Hugs from Helen

Sewpink 2022

It’s that time of year again – October - Breast  cancer month.  Now it’s not that we should only be aware in October but it is a great way to remind yourself that it is important to CHECK THOSE BOOBS!

I’m honoured to be a part of this years ByAnnies Sew Pink Initiative yet again. I think I have been involved every year and it is my pleasure to contribute to this great initiative.

I do normally have time to design and make something especially for it, but alas this year time has gotten away from us all and I need to remind myself also to stop and smell the roses I think.

However I did take a day out for myself and make a lovely set of Clam up pouches in the latest fabric line to arrive in our store – which I just love – Anne Sutton’s Flower farm for Moda fabrics - it has so many lovely pinks and pretties, it was just perfect for the job!

We’ll be donating $5 from every

Clamup pattern sold in October to Breast Cancer Australia on your behalf.

 

There are 5 sizes in the pattern – and I will admit I just watched the great add-on videos and then stitched them right up – I didn’t even need to read the pattern!

These are the small, medium and large versions (there is an extra small and an extra large version as well)

  

We can never have too many little zipper pouches but I was thinking that they would be very handy for medications, creams and oils and other little goodies when going in for treatment. Or of course your stitching supplies.

All of us know someone close or dear to us who has fought the battle of Breast Cancer – particularly in our Quilting world where our demographic has such a high risk rate. But with so many advances and free breast screening for many we need to be vigilant and ‘check those bumps for lumps’

If you know someone who is fighting the battle or has won the fight we have this range of brooches/badges that may just have the right message.

There are 16 to choose from and we’ll donate $1 from every sale to Breast Cancer Australia.

ByAnnies is also offering a $30 virtual voucher to one lucky person who reads this blog. I’d love you to post your pink bag makes on IG and tag me  @helen_stubbings  @patternsbyannie #sewpink  so I can choose a winner!

And remember to check those bumps for lumps!

hugs xxxxx

Helen

 

Here’s the full schedule for 2022 below. Be sure to drop by each bloggers post to see what they are sharing this year.

 

 

BLOG HOP 2022 SCHEDULE

✂ Oct. 1 :ByAnnie.com Kick off

✂ Oct. 3 : Emmaline Bags

✂ Oct. 4: Hugs ‘N Kisses

✂ Oct. 5: Clover and Violet

✂ Oct. 6: Fat Quarter Shop and the Jolly Jabber

✂ Oct. 7: Sewfinity

✂ Oct. 10: Teresa Coates & Shannon Fabrics

✂ Oct. 11:Beyond the Reef

✂ Oct. 12: Sallie Tomato

✂ Oct. 13: Suzn Quilts

✂ Oct. 17: Snuggles Quilts

✂ Oct. 20: Pat Sloan

✂ Oct. 21: Knot and Thread Design

✂ Oct.23: Sookie Sews

✂ Oct. 24: Mister Domestic

✂ Oct. 26: A Bright Corner

✂ Oct. 27: Sew Cute and Quirky

✂ Oct. 1 : ByAnnie.com Final Wrap Up

 

 

The #SewPink Initiative was created by ByAnnie.com LLC to raise awareness for breast cancer throughout the year. Our efforts culminate in an annual blog hop during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month to promote self-care, awareness, early detection and support for those affected by breast cancer.

To learn more and see the calendar of events visit: https://www.ByAnnie.com/SewPINK

To find screenings available near you:

• Breast Screen (Australia)

• CDC.gov (US)

• WebMD (free screenings)

This year we are again joining forces with Fat Quarter Shop to promote a fundraiser. Their goal of raising $20,000 to donate to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

ByAnnie.com will match every dollar raised on the #SewPINK fundraising page.

 

 

 

My guest blogger this month is the lovely Bev McCullough who blogs over at Flamingo Toes.

She offered to write a post on what quilting and crafting means to her and how much of a profound change in her life it made after some struggles.  

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Hi Everyone! My name is Beverly McCullough 

I have been sharing projects there for about 9 years! When I say that - I can’t believe how time has flown.

I have always loved sewing and embroidery. I remember making sweet little cross stitch projects and even my own outfits in junior high. I continued that love for sewing and creating all through my early married years and having kids.

