Thinking of getting some new Christmas decorations this year, and you simply can’t resist a gonk / gnome?
Look no further…
Check out my Christmas gonk bunting, available for a limited time at my Etsy shop www.etsy.com/uk/shop/creativeblondegifts
The 2021 Aurifil Color Builders are a capsule of 12 mini-collections dedicated to an incredibly worthy cause that falls in line with Aurifil’s goal to increase sustainability and positive environmental impact — Endangered Species. Each collection contains three large spools of their supple and strong 40wt thread — a warm, a medium, and a dark.
For the October challenge, Aurifil asked the Island Batik Ambassadors to create a piece inspired by the endangered animal featured on their assigned Color Builder box.
I received the Sumatran Elephant…
The Sumatran elephant is native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra, and are one of the smallest of the Asian elephants, and known for their bright skin. Sadly there are are only between 2400 and 2800 Sumatran elephants left in the world, which puts them on the critically endangered list.
There has been a huge decline recently, largely due to habitat loss and illegal killing of the elephants for their ivory.
WWF Indonesia aims to protect the sustainability of the Sumatran elephants through collaborations with the government and other organizations. They have established elephant patrols, that serves to prevent hunting and dismantling of traps that can endanger the elephants.
Auriful thread have drawn their color inspiration from 12 magnificent animals, currently in dire need of attention, advocacy, and compassion. They are dedicated to highlighting their stories, helping to educate on their struggles, and working to create valuable change via awareness and fundraising. To help achieve these goals, Aurifil are collaborating with Earth League International and are looking forward to a strong and effective partnership, to read more about their work, head to
https://www.aurifil.com/2021-color-builders
I’ve created a wall hanging, using some gorgeous Island Batik fabrics, and the 3 Aurifil threads from my pack
I love the effect of the Island Batik blue fabrics
The light thread added a lovely shimmer to my project
Using the other two thread colours, I added some thread painting details to add depth and shading
Be sure to check out all the other Ambassadors projects, by heading over to the Island Batik Page
This wall hanging was quilted with Hobbs cotton batting and I added some hanging hoops to complete my project
I’ve really enjoyed reading about these elephants along with all the other Ambassadors projects, I hope you have too.
Michelle x
For more details and to place an order, head over to my Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/creativeblondegifts
Michelle x
I’ve teamed up with Vlieseline to bring you this super cute Christmas bottle wrap tutorial.
I’ve used the amazing Vlieseline Style Vil Fix and the new Festive Glitter fabrics to make these – grab yours supplies today from all good crafting retailers
Try adding some faux fur trim for an extra cosy look to your bottle wrap
Download my free tutorial below
Happy sewing
Michelle x
Ever had a challenge put to you, that you were unsure you could manage, one of those that plays on your mind, that you should crack on with, but you keep putting it off… well I have to admit the Island Batik September challenge was one of those moments!
I have made a few bags, but not one so advanced as this…
ByAnnie has generously provide all the Island Batik Ambassadors with a pattern and all the necessary hardware to make a bag of my choice!
There were so many to choose from, and all really practical and useful, I finally decided on the Round Trip Duffle Bag… thinking next time I go away for the weekend, Il be prepared 🙂
I chose the stunning Spiral Surf, Feather in Mauve, and Peacock Waterfall from the Fancy Feathers collection, and Branch in Blue from the Blenders collection
With all the pieces laid out in front of me and 10 pages of instructions, I was ready to begin make a cup of tea…
I began working my way through the step by step instructions, which are really clearly written, even a bag novice like myself could get my head around them
I cut and quilted all the pieces, and was loving the fabrics combo I had chosen. (blues and purples are my favourite). The pattern also comes with REALLY handy printable labels for each piece, which I strongly recommend using, this keeps everything in order.
SOOOOOOOO many pieces right?!!! and they just keep coming!
Lots of straps are needed for this bag, so I would recommend an ‘Easy loop turner’ makes this process a breeze. I love adding the metal catches, I think it starts to make the bag feel like its coming together
Pockets were up next, I love a bag with lots of pockets, and this one has 9 (Cool huh!) and a really useful trolley sleeve which slips over the handles on your suitcase/trolley
The front and back were created next, along with the centre panel.
I was getting excited by this point, and all my worries of not being able to do it, were disappearing – I almost had a bag in front of me! Your patterns are genius ByAnnie.
I used Aurifil thread and Schmetz needles to create this bag, and they were amazing considering the layers I was sewing through.
Joining the final pieces of the bag and binding the inside, was made so much easier with the help of my Hemline Gold quilting clips
And with that my bag was complete… here is the inside
Drum roll…
Here is my finished weekend bag, I’m really pleased with out it turned out, and I can seriously recommend ByAnnie patterns
Huge thanks to Island batik, ByAnnie, Aurifil, Schmetz for supplying me with the accessories to create my bag for the September challenge, and my amazing Brother sewing machine – we did it!!
A few more photos, just in case you just cant get enough of this super gorgeous bag 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, please hit the follow button if you haven’t already, and find me on Instagram and Facebook.
Have a lovely weekend
Michelle x
Looking for a unique way to celebrate finding out the gender of your baby?
Check out my new listing http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/creativeblondegifts
Michelle x
Two new collections from Island Batik, aren’t they stunning
Passion Petals paired with the gorgeous ‘pool’ from tantalising teals and ‘tanzanite’ from marvelous multis.
Floral wonders paired with ‘parakeet’ from tantalising teals and ‘icicle’ also from tantalising teals.
Head over to your local island batik stockist for this gorgeous fabrics
Till next time
Michelle x
New baby on the way? Or a friend or colleague is celebrating a new arrival?
http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/creativeblondegifts
http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/creativeblonde
Personalised nursery kites, these make a beautiful addition to a nursery, great baby shower gift too
http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/creativeblondegifts
http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/creativeblonde
Happy sunday
Michelle x
My Etsy shop is so new, and I’m really excited for my little business to be on this journey. If you have a few spare minutes, I’d love for you to head over and take a look, maybe ‘favourite’ my shop and a few items from it, it all really helps my business grow.
Feel free to get in touch if you would like something special made, I love requests
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/creativeblondegifts
If you have a Etsy shop, feel free to leave your shop name and il head over and return some love.
Here are just a few of the new items I’ve listed recently…
Wishing you all a lovely weekend
Michelle x
I have the perfect quilt pattern and best of all its free…
This quilt uses vibrant orange Fat Quarters fabrics, along with black basics from Craft Cotton to really make the colours pop.
Download my free pattern using the link below… I’d love to see your finished creations
What does a skeleton order at a restaurant….
spare ribs
😂😂😂😂
Happy Halloween
Michelle x
