Wintery felty friends

Most things have fallen by the wayside here as things really hot up in my shop and I'm busy making kits and sending them off. 
Every so often I do find myself in the midst of packaging a kit off to Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland (to name a few of the many countries I have sent to)...and have to stop and marvel at how incredible the internet is and how priviledged and grateful I am to be in this position. Absolutely amazing!
Anyhow I digress.
The botanical sketches in stitch have been well and truly put on hold for now (that's ok, they'll be back!) But I do still crave something that I can pick up easily when the opportunity presents, and this lately has taken the form of handstitched felt friends... 

The deer are based on the deer kits I sell (here), and the fox softie sculptures are based on a pattern I will be offering in my shop shortly (fingers crossed!)

I've been sharing them on a new Instagram page I created so that my embroidery page wasn't inundated with deer spam! :) You can find more pics of my felty friends at overhillsandheather, and if you are interested in buying one you can find them in my other etsy shop here.

It would normally feel a bit premature posting such a festive pic..but the temperature here over the last few days has been well below zero (the words 'brass monkeys' come to mind!), and a thick white frost covers every available surface.....so it feels rather in keeping :) Hope you are keeping cosy xx

Mollie Makes, one fox and two new Deer!

It feels great to be back here writing a post, it's been a while!
I've been playing catch up on so many things, and feeling a bit like a swan...calm on the top half but the legs furiously paddling underneath!
However, the fact that I am here writing this does suggest I'm getting up to speed now :)

It's been a bit of a whirlwind I have to say, and there are a couple of celebratory worthy things I'd love to share.

The first thing is the commissioned front cover project I created for the latest edition of Mollie Makes Magazine. 

photo credit Mollie Makes

If I sound like I'm saying this in a blase way....I can assure you I'm not :) I subscribe to the magazine (because I LOVE it!) and it gets delivered monthly to my front door, so it was quite a magical moment to unwrap the packaging and see my fox peaking back.

It arrived on the first day back to school after the summer hols, so I had no one to witness the heel clicking 'yippee's' that followed (probably for the best), but I did manage a cheesy selfie! You can tell I don't underplay my successes. Haha!

It was a great project to collaborate on and I smile when I see the rough mock up fox compared to the finished one....got to share this with you too :) 

Quite a transformation, but I still think the first one is my fave...though I am known to always plump for an underdog...(or fox in this case)

It's always a gooooood thing to be challenged and step outside what you would naturally create, I reckon. So I welcome with open arms the next collaboration/ commissioned project!

I had the best of intentions to have my Felt Deer kits all ready to launch for the release date of the magazine, however the summer holidays put paid to that idea.... which is no bad thing as the sunshine does need to be enjoyed when it makes an (all be it brief!) appearance.

It catches me out every time just how time consuming it is to design and create a new kit, summer holidays or not....sourcing materials, designing & printing packaging, writing instructions and tweaking templates....can feel a little like Groundhog day at times. 

However I'm delighted to say they are finally GOOD to GO!! Woohoo!

Heel clicking 'yippeeee' time again :)

I'm so happy with how they have come together. The kits come with great quality (and lovely to work with) 100% wool felt. 

Illustrated instructions are included in the kit but I've also created a video tutorial which walks you through the steps for those a little nervous or unfamiliar with stitching little deer. You get the access details with your kit.

This means everyone can get in on the deer stitching act!

Spirit Deer is available here, and Leafy Deer is available here.

Unicorn kits are a-coming sooooooon.........just needing to come up for a little air first.

Last but not least......if you are going back to school/uni soon and need a little pocket notebook then pop over to Sewmamsew for a fun tutorial to make your own birdie inspired one, designed by yours truly xx

A mended hand...