Somewhere along the way though I lost my heart for creating. We went through some really rough things as a family and I was really just focusing on getting through all of it. There wasn’t any room left for being creative.

We ended up moving to another state and once we’d settled in, I started to feel like making things again. I started with a few small things and it was amazing how much it helped! It sounds silly but with each thing I made for the house, I got back a piece of myself!

I decided to create a website, just to share the projects I’d been making with friends and family. I had no thought that it would turn into a business that I love! I just shared photos and projects - and eventually tutorials.

When I started the blog I really was just making projects I liked or simple things that I’d seen in shops. Over time though, I developed more of my own voice. I feel like creating and making on a regular basis helped me to find who I was.

I really feel like blogging, creating, sewing and stitching gave me my life back. And what started as a way to share projects with friends has turned into a business! As I mentioned, I’ve had the blog for 9 years. But I’m also an author, pattern designer, and a fabric designer with Riley Blake Designs. All of it a dream come true that I wouldn’t have if I hadn’t stepped out and stretched that creative muscle that I had let go of.

I’m far from an expert, but I really encourage you to take time for yourself and be creative. It was a form of therapy for me - and it still is! I love sitting down to sew or embroider new projects - and sharing those projects with people!

I’d love for you to come visit me at Flamingo Toes! I share new projects all the time - plus I have fun new quilt and embroidery patterns coming out this summer, along with my newest fabric collection, Rose Lane that will be out in September. Come on over and say hi!

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Yes again it is so inspiring to hear how stitching has made a difference.... and you just never know, when you are a kind, sharing caring person where it will lead you. Thankyou so much Bev for sharing...

If you would like to join in our Therapy project you can find all details here

And join in our sharing community on Facebook - all over the world, getting their daily therapy.

Stitching hugs for today

Helen

 

Quilting changes Everything for Pat Sloan

My dear friend Pat has written our article this month...  I first met Pat many years ago in Houston demonstrating a sit down longarm machine - I didnt buy the machine but I never forgot who Pat was... Here's a little more about her...

Pat Sloan designer, author, lecturer, and with her weekly radio show... Pat truly is the "Voice of Quilting". She has a deep passion for making quilting fun for herself and everyone around her. Pat loves to hang out with quilters on the internet as well as visit you in person.. be inspired to get more done!

Sewing since she was a child and quilting for over 20 years, Pat eventually looked to her craft as a business. After a few years quilting she started to teach quilt making to others and then turned her skills to pattern designing. She found that she really enjoys designing and seeing how other quilters made her patterns. In 2000 Pat's designs became so popular that she and her husband Gregg formed a design and publishing company called Pat Sloan & Co. In addition to designing and publishing her work, they now travel around the country teaching and showing her quilts to quilt guilds and quilt shops. Also, Pat has had her designs published in all the national magazines, she has written 31 quilt books and has designed many lines of fabric for Moda Fabrics.

When Pat took her passion to the internet she built several quilt communities, the largest is her group on Facebook with over 55,000 quilters from around the world.

Over Five years ago Pat started a weekly All Quilting radio/podcast. I have chatted with Pat twice now on her show.  You can hear her interview quilt celebrities, historians, designers (that would be me) and authors from around the world, all on your computer! All the podcasts are available for download.

Visit her web site www.patsloan.com to see all things Pat Sloan.

 

Below is her take on the Therapy of quilting - note: Pat has included many links with offers to the things she loves. Please click on the links to see her favourite things.

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Our February Stitch therapy guest blogger is Lyn Carson Harris

This month's guest blogger is Lyn Carson Harris who contacted me with an offer to tell her story and why she creates...

Here is a little more about Lyn's background

Lynn lives in Michigan where she creates art, raises chickens, and grows vegetables. Both of Lynn’s parents grew up on farms and, like the little red hen in the children’s story, she was taught to do things from scratch and to never let anything go to waste. Her thrifty upbringing led her to her current style of working with scraps and the desire to use “every last piece.” Her quilts have been juried into international shows and gallery exhibits and her work is in private collections around the world. She is the author of Every Last Piece and has also been published in numerous books and magazines.

