Pre-Holiday Sampling + a Pattern Sale!

Hey y'all! First off, I just wanted to say that the reason I haven't been blogging much lately is that my computer crashed the week before Sewing Summit and I still haven't been able to get it fixed. I wrote my last couple of blog posts using Alex's old laptop that is so slow (and the space bar doesn't work properly) that I want to gouge my eyeballs out every time I use it! I seriously have so much to share with you guys, I have been sewing up a storm lately, plus I want to share some pictures from my Sewing Summit class; I'm still getting pictures from my students over Instagram as they work to finish their pillows and it is awesome!

This is just a quick post because, seriously, I can't stand to type on this computer for long, but I wanted to do a little something special! With Chrismakkah and the holidays just around the corner, I know that many people are already starting to look at making gifts and things for their homes. I've already begun on a couple of gifts and have more plans that I will, hopefully, be able to execute in time. To get everyone in the holiday crafting mood I am offering up a little discount on all of my downloadable PDF patterns. How does that sound?

For my Etsy shop the coupon code to get 15% off (downloadable patterns only, please do not use on finished items such as quilts) is: HOLIDAY2013. Now unfortunately, Craftsy does not have a way to accept coupon codes, however, if you wish to purchase from my Craftsy shop rather than my Etsy shop please send my an email after you purchase including both the email you use for your Paypal account and your Craftsy screen name and I will refund you 15% through Paypal. The coupon code/refund policy are in effect for two months (two whole months!!) and will expire on December 18, 2013.

Here is just a sampling of the patterns you can purchase:

Nordic Christmas! This is the cover from the "series" where you can buy all three patterns together at a discounted price, however you can buy them individually too. And don't forget about the tutorial for turning one of the blocks from Ornament Sampler into a finished ornament!

Orion! Seriously, I am still pretty much in love with this quilt. I know it's not cool to think one of your own patterns is awesome, but seriously, this quilt makes me smile every time I see it! And don't forget, that the paper pieced arrows (all templates included in the pattern) can be used on their own and built out to create a cool pillow, or to form a portion of another motif.

Itching to be Stitching! This pattern is still one of the most popular in my shops. It was originally designed when I was asked to be the first guest designer for The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery; after it went out of print with the folks over there, I revamped and re-released it. It gives me no end of pleasure to see people stitching this little guy up and hanging it in their craft room/studio space.

There are a few more patterns available in my both my Etsy and Craftsy shops, but I won't inundate you with any more pictures for now. Don't forget the code for the Etsy shop is: HOLIDAY2013

I can't wait to see what everyone stitches up for the holidays - let's hope it's a good one!

Nordic Christmas: Warm Knits + the Series

Well, phew, it's been quite the busy week! Not only did I have to surreptitiously finish Alex's Hanukkah present while he wasn't home (happy first night everyone!!) and work on some Christmas presents for my mum, but I also completed the sample for the third and final pattern in the Nordic Christmas series - hurray!

Warm Knits features a Scandinavian inspired sweater along with a scarf, mittens, a hat, and a little holly - I think it might actually be my favourite of the three!

I must say that this pattern actually gave me the most problems when trying to decide what would be what colours - I wanted to use the same colours that are found in Winter Chalet to give it a cohesive feel but couldn't decide what item should be which colours. In the end though, I'm happy with the result!

This pattern is available individually in both my Etsy and Craftsy shops, but wait (!!) there's something else...

Just as a little special something, I've decided that if you want all three patterns that you should get a wee discount! There is a special listing in both the Etsy and Craftsy shops!

I have really enjoyed designing this series and getting it out there to everyone! It has been a labour of love and I'm super-excited to see your creations. I've already started working on my ideas for next year and I think I know what the theme will be (Scandinavian-inspired Twelve Days of Christmas, anyone?) but that sure is a long way off, ho hum. I guess I'll just have to come up with some other ideas in between! Sounds good to me.

Nordic Christmas: Ornament Sampler + a Tutorial

I'm super-excited to announce that the second pattern in the Nordic Christmas series is now available - yay!

Ornament Sampler is again, like Winter Chalet, inspired by all things Nordic and Scandinavian. I took many common motifs, revamped them a little, and turned into something fun that can be stitched up two ways. Ornament Sampler can be purchased from either my Craftsy or Etsy shops.

Ornament Sampler can be stitched up as one piece, like you see above, and will finish at approximately 7" square, however you can also stitch up one quadrant at a time and do this...

Turn it into an ornament - and that's where the tutorial comes in!

Materials
-One completed cross stitch quadrant
-Scrap of fabric measuring 4.25" square
-Grosgrain ribbon
-Poly stuffing

Directions

Trim your cross stitch down to a 4.25" square leaving about 1/2" on every side of the stitched border. Cut your piece of grosgrain ribbon to 8" in length.

Lay out the cross stitch face up and loop you ribbon being careful not to twist. Line the sides of the ribbon up with the edges of the border so that the ribbon is about 1/2" from the sides of the cross stitch; line the cut edges of the ribbon up to the top edge of the cross stitch as shown in the photo above.

Lay the 4.25" square of scrap fabric face down on to the cross stitch, sandwiching the ribbon in between. Pin all of the way around the sandwich being extra careful to catch each edge of the ribbon in a pin so that it doesn't shift while sewing.

Using a 1/4" seam sew around all four sides leaving a 1.5-2" opening along the bottom edge. To make sure that the ribbon is secure, back-stitch over each piece a couple of times when you reach it. When you're finished, clip your corners and turn the square right side out. Poke the corners out and press flat, being sure to turn the edges in at the opening.

Using the opening at the bottom, stuff the ornament full of poly stuffing. Don't over-stuff or else little fibres might starting popping through the aida. When you're finished stuffing, whip stitch the opening closed using a neutral coloured thread.

And you're done! Hang it on a tree, on the wall, or anywhere else that might need a little Nordic spirit.

Nordic Christmas: Ornament Sampler is available from both my Crafty and Etsy shops! Tune in again next week when I will bring your the third, and final, instalment of the Nordic Christmas series.

Nordic Christmas: Winter Chalet

I'm super-excited to announce that I have another new cross stitch available! Winter Chalet is the first in a three-part series called Nordic Christmas; the next two patterns will be released over the next couple of weeks.

This series was inspired by my love of all things Nordic and Scandinavian, and my overwhelming urge to stitch up something fun for the holidays. All patterns in the Nordic Christmas group will feature modern takes on traditional Nordic and Scandinavian design motifs and will work together beautifully.

Winter Chalet features a star border based on a traditional Norwegian star motif, and a stylized chalet nestled in the trees. I used an oatmeal aida for the background so that the white snowflakes would stand out a little more and I also twisted a strand of metallic gold in with my white floss so that the snowflakes would sparkle.

Winter Chalet finishes at approximately 5x6.5". The pattern includes a black and white chart, a colour block chart, a floss key with all of the colours you will need, and some helpful stitchery notes. The pattern can be purchased from both my Craftsy and Etsy shops.

Check back soon for the next instalment in the Nordic Christmas series! This is so fun you guys, I have really been having a blast designing these!