Amy Butler Soul Blossoms now in the shop...

We have a selection of Amy Butlers Soul Blossoms fabric now in the shop.  A gorgeous vibrant range of prints that lend themselves very well to both craft projects and dressmaking.

This is what Amy says about the range: 'A visual interpretation of an enchanted, modern passage through the floral delights of India. Dreamy jewel toned prints in multi-hued flowers and designs - uplifting and passionate - weave together an ethnic inspired story.'

New Pattern: The Reversible Sunday Sling

We've a new Amy Butler bag pattern in!  The Reversible Sunday Sling is 'Stylish and sweet and easy to sew.'  The bag is great for beginners, with large pockets, tie handles and pleats. 

The bonus with this pattern is you get the templates for two sizes: the smaller is a perfect shoulder bag size for a sensible person and the larger is the perfect shoulder bag size for those of us who tend to daily cart around everything but the kitchen sink!

And, it is reversible... how cool is that?!

Fast Fabric Gifts: Review and Giveaway

The latest book that I have reviewed from publishers David & Charles is 'Fast Fabric Gifts' by Sally Southern, and again I am giving you the chance to win my copy.  This book has a number of cute projects that encourage trying new and varied embellishment techniques.  You can read the full review in the articles section of the website.

From the book I made the ‘Pretty pencil case’, a zip-up case with an appliqué bird using Amy Butlers Wild Flowers in Navy. I found the appliqué and embellishing really very enjoyable. The book encouraged me to try something a little different to what I would have done without instruction, and for me this was a pleasant surprise. I’m really pleased with the end product and use it in my handbag.

How do I win a copy of the book?
There are two ways to enter the competition:

1.  Follow Backstitch on Twitter, and tweet the following text: 'Do you sew? @backstitchshop is giving away craft book 'Fast Fabric Gifts' over here http://tinyurl.com/sew-fff RT and follow to win'

2.  Leave a comment on this post telling us what the last fabric gift you made was.

You can enter two times into the draw.  One entry via each method.  Once the competition closes, at 12:00 BST on Mon 12 July 2010, we will pick one entry at random from all valid entries.

And, if you don't win a copy of this book you have the chance to purchase it at a reduced price: David & Charles are offering Backstitch customers the chance to purchase the book at the special price of £6.99 (rrp £14.99) with free p&p (UK only), click here and quote code R11235 at the checkout.

Related Products
Amy Butler Wild Flowers
Klona Cotton Purple

Prize Draw Terms and Conditions
1. Entry to the competition is restricted to two entries per person please.
2. You must be a follower on Twitter to enter via that medium.
3. Prizes can only be sent to a valid UK address.
4. Winners will be chosen at random from all valid entries.
5. Winners will be contacted via blog/ Twitter names displayed on our website.
6. The Judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered in to.
7. The competition will run from 05 July 2010 09:00 BST until 12 July 2010 12:00 BST.
8. Backstitch is compliant with the data protection act. Our policy is such that we will not pass on your details to any third party without your prior consent.

Pencil rolls for all!

I made up three of these pencil rolls, two for gifts and one for my son. We often take pens out and about on trips to the cafe, doctors or when we go away. I wanted a permanent roll that could be slung in a bag at short notice. Now, I know these rolls are not a new thing, many versions can be found in blogland, but they are an essential piece of kit!

These were made up from a pattern in Joelle Hoverson’s ‘Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts’. I am making my way through this book and so far it seems really spot on. The pictures are glorious and the projects are varied and inspiring, and great for beginners. I found the instructions very clear and the whole thing was very easy to make, particularly if, like me, you skip the patchwork interior!

The light blue pencil roll uses Candy Blue Klona Cotton and Amy Butler’s Martini Spots Green, the red one uses Cardinal Klona Cotton and Valori Wells’ Monarch Cinnamon, and the yellow one uses Corn Yellow Klona Cotton and Anna Maria Horner’s Cathedral Royal.

I also personalised them for the boys by embroidering their first initial on the front of each roll using the free Alphabet Embroidery Transfer mentioned in the previous post.