Thursday 2 February 2023

Free Patterns, Colour Talk, Embroidery Stitch Along

We are deep in winter,  a time here for the fleece wear and flannel and staying cosy by the fire. Not a problem for us retirees. I just got out my winter coffee table runner that I sewed a couple of years ago.  Kathy Schmitz Snowbound fabric and EPP hexagons.
It's been through the wash a couple of times and has a nice crinkly feel to it. I mentioned at the time that I certainly would be stitching hexagons again and someone recommended this little tool below.  So I bought one on Amazon but haven't used it yet. It's supposed to make it easier on the hands with all the cutting of thin cardboard.  Any of you ever use this?

LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color's prompt this week was how do we feel about Pantone's colour of the year, viva magenta. It is a stunning colour!
 Years ago I had a student tell me she could "feel" the colour green. I am not  in touch with colour like that but there is one colour experience that is thrilling to see in person.  An offering of nature's own shades of yellow/purples/magentas.  I've had the pleasure of viewing the Northern Lights many times in my over 25 years of living in the far north and Labrador.

 I follow Newfoundland photographer, Brad James, on Facebook. Brad had the honour of this photo of his being chosen for the cover of the William Collings 2022 Bird Photographer of the Year book. It's not exactly viva magenta but those magentas are amazing especially in contrast to the little Yellow Warbler. 

Thursday's Three Free

At Freda's Hive you can find the tutorial to sew this sweet cottage.

It caught my eye because I'm a member of the  Corinne et Cecile Quilt Along group on Facebook. The present challenge is to sew houses and it's been so much fun to see the array of houses/villages folks from all over the world are stitching. 
There are also links to free patterns too of course. Houses must be a very popular pattern no matter where you live and that got me thinking about the wonderful architectural pieces to be found at Magpie's Mumblings where Mary Anne often includes buildings, barns, houses, etc. in her stitching projects. The realism is phenomenal in her fabric art. 

Beyond Valentine's, from Leslie, the Seasoned Homemaker, comes the pattern and tutorial to make this very cute Easter Peeps Mug Rug. Ah Peeps, yum!


Leslie also shares how to make the perfect Valentine Star using HST's which is really easy and neat. 
From  Subrosa comes another cross stitch freebie that is lovely and delicate like everything she creates.

And last but definitely not least, I was very happy to see this announcement from Meg at Crabapple Hill Studio. I  have stitched so many of Meg's wonderful patterns over the years and just know I will definitely enjoy whatever she designs. The Crabapple Hill 2023 Embroidery Month Stitch Along is found at the Crabapple Hill Studio site under  Other Stuff in Downloadables file.  In fact I've downloaded the first free pattern. 

How great is our stitchy world and the talented folks in it!
Also great to link with Wendy's Quilts and More where talented Wendy has made herself a lovely sheath style dress from Kaffe fabrics. Also linking with Alycia Quilts where Alycia shares a beautiful red, white and blue quilt featuring lovely Friendship Stars. Linking up with Quilting Patchwork Applique too where Frederique shows how her village of houses is coming along for the Corinne et Cecile QAL. Also joining the slow stitching folks at Kathy's Quilts where Kathy is cross stitching sweet little hearts that have deep meaning behind them. Joining too the gang at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework (yes it is!) where Cynthia shares a gorgeous pieced heart. 








































25 comments :

Home Sewn By Us said...

Hi Jocelyn! Brr. We are definitely in winter now after being spoiled with warm weather through most of January. Mother Nature has made it clear that she hasn't forgotten it is, indeed, winter. I've never seen that hexagon tool but it looks handy. I can certainly see why that photo is the cover of the bird book. It is stunning. Finally, that little Peeps Mug Rug is so darn cute. Happy Thursday to you. Stay warm. {{Hugs}} ~smile~ Roseanne

Deb A said...

Beautiful photos of the snow and the bird with the purple flowers is amazing! I agree, there are lots of talented people in this world and we are lucky to be able to see and appreciate their talent.... especially those that offer free patterns to all of us! Happy stitching (love that hexie runner).

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I've seen those Fiskars cutters but haven't tried using them. When I was doing my hexxie project (still unfinished, sadly) I printed sheets of hexxies and DH painstakingly cut them out for me.
Oh, that amazing yellow bird against the purple loosestrife - how beautiful!!! Well deserving of the photographic honours.
And thank you for the lovely shout out!!!

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I have not used the hexie cutter but have heard of it for a long time. Your winter is so pretty but like us I'm sure you will be glad for spring. I love that hexie quilt you show, the cross stitch, and that beautiful yellow bird!

Jackie said...

Such lovely stitchery patterns. Thanks for sharing them with us.

God bless.

Brian's Home Blog said...

That sure is a real winter wonderland and that little bird is beautiful in the purples!

Lin said...

