="https://sites.create-cdn.net/sitefiles/56/6/4/566449/FREE_Felt_Pumpkin_Pin_Cushion_Instructions.pdf">HERE</a>.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPplqgR9UuFxpv3WNFawRM-q5pJw3YEOHk9LveX2kXTob3Sd6IBI1o51AoNKKtKObQzJQnu8orTFGwCuFeKpR_LW-4W8qT-C7Sze9l-P4GewAWJzpdsmU-91MZj3Yko__gYARN_hIUUU2vXvKyrDik14r-_dRx3ImtVxhCiwVOZFYvjVGxG-TjR1QA/s2827/Secret%20Squirrel%20Stitch%20Society%20Autumn%202021%20Pumpkin%20Pincushion%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2827" data-original-width="2827" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPplqgR9UuFxpv3WNFawRM-q5pJw3YEOHk9LveX2kXTob3Sd6IBI1o51AoNKKtKObQzJQnu8orTFGwCuFeKpR_LW-4W8qT-C7Sze9l-P4GewAWJzpdsmU-91MZj3Yko__gYARN_hIUUU2vXvKyrDik14r-_dRx3ImtVxhCiwVOZFYvjVGxG-TjR1QA/w640-h640/Secret%20Squirrel%20Stitch%20Society%20Autumn%202021%20Pumpkin%20Pincushion%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyJyVxYI8hH8eIs5XwsAieW6DoaFdRse8sJZRwN_cAMA1hPdQvOBXJSRo4c_nzpRn_jcvMBJgpvBuFh8FDMNyCdCPFgAiQFpxXRYsa_Vqq8tRxB4RmoTPyBOlUh5UJTLRkX3slCRoxnDTf61FGt5PSF2P3aEG8seIXMK7B3uTtzGAt7g_i9EkVsYJ/s2905/Secret%20Squirrel%20Stitch%20Society%20Autumn%202021%20Pumpkin%20Pincushion%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2905" data-original-width="2905" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyJyVxYI8hH8eIs5XwsAieW6DoaFdRse8sJZRwN_cAMA1hPdQvOBXJSRo4c_nzpRn_jcvMBJgpvBuFh8FDMNyCdCPFgAiQFpxXRYsa_Vqq8tRxB4RmoTPyBOlUh5UJTLRkX3slCRoxnDTf61FGt5PSF2P3aEG8seIXMK7B3uTtzGAt7g_i9EkVsYJ/w640-h640/Secret%20Squirrel%20Stitch%20Society%20Autumn%202021%20Pumpkin%20Pincushion%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wishing you lots of happy stitches!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sarah xo</div><p></p></div>A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-27032513356142227262022-06-03T08:44:00.003+01:002022-06-03T08:44:36.417+01:00Platinum Jubilee Weekend ~ A FREE Union Jack Heart 'little happy' Embroidery Pattern<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNPxmNAi2L2t3loN3UBPtKCvDJx4o14a9J744PRdmDbQhCosDG5Ibk80ddD2s02JcCSgSlF5l9ShnZDYfCxbJjJY0pDJ7PP_roxDozqM9pSNMe1Z01f7UaO7GBzCOFfSC-TvAEK2lsO0zTsT-pSneZ_OdBka-fG0OZd9VPUF0GlxAcwJx4KFtnM2i/s2841/Union%20Jack%20Heart%20Photo%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2841" data-original-width="2841" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNPxmNAi2L2t3loN3UBPtKCvDJx4o14a9J744PRdmDbQhCosDG5Ibk80ddD2s02JcCSgSlF5l9ShnZDYfCxbJjJY0pDJ7PP_roxDozqM9pSNMe1Z01f7UaO7GBzCOFfSC-TvAEK2lsO0zTsT-pSneZ_OdBka-fG0OZd9VPUF0GlxAcwJx4KFtnM2i/w640-h640/Union%20Jack%20Heart%20Photo%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>As we enjoy our wonderful Queens Platinum Jubilee, it occurred to me that you may enjoy some celebratory happy stitches. Originally included on my #sewalittlehappinesseveryday sampler, I thought that this Union Jack heart would be a perfect and a fun stitch this weekend!</p><p>You can download the FREE pattern on our website <a href="https://sites.create-cdn.net/sitefiles/56/6/4/566449/Union_Jack_Heart_Instructions.pdf">HERE.</a></p><p>Wishing you lots of happy stitches,</p><p>Sarah xo</p>A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-62902919339457846842021-12-01T08:14:00.004+00:002021-12-06T08:05:15.612+00:00Christmas Charity Pattern 2021 ~ Noel Embroidery<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BJvpSzEXB9Q/YacjA5LC1BI/AAAAAAAAJR0/2FkX-HOBo4E-Dm4GOVzZEKX43yckhn4WACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/2021%2BNoel%2BEmbroidery%2Bcharity%2Bembroidery%2Bpattern.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BJvpSzEXB9Q/YacjA5LC1BI/AAAAAAAAJR0/2FkX-HOBo4E-Dm4GOVzZEKX43yckhn4WACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/2021%2BNoel%2BEmbroidery%2Bcharity%2Bembroidery%2Bpattern.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello everyone. As promised in our newsletter last week, today I am sharing this years Charity Pattern. As we sit down to enjoy our Christmas dinner, we know that not everyone will be as fortunate. So, our chosen charity this year is The Trussell Trust, who support a nationwide network of food banks across the UK and together they provide emergency food and support to those locked in poverty. The embroidery pattern will be free as a little thank you from us to you, but we would ask that if at all possible, you could make a charity donation as well, this could then be used to help someone in need…. together we can make a difference. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/PrettyFabricsandTrimsChristmas2021" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="1500" height="64" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-csEbDNxd2wQ/YaYWcQ84uZI/AAAAAAAAJRc/7fcah0i28xwZGZZYjrt6SXKjI9I5ajbXQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h64/Donate%2BHere%2BButton.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also just wanted to say a special thank you to everyone who has already made a donation on the back of the newsletter before I had even shared the pattern, it is very much appreciated!</div><p></p><p>This year, I have designed a little festive embroidery for you to stitch. You can download and print the pattern <a href="https://sites.create-cdn.net/sitefiles/56/6/4/566449/Christmas_2021_Charity_Noel_Embroidery_Pattern.pdf">HERE</a>.</p><p>You will need to transfer the pattern to your fabric, <a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2013/10/how-i-transfer-embroidery-pattern.html">HERE's how I do it</a>.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xkIoszkYgkM/YaYVlaUxafI/AAAAAAAAJRM/ixZmHRn0m5s_LL2nibqyFZgaK3Z-YnQFACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Noel%2BEmbroidery%2BHanger%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xkIoszkYgkM/YaYVlaUxafI/AAAAAAAAJRM/ixZmHRn0m5s_LL2nibqyFZgaK3Z-YnQFACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Noel%2BEmbroidery%2BHanger%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I stitched my embroidery using DMC Embroidery threads with 2 strands separated from the main strand of floss in my needle. I used the following colours:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Letters ~ #762</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Holly Leaves ~ #520</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Holly Berries & Bow ~ #816</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ivy ~ #3052</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mistletoe ~ #3023</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mistletoe Berries ~ Blanc</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fir Branch ~ #3022</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's a little stitch guide for you, but feel free to substitute for your favourite stitches......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nl5uM2TujXc/Ya3EL_O_SQI/AAAAAAAAJSM/ZIV5Ucjbfdgd7NkWdJgsDSuWcOG6q4Q9gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Noel%2BEmbroidery%2Bthread%2Band%2Bstitch%2Bguide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nl5uM2TujXc/Ya3EL_O_SQI/AAAAAAAAJSM/ZIV5Ucjbfdgd7NkWdJgsDSuWcOG6q4Q9gCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Noel%2BEmbroidery%2Bthread%2Band%2Bstitch%2Bguide.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made my embroidery into a little decorative hanger, with the addition of some jingly bells, as I have the perfect spot in my kitchen to hang it next weekend when we put up our Christmas decorations. But equally, it would look lovely at the centre of a cushion, may be with some contrasting fabrics either side or on a Christmas stocking..... ohhh the possibilities!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can not wait to see what you make. Please use the hashtag so I can take a peek: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><b>#CHRISTMASATPFT</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bRaZQksyRZ8/YaYVoKjcfLI/AAAAAAAAJRQ/4qhLAHRI7a4hBAGSIEJO5Oc0aSBvcjPJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Noel%2BEmbroidery%2BHanger%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bRaZQksyRZ8/YaYVoKjcfLI/AAAAAAAAJRQ/4qhLAHRI7a4hBAGSIEJO5Oc0aSBvcjPJQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Noel%2BEmbroidery%2BHanger%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Finally, please remember if you can, to make a donation, and help make a huge difference to someone in need.........</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/PrettyFabricsandTrimsChristmas2021" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="1500" height="64" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDaQAl4rgUI/YaYjz_FEksI/AAAAAAAAJRs/T_N1qZ7QHtgt9_hjUuirJjTGTi6ZWqVFACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h64/Donate%2BHere%2BButton.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Very best wishes and festive happy stitches,</p><p>Sarah xo</p><p><br /></p>A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-63346306174508575692021-03-10T14:47:00.002+00:002021-12-19T07:41:53.774+00:00Exciting news!<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NvVUZdrna1A/YEjXf6B2mWI/AAAAAAAAJAA/VSj7D551sjIPCrJSdRA6IvwtLZLP0NJ7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/newsletter%2Bphoto.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NvVUZdrna1A/YEjXf6B2mWI/AAAAAAAAJAA/VSj7D551sjIPCrJSdRA6IvwtLZLP0NJ7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/newsletter%2Bphoto.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Hello all, as I write this newsletter I am home alone (well except for the dog) for the first time since Christmas. Both my children are finally back at school. My son Jamie has been going in to school on and off to help with COVID testing, but Poppy, my youngest, returned for the first time today. </p><p></p><p>I can not believe it's almost a year, since COVID changed our lives. Both mum and I are so very grateful for all your support in this unprecedented time and for keeping us SO busy! We are extremely proud that we have kept up with your orders and all our subscription parcels have been posted on schedule.... but I must confess that we have been flagging this last month...I don't know about you, but we have both found lockdown in the winter more unsettling and challenging than the first lockdown last year. However, there is much excitement and good news here at Pretty Fabrics and Trims HQ.....</p><p>It had always been the plan that at some stage Andy, my husband would join the business, however in view of how busy we have been and the future plans we have, we have brought things forward and Andy will be joining the business next week....woohoo! Andy spent 30 years serving in the RAF and subsequently has continued working in the aviation business but as a civilian, so it's certainly going to be a change for him. But as regular readers will know, as a family business, he's been helping us out when he could for a number of years and he is really looking forward to this new chapter! </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MmmSyUpR5AA/YEjXpHw0m4I/AAAAAAAAJAI/aXW7RLcO8z4etIUOJy04n2wfWvyhX7z0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/little%2Bhouse%2Bmini%2Bquilt%2BIMG_1220%2B%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MmmSyUpR5AA/YEjXpHw0m4I/AAAAAAAAJAI/aXW7RLcO8z4etIUOJy04n2wfWvyhX7z0QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/little%2Bhouse%2Bmini%2Bquilt%2BIMG_1220%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MDyytz-flI/YEjXtTpBYZI/AAAAAAAAJAM/bni8ryJPSJAC9h3Eg-6AqRUujGKAdbuJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/%2523sewalittlehappinesseveryday%2Bwinter%2Bsampler%2Bcomplete%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MDyytz-flI/YEjXtTpBYZI/AAAAAAAAJAM/bni8ryJPSJAC9h3Eg-6AqRUujGKAdbuJQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/%2523sewalittlehappinesseveryday%2Bwinter%2Bsampler%2Bcomplete%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can imagine, as soon as we made the decision for Andy to join us, my To Do list and Future Plans list tripled in size...however the first thing that we will be doing is restocking the Little House Mini Quilt Kit and the #sewalittlehappiness Winter Sampler Kits. Pinky promise, we will have both of these back in stock by the end of next week. We'll then work through all the other out of stock kits as quickly as we can.</div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mPS2ACfDFc/YEjXhlW08qI/AAAAAAAAJAE/ya24XZAl8YoZEWuRzh1crOGoPRlzOaL-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Embroidery%2Bbox%2Bsneaky%2Bpeek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mPS2ACfDFc/YEjXhlW08qI/AAAAAAAAJAE/ya24XZAl8YoZEWuRzh1crOGoPRlzOaL-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Embroidery%2Bbox%2Bsneaky%2Bpeek.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">We're very conscious that no business can stand still, so we wanted to share today, some of our hopes and plans for our business. One of the things that we have been asked for on a regular basis, is video tutorials to support the existing 'little happy' tutorials on the blog. With this in mind, Andy and I enrolled on a fabulous film making course in January and we have been busy filming every thing that moves in our house..... who knew that pouring a cup of tea and slowing it down could be so much fun! </p><p style="text-align: left;">We will be releasing our first series of 'little happy' video tutorials this Spring which we will be sharing for free on our You Tube channel. We're starting with Hand Embroidery and I plan to work through all my 'go to' stitches. The grand plan is, that we will eventually be making short films for all my favourite 'happy stitches'... think English Paper Piecing, Needleturn Applique and Hand Quilting. We're going to keep them all deliberately quite short, with one stitch covered per video, so they are there for you as a quick reference point should you need it and you can expect lots of slow motion and close up shots! Dec 21 Edited to add: after a whirl of a year the first videos are now available on our You Tube channel <a href="http://here.">here.</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">To support the new video series, I am currently writing a little happy 'booklet' of sorts. It will include instructions for all my favourite hand embroidery stitches, included with it will be a 'practice' Embroidery Stitch sampler, which is pre-printed on to our lovely embroidery linen, which we use in all our kits, plus embroidery threads. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I am also working on second new kit which will be for a pretty filled heart embroidery, this will have everything that you need to turn the completed heart embroidery in to a sweet little wall hanging, including a lovely wire display hanger. </p><p style="text-align: left;">You will see me working on the sampler in the 'little happy' hand embroidery video tutorials.</p><p style="text-align: left;">As I am sure you can appreciate there is a lot of work to do to make all these things happen, so I'm afraid pre-orders are not available just yet. But, we will as soon as we have a realistic and achievable completion date for everything, let you know. Equally, I'll let you know when the first 'little happy' video is available to view.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Gosh... I could go on for ages and I haven't even mentioned festive boxes...but even I, as a girl who loves to plan, thinks March is far too early to be having such thoughts!</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOiPVVUQYaM/YEjXwGWjqGI/AAAAAAAAJAU/seNNCOO5hRUTgbgMVHV885wncVorrcUkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/%2523sewalittlehappinesseveryday%2Bwinter%2Bsampler%2Bcomplete%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOiPVVUQYaM/YEjXwGWjqGI/AAAAAAAAJAU/seNNCOO5hRUTgbgMVHV885wncVorrcUkQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/%2523sewalittlehappinesseveryday%2Bwinter%2Bsampler%2Bcomplete%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Finally, thank you so much again for all your ongoing support, it really is very much appreciated by both mum and I!</div><p></p><div>Very best wishes and happy stitches</div><div>Sarah xo</div>A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-61556070194770496732020-12-20T09:11:00.003+00:002020-12-20T09:11:55.086+00:00Christmas Charity Pattern ~ Advent Felt Christmas Decorations ~ Week 4<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdS_GEZgsZ4/X7-mKIbr-UI/AAAAAAAAI7M/s2m3FwHyZkwgWzd-iBpBnLcrbCRds5fvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Charity%2BAdvent%2Bdecorations%2BWeek%2B4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdS_GEZgsZ4/X7-mKIbr-UI/AAAAAAAAI7M/s2m3FwHyZkwgWzd-iBpBnLcrbCRds5fvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Charity%2BAdvent%2Bdecorations%2BWeek%2B4.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Welcome to week 4 our final week of our <span style="text-align: center;">#alittlehappysewalong<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> </span>to </span>make a set of pretty felt Advent decorations using our Christmas Charity Pattern. </p><p>Coronavirus has greatly impacted on ALL our lives this year and has without doubt effected us all in different ways, for many causing moments of anxiety and uncertainty. For those already living with mental health problems, it has been a particularly difficult year. With Christmas approaching, the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic will be ongoing.</p><p>I have always believed that having a needle and thread in my hands contributes enormously to my general well being. With this in mind I have designed a pretty set of Christmas Advent Felt decorations. On each of the four Sundays throughout Advent, I will be sharing the instructions and templates on our blog (alittlehappyplace.blogspot.co.uk), to make 6 little decorations, 24 ornaments in total. </p><p>The pattern is free, BUT if at all possible, on this occasion we are also asking you to make a small charity donation to MIND through our Just Giving page... please give as much as you can... even £2 can make a difference! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pretty-fabrics-and-trims" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="1500" height="102" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AObQb20g2DM/X76VUUk8UWI/AAAAAAAAI5U/M3sTMrloFv4HilvBaxpfSNfr3p_t7ubogCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h102/Donate%2BHere%2BButton.png" width="640" /></a></p><div>So far we have raised an AMAZING £1118!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>You can find the pattern for the first six decoration in last weeks post <a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2020/11/christmas-charity-pattern-advent-felt.html">HERE</a>, plus there is a list of supplies required and detailed instructions for how to stitch and finish the decorations. The second set of decorations can be found <a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2020/12/christmas-charity-pattern-advent-felt.html">HERE</a> and the third set <a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2020/12/christmas-charity-pattern-advent-felt_13.html">HERE</a>. So, without further ado, here's how I stitched this weeks ornaments. </div><div><h3 style="clear: both;"><b>LETS GETS STITCHING!</b></h3></div><div>First, you will need to print off the week 4 template sheet, which you can do so <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/189opfD9QHtEWBnYmhFYGMO17bF8Dr-Y1/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>This week, we're going to make a robin, a toadstool, a Christmas tree, a reindeer, a tomte and a sprig of holly. Below is a breakdown of the order in which I made each one, then complete, using the construction instructions from week 1.