Mother’s Day flower embroidery hoop…

With Mother’s day just around the corner, I thought this cute little project, would make a lovely gift. you could even change the words and give the hoop for a special birthday or occasion.

Download my free pattern using the link below

Mother’s-Day-flower-hoopDownload

Whilst making this project, I came across this amazing thread gloss by Thread Joy, made with natural untreated British Bees wax and high quality fragrance oil.

The thread gloss come in different blends, which Claire at Thread Joy has chosen to evoke feelings of well-being, and allows you to match your mood to your stitching. Whilst I was embroidering the lettering I used the Release blend, which has been created to DE-stress, as it uses a blend of Ylang Ylang and Neroli, and it smells divine, like you have a calming candle burning in the room. It was brilliant at avoiding all these pesky tangles in my thread, and made sewing a dream.

Head to Claire’ Etsy shop to purchase yours.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/THREADJOYthreadgloss?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=935311762

Find out more about Thread Joy by heading over to their Instagram page

https://www.instagram.com/threadjoy_threadgloss/

I cant recommend this enough, and one pot will last ages, the only tricky part is choosing which blend to choose. These made a beautiful gift for yourself and for anyone who is into their embroidery, Thread Joy pride themselves on their beautiful packaging and its all fully recyclable.

Happy sewing, I cant wait to see your embroidery hoops

Follow me here on my blog, and share with friends, you can also find/tag me on Instagram and Facebook with your makes.

‘Do what makes your heart smile’
Happy Sewing

Michelle

Virtual Market…

Please join me this weekend (6th-7th March) as I take part in two virtual markets. There is going to be so many talented people show casing their amazing creativeness, so you never know what fabulous gifts you will find for friends and family, along with supporting local small businesses, its going to be a date for your diary.

Be sure to tell all your friends and family about this event, you could send them the following links to help spread the word.

Shop In Kent Virtual Market

http://www.facebook.com/ShopInKent/

Follow the hashtag #Shopinkentvirtualmarket on Facebook to get all the updates

The Bespoke Craft Fair

http://www.facebook.com/groups/1645491062315879/?ref=share

http://www.facebook.com/events/828388388019919/

Below are just some of the items available to order from me this weekend.

All my products are made to order, as they are personalised and bespoke to you.

Hope you will enjoy these virtual markets this weekend and find lots of amazing gifts for friends and family

I will be holding a very special competition aswell, with a beautufil prize.

See you this weekend (virtually)

Michelle

‘Flower Power’ Mothers day quilt with matching cushion pattern…

I’m so excited to share with you a pattern I’ve been working on for Craftcotton called ‘Flower Power’ It got its name as it reminds me of the flower power 60’s style era. Its a lovely bright and fresh quilt, so its sure to make you smile.

This quilt is made using a freezer paper applique technique, a short video of me demonstrating this method can be found on my Instagram/Facebook, I’ve added the direct links below.

https://fb.watch/3-66uy_Gnd/

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michelle (@michelle_creativeblonde)

To download my free pattern, simply click the link below

flower-power-mothers-day-quilt-cushionDownload

Happy sewing, I cant wait to see your finished cushions and quilts.

Follow me here on my blog, and share with friends, you can also find/tag me on Instagram and Facebook with your makes.

‘Do what makes your heart smile’
Happy Sewing

Michelle

Models at the ready…

I’ve had such an exciting week, and have some BIG HUGE MASSIVE news, that I can share with you all very soon.

I put a request out for newborn models and male models (its a tough life, but someone has to do it 😉 ) sadly due to Covid19, I wasn’t able to take the photos myself and steal cuddles at the same time, but…

The most gorgeous little boy called Finley modeled my new natural collection from my newborn gift sets. This beautiful gift set includes a matching personalised bib, cosy outdoor hat, animal Birch wood teething ring, adjustable bandana, bunting with baby’s first name and ‘cuddles’ the soft toy. All created using the new natural collection.

This gift set along with others in the newborn range are available to order from here on my website. Head over to the ‘newborn gift set’ page. All made to order, and personalised with baby’s first name.

I received some amazing photos of my ties too, these ties make great gifts for the men in your life, to celebrate a new job, birthday, fathers day, wedding , and anniversary. They are all made to order, and can be personalised with a name, monogram or short message.

Please feel free to spread the word about my newborn gift sets and men’s ties, thanks for supporting my small business

Take care, stay safe and enjoy the sunshine (if you can find it)

Michelle x

Fat free Easter Eggs…

Hey, hope you’re all well, thanks for stopping by to read my blog.

