Quilt and Shine Block 14 – Twinkle

August 1, 2020 Dawn (Honeybee Cloths)7 Comments

Do you find inspiration sometimes happens when you’re least expecting it? Like when ironing or washing up – yes me also 🙂 …. Doing the washing up, the other lunchtime I noticed this lovely, kind of twinkly motif, on one of Mum’s Pyrex serving dishes – a wedding present from the early 1960’s.

Mid century modern casserole dish

It really got me thinking of picking up needle and thread again, now that Mum’s condition is improving and chemotherapy is going smoothly.

Over the past few months I’ve been following the lovely Quilt and Shine quilt-along over on Michelle’s CreativeBlonde blog and Instagram – it’s been really lovely seeing blocks being made. I’m ever so behind schedule though, making both Michelle’s blocks and the Bonus blocks I promised for the quilt-along – so this little motif seemed a good place to begin again.

The little motif can be made either by hand (Freezer paper applique), shown above or machine (Fusible machine applique), which gives a lovely quick and easy finish.

Use together with the corners settings for either the 8 triangle corner setting (shown left), that Michelle’s using in her beautiful quilt, over on CreativeBlonde blog. Or the “Low cal” 4 triangle corner version (shown right).

Mid _c mod twinkle Midcentury modern twinkle - block 14

Download free Tutorial and template for Block 14

I hope you enjoy making it too, do feel free to make it your own and include your own little touches.

From our little hive to yours, have a lovely weekend and happy sewing xx

Dawn

Honeybee Cloths

Midcentury modern twinkle - block 14

Hello, it’s lovely to be here again….

July 27, 2020 Dawn (Honeybee Cloths)2 Comments

We very much hope you are safe and well. I am sorry I’ve not been round very much recently on the blog, things have moved so fast these past few months. In March, as the UK entered lockdown, Mum noticed symptoms of cancer returning, and became very poorly. Just as 5 years ago, I went to stay and care for Mum in her own home.

While I’ve not been doing much sewing recently, I’ve been revisiting an ever growing pile of UFOs. The saying on this little applique block seems to ring so true right now. Made in January 2016, it’s available as a free d ownload from Honeybee Cloths here.

Life

Our little hive (the shop) has been in very good hands, while I’ve been caring for Mum. Andrew’s been packing and sending pre-cut orders, and unpacking lots of lovely sewing supplies, new to our shop….

Four months on and thankfully Mum is responding well to chemo, her 5th session is next Tuesday. The symptoms have eased, and side effects of chemo are under control. We are so very grateful the tests (CT scan and 2 biospies) went ahead, and treatment begun – we really are counting our blessings and holding onto positives.

The photo below is from four years ago, a few months after Mum’s chemotherapy in 2015 – Mum, Dad and myself visiting the daffodils in Newent woods.

Spring 2016

We are so looking forward to sharing lots more forthcoming fabric releases, coming soon to Honeybee Cloths. Plus a new free quilt block pattern, coming soon So please be sure to pop back soon, we are so looking forward to having you along.

From our little hive to yours, take care, keep well and happy sewing,

Dawn x X

Honeybee Cloths

http://www.honeybeecloths.co.uk

Quilt and Shine: This little light…

February 5, 2020 Dawn (Honeybee Cloths)Leave a comment

Oh how the past couple of months have flown by! It seems no time since Octobers’ bonus block, and now the new year, already one month old!

Lots has been happening in our little hive, new sewing supplies coming into store, and end of year paperwork. In the midst of this it’s been really lovely seeing the beautiful things being made from our sewing supplies. Including the Quilt and Shine quilt-along over on Instagram #QuiltandShine, and on Michelle’s CreativeBlonde blog.

It’s really lovely to be sharing the next bonus block in Quilt and Shine, I hope you like it…

This_little candle - Dawn Honeybee Cloths

These little candles, give out comfort and warmth, and remind us to look out, and care for each others little lights too.

This little light block by Dawn Honeybee Cloths

It’s inspired by a song from way back when -“This Little Guiding Light” – if you’re not familiar with this one, there’s a couple of really lovely renditions online, this one sung by the Irish Girl Guides

Like many, I learnt this song as a Girl Guide, and over the years it’s continued to mean a lot to me, perhaps because it inspires confidence, it’s about being positive, and keeping that little light glowing bright throughout, and there’s a real joyfulness and determination about the melody too – you can’t help but sing along.

Download free tutorial and templates
QUILT + SHINE _Little light

Using Freezer Paper Piecing these colourful little candles came together quickly and precisely.

“This little light” works equally well, if you’re making the 8 triangle / block quilt on
Michelle’s blog – CreativeBlonde, or the “Low cal” 4 triangle / block version.

This little light version 2

To complete the candles, straight stitches, using grey thread forms the wicks. Then beginning at the top of the wick, satin stitch in yellow, orange or gold a little flame.

If you have embroidery stitches on your machine, you may want to try one of the satin stitch motifs. Make sure to practice first on a scrap, to find the stitch and tension settings that work best.

Candles Honeybee Cloths

My trusty 25 year old sewing machine (Ethel) has a few stitches, including a pretty diamond shape motif (pictured above).

Nowadays many machines have dozens of decorative stitches, so it’s worth trying out the different stitches, to see the effects that can be achieved.