My hand has returned! woohoo! 
Well of course, it never left, but rather the use of it. And jeezy peeps....that old adage about not knowing what you have til it's gone.....Yep, I felt that full force.
I've vowed to make more of an effort and not over do the sewing. Easier said than done! Sewing and embroidery may be my 'job' but it's also my go-to place for pleasure. 
However 5 weeks of not sewing did lend itself to finding out other pursuits that I enjoy... I went for a world record breaking amount of walks, re-found pinterest, and re-aquainted myself with a paintbrush again. Oh and my bathroom got new wallpaper! :)
This time also provided the space for a few ideas to marinate...

I've been navigating the waters for safety testing and getting my woodland toy designs CE approved... it'll take some time. However mini soft sculptures are not toys, and as soon as my hand would allow , the marinated ideas began to take form...... 

Part of my 2016 plans/hopes are to add some soft sculpture sewing kits to the mix..... this may just be one of them. I'm a big bit smitten. Is this something you would enjoy stitching together? 

Poor deer though, she did have to go through some major abdominal surgery before making a full recovery..... it was touch and go for a while. eek!

I made a unicorn too....

No matter what I do, I always seem to make unicorn hair look like it belongs to the 90's and those mullet days..... I'm going with it! Bon Jovi rocked it, so can this little dudette!

A few other lovely things have also happened while my hand was laid up.

I did an interview over on My Giant Strawberry. Anne asks the most thoughtful and insightful questions and it was a real pleasure to do....you may want to grab a cuppa before heading over.

My stitchbook also got a feature in the latest edition of Uppercase magazine. This is a really highly regarded , independent publication with the mission to 'spark the imagination and inspire creativity'. It's a total honour to have something of mine included! You can view the full issue over here...it's a low res version but may be enough of a nudge to buy the real thing! My little half page is on Page 63! Yipee :)

xx

I have a little idea......

I have this little idea that I'd like to put out into the world...and I would love to hear what you think.

While I worked as a midwife, (a few years ago now!), I had this little daydream where I opened a Birthing Centre amongst beautiful rolling hills, and offered holistic care to pregnant women and their families. (Did I mention I would win the lottery first?!)

Part of this care was to offer some kind of creative/stitchery class. A chance for women to slow down and nurture themselves, connect with their baby and create something for them, and also meet other women at the same pivotal point in their life. An opportunity to get together  and do what women do best...connect, share experiences & worries,laugh,support..and in this case do some sewing too!

I like to imagine this is what we used to do.....way, waaaay back when we lived in small communities. Knowledge and wisdom was shared through stories and song as the women of different generations gathered to weave & sew, amongst other things. A deep feeling of support really comes to mind...something that our modern, busy, separate lives could do with more of.(I reckon anyhoos)

So I've been playing with this little idea and rather than having it all worked out before I even start (like do I hire premises or do it online ? do I make kits or offer pdf patterns? etc.) I've decided to just take the first step and see where it takes me. 

The first step is to create a design that can be stitched by mums-to-be over a few 'sessions', while also chatting about waters breaking, active labour, and mother in laws (kidding...well not really). Something that is easy enough for the beginner, and sweet enough to be gifted to their precious newborn.

These 2 friendly fellows are what I have come up with so far..

Meet  Fern ......

And Acorn..........

They were named by Skye, and if 7 year olds are a good indicator of how much these fellows are to be loved by little people then oh my word.....they will be LOVED!

Truth be told I think I might be a little smitten too.

They are prototypes and still need a couple of tweaks.

The next step is to see if they actually work by being hand sewn.... I'm imagining calm slow stitching rather than machine engines revving!

So that is my little idea, and where it's got to so far....... I am so curious to see where it goes from here. 

I would also LOVE to hear your thoughts. :)

Would you want to stitch something like this for your little one? or grand child?

Do you know anyone expecting a baby, and would this be something they might enjoy making while blooming? 

Or would you rather create something else?

I shall keep you posted ........ 

xx

All things soft and beautiful - Part 2!

