by Helen on December 4, 2012
Inspiration can come from all sorts of places, from the obvious to the less so. Below is my latest work in progress – a Little Red Riding Hood embroidery design for the January issue of the Bustle & Sew Magazine ….
No prizes for guessing who was the model – and inspiration – for the “not-very-scary-woof ” sorry, WOLF! But inspiration also can be found in all sorts of strange and much less obvious places…. Rosie sent me a picture of her Christmas manicure…..
And I thought …. “I love the clean, simple shape of that reindeer head.” Then I thought…… “he would look great as a machine embroidery/applique project!”
So now I am proud to present to you my next Bustle & Sew Christmas gift ……
My Christmas Reindeer Tote Bag!
A good-sized, sturdy tote that’s quick and simple to make – and perfect for carrying home all your Christmas Shopping! If you’d like to make your own Christmas Reindeer Tote Bag then just CLICK HERE to download the free pattern.
Oh … and I nearly forgot to mention …. for this week only, I am offering a 25% discount on all orders that include a pattern from my Christmas Shop. Just enter code XMAS25 at checkout to claim your discount!
by Helen on November 9, 2012
Well, it is in my summerhouse anyway!! I was trying to get some good pictures of my Christmas Garland from SewFlapdoodle on a very grey sort of day and thought I’d add my little reindeer head too.
Don’t forget .. the draw for my reindeer head kit closes tonight – so you have about 10 hours left to enter if you haven’t already done so. And I’ll be sending a free SewFlapdoodle Christmas pattern out to all my newsletter readers this weekend – so if you haven’t joined up, and you’d like the pattern – then just complete the form in the right hand sidebar to be added to my list.
by Helen on November 7, 2012
…. I am so enjoying reading all your wonderful suggestions for my little Christmas fabric reindeer pattern’s name. I laughed until I (nearly) cried over “No Idea!” (assuming he was named before his eyes were added – groan), was very attracted to the idea of “Bertie Bustle”, loved the suggestions incorporating “Buttons” and all the other amazingly creative ideas too. Thank you so much to everyone who has left a comment. Then when I reached the end I realised I had forgotten to say that the draw would close on Friday night, so if you’re reading this and haven’t entered yet – there’s still time to do so.
And the Christmas fun continues with a set of new designs from my friend Jacqui of SewFlapdoodle. She’s created five Christmassy images that I’m busy turning into a Christmas garland – here’s a sneak peek at work in progress:
Snowballing bunnies ….
and … 
Two little reindeer.
I’ve nearly completed all the applique and am just assembling the flags using the stitch’n'flip technique. I’ll be listing the SewFlapdoodle Christmas Garland pattern at the weekend, and will also be sending a free Christmassy SewFlapdoodle design to all my newsletter readers and e-zine subscribers.
I only assembled two flags this morning though – I was rudely interrupted by an extremely impatient dog (sure you can guess his name!) who was very anxious to head to the beach. So, before he could swish his tail and send all my fabric flying to the floor in a confused mess, I packed him into the car and we set off for Blackpool Sands.
We haven’t been there since last March as dogs are banned from this beach in the summer months. But in the winter it’s a great place to take your canine companion – especially as the Venus Beach Cafe remains open all year long. It was a bit grey and chilly, but Ben had great fun re-acquainting himself with one of his favourite places to swim – a lovely stream that runs through the shingle down to the sea.
Luckily there wasn’t any smelly seaweed on this beach for him to roll in – I don’t know if I mentioned – but after his bad behaviour in rolling at Lannacombe, Donna (his grooming lady) shampooed him twice – firstly in Apple and Avocado, and then in Rosemary and Mint, after which she rubbed him all over with Lavender fur-shine. And it’s hard to believe I know, but even after all that we could still detect a whiff of seaweed in his fur. Bad dog!
by Helen on November 3, 2012
I haven’t had a giveaway for a long time – and now I am having two at once!! There is a chance to win a paperback copy of my “Around the Year Quilt Book” featuring Rosie and Bear and also a chance to win a kit to make your very own Reindeer Head – using exactly the same fabrics as I used to make mine. Here’s what you have to do ……
To enter the giveaway for a paperback copy of my book …
Just pop over to my Facebook Page where you’ll see how to enter. If you can’t wait to get your hands on a copy, then it’s also available from Amazon and as a download from this site.
For a chance to win the Fabric Reindeer Kit - including everything you need to make your reindeer apart from toy stuffing……..
Just leave a comment below – and for fun – please tell me what you think his name should be. For both draws, the winner will be chosen by random selection and yes, I will post worldwide. Good luck everyone!!
PS I still have one Reindeer kit for sale on Etsy. And then there won’t be any more as I only had enough vintage fabric to put 3 kits together - and now it’s all gone. Sorry, now sold.
PPS A couple of people have asked about the pattern – it’s available to purchase as an individual pattern here, or as part of this month’s ezine here. Thanks so much for all your lovely comments – I am loving reading all your suggestions!
