This was done in memory of my cat Thomas, who died aged 18. It was a kit that I bought at John Lewis. Thomas was pure black and used to sit looking out of the window, just like this. He was a very special cat, so much so that I named my son after him!
I bought this kit in Canada in 1992. I have made it seven or eight times since, to give to friends.
I made this little picture for my husband, who loves trains.
Annie’s Bags and Banners
• I made this banner for our PTA cakestall, using scraps from an old fabric sample book. The colours seemed a bit random, but because they came from a themed book, they automatically fitted together pretty well. It will be well worth the time spent, as we will bring it out event after event – and it can even go in the washing machine if it gets icing splodged on it!
• A personalised housewarming gift made for my sister. A quick browse on Google Streetview gave me all the detail I needed to recreate her new house on the front of a peg/shopping bag, using free-motion applique.
• I cut up a dress I found at the carboot sale and combined it with a pair of pyjama trousers I’d grown out of to make this reversible shopping bag. Following a great Pinterest tutorial, of course
• I had to try hard to find a way of making my bag-making passion appeal to my 7 year old son. A small length of themed ribbon made all the difference, and this bag is now in constant use.
• Now I’ve learned how to make a zipper pouch there’s no stopping me! Each time I make one I try a slightly different twist on the shape, finish or embellishments. Eternally useful presents.
• This drawstring bag was made as gift for a new baby. I used my newly-acquired free motion embroidery skills to applique the fabrics together and create the street scene.
• Another example of free-motion applique turned into a very simple little keyring. A great way to practise the technique and produce something cute, very quickly
• A really simple lined popper purse. A good way of using relatively small scraps of nice fabric and turning them into something useful. There are so many cool popper colours out there to match any fabric it’s not easy to stop at one . . . . or six!
Stumpwork
Jackie made impressive use of the 3-dimensional effect of this traditional embroidery method to produce this hardworking allotment gardener.
Poppies
We tried a variety of crochet and knitting patterns for our Remembrance display
