Page 4 – Bedfordshire's Foremost Threadcraft Emporium

22/02/201922/02/2019

Project Linus

We host regular charity workshops for Project Linus here at Tudor Rose Patchwork to help provide comfort blankets for babies, children and teenagers who are sick, disabled, distressed or disadvantaged. Our local co-ordinator Elaine has sent us this lovely update on our most recent session.

Hi Ladies, We had a very very successful and busy day on Friday 8th. Lots of people sewing and an enormous amount of people just calling in. I am overwhelmed at how successful this is becoming. Thank you so much for your help in making all this possible.

So some statistics for you :-

On the Friday we sewed labels on 82 Quilts and Blankets. I took home 5 tops that need, wadding, backing and quilting and gave away a big bag of small blankets for Caroline to join together and or add edging to, she also took 2 bags of knitting wool that had been donated just before she arrived! I suspect everyone else took home quilts and kits to make up over the coming months as my box of kits was nearly empty on the way home. Just as well as the car was stuffed to the hilt with the quilts and blankets.

Last week I delivered 179 quilts and blankets to the following places:-

Bedford Hospital, Brenda at the hospital wrote Thank you so much for the lovely quilts and blankets!! It was lovely to see you

I also went to Bedford Borough Council Social workers, Community Nurses and FACES a baby charity.

The next day I called into Luton Early help team and Luton North Family Support Team. I also visited Jenny Cox for the first time who is a Foster carer of long standing who has a network of other Foster Carers and people who do Rest-bite Care.

She wrote , it was so nice to finally meet you and many thanks for the goodies. We just visited our 1st ever foster child and cheered her up. She’s connected with 3 other parents at Franklin House in Dunstable ,a safe house , where they were all cooking together and they have been thrilled to receive coverlets. . We left a dad and his 2 girls wrapping dollies up and then the girls got in with them. Jenny has promised me some photos in due course which I will share with you at the next Project Linus day on 8th March at The Tudor Rose. She was busy telling me stories of some of the situation these children find themselves in and it is so nice to think that we can help her spread some love about, as a lot of these children come from very broken places.

After that I called into My Sewing basket in Dunstable where other ladies leave quilts and blankets, this time the Dunstable Quilt Group had left 22 quilts. In response to my thank you to Helen, she wrote Thank you for your email. I was surprised by the number of quilts which our members brought to our club’s last meeting and it is great that we are able to take them to a central collection point. I shall certainly pass on your thanks this week.

So I still have 28 quilts and blankets in my dining room ready for another delivery. Since taking over the group in June 2017 I have delivered 1526 quilts and blankets! with a total of 940 last year. I tend to use a scatter-gun approach and have delivered to 21 different places, just as well I enjoy driving!

Hope to see you all at the next Project Linus day.

Regards Elaine

Bedfordshire Project Linus Coordinator

Our next Project Linus day is on 8th March. Come and join us and work with the Project Linus team to help make wonderful charity quilts to help critically ill children. You can make a quilt of your own design, or you can head to the Project Linus website for free patterns. We also accept donations of knitted and crocheted blankets.

To participate in any of these days, the team making the quilts for Project Linus would appreciate a donation of £2.50 towards the materials used.

There will also be a raffle on each of our Linus days so bring along a spare pound or two if you would like to buy a ticket.

Linus days run from 10-4 but you are welcome to attend for half a day if this is the time you have spare.

14/02/201921/08/2019

Create Your Own Valentine’s Hearts

The “Hanging Hearts” template created by Jon Massey.

This pattern works best when you use Heat Applied Glitter Film, click here to choose your colours!

TheHangingHeartsTemplate Download

13/02/201906/09/2023

Star Buys 12th February 2019

23% OFF

Rococo & Sweet
by Lecien
A collection of pretty vintage feel fabrics featuring roses in shades of pink and lilac plus a complementary print design.

NOW £10.00

Offer ends 26.2.2019

11% OFF
Sweet Tea by Susan Wheeler
for David Textiles
Vintage feel fabric featuring Tea Cups and blooms with a complimentary swirl pattern fabric.

NOW £8.00 per metre

Offer ends 26.2.2019

Also available a delightful panel featuring a mouse and her tea pot housediscounted by 27% to £6.00

Shop Star Buy Fabric

Heat Applied Glitter Film – Use this heat-applied glitter transfer vinyl to create your own unique fashion statement. Embellish your craft projects as you want. It will bond to most fabrics using a warm iron, and onto glass, metal and wood using a heat gun.