</div><div><br /></div><div>ROBIN ~ First applique the robin shape, followed by the red breast. Then add the wing, securing with Over Stitch across the top edge only. Next, applique the heart to the wing. You could if you wish add a little button or embroider an eye.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9fBoq7urbo/X7-mh0GtBeI/AAAAAAAAI7U/Sgf7i0V6W2YPGAualanjk3Xre3DVTHPpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9fBoq7urbo/X7-mh0GtBeI/AAAAAAAAI7U/Sgf7i0V6W2YPGAualanjk3Xre3DVTHPpQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>TOADSTOOL ~ First applique the main toadstool shape. Then, applique the cap, adding a scattering of white French Knots. Finally, add some straight stitches from the top of the stem to the base of the cap, radiating in a fan shape.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VxLHx8gYSUE/X7-mkhEyXBI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/5uEDmWelGukbGazJO8EnJT2Gj3Yg7EHxACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VxLHx8gYSUE/X7-mkhEyXBI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/5uEDmWelGukbGazJO8EnJT2Gj3Yg7EHxACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">CHRISTMAS TREE ~ First applique the tree shape, then add then decorate with Cross Stitch 'twinkly lights'.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ui2GfubU6Ag/X7-mm_DcndI/AAAAAAAAI7c/tZOJoyLGE4IdJ7gKtTRHHPOh8Ip7yofzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ui2GfubU6Ag/X7-mm_DcndI/AAAAAAAAI7c/tZOJoyLGE4IdJ7gKtTRHHPOh8Ip7yofzQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">REINDEER ~ First applique the reindeer shape. Then, add the heart to the centre. For Rudolph, add a teeny red button or little red circle for his nose.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HufID4AS5YI/X7-mqPxP0jI/AAAAAAAAI7g/-y-wzJbKHL0ERHgsehkJRTtL9juRR9A8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HufID4AS5YI/X7-mqPxP0jI/AAAAAAAAI7g/-y-wzJbKHL0ERHgsehkJRTtL9juRR9A8QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>TOMTE ~ First applique the main tomte shape, then add the beard, followed by the hat, which overlaps the top of the beard. Next add the nose and finally a jingly bell at the top of his hat.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QRX4VOnLbyY/X7-ms4OBKOI/AAAAAAAAI7k/lHOY2QXnl_M5T7k3cQOPOiXeT5FvfgnCACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QRX4VOnLbyY/X7-ms4OBKOI/AAAAAAAAI7k/lHOY2QXnl_M5T7k3cQOPOiXeT5FvfgnCACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">HOLLY ~ First applique the three holly leaves with a line of Back Stitch down the centre. Then add the berries.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VkPKBuwnR2E/X7-mvNTIuoI/AAAAAAAAI7o/EBYGo9Kgqy0oj6SGSaiy1Ri_SnO5crxqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/advent%2Bdecoration%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VkPKBuwnR2E/X7-mvNTIuoI/AAAAAAAAI7o/EBYGo9Kgqy0oj6SGSaiy1Ri_SnO5crxqgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/advent%2Bdecoration%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That's it.... I hope that you enjoy stitching your final set of decorations. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_NfXnRTgNg/X98VLLVF04I/AAAAAAAAI9Q/DDO9zjJrs8omft9qoaYflwXHX3WEvMJ5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Charity%2BAdvent%2Bdecorations%2BGroup%2Bshot%2B%2B.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_NfXnRTgNg/X98VLLVF04I/AAAAAAAAI9Q/DDO9zjJrs8omft9qoaYflwXHX3WEvMJ5ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Charity%2BAdvent%2Bdecorations%2BGroup%2Bshot%2B%2B.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mum and I would LOVE to see your completed sets, so, if you're sewing along and sharing on social media please use the hashtags:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">#alittlehappysewalong or/and #prettyfabricsandtrims</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Alternatively, please do send us a photo!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Finally, please remember if you can, to make a donation, the smallest amount will make a huge to difference to someone in need.........</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pretty-fabrics-and-trims" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="1500" height="102" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AObQb20g2DM/X76VUUk8UWI/AAAAAAAAI5U/M3sTMrloFv4HilvBaxpfSNfr3p_t7ubogCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h102/Donate%2BHere%2BButton.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Very best wishes and happy stitches,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sarah xo</div></div>A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-57461495035603967172020-12-13T17:55:00.001+00:002020-12-13T17:55:44.695+00:00Christmas Charity Pattern ~ Advent Felt Christmas Decorations ~ Week 3<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WqmTwNyMhjE/X7-UESiotvI/AAAAAAAAI6U/T6h_KsqERRI_wWf4gvV-kioi12Mc56QWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Charity%2BAdvent%2Bdecorations%2BWeek%2B3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WqmTwNyMhjE/X7-UESiotvI/AAAAAAAAI6U/T6h_KsqERRI_wWf4gvV-kioi12Mc56QWwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Charity%2BAdvent%2Bdecorations%2BWeek%2B3.png" width="640" /></a></p><p>Welcome to week 3 of our <span style="text-align: center;">#alittlehappysewalong<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> </span>to </span>make a set of pretty felt Advent decorations using our Christmas Charity Pattern. </p><p>Coronavirus has greatly impacted on ALL our lives this year and has without doubt effected us all in different ways, for many causing moments of anxiety and uncertainty. For those already living with mental health problems, it has been a particularly difficult year. With Christmas approaching, the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic will be ongoing.</p><p>I have always believed that having a needle and thread in my hands contributes enormously to my general well being. With this in mind I have designed a pretty set of Christmas Advent Felt decorations. On each of the four Sundays throughout Advent, I will be sharing the instructions and templates on our blog (alittlehappyplace.blogspot.co.uk), to make 6 little decorations, 24 ornaments in total. </p><p>The pattern is free, BUT if at all possible, on this occasion we are also asking you to make a small charity donation to MIND through our Just Giving page...So far we have raised an amazing £1029... but please let's not stop, if you haven't donated already please give as much as you can... even £2 can make a difference! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pretty-fabrics-and-trims" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="1500" height="102" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AObQb20g2DM/X76VUUk8UWI/AAAAAAAAI5U/M3sTMrloFv4HilvBaxpfSNfr3p_t7ubogCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h102/Donate%2BHere%2BButton.png" width="640" /></a></p><div>You can find the pattern for the first six decoration <a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2020/11/christmas-charity-pattern-advent-felt.html">HERE</a>, plus there is a list of supplies required and detailed instructions for how to stitch and finish the decorations. The second set of decorations can be found <a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2020/12/christmas-charity-pattern-advent-felt.html">HERE</a>. So, without further ado, here's how I stitched this weeks ornaments. </div><div><h3 style="clear: both;"><b>LETS GETS STITCHING!</b></h3></div><div>First, you will need to print off the week 3 template sheet, which you can do so <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MY1Dc0LkZWUy17w_CzvKmif0qXbsWpjB/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>This week, we're going to make a Christmas pudding, a gingerbread man, a cookie, a dove, a mitten and a candle. Below is a breakdown of the order in which I made each one, then complete, using the construction instructions from week 1.</div><div><br /></div><div>CHRISTMAS PUDDING ~ First applique the pudding shape, followed by the cream. Add little decorative Cross Stitches in a contrasting shade on the pudding. Next add the two holly leaves which I appliqued with a line of Back Stitch down the centre. Finally, add a teeny red button for the berry. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vae3rfCq4no/X7-VPg2K6MI/AAAAAAAAI6g/ylQkJse2mr0n2lpgV0RzwJCEXWt9QaQ-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vae3rfCq4no/X7-VPg2K6MI/AAAAAAAAI6g/ylQkJse2mr0n2lpgV0RzwJCEXWt9QaQ-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>GINGERBREAD MAN ~ First applique the gingerbread shape. Then, add two French knots for the eyes and Back Stitch for the mouth. Using an ordinary red colouring pencil, add two little rosy cheeks. Its a good idea to practice on some gash felt and build up the colour gently. Finally add a couple of teeny white buttons to his tummy.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9VguUiMu3E/X7-VRjtYNVI/AAAAAAAAI6k/_ir9eNE9RegW4ZtuHLM28RWaX4Z_AiJvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9VguUiMu3E/X7-VRjtYNVI/AAAAAAAAI6k/_ir9eNE9RegW4ZtuHLM28RWaX4Z_AiJvwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">COOKIE ~ First applique the cookie shape, then add the icing. Decorate with Cross Stitch sprinkles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F5YCH2SEZWQ/X7-VTxKvzzI/AAAAAAAAI6o/ujYTutVnUtoiHSueC5Ds8gweV7TT5ev1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F5YCH2SEZWQ/X7-VTxKvzzI/AAAAAAAAI6o/ujYTutVnUtoiHSueC5Ds8gweV7TT5ev1ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">DOVE ~ First applique the dove shape. Then, add the wing secured in place with little Cross Stitches down the centre. Add Straight Stitches in grey thread for the tail feathers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNaQjxlNfEU/X7-VWTG5bkI/AAAAAAAAI6s/AFYe3fc4ayUUPBEXjZmgOXn31Y3_RR6FACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNaQjxlNfEU/X7-VWTG5bkI/AAAAAAAAI6s/AFYe3fc4ayUUPBEXjZmgOXn31Y3_RR6FACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>MITTEN ~ First applique the mitten shape, then add some decorative stitches in contrasting thread to the centre. I made a a little star with Straight Stitches and added a border in Back Stitches and Cross Stitches on the cuff.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nvOactQM0m4/X7-VZKf3uaI/AAAAAAAAI6w/W7VutZd7CBIl6DNlrN6T4rhXUUyps3lRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nvOactQM0m4/X7-VZKf3uaI/AAAAAAAAI6w/W7VutZd7CBIl6DNlrN6T4rhXUUyps3lRgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">CANDLE ~ First applique the candle shape. Next, applique the candle holder. I then added a flame in pale pink thread in Straight Stitches.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-imtSlt_2Tt4/X7-VbDm2s5I/AAAAAAAAI60/vnwVtHOX0DwL4TzpZXMUBtWZ_5o8Xko6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-imtSlt_2Tt4/X7-VbDm2s5I/AAAAAAAAI60/vnwVtHOX0DwL4TzpZXMUBtWZ_5o8Xko6ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That's it for week three, I hope that you enjoy stitching your second set of decorations. Here's a recap of the schedule:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul><li>Week 1 ~ Sunday 29th November 2020</li><li>Week 2 ~ Sunday 6th December 2020</li><li>Week 3 ~ Sunday 13th December 2020</li><li>Week 4 ~ Sunday 20th December 2020</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you're sewing along and sharing on social media please use the hashtags:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">#alittlehappysewalong or/and #prettyfabricsandtrims</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Finally, please remember if you can, to make a donation, the smallest amount will make a huge to difference to someone in need.........</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pretty-fabrics-and-trims" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="1500" height="102" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AObQb20g2DM/X76VUUk8UWI/AAAAAAAAI5U/M3sTMrloFv4HilvBaxpfSNfr3p_t7ubogCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h102/Donate%2BHere%2BButton.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Very best wishes and happy stitches,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sarah xo</div></div>A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-30584372872932437302020-12-06T08:50:00.002+00:002020-12-06T08:50:55.860+00:00Christmas Charity Pattern ~ Advent Felt Christmas Decorations ~ Week 2<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KM9kALHZnU0/X7-A6V1YkoI/AAAAAAAAI5g/1iJETxrauaod-6Z8ktk2O6YTjAhgG325wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Charity%2BAdvent%2Bdecorations%2BWeek%2B2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KM9kALHZnU0/X7-A6V1YkoI/AAAAAAAAI5g/1iJETxrauaod-6Z8ktk2O6YTjAhgG325wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Charity%2BAdvent%2Bdecorations%2BWeek%2B2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Welcome to week 2 of our <span style="text-align: center;">#alittlehappysewalong<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> </span>to </span>make a set of pretty felt Advent decorations using our Christmas Charity Pattern. </p><p>Coronavirus has greatly impacted on ALL our lives this year and has without doubt effected us all in different ways, for many causing moments of anxiety and uncertainty. For those already living with mental health problems, it has been a particularly difficult year. With Christmas approaching, the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic will be ongoing.</p><p>I have always believed that having a needle and thread in my hands contributes enormously to my general well being. With this in mind I have designed a pretty set of Christmas Advent Felt decorations. On each of the four Sundays throughout Advent, I will be sharing the instructions and templates on our blog (alittlehappyplace.blogspot.co.uk), to make 6 little decorations, 24 ornaments in total. </p><p>The pattern is free, BUT if at all possible, on this occasion we are also asking you to make a small charity donation to MIND through our Just Giving page. So far we have raised an amazing £844... but please let's not stop, if you haven't donated already please give as much as you can... even £2 can make a difference! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pretty-fabrics-and-trims" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="1500" height="102" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AObQb20g2DM/X76VUUk8UWI/AAAAAAAAI5U/M3sTMrloFv4HilvBaxpfSNfr3p_t7ubogCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h102/Donate%2BHere%2BButton.png" width="640" /></a></p><div>You can find the pattern for the first six decoration in last weeks post <a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2020/11/christmas-charity-pattern-advent-felt.html">HERE</a>, plus there is a list of supplies required and detailed instructions for how to stitch and finish the decorations. So, without further ado, here's how I stitched this week's ornaments. </div><div><h3 style="clear: both;"><b>LETS GETS STITCHING!</b></h3></div><div>First, you will need to print off the week 2 template sheet, which you can do so <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GmPQURr-56vn--UM5rU3It5tBDKrMb1L/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>This week, we're going to make a bell, a little zinc house, a snowflake, a dala horse, a star and a bauble. Below is a breakdown of the order in which I made each one, then complete, using the construction instructions from week 1.</div><div><br /></div><div>BELL ~ First applique the bell shape. Then, add in a contrasting colour little decorative Cross Stitches along the bottom.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4jzSoyLSwEA/X7-KjD3JK0I/AAAAAAAAI6A/mTBJuzw1Z3MG_4kDL7gk2tyaf8PqeVc-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4jzSoyLSwEA/X7-KjD3JK0I/AAAAAAAAI6A/mTBJuzw1Z3MG_4kDL7gk2tyaf8PqeVc-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>ZINC HOUSE ~ First applique the house shape. Then, add the windows, I added two decorative Straight Stitches in grey thread for the window panes. Finally add the heart and pop a little Cross Stitch in the centre.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gwT_t52yJlw/X7-KUkHnyGI/AAAAAAAAI5s/KipKt928QyMRK2Hl0qnslbMnhC-VE9I-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gwT_t52yJlw/X7-KUkHnyGI/AAAAAAAAI5s/KipKt928QyMRK2Hl0qnslbMnhC-VE9I-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">SNOWFLAKE ~ Using the photo of the completed decoration as a guide, draw the lines on the snowflake circle using an erasable fabric marker (remember to do a test on some gash felt first). Pin the circle to the background piece of felt. Then rather than the usual Over Stitch to applique it to the background, instead stitch directly on top of the lines in a contrasting thread in a decorative stitch of choice, I used Fly Stitch. Once appliqued, simply cut around the perimeter of the background felt of leaving a scant ¼” border of the background felt as normal, then, in addition carefully cut away the felt on the appliqued circle (not the background felt) either side of the stitches, taking care not to cut through the stitches. Complete the decoration as normal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-opkiT_tlT3E/X7-KYBpGEII/AAAAAAAAI50/FlqU7LHKG5AJsAYs1I9M801dIblTMmzjACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-opkiT_tlT3E/X7-KYBpGEII/AAAAAAAAI50/FlqU7LHKG5AJsAYs1I9M801dIblTMmzjACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">DALA HORSE ~ First applique the horse shape. Then, add the mane and saddle. Add the little heart on top of the saddle, with a decorative Cross Stitch at it's centre. Followed by two long Straight Stitches for the bridle. To complete add little Cross Stitches on each leg. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-77r1XkNf5o8/X7-Kbb4zQpI/AAAAAAAAI54/Lj6RIbhIQVkxtdlhn0Wy5VwlzHRcRJ-9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-77r1XkNf5o8/X7-Kbb4zQpI/AAAAAAAAI54/Lj6RIbhIQVkxtdlhn0Wy5VwlzHRcRJ-9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>STAR ~ First applique the main star shape, then add some decorative stitches in contrasting thread to the centre. I made a a little star with Straight Stitches.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MCRgDCFcMec/X7-KWsXB7II/AAAAAAAAI5w/wk2O_QH2XGEuLE1zUtqvqZCmBys7PY4HACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MCRgDCFcMec/X7-KWsXB7II/AAAAAAAAI5w/wk2O_QH2XGEuLE1zUtqvqZCmBys7PY4HACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">BAUBLE ~ First applique the bauble shape. Then, add the heart to the centre. I then added some decorative embroidery using a mix of Running Stitch and Cross Stitch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vdFLfQiXR0A/X7-KhEulx0I/AAAAAAAAI58/X5V2NXLKfwc1ZafRe0a5yahFrjnd4lB7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vdFLfQiXR0A/X7-KhEulx0I/AAAAAAAAI58/X5V2NXLKfwc1ZafRe0a5yahFrjnd4lB7wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That's it for week two, I hope that you enjoy stitching your second set of decorations. Here's a recap of the schedule:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul><li><a href=" https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2020/11/christmas-charity-pattern-advent-felt.html">Week 1 ~ Sunday 29th November 2020 CLICK HERE</a></li><li>Week 2 ~ Sunday 6th December 2020</li><li>Week 3 ~ Sunday 13th December 2020</li><li>Week 4 ~ Sunday 20th December 2020</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you're sewing along and sharing on social media please use the hashtags:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">#alittlehappysewalong or/and #prettyfabricsandtrims</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Finally, please remember if you can, to make a donation, the smallest amount will make a huge to difference to someone in need.........