Hugs from Helen

Hugs ‘n Kisses far and wide in 2012

My calendar is certainly filling up fast for 2012! I am so excited that I am going to meet so many of you. If you are a facebook friend you will have seen many peeks of projects I have been working on for you in my classes and at Gatherings around the world this year…

So, as promised here is a confirmed list thus far – I hope I can come somewhere near you so you are able to come along and stitch with me..

16/17th March 2012

The Log Cabin

Im Langental 56

52538 Selfkant Hillensberg

Germany

website: http://www.thelogcabin.de/E_frame.html?http://www.thelogcabin.de/E_home.html

blog: http://thelogcabin-jacqueline.blogspot.com/

 

22/23/24th March

Cotton and Color

Inzlingerstrasse 279

CH 4125
Riehen 1
Switzerland

website:http://www.cotton-color.com/en/
email . info@cotton-color.com

 

26/27/28 March

Quiltfryd

Farmennsveien 1

3111 Tonsberg

Norway

blog: http://quiltefryd.blogspot.com/

website: http://www.quiltefryd.no/

 

30/31 march/1April

Quiltegaarden

Dronningensgate 23

Trondheim Norway

blog:http://quiltegaarden.blogspot.com/

email: siw@quiltegaarden.com

Saturday, 28 April 2012 - Sunday, 29 April 2012

A weekend in Creative Company

Country Hart Port Pirie

shop 3/ 176 Ellen Street
Port Pirie 5540 SA
Australia
Phone 0886323172 mobile 0417826418
robyn.welsh@bigpond.com

14 May

The Quilted Kitty Brownville Nebraska

15 May

The Quilted Kitty Lincoln Nebraska

Phone:
Toll-Free: 866-422-9292
Local: 402-420-9292

Email Us:
quiltedkitty@quiltedkitty.com

SATURDAY JUNE 23: 
Buttontree Quilts &Sewing Essentials, Mareeba are hosting a workshop with Gail Pan (Gail Pan Designs) and Helen Stubbings (Hugs 'n Kisses) - Rydges Tradewinds, Esplanade, Cairns

Contact:Kate at

Phone / Fax: (07) 4041 1613
Email: ptchwork@bigpond.net.au

Other non confirmed events may include:

May 2012 The Quilt Locker Pierre South Dakota

and Virginia Beach USA

 

October 27th/28th Sew Bright Alpine Quilting Bright Victoria

3-7th October – WAQG Perth WA

can’t wait to meet you all :) put the dates in the diary and make your bookings now.

hugs

Helen

the sweetest gifts are those you least expect

and they came no sweeter than this!

such an unexpected delivery, it took me a little while to unwrap – because it looked so gorgeous, and I couldn't fathom what it could be.. Wrapped in old music and tied with my favourite ribbon, the parcel included this little pouch (a pattern from Moda bake shop) made out of our Quiltaid fabrics – yes she used the scraps from the fabric I had provided earlier..

which was all explained in this most lovely of handmade cards… (she has a little tut on these)

how special is that? thankyou Catherine Baynes –it was a pleasure working with you on Quiltaid also..

hugs to you

Helen

New year, new offerings….

2012 is going to be big!  I am almost tired now just thinking about it but we have lots of exciting things happening and a lot of travelling. I am excited that I can meet so many of you but I do hope my girls forgive me for leaving home quite so many times…. leaving them behind..

Our first project for the year I need to tell you about is the new Thread of the month Club. Many of you would have seen me stitching with the Presencia Finca Perle #16  threads. These are the only size 16 threads available commercially – and are equivalent to 1 1/2 strands of a stranded cotton – which is the perfect size to cover your transfer lines for stitchery and embroidery. Can you tell I love them? – there is no splitting and tangling of strands, just roll it off the reel and start stitching. a lovely sheen, no tangles, strong and even useable in your machine…

They are available in two sizes – a 5g ball and a 10g ball. We have the 5g balls available on the website now singly which you can order at anytime when you need a particular colour but if you would like to have something like this  

and who wouldn't…..? then you can join up one of four different monthly options… pop over to the website and check them out.

Finca Perlé is the most robust perlé cotton line in the world with 123 solid colours and 33 variegated colours. All colours are bleachfast except five: 1163, 1166, 3802, 3810, & 3822. These colours are colourfast and runfast.

our first mailing will be in February, but you can join in at anytime..

hugs for today, more to tell you soon

Helen

A Stitched Christmas?

in the hustle and bustle of end of year celebrations, end of school activities and the Christmas lead up, it was important to me, hosting our very own family Christmas for the first time to hand make at least something to share. Did you? maybe a decoration for your home, a gift for family and friends, a Christmas table decoration or just some therapy for yourself?

