Hugs from Helen

What a simply Splendid day it is!

How exciting is it that I was invited to be a designer in the second series of the Splendid Sampler?

And I even made the cover! so yes, you get my block for free to get one step ahead before the book ships!

We are taking preorders for these books at Quarter Inch - and we'll send you them as soon as they arrive in October  - you can order the first one too if you'd like.

The lovely team of Pat and Jane sent me a bunch of fabrics from Moda

and Erin at Aurifil some threads to play with.

We could use any method, design or technique we wanted so of course I included two of my faves…..

 embroidery….. (note: I used Presencia Finca Perle#16 threads for the embroidery)

and English Paper pieced clamshells

Of course many people may not have tried these methods before (and I always like to teach something new to even one stitcher out there) so I won’t leave you in the cold…

You can join in my FREE series of embroidery lessons and learn every hint and tip I can give you (just click on the pic below)

and if you need help with clamshells?  well I have a unique product for English paper piecing – they are EPP Iron-ons – yes, iron on leave in epp templates… They are cut from my Applique paper which is a semi water soluble paper with a fusible on one side. So you just iron them on, and leave them in!  You can see the step by step tutorial for clamshells by clicking on the pic below.

If you’d love to have the EPP Iron-ons to make your block you can get them here. (and why would you do it any other way!)

And for even more information and free help on my paper and method subscribe to my Youtube channel where there is a ton of information and technique how to’s for you.

To celebrate my day, let’s have a little competition! Over on Instagram…. Follow me (on IG) and share a pic of your version of my block….(don’t forget to tag me so I find it @helen_stubbings)

 

I’ll choose two new followers over the next two days (for those quick off the batt) – and one tagged pic (per week on Fridays) over the next month to send a free pack of EPP Iron on Clamshell papers to..

I do so hope you love my block, learn a new tip or technique and keep on stitching along with the Splendid sampler team….

can’t wait to see them all appearing!

what to do now?

Sign up for free embroidery lessons

Order your clamshell EPP Iron-on papers

Watch the tutorial

Gather your fabric and threads

Follow me on Instagram

Post your block to win! (and you have to tag me! @helen_stubbings)

 

happy stitching

hugs from Helen

New Projects for Christmas or not!

You saw our wonderful gathering photos but I did forget to show you the new projects we made.

 

The Hexie gogo teeny table topper

This cute little runner could be for Christmas if you used Christmas fabrics – we just used my new Coonawarra Reds with my favourite Essex Putty linen background and a Cosmo Seasons #5006 variegated red thread.

With button embellishments and our wonderful iron on leave in EPP hexie papers this came together quickly and easily.. yes you could still get it done for a Secret Santa gift!

There may also be a few kits left including everything you need for $20 plus the pattern.

 

the Christmas Dilly Bag

This again used my Coonawarra Red fabrics, Essex linen in sand colour and some Basically Hugs fabrics. But scrappy anything of course will look great.

The pattern comes with an iron on transfer for the little stitcheries which you stitch all at once before fusing the included precut iron on hexies to the bag and making up this cut hexie dillybag..

big enough to fill with all those Christmas goodies…

a few kits left for this one also at only $20 plus pattern.

Gather Ye Blessings:

This one didn’t end up being a Gathering project (I made a few spares whilst deciding) but it was finished in time..

The pattern includes applique paper, precut EPP iron ons for the diamonds, squares and circles and of course all instructions.

with a little EPP, a little gluestick applique and a little stitchery it can be personalised for you.

 

We have the metal stands as pictured or we have cute little wall hangers with a Christmas star in the 12” width for only $10 each.

These are not on the website and as I'm madly working on new websites they may not get there on the current one…

but if you’re keen you can just phone or email Jo on 03 62001304

til next time

hugs from Helen

Tilda Tea Party

Don’t you just love Tilda?  and a Tilda Tea Party or trunk show – how cute would that be?

I received some lovely pieces of the new Tilda fabrics several months ago and was asked to create some projects that could go on one long trip around the country….

Jo actually made them up for me as I was making these little projects in my Basically low fabrics – we both made our own versions.

