This month has started with so many projects and patterns on my list. And in the midst of working on some secret sewing and project planning, I have rearranged my sewing studio and sorted through my entire fabric stash! It was a huge effort, but the benefit was that I created a basket especially for all the ‘Work in Progress’ pieces and projects that I have accumulated. They might be embroideries, English paper piecing panels, half finished sewing patterns and more. I’m determined to work through the pile and make some practical use of them.

Last year I embroidered this adorable strawberry using the pattern from Lolli and Grace. Anne’s patterns are so detailed and beautifully laid out. I have wanted to use the embroidery for ages so decided to sew up a simple and sweet pincushion. It was a great way to use the panel and make something pretty! I created a tutorial for something similar here.

This morning when I was letting out the chickens and collecting the eggs, I noticed some sweet snowflake flowers popping up. It prompted me to pick a pretty bouquet. However, we’re in the thick of winter right now so the pickings were slim. This posy will brighten my studio for a few days though. It’s pictured here with Cinnamon Kitty. I created a tutorial for her last year which you might like to try.

You can also spy a sweet hexagon. The embroidery also came from my ‘Work in Progress’ box. I got as far as glue basting it onto a hexagon paper. You can find out more about hexies and English paper piecing in my beginner’s tutorial. It’ll go back in the pile to be used for something special… I hope!

Larisa from Stitchingnotes very kindly sent me her ‘Wonky House’ foundation paper piecing pattern to try. Not having tackled FPP before, I decided to English paper piece it as well. Isn’t it sweet? I combined Liberty and linen here. I love the effect. But this block will have to go back into the WIP basket until I decide what to do with it!

My lovely friend Candice from My Felt Lady sent me the new glitter felt shades she has just released; Wisteria, Periwinkle, Light Orchid and Champagne. Can you guess my favourite? I buy all my felt from Candice and it is amazing. I can’t wait to dream up something to make with these! My felt Christmas bauble tutorial would be perfect.

More fabric goodies have arrived recently too. This fun and modern fabric was created by Mable Tan Designs. We met on Instagram. Aren’t those friendships fun?

The first range is Urban Jungle and the second collection is Modern Farmhouse. I can’t wait to use them. Both ranges have a good mix of colours, print patterns and sizes, and basics. So stay tuned for more with these!

Walking the floss aisle in my local sewing store prompted me to pick up this DMC threads bundle, simply because I loved how the colours looked together. I bought the whole lot, even though I probably have some of these colours at home already. Do you do that too sometimes? I always stick with the same types of colours, so it is inevitable really. It’s funny how the top three colours work perfectly with the image above.

And finally, Ava and Neve sent me this 10 inch stacker of Memoire a Paris prints from Lecien. It’s the softest lawn and so delicate. I have a pretty quilt in mind for this I think. It’s too lovely to languish on the studio shelves.

What are you making at the moment? Be sure to share. Pop by instagram as I’m there most days.

Happy stitching, Lauren x

This post was written by Lauren Wright and appeared first on Molly and Mama http://www.MollyandMama.com.au

I can’t believe it is nearing the end of June already! I haven’t been sewing too many pretties lately, or at least projects that I can share. So it’s been far too long since I’ve been on the blog too. I have some fabric showcases and blog tours coming up though, as well as some new pattern releases and tutorials also. I can’t wait to share all of that with you.

This Saturday marks the start of the ‘Plum Garden’ Showcase. It’s the latest fabric collection release from Tilda, which is due to hit Australian stores on the 1st of July. Organised by Tilda’s Australian distributor, 2 Green Zebras, there’s a range of Aussie designers and makers involved. I’ll be showcasing a new project that I am just putting the finishing touches on. You can see more on my Instagram.

The Plum Garden Collection comes in four different colourways. I chose these three pretty pink prints. And I can’t wait to show you what I have designed.

One thing that I am really enjoying right now is the weekly ‘English paper piecing party’ that I co-host with the lovely Larisa from Stitching Notes over on Instagram each Sunday. We call it ‘Sip Tea and EPP!’ Anyone can join in! We post an image each Sunday to start the sewing party. Some weeks we have a theme and sometimes we have little prizes too. You’re encouraged to grab your favourite cup of tea (or beverage), post a photo of your current EPP project, tag @mollyandmama and @stitchingnotes, and use the hashtag #sipteaandepp so others can find you. You can join us whenever suits you best. We love building an encouraging community that is there to support sewists of all levels, from all over the world. We’re all learning something new each week. And we’re supporting so many on their sewing journey. It really is lovely! Please join us if you can.

If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, please visit my tutorial on sewing hexies and English paper piecing. Once you start this beautiful form of hand sewing, you’ll find it is addictive!

I’m also really excited to announce that I will be writing tutorials for projects that I design for Thermoweb. I’m sure you’ve heard of the Heat’n’Bond adhesive products, but Thermoweb also create interfacings, stabilisers and more. I’ve signed on as one of their Education Designers because I use so many of their products, so frequently. You can read more about me in my designer profile on their site.

For my first tutorial I’ll be using this bold and bright ‘Butterfly Dance’ fabric produced by Windham. It’s a departure from my normal style, but sometimes that’s just what you need to be inspired to try something different! So stay tuned on that one.

As a brand ambassador for The Strawberry Thief, I am lucky enough to receive beautiful bundles of Liberty fabric to play with too. They recently sent me their stunning Bespoke Collection. Robyn has created this collection of favourite Liberty prints that have been specially re-coloured in bright and fresh tones, to reflect the hues of our Aussie summer. I have to say that I am just a little bit smitten. I have something special planned for these!

And the monthly Love Liberty Club subscription keeps arriving too. This is my favourite way to receive fabric. You never know what you are going to get. And you’re always pleasantly surprised. I love that I am building a beautiful collection of prints that I can use for any Liberty project I can dream up.

My Etsy store also has a fresh new look. And the Stella Cushion might be a new addition from the last time you looked. It’s a lovely English paper pieced cushion pattern, designed just for beginners. It contains three different embroidery designs for the centre hexagon, as well as lots of tips and tricks, clear instructions and step-by-step photos. It’s one of my favourites. I hope you like it!

Well I best get back to the sewing machine, so that I have something to show you on Saturday. Stay tuned.

Happy stitching, Lauren x

This post was written by Lauren Wright and appeared first on Molly and Mama https://www.mollyandmama.com.au