Gather and a call for pattern testers

One of my very best friends is one half of Gather.  Gather are a new independent pattern house based here in the UK.  They've just put the call out for pattern testers for their debut pattern.  The pattern is a chic day dress with a sleeveless or long sleeve option.  They are looking for a range of sewing abilities.  For more details see this blog post.

WINTER SALE!!

Sorry, did I just shout that? Well it is pretty exciting.  The SALE section on the website had got pretty slim.  But slim it is no longer.  Last night I put over 50 new fabrics into clearance with a nice big discount of 20%.  There are some real beauties in there too.

The clearance ranges include Summersville, Quilt Blocks, Flea Market Fancy and A Walk in the Woods.

 
There's also Simpatico from Cloud 9 which is the very best in pastel geometrics.  I've kept some of the Straws stripes for myself as it makes supreme binding as seen on my Boy Two quilt.

Charlotte Skirt Sewalong: By Hand London

You've all seen the (oh so fantastic) patterns from By Hand London haven't you?  No? Then check out this post here.  Well, they are hosting a sewalong for their Charlotte Skirt.  It starts today and will conclude in time for you to wear your slinky new skirt on your hot Valentine date.

What are you waiting for?!

Material World - Perri Lewis

I had a lovely surprise in the post yesterday: Perri Lewis's new book - thank you Perri! 

I had heard that Perri was writing a craft book, but didn't know anything about it so it was a total mystery.  It turns out that 'Material World - The Modern Craft Bible' is a lovely book.  It has all the inspiring strokeability that you expect from a craft publication, and introduces some interesting crafts.

The book covers fifteen crafts with a chapter for each.  It's an unusual selection with decoupage, millinery, leather work and macrame in the mix.  Each chapter covers the basic techniques, a 'masterclass' with top tips and advice from two artists working in that field, a modern and simple project plus more ideas for ways to translate these traditional crafts in contemporary ways.

This book is a great one... good work Perri!  Perfect for those who are looking for a new craft to try or for those all round crafty types who like dabble in a bit of everything.

And me?  Maybe I can be persuaded to take up quilling again!