This little block book is perfect for keeping your 6-8” applique or stitchery blocks in as you work on your project. Its very quick and simple to make and is finished nicely with a touch of ric-rac

This is Jo’s tilda version

And my original version in Basically Lows

We have patterns and kits available for both versions If you cannot get to a Tilda tea Party in your area.

Our second little project is this very useful project bag… These are so handy, you need more than one if you are a true quilter/stitcher like me with many projects on the go.

This was my original version in Basically Lows and Basically Hugs (new oranges)

See the clear pocket so you can easily see which project you are grabbing – and those easy peasy and very pretty lace zippers – no zip insertion here!

And this is Jo’s beautiful Tilda version…

The pattern includes our fantastic iron on/leave in EPP clamshell iron ons and applique paper.And includes a bit of EPP, a bit of gluestick applique and a touch of embroidery – all my faves!

Again, we have kits and patterns for both versions of these (the tilda kits are not yet on the website, please ask for them in the comments section) – but you may be able to see them yourself if you are near a Trunk show location

 

Next time I need to get Quarter Inch on this trip I think.

A huge thanks to my sidekick Jo for making up the samples – however I know she love’s anything Tilda and will quite happily take these home to use once they’ve finished their little journey.

so, who likes Tilda?

hugs for today

Helen

They stitched with Helen & Nat

we head yet another wonderful day of stitching and sharing on Sunday here in Hobart.

As always my wonderful friend Jo added all of the special touches, this time aided by Judy – another one of my wonderful team who keep me on track..

the room looked amazing, in fact many said they felt like they were walking into a wedding!

One day I think Jo will be an event organiser or decorator…http://www.thebirdhouse.com.au/http://www.thebirdhouse.com.au/

Natalie Bird of The Birdhouse had travelled down from Brisbane to share her project on the day (and sorry I don’t have a pic of the gorgeous little needlebook she designed for the day – but Im sure someone will share it)

 

My project was this useful little project bag. It is perfect for storing your project for stitching on the go – in fact I think I need to make about ten of these…. I went a complete blank on a name for this so it is called ‘Vicky Victoria’ – meaning nothing at all, it just came to me..It has a little clear vinyl window so you can see which project you are grabbing to take to stitching group today. I included some gluestick applique (and I even pre printed all the shapes onto the Applique paper for the girls so they could get right into learning and appliqueing) And I used one of my favourite lace zippers so no insertion required

of course there was plenty of stimulation, inspiration and retail therapy available…

a little instruction and charity work to be done..and as always, we put a lot of love into yummy treats to keep the energy levels going.. Thanks once again to my three very clever girls for catering..We finished the day with lots of show n tell – Dee and Diane are always gold star finishers – they had many more to show…

a huge thanks to all who travelled from near and far to share the day, to Jo, judy, Linda, Molly, Tess and Tilly for working hard to make it happen and of course to Nat – it was lovely to chat and catchup for a few days

our next day was announced and details and bookings can be found on our website here.

hugs for today
Helen

PS: we have a few spare kits for Vicky Victoria available on the website also.

Scrappity Doo Dahing right along….

For those of you not on the Facebook group I thought I’d share some progress shots on the Scrappity Doo – dah EPP quilt along project. Many have finished or nearly finished their tops and the array of fabric choices is amazing.. all looking just as great as the next.

Many are now only just joining in- particularly after doing the EPP Craftsy class and wanting more…. and some shops are about ready to start their instore programs with help along the way.

This is Marg’s from Seriously Crazy’s  version

And Lee’s from Threads and Tangles – she's already quilted hers! how amazing does black and white look?

Lisa from megelles soft and sweet version

Lyn opted for jewel colours on black!

Nicole's version

and Maggies – see how different they all are?

from batiks, to liberty, aunt grace to Tilda, they all look fantastic..

Linda White of Gumvalley patchwork will be running this one with her stitching customers..

And of course the original version – in Fancywork Box and Basically Hugs fabrics.. – packs are still available.

 

hugs and inspiration for today

Helen

Razz-a-dazzle your year…

To start the year off with a bang we have a new Block of the Month all ready to go for you. I know many of you followed this journey on Facebook or Instagram with me, and we are finally ready to let you start! So get your stitching fingers warmed up – nightly therapy here we come!

