Showing posts with label sewing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sewing. Show all posts

Wednesday, 14 August 2013

#Quick Crafty Makes 6 - Machine Embroidery - Stag Beetle

beetle machine embroidery

 
After four weeks summer holiday it's back to work for me, the summer has been great, we've been so busy and done so much.  Now that time is going to be limited I thought I'd russel up a last minute craft project.  I saw this stag beetle template in issue 28 of Mollie Makes, I thought it'd be perfect for some free motion machine embroidery.  For tips on how to do this please take a look at a previous post I've written on the subject.
 
I thought this would look good on the wall in a vintage frame or even left in the embroidery hoop,  alternatively you could use this idea as a decoration for numerous items such as a motif on a cushion or bag.  I'd like to sew some other insects and make a small collection of six legged mini beasts to adorn my walls.
 
For this one I've traced, using a pencil, on to some calico and placed the fabric into an embroidery hoop and off I went!  You can find you own motif to trace in many places such as in books, the internet or use fabrics and wallpapers as inspiration.  I also like the idea of sewing some insects in neon brights onto a grey toned fabric, i think this could look great.  Machine embroidery is so quick to do and gives immediate satisfying results and this technique is very forgiving if a mistake it made, it's ok for it to look a bit naive or rough and ready.

 
beetle machine embroidery

beetle machine embroidery
 
 
 
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Sunday, 15 July 2012

Handmade Teddy Bear - Mohair

Traditional handmade teddy bears are so endearing, my brother still has his much loved teddy bear even though he has been patched a few times. I wanted to make a bear for each of my children and bought a kit from an online shop called Teddycraft. The kit consists of a pattern, traditional mohair fabric, glass eyes and all the stuffing and joints. The kit costs £14.95 which I think is reasonable as the bear will last a lifetime and is essentially a family heirloom. I really enjoyed making him and found the process straightforward. This teddy is 20cms tall however I can reuse the pattern and enlarge it on the photocopies to make a larger bear. Check out teddycraft.co.uk

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Sunday, 8 July 2012

Scandinavian Needlecraft Book Review

Scandinavian Needlecraft - 35 step-by-step projects to create the Scandinavian home

Author Clare Youngs

Published by Cico Books

I've bought another Scandinavian craft book to add to my growing library. This book focuses on craft projects for the home inspired by folk art, nature and natural materials. The introduction explains the ethos of 'hygge', a Danish word that means 'wellbeing, comfort, coziness and pleasure in the simple things in life. This really appealed to me and is akin to my own life ethos. Each project has a foreword explaining the inspiration behind the item being crafted. The embroidery designs in this book cover both machine and hand embroidery, the stitches are basic but are beautiful in style. All projects in this book involve needlecraft or embroidery. The instructions are clear and supported by, photographs, illustrations and templates. The difficulty levels vary and there is something for everyone in terms of skill and style.

Pros - A wide range of great craft projects for the home that are beautifully designed. There are some good templates towards the back of the book with a clear key on each page explaining the stitches needed for each project. The felt embroidered baby boots in this book are gorgeous and could be up scaled for an adult. Another appealing project is a 'crested bird' chair pad that incorporates vivid colours and pompoms.

Cons - If embroidery and needlecraft is not your thing then this book is not for you (after all the clue is in the title). The illustrations in this book are not as clear as I would like, however this is a personal preference.

I would recommend this book, it would be a great addition to any crafters book collection.












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Sunday, 1 July 2012

Scandinavian Stitches Book Review

Scandinavian Stitches - 21 Playful Projects With Seasonal Flair

Author - Kajsa Wickman

Published by Stash Books

I love Scandinavian style and this book is packed full of great craft projects inspired by the seasons. I love the birds drawn by the authors daughter that have been used as an appliqué on a mini quilt. The projects are deceptively simple but anyone tempted to undertake them will need to have some basic craft knowledge and basic kit. However saying that there are some good beginner projects such as an Easter inspired bird ornament that is simple and effective.

Pros - The image quality is good as are the illustrations and instructions, there are plenty of templates that can be photocopied.

Cons - a lots of the projects involve appliqué, only really a con if appliqué is not your thing.

I'm happy with this book and will post my craft efforts upon completion, a good book, would recommend.

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Sunday, 10 June 2012

Craft Corner progress

The craft corner is progressing well, I have started to organise my supplies in to jars and baskets. I now need to start making stuff!!

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Thursday, 15 March 2012

Book Review - The Liberty Book of Home Sewing


Published by Quadrille Publishing   RRP £20.00 (price varies depending on website purchasing from)
This book comes in A4 hardback covered in gorgeous Liberty fabric.
There are a range of sewing projects from simple cushions and curtains to aprons and throws.  I especially like the lampshade project using strips of material.  The photography and illustrations are of fantastic quality and most projects have a ‘Taking it further’ option for those who are feeling up to more of a challenge.  The instructions are laid out in a step-by-step fashion and are easy to follow.  The book also includes images of various Liberty fabrics both vintage and modern prints, all are included in a directory in the back of the book and are available to purchase.  A great book that will be useful time and time again.
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Thursday, 8 March 2012

Book Review - Queen of Crafts by Jazz Domino Holly


Published by Penguin/Fig Tree   RRP £16.99 (price varies depending on website purchasing from)

THE MODERN GIRLS’ GUIDE TO Knitting, Sewing, Quilting, Baking, Preserving and Kitchen Gardening

This is a great book, very user friendly with easy to follow instructions and good quality illustrations and images. There is something for everyone regardless of ability or taste.  The book introduces the reader to a variety of craft and cooking projects from making a pom pom wreath to making your own beauty products.  It comes in A5(ish) size so will fit easily in to most handbags and manbags!!
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