</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pretty-fabrics-and-trims" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="1500" height="102" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AObQb20g2DM/X76VUUk8UWI/AAAAAAAAI5U/M3sTMrloFv4HilvBaxpfSNfr3p_t7ubogCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h102/Donate%2BHere%2BButton.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Very best wishes and happy stitches,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sarah xo</div></div>A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-51797833364760698442020-11-29T08:46:00.004+00:002021-11-22T08:59:23.225+00:00Christmas Charity Pattern ~ Advent Felt Christmas Decorations ~ Week 1<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cSQkPnbGiR4/X75633_g5BI/AAAAAAAAI2Q/Nwat3Z5vg5IIhN2dN0_tXoEgpB4q6Xo9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Charity%2BAdvent%2Bdecorations%2BGroup%2Bshot%2B%2B.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cSQkPnbGiR4/X75633_g5BI/AAAAAAAAI2Q/Nwat3Z5vg5IIhN2dN0_tXoEgpB4q6Xo9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Charity%2BAdvent%2Bdecorations%2BGroup%2Bshot%2B%2B.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><div>Coronavirus has greatly impacted on ALL our lives this year and has without doubt effected us all in different ways, for many causing moments of anxiety and uncertainty. For those already living with mental health problems, it has been a particularly difficult year. With Christmas approaching, the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic will be ongoing.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>I have always believed that having a needle and thread in my hands contributes enormously to my general well being. With this in mind I have designed a pretty set of Christmas Advent Felt decorations. On each of the four Sundays throughout Advent, I will be sharing the instructions and templates on our blog (alittlehappyplace.blogspot.co.uk), to make 6 little decorations, 24 ornaments in total. The first set of templates is available today and then each Sunday for the nest three weeks throughout Advent.</div><div><br /></div><div>The pattern is free, BUT if at all possible, on this occasion we are also asking you to make a small charity donation to MIND through our Just Giving page... please give as much as you can... even £2 can make a difference!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pretty-fabrics-and-trims" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="1500" height="102" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AObQb20g2DM/X76VUUk8UWI/AAAAAAAAI5U/M3sTMrloFv4HilvBaxpfSNfr3p_t7ubogCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h102/Donate%2BHere%2BButton.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I actually designed and started stitching my Advent Decorations a couple of years ago.... I had originally intended that I would release a pattern via the website at some point this year, but then earlier this year, in the height of the first Lockdown, I decided it would be far nicer to share them here!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Last year I hung my decorations on our little potted Christmas tree along with a string of fairy lights and they looked so pretty......</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xra4wR9JCZI/X75_jDu7bwI/AAAAAAAAI5A/kHvSsEXjGVgdkiDJYv55ByPMAY61iXI0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PicTapGo%2B%252810%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xra4wR9JCZI/X75_jDu7bwI/AAAAAAAAI5A/kHvSsEXjGVgdkiDJYv55ByPMAY61iXI0ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/PicTapGo%2B%252810%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>You could of course use them instead of chocolates in an advent calendar, like <a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2017/10/a-little-happy-sew-along-advent.html" target="_blank">THIS ONE</a>, which is also a FREE pattern on the blog. Or simply embroider some numbers and sew them to the back of the decorations ( the numbers can be download <a href="https://sites.create-cdn.net/sitefiles/56/6/4/566449/A_Little_Happy_Sew_Along_Advent_Calendar_Embroidery.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>)<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eaXowTHsSXc/X75_kfHENBI/AAAAAAAAI5E/d6AAxmWC9UgqXJdFiRTe9oftm7hv-iZBACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/advent%2Bdecorations.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eaXowTHsSXc/X75_kfHENBI/AAAAAAAAI5E/d6AAxmWC9UgqXJdFiRTe9oftm7hv-iZBACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/advent%2Bdecorations.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Or if you fancy just making one or two, they would look equally lovely added to a Christmas parcel for someone special! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcgOYOqPeNE/X757xfW0egI/AAAAAAAAI3s/rwsMCQk08MErWO_TS2DGxDsxvk7j9aHtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecorations%2Bparcel%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcgOYOqPeNE/X757xfW0egI/AAAAAAAAI3s/rwsMCQk08MErWO_TS2DGxDsxvk7j9aHtQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecorations%2Bparcel%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know some of you will ask if we’re doing felt bundles... I’m afraid not... we simply have run of time to do so.. but this project was never about making money for the business. It has been a whirlwind of a year for mum (Penny) and I, at both Pretty Fabrics and Trims and at home (oh yes..home schooling for months.. hats off to the teachers amongst you!) We are however extremely grateful for the amazing support that you have given our family business this year, so this is our way of giving back... thank you in advance for helping us to make a difference!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>SO, LETS GETS STITCHING!</b></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First off you'll need to gather some supplies.... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>You will need to print off the first template sheet, which you can do so <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b2bgfWapiekrFJ8nBmAtqVvFCXyyBv6J/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </li><li>Felt ~ this will be a great project for using up little bits of felt, but you will need a decent amount for the colours that you decide to use for the backgrounds. I chose colours inspired in my head by the ballet 'The Nutcracker'...I am very excited to see what combination you use! My felt of choice and what we use in all our kits is National Nonwovens Wool/Rayon mix felt.</li><li>Threads ~ I used Aurifil wool threads, but embroidery floss would be marvellous too, I would suggest that you use two strands separated from the main strand of floss.</li><li>Reynolds Freezer Paper (for tracing the templates on to...more about this below)</li><li>Twine ~ I used Red and White Bakers Twine, but in the example on how to stitch the decorations you can see I used garden twine, you could also use ribbon if you like.</li><li>Bells and Buttons ~ optional, but I added some teeny buttons and jingly bells to some of my decorations, you could also add beads or sequins or replace them with felt or embroidery...have fun!</li><li>Plus all your favourite sewing notions!</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">CUTTING FELT AND GENERAL PIECING NOTES</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Small sharp scissors are essential for cutting felt, personally I find my 5" Fiskers Needlework scissors are brilliant. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The process for making each of the decorations is the same and the designs are very simple, here's what you do:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">From the template sheet, I traced the stocking and the little cuff, toe and heel onto the <b>non shiny</b> paper side of the freezer paper. Cut out, iron the paper shiny/waxy side facing down on top of the felt, cut out and peel away when you’re ready to sew. The papers can be reused a number of times, so hang on to them. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0w3KJN4w0ac/X758LgbB3QI/AAAAAAAAI38/RuuRAer0BJkZJ3ojIy-SXMXpobEfo6uJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecorations%2Bhow%2Bto%2Bstep%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0w3KJN4w0ac/X758LgbB3QI/AAAAAAAAI38/RuuRAer0BJkZJ3ojIy-SXMXpobEfo6uJQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecorations%2Bhow%2Bto%2Bstep%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Place the main applique shape on to a contrasting square/rectangular piece of background felt....the background felt needs to be approx. 1/2" bigger all round than the main applique piece.....I eyeball this. Then, cut a second square/rectangular background piece of felt the same size, put the second piece to one side for the time being.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SUYZ95yaMug/X758PqdBYcI/AAAAAAAAI4A/UkzFe65h2zcj6C_iy4EHcj00YWaN1QB7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecorations%2Bhow%2Bto%2Bstep%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SUYZ95yaMug/X758PqdBYcI/AAAAAAAAI4A/UkzFe65h2zcj6C_iy4EHcj00YWaN1QB7wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecorations%2Bhow%2Bto%2Bstep%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>You're now ready for the fun bit.....using Over Stitch, applique the main stocking to the background felt. Try to keep your stitches nice and small and at 90 degree angle to the edge of the applique.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YyKIw62bzEE/X758YFXjbFI/AAAAAAAAI4E/nMZGUvn5Dr0iyMMXfklf8W1G-fbe8mmbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecorations%2Bhow%2Bto%2Bstep%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YyKIw62bzEE/X758YFXjbFI/AAAAAAAAI4E/nMZGUvn5Dr0iyMMXfklf8W1G-fbe8mmbwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecorations%2Bhow%2Bto%2Bstep%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Next add the little applique details, again using Over Stitch....on some of the decorations, such as the Holly Leaves, I used different stitches, but I have stated this where applique on the instructions for each decoration. You would also at this point add any extra decorative embroidery you would like.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--kjI3PQyQVM/X758dHIctHI/AAAAAAAAI4M/c7JTZw_vyR0vTcnxSgYJ7FstTg0_E3G3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecorations%2Bhow%2Bto%2Bstep%2B4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--kjI3PQyQVM/X758dHIctHI/AAAAAAAAI4M/c7JTZw_vyR0vTcnxSgYJ7FstTg0_E3G3ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecorations%2Bhow%2Bto%2Bstep%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Once you have appliqued and embroidered all the details, then, simply cut around the perimeter of the completed decoration leaving a scant ¼” border of the background felt showing....again eyeball this. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mf1iwU2ROtg/X758iZgakyI/AAAAAAAAI4U/1kJqvLrrK58n0mwBXr4O9WJp9IyTJDJQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecorations%2Bhow%2Bto%2Bstep%2B5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mf1iwU2ROtg/X758iZgakyI/AAAAAAAAI4U/1kJqvLrrK58n0mwBXr4O9WJp9IyTJDJQwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecorations%2Bhow%2Bto%2Bstep%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Using the trimmed appliqued front piece as a template, cut a matching sized back piece from the second piece of background felt you put to one side earlier.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Fn5UiV181U/X758n3Wx7bI/AAAAAAAAI4c/FedtG4ESbhgD1HZz2pag-EL17HAFsM2WQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecorations%2Bhow%2Bto%2Bstep%2B6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Fn5UiV181U/X758n3Wx7bI/AAAAAAAAI4c/FedtG4ESbhgD1HZz2pag-EL17HAFsM2WQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecorations%2Bhow%2Bto%2Bstep%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>To complete, each little decoration will need a hanging loop. Fold a 10” piece of twine in half and using tiny little stitches, secure the twine at the centre (loop) point to the wrong side* of the back piece. *i.e the side that will be sandwiched in the centre of the decoration when you sew the back piece to the appliqued front. To keep things neat, make sure all your start and end knots are on the wrong side too. You can if you prefer, tie a knot in the twine and secure with the knot end in the decoration, so you will end up with just a loop of twine...as shown on the decorations with red and white bakers twine.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBg9KPMfXMI/X758sDzZgnI/AAAAAAAAI4g/GwfrDi8iZjQ67GoqZGZW6fEgeSIcLxyGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecorations%2Bhow%2Bto%2Bstep%2B7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBg9KPMfXMI/X758sDzZgnI/AAAAAAAAI4g/GwfrDi8iZjQ67GoqZGZW6fEgeSIcLxyGQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecorations%2Bhow%2Bto%2Bstep%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Finally, with wrong sides together, sew the back piece and appliqued front piece together around the perimeter using Blanket Stitch. There's a little happy tutorial for Blanket Stitch <a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2013/05/how-to-stitch-blanket-stitch.html" target="_blank">HERE </a>from a few years ago! To finish tie a knot in the twine, if applicable. That's it, you little felt decoration is ready for you to hang and admire!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1TwLSMs5mI/X758v8z8p2I/AAAAAAAAI4o/0QPnCFNBOhYOxz8kS44_asjEO9TaahQrACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecorations%2Bhow%2Bto%2Bstep%2B8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1TwLSMs5mI/X758v8z8p2I/AAAAAAAAI4o/0QPnCFNBOhYOxz8kS44_asjEO9TaahQrACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecorations%2Bhow%2Bto%2Bstep%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This week, we're going to make a drum, Christmas wreath, a rocking horse, a heart, a candy cane and a stocking. They are all made in exactly the same way as the stocking example above, but for each decoration I have given a little breakdown of the order in which I made each one.......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13g6Hmx6hDs/X7568SjsBOI/AAAAAAAAI2U/fiOwElXGew8jDIPCOuDSDvTJ2C1ZJcgggCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Charity%2BAdvent%2Bdecorations%2BWeek%2B1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13g6Hmx6hDs/X7568SjsBOI/AAAAAAAAI2U/fiOwElXGew8jDIPCOuDSDvTJ2C1ZJcgggCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Charity%2BAdvent%2Bdecorations%2BWeek%2B1.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>DRUM ~ First applique the main drum shape, then add the applique felt trims, first the top band, then the zigzag, then the bottom band, slightly overlapping the zigzag if required. I added a line of Running Stitch in a contrasting shade around the zig zag decoration and for the drum sticks, in charcoal thread, two long Straight Stitches, with a French Knot at one end.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dnWuJZCjkH4/X757p9wPgsI/AAAAAAAAI3g/cvlPjAskC74XbuLZIn0gej--WeRKlZ_XwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dnWuJZCjkH4/X757p9wPgsI/AAAAAAAAI3g/cvlPjAskC74XbuLZIn0gej--WeRKlZ_XwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>CHRISTMAS WREATH ~ First applique the wreath shape. Then, add the tails of the bow, followed the bow shape covering the top of the tails. For the three holly leaves, I appliqued these with a line of Back Stitch down the centre and used a couple of teeny red buttons for the berries.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h7Hs7-VIIDI/X757np7UOvI/AAAAAAAAI3c/6AyVqhjdF6QSjiEv9Xd3FiPhMUhEp-VYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h7Hs7-VIIDI/X757np7UOvI/AAAAAAAAI3c/6AyVqhjdF6QSjiEv9Xd3FiPhMUhEp-VYgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>ROCKING HORSE ~ First applique the main horse shape, then add the saddle. I added three little Cross Stitches in a contrasting thread to the saddle. When cutting out the background felt, I added a hole in the centre of the legs, you could of course leave the background felt as a solid piece, if you prefer.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ANy8Tg309vc/X757lUKL2jI/AAAAAAAAI3Y/wDviZP5DYwMnLj_tkFwgvcByQ5p9wxY_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ANy8Tg309vc/X757lUKL2jI/AAAAAAAAI3Y/wDviZP5DYwMnLj_tkFwgvcByQ5p9wxY_gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>HEART ~ First applique the main heart shape, then add some decorative stitches in contrasting thread to the centre. I kept it simple and stitched a a little star with Straight Stitches and added a French Knot at each tip. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IdifnyNFcY/X757f7UE0DI/AAAAAAAAI3Q/4Th4-1VKopEw4ppOjHTKDnyOT5h98hDEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IdifnyNFcY/X757f7UE0DI/AAAAAAAAI3Q/4Th4-1VKopEw4ppOjHTKDnyOT5h98hDEwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>CANDY CANE ~ First applique the main (red) candy cane shape, then cut a second contrasting candy cane (off white) and cut it into segments, applique these on top. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J2k7FBiaQZs/X757eeUVGEI/AAAAAAAAI3I/uKAnoDVKA0cx5QFDEllaaEc9bGgmSKY2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J2k7FBiaQZs/X757eeUVGEI/AAAAAAAAI3I/uKAnoDVKA0cx5QFDEllaaEc9bGgmSKY2ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>STOCKING ~ Sew in the order as shown in the stitching example above, but in addition, I also added in a contrasting colour some little Cross Stitches on the cuff and a line of Running Stitch on the toe and heel. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZKImhRCU0Q/X757bi_QY0I/AAAAAAAAI3E/-Lhnuw4_83A2d_3ESOf-5R_QhvnzZ9AbACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZKImhRCU0Q/X757bi_QY0I/AAAAAAAAI3E/-Lhnuw4_83A2d_3ESOf-5R_QhvnzZ9AbACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/Advent%2Bdecoration%2B12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That's it for week one, I hope that you enjoy stitching your first set of decorations. Here's the schedule:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Week 1 ~ Sunday 29th November 2020</li><li><a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2020/12/christmas-charity-pattern-advent-felt.html">Week 2 ~ Sunday 6th December 2020 CLICK HERE</a></li><li><a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2020/12/christmas-charity-pattern-advent-felt_13.html">Week 3 ~ Sunday 13th December 2020 CLICK HERE</a></li><li><a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2020/12/christmas-charity-pattern-advent-felt_20.html">Week 4 ~ Sunday 20th December 2020 CLICK HERE</a></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you're sewing along and sharing on social media please use the hashtags:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">#alittlehappysewalong or/and #prettyfabricsandtrims</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Finally, please remember if you can, to make a donation, the smallest amount will make a huge to difference to someone in need.........