doodle fox embroidery

Mollie at wild olive posted about the stitch and send project recently asking people to stitch up patches to decorate bags to be distributed as part of a charity project. I stitched up 3 designs. This is the first one I did I wanted it to be unisex so I doodled this little guy. I thought he suited a retro chain stitch embroidery style.
Did anyone else stitch and send? I have to admit I was a little late sending so I hope they receive them in time to put them on bags for the thanksgiving event- fingers crossed for speedy postage!

leather brooches

A while ago I bought some leather offcuts for use in stumpwork. Some of the were just what I needed but some were too thick for using in my embroidery. I needed to think of a way to use them up and think I may have found the perfect way to use them- leather brooches. I have only made two so far but I have lots of ideas for other designs

EYEBALL!

 Badger

the stitching is a bit rustic I know- it ain't easy stitching through such thick leather, I
 need to buy a thimble before I make any more. I actually think they look better in real life than in these photos. Any other ideas for using up my leather?

acorn brooch

I love this little guy, I embroidered him on cotton then stitched him onto some felt with a bit of toy stuffing between to make him nice and squishy. It's fairly small -just over an inch in length I think. I don't often do cute but I was very pleased with how this turned out.

Keeping on an autumnal theme here are my families pumpkins, carved by me but with very strict art direction from my three year old. Apparently the sad one has lost his mummy pumpkin :(

giveaway winner

The winner of the giveaway is Gill! I have sent you an email - hope you enjoy your  eyeball!! I bet no one has ever said that to you before :)

Thank you so much to all those who left comments. It was nice to see lots of people I know entering and also some new names as well, so 'hi' if you are a new follower/ commenter. I was a bit nervous of doing my first giveaway but it has been a fun experience, I will definitely do another soon so watch this space...

I have been making some very cute felt christmas decorations this week. I'll try and get a tutorial together to share with you as they are super simple to make. In fact they are a perfect 'tv craft' which is what I'm off to do now - tv, wine, chocolate and FELT, could this be the perfect way to spend an evening?

Eyeball embroidery - Halloween giveaway CLOSED

yep, it's an eyeball, and it is 3-D and it glows in the dark... what else can I say?!

I'm really grateful to all you people who take the time to read my blog so I've got a little gift for one of you.

If you'd like this embroidery, these little skull beads and this set of iron-on embroidery transfers leave a comment on this post before 24th October they could be yours!

The winner will be picked at random on the 25th 

stitcher's ornament and felt decorations

I've been making a start on some Christmas crafting. I made a little sewing themed wreath by twisting some thick jewelry wire into a hoop shape which I wrapped in fabric strips. Then I wrapped the whole thing in red wool. I then stitched on these cute sewing themed buttons I've had stashed away forever. I might make some more with some of the other buttons, bells and assorted doodads I've hoarded over the years!

I have the book Falalala felt and this year I've made several of the projects. One of the designers is Cathy Gaubert whose work I adore and I am making all her projects from the book. I'd really recommend this book- everything in it is cute and the projects are simple to do. There are patterns to photocopy in the back of the book so your results turn out just like the photos. Here is a little selection of my felt decorations (I've made loads!), they are mostly unfinished in this photo but you get the general idea

I think we might need a bigger tree this year!

Magpie finished (probably!)

 I say it's finished but I keep picking it up and adding a few stitches here a few stitches there. If I'm honest I wonder if it is a bit overworked but then I keep seeing little tweaks I could make. I was feeling quite disappointed with it but then I looked at it from across the room and thought it looked nice so I think maybe the really detailed wing is a bit distracting up close. I was enjoying all those blues whilst stitching and I got a bit carried away.

 The magpies body is a padded slip. My favourite thing is the tree stump- it is couched silk strings and wool and is very tactile!!

 I painted the background with fabric paints. This was an experiment and I will make it lighter next time I do this but I like the overall effect.
I have started something else, an urban threads pattern (I don't often use patterns but Urban Threads has some great ones I couldn't resist). It was nice to not have to plan for a change just choose a pattern... transfer.. go! As you can see I have stitched the outlines and I quite like how it looks left plain but I am going to start filling it in using some muted colours.

I should really be thinking about Christmas crafts but am still at the planning stage- have you started your Christmas crafting yet?