Published

Part of the The Sewing Directry Christmas Creativity competition that I won a few weeks ago was for my pattern to be published in Cloth.  My edition arrived today.  I have not been published before, you can imagine my excitement.  

That is my name down there!

Cloth magazine is a little tricky to find.  It tends to be sold in independent crafty shops- no shops near me sells it- but you can buy it online here.  I rather like the cloak on the front and I am guessing Lula will too.  Quite a thing to see my pattern all printed out in a tangible magazine, I am a little bit blown away!  If you want to make the Scandinavian Tree Cushion/pillow instructions are also here

Showcase mini

I have another showcase for you, just mini, and a little bit Christmassy too!  First, Kris made this mug from my Freezer Paper Piece Mug Rug tutorial.  Now, Kris doesn't know why it loaded sideways on Flickr, but just turn your head a little to the right- and you can see her mug and saucer- she choose lovely reds for this.

And Connie has made my Scandinavian Christmas tree pattern!  This is the first one I have seen so I was very excited to see this on Flickr.

Connie has put a great mix of scraps in, the shapes and fabrics remind me of Christmas presents  all stacked up!  I think a lot of you know that teaching is my day job, I think it must be in my blood- my parents and aunt were all teachers.  The patterns and tutorials are all part of my teaching side, I just love to see your work, gold stars all round!

Scandinavian Christmas Tree- Free Pattern Download!

It has been a hectic few days, my Scandinavian Christmas Tree cushion pattern is now available to download for free at The Sewing Directory. 

I wanted to take a pic of the cushion with my new machine which came yesterday!  However, it is pouring with rain, grey a gloomy, too dark for photos so here are a few from last night.side by side view taken last night: new giant Memory craft Quilter's Companion 5900 next to my little Jem.

side by side view: new giant Memory craft Quilter's Companion 5900 next to my little Jem

I was very fortunate to win a Janome as all the feet will work on the new machine- it comes with many more too.  It ways a tonne!  I have already been sewing, working on Christmas paper piecing patterns- sews like a dream and it really is like they say- "whisper quiet!"  I cannot say a big enough thankyou to Fiona at Sewing Directory for organising and holding the competition, to the judges at David and Charles, Janome and Cloth for choosing my design, and of course to Janome for providing the most perfect prize.  This is the machine I always wanted but couldn't afford to buy!  There is of course the other fantastic prize: being published by Cloth for the winter issue, out early December!

And this is what I tested on my new uber machine, a preview of my new paper piecing pattern, Candy Cane available soon!  

Mamma mia

Today I was going to tell you about my next project with some lovely new fabric that makes my heart go pitter pat and try and get some work done on the next paper piecing pattern, but usual service has been interrupted by very happy news.  I found out today whilst reading twitter feed on my mobile (@verykb if you wanna tweet) that I got first prize (squeals!)in a Christmas competition held by The Sewing Directory   There are some very nice things written about my 'Scandinavian Christmas Tree Cushion' by the judges, I am trying not to let my head get too big!  I really tried to design something that was achievable for beginner sewers and still satisfying for the more experienced crafter.

So what did I win?  Oh mamma mia, I am so pleased!  I won this sewing machine which was top of my sewing machine wish list although I never thought I would actually have one.  Further more, and in some ways even more exciting,  the project is being published in the Winter issue of Cloth magazine- my first publication!  Blown away, stunned and very happy!