</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pretty-fabrics-and-trims" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="1500" height="102" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AObQb20g2DM/X76VUUk8UWI/AAAAAAAAI5U/M3sTMrloFv4HilvBaxpfSNfr3p_t7ubogCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h102/Donate%2BHere%2BButton.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Very best wishes and happy stitches,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sarah xo</div><p></p></div></div></div>A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-82424157863122789992020-09-24T13:05:00.003+01:002020-11-24T12:53:19.218+00:00My latest Happy Stitches<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0V9bu67QncA/X2xdGc5XR2I/AAAAAAAAIzY/F0a8urx4eiEFnJKU5jLBZYq8hNDGsKA4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2922.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0V9bu67QncA/X2xdGc5XR2I/AAAAAAAAIzY/F0a8urx4eiEFnJKU5jLBZYq8hNDGsKA4gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_2922.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HtpOEmjn4f8/X2xZnL2eAZI/AAAAAAAAIy8/W9bRJVMJxegb-yFtDpcjgTKPB5G_KbKRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1629.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HtpOEmjn4f8/X2xZnL2eAZI/AAAAAAAAIy8/W9bRJVMJxegb-yFtDpcjgTKPB5G_KbKRgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_1629.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_TClr6reRy4/X2xZjavzS-I/AAAAAAAAIyk/ZOhNhxcZDmYOsV5oXeZ21KfGCQZMcW0HgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1650.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_TClr6reRy4/X2xZjavzS-I/AAAAAAAAIyk/ZOhNhxcZDmYOsV5oXeZ21KfGCQZMcW0HgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_1650.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y30_dN0NYTU/X2xZkIOWJWI/AAAAAAAAIys/if4Iae63nvg_htTedRcLN5nBMga__Wg-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1535/IMG_1649.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1535" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y30_dN0NYTU/X2xZkIOWJWI/AAAAAAAAIys/if4Iae63nvg_htTedRcLN5nBMga__Wg-wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_1649.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5uu2uG6yNU/X2xZS51OoFI/AAAAAAAAIyE/4E4H22VDThYfrENRTnBtkwUwDEDdbUe_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2983.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5uu2uG6yNU/X2xZS51OoFI/AAAAAAAAIyE/4E4H22VDThYfrENRTnBtkwUwDEDdbUe_wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_2983.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NcWHRehXHYE/X2xZlMqZGmI/AAAAAAAAIy0/Utpgc4s_sVYOJi5SWUwqZyYNnnBeDivJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1648.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NcWHRehXHYE/X2xZlMqZGmI/AAAAAAAAIy0/Utpgc4s_sVYOJi5SWUwqZyYNnnBeDivJgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_1648.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPrnpicfsGY/X2xZlyK9G7I/AAAAAAAAIy4/n8pFwbJO25o-eJCD4uqpbSpRE9c4Dv2WwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1647.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPrnpicfsGY/X2xZlyK9G7I/AAAAAAAAIy4/n8pFwbJO25o-eJCD4uqpbSpRE9c4Dv2WwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_1647.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SRfumjQSruc/X2xZUIWobYI/AAAAAAAAIyM/Jdng_uqmvi8k1kvvLDCKcTJk4wFnaiCJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2958.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SRfumjQSruc/X2xZUIWobYI/AAAAAAAAIyM/Jdng_uqmvi8k1kvvLDCKcTJk4wFnaiCJwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_2958.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-miKlSuC01Yg/X2x8khCWeNI/AAAAAAAAIzo/m1jxkFyQ_XQt0VkkT3odZROKUpL6kZ4IgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9209.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-miKlSuC01Yg/X2x8khCWeNI/AAAAAAAAIzo/m1jxkFyQ_XQt0VkkT3odZROKUpL6kZ4IgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_9209.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div>The temptation to start my Happy Stitches Journal Volume 2 proved to great, but as I am sure you guessed, that was inevitable wasn't it!! I am waiting with baited breath for my embroidery design samples to arrive, so that I can start stitching those pages too.. but in the meanwhile I've had plenty of happy stitches to keep me going. As I mentioned last time, this years journal, in addition to the embroidery, EPP and applique elements used in Volume 1, I am also incorporating some felt work and wool applique. Over the summer, we sourced some beautiful British Wool to add to our existing wool fabric stash and mum has been busy felting them, ready for me to use them in the applique. I could happily stitch and work on my journal all day, but alas as always, the computer calls and for every new design, pattern writing must follow.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mum and I have had lots emails regarding our clubs and our plans for the next few months, so I thought it would be useful to share a little more information and timings with you. </div><div><br /></div><div>First off, for those of you who purchased the 12 Days of Christmas and Christmas Eve boxes earlier this year, we are on track to post these to you early October as promised. Gift wrapping begins in earnest next week, when mum and I will have thousands of individual little parcels to wrap... it's very exciting to see it what we have been planning for months finally coming together and I can not wait to share everything with you when they have been received. We're already thinking about next years boxes...YES, we will be doing them again, but with pretty new designs obviously!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Secret Squirrel Stitch Society Autumn Boxes, are also on track to be posted Mid October as planned. The Autumn Box is fully subscribed, but we will reopen subscriptions for the Winter Box mid October. There will be the option at this time to either receive the Winter box on its own or subscribe to receive the Winter, Spring and Summer boxes, which you'll be able pay for in lower monthly instalments. The Winter box will be posted mid January.</div><div><br /></div><div>The new Happy Stitches Journal Vol 2 will run for 12 months starting in January and sign ups will open October/November ish time..... basically as soon as I have completed all my pages.</div><div><br /></div><div>We will, having had SO many requests, also be re-running the Happy Stitches Journal Vol 1 again in 2021! Sign ups will also open October/November ish.</div><div><br /></div><div>For those of you who prefer kits to clubs, we've been secretly working on some new festive designs, including a Christmas Bunting Kit and a choice of Christmas Stocking kits... these have been in the pipeline for months and fingers crossed, if everything goes to plan, they should be available in the next month or so....think pretty embroideries, jingly bells, linen, ticking stripes..all my favourite things.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our other exciting news is that I am currently working on four new seasonal sampler kits and a Christmas design too. These have been inspired by the #sewalittlehappinesseveryday project grid design concept, but rather than being faced with a blank grid, which so many people found daunting, each kit will come with a grid and my little hand embroidery designs, pre-printed on to the beautiful linen mix fabric used in all my kits. The kits will also feature EPP and applique elements, plus little pretty extras, such a buttons, lace, ribbon...all carefully chosen by me and as you would expect, threads, wadding, backing and binding fabrics, everything that you need material wise to complete the project. These will be released throughout 2021, so something to look forward to.</div><div><br /></div><div>As always, my sketch book is full of designs and my To Do list full of exciting plans, so I am sure some extra projects will be appearing too, to keep you and us busy!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, as you probably know, as a business, we have always appreciated how important it is to give back to the community and over the years, we have donated hundreds on metres of fabric to the hard working quilting charities: Project Linus and Siblings Together. Plus, to encourage younger generations to sew, we have given fabric and felt to local Primary Schools and to the Textile Departments at several Senior Schools in the area. In addition, we also sponsor a local girls football team! This year more than ever, has been a difficult year for many due to COVID 19. So, on each of the four Sundays throughout Advent, I will be sharing the instructions and templates here on the blog, to make 6 little felt advent ornaments, 24 ornaments in total. They will be a free pattern, as a thank you to you for all your ongoing support, however, if at all possible, mum and I will also be asking you to make a small charitable donation as well, so that we may, in a very small way be able to help somebody else too.... I'll write in more detail about this and share the charity that we've chosen soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you as always for reading.</div><div><br /></div><div>Very best wishes and happy stitches,</div><div>Sarah xo </div><div><br /></div>A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-18351009989930677422020-09-08T11:03:00.004+01:002020-09-08T11:31:39.782+01:00Autumn is in the air<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPak7G9v4aY/X1dDv8pXt0I/AAAAAAAAIu4/nhgoXTAf-2YU98azY2ioP9SOY1blTCqXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1519.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPak7G9v4aY/X1dDv8pXt0I/AAAAAAAAIu4/nhgoXTAf-2YU98azY2ioP9SOY1blTCqXQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_1519.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4U_rQgRfQEA/X1dDyD9IcBI/AAAAAAAAIu8/MyybN4HJwyYo1G9XkVvi3KrrK8hJYVHRACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1546.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4U_rQgRfQEA/X1dDyD9IcBI/AAAAAAAAIu8/MyybN4HJwyYo1G9XkVvi3KrrK8hJYVHRACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_1546.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AutuW08E6Fs/X1dD0FUkB7I/AAAAAAAAIvA/o8n-0ZyAMgYYV9KkcEa6_W4Xo-nSXKIYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1547.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AutuW08E6Fs/X1dD0FUkB7I/AAAAAAAAIvA/o8n-0ZyAMgYYV9KkcEa6_W4Xo-nSXKIYgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_1547.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fHsu8hFFSqE/X1dHJ_JLjII/AAAAAAAAIwg/Dltgn51k6skls_EAKhBxAdEThlIT7DnqACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2633.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fHsu8hFFSqE/X1dHJ_JLjII/AAAAAAAAIwg/Dltgn51k6skls_EAKhBxAdEThlIT7DnqACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_2633.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMmEeKdojCY/X1dHOQSr70I/AAAAAAAAIws/0vhvmfzY-88-qg868qsaVJq3AdpANxfOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2688.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Er3RFCMT1jI/X1dIX1eAVaI/AAAAAAAAIxM/7Z3BQwvycU8hQJNvOcDhaFmtr2wVjQ8VACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2687.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Er3RFCMT1jI/X1dIX1eAVaI/AAAAAAAAIxM/7Z3BQwvycU8hQJNvOcDhaFmtr2wVjQ8VACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_2687.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pVemBgUSF3M/X1dFxfgmS9I/AAAAAAAAIwI/D9X0bethNEA4RQf3UMOn_xihS8pyyFKYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1556.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pVemBgUSF3M/X1dFxfgmS9I/AAAAAAAAIwI/D9X0bethNEA4RQf3UMOn_xihS8pyyFKYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_1556.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mqDLVtGDCac/X1dHHWVz5EI/AAAAAAAAIwY/_7RRA0nWVA42ju1t5FpitCAfS8KYend6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1557.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mqDLVtGDCac/X1dHHWVz5EI/AAAAAAAAIwY/_7RRA0nWVA42ju1t5FpitCAfS8KYend6gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_1557.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sp9n5YeGReQ/X1dCcS4DGJI/AAAAAAAAIuk/myCr_SeLLcEN2tL72b5x1BEvtnw9ItNZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1471%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sp9n5YeGReQ/X1dCcS4DGJI/AAAAAAAAIuk/myCr_SeLLcEN2tL72b5x1BEvtnw9ItNZgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_1471%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This week for the first time since March, Pepper and I are home alone! Poppy has returned to school and Jamie has started 6th Form. Both are very happy to be back to some sort of normality and I think the school is doing the best job that it could do in the circumstances to keep them safe. I definitely had butterflies sending them back and felt a little anxious, but I do know that it is the best place for them. Nearly 6 Months of being at home is a VERY long time!</div><div><br /></div><div>As usual, its been a whirl of activity for the business. Mum and I are working like woman possessed to get the 12 Days of Christmas and Christmas Eve Boxes ready for posting early next month. The Secret Squirrel Stitch Society Autumn boxes are also on track to be posted mid October as promised. In addition, our new Happy Hexie Club Month 1 parcels went on their way the back end of last week and Sarah's Sampler Month 1 parcels full of loveliness will be on their way tomorrow! Do not fear...Liberty Periodical and Happy Stitches Journals are posting on their due dates as normal...phew!!!!! Thank you so much to you all for keeping us so busy!</div><div><br /></div><div>I never realised how many project 'in progress' photographs that I normally share until this last few weeks, when almost everything that I've been stitching has been for 'secret' Christmas Boxes and Secret Squirrel projects. My evenings have been filled with lots of happy stitches though and I can not wait to finally be able to share what I've been up to. It's actually proven to be been lovely opportunity to reminisce and I've had a lovely time looking through all my past projects and sharing photographs of those again..... kits are available on the website <a href="https://www.prettyfabricsandtrims.co.uk/ourshop/cat_1602672-ALL-our-Kits-and-Patterns.html">HERE</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Obviously, it wouldn't be me if I wasn't thinking about the 'next' project or two or three.....my sketch book is filling up with lots of ideas. I have however been having fun with some woven wool applique and wool crewel threads and have been experimenting with ideas... I think the seasons changing definitely influence what I want to sew. I'm also working on a Happy Stitches Journal Vol 2, which I'm very excited about. Like last year, there will be opportunities to personalise the pages if that's your thing, but obviously they can be left as is. In the new journal, the pages will have an even more scrapbook/patchwork style to them (neatly and orderly of course...you know how my OCD kicks in when it come to my stitching!) and there will be lots of embroidery, EPP and applique. My intention is not to start sewing in earnest until the 'boxes' are in the post! Obviously, I 'may' have to have a little play.....</div><div><br /></div><div>I have however 'almost' completed my #sewalittlehappinesseveryday sampler....hooray, something I can actually share. The grid boxes are all full, it is hand quilted and I just have the binding to add. At the last minute though, I decided that I wanted to add some lace around the outside edge, so I just had to source and order some from one of our suppliers, but fingers crossed I will be sharing it very soon. In the meanwhile, I have seen lots of samplers on the hashtag that are now complete and new samplers being started all the time, which is just lovely! If you're not sure what I'm talking about, take a peek <a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2020/03/sewalittlehappinesseverday-prep-and.html">HERE</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>At home, my newly decorated Sewing Room is almost complete. We had a new boiler fitted just before lockdown which afforded us an empty cupboard, which use to house the most ginormous water tank. This has now been repurposed as the 'sewing' cupboard which has resulted in us being able to to squeeze a single bed, back into my sewing room. So we now have a spare room again when family and friends come to stay. Just a few finishing touches to add and two chest of drawers to amalgamate in to one and then I'll share some photographs.</div><div><br /></div><div>We've been enjoying some lovely walks with Pepper out in the fields behind our house and at our local nature reserve...I can't quite believe it, but she has been part of our family for a year this week. There have been many moments when I thought 'what have we done', there have been tears, but mostly laughter and I honestly can not imagine life without her now. (most of the time!) I couldn't resist by ending with a Pepper as a puppy photo.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry for such a rambling post, I hope that you've made it to the end, in which case thank you!</div><div><br /></div><div>Sending you my very best wishes and lots of happy stitches</div><div>Sarah xo</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jlgdlIssX6s/X1dHHjgmlPI/AAAAAAAAIwc/uPiL0w8MU94wKLOTkhPB_gdyUgnx23fDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1199/IMG_1558.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1199" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jlgdlIssX6s/X1dHHjgmlPI/AAAAAAAAIwc/uPiL0w8MU94wKLOTkhPB_gdyUgnx23fDQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_1558.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div>A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-71790473019851106372020-07-30T07:35:00.004+01:002022-07-25T09:02:35.972+01:00World Embroidery Day 2020 ~ Cabin in the Woods Pincushion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exG8arG2MxI/XyEtN-ayufI/AAAAAAAAIrI/NmZJWWzcApEjkA3bfFTnxhpqnxR4K_S9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BWorld%2BEmbroidery%2BDay%2B2020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exG8arG2MxI/XyEtN-ayufI/AAAAAAAAIrI/NmZJWWzcApEjkA3bfFTnxhpqnxR4K_S9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BWorld%2BEmbroidery%2BDay%2B2020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uu7RttU5nvA/XyEk91cruaI/AAAAAAAAIpk/kInVPhUPIJs_eZRMBcRWDUuwiHQKqS7fACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BIMG_2204.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uu7RttU5nvA/XyEk91cruaI/AAAAAAAAIpk/kInVPhUPIJs_eZRMBcRWDUuwiHQKqS7fACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BIMG_2204.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xs1JQ5YxmGI/XyJpJkA7oSI/AAAAAAAAIsk/Sm44A3yU8RQfaLUwsLM6nq2213bNQm79QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2400/Cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Btext%2B%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="2400" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xs1JQ5YxmGI/XyJpJkA7oSI/AAAAAAAAIsk/Sm44A3yU8RQfaLUwsLM6nq2213bNQm79QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h320/Cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Btext%2B%25281%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6o8qEZaMiqA/XyElC_ED-9I/AAAAAAAAIpo/YstOJ73ULoIHTkTH-4QxCu0paZvNuh9VQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BIMG_2200.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2046" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6o8qEZaMiqA/XyElC_ED-9I/AAAAAAAAIpo/YstOJ73ULoIHTkTH-4QxCu0paZvNuh9VQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BIMG_2200.