She writes:

I create textile art using the techniques employed by past generations of my family to create utilitarian objects such as clothes and quilts. I connect the past to the present and honor the beauty and artistry of the handmade. My most recent work is a series of small scale abstract designs inspired by the experiences of someone I love and care about who is in an abusive relationship. My wish is that these pieces of art can help to prevent domestic abuse by increasing understanding and awareness of this pervasive problem. While all of my pieces are original designs, I turn to the geometric patterns of antique quilts for inspiration. My art often evolves dramatically from the start to finish of a piece, and I find as much pleasure in the process as in the completed pieces.

Here is Lyn's story surrounding her therapeutic quilt:

 

Years ago, when four of my family members entering nursing homes, I decided I needed a travel sewing project for time spent in the car traveling and visiting with them. I prepared an intricate appliqué piece and had it basted and ready for any stitching time.  I stitched on that piece for months and as I neared the end of the appliqué three of those four family members died- in the same week.

 

I went on to finish the piece. I hand quilted it and entered it in a national quilt show. When I got the quilt back from the show, I folded it and put it in the closet in my sewing room. About ten years later, while cleaning that closet I pulled out the quilt. I unfolded it completely unprepared for my reaction when I saw the quilt again. I was instantly in tears. That quilt held a lot of memories and grief. Unknowingly, I had parked my feelings and emotions in the stitches of the quilt for a time when I would be better equipped to process them. It was quite a moving moment. 

I am currently working on a series of quilts that is serving a similar purpose.  A member of my family is in an abusive relationship. After many years trying to help my family member and trying to come up plan after plan that would never help, I finally came to the realization that people are allowed to make decisions that are not in their own best interest. I am now working on a Domestic Abuse Quilt Series to raise awareness of aspects of domestic abuse as well as a form of therapy for myself.

You can see more of Lyn's work on her blog and read about her Abuse quilt series and the therapy they bring.

 

If you'd like some stitching therapy of your own, with everything provided for you then join in our Stitch Therapy 365 project - all the info can be found here.

If you have a story to share about how Stitching (and sewing, crafting, quilting etc) has affected your life, we'd love you to share it with us..

hugs for today
Helen

 

Stitching is my Therapy - Guest blogger - Sarah of 1000 hearts

Sarah De Jonge is the creator of the 1000 hearts project.

She believes that kindness can change our hearts and our world.

She has a psychology degree, counselling qualifications and about 15 years’ experience helping people through the tough stuff of life.

In her work for non-profits like Lifeline, CanTeen and Cancer Council Tas, she has witnessed despair, fury, heartbreak and brokenness.

Through it all, she has been astounded and touched by the goodness and resilience of the human heart. She's seen the power of connection and knows that a small act of kindness can make a massive difference to someone who’s hurting.

She believes that being kind to ourselves and others helps us, and our world, to heal. 1000 Hearts brings together a few of her greatest passions. Ever since she was a small child, She's collected small items to carry as talismans against fear and sadness…

She started sewing when she was very young and comes from a long line of makers…

A kindness project...

1000 Hearts is a kindness project that started in 2016 because Sarah wanted to spread some love and compassion.

Inspired and driven by her work in the non-profit sector, she felt a need to do some thing that offered love in an all-inclusive way with no cost, no conditions and no limits. The project is based around small pocket hearts which are handmade from wool felt and stitched with love and good intentions. These hearts are then offered to people as a symbol of compassion, care and kindness.

Not only do they bring therapy, love and kindness to the recipients, but Sarah and many other heartists around the world get to experience their own therapy and satisfaction of giving whilst making them.

Thankyou Sarah, for sharing your beautiful words below:

Years ago, I volunteered as a telephone counsellor for Lifeline. One night, a young man phoned who was what we called “a suicide in progress”, meaning he had already taken action to end his life. I was struck by how alone he was, unable to identify anyone who cared about him. In that lonely night, I felt my heart go out to him and I said “I don’t want you to die. I care about you – please let me help you stay alive tonight.”  He was quiet after I said this – the kind of quiet that grabs you by the throat and makes you fear that you’re too late. Into this echoing silence, I dropped a single wavering question; “how does it feel, to know that someone cares?” and in a wretched, broken voice he replied; “feels good.” He allowed me to help that night, and as he drifted further towards unconsciousness, the ambos arrived, someone picked up the phone and said “we’ve got him” and I was left with an empty line.

