New website!!!

I’m so excited to introduce my new website, its been in the making for a few months now, as it took me some time to get my head round building a website with Wix, but I can recommend it to anyone thinking about starting their own website

Please head over and take a look, subscribe, hit some hearts on the products and maybe even order a few, there is something for everyone, and more being added all the time.

Super proud to of achieved this…

You guys are all truly awesome, I really appreciate all your continued support

Drum roll please….

www.creativeblondegifts.com

Do what makes your heart smile

x Michelle x

Michelle Roberts from www.creativeblonde.co.ukLeave a comment

BIG announcement…

If you love Island Batik fabrics and love seeing inspirational quilts and other makes… Be sure to be following all 25 of the Island Batik Ambassadors

I’m so excited to tell you that I’ve been chosen to be an Island Batik Ambassador for the 5th year running…

Come back soon, to see my first challenge and a sneek peek at all the new gorgeous fabric I will be working with this year

x Michelle x

Michelle Roberts from www.creativeblonde.co.ukLeave a comment

Do you love gorgeous Indigo’s and blues?

Stuart Hillard has just released his new collection called ‘Indigo Elements’ for Craftcotton, and its stunning, possibly one of favourites…

If you fancy trying your hand at a simple cushion, you can download my free tutorial using the link below

craftcotton-indigo-elements-cushionDownload

There will be more makes to follow from this stunning collection in the new year, and a full size quilt inside British Patchwork and Quilting magazine out in the new year also – I will keep you posted

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas, and all the best for 2022

Michelle x

Michelle Roberts from www.creativeblonde.co.ukLeave a comment

Island Batik December challenge…

Welcome to my last challenge of the year as an Island Batik ambassador 2021

This months challenge is all about English Paper Piecing

'ENGLISH PAPER PIECING CHALLENGE ISLAND BATIK AMBASSADORS'

WHAT IS ENGLISH PAPER PIECING?

English Paper Piecing (commonly called EPP) is a method of stabilizing fabric around a heavy paper shape before sewing the pieces together to create intricately pieced designs. It provides excellent accuracy and precision piecing. English Paper Piecing originated in England and was called Mosaic or honeycomb patchwork. In the late 1700’s, when all things English became popular in the U.S., the term English Paper Piecing was coined. The most popular shape has always been the hexagon because it makes good use of fabric scrap and is easy to assemble. The most recognizable hexagon pattern is Grandmother’s Flower Garden, which became popular in the 1920-1930s.

HAND SEWING

English Paper Piecing is often referred to as Hand Piecing or hand sewing and is a traditional sewing method that utilizes a running stitch to sew fabric pieces together. The hand sewer sews a ¼” seam allowance with needle and thread by, beginning a ¼” from the end of the shape, loading stitches on the needle and finishing ¼” away from the end of the shape by pulling the needle through the loaded stitches.

I decided to create a Christmas Wreath pattern using clam shells, along with some Christmas prints, I created 8 of each size (3.5″ and 2.5″)

Using Island batik 16″black solid fabric square, I drew my design, this makes it easier when sewing the clam shell pieces in place

Let the hand sewing begin…

I begin with the outer layer and worked my way around

Once the small clam shells were sewn in place using Aurifil thread, I began adding the larger ones

After hand sewing the circle in place, I added a blanket stitch to add texture

I loved the final look of my block,I wanted the red/green fabric to give the impression of red berries on my wreath. I decided to create a cushion from my block.

Thanks for reading, I hope you have enjoyed seeing my process, head over to Island Batik to see all the other amazing ambassadors creations

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas, and all the very best for 2022

Michelle

Michelle Roberts from www.creativeblonde.co.uk1 Comment

Do you gift wine?

You wont want to miss this free tutorial for a celebration bottle bag…

These bottle bag are quick and easy to make and can be personalised with your own message or image, to download my tutorial click the link below

celebration-bottle-wrapDownload

A great idea for a new year eve bottle bag…


Or one for any special occasion…

These are also available to order from my Etsy shop www.etsy.com/uk/shop/creativeblondegifts

Happy sewing

Michelle x

Michelle Roberts from www.creativeblonde.co.ukLeave a comment

Love bugs???

Who’s watching the new series of ‘I’m a celebrity, get me out of here’? yes yes yes I hear you shout…

How about making some super cool bunting with matching cushion covers using the new fabric collection ‘Enchanted Wings’ its a beautiful pink and mauve collection with beetles, bugs and butterflies… Perfect bunting for any Charlie and Lola fan!

Enchanted Wings Fabric Collection

Here you can download my FREE tutorial on how to make your very own cushion cover and bunting, its a perfect started project for anyone wanting to get into sewing, or for anyone looking to do some fussy cutting and blanket stitch applique

Enchanted-wings-cushion-and-buntingDownload

Happy sewing

Michelle x

Michelle Roberts from www.creativeblonde.co.ukLeave a comment