Hoooked Zpagetti!

Today I get to tell you about something totally cool!

This is Hoooked Zpagetti (not a spelling mistake!).  This stuff is made from ....... T-shirts! How cool is that!

And if you're wondering what on earth can you knit or crochet with it, just take a look at this for inspiration!

Source - Pinterest

And there's more!

This is Hoooked Ribbon, made from .............. recycled yarn!!  Super duper cool!

If you love recycling as much as me, and also enjoy crochet and knitting, then check out all the wonderful Hoooked Yarns over at Fabric Yard!

And to tempt you even further, Fabric Yard are having a Spring Sale! 

You've got until 1st March to bag yourself a bargain!  And remember, only £1 shipping on all UK orders.

Happy Shopping!

Jude xo

Apache Tote Bag Tutorial

Do you find that some fabrics really lend themselves to particular projects?

When I first saw Fabric Yard's Arrow Apache deco weight fabric (in orange) I immediately knew what to make with it!

And just look at the perfect lining to go with it (Fletching Chant):

This is a really simple tote tutorial, which you can get here on the Fabric Yard blog.
 

And check out their gorgeous range of faux leather handles, the perfect finish to any bag, and in cool, funky colours too!

A super easy make to kick off the new year!

Happy Sewing!

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

Festive Apron Tutorial!

With only 7 weeks to Christmas (eek!) time to get started on some Christmas gifts!!

Here's a super easy project to get you started!

This fun and festive apron is made from 1m of Holly Jolly Gnomes by Michael Miller.

A great stocking filler for any member of the family!

Pop on over to the Fabric Yard blog for the full tutorial!

Ho ho ho!

Jude xo

Easy Baby Blanket!

My tutorial this month for Fabric Yard is so easy, even a complete novice quilter will enjoy making this!

28.5" x 42"

This cute crib blanket is made from a printed panel called Saltwater by Riley Blake. (The backing is also from Saltwater).

This fabric has the cutest mermaids, fishies and even cute turtles!

Some simple quilting and binding and you'll have a sweet gift in no time!

You'll find the full tutorial here on the Fabric Yard blog.

Jude xo

Art Supplies Backpack Tutorial

Giveaway is now closed!

My September tutorial for Fabric Yard is one all budding artists will love!

These simple backpacks are made using 2 half metres of fabric, some cord and eyelets.

You can get all the necessary art equipment in these for a fun day out!  And check out this cool 'Colour Me Fabric' by Michael Millar - nothing to colour in?  Then why not decorate your backpack!

The full tutorial is here!

And here's an extra treat for you!

Fabric Yard are kindly giving away 1m of 'Colour Me Fabric', a pack of fabric pens, and I'm throwing in the latest Issue of Quilt Now.

For a chance to win these goodies, just leave me a comment ('no reply comment bloggers' will not be entered unless you leave your email address in addition to your comment).

Giveaway closes Friday 18th September, international entries welcome.

Jude xo

Nesting Boxes Tutorial

Girls love stuff!

Trust me, I know!  In a house of 4 females, there is lots and lots of stuff!

So here's an idea on how to keep some of that stuff organised and tidy!

These cute nesting boxes are so easy to make, and are stiffened with sew-in vilene.

They will house lots of girly trinkets and would look good on a dressing table too!

Or how about some desk tidies for a guy gift!

However you choose to use these boxes, you will have them made in no time at all, and can add another gift idea to your list!

The fabrics for the girly boxes are available at Fabric Yard, where you can get the full tutorial.

And while you're there, check out Alice's great summer sale!  There are bargains to be had, and only £1 flat rate shipping within UK!

Have fun!

(I have now fixed the links to all other Fabric Yard tutorials on my tutorials page - thank you for your patience!)

Jude xo

Quarter Log Cabin Cushion Tutorial

I hope you've been enjoying some gorgeous sunny weather this Easter!

We have had an amazing 3 days of warm sunshine here, which has meant more outdoor pursuits than sitting inside sewing!

My youngest (with lolly in mouth!) and I at Tollymore Forest Park, Newcastle
(yes, she is officially the same size as me now! Yikes)

However, if you aren't getting much sunshine, or just still want to sew, you may be interested in this easy cushion project!



This 16.5" cushion is based on the quarter log cabin block, simply quilted with a trusty envelope back!