Here the UK the sun has been shining, the snowdrops and daffodils are opening up and the weather is turning warmer, Spring is in the air, and its certainly given me a boost.

Today I wanted to share with you a Easter Egg table runner pattern I have designed using some FQ’s packs in pastel tones from Craftcotton

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These Easter eggs are created using Foundation Paper Piecing, which is a great way to achieve crisp joins, without any fuss. I love the effect of raw edge applique, in fact its one of my favorites.

Download my free pattern using the link below

Easter-egg-table-runner patternDownload

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Follow me here on my blog, and share with friends, you can also find/tag me on Instagram and Facebook with your makes.

‘Do what makes your heart smile’
Happy Sewing

Michelle

Raffle raises £50 for Pyjama Fairies Charity

Huge thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket, it really does mean the world to me. The People’s Fundraising group have randomly chosen a winner from the raffle. The lucky winner has been notified. Thanks again for everyone who purchased a ticket and supported this wonderful charity. @pajamafairies. Huge thanks to @island_batik for running this months challenge.

We raised an amazing £50…

“The average cost of materials for a pair of wrap pyjamas is £10.00. Donations from individuals and businesses have helped defray some of the costs but we have found we cannot continue to meet the needs of the children without additional funding.

By supporting Pyjama Fairies, you can help these children and their families find comfort as they undergo short or long hospital stays and difficult treatments. Your donation, no matter how big or small, helps us fulfill our mission of helping kids feel settled in unsettling situations.

Every pound counts

• £4 pays postage for garments to be sent to a child
• £10 buys supplies for a set of pyjamas
• £20 buys supplies for a set of pyjamas and gown
• £50 buys a roll of fabric”

My Blackberry Vine Quilt is off to be gift wrapped and posted out to its new home.

The pattern for my quilt is available to purchase from my ‘Patterns’page

Thanks again to everyone who supported this raffle.

Do what makes your heart smile

Michelle x

Its here, its here… my blog hop day

I’m so excited to show you my ‘Blackberry Vine’ Quilt, here is a sneak peek while I tell you all about it, and the best news is, you could win it for just £2… keep reading to see how!

This months Island Batik Ambassador challenge was ‘Create for a Cause’. See details below on how you can enter the raffle to win this quilt, and raise money for the www.pyjamafairies.org/

My chosen fabrics are from the new collection called ‘Mystery’, designed by Claudia Pfeil for Island Batik – here is a close up of them…

A collection just bursting with all my favourite colours.

I used 8 beautiful fabrics from this collection, combined with some stunning Aurifil thread, Hobbs black Cotton batting and Schmetz needles.

My pattern is available to purchase from my ‘Patterns’ page.

Click the direct link below.

https://creativeblondeblog.wordpress.com/patterns/

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Please rest assure that all purchased PDF’s will be emailed to you within 48 hrs of payment.

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Be sure visit all the Ambassadors in this blog hop month, especially my blog hop buddy Gail, who is using the same collection. https://quiltinggail.com/.

Did I mention the giveaways… there is not one but two!!

First Giveaway…

Island batik are giving away A 2.5” Strip Pack or 10” Stack of Island Batik Mystery collection fabric – enter using the link below – good luck

www.rafflecopter.com/rafl

Second giveaway…

I’m giving away 2 beautiful Island Batik tone on tone stash builders, enter using the link below – good luck.

UK entries only.

www.rafflecopter.com/

This quilt, as you know is part of the ‘Create for a Cause’ blog hop, so I’ve decided to donate this quilt to be won in a raffle to raise money for the ‘Pyjama fairies’, a charity I have previously made hospital gowns and pj’s for.

Enter the raffle, by clicking on the link below to win. Its just £2 a ticket

(open to UK residents only)…

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https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/raffle/win-blackberry-vine-quilt   

To see all the brilliant work they do, head over to www.pyjamafairies.org/

Pyjama Fairies is the only UK charity to make pyjamas and surgical gowns specially designed for babies and children up to age 16 having surgery or any other associated medical test.

Each garment is made in colourful, age-appropriate fabric and is designed to minimise discomfort when medical intervention is necessary. Your child can remain fully dressed, safe and warm whilst being examined and throughout their stay in hospital.

While other great organisations focus on research and finding a cure, we work to improve the quality of life of children and their families as they undergo surgeries and treatment.

