New sewing room!

Since moving at the beginning of the year, we have been renovating the house. I have been waiting for my sewing/crafting space to be finished. It isnt quite there but enough to work in and share with you.

My desk has a set of tin draws underneath for tools and notions. I also have a small trolley with my projects and EPP, tucked to the other side. I have also added a peg board for my scissors, pins and few bits that I think I will use the most. 

There was already a shelf up, which was perfectly placed for above my desk, for some photos and decorations.

I found the pink office chair on facebook market place. 

At the side of the desk is an old piece of furniture I found on facebook marketplace. I plan to paint this so will share more photos when I finish that.

At the other side of the desk is some storage. It is a smaller depth Pax wardrobe either side of a Billy bookcase in a wider depth. There is only a couple cm difference so they sit quite nice together. The bookcase only comes in the white, but I chose the wood effect wardrobe doors to warm the room up a little bit. I have just added shelves into the wardrobes to sort my fabric and other sewing bits away.

The chair at the side was a find at a vintage markets many years ago. It is great and turns into a ladder, perfect for getting to the higher shelfs. At the side of that is the other piece of old furniture I have got but will be painting next year, so will share more when I do that.

On the other side of the room is more storage. At this side I did the same setup as the other side, but I had a bit more space so I used 100cm wide Pax instead of the 50cm. 

In the centre of the room I had made an island. Unlike in my old room instead of just using desks, I wanted something with storage. I reused the two Kallax units (with fabric boxes in) we had and laid them on the side, pushed them together. I found the table top that was the perfect size to go on top. It is a touch longer, which I have put at one side as I think I could use it to sit at if I really wanted to, although it will mostly be used for cutting out. I found a nice patterned large rug to go under the unit. It breaks up the vinyl flooring, adds pattern and warmth and best of all saves my floor from the inevitable ruler dropping.

The curtains were from next although in the sale, so I cant find them online to link.

The last design feature for my new room is the pink ceiling... It might be a bold choice but I love it! 

The light is the same as my old sewing room and I would highly recommend it.

Overall I'm so happy with how my room looks and excited to use my room and create.

I have added links from all the items, if you want to check them out. I think I have done everything but if you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments.

Mx

 

Sew Hot Brand rep... Take two!

My second parcel for the Sew Hot brand reps arrived and this time I was sent a selection of fat quarters from the Swatch book fabrics by Kathy Doughty for Figo fabrics. 

It has been a year since I released the Bestla Quilt pattern, and it has been on my mind, especially because I decided it was about time I finished the matching cushion pattern. When the fabrics first arrived, making a Bestla cushion was an obvious choice. However there was a lot of fabric for just a cushion or two, so I couldn't resist making a small quilt.

I chose the baby size of the Bestla pattern. After making a few mock-ups, I decided to add a spectrum solids in 'optic white', to really brighten up the fabrics. I also needed to add a binding fabric from my stash. 

I cut out the quilt and the cushion at the same time, to make it quicker and easier for me. Also making sure I had enough to finish my projects. When the quilt top was finished, it was time to choose a backing fabric. As I am really trying to be more mindful of buying fabrics and trying to use what I have, I decided I would try to do a scrappy back using the pieces I had left over. It took a little time playing with the layout but I finally found a combination that I liked the look of and was big enough to baste. 

After basting it was time to quilt. I only do straight-line quilting with my walking foot. I couldn't fully decide on a pattern, so I did something very strange for memuch and made it up as I went along. I just kept adding lines as I went and was happy with how the design developed and turned out in the end.

I thought instead of just doing my cushion ahead of my week, I would make it in real-time during my week. I figured it would be a great opportunity to repeat my cushion in a weekend challenge so I did #bestlacushioninaweekend. It was a lot of fun to see how fast I could make it to cushion and secretly wanted to beat my time from last year... I did! My sewing has probably improved but I think mostly the time improvement came from the patchwork being less pieces and much simpler quilting. 

It was lovely to revisit the Bestla pattern and I am thrilled with my new quilt and cushion. I think the fabrics are a little too grown up for a baby quilt however, it will be a great size for use in my wheelchair, in the car and no doubt be stolen by my cheeky fur baby who has already proven it is the perfect size for her. 

Mx

Bestla cushion pattern testers parade

 It's a year since I released my Bestla quilt pattern, so I thought it was about time I finished the Bestla cushion pattern. The cushion pattern takes a section of the quilt pattern and makes the centre stars a feature. It is a different block from the Bestla quilt block but still has a nice and simple construction. There are many ways to customise your cushion, using different colours and prints in different sections. This is because there are many ways to make the Bestla quilt, it was only right the cushion should be able to match if you wanted it to. If you don't fancy making the Bestla quilt, no worries, you can just make the cushion pattern as a stand-alone. 

As always with my patterns, I like to get pattern testers to catch any mistakes and make the pattern the best it can be. There are the cushions my testers made and a little about them. I think they did a wonderful job, so be sure to take a look and give them a follow on Instagram!