Razz-a-dazzle!

The Quilt measures approx 48” x 48” so not too huge for you.

It features hand embroidery, Easy machine pieced dresdens in a snowflake variation and machine applique. I've used my simple gluestick applique by machine method to assemble so it comes together quite quickly.

There are 13 stunning but simple embroidery designs using 13 colours from the new range of variegated Cosmo Seasons threads. I feel quite excited about these as I helped develop the colours with Lecien – and they made my very own Hugs ‘n Kisses red thread which you know I love so much. (its #5006)

So the pattern is a BOM but you can get it as a full pattern set – or monthly with fabrics and more included.

In the full pattern only set you will get:

13 x colour stitch guides  with colour photos

13 x iron on transfers for all embroidery designs

The Quilting designs/templates I used

Cutting Layout and design guides and of course my normal  step by step instructions.

 

AND an acrylic wedge ruler – the Razz-a-dazzle ruler. Yes, this comes with the pattern set so you don’t have to find one – they are not overly common in this size.

The fabrics I have used in the original quilt are from the Lecien L’s Moderns and 1000 colours ranges. 39 fabrics in all – you could use your stash, collect your own styles and colourways or we have the original fabrics available as full kits or BOM mailouts.

For the machine applique method I used the Superior Monopoly thread and you can see my YouTube videos to see how this works – its so easy and accurate and quick!

I used Auriful 40 wt threads in matching colours to quilt all of my snowflakes and a blending 50wt thread for my background quilting. Auriful Australia have kindly made up special Razz-a-dazzle packs of the threads I used. And they are a wonderful selection of great colours that you may use often so are good for your thread stash.

 

I used  5” Applique paper pre-cut circles to perfectly applique my embroideries to the snowflakes. I didn’t include these in the pattern kits as you may have your own preferred method – or you may already have some applique paper you can use there – but you can order them separately. We have included them in our BOM monthly mailout option.

To see all the details and different options you can head to my website..

So, lets start the year with a bit of Razz-a-dazzle – stitching begin…

hugs for today

Helen

Mugs Rugs for Chrissy Presents

I don’t think I’ve taken the time to show you these little mug rug patterns? – I’ve done them a little time ago but with my busyness I have been neglecting my blog and showing you new things and ideas..

So at market in May I got give some samples of these very useful little premade mug rug inserts. They are made by Bosal and are double sided fusible precut shapes to put inside projects. The ones I have used are the 4” x 6” rectangles.

I’ve made three designs thus far!

The patterns include applique paper, pre-cuts (hexies, pentagons or honeycombs) and iron on transfers plus instructions for both finishing methods – binding or turning.

So they are great to make from your scrap stash, whip up in a night or two for that perfect gift for a stitching friend.

I'm not sure I’d actually sit my coffee mug on them tho? So perhaps you’d use them in a different way..

hugs for today

Helen

Scrappity Doo-dah online QAL

Are you on the EPPQAL Facebook page?  There is so much activity there as they await their next installment for the online quilt a long mystery… lots of different fabrics being used..

Did you miss out- or think you couldn’t fit it in?  well now we are ready with our Scrappity Doo Dah version – you can join at anytime. Just purchase your pack and then you will be signed up. Now of course eventually you might start seeing finished quilts (which may spoil your mystery) but you still have the fun of wondering what comes next! so what’s it all about?

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

Learn the joy of English Paper piecing the Hugs ‘n Kisses way!

Join with us on this 26 part Quilt along – learn many shapes, techniques, a little gluestick applique and more.

$112.00  includes paper pack and the full set of patterns over approximately 5 months

This is now an Online quilt-a-long BOM type program. You can sign up here for a paper pack to join, and an optional fabric pack- or you can sign up with your favourite store and choose their fabric kit choices.

There are 26 parts to the program which will be delivered by electronic mail and download. The finished quilt measures approx 48" x 48"

What fabrics did you use?

I have used my Fancywork Box and Basically Hugs fabrics for my quilt version –which is what you will see on each email. The design is based on a scrappy layout and we have a fabric pack available to help you start – 8 fat quarters and 16 fat eights – this will be plenty to make your quilt top.