How are you all? In a frenzy of wrapping paper and mulled wine, or quietly winding down before stopping completely for the hols? I'm in the first category (of course!).... so I do hope you will humour my late blog appearance!
I mentioned in my last post about some dolls that I've been inspired by, and while I still don't have any of my own work to share I thought it the perfect excuse to show you.
So lets begin with the stunning work of The Pale Rook.

"The Oak nymph" by The Pale Rook

I've never been a huge "dolly" girl (even as a youngster) but oh my.....these dolls I would own in a flash. 

"Ethel" by the Pale Rook

Its the mix of pencil and fabric, and the shapes that are created...... down to the little feet.

"Oak Nymph" by The Pale Rook

Violetta by The Pale Rook

Simpy sublime stitching! 

Next I'd like to introduce Nadya Sheremet and her beautifully embroidered dolls....

Deer from a small town by Nadya Sheremet

Mysterious Goldilocks

The amount of work that goes into each piece is breathtaking. The design hand embroidered onto the skirt worn by "Goldilocks" is a piece of art in itself....and hints at the care and time invested into each piece.

And how about the details embroidered onto the dress worn by this "Girl from the Irish Coast" 

 Don't forget her pants!....

I can hardly comprehend the patience required to create such detail. Amazing!

And last but by no means least is the charming and colourful work of Valentina Felce of Blue Raspberry Designs. I love the tattoed dolls created by Mimi Kirchner, but have to say I laughed with glee on stumbling upon this doll on etsy.

Vincent Van Gogh with Starry night tattoo!

This glee was heightened after reading Valentina's little blurb on why she does what she does.

"I have always wanted a different kind of toy. That is: I had different sensibilities when it came to clothes, music, and dolls when i was a kid and I found myself often altering the things around me to suit my tastes. I was a little edgier than most, and I know I wasn't the only one. I would cut the hair off my barbies into stylish bobs and cover them with tiny sharpie tattoos. That's basically what I still love doing today! 

My Sindy doll (showing my age now!)  definitely got subjected to a haircut.... but I don't think the "scalped" look could be classed as stylish ;)

Painted Lady -Circus Performer by Blue Raspberry Designs.

"The White Queen" by Blue Raspberry Designs

Love them! 

So there you have it..... a doll bonanza to enjoy... I wonder if its too late to add one to my list for the big Mr S ;)x

All things soft and beautiful....

I am so enamoured with all things "plushie" or stuffed at the moment. These words don't really do justice to the beautiful creations I've stumbled upon..."soft sculptures" (aka mini works of art) are more accurate.
As my busy schedule of keeping up with orders continues (and family activities ramp up with the upcoming festivies), I thought I'd share a few stuffed wonders with you today!.....

Birchwood Spirit Bear : Mount Royal Mint

I have long been a fan of Mount Royal Mint and the beautiful little animal totem-like sculptures Sabina creates.... her background is in animation and puppetry, which is apparent in the thoughtful and tiny details she adds.

Unicorn: Mount Royal Mint

Oh Albatross also creates the most beautiful little soft sculptures with muted tones and lots of hand stitched details......this is my kind of lovely!

Country Foxes in Love : Oh Albatross

Quail : Oh Albatross

Spring Deer Dandy : Oh Albatross

I'm certain you've come across the beautiful work of Abigail Brown before..."creature textile extraordinaire", maker of  birds and "wierdlets (below)

Abigail has also introduced a new selection of soft toys  in her "Only tiny" shop, which are simpler in design but hold the same enchantment and unique quirky beauty as the rest of her work! Love them.

Only tiny "Dolls"

I've also discovered a plethera of "dolls" which are so unique and beautiful and definitely deserve a separate post of their own....so consider this post "to be continued"!

Hope you are having a lovely weekend

x

Oh ps. I've been working on my newsletter and this months free design, which I'll be sending out next week.... thought you might like a sneak peak. Pop your name on the list in the right sidebar if you haven't already! :)x