If you like, hand stitch a word or two that inspire you, perhaps “Shine” , “Twinkle”, “Glow”, or a motto close to your heart.

I chose the word “Shine”, from the chorus of “This little guiding light….” 🙂 So now it’s over to you, it’s your time to shine – enjoy making this block.

Both myself and Michelle are so looking forward to seeing your quilts grow. Please share your blocks using hashtag #QuiltandShine. Make sure to hop over to Michelle’s blog – CreativeBlonde for Michelle’s beautiful blocks too – Enjoy!

Happy sewing, from our little hive to yours,

Dawn xx

Honeybee Cloths
http://www.honeybeecloths.co.uk

Candles - Honeybee Cloths

Quilt and Shine: Dewdrops

October 29, 2019 Dawn (Honeybee Cloths)Leave a comment

“Raindrops are our diamonds, and the morning dew…”

Still love the words of this primary school hymn, and often think of it, especially on lovely autumn mornings, when the dew covers seed-heads and cobwebs, in little diamond-like dewdrops ✨

Octobers’ bonus block for Quilt and Shine, makes use of little pieces of low volume scraps to provide a dappled backdrop onto which seed-heads can be appliqued by hand or machine.

To complete, a scattering of dewdrops cling to the seed-heads, and hand-sewn seeds float in the autumn air.

“Dewdrops” works equally well, if you’re making the 8 triangle / block quilt on Michelle’s blog – CreativeBlonde, or the “Low cal” 4 triangle / block version (Below Right).

Dewdrops 2 Honeybee Cloths Dewdrops by Dawn Honeybee Cloths.png

Download free tutorial and template for “Dewdrops” (PDF format)

Needleturn applique The little dandelion clock seed-heads were fussy cut from (Day in Paris Blooms – 1680 15M) leaving 1/4” round the edge to tuck under, then hand sewn to the backdrop. ( If you need a faster finish, trace the templates on page 7 onto Bondaweb and use fusible machine applique.)

While the strips for the stems were cut from one 5″ square, sliced from corner to corner (on the bias). Folded lengthwise, pressed, then machine sewn in position.
To complete fold over to conceal raw edge and stitch.

From our little hive to yours,

Dawn x X

Honeybee Cloths
http://www.honeybeecloths.co.uk

Quilt and Shine quilt-along… Block 4 – Beachcomber

August 24, 2019 Dawn (Honeybee Cloths)1 Comment

On the sea-shore, there are many precious things, just waiting to be found – sea-glass in pretty blues and greens, pearly shells, and shimmering rock-pools offering a glimpse into places where seahorses swim. Let’s go explore x

Block 4 Beachcomber by Dawn Honeybee Cloths

Block 4 – Beachcomber combines sea-glass colours, fussy cut limpets, and fusible applique shells. Other templates include seahorse and starfish.

Use a couple or all the templates to make your rock-pool. To complete sew a few sea-horse spines, dot a few French knots for sand grains, and a scattering of pearly buttons.

Beachcomber block - Dawn Honeybee Cloths — *“Low cal” 4 triangle option shown, can also be made as the 8 triangle option .*

Block 4 works equally well, with the gorgeous 8 corner triangle pattern Michelle is using over on CreativeBlonde blog. Pictures of the block made in the 8 triangle format are also included in the PDF instructions, as well as the “Low cal” version pictured here.

So let’s dive in ….

Download free tutorial and template for Block 4 – Beachcomber (PDF format)

Or read on for news of a Giveaway!!!…

The materials used to make the block really remind me of the little limpet shells you find in rockpools or barnacles on sea shells. There’s some really pretty shell pink and sea-glass coloured prints in Brigitte Heitland’s Day in Paris quilting cottons…

Tutorial includes option of both fusible machine applique and needleturn to make the seahorse, starfish and limpets…

Or if you prefer needleturn …

There’s also an option to try, an interfacing applique technique for the clam shell, it’s very quick and easy, and ideal for rounded shapes.

Shell - interfacing applique

To complete your shells, use the shell stencil together with Bondaweb, to make an overlay stitched onto the clam shell….

5.-interfacing-applique-shells-by-dawn-honeybee-cloths.png

We’d love to see the things you make from our free patterns, so please share on social media using hashtag #Quiltandshine, so we pick up on them.

Also, there’s a Giveaway going on for this gorgeous “Day in Paris” Charm pack, so make sure to follow both myself Dawn (Honeybee Cloths), and Michelle (CreativeBlonde) on Instagram, for the chance to win these lovelies xx

Day in Paris Charm pack Honeybee Cloths .jpg

Good luck in the Giveaway, as you can see from the pic of Pippi-cat, we’ve got our fingers and our toes crossed for you.

pip

Thank you ever so much for following and have a really lovely weekend.

Enjoy the pattern, and happy sewing 🙂

From our little hive to yours,

Dawn x X

Honeybee Cloths
www.honeybeecloths.co.uk
“Sewing supplies for busy bees”

"From our little hive to yours"

Honeybee Cloths blog – sewing a little happiness

Tag: Applique

Quilt and Shine Block 14 – Twinkle

Hello, it’s lovely to be here again….

Quilt and Shine: This little light…

Quilt and Shine: Dewdrops

Quilt and Shine quilt-along… Block 4 – Beachcomber