Pyjama Fairies mission is to make hospital stays easier for children and their families”

Thanks for stopping by to read what I’ve been up to, good luck in the giveaway.

Lets see how much we can raise for the pyjama Fairies

Here is where your money will be used

“The average cost of materials for a pair of wrap pyjamas is £10.00. Donations from individuals and businesses have helped defray some of the costs but we have found we cannot continue to meet the needs of the children without additional funding.
By supporting Pyjama Fairies, you can help these children and their families find comfort as they undergo short or long hospital stays and difficult treatments. Your donation, no matter how big or small, helps us fulfill our mission of helping kids feel settled in unsettling situations.
Every pound counts”

• £4 pays postage for garments to be sent to a child
• £10 buys supplies for a set of pyjamas
• £20 buys supplies for a set of pyjamas and gown
• £50 buys a roll of fabric

Take care, and stay safe

Michelle x

Personalised Newborn Gift Sets….

Do you have a special arrival on his/her way? or know someone who does? why not send them a really special gift to know you’re thinking of them, especially during this pandemic.

And with every box sold, I will make a donation to the charity I work for https://www.pyjamafairies.org/.

“Pyjama Fairies is the only UK charity to make pyjamas and surgical gowns specially designed for babies and children up to age 16 having surgery or any other associated medical test.

Each garment is made in colourful, age-appropriate fabric and is designed to minimise discomfort when medical intervention is necessary. Your child can remain fully dressed, safe and warm whilst being examined and throughout their stay in hospital.

While other great organisations focus on research and finding a cure, we work to improve the quality of life of children and their families as they undergo surgeries and treatment.

Pyjama Fairies mission is to make hospital stays easier for children and their families.”

Choose from one of my four Personlised Newborn Gift Sets – Essential, Essential special, Premium and Luxury. Be sure to add the name you would like embroidered on the items, in the ‘Instructions to seller’ part of the Paypal transaction page. Include your chosen colour combination.

_{(please contact me directly if you don’t see an option you would like, and I will be more then happy to put your bespoke order together for you)}

All items will be wrapped in soft tissue paper, and tied with ribbon – making it a super special gift to receive for any new parent.

Personalised Bunting

A beautiful touch to any nursery or bedroom. With a choice of super soft velour combined with a choice of pretty jersey appliqued fabric letters. With a binding hook at either end, makes it easy to hang anywhere. Each flag measures 7″. Fabrics used are Oeko-tex Standard 100. (STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® is one of the world’s best-known labels for textiles tested for harmful substances. It stands for customer confidence and high product safety). Giving you complete peace of mind.

Close ups…

Teething rings

A beautiful gift made using a choice of super soft velour combined with a choice of pretty jersey fabric. Birch wood Bird ring which has been EN71 tested, which means they have been chemically and physically tested and are confirmed suitable and safe to be used as a toy. Fabrics used are Oeko-tex Standard 100. (STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® is one of the world’s best-known labels for textiles tested for harmful substances. It stands for customer confidence and high product safety). Giving you complete peace of mind. Teething ring measures 8.5″ x 3.5″ at the widest points.

Contoured personalised Burp Cloth

A beautiful gift made using a choice of super soft velour combined with a choice of pretty jersey fabric. Fabric used are Oeko-tex Standard 100. (STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® is one of the world’s best-known labels for textiles tested for harmful substances. It stands for customer confidence and high product safety). Giving you complete peace of mind. Burp cloth measures 23″ x 7.5″ at the widest points.

Adjustable personalised Bandana / dribble cloth

A beautiful gift made using a choice of super soft velour combined with a choice of pretty jersey fabric. Fabrics used are Oeko-tex Standard 100. (STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® is one of the world’s best-known labels for textiles tested for harmful substances. It stands for customer confidence and high product safety). With Hospital approved cream Kam snaps. Giving you complete peace of mind. Bandana measures 6″ deep. Neck circumference measures 13″ – 15″, with a diameter of 4″-5″.

The back…

Super soft personalised bib

A beautiful gift made using a choice of super soft velour combined with a choice of pretty jersey fabric. Fabrics used are Oeko-tex Standard 100. (STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® is one of the world’s best-known labels for textiles tested for harmful substances. It stands for customer confidence and high product safety). With Hospital approved cream Kam snaps. Giving you complete peace of mind. Bib measures 11″ x 9″ at widest points, Neck circumference 11″, with a diameter of 3.5″.