I’ll never know what happened to that young man, but I can tell you what happened to me after the experience. I learned a memorable lesson about the power of connection, and how the care of just one person can be the difference between life and death. I wanted to be that difference and in 2016, I set myself a goal – to make a thousand pocket hearts and give them away to anyone who needed a little love. I didn’t know it at the time, but this project would change my life and bring together a community of people determined to make the world a kinder place.

It took me three months to sew a thousand hearts and as so often happens, what I thought was the end turned out to be just the beginning. As my little hand-made hearts made their way out into the world, people who received them felt like they were a part of something and soon there was a steady stream of people requesting hearts and asking how to make them.

In March 2018, I set up an Etsy store to make the project more sustainable, and our community of heartists continued to grow. It is my great privilege to hold the stories people share with me and it is through the sharing of these stories that we can start to understand the power of the hearts. Not long ago, a grieving community pinned pocket hearts to their clothes at a memorial service for two young girls who died tragically in a house fire. In Australia and around the world, sewing groups make hearts for children affected by domestic violence, people impacted by cancer, patients in palliative care, foster children and young people diagnosed with eating disorders. A little boy, struggling with difficulties in his family, sewed a heart to give his counsellor during their first appointment. Hearts with rainbows stitched on them sit amongst offerings of love at the memorial for victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting, and hospital staff gave them to young people injured in the bombing at a concert in Manchester. A woman slipped a heart into her mother’s coffin. An elderly gentleman held a heart in his hand during a confusing first night in an aged care facility. Many anxious children carry one in their pocket on the first day of school, and adults dealing with anxiety and depression have written to tell me that making hearts has changed their lives.

A pocket heart can be a talisman of hope. It can be offered when the right words are hard to find, and squeezed when life feels overwhelming. Making hearts is a mindful activity that brings a sense of calm purpose, knowing your creation will help someone get through a hard day.

In amongst all the stories and requests, I hear a theme of love. Love that holds us up when darkness threatens. Love that offers hope in times of despair. Love that makes life worth living, even when the odds are against us. By focusing on small acts of kindness, we can start creating a better version of ourselves, and when we are able to offer that same kindness to ourselves as well as others, that’s when the real transformation begins. For me the most powerful thing of all has been to read the messages that say (in varying ways) “thank you – your heart made a difference to me.” It’s beautiful to learn that a simple act of kindness can become a legacy and that a single heart, stitched with love, can be the difference between despair and hope.

 

 

You can visit with Sarah, become a heartist, support her in her Etsy shop or request hearts at 

https://www.1000hearts.com.au/

Or follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/1000_hearts/

As you stitch along in your daily therapy, think about what it's doing for you, love yourself and open your heart.  Then perhaps the kindness to yourself will make a difference and spread to others in all walks of your life... 

hugs from Helen

home again home again jiggety jig..

Yes I have been home a couple of weeks but you know – there’s lots to be done when you arrive home – especially when 2 children have been minding house on their own…. and the pantry is empty and the dust – well, you know…. they did good, no complaints here but lots to catch up on.

So, some market and US trip reports to come…..  I’ve so much to tell you and catch up on… and of course lots of yummy new things to show you too.

So first…. I travelled with the most wonderful Sue – who just came along for the ride – and I couldn’t have done it without her. Sue used to own a quilt shop in SA and her knowledge plus her friendly country charm was just perfect for a travelling partner and a helper in my booth..

We arrived the day before setup and to stay awake I was able to show Sue a few sights (since it was my 4th visit to Salt Lake City) – downtown and the Tabernacle precinct is always just so pretty and peaceful…

Then of course it all started! we started with this  

(and yes Sue was busy sewing on bindings any spare minute she had for me)

I was so fortunate to have a local friend to help me too. The lovely Kari of Fresh Cut Quilts was my savior – even Ethan was called in to assist – and a visit to raid her lovely home of props just rounded out our day…

 

So with Kari and Sues’ help we managed to turn that empty square of concrete into this.