Only £3.00 per sheet

Click to download this FREE Heart template to create your very own Valentines Day decoration.

Shop Glitter Film

25% OFF

Perky the Owl Kit
This kit contains materials and instructions to make the charming Perky the Owl cushion. You could even add rice or sand to the bottom and Perky becomes a door stop. Suitable for all levels and everyone who loves owls. Hand stitch or hand and machine stitch. It comes in a handy A4 sized white plastic project box, which could come in handy for any on the go projects that need keeping together.

NOW £9.71
Offer ends 26.2.2019

25% OFF

All Wrapped Up Gift Bag Kit
This kit comes with sufficient fabric and the pattern for these 2 wonderful gift bags. The pattern guides you through making both a wine style gift bag and a pouched gift bag. Once created these bags can be used time and time again, helping to reduce waste and help the environment one bag at a time. This kit comes in a handy A4 project box that can be used to store any ongoing projects you have.
Finished Sizes: Wine Bag 14″ x 4″ x 4″ or 35cm x 11cm x 11cm Pouch Bag 9″ x 5″ x 5″ or 23cm x 13cm x 13cm

NOW £18.71
Offer ends 26.2.2019

Shop Star Buy Kits

15% OFF
Stylecraft Life Vintage Look DK The simplicity of a neutral marl yarn blends with rich colour in shades Autumn, Forest and Indigo. Shapes for both men and women are relaxed and unstructured, with the emphasis on layering.

NOW £3.05 per 100g Ball
Offer ends 26.2.2019

15% OFF Stylecraft Life Vintage Look DK
Patterns We have 5 patterns using the Life Vintage Look DK which incorporate solid shades to complete the look.

NOW £2.34 each
Offer ends 26.2.2019

Shop Star Buy Yarn & Patterns

08/02/201910/05/2019

A Watchful Wizarding Day

WOW! What a hectic Saturday. I had lovely bunch of students in today working with the wonders of Powertex. We had a great balance of those experienced with Powertex and complete novices. It’s good to hear those who have lots of experience helping those new to the craft with hints and tips.

First we learned how to build torsos and limbs by wrapping wire and our base frame in endless meters of t-shirt yarn – all made from recycled old clothing from family and friends. Next came hats created from the natural curves of a dozen toilet rolls! These were decorated with scraps of fabric and lace and embellished with other bits and pieces.

The base layer for our wizards was made form further lengths of t-shirt before detailing such as outer robes, magic staffs, spell pouches and even spell books were added. One of our team generously sorted through her craft stash and contributed lots of beautiful ‘junk’ to our materials – old handkerchieves, doilies, pieces of lace and other trims and lots of the gang dipped into these to personalise their work.This is where the wizards started to become real individual pieces with their own style and character. Beards and hair was added making each one unique before the hats were secured on heads.

The final stage of the Powertex day involves adding touches of colour. When working on a dark coloured model it is helpful to add some dry brushed flashes in a much lighter tone so that the colour added last is more vivid. We had copper wizards, blue wizards and other wizards in tones of green. Each one a gorgeous one off piece which can go in their owner’s garden in three weeks time once they have ‘proved’.

If you look closely you can see a cheeky angel has snuck into the ranks of wizards. One of the students was unable to attend a recent angel day so we squeezed her in. This is only possible if students work in the same base colour of Powertex and we are happy to try to accommodate a different sculpture if there is room.

Make your own Wizard sculpture with Purple Boots on 24th June 2019.

01/02/201901/02/2019

Block of the Month 2019 – In My Garden

Bev Mayo’s Block of the Month quilt is the ideal project to keep you busy throughout the coming year. The theme of this quilt is In My Garden, just the thing to lift your spirits during this cold weather. The advantage of taking part in this Block of The Month club is that all your materials will be delivered to your door, one monthly block at a time. Just add your sewing machine and scissors and away you go.

Plus Bev has released an lovely new colourway for 2019, so even if you took part last year, you could make a companion quilt this year!

Take a full look at last years blocks in the original colourway.

The blocks depict images from your garden, with flowers including iris, rose and sunflower, a robin, butterflies, fruit and vegetables, and of course your trusty watering can. In total, there are twelve blocks which we provide the fabric and pattern for. Your finished quilt top will measure 116cm x 147 cm (46″ x 58″). Plus we can provide all your Guterman threads for an additional £23.00 (RRP £25.90) The last block sent will also include the binding fabric!

In My Garden – Block of the Month is a subscription for 12 months at £14.95 per month. Each month that a payment is made, you will receive the fabric and pattern for a block of the quilt.