Close up…

Super cosy personalised hat for outdoors

A beautiful cosy personalised hat, perfect for wearing outside. A beautiful gift made using a choice of super soft velour combined with a choice of pretty jersey fabric. Fabrics used are Oeko-tex Standard 100. (STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® is one of the world’s best-known labels for textiles tested for harmful substances. It stands for customer confidence and high product safety). Giving you complete peace of mind. Hat measures 7″ x 7″ at widest points, Head circumference 14.5″.

Super soft personalised jersey hat

This hat can be worn anytime, A beautiful gift made using a choice of super soft velour combined with a choice of pretty jersey fabric. Fabrics used are Oeko-tex Standard 100. (STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® is one of the world’s best-known labels for textiles tested for harmful substances. It stands for customer confidence and high product safety). Giving you complete peace of mind. Hat measures 7″ x 6.5″ at widest points, Head circumference 14.5″

Choose from one of the 6 soft jersey fabric, shown below,and combine it with one of the super soft velour fabrics (baby blue or baby pink).

Please leave a message regarding your colour choice.

Newborn Boxes

Essential Personalised Newborn Gift Set

Essential – Personalised Newborn Gift Set

This beautiful gift includes a matching personalised burp cloth, bib, indoor hat, and teething ring.

£33.00

Essential special – Personalised Newborn Gift Set

Upgrade Essential Personalised Newborn Gift Set

Upgrade the teething ring to an animal Birch wood teething ring. Random selection of Elephant, Bird, Bunny or Teddy (shown in the photo above)

£35.00

Premium Personalised Gift Set

Premium – Personalised Newborn Gift Set

This beautiful gift includes a matching personalised burp cloth, bib, indoor hat, animal Birch wood teething ring, and adjustable bandana

£39.00

Luxury Personalised Newborn Gift Set

Luxury Personalised Newborn Gift Set

This beautiful gift includes a matching personalised burp cloth, bib, indoor hat, animal Birch wood teething ring, adjustable bandana, cosy outdoor hat and bunting.

£59.00

Thanks for stopping by to read what I’ve been up to, feel free to spread the word about my beautiful personalised newborn gift sets.

Take care, and stay safe

Michelle x

Inspiring Placemats…

What better way to begin each day, then by setting the breakfast table with this set of inspiring placemats…

Believe, Courage, Forgive and Dream

This months Island Batik challenge was to make a set of four placemats, measuring 12″ x 18″

I used the new fabric collection ’Melody’ designed by Claudia Pfeil of Claudia Pfeil Designs for Island Batik, which i received in my first Island Batik Ambassador boxes of 2021.

To see the other amazing fabrics and products inside this years ambassador boxes, click the link below

https://wordpress.com/post/creativeblondeblog.wordpress.com/7859

Along with beautiful Aurifil thread and Hobbs wool blend batting

Download my pattern by heading to the pattern page on the home screen or clicking the link below.

https://wordpress.com/page/creativeblondeblog.wordpress.com/7758

Here is a list of this years Island Batik Ambassadors, be sure to head over to their blogs, to see all the stunning placemats created this month.

Megan Best ~ Bestquilter

Pamela Boatright ~ Pamelaquilts

Elizabeth DeCroos ~ Epida Studio

Jennifer Eubank ~ Archipelago Quilting

Jennifer Fulton ~ The Inquiring Quilter

Preeti Harris ~ Sew Preeti Quilts

Joanne Hart ~ Unicorn Harts

Mania Hatziioannidi ~ Mania for quilts

Jane Hauprich – Stitch By Stitch Custom

QuiltingConnie Kauffman ~ Kauffman Designs

Emily Leachman ~ The Darling Dogwood

Denise Looney ~ For The Love Of Geese

Leah Malasky ~ Quilted Delights

Sally Manke ~ Sally Manke, Fiber Artist

Maryellen McAuliffe ~ Mary Mack Made Mine

Claudia Porter ~ Create with Claudia

Gail Renna ~ Quilt Haven Threads

Brianna Roberts ~ Sew Cute And Quirky

Michelle Roberts ~ Creative Blonde that’s me!

Gail Sheppard ~ Quilting Gail

Andi Stanfield ~ True Blue Quilts

Jennifer Thomas ~ CurliCue Creations

Suzy Webster ~ WebsterQuilt

Janet Yamamoto ~ Whispers of Yore

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Follow me here on my blog, and share with friends, you can also find/tag me on Instagram and Facebook with your makes.