For this market a group of us Aussie designers banded together to form the Aussie Aisle for a bit of fun… We had bunting, tim tams, vegemite tastings and photos with our un named mascot – she was the subject of many cuddles and a guess my name competition… with the lovely winner gaining this amazing basket of goodies from us all.

now apart from going to market to do business, the most fun is had catching up with new and old designer friends and others in the industry…. being a total failure at selfies, Sue again popped in as photographer extraordinaire…

so that’s enough for now, I’ll be back with a few more installments!

hugs for today

Helen

Who’s coming to Salt Lake City?

With only four sleeps until I leave and a very long list of to dos still I shouldn’t be here, but yet again its been so long and just in case any of you are coming I wanted to let you know of some of my movements so we can say hi if its possible.

So, Spring Quilt market – the International Quilt trade show (trade customers only this time sorry) is on next week at the Salt Lake City Convention centre downtown SLC. Sue and I fly out Monday to start the long journey and then the long setup ready to open next Friday.

 

of course I have three schoolhouse sessions first on Thursday as follows:

Have Much More FUN with
COSMO! – Im doing this one for Lecien

                                  Room 253a 1.20-1.50pm

Want Cash to Walk In Your Door
Monthly? We’ll Tell You How!  Room 250e 3:30 - 4:00

 

Calling All Hexie Addicts! EPP the
EasyWay                              Room 250e 4.05-4.35

 

 

Then I have two Take & Teach Classes again for you to join in and learn to take back to your students and stores:

Friday 8.00-9.30am

310. SIMPLY REDWORK EMBROIDERY—THE HUGS ‘N KISSES WAY $10

Simple embroidery stitches are ever popular! Introduce them to your students and expand your range of embroidery skills and inventory with simple stitcheries, red work, and more. Make the first block in the Razz-a-Dazzle BOM quilt. (*; 6in embroidery hoop)

411. FROM HEXIES TO CLAMSHELLS— EPP THE HUGS ‘N KISSES IRON-ON WAY $10

Using the new EPP Iron-ons™ extend your knowledge of English Paper Piecing beyond hexagons. Clamshells are the next big thing! Make this super cute purse/cushion and take it back to wow your customers. (*; Sewline fabric glue pen or similar)

I will also be doing demos on demand in my booth daily showing the Easy English paper piecing method using iron on, leave in papers that is going crazy.And 4pm on Saturday I’ll be demoing and book signing on the Landauer Booth #1243  on my Gluestick applique method..

Phew, Im tired just thinking about this…

But wait! there’s more… This year a group of your favourite Aussie designers are grouping together to form the Aussie Aisle!

We’ll all be there in aisle #1800 – right inside the entrance doors next to the quilt exhibit!  You’ll see our aussie bunting for sure… we have some exciting things in store for you….

Each designer will be doing their demos of what they do best!

We have a gorgeous Koala coming with us all the way from Australia – she is very excited, and also very friendly and would love to have her photo taken with you all.  Then you can try and guess her name and go in a draw to win a fabulous basket of goodies from us all.AND

we are having free vegemite tastings too!

Come join all the action in aisle #1800  but before that join our new group – Aussie Designers on Facebook, you’ll see what each of us are doing now and into the future and have us on hand to answer questions etc ongoing.

 

of course, after market brings more excitement as I rush to the airport to travel to Minnesota to teach for the Hayward Quilt guild.. maybe I’ll see you there – there might be just 1 or 2 spots left if you are close by….

 

okay, back to my list now…

hugs for today

Helen

Next up – AQC!

Im madly trying to get some things finished for AQC next week!!!! eeeekkkk along with a book, a fabric range and a café to open…. they do say ask a busy person if you want something done – but pleeeease don’t ask me for anything until about June!

So, this is just a quick note to remind you that, yes, I will be at AQC this year – stand #8 – same place as normal – enter – go to the crossroads and turn left – we are at the end.. (yep, on the way to the ladies room).

Judy has been cutting and packing kits all year, we have some brand new goodies, some old favourites and lots of bundles and offers to tempt you. Jo has been printing, folding and getting me organised and they will both be on stand to answer all your needs and questions.

I am doing a make & take each day 1pm in area #1 – limited to 15 students/kits per day – so yes, do that early morning dash through the doors to get your place – we cannot hold places, its first in each morning. here’s a peek at my project

Yes you’ll get to learn the finer points of clamshells- the Hugs ‘n Kisses way.