We hosted my husbands complete family, yes they all travelled down to our little island at the bottom of the world and the weather was perfect for our plans. We had the most memorable few days, that we will all treasure…

For the first time since I can remember I did not make a hand made teacher present and felt so guilty that I gave her one of my pattern samples instead..she didn't know that I didn't make it just for her :) and loved it…

 

For our Christmas table I made many of my Festivity stockings and hung them on a dead tree branch on the table.

The ladies’ were filled with lovely perfume, the teens with lip gloss and the tinies with fruit tingles..

I printed some paper with a design I had done and folded and filled them with scratchies and napkins, unfortunately it wasn't our day to win the jackpot!

The table was easily dressed with a roll of white paper for covering, then a strip of brown paper down the centre. Some fresh ivy from the neighbours fence (woops, don't tell), and some glittery bits sprinkled… add a few sparkly baubles and bells from my studio collection and I think it looked pretty special for not too much expense..

 

I was also lucky enough to receive some stitched gifts from special friends and people in my life and these gifts, made with thought and love are the special ones.. These were from my friend JO – a treasure….

So, did you have a stitchy Christmas? I do hope it was special for you all…

hugs from

Helen

2011 ….. the year that was

I know I have been missing in action, taking some well needed time away from the computer to refresh my brain, catch up with my family, spend some special times and create some memories…. as much as I have missed you all, sometimes it has to be done…. and now I am ready for the year to come… and ready to write my family Christmas letter and say hello again to you all.

I hope you all had the most wonderful Christmas and a happy new year!

2011 seems to have passed in a blur….. I had many dreams on my list for the year and at times thought they were all a bit above a little old (well getting older) mum and designer way down here at the bottom of the world….. so it was nice to look back through the year of blog posts and see exactly what I did achieve – I’d thought I'd revisit with you all, but it is a long post so feel free to leave now :) as I get all sentimental….

January brought floods and fires… whilst I was away sunning myself in Fiji, Australia was suffering terrible weather events. I was busy stitching my new BOM Truly Aussie, so it seemed right to offer some of these patterns for you all to stitch in the ‘Aussie spirit’ project – I have to say that the four resulting quilts are still not quite finished but are happening and will be presented soon I hope. Many of you then joined in to make your own Truly Aussie quilt.

In March we all made Hearts for Christchurch after the devastating earthquake – our hearts go out to them again over the holiday break as they experience more and more shocks and aftershocks leaving them unsure about their futures..

Also in March a magazine tutorial on my Gluestick appliqué technique meant the release of this pattern – which  I still really love…..Tigglywinks

 

April was mad month preparing for the Spring Quilt Market in Salt Lake City, classes at HMQS and of course some new patterns to release including:

Spring Fling

and Sweet Candy Dreams

Also in honour of Lori’s best friend we released Ode to Keri, with donations going to Breast Cancer research.

in June I travelled to Adelaide for Inspired Stitches where I released this pattern – Inspired to Stitch, and had a wonderful time with so many likeminded and passionate women…many of you!

And then we began the wonderful Stitched Sunday program where so many of use shared new challenges and achievements

Whilst you were busy learning new stitches I also completely re branded my website, blog and released a Hugs ‘n Kisses app – which was very exciting for me….

 

And then as if I had nothing else to do a few months were spent from June to November working on Quiltaid- this time three of them at once – in Australia, the USA and Europe.

I have to admit this was not easy and produced many sleepless nights of worry and work – but it is for a good cause – I hope you are all enjoying supporting it and the wonderful blocks that 12 designers donated this year – they are the best! Not too late to join in girls – or spread the word to your stitching friends.

October and November were busy working up to the Australian Quilt Market and finally some new projects that I had been busily working on in the background.

the Needle Nookie was first a My sewing Room Project with Country Hart – many of you would have done this – I hope you liked it!I then of course had to make a matching bag to put it into!

the Brodiery bag

and  more bags at the last minute – needed some quick gifts so the Girly Stuff pattern was created – four different bag options and five designs – one to suit everyone..

By this time I hadn't made a quilt for some time and wanted something to use this lovely soft fat quarter pack in so the Matilda May quilt was born – simple and quick and some very therapeutic appliqué blocks in there to keep me happy with some handwork.      If you are a Facebook friend you would have followed along with me each night with the ‘in my hoop’ peeks as I restitched my 12 Little Love notes in to this new BOM quilt. Very therapeutic in times of stress this project was…     Late October I also travelled to Launceston for a Gathering where these projects were born.. 

A Heartfelt wish

 Grans Christmas Pud and the Festivity Stockings…  

which then by request led to the Grans Christmas table set.