We have three different payment options:

Set up a standing order for the eleven monthly payments and purchase the first month now.
Pay by Paypal – we can send an invoice every month
Pay £179.40 (£221.40 for non-UK) in one payment

Whichever way you choose, once payment is received, we will send your block within 14 days of the payment. If you pay the entire amount, then the blocks will arrive monthly.

30/01/201908/12/2022

Star Buys 30th January 2019

15% OFF
High Tea Collection
by Lecien
A pretty fabric featuring tea cups, teapots, flowers and buds in pinks, reds, greens and blues on a taupe background. Part of the High Tea Collection designed by Jera Brandvig for Lecien.

NOW £11.00 per metre Offer ends 12.2.2019

20% OFF
Mrs March’s Collection
by Lecien
These pretty floral fabrics featuring both small and large flowers on soft shaded backgrounds give a feel of an antique fabric.

NOW £11.00 per metre Offer ends 12.2.2019

Now Only £4.50 each
Selected Panels featuring Children’s Characters, Sport
and Christmas themes
Offer ends 12.2.2019

Shop Star Buy Fabric & Panels

Glitter Film Kits

20% OFF
Glitzy Flowers Panel Kit
This fantastic wall hanging, with a Baltimore Quilt feel to it, has a charming appeal and catches light from every angle. It demands attention from everyone who views it. A masterpiece for any home. This kit contains everything you need to create this beautiful wall hanging except sewing machine and thread. It is made easily with our Heat Applied Glitter Film. The kit is packaged in a sturdy plastic box which can be used as a project box for this and any future projects. NOW £18.36 each
Offer ends 12.2.2019

20% OFF
O for Coffee and Cake
This kit is designed by Kathleen Laurel Sage and creates a stunning heat applied glitter film wall hanging. Perfect for the baker in your family. The completed wall hanging measures 35cm x 48cm. The kit contains full instructions and everything you need except your sewing machine and thread. The kit is packaged in a sturdy plastic box which can be used as a project box for this and any future projects.

NOW £19.96 each
Offer ends 12.2.2019

Shop Star Buy Glitter Film Kits

JUST ARRIVED IN STORE….. NEW YARNS FROM ADRIAFIL

10% OFF
Adriafil New Zealand Print DK/Aran This kaleidoscopic yarn from Adriafil is a must for those who like a splash of colour. Every colourway has its own unique variegated rainbow. Knit jumpers, accessories and blankets this yarn contains 75% wool, so will keep you nice and toastie.

NOW £7.19 per 100g Ball
Offer ends 12.2.201910% OFF Adriafil Pintau
Aran A very colourful and catchy yarn. It is a pictorial yarn with an elaborated printing process making it unique from other yarns. It has bright eye catching colours with a serpentine thread and is fun and creative to use.

NOW £4.46 per 50g Ball
Offer ends 12.2.2019

Shop Star Buy Yarn

25/01/201925/01/2019

Fabric Freedom Florals

Fabric Freedom produce some amazingly good value fabrics. We’ve got several of their collections available on the website, but these florals are my favourite.

Oriental Florals

This craft cotton includes a wonderful fabric imprinted with large peacocks surrounded by various flowers using a range of greens, blues and neutrals, with some metallic gold to give the fabric a pinch of sparkle. There is also a
a lovely uniform flower pattern using a range of greens, blues and neutrals, with some of the fans outlined in metallic gold, and a small flower pattern using a range of greens, blues and neutrals, with some of the flowers outlined in metallic gold.

Tropica

Inspired by the rich colours of tropical destinations, this fabric features pink flamingos hiding amongst tropical leaves in shades of green and blue,
beautiful peach/orange flowers adorned on a pale background with tropical leaves surrounding them, exotic flowers in red, purple and yellow adorned with turquoise green leaves on a background of warm yellow, and
tropical leaves in tones of green, blue, peach and cream along side small flowers in yellow and peach.

Woodland Florals

A unique collection including dark blue coloured fabric imprinted with flowers and leaves, pink coloured fabric with different coloured leaves,
blue coloured fabric imprinted with white leaves and an adorable
soft light green coloured fabric imprinted with leaves and hearts. Something a little more subtle for your Valentine’s Day gifts!

Heritage Floral

New to our website – the Fabric Freedom Heritage Floral collection. This orange and white blend has navy and orange floral sprigs on a white background in an almost zig-zaging pattern, pink seed heads and leaves on a vibrant orange background, and white leaves and flowers on a rich orange background. Just £7.60 per metre!

