Handmade

A Simply Sewing Roundup

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Here you’ll find a round up of some of my favourite recent sewing projects for Simply Sewing magazine! I hope some of you have enjoyed making them. I always love to see your makes on social media – so please tag me if you’d like to show off your special toys! Find me @thewhistlingcowgirl on Instagram!

Image courtesy of Simply Sewing magazine (issue 92)
Image courtesy of Simply Sewing magazine (issue 84)

Linen Deer Toy from issue 86

Image courtesy of Simply Sewing magazine (issue 91)

Linen koala toy from issue 90


Image courtesy of Simply Sewing magazine (issue 89)

Image courtesy of Simply Sewing magazine (issue 80)


Image courtesy of Simply Sewing magazine (issue 83)
Plush Fox from issue 76

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My Latest Toy Sewing Patterns are here!

I’ve been busy creating more toy sewing patterns for Simply Sewing! For issue 56 I created one of my favourite ever designs, the lovely, pink alpaca below and the team styled it so beautifully! I’ve used Shannon fabrics for this project; a smooth ivory plush and a cuddly, shaggier pile pale pink. You’ll need some different coloured wools and a scrap of a favourite fabric for the coat. Happy sewing! The templates are available to download at www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads

And issue 57 is out now too, featuring Emily the Elephant! Buy your magazine from all good newsagents or, again, you can download the templates from the Simply Sewing website. For this project I’ve used a pretty floral cotton duck fabric, with purple wool felt for the ears. Wool felt is ideal as it is washable, softer and far more durable than craft felt. I hope you enjoy making these latest toys! Remember to please tag me on social media if you’d like to show off your makes!

Meet Emily the Elephant!
I know you!
Hey, that’s me!

In LPQ issue 72, a Bunny Doorstop Project to sew!

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My latest project for Love Patchwork and Quilting is this adorable bunny doorstop! He’s made from a light caramel coloured plush fabric and has Liberty fabric appliqued details, as well as a fluffy wool pom pom tail….not seen in the picture here! Inside the bunny’s bottom there are baking beans to add some weight, so he can easily hold open your door. There’s also a Liberty fabric and felt carrot for an emergency snack. Issue 72 has all the step by step instructions you need to make him, plus the templates. So what are you waiting for!? This little rabbit will really make a spring statement in your home!

LPQ Bunny Doorstop Sewing Project
LPQ #72

Pretty Kitty Sewing Project in Love Patchwork and Quilting Magazine….Make Yours!

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In issue 65 of Love Patchwork and Quilting you will find the templates and all the instructions you’ll need to make my pretty kitty soft plush toy! I’d love to see your makes, so do post them to Instagram or Twitter and let me see them! Tag me, thewhistlingcowgirl, so I can see them! You have a choice of two designs, either standing or sitting, and you can use up fabric scraps to make the adorable little flower collars. Here’s a couple of pictures of the ones I made for the magazine. I really loved making them and I hope you do too!

Love Patchwork and Quilting Magazine…My Make a Llama Project!

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I was so excited the other day to go and seek out and buy issue 64 of Love Patchwork and Quilting magazine…which features my project to make your own fuzzy llama! You’ll find a materials guide, photos and step by step instructions to make this super cute soft toy for yourself. I made two versions for this feature; a cuddly, cream woolly version and a pale pink, long haired one. Which is your favourite? If you do make one, and you’re on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, please do post a picture and tag me! Search me out using, ‘The Whistling Cowgirl’ or @whistlincowgirl on Twitter. Meantime, here’s a couple of snaps of the issue….

Christmas Making and a Peek at My New Felt Swans

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I’ve been busy making some new goodies that I’m going to be taking to next week’s Christmas Fair at Shrewsbury High School (this year on the prep school site, Old Roman Road, 5pm-8pm on Friday 24th November). I can’t quite believe that we’re here again, that Christmas is just weeks away! It’s unbelievable. Anyway, here’s a quick peek at my new felt swan decorations. Available in white, pink and blue, these are entirely sewn by hand, with pretty beads, white netting and hand cut gold crowns. They have proved rather time-consuming, but are really quite nice to make. I always enjoy a break from the sewing machine to get back to some old-fashioned hand sewing. Here’s a pic! I’ll also shortly be listing some of these in my Etsy and Folksy online shops. Adieu for now!

Pink felt swan decorations

Pink felt swan decorations

 

 

Crafty Summer Time! Shropshire Handmade Craft and Food

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20170707_150449Hello again at last! And apologies for the lack of posts of late. It’s easy to get swept up in life and, online-wise, also be distracted by social media and neglect your actual website! I’m here today to remind you it’s Made in Shropshire in Shrewsbury town square this Saturday 8th July.  It’s my first outing there this year and I’m really looking forward to it! Lots of colourful loveliness to show you! See you there! As usual, 9am-5pm.

Brompton Cookery School Christmas Market, a reminder for this weekend!

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Don’t forget to make a visit this weekend to Brompton Cookery School’s first ever artisan Christmas market. Come along and meet the wonderful makers and purveyors of high quality food, arts and crafts! It’s on Saturday and Sunday, the 3rd and 4th of December, between the highly civilised hours of 12 and 6pm on both days. Free parking and lots of refreshments to enjoy. I have a bundle of new things on offer, so do come and say hello! Here’s a link to the school’s website, for directions and information – https://www.bromptoncookeryschool.co.uk/

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Fox Plush

Fox Plush

Making new cushions for Spring…..Vintage Flowers and Pom Poms!

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These fun pillows are now available in my online shops at Folksy and Etsy. I’ve made them with a gorgeous, 70’s green flower print cotton fabric, teamed with a glorious orange and white spotty cotton….and trimmed with pom poms. They’ve cheered me up! And I hope you like them too.

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