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8_lR7O_W_c/XyElFIsKixI/AAAAAAAAIps/lri1rsp5Z74Zw6RdvUGsSC-7Aq8cMFkqACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BIMG_2199.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8_lR7O_W_c/XyElFIsKixI/AAAAAAAAIps/lri1rsp5Z74Zw6RdvUGsSC-7Aq8cMFkqACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BIMG_2199.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Today is World Embroidery Day how fabulous is that, a whole day dedicated to embroidery, not that I ever need an excuse to sit down to enjoy some happy stitches. I was thinking about this special day a few months ago and thought it would be a perfect opportunity to share a free pattern with you, a little happy thank you from mum and I, for all the support that you give to our business, Pretty Fabrics and Trims. </div><div><br /></div><div>As it's been a few years now since I designed and made my original Little House Pincushion, (<a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2017/10/a-little-happy-tutorial-felt-little.html">take a peek HERE</a>) I decided now, whilst we’ve all been spending so much time in our homes, was just the right time to make a new one! </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJI7oiQLaOg/XyElaD6qYcI/AAAAAAAAIqQ/ZEhPV-UZa1wkfD8xLcvqkSzMELQyQYozwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BIMG_1435%2B%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJI7oiQLaOg/XyElaD6qYcI/AAAAAAAAIqQ/ZEhPV-UZa1wkfD8xLcvqkSzMELQyQYozwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BIMG_1435%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Cabin in the Woods pincushion, is entirely hand sewn from gorgeous WoolFelt® and stitched using beautiful Aurifil Lana Wool thread.... they really are perfect together and such a pleasure to sew with. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So here we go, if you would like to make one, you will first need to download and print the templates, which you can find <a href="https://sites.create-cdn.net/sitefiles/56/6/4/566449/Cabin_in_the_Woods_Pincushion_Templates__.pdf">HERE</a>. Make sure when you're printing, that you have the paper orientation set as Landscape.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F5naVl7-vbCl_TjZXSQd7UegWn5f3Xzj/view?usp=sharing"><img border="0" data-original-height="1449" data-original-width="2048" height="226" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-riXKgSHx3eY/XyGHscptEJI/AAAAAAAAIsM/2S59HzCvrWMbM3uVWJvNQ4FomZnMvZ7CwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h226/Cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2BWoods%2BPincushion%2BTemplates%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then, you'll need to gather your supplies and notions... I used:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>My favourite WoolFelt®</li><li>Gorgeous Lana Wool threads by Aurifil in shades #8952, #8955, #8861, #8328, #8323, #8310, #8405, #8083, #8087, #8255 and #8081 all available <a href="https://www.prettyfabricsandtrims.co.uk/ourshop/cat_1479660-Aurifil-Lana-Wool-Thread.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> (a lot of these colours are my favourites, so if you have made some of my previous projects, you may already have them)</li><li>Embroidery needles available <a href="https://www.prettyfabricsandtrims.co.uk/ourshop/cat_1479225-Notions-and-Tools.html" target="_blank">HERE </a></li><li>Stuffing of choice (I used general toy stuffing) </li><li>A pair of sharp little scissors, plus all your favourite sewing tools and notions.</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When you are ready to start, simply trace all the pattern pieces from the printed template sheet on to either paper, card or alternatively, if you have some, the non shiny paper side of some freezer paper. (The freezer paper pieces can be ironed directly on to the felt.. shiny side to the felt....and are fabulous for aiding accurate cutting particularly of the little pieces) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><font size="5">Cutting Instructions</font></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">From the main Cabin Felt (Beige) cut:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>(2) Cabin End Walls</li><li>(2) Cabin Side Walls</li><li>(2) Porch Side Walls</li><li>(1) Porch Front Wall</li><li>(1) Porch Back Wall</li><li>(1) Porch Floor</li><li>(1) Cabin Floor</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">From the Roof Felt (Grey) cut:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>(1) Cabin Roof</li><li>(1) Porch Roof</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">From the Door and Shutter Felt (Duck egg) cut</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>(1) Door</li><li>(2) Door Rails</li><li>(2) Large Shutters</li><li>(4) Small Shutters</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">From the Window Felt (White) cut:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>(1) Large Window</li><li>(2) Small Windows</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">From the Chimney Felt (Stone) cut:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>(1) Chimney</li></ul><div>From some card (a cereal box is great) cut:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>(1) Cabin Floor</li></ul></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><font size="5">Let's Get Stitching!</font></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before starting. if you haven't made the original 'little house' pincushion before, then please do take a peek <a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2017/10/a-little-happy-tutorial-felt-little.html">HERE</a>, as the cabin is, in the main sewn and constructed in exactly the same way. To recap, the doors, windows, shutters etc, were all appliqued using Overstitch around the outside edge first, I then added all the embroidery details. I stitched these free hand, but you can if you prefer, mark them first using using an erasable marker pen/pencil. BUT as always, please do a little test on some gash felt to make sure it is removable!! I used Blanket Stitch to sew all the walls and the roof together, because I like how it looks, but you could use Overstitch if you prefer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's a little more detail of how I made the cabin. First off, I added straight lines in Back Stitch in the Brown thread #8087 spaced 1/2" apart to the cabin and the porch walls. I used a Clover Hera Marker to mark the lines. This was to give the impression of the Shiplad Cladding. You could go for wiggly lines to represent wood cut straight from the trees and even add some knots or the grain in the wood if you like. Have you seen the episode from Grand Designs with the wood mans cottage (built by Ben Law) stunning...you must look it up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I then moved on to the Porch and appliqued the Door to the Porch Front. I added vertical lines of Back Stitch to give it the appearance of tongue and groove and a couple of door rails positioned horizontally for a homespun feel. To finish, I used Licorice thread #8083 to give the impression of ironwork hinges and door handle. The door handle was a little circle with a few vertical straight stitches at the top. <i>I’m definitely imagining a creative artisan maker, lives in my cabin!!!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-STp5HV-ZUhc/XyElWsZ67FI/AAAAAAAAIqM/cOnFbIhX-wYZ9Kv20TPRvP_RABoJnt8EwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BIMG_1459.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-STp5HV-ZUhc/XyElWsZ67FI/AAAAAAAAIqM/cOnFbIhX-wYZ9Kv20TPRvP_RABoJnt8EwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BIMG_1459.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Using Blanket Stitch, I then sewed the Porch Side Walls to either side of the Porch Front and went to town adding a climbing rose, rambling up and around the door. I used the lighter green thread #8955 to first stitch the stems (Stem Stitch) and leaves (Lazy Daisy Stitch). Then I added lots of French Knots in Pale Pink thread #8405 for the rose buds. If you enjoy Bullion Knots, you could also form some larger open roses.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h4V3Ps_Xb_0/XyElSLloOwI/AAAAAAAAIqA/U9PXPWC2cFc3uDtVmC8We7wxxASpg0RKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BIMG_1510%2B%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h4V3Ps_Xb_0/XyElSLloOwI/AAAAAAAAIqA/U9PXPWC2cFc3uDtVmC8We7wxxASpg0RKQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BIMG_1510%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Porch was constructed effectively as a little separate building, which was then sewn onto one of the Cabin End Walls. To do this, I started by stitching the Porch Floor and the Porch Back Wall to the Porch Front section using Blanket Stitch. Then, I began to attach the Porch Roof...when I was about half way there with the roof, I added the stuffing and then completed it by closing up the seam. A chop stick is fab for pushing the stuffing into all the corners.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, I attached using Blanket Stitch, the now completed and stuffed Porch to centre of one of the Cabin End Walls... it's a little bit of a fiddle, but that's part of the fun isn't it, when you make small things like this!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also decided it would be pretty to extend the climbing rose embroidery onto the Cabin End Wall and also a little bit onto the Porch Roof...you could if you wanted to, also extend it round on to the other walls if you wish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1hSdC9ckXU/XyElN1x8JFI/AAAAAAAAIp8/m88OprS_TlEkunE6r9mAqBSVOTB9xCwlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BIMG_1685.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1hSdC9ckXU/XyElN1x8JFI/AAAAAAAAIp8/m88OprS_TlEkunE6r9mAqBSVOTB9xCwlgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BIMG_1685.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I then moved on to decorating the remaining 3 walls......on the side walls I added the windows, shutters and lots of greenery...I was thinking of trailing ivy, grasses and ferns. I added pains of glass in the Licorice thread and hearts to all the shutters in the brown thread. I used a mix of Lazy Daisy Stitches and Straight Stitch for the ivy, Straight Stitches for the grass and Fly Stitch for the Ferns and used both the lighter and darker green #8952 threads. As before, I stitched all the details freehand, just remember we're aiming for a cabin located in the middle of a wood, where nature has freely roamed, so go with the flow.... a manicured Chelsea show garden is not required! (unless of course that's want you want, in which case go for it!!!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8EoY35vNRs/XyElIuwNuaI/AAAAAAAAIpw/zLflKg-H6PkY7qrThkxQ5C3MoMRGYDQrACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BIMG_1696.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8EoY35vNRs/XyElIuwNuaI/AAAAAAAAIpw/zLflKg-H6PkY7qrThkxQ5C3MoMRGYDQrACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BIMG_1696.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div>On the far end wall I added a stone chimney breast (with a few stones outlined in Back Stitch in #8310) and a couple of little toadstools. For these I simply stitched a few Straight Stitches in white thread #8328 for the stems and then added little caps in the red thread #8255 using Satin Stitch, to complete I stitched little white Over Stitches for the flecks. </div><div><br /></div><div>In hindsight I wished that I had carried the lush greenery around on to the chimney wall too and maybe added the odd gardening or woodwork tool, hung from an iron peg to the pincushion, but hey ho it's a good excuse to make another one some day! A village of pincushions, now wouldn’t that be fun! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLO5m_HjHOU/XyElgviQwcI/AAAAAAAAIqg/uhOyByBobVsQcYnavNBu4-IjtKedyLFFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BIMG_2201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLO5m_HjHOU/XyElgviQwcI/AAAAAAAAIqg/uhOyByBobVsQcYnavNBu4-IjtKedyLFFwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BIMG_2201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FaYnFQDqMTE/XyEldfteHkI/AAAAAAAAIqY/oha0XVs2A6IJ0PThCmbF-0Z1e2n5huzTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BIMG_2203.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FaYnFQDqMTE/XyEldfteHkI/AAAAAAAAIqY/oha0XVs2A6IJ0PThCmbF-0Z1e2n5huzTwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BIMG_2203.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To complete the final construction of the cabin, follow the instructions from my original Little House Pincushion, <a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2017/10/a-little-happy-tutorial-felt-little.html">CLICK HERE if you would like a recap</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtECmCw0Y9I/XyEtYlMBf7I/AAAAAAAAIrM/siOlpHIt0jI0wTabHiOuBvviSsIAMKA4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BIMG_2209.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtECmCw0Y9I/XyEtYlMBf7I/AAAAAAAAIrM/siOlpHIt0jI0wTabHiOuBvviSsIAMKA4gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/cabin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwoods%2Bpincushion%2BIMG_2209.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>That's it, I hope that you enjoy making your very own versions of the Cabin in the Wood Pincushion. If you're sharing a picture, please do remember to use the following hashtags so that mum and I can take a peek:<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#cabininthewoodspincushion / #prettyfabricsandtrims</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Wishing you lots happy stitches,</div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sarah xo</div>A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-50166628303037217722020-06-12T10:41:00.000+01:002020-06-12T10:41:14.319+01:00Catching up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPpANHZ7mJ4/XuILCFoUgUI/AAAAAAAAIlw/ghyeP3sab7wsm1nlSMyi29YiHSKkQgRyQCK4BGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_1743.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPpANHZ7mJ4/XuILCFoUgUI/AAAAAAAAIlw/ghyeP3sab7wsm1nlSMyi29YiHSKkQgRyQCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h640/IMG_1743.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As I type, we have plumber here installing new showers in both our bathroom and ensuite....we have had no hot water in either of them since February. The new showers were mean't to be fitted on the 24th March, but then lock down happened. Obviously we are all keeping our distance from the plumber, but I think without a doubt, there will be an orderly queue forming the moment he is gone, to have a hot shower...what a luxury!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have been happily stitching away since I last wrote...I'm still working on my new quilt design: Sarah's Sampler..but I've also squeezed in some other new projects for a website update in a week or two. These include a new colourway of our popular Garden Cuttings Embroidery kit, in gorgeous blush pinks and grey/greens. I have so many pink roses in the garden this year, I think all the rain we had in January and February, followed by all the glorious sunshine, has made for a good roses year I think.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've also stitched a new Christmas heart with a little jolly robin sat on some holly. You may remember from my Instagram and Facebook posts the Gingerbread Felt cookies I worked on over the Christmas holidays... I like to add something new to our box of decorations every year. Well, I've finally been writing the pattern for them.... they, like the robin heart, will be new kits....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have to confess that I have fallen a little behind with my #sewalittlehappinesseveryday sampler... but I am still stitching away and enjoying every moment I spend with it. Apart from the bottom left corner, it is nearly all full. The grid has changed slightly from the one I drew originally, to accommodate ideas as the weeks have gone by. Thank goodness I marked my grid with water soluble pen! I am looking forward to filling my squares, so that I can start on the hand quilting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Did you know, it is World Embroidery Day on the 30th July. I thought it would be fun to celebrate this, so I have designed a new felt pin cushion, <a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2017/10/a-little-happy-tutorial-felt-little.html" target="_blank">on the lines of my original Little House Pin Cushion, which you can find as a FREE PATTERN here</a>. I am imagining a little cabin in the woods, it has shiplap boards with a tin roof. Outside a pink climbing rose is surrounding the porch and ivy and ferns grow up around the sides.............. I'll be publishing the free pattern on the 30th July here on the blog and prior to this I will share a sneaky peek of the completed cabin. We're going to put some felt bundles together and some gorgeous Aurifil Lana Wool thread packs of my favourite colours, although you could of course use embroidery threads if you prefer...but more of that another day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have a busy weekend ahead of me sorting out my sewing room. We've decided that we need to put a single bed back in to it for house guests (when we can have them stay again!). Luckily, when we had a new combi boiler fitted earlier this year it freed up the cupboard on the landing where our enormous water tank use to be, so it's going to become my sewing/craft cupboard. I am in two minds as whether I am looking forward to getting it sorted or dreading the process...I have a lot of stuff crammed in to what is not a very large room at all..but I do wonder what treasures I might find!! <a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-little-tour.html" target="_blank">I'll share some photo's once it is sorted, but if you would like to take a peek of what it looks like now (although ever so slightly messier!!!!) take a peek HERE</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wishing you a lovely weekend, full of happy stitches,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sarah xo</div>
A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-8005216131147297852020-05-04T10:18:00.002+01:002020-05-04T10:19:48.007+01:00Morning Walk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was just Pepper and I this morning on our walk. The weather has turned a little gloomy, the sky was grey, the air was damp and the ground full of dew. We were early this morning, so we hardly met anyone at all, which I loved....Pepper on the other hand is social butterfly..... social distancing is not much fun at all, when all you want to do in life is make friends and play....</div>
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We're back home now to a mug of tea and marmite toast and then I have a busy week ahead.</div>
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Stay safe dear friends,</div>
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Sarah xo</div>
A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-1001762975895146032020-05-01T12:51:00.000+01:002020-05-01T15:03:52.339+01:00AN APRIL UNLIKE ANY OTHER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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April has come and gone and I realised this week, that our new stay at home lifestyle is starting to feel a little more normal now. That being said, there are definite challenges trying to balance home schooling, having a husband on shifts and running a business....but compared to many, our life is good.</div>