What a stunning photograph of the bird! I have had my fiskar hexie cutter for some years now and I can tell you it is brilliant! Absolutely accurate and you can use up odd scraps of paper easily. Saves an enormous amount of time too. Have fun - I love your hexie runner. xx

CathieJ said...

Thanks for the links to all the freebies. Just a note, the Crabapple link doesn't work. I love your table runner. Isn't a shame when we buy a tool to use in the future and then never use it. I've done so on several occasions.

Jenn Jilks said...

This is the time of year for quilting, I think. It is so cold today!
Lovely work you do.

PaintedThread said...

That hexi-punch looks pretty cool. I will be curious how it works. The loosestrife in that photo is what I see when I think magenta, not the pantone color. Hope you're staying warm!

Linda said...

Love that bird photo - the colors are spectacular. Your winter coffee table hexies runner is so pretty! Thanks for the link to Meg's sew-along. Enjoy your weekend Jocelyn!

Cathy said...

I bought that same hexi punch years ago. It sat in its pristine packaging for quite a while. One day I saw a beautiful hexi quilt on Instagram and had a lightbulb moment….I’ve got the hexi punch, I’ve got card stock from previous crafting adventures, and I’ve got lots of scrap fabric….let’s make it happen! I’m currently working on that hexi project, and I’m so happy to use up items I already had on hand. Thank you for showing Brad James work, I’m going to check him out.

loulee said...

Beautiful table runner. Yes, I use the fiskars cutter. I find it does not like some of todays birthday cards as they have a plastic coating on them. I buy cheap crafting paper/card stock, works fine with that, but still try to recycle old cards too.

LA Paylor said...

I haven't heard of or used the hexi punch but can't wait to hear your review. Open and use it for us! The yellow bird photo is stunning. I feel you could have taken that shot since your photos have inspired me so often. LeeAnna

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Lots of fleece and wrapping up in quilts here in Colorado, too! I love your hexie tablerunner and that cutter for the papers looks very handy. Are you planning another hexie project? Love the Subrosa cross-stitch design - so pretty!

Paula said...

I love my hexi cutters. I have them in 1" and 3/4" and have punched many hexies with them. I save the lightweight cards that come in magazines or as the cover on some magaines. I try to only use the lightest I can find for consistancy. I'm just about finished piecing a Martha Washington's Flower Garden quilt in bright batiks with a very light grey backing. I love how it's turning out and love that I didn't have to buy the paper pieces, which I did for my Grandmother's Flower Garden 30s quilt. Enjoy and thanks for sharing your projects.

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

Wow, this nature photo is wonderful, little yellow bird looks so good in the magenta flowers.
Thank you for sharing all these links and goodies, and linking up ;)

nashook said...

I use the hexie cutter with those little magazine inserts. they look like postcards? Works perfect and just the right thickness.

Karrin Hurd said...

Thanks for sharing all the links. That bird picture is stunning!

Kim said...

I am in love with hexie quilts and yours is a pretty one; perfect for enjoying over your winter months. I always purchase Sue Daley papers when fashioning my hexie quilts; bypassing all that cutting. I reuse the papers over and over again. How pretty is the photograph of the Yellow Warbler against the gorgeous background. Amazing photo.

Melisa- pinkernpunkinquilting said...

Such a daring hexi quilt. Love the fabrics. I have always wondered about the Fiscars hexi punch. I am looking forward to hearing what you think of it. Thank you for all of the great freebie links. Stay warm and cozy

K Reeves said...

What a lovely visit I had catching up on your blog for the past month! The snow pictures are wonderful. I agree, when you have warm boots, coats, hat and mittens it doesn’t feel cold! I love your pyramid quilt, and the resources you share on Thursdays are always wonderful! Sending you a big hug!

Robin said...

I've used the hexagon punch and really liked it. I punched cardstock and have made a few things with the rosettes. Seeing the Northern Lights is the only thing on my bucket list. Someday I hope to be far enough north to catch a glimpse of them. Sounds like you need to layer up and hunker down for a while yet. But, your snow sure is pretty.

Scrapatches said...

Your Love Star medallion in the making is looking wonderful! It would make a lovely addition to any wall. The hexagon quilt looks loved and lovely. I adore the feel and look of crinkly, well-washed quilts. Our kitty who came in from the cold did not take long to make a pillow with a crinkly quilted sham his favorite bed. Kitties always find the comfiest of quilts. I have never used that cutter. I always find free pintable sheets for EPP and cut them into strips with an old rotary cutting blade and then finish the cutting with my paper scissors. Let us know how much this helps achy hands ... :) Pat

Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

Great post! I love Crabapple but your link doesn't work. Thought I would let you know. We had another 20 trees cut down due to the drought - plenty of firewood available. Would send you some but it is a little expensive. LOL
Hugs and have a great week and stay warm.! Going to check out Crabapple freebie.