If you want to make your own, grab the pattern from my Etsy store HERE. Why not also join the fun of a little sew-along on the 14th of July over on Instagram too.

I cant wait to see all your cushions, Happy sewing!

Mx

Hi I'm Lolly from Birmingham, UK. I've only been quilting for about 3 or 4 years now. I still consider myself new to quilting but becoming more and more confident in my quilting skills This is my 4th test for Crafty Lil Mouse! I had so much fun stitching the Bestla quilt patterns. So I signed up for this one as it's a accompany piece for the quilt.

It turned out so great I am so pleased!

@lollypopstitches

Hi, I'm Sanne, a Dutch quilter with a love for threads and fabrics. This was the second time I had the honour to test a pattern by Stacey. I had so much fun creating this one with a very special fabric bundle. I bought these fabrics last year in Scotland when I was over there for a wedding of a dear sewing friend, I just couldn't decide what to sew with it, but this pillow was the perfect project. The bigger squares give you the opportunity to do some fussy cutting like the highlander cow on the corners. It's a great pillow that comes together very nicely, I love the different options Stacey gives so you can construct it the way that works best for your skills and fabric of choice. You can check out my other projects on Instagram @SewbySanne or my blog sewbysanne.wixsite.com/blog.

I’m Shelly I am a children’s nurse by profession with a love for sewing. I have been sewing since around 2011 and had an amazing teacher in my mother-in-law who loves bears. I love turning people’s loved ones clothes into bears. Every day I am not working I can be found in my sewing room. I love making teddy bears, quilts, baby clothes and have started dressmaking for myself. I love a challenge and really enjoyed doing this pattern test. I loved the finished cushion and found the pattern was easy to follow with clear instructions. I am looking forward to creating more cushions with the pattern and think my next one will definitely be a scrappy one.

@shellysquiltandsew

I’m Lisa; I live in sunny Brighton UK. I started sewing as a child and made lots of clothes until my 20s, when I had a l-o-n-g break from sewing anything. In autumn 2019, I booked myself onto a patchwork course, as it was something I’d always wanted to try. I made a Bargello quilt and was hooked! During the Covid lockdown patchwork kept me sane, but it has become a bit of an obsession. In just over 3 years I’ve gone from a no-fabric household to every room containing at least some of my stash – I’m a big fan of Lewis & Irene and Dashwood Studios fabrics.

The Bestla cushion pattern was a great stash-buster for me. I’d just finished a large starry quilt, and I made the Bestla with leftovers, so now I have a gorgeous matching cushion on my bed. My husband is delighted with (yet another) cushion to chuck off at bedtime! I’d never thought of binding a cushion before, but it really finishes the project beautifully.

@lelbourne

Sew hot long arm quilting service

 It is no secret that I love getting my quilts long arm quilted. It is a super time and energy saver. I have had Cumbrian Long-arm quilter do so many of my quilts and I will always recommend her. However I was intrigued to see what it would be like to have my long arm quilting done by someone else. 

I was chosen to be a Sew Hot brand rep this year and it just so happens that as well as been a fabulous sewing shop, they also offer a quilting service. This seemed like the perfect time to try it. 

I had previously bought this Ruby Star Society unicorn panel (sadly sold out now) and was desperate to get it quilted and on my bed. I won a giveaway for fabric from the USA, so I chose a wideback that I loved but couldn’t find in the UK. It seemed like the perfect fabric choice for me and this quilt (Ruby Star Society have released a standard width fabric that is similar so would be a good alternative here.)

Next was the most difficult part of getting your quilt long arm quilted, choosing your design! Sew Hot have a great selection on their website, however nothing was really catching my attention. There is the option to visit 2 websites and have even more choice though. After a little searching, I found what I thought was the perfect design for this quilt, the swivel circle. 

They matched the thread colour perfectly to the quilt. After doing the quilt, it was time to do the pillows I sent. I wanted them to match, but the design I chose was quite large, so I was asked if I wanted to alter the size. I said 'yes please' and they did. I am so pleased they asked and I did as they look so much better for it. 

 One downside, is they don’t offer a binding service. The quilt comes back trimmed though, so putting the binding on myself isn’t too bad. 

Now it’s time to relax with some hand stitching, there is quite a lot so I might be a while. Finished quilt reveals coming soon hopefully.

Mx

First Sew Hot brand rep parcel…

I was so excited to receive my first sew hot brand rep parcel this month. I was sent the new Alison Glass ‘Wildflower’ fabric range. I must admit I was a little unsure about some prints in the collection, however my sister liked them. So I decided to split the collection into two fabric pulls and make us both some pouches.

