During our February club night, we embroidered the design which  Helen Hodgson, aka Polly Dextrous  created for us.  We learnt some simple stitches and enjoyed embellishing Helen's design.  A hoop was included in the box so that you could use that to frame your embroidery, but I think most of February's embroideries are destined to become cushions.  As soon as I've finished mine, I'll post it on Instagram

START DESIGNING FABRIC IN 5 DAYS! Did you miss our 5-day design challenge back in December? Don't worry, you've got  another chance to start designing now.   Now that it is fairly easy to get small quantities of fabric  printed  (from 20cms²), do you ever think that you'd like to create your own design?  And then think, 'But I don't know where to start!'? Here is your chance to try

Sadly, we didn't have any entries to our children's design competition again this year.  However, we did have a couple of late entries, so I am showing them to you. Both are by pre-schoolers, giving an insight into the development of children's drawing.  Both families have long legs, little or no bodies, but all the facial features are there.  Arms seem to be a problem for both children.  It is interesting, too

  The next craft club is all about embroidery. I am delighted that we are being assisted by  designer Helen Hodgson, aka Polly Dextrous.  Helen has very kindly created a lovely motif for us to embroider.  We will be working on the assumption that you haven't  done any free-hand embroidery before, and will keep it simple  However, if you know more stitches, there is plenty of scope for you to do your own

  There will be no normal club night this month - it was too close to Christmas to organise.  However, there will be a different sort of club night - on Friday, January 17th at 8pm.   I will start to put together the Project Linus quilt, which some of you designed and / or made blocks for.   If you would like to join us, let me know and I'll give you access to our FB group. we

  Traditionally, we have turned the December design challenge over to the children.  Most adults are pretty busy in December, whereas, excited children before Christmas and 'bored' ones afterwards may be glad of a challenge.  However,  last year we didn't have any  entries, so maybe I'm wrong about that! So, for one last try, we will hold a children's design competition, and see how it goes.  If we have some entries, I

          Christmas is rapidly approaching;  if you want to receive your order before Christmas, please take note of the last dates we can accept orders, which are as follows:   For posting to Eastern Europe and Malta - December 9th For posting to Australia and New Zealand - December 9th For posting to Canada, Czech Republic,  Italy, Poland and  USA - December 11th For posting to  Finland and Sweden - December 11th For posting to

  Now that it is fairly easy to get small quantities of fabric  printed  (from 20cms²), do you ever think that you'd like to create your own design?  And then think, 'But I don't know where to start!'? Here is your chance to try designing with a hand to guide you along the way. Over the next 5 days, I'll walk you through creating your own Christmas tea towel design.  It doesn

This month, we have two beautiful cut and sew dolls in our monthly challenge.  They are very different. We have Maddalee Doll by Nancy Archer: and Olive by ByCornelia: Aren't they both gorgeous?  I think that's presents sorted for a couple of my grandchildren! Maddalee comes with instructions (they are legible when printed at full size!) and a little skirt to make.   Olive just has cutting directions.   Do, please, tell the designers

  As I've said before, and as I'm sure you're aware, fashion is a strange thing.  The images we have in our minds of the fashion of past centuries are mostly the clothes worn by the wealthy.  Working men and women couldn't afford (and, at times, weren't allowed to wear!) the luxurious fabrics and extravagant styles worn by the Royal Court. Neither were such clothes even remotely practical. Much the same still applies

  This month's design challenge is not a pattern - it's a doll! Can you create a cut-and-sew fabric doll on either a fat quarter or a tea towel? The doll can be any size which fits the fabric and can either be made with printed clothes, or you can include her/his wardrobe on your fq / tea towel.  Simple instructions would probably also be useful! As usual, designs will be shown on Facebook and the