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On the sewing front, I have finished my Floral Alphabet Sampler, the instruction are almost there and mum has started to put together kits...so not too much longer to wait. I finished my Little House Mini Quilt at lunchtime....it was such an impromptu project, but my goodness I have enjoyed it. Pattern writing will start next week (when Andy is on days!!) </div>
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I spent a lovely afternoon stitching April of my Embroidery Phenology Wheel. This time I included pretty Forget me nots....it seemed so apt... and a bee. Particularly when the weather has been so glorious, there have been so many bees in the garden and I've been regularly rescuing them from inside the house. </div>
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I have continued to work on my #sewalittlehappinesseveryday sampler. I've really enjoyed using precious snippets of favourite fabrics from my stash and the freedom of creating without thinking whether it's commercially viable for the business. The joy of seeing SO MANY people sewing their own versions is a constant joy!! If you haven't already and are on Instagram, you must have a look at the hashtag, it is inspiring!</div>
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In my evenings, my adventures in to knitting continue. I have completed a shorter version of my Snuggle Down Cowl by the lovely Jooles at Sew Sweet Violet. I used a Mustard Merino DK I had in my stash, but I didn't like the thickness....it would be much nicer in 4ply, so I stopped half way. It will actually be perfect for next winter when I am out walking and will fit nicely under my coat. I have also knitted another Simple Kerchief Scarf by Juanita Meder but this time in a beautiful Merino/Silk 4 ply by Eden Cottage Yarns rather than the Aran weight recommended. I reduced the bobbles on the end to Casting On 5, followed by Casting Off 3. All was going really well, until Pepper made a stealth attack and ripped it from my hands. I was NOT happy. I had to undo loads and I think I managed to twist some of the stitches when I put it back on my needles...rookie mistake...but hey ho... she soon won me over again!</div>
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I may have decided to run before I can walk, but I have also started my first Fair Isle knitting. I am using Spindrift by Jamieson's. It's a little scratchy compared the Merino/Silk I was previously using, but I read that it was the best for newbies to Fair Isle as the yarn is 'sticky' and the colours are just scrumptious. I am really enjoying it...I am following the chart for the Fair Isle Cuffs by Little Cotton Rabbits..but I am using this just as a practice piece. Again rookie mistake and didn't cast on enough stitches...I blame multiple people talking to me whilst I was counting.... but in reality I think they would have a bit tight anyway, even if I had cast on the correct number. My head is already thinking how I can use my Cross Stitch software for Fair Isle designs and I may have placed another order for some more Spindrift!</div>
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At home, Poppy has been baking and made another Banana Chocolate Chip loaf...delicious!! Yesterday, Jamie made Pizza dough and we had homemade pizzas and salad for supper....poor Andy was on shift, so he couldn't partake. My bread flour is almost gone now...I think it's like gold dust in the shop where I do the post, so I will have to hunt online. </div>
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I hope that you are all keeping well and finding a little time for some therapeutic sewing / knitting / crochet / crafting time!</div>
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Best wishes and happy stitches,</div>
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Sarah xo</div>
A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-9873076176383713642020-04-21T12:25:00.001+01:002020-04-21T12:25:11.968+01:00Home Sweet Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have just had the loveliest of weeks holiday, helped enormously by the beautiful weather. In truth, an Easter holiday at home in 'normal' times, would have mean't Andy and Poppy playing golf, Jamie playing rugby, Poppy playing football, chores, more golf etc etc. Our enforced, 'stay at home' holiday resulted in us spending so much time together...we still got chores done and we now have the tidiest of gardens and the cleanest cars, but we also spent time together, walking Pepper, eating cake, drinking tea (and the odd glass of wine and beer), watching films and talking...it was so fabulous, it felt like we were in our little bubble away from it all.</div>
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I had the time to make bread again, which I haven't done for so long. Luckily I had purchased by chance, a bag of bread flour and some dried yeast, just before the virus hit (I must have known). I made a traditional Bloomer following the recipe by Paul Hollywood from his book titled Bread. We had it with leek and potato soup that I made a couple of weeks ago and had frozen. Oh my goodness...fresh bread... what a treat..how we all enjoyed it. This spurred me on to make a batch of Cinnamon Buns. Quite a few years ago, I went on a bread making evening and this was a recipe demonstrated on the night.... we ate them warm from the oven....Y U M M Y!!!!!</div>
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Of course I found time to sew... my Floral Alphabet Sampler is almost there...I will be starting pattern writing this week. I've been adding to my #SEWALITTLEHAPPINESSEVERYDAY sampler...so much fun. I spotted this morning, that the hashtag on Instagram has almost a 1000 posts, how amazing is that! I've been thinking how lovely it would to have a 'show and tell' of them all when the pandemic is over...I'm thinking a photo gallery of all the samplers made, with the names of who stitched them would be super...I just need to work out the best way to do this...watch this space.</div>
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Like many people, I added a little needle turn applique house to mine...it measures just 2" tall. I had so much fun...as I was sewing I just knew I had to make more...so obviously I did....I know...I have no will power or ability to resist these stitchy desires! They're going to be a little mini quilt and I have used bolt ends of some of my most favourite fabrics that I have been saving for ages, just waiting for the perfect project. There will be kits as soon as mum has a day free to put them together and I have written the pattern of course...sewing is SO much more fun!</div>
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I also made a start on my new quilt design, Sarah's Sampler. Andy came over to the workshop with me and patiently waited whilst I chose fabrics for my first few blocks.... I'm sure it takes me longer to choose than it does to sew sometimes! I'm also adding embroidery touches to some of the quilts, I hope that you like them. </div>
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Right, I must dash, I'm braving the Post Office and a food shop..then I'm returning safely back to my home..sweet..home .....I've always been happy at home but it's definitely the best place to be at the moment.</div>
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Sending you all my very best wishes and happy stitches,</div>
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Sarah xo</div>
A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-15544331970649706892020-04-09T15:24:00.002+01:002020-04-09T16:49:29.124+01:00EASTER HOLIDAYS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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That's it, website parcels are posted and I'm declaring it Easter holidays. I'm off in to the garden with a cup of tea and a slice of banana loaf that Poppy made yesterday. (Don't worry, we will still be posting block of the month parcels as normal). Andy finishes work today, he had already booked leave for next week before all the Coronavirus situation hit. We decided to keep his holiday booked and although we had planned on family days out, we will just enjoy family days at home instead.<br />
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The garden is desperately in need of some TLC. I did cut back the roses and do a quick tidy up of the beds about a month ago, but I'm looking forward to spending a bit of time out there over the weekend. Hasn't the weather been glorious this last week, we've had the French doors open and Pepper has been coming in and out, she's loving it. In the corner my Viburnum plant is in full flower, it smells absolutely beautiful. Growing through it, is a pretty Clematis, that flowers for about 2 weeks, that's all, but it so pretty and reminds me of little hats that a garden fairy might wear. I've also spotted a bud on one of my climbing roses! I bought some salad leaf and tomato seeds before the lock down, so I'm hoping to get some of those planted over the weekend. I'm going to put them in pots eventually as I am sure Pepper will not be able to resist!<br />
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On the stitchy front, I've been enjoying adding to my #sewalittlehappinesseveryday sampler and I'm very nearly there with my Floral Alphabet Sampler. As a reward, I've been designing a new quilt...Sarah's Sampler. This will be a new Block of the Month this Autumn, but as it is mostly applique and English Paper Piecing, it will obviously take me some time!<br />
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Anyway, just a quick post today to say hello and to wish you all a Happy Easter. It will certainly be one that we remember and although it is not the one that we hoped for, even so, we're going to try and make some happy memories.<br />
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Wishing you all the very best of heath and happy stitches.<br />
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Sarah xo<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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<br />A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-90858749105366924262020-04-01T11:01:00.000+01:002020-04-01T11:08:20.853+01:00A week of happy stitches.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There's been a flurry of stitches this last few days... I am trying to divert my attention from obsessively watching the news. I am thoroughly enjoying my #SEWALITTLEHAPPINESSEVERDAY sampler project and it is totally amazing how many people have joined in....thank you!!! Please can I ask a little favour, when sharing your pictures...... please can you link back to me, either on Instagram or on Facebook and direct them to here at the blog. I would hate for people not to be able to join in because they can not find all the information. All posts about this project can be found <a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/search/label/%23sewalittlehappinesseveryday"><span style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></a>. <br />
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I have also been stitching slowly away on my Floral Alphabet Sampler... the alphabet so far is:<br />
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A is for Angelica<br />
B is Bluebells<br />
C is for Crabapple Blossom<br />
D is for Daffodils<br />
E is for Erigeron<br />
F is for Foxgloves<br />
G is for Geranium<br />
H is for Holly<br />
I is for Ivy<br />
J is for Jacobs Ladder<br />
K is for Kingcup<br />
L is for Lily of the Valley<br />
M is for Marshnallow<br />
N is Nasturcium Officinale (not the bright orange ones!)<br />
O is for Ox-eye Daisy<br />
P is for Poppy (it had to be didn't it!)<br />
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This will be a new printed panel with detailed instructions for each of the flowers, plus option to add on the pretty embroidery threads, once I've finished mine.<br />
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March on my embroidered Phenology Wheel is now complete. The blossom has definitely lifted the spirits whilst out walking and we've been spotting Blue tits in the garden almost on a daily basis...aren't they the prettiest. Mum was saying this morning that she's hopeful that she has a nesting pair in one of their bird boxes...wouldn't that be marvellous! If you want to join in the Embroidery Phenology Wheel project, you can find the printed fabric <a href="https://www.prettyfabricsandtrims.co.uk/ourshop/prod_6989204-Phenology-Wheel-PrePrinted-Cotton-Linen-Fabric.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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Finally, I know some of you may have been looking today, to join the Secret Squirrel Stitch Society club. We've decided that the right thing to do at the moment is to postpone the start date...we're just concerned that we may not be able to get all the supplies required for us to fulfil the club in June and the last thing we would want to do is let anyone down. Rest assured it is not cancelled, I have completed the Summer projects and Autumn's are almost ready for stitching. All our other clubs are continuing as normal.<br />
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Wishing you all good health and lots of happy stitches,<br />
Sarah xoA little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-83988917257562876892020-03-25T12:48:00.002+00:002020-03-25T12:48:37.365+00:00THE NEW NORMAL AND A FREE EMBROIDERY PATTERN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a very strange week as we adapt to the new normal. Andy is still at work as his job is on the key worker list. At home, our first week of home schooling is now nearly half way through. I sat down last weekend and drew up what I thought could be a realistic timetable that we would be able to stick with. I've gone for 5 half hour lesson slots, my theory being that if they were in a class room setting, there would be more mental breaks than studying solo. I felt half an hour was a reasonable expectation and so far it has gone ok. For Poppy we're pretty much sticking to her school timetable, we have 'form' at 8:45 each morning and she has set herself up with a notebook to write down her tasks and ring binder for all her work (I could squeeze her at times!!). She also gave us a form number 7S (Year 7 Sleaford) and then my initials, which is how it is done ordinarily at school. The only small hiccup we've encountered so far is the demand for my laptop, as obviously I am still trying to work as much as possible. We've got around this by switching lessons around a little bit and printing of some worksheets. </div>
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For Jamie, who should have been taking his GCSEs, we're doing maths and reading everyday plus General Studies. The principal being to keep his brain cells ticking and to choose things that are relevant to what he plans on doing in the future plus some things that will be useful in adulthood and some things that just fun to do. So far this week, he has been creating a fact file on the RAF from it's inauguration to the beginning of WW2. This has involved research and drawing. Today his topic is to come with a small business idea, to think about what he' going to sell, his target audience / his USP and create a logo. Tomorrow, he's going to pick a country to hypothetically visit, to research it and plan a 2 week sight seeing holiday.</div>
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In the afternoons, they've been doing Domestic Science, so a little housework, they cleaned the inside of my car yesterday, their own rooms and today Jamie is cooking Chilli Con Carne. Poppy wanted to learn some embroidery stitches, so on Sunday I designed a cute Rainbow Sampler for her and transferred it (<a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2013/10/how-i-transfer-embroidery-pattern.html">LIKE THIS</a>) on to a piece of linen. She going to learn Back Stitch, Running Stitch, Cross Stitch, Lazy Daisy Stitch, Seed Stitch, Straight Stitch, French Knots and Satin Stitch (on the cheeks of the clouds). I'm hoping it's going to take some time to do, as it would appear that home schooling is in for the long haul! I thought I would spread a little happiness in every stitch during this challenging period of time, so if you have a home schooler who would also like to embroider one or even colour it in and pop it in your window to be 'spotted', I've made it available for you to <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/16fwLfx2wZ9qYU2eyShXNa074rU5DzVMy/view?usp=sharing">DOWNLOAD HERE</a> during the COVID19 STAY AT HOME period. I've drawn on the stitches that Poppy is going to do, but of course, please feel free to change these to more challenging or easier stitches as you feel appropriate. All in all, I've been super proud of how they've just cracked on with Home School...fingers crossed it continues!</div>
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Following on from my previous two blog posts, I am so thrilled that so many people have joined me and have started their own 'Sew A Little Happiness Everyday' samplers, it has been such a joy to see this. I have loved planning and sewing my little blocks each day. Please remember when you're sharing your photo's to use the hashtag, so that other people will see it and join in too:</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">#SEWALITTLEHAPPINESSEVERYDAY </span></div>
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For Pretty Fabrics and Trims, as I type, the Government guidelines are, that online business should and is encouraged to carry on. As a small family business, we are trying to do our very best for both our customers, but also balance our own family wellbeing. At present, this means that we are still posting website orders and block of the month parcels, it is however sensible and the right thing to do, to reduce the number of visits that we make to both our workshop and the Post Office, so that we can stay at home as much as possible. We are now working separately to keep our two family units apart, there are lots and lots of phone calls..let me tell you and bags pf parcels being left by the door. We're using postage stamps where possible, so we can simply post in a letterbox whilst doing our daily exercise. We use the 'Drop and Go' facility at the Post Office for the other items, but now on a far less frequent basis than normal, so please do allow longer for your parcels to arrive. We are very conscious that many of you have recurring payments set up to us and we do not want to let anyone down. We are obviously however, watching the daily briefings like a hawk and will tackle any hurdles as and when they happen to the best of our ability, whilst adhering to the advice that is given. </div>
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Wishing you all good health and happy stitches</div>
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Sarah xo</div>
A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-27728866265322706692020-03-20T13:50:00.000+00:002020-03-27T09:01:23.344+00:00#SEWALITTLEHAPPINESSEVERDAY ~ Prep and Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thank you so much for all your lovely comments both here on the blog, Facebook and Instagram re the #sewalittlehappinesseverday project. I am so delighted that so many of you want to join in...the more the merrier! If you're wondering what I am talking about, take a peek at my last post <a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2020/03/sewalittlehappinesseveryday.html">HERE</a>.</div>