My sister hasn’t got a maxi travel sewing case yet, so I thought it was time I made her one. Of course, I wanted to make her a mini travel sewing case too. My sister said she wasn’t doing as much sewing lately but could use a pouch for her tablet, notepad and stationary for uni. I had to make the maxi travel sewing case, 1” taller to accommodate her Samsung tablet. I split the top slip pocket into 3 sections. I used foam instead of my usual batting and interfacing selection. I thought it would give her tablet a bit more protection. I was also interested to see how it would turn out, it is lovely in my opinion, and I would definitely try it again. I also switched out the ribbon for elastic on the mini case. I have done this with a couple of my cases and it makes it very user friendly. 

I took inspiration for the quilting from the walk book by jacquie gering.  I have both of the walking foot quilting books and find them so useful. I actually scaled down the design for the smaller pouches as I felt it would work better to see more of the design. I definitely aren’t confident enough at quilting to do a full quilt but I think doing these small projects is building my skills and confidence. The quilting definitely popped more on the foam and the variegated thread adds interest, so I am very happy with that. 

For my fabric selection, I decided I might as well make myself another maxi and mini travel case set. I have made several and use them all. I think I might not use this set for sewing too, so I didn’t add the needle keeper felt. I am thinking of the maxi for stationary and the mini for in my handbag. I think it will work well for those little bits I always have in my bag, like plasters, tablets, lip balm and tissues etc, only time will tell though. 

Overall I am very happy with how all the cases look in the end and we are both looking forward to using them. I am also very excited to receive my next brand rep parcel, of course I will come back and blog about that one too. 

More photos of this and my other makes are over on Instagram @craftylilmouse if you fancy having a look. 

Mx

Pattern used are the #maxitravelsewingcase & #minitravelsewingcase available to buy in my Etsy store here.

Fabric used are Alison Glass 'wildflower' collection, supplied by Sew Hot.

Other supplies used:

Serial bagmakers #3 zip by the yard blue denim tape with sliders

Aurifil 50wt Threads: 2235,4662,2730,2530,1148,2235,2730,2135,2535&1243.

Fold over elastic

Vilene Interfacing F220.

Vlieseline sew in bag foam 

Hobbs 80/20 batting

Forest fungi

 

I just finished making this cushion/pillow as part of an Instagram based sew along. As soon as I saw the forest fungi quilt pattern, I fell in love with it, so just had to part part. I saw a beautiful mock up and decided to base my fabric pull around that. It was a great time saver when choosing the fabrics and also gave me a great opportunity to try out a darker background colour as a change. 

Unfortunately I got sick while I was making this, so it took longer to come together than I originally thoughts. I also didn’t feel up to doing much sewing and the quilting was the main thing I couldn’t face doing. My sister had encouraged me to give organic curve quilting a try and although I was reluctant at first, the thought of making out straight lines for quilting really didn’t suit my energy levels. So I went for it and I’m so glad I did! It might not be perfect but it was quite relaxing to do after the first few lines.

I have been desperate to try flannel as a quilt or cushion back, when I saw this art gallery fabrics flannel it seemed like the perfect print for this pattern. I actually started with this fabric when I was choosing my fabric pull, which made a change too. I had seen a few people quilting their cushion/pillow backs and thought I’d give that a try too. I must admit although it feels quite nice, I’m not sure how necessary it is and think I preferred the feel of the flannel before I quilted it on this occasion. I definitely want to try quilting a cotton back and using the flannel without quilting, to properly compare and see if it changes my opinion. One tip I would definitely recommend, from the experience of not doing it, do a zigzag stitch on the edge of the pillow before adding binding if you are finishing your pillow that way. I felt like my binding was slightly more difficult and didn’t sit at neat with the 2 layers of batting, I think the extra bit of stitching would have made it much better and will definitely take the time to do it in future. 

Although I did a tiny bit of tweaking to accommodate the batting to be included in the top half of the cushion/pillow back (I didn’t add it to the small bottom section), I still used my tried and tested hidden zip back method. You can find the tutorial here, if you’d also like a handy binding tutorial I have one here too.

I always like to include the names of fabrics I use on my blog, although a couple of bits was scraps, I have done my best to include the names I could find:

Art gallery fabrics Fleuron haven flannel.

Colour flow by stoffabrics (mustard coloured binding)

Andover giucy giuce (dark green speckle background)

Dear Stella wee gallery hearts (in a red colour-big mushroom)

Figs elements by ghazal razavi (blush/dusky pink colour-big mushroom)

Andover maid of honour (pink spot-little mushroom)

Moda Lady bird by crystal manning (yellow-little mushroom)

Art gallery fabrics soften the volume (low volume-stipe/stem of mushrooms)

The first fungi quilt pattern is by pen and paper patterns

Thread used is Aurifil 50 wt thread in shade 2415 for quilting and 2021 for patchwork.

I love my new cushion/pillow and have the a plan for the perfect place to put it. 

Mx

hair bow

I saw this cute hair bow idea on pinterest and decided to make my own. I followed a tutorial and found the shape bulky in the centre, so I decided to change the pattern and make my own to share with you. I have photographed the three main stages below and you can see the end result, once tied, above. At the bottom of this post is a printable instruction sheet including the template to make your own.

Mx