I am sure there were a few free guest blogger projects in there also and a few other magazine projects or tutorials…at We Love French Knots, Sew we quilt, QuiltenZo and more…

but that brings 2011 to an end…phew….. now I can see why I needed a break!

There were a few other exciting things happening behind the scenes also which I will be telling you about when I can in the next few weeks and months… I promise to continue to share my love of life and stitching throughout 2012 – please continue to share with me…. it was a pleasure to know you all in 2011 and will be a pleasure to meet many more of you this year..

thanks for reminiscing with me….

first hugs for 2012

Helen

and the winners are…..

as promised I am on time (Friday) to draw the winner of our newly released My Sewing room patterns and needles..

It was nice to hear the variety of stitches you are now confident to use, I expect to see some great things coming from you all :)

So the winner today is:

oh such a pretty pattern Helen and it looks fantastic in both colours..thanks to your time and effort I now can do the bullion stitch and enjoy it,cheers Vickie

Posted by: Vickie | December 06, 2011 at 07:16 PM

 

Vickie, please email me your snail mail address so we can get them to you for Christmas…

hugs for today – are you keeping up with the 12 Days of Christmas? I’d better get back to it right now….and keep them coming for you…

Helen

Comfort and Joy

update: For your convenience you can download the pattern sheet here. Download Banner of Joy template pagesx2letter

Tis the season of Comfort and Joy and the time for me to give back to all of my blogging friends around the world.

Pop on over to Sew We Quilt for a free Christmas Pattern and tutorial on the Gluestick method of Appliqué I love to use..

Hugs and joy to you all….

Helen

My sewing Room goodies

Two new patterns to show you today – especially for all of our Stitched Sunday fans… These two patterns will challenge your embroidery stitches just a little – yes a little move on from backstitch, they include some satin stitch, detached chain, pistil stitch, knots and stem stitch….

The ‘Broidery Bag – this bag has simple quilting to make it nice and sturdy, embroidered pockets on both sides and two easy to grab handles. It is designed to store all of your stitching goodies. Below is a  coordinating needlebook and I have plans for more accessories to match throughout next year..

This floral embroidery sits on the back pocket (the side you cannot see above) Four of these strips are stitched with satin stitch, detached chain, pistil stitch and backstitch.. It is a lot of stitching – of course you could leave it out and just insert another fabric strip – but it really does look pretty don't you think – and worth the effort.. The main flower motif on the front pocket will give you lots of practise on those new stiches you have learnt.

it is finished with a zipper – but will work just as well without one if you really do not like to do zips… I promise I do talk you through it though…

Accompanying the ‘Broidery Bag is the Needle Nookie!

I made myself a Needle book similar to this years ago when I was learning about needles. It was perfect for me to store my needle card and remember what they were! There are eight pockets which will fit a standard pack of needles (and yes the new Hugs ‘n Kisses needles will also fit).

You slip the complete pack in the pocket but when  using one you slip it into the woollen strip on the pocket for safe storage – like a pincushion – BUT the name is written right there – many people once they take a needle out of the packet can never tell again what type of needle it was – now you will always know…

The Needle book folds up nicely to store in your “broidery bag.

Again we have some interesting and challenging embroidery on the needlebook for some stitching therapy.

        

Both patterns have iron on transfers, stitch guides and diagrams and step by step instructions.Don't forget if you need to refer back to the Stitched Sunday tutorials you always can, or download the Hugs ‘n Kisses app which has the links right there for you for each stitch.

These projects have been made using fabric from one Fat Quarter pack (Puttin on the Ritz by Bunnyhill for Moda) – I have more left to make more projects in this range. I would suggest choosing a favourite Fat Quarter pack and putting it aside to make your complete set by the end of next year as I add to the collection.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I know that many of you struggle with what needle to use for your stitching and appliqué.. It is probably the most often question I am asked… so to make it simple for you we sourced and tested and now have available  Hugs ‘n Kisses needle packs -

Stitchery needles – for your stitchery and simple embroidery projects  - these are size 7 Crewel needles suited to 1-3 strands of thread or a Perle 12-16 thread which I love to use,

and,

Appliqué needles – for needleturn or Gluestick appliqué. – These are nice and strong, with a very sharp point, not too short to handle but not too long to bend and they have a LARGE eye for easier threading than most appliqué needles.

These two needles are pretty much what I use for 90% of my stitching…

Your local stores who came to Quilt Market may have all of these products available now – if not you can always ask them to get them in for you or visit the links above.

So, time for a giveaway – an extra Christmas Pressie to put under the tree just for you.