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At home, the kids both finish school today indefinitely, so homeschooling begins from Monday....Poppy has a work book and /or an assignments for each of her subjects, but we're waiting to hear what this will mean for Jamie, regarding his GCSE results. Much to his delight, Maths and English, plus we'll start prepping for his 6th form course will happen what ever. I have decided to also introduce Domestic Science back into the curriculum, so we have seeds for planting, we'll be doing cooking, cleaning, washing, ironing and of course sewing. I will have two domestic whizzes by the end of this! </div>
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In the meanwhile, we are continuing to post all orders and our Block of the Month parcels, but from Monday, rather than daily, I will go to the post office every couple of days or so to reduce my social contact, as per the guidelines.</div>
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I've also been prepping both mine and mums #sewalittlehappinesseveryday grids. We have both chosen linen for our backgrounds, but you could use a quilting weight cotton or as I was discussing earlier on Instagram, an old pillowcase...it might be worth considering if the fabric you are using is of a lighter weight, maybe fusing some interfacing to it, to stabilise it.</div>
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<i>EDITED TO ADD: Unfortunately we do not sell the linen, but something very similar and widely available is Essex Linen by Robert Kaufman. The colours 'natural' and 'flax' are very similar to the colour I'm using and for a more off white shade and what mum is using is 'Champagne' which is lovely.</i></div>
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I found using my quilting ruler to be of great assistance, the lines printed on the ruler really did help keep my grids square. In terms of pens, I used a water soluble Chacopen by Clover. If you feel tempted to use a Frixion Pen, just bear in mind that heat will make the lines disappear and unless you intend on sewing directly on top them, they can leave a shadow line or even reappear if the fabric gets cold.</div>
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Sorry for the rather poor photo's showing the grid..it proved to be quite difficult to get a good shot of it once drawn!</div>
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In terms of the grid itself, Mum, who is going to be sewing vintage buttons on to hers, is going to back her grid immediately with interfacing and wadding and will quilt hers before adding the buttons. I'm however undecided at the moment, whether I'm going to embroider the lines of the grid now or use them as my quilting lines once I've filled all the blocks....I'm pondering..I'll let you know!! Both of us will be using Aurifil 12wt for the quilting.<br />
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I've been gathering supplies for my blocks, I've decided upon a gentle red, beige and blue colour scheme for the fabrics, which I'll use for the applique and EPP blocks and the same range of colours for the threads, but I've also added in some mossy greens, mustard and custard yellow for the leaves, stems and centres of the flowers that I intend on adding. The floral tin in my photo, has some of my favourite vintage mother of pearl buttons in..it will be lovely to showcase some of these. I will also be adding some pretty lace, some of which was my great grandmothers!<br />
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I completed my first block last night and added the text 'sew a little happiness everyday', which as promised last time, you can download and print at home <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gLpZab_-z-OnvHBsGf2glYs8Q1faoA31/view?usp=sharing">HERE</a>. I also included some additional ideas for your embroideries and appliques on the sheet, which I hope may be helpful to you. For the larger of the two hearts, I thought this could be used as both an applique template, but also for embroidery, imagine the heart filled with French Knots, Satin Stitch or other pretty stitches...there will be lots of hearts on my sampler I am sure! You could something similar with a circle or star.... any shape in fact. I'm also planning on adding key words to mine that will record how I'm feeling, what I'm experiencing and what I'm seeing during this unusual period of time that we find ourselves in. I'll keep sharing my blocks with you and I can not wait to see your samplers develop! Please remember to keep using the hashtag:<br />
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so we can all follow and see each others samplers and be inspired. Please also spread the word, so that more people can find out about and join in with the project.</div>
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Wishing you all good health and happy stitches,</div>
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Sarah xo</div>
A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-18167709675158004222020-03-18T15:10:00.000+00:002020-03-18T19:30:08.224+00:00#SEWALITTLEHAPPINESSEVERYDAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday afternoon I sat with a mug of tea to post on Social Media and I was completely at a loss as to what to say...something that doesn't happen very often, Andy will tell you!<br />
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My phone and Ipad had been beeping all day with the latest COVID 19 news. Email updates from various suppliers and from school had been coming in throughout the day. As a consequence, it had then inevitably also dominated most of mine and mums telephone conversations and also my text messages with Andy. By the time I sat down with my mug of tea, all that I could think about was the effect and impact Coronavirus was having on my family and my friends and customers lives.<br />
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Clearly, it's something we're going to have to get used to and live with, this ever changing situation is not going to go away for some time. In the end, I simply posted a picture of my <a href="https://www.prettyfabricsandtrims.co.uk/ourshop/prod_6834494-British-Wildflowers-Embroidery-Heart-Hanger.html">British Wild Flowers Embroidery Heart Hanger kit</a>, saying "<i>pretty flowers...just because</i>". But it got me thinking of ways that I could maybe help positively within our stitchy community, particularly for those facing isolation for many weeks to come. I think that community spirit is going to be the thing that really helps gets us through this situation. However for our generation, our community is not just the one that we live in, it also the one that we take part in virtually, by the power of the internet. Being able to share my love of stitching within my 'online' community is one that beings me great joy!<br />
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<a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2020/02/positive-stitches.html">I talked about the power of Positive Stitches a couple of weeks ago</a>, so I thought it would be particularly nice in this time of uncertainty, to have a community project, something which we could all participate in and share our progress daily, weekly or as much as you like. Something that would enable us to find a moment to sit down and lose ourselves in our thoughts for 5 minutes, 10 minutes, half an hour, as much or as little as you wish. Something that would bring us a little happiness everyday.<br />
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So here's my idea....I am going to sew a stitchy sampler, and fill it with a mix of little embroideries, applique, EPP, buttons, lace, felt...whatever takes my fancy. I'm thinking that I will complete one box a day and I have enough boxes to last for just over 120 days, which fingers crossed should see us on to the homeward stretch. Last night I drew up my grid on graph paper. I've decided to make mine a 20" x 20" square, which is filled with a mix of squares and rectangles ranging from the smallest being 1" squares up to the largest being 6" square and then everything in between. Here's a close up for you...each square on the graph paper effectively equates to 1" square:<br />
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If you prefer, you could go for all squares in a simple 11 x 11 layout. Obviously you can make the squares as big or as small as you like. Mum is going to go for this, with 1 1/2" squares and use it as a great excuse to sit down and sort out her vintage button collection that she has stashed throughout her house! Another idea would be to applique a little heart, similar to what I did in February's page in the Happy Stitches Journal...the ideas are endless. <br />
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None of the grids are prescriptive though, so please do feel free to grab some graph paper and map your own!!<br />
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All that you need to get started is a piece of fabric for your background.... remember to allow for some extra inches of excess fabric surrounding your grid, so that you have room to finish it as you desire. For example, my grid is 20" square and my piece of fabric will be approx 26" square, which happens to be half the width of the fabric that I'm using. I'm also going to machine zig zag stitches all around the outer edge to help prevent any excess fraying. Mum and I were talking about it this morning. I shall make my sampler eventually in to a quilted wall hanging. But mum intends on mounting and framing her button sampler as it's probably going to be pretty weighty. Both us are using a linen for ours.<br />
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Then, I'm going to use an erasable fabric pen and my quilting ruler to draw the grid on to the fabric. I think quilting rulers will be great for this, the printed lines will really help. However, I am not going to have my usual OCD hang up for accuracy, if a square goes a smidge off measurement then so be it...in the scheme of things this is not a big deal! My plan is to eventually 'Back Stitch' over the grid lines, but if the pen is erasable that I won't panic if I make a mistake.</div>
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Let's use the hashtag below, as a way of sharing:</div>
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I will also continue to share my progress and ideas for my boxes on here and on Instagram and Facebook and I hope that you will join in to and spread the word!</div>
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Obviously, I will also be working on all my copious amount of other projects too, one can never have to many happy stitches...right! </div>
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I'll post my next update, as soon as I have my grid drawn out. For my first 'box' I've already decided that I'm going to embroider the text 'sew a little happiness everyday' and I will add this as a download for you to print at home, if you would also like to include it on your samplers. I'll share this also next time. </div>
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Wishing you all lots of happy stitches,</div>
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Sarah xo</div>
A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-13230123320162181792020-03-16T12:06:00.001+00:002020-03-19T14:45:12.293+00:00Last week....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week I have made a concerted effort to not get distracted and spent HOURS pattern writing. It's one of those jobs whilst being a rather an essential part of the business, is the one that I do not look forward too. That being said and in all honesty once I get going, it is never as bad as I think it's going to be and question why I just did not get on with it sooner! My main focus was to break the back in The Spring Sampler...which I did achieve....hooray...I have just a little bit more to get done this week.<br />
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I also months and months ago, decided that I would like to turn some of my block of the month quilt patterns into cross stitch samplers... as you do! In recent years I haven't had much time to do cross stitch, (can't think why) but I was heavily in to it in my 20's. Last week, I finally completed my first chart. I picked my Happiness is Home Sweet Home quilt as my first design.... and I've sourced all the elements I need to be able to create kits in the future..but for now I've added it to my 'to be stitched' list and I can not wait to get started. Obviously, it will be some time before I can release the sampler kits..but good things are worth waiting for....don't you think. I did however, also chart and complete a new 'Happy Stitches' design which I have used in a Pocket Pin Cushion design... kits will be coming for this and also a red gingham version very soon!<br />
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With all the current bad news, we found ourselves with an inevitable quiet weekend, with both Poppy's football and Jamie's rugby matches cancelled. I could have opted to spring clean the house, but to be honest I was feeling a little weary. Instead I picked up my Floral Alphabet Sampler and worked on this, interspersed with lots of mugs of tea and cake. Poppy is becoming a very proficient baker for her age and she made chocolate cupcakes. It's amazing how therapeutic stitching is and I feel totally refreshed for the week ahead. By Sunday evening I had completed:<br />
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A for Angelica<br />
B for Bluebells<br />
C for Crab Apple Blossom<br />
D for Daffodils<br />
E for Erigeron<br />
F for Foxgloves<br />
G for Geraniums<br />
H for Holly<br />
I for Ivy<br />
J for Jacobs Ladder<br />
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<i>Edited to add: The Floral Alphabet Sampler will be available as a new kit once I've completed stitching mine.</i><br />
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It would be amiss to gloss over the main topic of news. In Lincolnshire there are at present only a small number of cases. We have however been advised by Poppy and Jamie's school, that the teachers are nearly there with home schooling packs...but they will not close until they are told that they have to. Understandable, Jamie is worried about the impact this will have on his GCSEs. Poppy's main concern was, would she have to call me 'Miss' if I was home schooling her...obviously I said yes during school hours.. ha ha!! Yesterdays news that over 70's could be on home isolation for a lengthy period of time, has definitely been the most unsettling news for us as a family and would impact both mum (Penny) and dad and Andy's parents. In terms of Pretty Fabrics and Trims, <b><u>we will</u></b> carry on as normal until we are told or are prevented for whatever reasons from doing so. However, we are trying to look on the bright side and focus on all the things that we can do, should isolation become a reality. Did you see the postcard idea on social media yesterday? The idea is that you post a postcard or card through an elderly neighbours door to offer assistance in case of need. I thought it was a lovely idea and whilst I always talk to my elderly neighbours, they don't all have my telephone number, something I rectified this morning.<br />
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Following on from <a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2020/03/behind-scenesa-day-in-life-of.html">last weeks, Behind the Scenes post</a>, I thought I would share some of our family favourite one pot wonders, that make life so much easier and allows for those all important extra minutes for happy stitches..that's got to be good..right?!<br />
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Years ago I was given the large white cast iron casserole dish and it is the best thing ever for batch cooking. I've also got some Pyrex dishes which have got plastic lids...again I've had these for years, I remember saving my coop divi points for these when I first left home and was setting up house. I invested again years ago, in some quality Tupperware style containers from Lakeland Plastics ...these and the pyrex are what I freeze my extra portions. Lakeland also did/do 'freezer' friendly stickers, that do not peel of when they get cold...they come on massive roll, so they keep you going for years.<br />
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First up and everyone's favourite are Chilli Con Carne and Bolognese sauce for pasta. I always cook large batches of these and then portion them up in 2 people and 1 person servings. I don't follow a recipe, but they always start the same, chopped onion, garlic if I have it in the fridge, low fat quality mince...fried off, then I add for the Bolognese dried oregano and thyme, for the Chilli, dried cumin, coriander, paprika and chilli ...then I add as many tins of tomatoes that will ft in my pan, salt and pepper and then I tun the heat down and let it cook for hours (at least 5). Half way through I add chopped mushrooms to the Bol sauce and a tin of kidney beans to the Chilli..super duper easy!<br />
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Another easy win, is of course mince for Cottage Pie. I was able to freeze down a 4 person and a 3 person portion. I tend to freeze the meat only and then add the potato topping fresh. Sometimes, I also make a colcannon style potato topping and I've even been known to add a tin of baked beans to the mince when the kids were younger.<br />
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Other one pot favourites are <a href="https://www.hairybikers.com/recipes/view/spanish-style-chicken-bake">Spanish-style chicken bake by the Hairy Bikers</a>, <a href="https://www.nigella.com/recipes/slow-roasted-garlic-and-lemon-chicken">Slow Roasted Lemon Chicken by Nigella Lawson </a>both of which we have with salad. A real cheats dinner, is a whole chicken marinaded in a Nando's Sauce, which is then covered and cooked for a good couple of hours. We have this with the <a href="https://pinchofnom.com/recipes/nandos-spicy-rice/">Nando's style Spicy Rice recipe by Pinch Of Nom</a> and salad. Jamie absolutely loves this and the left over rice and chicken is great cold in pack ups for lunch the next day.<br />
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There are of course lots more...I must tell you about 'Cheese and Onion' another day, a family favourite I grew up on. There's also our one pan Sausage and Tomato Sauce for pasta and Andy's favourite Pork and Apple tray back....gosh I feel hungry now.<br />
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Anyway that's all for now, wishing you all a healthy and happy week full of happy stitches,<br />
Sarah xo<br />
<br />A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-57551297941706858962020-03-06T10:30:00.000+00:002020-03-08T08:13:08.719+00:00Behind the scenes...a day in the life of.....<div style="text-align: left;">
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Generally, I have multiple projects on the go at any one time. Mostly, these are for the business for either new kits or clubs, interspersed with the occasional 'just for me and mine' project. </div>
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My current list of 'active' projects on the go looks like this:</div>
