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November 2023: Small but Perfectly Formed...With this sudden grip of late Autumn has come the realisation that Winter is just around the corner. While the October weather remained so unseasonably warm we were able to fool ourselves into thinking it was still Summer. The damp chilliness of recent days gives rise to thoughts of cosy evenings and snuggly quilts, possibly an open fire, although not always a good idea on a boat! Perhaps I will stick to the snuggly quilts and a dog to keep my feet warm (HB writes).Time now, while the garden sleeps and the dark evenings are long, to think about sewing some cheerful gifts for Christmas. Useful or decorative handmade gifts seem to be well received by all - how nice to be able to make something unique, from natural materials and without any of the plastic packaging that is still so prevalent in our daily lives. Thoughtfully wrapped in some ecologically sound and recyclable paper (sorry, that means no bling and no sparkles - but it doesn't have to mean boring!) and you have a gift fit for the most choosy recipient. Making gifts for friends and family is something I have done since I was a child, and still do now. I like to pick a simple idea that I can adapt slightly for each person, then I go into production mode. I find that, even if it is a design I have not made before, after you have made the first two or three you have pretty much learnt it. I often make zip pouches (so useful and you can never have too many) personalising the colours and contents to suit each recipient. In past years I have made a whole series of covered notebooks, drawstring bags, fabric bowls, wallets and shopping bags with patchwork pockets. I make them for all the members of the family - yes, even the kids and the men: put enough of their favourite sweeties in and they'll love it! Apart from the sheer quantity of any particular item I want to make, the other reason I choose a relatively simple design is that I always leave everything to the last minute. Sadly, the same is true for both HH and myself, we are such last-minute queens! To save you from a similar fate we have put together some fun small projects that you can make multiples of for gifting. Start now and you will have plenty of time for Christmas makes before the Festive Season descends upon us with all its multitudinous requirements and time-sucking demands. Time, perhaps, to practise what I preach and at least look at some ideas for this year? AitchBee and Helen Howes Contact us direct on newsletter@modernartquilters.co.uk Why not forward this message to your quilty friends who might enjoy our ramblings. They can CLICK HERE to go straight to our newsletter sign up page. HEADER IMAGE: A range of small projects - patterns available on our individual websites |
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 The little number is JEWEL BOX, a pattern by HB. This shoulder bag has a fantastically simple zip insertion, a back pocket and an adjustable strap. Click on the picture to visit her site. |
 Bring a little sunshine to someone's life with this gorgeous SUNFLOWER PURSE. Pattern available on HH's website - click on the image to go straight there.. |
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Click on any picture in this Newsletter to read more.
These are mostly links to external websites and blogs - have fun and enjoy looking!  |
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BOM: This is part 9 or our FREE BLOCK OF THE MONTH quilt: Sawtooth Star.
You've still got time to play catch-up before we show you how to put it all together next month! All the previous monthly instalments are available on our website - click on the image to see what you've missed. |
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TISSUE PACKS: When I first saw these little monsters I was just so enchanted by their rick-rack teeth! How clever is that?
In addition to this step-by-step tutorial, Wendy Grantz has kindly provided many other free patterns and sewing tutorials on her website, Shiny Happy World. |
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GARDENERS' TOOL BELT: We've all got at least one garden enthusiast in our lives. This tutorials was found on PATTERN PILE and is by Laura at Little Things. "Laura sewed this pouch for her mother-in-law with only a metre of fabric that she had saved for something special. Make sure you visit her website to see what else she has to share". You will find the links on this webpage | ||||||
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CHICKEN BOWL: Another super step-by-step tutorial by Melissa on her blog, Hand Made DIY. This charming patchwork chicken bowl will make someone smile. Lots of other tutorials on Melissa's blog, I think there's a couple on there that I might be trying out soon. | ||||||
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LITTLE BIRDIES: This link is to part of a delightful Christmas tree hanging by Elizabeth Eastmond on her website OP Quilt. These simple but beautiful felt birds form part of the hanging however they could also be made as decorations to hang on your own tree. | ||||||
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SCRAP PROJECTS: I always feel virtuous when I make things from scraps. I am known for my hatred of wasting fabric, so to be able to make lovely gifts from scraps makes me feel doubly virtuous! Maya Kuzman's blog, The Little Treasures, has some great ideas for using scraps and small pieces of fabric of various sizes | ||||||
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ADVENT TREES: Little tree-shaped pockets to make and hang on a garland as an advent calendar. Plenty of scope for decoration on the front and a little pocket on the back to take a treat or tiny toy. Or you could make them throughout in one of those lovely, blingy, Christmas fabrics you have been hoarding. One of our regular students found some number buttons a few years ago for an advent calendar she was making for her grandsons - they would be a brilliant way to number your trees. | ||||||
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SPECIAL EFFECTS: If you are looking for some super-snazzy hardware to give your bag projects the ultimate finish we would recommend you look at PURPLE STITCHES. In addition to amazing bag making accessories like these gorgeous zips and decorative webbing for staps and handles, our friend, Viv, also stocks great modern fabrics and patterns. | ||||||
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SMALL PROJECTS: Of course, we have a page of small projects on the MAQ website, some of which might be appropriate for gifting, including bunting, small zip purses, needlebooks, pin cushions, tote bags and many more. | ||||||
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FREE PATTERNS: The patterns for these festive bowls and table centre with 3-D leaves can be found, amongst other free patterns, on HH's website. | ||||||
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More inspirations, patterns and ideas for small projects on this month's PINTEREST board: LITTLE and OFTEN.
HH Also invites you to view another board she has been pinning to for some years: KIT THOUGHTS. Again ideas for small projects many of which would make ideal gifts Click HERE to make a your own PINTEREST account |
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| Our mailing address is:- 4, The Raveningham Centre, Beccles Road, Raveningham, Norfolk, NR14 6NU. United Kingdom | |||||||