Any of these collections would work really well in a traditional herringbone quilt, contrasting with a white background. Try this easy free pattern from Micheal Ann Made http://www.michaelannmade.com/2014/01/summertime-herringbone-quilt-now-free.html

You can find all of our Fabric Freedom collections on our website here.

25/01/201925/01/2019

Sashiko

Sashiko is a form of Japanese folk embroidery which uses running stitch to create a beautiful textured patterned background. Originally used to create strong repairs and produce hard-wearing home textiles, the designs are now mostly used for decorative quilting.

I’ve become slightly obsessed with Sashiko stitching after purchasing some pre-printed fabric last year. It requires a minimal amount of equipment – you just need a long sashiko needle, cotton embroidery thread, and some indigo fabric. Something hard wearing, such as a linen, seems to work best. You can use a tradition white embroidery thread, but I’ve also had good results using pale coloured variegated threads. Anything that provides a contrast to the dark background looks amazing.

The simplicity of loading the needle with running stitches and then pulling through becomes almost like a form of meditation. I’ve yet to finish my completed panels into anything worthwhile, although bags, purses and cushions are quite appealing! Perhaps eventually I’ll complete enough to make into a quilt. Simple Sashiko by Susan Briscoe has some inspirational ideas, plus instructions and tips to make your first project a success.

Susan Briscoe recommends marking out your designs using tailors chalk, although this idea can be a little nerve-racking. Templates are available to make the process easier, and work just like a stencil. Sew Easy have a great value starter kit available which contains fabric, templates, thread, needles, and a fabric pencil to mark it all out with, which seems a much simpler option.

You can find it here, along with many other Sashiko options and tools –
https://goo.gl/ie8Ktw

18/01/201915/02/2019

Great British Sewing Bee 2019

The Great British Sewing Bee is back on our screens for 2019! It will return on 12th February, with new presenter Joe Lycett stepping into Claudia Winkleman’s shoes. Take a look at the new trailer.

Patrick Grant, Esme Young and Joe Lycett from the Great British Sewing Bee — https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06ybskh

Did you spot the wiggle dress? Fancy joining in and making your own? You can find some amazing wiggle dress patterns online. Check out our Pinterest board for some fun patterns and fabrics – https://goo.gl/kaxpsK

These dresses work really well in Jersey fabrics, but if you’re a little less experienced, cotton is a really good starting point that is easy to work with.

If you really are inexperienced, but are inspired by the Great British Sewing Bee to have a go at some of the simpler projects and learn the basics, we have a GBSB inspired evening class coming up at the end of March. This class will really help you master your sewing machine and create some fabulous items with a variety of techniques. It’s only a small class size, so make sure to book in quickly!

16/01/201908/12/2022

Star Buys 16th January 2019

10% OFF
City Nights Collection by Lewis & Irene
With inspiration from all cities but specifically a city close to home, London. Lights twinkling from tall buildings and the bustling roads with their shiny black cabs. When the day comes to an end the city sparkles with lights thus the glimmering metallics in this collection.

NOW £12.16 per metre Offer ends 29.1.2019

Shop Star Buy Fabric

15% OFF
Stylecraft Jeanie Aran

Stylecraft Jeanie is an exciting yarn that captures the spirit and heritage of the denim trend. Inspired by the timeless and classic hues of denim, with colours ranging from rich deep vintage indigos to lighter blues plus the addition of a pastel range including white. Jeanie is an aran weight yarn, its cotton acrylic blend means that it is soft to the touch and it can be machine washed and tumble dried. NOW £3.44 per 100g Ball Offer ends 29.1.2019

15% OFF
Stylecraft Jeanie Aran Patterns

Stylecraft Jeanie patterns featuring a collection of stylish ladies garments. Use the Denim shades for Winter Warmers and the pastels for early Spring Warm. NOW £2.34 each Offer ends 29.1.2019

Shop Star Buy Yarn & Patterns

10% OFF
DMC Printed Cross Stitch Kits
NEW….. From the DMC Fashion Illustration Range
No need to stitch the black brushwork just cross stitch the pretty dresses.
All materials and needle included.NOW £14.14 each
Offer ends 29.1.2019

Shop Star Buy DMC Kits

PLUS DKS30SE and DKS100SE models come with a FREE JQ6 Quilters Kit worth £129 and ATELIER 7 model comes with a FREE JQ7 Quilters Kit worth £185. OFFERS AVAILABLE UNTIL 31ST JANUARY 2019. All offers strictly subject to stock availability.