Hugs fabric pack – (optional)

Viewcart

$90 + postage. (please select other for postage- if more is required we will contact you before processing)

Other things you would have in your sewing box – but if not they are available from here.

Sewline Glue pen & refills

Hugs ‘n Kisses applique needles

Roxanne’s Glue baste it

Karen Kay Buckley perfect scissors

Bottomline sewing thread in neutral colours

Inkjet printer or Sewline ceramic pencil.

To sign up to the program you must purchase the Paper pack above.

Once you have  purchased your starter kit from us you will be subscribed to the program and you will get an email each time a new part is released. (approx every 5 days)

It will contain a link to download the pattern.  Please download and save this PDF pattern

to your computer or device. The emails are automatically generated and cannot be re-sent

if you lose them so please take care to save and file carefully. You will require a free Acrobat

reader to print the pattern files - available from https://get.adobe.com/reader/

I am sharing this journey so that you may get to experience the pleasure of using our unique method of English Paper piecing and needleturn applique. It uses our EPP iron-ons which are cut from our wonderful Applique paper. You can read more about this here 

http://www.hugsnkisses.net/index.php/shop/other-thingys/applique-paper-precuts

with many tutorials on my blog at http://hugsnkisses.typepad.com/hugsfromhelen/

or videos on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/user/helenshugsnkisses

I just know once you try these you are going to love them and never look back to removing sticky  papers again.

hope you can join us – and the several hundred others making this around the world!

hugs for today

Helen

Free Free EPP quilt along with me….

Do you want to quilt along with me?  from right in your lounge chair each night… from anywhere in the world?

If so, you only have a small window of opportunity to join in..

From now until Midnight 30th September Australian time you can join up by visiting here and purchase the precut pack you will need to complete the mystery quilt. Okay, so that’s not free then you say – but you need these pre-cuts to be able to make the project – and instead of having to purchase a full pack of every different shape poor Tessie has spent hours cutting just the amount you will need for a very good price..

But – the pattern – all 26 parts delivered by email – will be free – for those who have signed up by the 30th September – after that it will need to be purchased from a store running it as a BOM project…

So this free offer is a little thankyou to all of you who have followed me over the past 14 years, who have supported me, bought my patterns, encouraged me and thanked me for bringing a little joy into your life.

And it is for you, stitching friends around the world to learn the joy of English Paper piecing the Hugs ‘n Kisses way!

Join with us on this 26 part Quilt along – learn many shapes, techniques, a little gluestick applique and more.

I will take you step by step through the mystery quilt learning a new block, shape or technique with each installment.. The final quilt top will measure approximately 48” x 48”. Most blocks involve handwork, with a small amount of simple machine piecing – and I have assembled the blocks by machine. But all the individual blocks are appliqued or paper pieced by hand – just your little bit of daily therapy… not too much, you’ll easily be able to keep up with just those five minutes of stitching per day or so..

We will be using the Hugs ‘n Kisses EPP iron –ons – if you haven't tried these then my mission on the QAL is to get you totally addicted – you will never do it any other way again….

Our Iron-on English paper piecing shapes are cut from Hugs ‘n Kisses applique paper – which is 50% soluble with a glue on one side. Which means, you iron the precut shape to your fabric, glue over the edges, stitch it up AND LEAVE THE PAPERS IN! so easy….. there are many other positives of this product that make the process so easy and forgiving for all skill levels.

and remember - IT WILL BE FREE! yes totally free – but for that limited time only…

remember join up now by purchasing the EPPQAL Paper pack  AUD$60 + postage (GST included.)

  More information here..

Viewcart

Once you have signed up (by purchasing the pack) you will be added to a mailing list and as each installment is released  will get a link to download the pattern (which will be work for only 2 weeks).

Once the program is finished we will release it as a BOM pattern worldwide as a paid pattern through stores. Some stores are already offering fabric packs to join in now..

There are 26 parts and we will release them randomly – maybe two a week, depending on how involved the block is and when I'm home/or away to do it

Whilst you are working along use the hasthag #EPPQAL to share the fun.