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<li>Secret Squirrel Stitch Society Summer Projects (two of)</li>
<li>12 Days of Christmas Mini Quilt</li>
<li>Christmas Eve Project (I haven't thought of a good name yet, but I'll tell you about this once I have)</li>
<li>Series of 'China Blue' sewing accessories (Huswif/Needlebook & Pin Cushion)</li>
<li>Floral Alphabet Sampler</li>
<li>Embroidered Phenology Wheel</li>
<li>2nd Perfect Pairs quilt (this one is for me to snuggle under, but the Perfect Pairs template and original bundle is available on the website <a href="https://www.prettyfabricsandtrims.co.uk/ourshop/prod_6407837-Perfect-Pairs-Heart-Applique-Acrylic-Template.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> and you can read all about my original version <a href="https://alittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2018/02/how-i-made-my-perfect-pairs-heart-quilt.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. (<i>Edited 7/3/20 Sorry I that's not very clear is it....we will be preparing a limited run of kits in this 2nd colourway, once I have finished my quilt and 100% happy!)</i> </li>
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Still to start, but sketches have been made:</div>
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<li>Secret Squirrel Stitch Society projects for Autumn / Winter (the Christmassy one) & Spring (six of)</li>
<li>Christmas Workshop Projects (two of)</li>
<li>Block of the Month Clubs (September start and January start... various)</li>
<li>Floral Embroidery Monograms </li>
<li>and of course, lets not forget the ones that pop in to my head when I least expect it and I just have to start!</li>
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Completed and being released once the pattern has been written:</div>
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<li>Gingerbread Felt House Decorations</li>
<li>Advent Calendar Felt Decorations (we have little something special planned for these this December!)</li>
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There are of course various 'inactive' projects, but these are mostly the 'ones for me', that inevitably fall to the bottom of the list to be finished one of these days, or projects that I feel, whilst promising at the start, don't quite live up to what I hoped for.</div>
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I know this may seem slightly bonkers to have so much going on at any one time and of course, when I share progress pictures, I realise that they can take months (and months) to come to fruition. <b>However</b>, please bear with me as this style of working suits me very well, as I'm able to pick up the project that I'm most in the mood for... whether that be a little English paper piecing, embroidery, hand quilting or applique...you get my drift! This way, even though my stitching is on the whole 'work' based, it doesn't feel like 'work'... I sew because I LOVE it so much and it genuinely feels like happy stitches all the time.</div>
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It would be lovely if I was able to sew all day, but most of my sewing is done well in to the evening, as my days are filled with all the other aspects of running a creative business and of course alongside being a mum, wife and new puppy owner too (as if I didn't have enough going on).</div>
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My weekdays on average, normally look a little like this:</div>
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Monday to Friday, the alarm goes off at 6am and I'm down stairs dressed and ready for action by 6:30, when Andy leaves for work. This is when I look at Instagram and Facebook over at least one, mostly two mugs of tea. It has always been really important to me to try and reply to all the kind comments left, so this is when I do that.....sometimes it can take nearly an hour! I also if I have time, like to do some sketching of new designs. </div>
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7am I am now in full mum mode, we have breakfast, I make pack ups and then I spend the next half hour sounding like a talking clock counting down, so that they leave the house by 8am on time to walk to school.</div>
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8am is walking time for Pepper, our 8 month old Standard Schnauzer...gosh what a bundle of fun she is, although I do find myself crying with laughter and also nearly crying with despair at various points throughout the week. I do love our morning walk though, even in the rain! She started her next level of dog training classes this week, she's doing her 'Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bronze Award' and at the beginning of the class, the trainer introduced her as follows "<i>Everyone, this is Pepper, she is a Standard Schnauzer. Standard Schnauzers like to bark ALOT, it isn't you, it's just what they do</i>". Roll on when she's one, Andy is planning on doing agility with her...I'm hoping it may use up some of her boundless energy! (.....Please don't burst my bubble of hope!)<br />
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9am - 4pm (ish)This is when I do all my 'work' jobs. Mum and I try to do a lot of these things together where we can, some are done individually, but it's very much a partnership, plus dad helps out too. I split my time between the workshop and working on the computer stuff at home. Things that have to be done (listed in no particular order) are:</div>
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<li>Packing website orders </li>
<li>Post run</li>
<li>Prep for our existing monthly clubs</li>
<li>Restocking kits</li>
<li>Pattern writing </li>
<li>Prepping new embroidery designs from paper to printed fabric</li>
<li>Emails</li>
<li>Maintaining the website</li>
<li>Writing the occasional newsletter (I must try harder to send more..but I'm very conscious, not to send too many as to bombard your inboxes..maybe one every month or so, would be good?)</li>
<li>Writing and maintaining the Blog (this is my year to get to get back to blogging!)</li>
<li>Photographing products and taking pictures for social media</li>
<li>Making more little videos (I've shared three now on Instagram and Facebook)..I need to see if I can upload them on here too...leave it with me)</li>
<li>Choosing fabrics, threads etc in daylight for evening happy stitches and new projects</li>
<li>Ordering stock for kits and clubs</li>
<li>Meeting fabric reps to view and order from the current collections</li>
<li>Planning for new kits..(packaging/costing/stock availability etc)</li>
<li>Plus all the financial side of the business..VAT/Paying Bills/Tax/Book Keeping etc</li>
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I normally stop for a quick lunch around 1pm and I have for the last year, actually made myself stop, not eat my lunch whilst working. Often, I prep our supper now too. I'm a massive fan of batch cooking and tray bakes, which makes life so much easier. If you have any good recipes...please share! Would you like a blog post with my favourites? If I can, I like to do a little stitching for half an hour or so, whilst watching something that only I like and Andy definitely doesn't, on TV. It clears my mind ready for more 'work'.<br />
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4pm - 7pm This is when the kids and Andy get home, so I pop my 'mum' head back on. I always like to stop and chat with them about how there day has gone, chivy Poppy and Jamie along to do their homework and revision. It's been a really big school year so far. Poppy has moved up to senior school, which she is loving and has adapted so well. For Jamie it's GCSE year and all that that entails. Depending upon who's about, after school clubs, sport etc, I may get some sewing in too, but I also use this time to sketch out new designs and to do a quick social media check too. We have supper in this window and Pepper gets another walk too.</div>
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7pm - 10pm NOW I get to sew! This is why the majority of my projects are hand sewn, which I can do on the sofa. If I do need to machine sew, I generally do this in a spare window we may have on a weekend, only very occasionally do I machine sew in the week. This year, I also decided that I wanted to learn to knit. So some evenings, I've stopped sewing around 9pm and have been knitting (all be it very slowly!), but I'm thoroughly enjoying it.</div>
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10pm - 10.30pm Bedtime...there's no staying up late in our house and we can never be accused of being night owls!<br />
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Whilst I think both mum and I work really hard, I know I am so lucky to do a job that I love. In truth, I find it hard to switch of and neither of us probably do not take as much time off as we should, 9 to 5 Monday to Friday definitely doesn't exist...something that we're trying hard to get a little more balance with. However, it does provide me with so much flexibility, so for example, if the children are poorly, I can stop and look after them...that is really important to me. So, thank you for all your support, it really does mean so much to us and enabling Pretty Fabrics and Trims to grow..but not too big that it loses the bones and spirit of what we have now!</div>
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Wishing you lots of happy stitches for the weekend ahead!</div>
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Sarah xo</div>
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PS...do you like the 'new look' blog? Unfortunately, I lost the automatic signature at the end of my previous/historic blog posts, so I'm sorry for the now, rather abrupt endings. BUT I'm so much happier with how it looks. You can now 'pin' my images more easily...if you hover over them the Pinterest 'P' now appears. Plus the grid format on the blog home page, make it easier for you to see all my recent posts without having to scroll through them all. I'm also in the process of adding a drop down menu undert the 'little happy' tutorials on the main menu to make it easier for you to find what you are looking for..I hope this all helps!!</div>
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A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-15756592594169603722020-02-28T14:56:00.001+00:002020-03-30T11:29:26.898+01:00A Year of Happy Stitches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well this week has flown by. It's been a whirl of Block of the Month prep, pattern writing and sorting out and ordering supplies for The Spring Sampler, our latest club which is due to start in April. Yet again we have been overwhelmed with the response to this new club and it is now fully subscribed, thank you..thank you..thank you!!</div>
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I've also been enjoying some secret stitching for another new club which is starting this summer called the Secret Squirrel Stitch Society. It's going to be a quarterly Seasonally/Holiday inspired subscription club and within each parcel full of loveliness, you will receive:</div>
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<li>An exclusive kit, designed by me, to make a seasonally inspired mini quilt... this might include EPP, applique, embroidery, machine piecing, hand quilting.... lots of happy stitches! </li>
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<li> A second 'mini' kit, again designed by me & exclusive to Club members... for example, a felt decoration or a little embroidery design....think small and pretty!</li>
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<li>A 'little happy' extra..which will be a little something special, either chosen or designed by me, just for you!</li>
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Places each quarter will be limited, and you will be able to either purchase an individual box or there will also be a option to pre-order all 4 boxes should you wish. Our intention is that the smallest of sneaky peeks may be shared on social media, but the contents of the quarterly parcels will be kept secret until released. Rest assured, the pretty projects will be in keeping with my usual style!</div>
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We're currently sorting out all the finer details at the moment, but I can tell you that sign ups will open for the Summer box on the 1st April,make a note in your diary so that you do not miss out. I will share more pricing information as soon as I have it all finalised.</div>
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<i>EDITED 30TH MARCH: In view of the Coronavirus situation, we feel it is the right thing to do, to hold back on the release of our new Secret Squirrel Quarterly Club. We will be continuing to monitor the situation and will launch the club as soon as the time is right!</i></div>
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I am SO excited to share the projects for the first Summer box with you... I can not tell you how hard it is keeping the contents a secret..which is the total opposite of my 'in progress' pictures that I normally share. What I will say is, that one of the projects is inspired by the White Garden at Sissinghurst Castle in Kent created by Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson. We visited about 14 years ago when Jamie was just a baby, but their garden in all it's shade of white and silver has stayed with me. One day I hope to have a white garden, but definitely when the football / rugby ball and puppy days are long gone!!<br />
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As a small business with new things starting all the time, we feel it's important to keep you in the loop.... so I would also like to tell you that this year, for the first time, we will be releasing a 12 Days of Christmas Box. Advent Calendar style boxes have become increasingly popular in recent years and we have received many requests for one. However, we wanted to do something that was in keeping with the Pretty Fabrics and Trims aesthetic. So, I have designed a brand new Christmas themed wall hanging/mini quilt...think block of the month, but condensed instead into 12 daily packages. In addition there will also be little extra's included, for example this may be one of my favourite notions or a little 'mini' kit for you to complete. As with the Secret Squirrel Stitch Society, we're just finalising all the details, but pinky promise, I will share more information soon.<br />
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This week, I stitched February on my Phenology Wheel, a little project I started in January. My plan is to record my favourite plants, animals, birds and the weather in stitches, each month. At the end of the year, I'm going to make my embroidery into a mini quilt.<br />
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I had some extra Phenology Wheels printed on to my favourite linen/cotton and they have proven to be super popular, so again thank you so very much! Mum and I are really excited to see yours progress throughout the year...so please do share! The nice thing however with this is, that you can start at any time and just roll it through for 12 months.<br />
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In terms of the content, I am trying to remember to carry my mobile phone with me as much as possible, something I am dreadful at! The plan being, that when I see something pretty when I'm out and about, then I can take a photo. Plus I will also use images as reference points from old photographs, books, magazines etc. I've been sketching my ideas in to my drawing pad, then once I'm happy, I draw to scale on a paper version of the wheel, we've included a blank sheet with the fabric so you can do this too, then finally, transferring the image on to the fabric ready for stitching.<br />
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So far, I have included in January, a beautiful Red Kite, once endangered, but now we are so lucky to see regularly flying above the house, snowdrops and lots and lots of rain! For February, a winter aconite, flying geese and the first flurry of snow .. I wonder what will March will bring!<br />
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As if I didn't have enough works in progress, I also made a start on a Floral Alphabet I've designed. Each letter represents a flower from a cottage garden or from the wild....</div>
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A is for Angelica.....</div>
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B is for Bluebells. C is for.......<br />
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This will be available as new kit later this year...but again I will keep you posted. I also have plans for individual letters / bunting / hearts etc ..but as always, my creative brain works at a much faster pace than my fingers can stitch!</div>
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Wishing you all a lovey weekend full of happy stitches!</div>
A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29166759388816967.post-30002605474097126392020-02-14T14:14:00.002+00:002022-09-13T16:06:46.452+01:00Positive stitches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In life, I generally have a positive outlook, as my Nanny Flo would say, "<i>my cup is half full, never half empty"</i>.<br />
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I really believe that having a creative past time contributes enormously to my overall positive view of life and my general well being. For me personally, I think hand sewing helps greatly. Hand sewing, whether that be English paper piecing, applique, embroidery, making felt decorations, hand piecing .... all have the same effect.. those measured, slow and repetitive stitches, give me time to lose myself in my thoughts.<br />
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I do have tendency to have the longest 'to do' lists and I have been known to have 'ever so slightly' over optimistic expectations, as to what can physically be achieved in a working day, so hand sewing make me slow down. It gives me time to review and rationalise my thoughts, contemplate new things and reminisce. It also means that I can sit with my family, happily stitching, rather than being tucked away in my sewing room, so there is always an opportunity for us to talk.<br />
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Nan would also say "<i>idle hands make fretful minds</i>" ......how I use to snigger inwardly as a teenager, when she would come out with these quotes, but in hindsight I now know that she was a very wise woman.<br />
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I like to think that each little stitch that I make, will tell a story and become a memory for both myself and my family. My hands, with my podgy and scratched fingers and unpainted nails, that oh my goodness, don't I wish were long, slender and manicured, have sewn many a mile, they have served me well. They have stitched together quilts that have provided a reassuring hug when needed, they have sewn decorative stitches that have made people slow down and smile and they have, as both my nan's and mum's hands did for me, taught both my children how to sew.<br />
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Our motto for the business is 'a little happiness in every stitch' now you know why.<br />
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Have a lovely weekend, full of ‘happy stitches’!A little happy placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15601735912512054801noreply@blogger.com3