This project allows you to show off gorgeous prints or fussy cuts, like the fabrics shown here (available from Fabric Yard).

If you fancy making one yourself, then check out the full tutorial here.

Have fun!

Jude xo

Hearts-a-Flutter!

Now that we are into February a lot of creative attention on Pinterest and IG is already focused on Valentine's day!

If you are in need of some 'heart-felt' inspiration (sorry!), then look no further!

This is a 12.5" unfinished heart block (essex linen background).  You can find the full tutorial and fabrics here.

This block gives you quilt design possibilities ...

... or turn a single block into a sweet cushion for gifting!



So whatever way you are planning your valentines day, make it a creative one!

Jude xo

Wristlet Pin Cushion Tutorial

It's Friday!  Yey!

I hope you are keeping safe in this inclement weather and looking forward to the weekend!

During my last blogiversary giveaway I asked for feedback on what you would like to see more of on quilting blogs.  The unanimous answer was 'tutorials'!!

So here's a great wee make to kick off a new year of tutes!!

Isn't as big in reality as it looks here!!

I am finding more and more how valuable it is to have a pin cushion attached to my wrist while I'm sewing, especially since receiving this cutie from Katy!

When I'm working on larger projects like quilts, my pinnies tend to get pushed onto the floor, into my bin and generally knocked around my sewing room!

Well not anymore!

If you fancy having a go a this 4" finished, economy square pinny, then hop on over to Fabric Yard where you will find my step by step tutorial.  All the fabrics used can be purchased from Fabric Yard.

(And for more tutorials, don't forget to check out my Tutorials page.)

Happy Friday!

Jude xo

Christmas Stocking Tutorial

Today you will find me over on the Fabric Yard blog, turning some of Alice's gorgeous Christmas fabrics into stockings.

Check out the free tutorial for the large stocking with cuff!

And while you're there, have a browse through the lovely new fabrics in stock!

(and remember, tomorrow is giveaway day!)

Jude xo

Thursday!

Something very special happened to me tonight (Thursday), but I'm not going to tell you about it until tomorrow!  I'm waiting on a few more pics and then I will reveal all!

Suffice to say, my head is in a spin and I can't even think of a suitable blog title!

So I will leave you with pics of some pouches I made recently for Fabric Yard, using some sumptuous new fabrics they have in stock right now.

Kindle Fire Cover made in Riley Blake, Trendsetter

2 in 1 Pouch, made in Retro Geek, Sarah Johnson & Carolyn Friedlander, Architextures

Pencil cases made in Riley Blake, Trendsetter and Essex Linen

The tutorial for the pencil case can be found here, and while you are visiting, why not check out the hot new fabrics Alice has!

Why not treat yourself to a fabric Christmas present! Go on, you know you want to!!

Jude xo

Linen Book Bag!

I remember with fondness taking my girls to the local library each week, talking too loudly as we browsed the different shelves, filling up our book bags with more bedtime stories!

Sadly they are too old for that now!  But I'm pleased to say they haven't lost their love of reading!

If you are looking for an easy Christmas make for your young 'book loving' person, how about this fun bag, made with Essex Linen!

I had lots of fun with these self covered buttons from Fabric Yard!

And if you'd like to know how to make up this bag, you can find the tutorial (and all materials) here on the Fabric Yard blog.

(Stay tuned for news of a giveaway soon!)

Jude xo

Button Fun!

Recently I was asked if I would like to have a play with some self-covered buttons and some cute and gorgeous fabrics!!

I could hardly say no, right!

These are so easy and addictive to make. 

If you want to learn how to have your own button fun, and where to get all the supplies & fabrics you see here, hop on over to Fabric Yard and read my tutorial!

Warning!  These are totally addictive!

Jude xo

Pluses Aplenty!

A few ladies in my summer class have been having a go at some Plus Quilts:

The cot quilts above are based on this tutorial.



And these large quilts are based on this tutorial.

I think they are so dramatic, and the different fabrics chosen make each plus quilt look unique!

And Shannon made this one as a 'man gift'!

Well done ladies on your beautiful creations!

And how about getting your Christmas presents started early with these cute flex frame pouches?

Pop on over to Fabric Yard where you can find my tutorial and the fabrics these pouches are made in!

Happy sewing!

Jude xo