I have used my Fancywork Box and Basically Hugs fabrics for my quilt version –which is what you will see each month. We have prepared fabric packs using the same/or very similar fabrics as I have used.

Hugs fabric pack – (optional) PLEASE NOTE: we have been overwhelmed by orders and have run out of some fabrics, we have ordered more but they may not get here in time so any orders from now will include substitutes - same colours and very similar values but not the originals. If the order arrives I will remove this message and return to original fabrics.

Viewcart

$90 + postage.(please select other for postage- if more is required we will contact you before processing)

Fee is making a version for me using The new Tilda  Autumn tree range which  she’ll be sharing on Social media as we progress. Many stores have this in stock now. Esmes has kits ready to offer in Tilda and Sew Bright Alpine Quilting will be ready with kits also by our October start.

Or choose your own fabric/colourway – a modern version would be great too!

Other things you would have in your sewing box – but if not they are available from here.

Sewline Glue pen & refills

Hugs ‘n Kisses applique needles

Roxanne’s Glue baste it

Karen Kay Buckley perfect scissors

Bottomline sewing thread in neutral colours

Inkjet printer or Sewline ceramic pencil.

- See more at: http://hugsnkisses.typepad.com/hugsfromhelen/epp-quilt-along.html#sthash.lto0C7z3.dpuf

The program will begin in October –

You can see lots of peeks of what you will be making on my instagram feed or Facebook page. And you may like to join in and share our Facebook group just for EPPQAL gals..

Tell your friends- or don’t if you want this to be your secret  

remember, click that button now to join in before its too late – Tess needs time to cut enough kits for you so numbers the earlier the better will be great… In the meantime I shall get the patterns ready to go!!!

Read more details here.. or sign up right now by clicking the button below.

THE FREE OFFER HAS NOW EXPIRED. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO JOIN BY SIGNING UP WITH A STORE WHO RUNS THE PROGRAM AS A BOM OR FROM OUR WEBSITE ONCE THE Initial Quilt along - has finished.

AUD$60 + postage GST included.

 

Viewcart

hugs for today

Helen

Printable EPP Shapes

-as you know many are starting to looooove our EPP iron-ons which we are very excited about – as I wouldn’t do my English paper piecing any other way now…

Checkout our current pre-cut range here now – we know you are all loving them and are doing our best to keep up….

 

…But as we have to diecut them we are only able to slowly add more and more to our range. Obviously there are 1000’s of shapes and sizes we would love to do for you but for now here is the answer:

You use our wonderful Applique paper and print the shape/size you require straight onto it through an inkjet printer.

We have been spending many many hours preparing files for you setup just for this purpose…  We have started with about 50 and will add more over time – if you have a specific request, please ask and we’ll move it to the top of the list.

So…. to find our current offerings visit my new Craftsy download store right here… Click on the ‘follow’ button and you will see when I have a new shape ready for you.

 

Now a few tips:

The files have been setup to print as a light grey fine line onto the letter size Hugs ‘n Kisses applique paper. This is so that a dark black thick ink line (and all printer inks are different) won’t wash into your fabric when you wash your finished piece.

Purchase,download and save your file. Then print it directly onto the paper – the best printer to use is the cheapest gravity feed inkjet printers… DO NOT USE A LASER PRINTER – the paper has glue on one side – and laser printers use heat to set the ink – can you see that your printer will be ruined….

some of the more expensive inkjet printers that scan, double side, fold etc may experience paper jams when the soft paper has to roll and feed round and round – so if they have a manual feed tray use that to feed through one sheet at a time. And print onto the dull (non-glue) side.

Then you can cut out by hand with scissors OR for straight lines use a rotary cutter and ruler.

Now an even better idea – if you have to have a personal cutting machine such as a Silhouette Cameo or a Brother Scan n Cut – then send the file to it and have it cut the paper shapes for you also…

So, start shopping now and build your shape inventory… you will never need to make card templates again – or have to take those card templates out once you’ve finished your English Paper Piecing or applique projects….

if you need a reminder on how they work just check out all the tutes on the pages – links on the right of the blog…

 

hugs and happy printing

Helen