 

I’ll also be doing a presentation each day at 12noon in Room 1 – all things EPP – easy English Paper piecing… if you want to pop in and show me some love

 

So, who’s coming? do come and say hi…

hugs for today and back to finishing this new quilt in time!

Helen

 

And we are go…..

well, what a week its been. Quarter Inch  - the bricks and mortar home of Hugs ‘n Kisses opened its doors on Monday – not 100% ready to go, but we survived the week as things progressed.

Its been lovely to meet many whose names I have only known online, chat with local friends and loyal stitchers and those from further afar. I won’t always be in the shop – still designing from my home studio and travelling to teach and show so spending this week has been lovely to be in there talking to you all.

Here are a few peeks!

This has been as many of you know a long time coming, and finally all my goodies are nicely arranged in a perfect little setting for all to be inspired.

our Kona room! – a feast for the eyes – yes the full range of Kona Solids in one room.The lovely Kat – who will be working in the store plus teaching her amazing bias applique, free motion quilting and more brought these mini hexie cookies and rasberry hearts in for our opening…Some of our lovely staff- Judy, and Jo and our ‘official cutting of the ribbon’ that Tilly insisted upon..

 

Please follow our new shop page on Instagram and Facebook for up to date news, spot specials, class info and more – or just to say hi.

If you are going to be visiting town, please let me know and  I’ll try and pop down to the shop to say hi (if Im in town). Im only 5 minutes away. We still have a long way to go – with the building of a big shed for storage, cutting, production. packing AND a classroom. – yes so many people asked I relented and we have doubled the size of the proposed shed to include classroom or meeting space…

AND a café – a big challenge for me being a non-coffee drinker – so watch this space girls… we’ll have something for everyone.

so, now its off to Friday night drinks for me – I actually think I’ve earned it this week – not too many though – Im opening tomorrow!

hugs for today

Helen

Quarter Inch is opening!!!!!

Well Happy New year! – hope you all made it through the Christmas festivities and New year celebrations.. I, myself, have slowly been playing, arranging, pinning, crimping, poofing and preparing my new adventure… If you have been following along you know that ‘patience’ has been my word for the second half of 2015!

Well, we are nearly finally there – just phase 1 mind you! the Café, shed and classroom is still to come.

But – next Monday 11th January, Quarter Inch will open its doors. We wont’ have quite everything ready but enough to welcome you inside with a biccy and a smile…

here are a few peeks for you

we have a lovely big counter, made from one of the original doors from the 1905 Cottage which has been acid dipped and was just too nice to discard when we took the wall down…

We have fabric! – mostly my ranges from Red Rooster Fabrics with a few other delicious things thrown in that I love to use and hope you will too!we have looooots of eye candy – all my years of sewing  and quilting and stitching – much of it is now on display so you can all be inspired – and I can move in my house again…we have kits, patterns and other goodies of course – with more arriving all the time…we have all the goodies for all the techniques I love and use and teach…. (classes will come later – a few months down the track – patience remember!!)and my biggest surprise = we have a kona room! – yes the full range of Kona solids (minus the three that didn’t arrive) – colour deliciousness all round… go on -  drool – I have been.. This is the only store stocking the full range in Australia so I hope we can provide a service that has been missing – when you want it – come to us… btw- I haven't yet managed to get the 300 colours onto the website yet, but I'm working on it..

so… if you are in town – or planning to visit, please come and say hi. I won’t be at the shop everyday – but there will be lovely smiling faces to greet you. I’ll be there Monday of course and Im only 5 minutes away so if you’ve made a special trip to Hobart, please let me know and I’ll do my best to make a special trip down to the shop to say hi…

so the details are:

224 Campbell St, North Hobart TAS 7008

ph: 03 62001304

opening hours at this stage (subject to change):

mon-fri- 10am – 4pm

Saturdays 10am – 2pm

or google maps link

we are six blocks walk from the city centre and waterfront

one street in off the Brooker highway,

on a bus route and probably a $5 taxi fare from the city at most.

parking: in the little slip road off Burnett st at the back of the store, or across Campbell st along the front of Primary school, or 50m along Campbell st on the shop side.

 

hope to see you soon!

hugs and remember – patience is a virtue

Helen