It's A Boy!

A good friend of mine recently had the cutest little bundle of joy!

She already knew she was having a boy, which meant I could get a little something made in time for the important arrival!

My friend loves bright, scrappy and low volume!  I don't often get the opportunity to 'think boy' so I couldn't resist sticking to a blue colourway.

It was pure 'playtime' pulling fabrics that would work in a graduated way. I tried to graduate the LVs also, but it's not just so obvious.

Even the free motion stippling went smoothly!

My friend has now received the quilt and with a dino print on the back (no pics sorry!) 'Mr Cute and Cuddly' can hopefully enjoy lots of gurgle time on his new quilt!

Jude xo

Christmas Placemats!

Fabric Yard have the funkiest, most festive and fun Christmas fabric in stock!

So I thought I'd make some cheery placemats with the aptly named Joy (multi) by Michael Miller!

And Riley Blake's Fancy Pinwheels on the back remind me of snowflakes (also available from Fabric Yard).  Don't they just shout 'Christmas Cheer'!

So if you need a quick and easy make that will 'wow' your Christmas guests, pop on over to the Fabric Yard Blog for the full tutorial.

Jude xo

Small Business Saturday!

Here in the UK, 5th December is Small Business Saturday, a day to encourage shoppers to get out to their local independent retailers and support small & unique businesses.

In keeping with this wonderful idea, I've restocked my shop with new Low Volume charm packs, and am offering 20% off everything until Monday, using coupon code SMALLBUS20!

So if you fancy some discounted fabric, a pattern for a quilt, Christmas stocking or handbag, or a rainbow or mini charm pack for a quick and easy make, then pop on over to Just Jude Designs and enter SMALLBUS20 at the checkout!

Happy Shopping!

Jude xo

Countdown to Christmas!

Well the advent calendar is up, the Christmas cactus is in full bloom, and the yarn bombed lampost outside my house received new attire today!

That can only mean one thing!  The countdown to Christmas has begun! Eeek!

My roundup for November looks a little scant, but once again there are projects I've been beavering away on which can't be revealed just yet!

2 Ollie Owls were made and sent on their way for Siblings Together Bee 2.  And check out the brand spanking new Siblings Together Quilt Group blog! What a fab idea, a place where all contributors and supporters of Siblings Together Quilts can meet to chat, inspire and support one another. You can also read all about the wonderful charity that is Siblings Together.

So that's my roundup for November.  I've quite a few deadlines in December, so there'll be no slacking until Santa's almost ready to come down my chimney!!

Keeeeeeep Sewing!

Jude xo

Popper The Penguin!

This cute little fella popped into my head a while back, and now I can share him with you all!

The remit from Popular Patchwork was a foundation pieced 'winter animal' cushion.  And so Popper was born!

In actual fact, when he first 'grew' on paper he was quite podgy, and so we affectionately named him 'Fat Boy'!!  I think he's been on the mince pies already!

You can find him in the December issue of Popular Patchwork. I hope you like him as much as I do!!

Also this issue is my Giant Log Cabin pattern, which Elizabeth, the editor, made up in beautiful Christmas Fabrics! Isn't it gorgeous, keeping Popper company there on the front cover!

And, the monthly 'Let's Visit' issue features Belfast written by yours truly!!  It was difficult to condense all the wonderful things about Belfast in just a few short paragraphs!

So now you can pppppppppick up a ppppppppppppppenguin in ppppppppppopular pppppppppppatchwork! (sorry, couldn't resist!)

Happy Sewing!

Jude xo

Key Fobs Tutorial

Keyfobs make for great wee gifts, for family and friends of all ages!

And they are super easy to make too!  Here's my tutorial on how to make them:

You will need:

8" piece of 1.25" wide webbing (or recycle a canvas/fabric belt)

1.25" metal keyfob and ring (available from here)

8" x 2" piece of fabric (or use 1" wide ribbon)

matching thread

fabric glue

small hammer

jewelry pliers

Method:

1. Press the long sides of the strip of fabric under (to wrong side) until you are happy with the finished width (a 2" wide strip will need pressed under 0.5" at each side). If using ribbon, no need to press under sides.

2. Place the strip of fabric right sides up on top of the webbing.

3. Stitch down both sides of the strip of fabric, close to the folded edges.  If you like, stitch a few more lines down through the centre of the fabric.

5. Bring the short ends together (with fabric facing out) and stitch across the top, through all layers. Place a little amount of glue along the top raw edges.

6. Place the key fob over the glued end of the webbing. You will want to cover the metal fob with fabric before hitting it closed with a hammer.

7. Finish clamping the fob with jewelry pliers, taking care not to mark the metal.

8. Finally, pop on the ring, and make lots more!

Happy Sewing!

Jude xo

Scandi Stocking

The lovely peeps at Sewing World sent me some gorgeous Makower Scandi fabrics to play with.

And if you pick up the December issue of Sewing World, you can see what I made with them!

I love how these fabrics, teamed with Essex linen, evoke the cosy Christmas feeling!

Have you started your Christmas sewing yet?  Only 5 more weeks to go!

You can find more stocking patterns here in my Etsy shop.

Jude xo