Reply with a comment on your new favourite embroidery stitch from the Stitched Sunday Tutorials… and we will draw one lucky winner on Friday for a full set – yes that's two patterns and two needlepacks..

hugs for today,

Helen

PS: A huge thankyou to Ausbelle who tested these patterns for me. Check out her colours! – it looks great in the brighter fabrics too…

Hugs ‘n Kisses Friends around the world

My last post was as we were about to leave for the Australian Quilt Market, where it was lovely to catch up with so many friends and customers from around the country – and even New Zealand. Alas, not many photos of you all…..

We launched many new patterns which I will show you in more detail in the next few days…along with some special treats for Christmas…If you are not subscribed to the newsletter or Facebook page, might want to do it now for 12 days of Christmas Cheer!

Since my return this week we have launched QuiltaidEurope for all of our Northern blog and stitchy friends. Our six stores, despite many issues in the leadup, made it to the launch line just in time with their wonderful finished quilts and madly preparing their block kits for you all to enjoy. If you have been interested or partaken in our previous Quiltaids from Australia, now you can order almost locally and support both your stores and your local Fistula charity organisations. Please visit www.quiltaideurope.com and consider taking part.

Now we are reminded that it is only 20 days til Christmas….yesterday our tree went up amongst dance concerts, singing performances, end of year get togethers and more… We are blessed this year with one half of our family coming to our home for the first time so plans are on the way to feed and enjoy 17 for this special time…

I have had many enquiries and plans are underway to meet many of you around the world in person in 2012 so my ‘break’ will be spent dreaming up new designs and good things for us to share.. I am very excited about my travel plans next year and have lots of ideas and opportunities coming to me.. I thank you all for these opportunities and trust that you will continue to share them with me..friendships around the world…

Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."
- Anais Nin

until tomorrow when I will share a new pattern,

hugs, and enjoy the moment…

Helen

Market sneak peaks

Many of you will know that I (and many other Aussie Designers) have been preparing madly for the Australian Quilt Market this weekend in Melbourne. This one of two trade shows held each year for the quilting and patchwork stores across Australia and New Zealand to come and say hi, see all that is new and  order what they ‘have to have’. It is always a huge weekend, catching up with so many new and old friends, designers, store owners, peers and customers.

So as most of you won’t be there to say hello to us I thought I’d give you a sneak peek of all things new that Hugs ‘n Kisses will be showing so you can get your local store owner to come and see them in the flesh… and so you don’t feel you are missing out!

I have been very busy quietly working over the past few months on  lots of new things for you all – many you have seen peeks of on Facebook, some you may not have… so here are all my new market releases…

Notes of Love – this a new version of this Block of the Month – you can get the single designs as Little Love Notes or the complete set with instructions to make this lovely quilt… nothing too difficult in there but great stitching therapy each night in your hoop.

This quilt is named Matilda May – it uses just fat quarters in four colourways and includes a touch of appliqué and stitchery in the simple repeated flower blocks.  I used the Bunnyhill ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’ range of fabrics by Moda.

          

You have already seen the next few:

A Heartfelt Wish

Grans’ Christmas Table Grans Christmas Pud

 and the Festivity stockings This little set was the last I finished and is named Girly Stuff

It has two different bag designs with some various options for details plus 5 stitchery designs – for every bit of stuff a girl needs

If you partook in the Country Hart My Sewing Room club you would already have seen the Needle Nookie… this handy needlebook holds all of your needle cards in little pockets so you never forget what type of needle you are using..

And to put your Needle Nookie into – this is the ‘Broidery Bag’ – yes there is quite a bit of embroidery on this one but you will be so proud of yourself once you have it completed – and I have plans for several more My Sewing Room goodies which will all fit into your Broidery Bag next year so stay tuned for those And finally, I get asked all of the time what type of needles I like to use so I have put some together for you all so you will never need to ask again. They are stored in a little plastic tube with a well secured lid, so you can throw them in your sewing bag and see what is inside - Or they are also come glued to a card which will fit nicely into your needle nookie pockets if you choose to keep them safely in there and will never forget what type they were.

There is the Stitchery/embroidery needle  -  size 7 crewel needles perfect for the Presencia Perle #12- 16 threads or up to 3 strands of a stranded thread,

and the

Appliqué needle – a fine needle with a sharp point BUT a large eye which is easier to thread than little quilting or milliner needles. They are also nice and strong and I use them for all needlturn and gluestick appliqué as well as stitching down my bindings.

 

well that’s it for now,,,, had more planned but simply ran out of time to finish them so they will be next years projects ….

If you are coming to AQM please stop by and get some needle sample gifts and have a chat, if not, well I will just see you right here….on the blog…

hugs

Helen