‘Do what makes your heart smile’
Happy Sewing

Michelle

My Island Batik Ambassador boxes are open, lets take a look inside…

I’m thrilled to be an Island Batik Ambassador for the forth year running, and I cant wait to show you all the beautiful fabrics and products I will be using throughout this year… so grab a cuppa and enjoy

We receive boxes twice a year, filled with beautiful batiks and other goodies from our program partners, so be sure to hit the follow button, so you don’t miss anything. There will quilts, bags, home decor item to see, along with patterns, blog hops and prizes to be won along the way.

First up is this beautiful new collection ‘Melody’ designed by Claudia Pfeil of Claudia Pfeil Designs.

I have some gorgeous light and dark Blenders to use with the pre-cut strips

Aurifil Thread is one of the Island Batik program sponsors

They have sent 7 spools of thread in two weights

50 wt and 40 wt. – colours are listed below

50 wt is a general all-purpose thread, for quilting, piecing and machine applique.

40 wt is a slightly thicker thread, for machine applique and embroidery

I have some more beautiful fabrics to show you… I think these are my favourite so far, a collection called ‘Jewel Quest’ designed by Kathy Engle for Nan Baker of Purrfect Spots.

Another program sponsor is Hobbs Batting, and this year we received 4 Queen size wadding bundles.

Heirloom premium 100% natural cotton batting.

Heirloom premium 80/20 cotton/poly blend in natural

Heirloom premium 80/20 cotton/poly blend in black

Poly down batting

Some beautiful stash builders, just love those oranges

Next up is Schmetz Needles, they are another program sponsor, and they sent a selection of their Chrome Professional grade needles, along with some other goodies.

Solids are great for making your prints pop, and we received 4 yards of Island Batik black, white and grey

AccuQuilt are another program sponsor, and they sent me a new Die for the AccuQuilt cutting machine ‘ Hattie’s Choice’.

We are filling the whole month of June with projects we create with our new dies.

An array of beauty, with these Island Batik Blenders, Basics and Solids

Did you know Island Batik did Rayon?

Super soft, and perfect for clothing that drapes

New collection ‘Mystery’ designed by Claudia Pfeil of Claudia Pfeil Designs.

Don’t miss February blog hop with a giveaway

Look at these stunning fabrics, I cant wait to use them in my February Quilt.

Available in the shops this February

Can you keep a secret???

Come back in May for Island Batik Blog Hop, and I will share with you the new collection designed by Kathy Engle for Sherry Shish of Powered by Quilting.

Be sure to visit all the Island Batik Ambassadors to see the new Winter collections.

Available in the shops from May.

Here is a list of this years Island Batik Ambassadors, be sure to follow their blogs

Megan Best ~ Bestquilter

Pamela Boatright ~ Pamelaquilts

Elizabeth DeCroos ~ Epida Studio

Jennifer Eubank ~ Archipelago Quilting

Jennifer Fulton ~ The Inquiring Quilter

Preeti Harris ~ Sew Preeti Quilts

Joanne Hart ~ Unicorn Harts

Mania Hatziioannidi ~ Mania for quilts

Jane Hauprich – Stitch By Stitch Custom

QuiltingConnie Kauffman ~ Kauffman Designs

Emily Leachman ~ The Darling Dogwood

Denise Looney ~ For The Love Of Geese

Leah Malasky ~ Quilted Delights

Sally Manke ~ Sally Manke, Fiber Artist

Maryellen McAuliffe ~ Mary Mack Made Mine

Claudia Porter ~ Create with Claudia

Gail Renna ~ Quilt Haven Threads

Brianna Roberts ~ Sew Cute And Quirky

Michelle Roberts ~ Creative Blonde that’s me!

Gail Sheppard ~ Quilting Gail

Andi Stanfield ~ True Blue Quilts

Jennifer Thomas ~ CurliCue Creations

Suzy Webster ~ WebsterQuilt

Janet Yamamoto ~ Whispers of Yore

Thanks for stopping by, here is a little video I put together of all the beautiful fabrics and products I received from Island Batik, Hobbs Batting, Schmetz Needles, AccuQuilt and Auriful Thread.

Island Batik VideoDownload

Follow me here on my blog, and share with friends, you can also find/tag me on Instagram and Facebook with your makes.

‘Do what makes your heart smile’
Happy Sewing

Michelle