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Welcome to the July Issue
For me one of the delights of summer is to sit in the garden with my sewing on warm hazy afternoons, while the Newfies stretch themselves out on the cool flagstones at my feet. This year won’t see as many trips to the beach as before, but we have some lovely shady woodlands with streams, ponds and - very exciting for a pair of water dogs - a WATERFALL!! Which in their opinions is nearly as nice as splashing around in the sea. There’s a nautical theme to my latest large hoop too - featuring a quote - I thought - from Mark Twain, though I was surprised to discover when I googled it that there is some discussion about the originator! As well as my ship there’s lots more to discover between the covers, with three very talented ladies in the fields of hand embroidery, quilting and applique making an appearance, Debbie takes us out into the garden for a delicious lunch, and more besides. I do hope you’ll enjoy this issue. The August Magazine will be published on Thursday 28 July so please do look out for it then. Meanwhile I hope you have a very happy month with lots of time for stitching! Best wishes
Helen xx
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Tips for Stitchers To avoid your thread twisting and tangling as you stitch, turn your needle slightly (a quarter to half turn is enough) with each stitch. If your thread does become twisted as you work, then drop your threaded needle and let it hang loosely while it unwinds itself.
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Between the Covers … Tips for Stitchers
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July Almanac
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Geometric Bear
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Lovely Idea: Potted Paper Philodendrum
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Meet the Maker: Angele Carter
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From a Country Parsonage: Gilbert White
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Hermione the Hippo
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An English Paradise: The Walled Garden at Mells
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Lovely Idea: Summer Printable
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Back to Basics: Your Needle
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English Summer Pudding
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Embroidered Eco-Tote
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Poetry Corner: Summer Gardens
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Dream it Do it: Patchwork Posse
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Freestyle and Very Easy!
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Woodland Animal Height Chart
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Blast from the Past: Woodland Alphabet Quilt
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A Little Look at the Craft of Needle Felting
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Contributors Angele Carter Creating beautiful embroidery from her home in California, Angele is the creative force behind Fabric and Ink
Becky Jorgensen Sharing her love of patchwork and quilting online, through Patchwork Posse and her online Quilt Guild
Rachael Baralos Combining business with life bringing up her young family is creative, busy and - above all - fun!
In the Kitchen with Debbie: An Al Fresco Lunch Page 47 Lovely Idea: Flower Fairy Lights
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Terrarium in Bloom
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Meet the Maker: Rachael Baralos
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Explore, Dream, Discover Hoop
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Home Comforts
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July Calendar
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In the Kitchen: Conversion Tables
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Templates
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Debbie Thomson Keeps us very well organised, as well as researching some lovely features and creating our new “In the Kitchen” series
July July brings high high summer when across the countryside tree canopies are in heavy full leaf. But July is also the most silent of all the summer months as the birds are quiet now, the time for haymaking is past and the harvest proper has not yet begun. This is the mid-summer month when Nature seems to pause for breath following first the green flush of May and the exuberance of flowers in June, before the hustle and bustle of harvest time gets under way. Along the narrow lanes of our village in the evenings you may spot the young swift families racing on their new wings between the high stone walls of the higgledy-piggledy houses, training for their long migratory flight just a week or two ahead.
another New World celebration as the fourth brings Independence Day for the USA. July is definitely a month for celebrations - as keen stitchers, we should all party madly on the ninth as the US inventor of the sewing machine, Elias Howe, was born on this day in 1891. A great English summer pudding to serve at parties is of course Summer Pudding, a glorious way of using up a glut of berries. In my opinion at least it’s best eaten out of doors to the accompaniment of sunshine sparkling on a class of wine, Pimms or even homemade lemonade. July is of course the month when the succulent soft fruit harvest is at its peak, and picking becomes a battle between the gardener and the birds who are only too eager to strip the bushes of their juicy fruits. Last strawberries, first raspberries, green gooseberries in abundance, then there’s currants black, red and white as mistletoe at Christmas - these are all perfect for your summer pudding. And if you’ve never made it before then don’t worry - we tell you how later in this issue.
Although July is one of the hottest months of the year weather lore seems to be preoccupied with the possibility of rain: “If the first of July be rainy weather, ‘twill rain more or less for four weeks together” Similar predictions are found across Europe including, most famously, St Swithin’s Day on the 15th. The very first day of the month is of course Canada Day, commemorating the Canadian Confederation of 1867 the union of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick in the Dominion of Canada, swiftly followed by
As well as soft fruits, July brings a seemingly endless supply of salad leaves, and there’s nothing quite like the pleasure of wandering outside to gather the contents of a summer’s
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meal from your own garden then serving them to friends or family within the hour when it seems as though they might almost still be growing they’re so fresh. Even the best organic produce from a store can’t compare with the taste of food this fresh, whilst soft fruit varieties that you’ve grown for their flavour rather than their shelf-life and visual appeal are a revelation.
become the basic principles and activities of the Scout movement: fostering a sense of honour, loyalty and good citizenship; achieving physical fitness through exercise; and developing practical skills such as woodcraft, tracking, observation, signalling and first aid. The boys, from a mixture of social backgrounds, were divided into four patrols, each assigned a tent for sleeping quarters Morning prayers were followed by drills, games and instructions, interspersed with quiet rest periods, and the day ended with music and stories around the campfire. The experiment was deemed to be a great success and so Scouting was born.
Water for your garden can be a real problem at this time of year, using a hose can sometimes be banned if we have a prolonged dry spell and of course if you’re metered it can also be expensive. One of the best solutions to this problem is to acquire a water butt. You can tuck it away discreetly beneath the down pipe of a gutter, allowing you to dip in your watering can or run the water out of the tap on the side. It should provide you with a reservoir of water, hopefully the whole year through.
In the countryside at the end of July, just as in Baden-Powell’s time, the corn fields are beginning to ripen and turn golden edged with blue scabious and purple knapweed, while the hedgerows bloom with willowherb, yarrow and other wild flowers. Having raised their young birds such as robins, thrushes and blackbirds are falling quiet and going into moult, while the first breathtaking blooming of roses in June has passed, there has been a lull and now the new buds of the second flowering are waiting to burst into new bloom.
July 14th brings Bastille Day in France. On this day in 1789 the people of Paris stormed the Bastille, the state prison, which was regarded as a symbol of the hated Bourbon monarchy. The seven prisoners held there were released and the prison governor was captured and killed. This event is generally regarded as the beginning of the French Revolution which led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the birth of the republic.
Across the land midsummer flower and produce shows have been held in countless marquees and village halls, where there is often keen competition to win the prize for the best dahlia or largest marrow. The triumphant gardeners have carried home their trophies and rosettes whilst the less fortunate may already be planning next year’s campaign. Summer is here and it seems for a few short weeks that it will stay for ever - but that’s not true, so we must make the most of it while it lasts.
Towards the end of the month we welcome the birth of the Scouting movement. On 29 July 1907 Robert Baden-Powell took a group of boys to Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour on the south coast of England for what was effectively the first Scout camp. He wanted to try out some of his ideas that would later
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Look! a lovely idea -------------------
Potted Paper Philodendrum
Lia used two colours of green metallic paper to create interest and depth in her paper philodendron. And the best part is that these plants will never die, and you will never have to remember to water them! Which make them the perfect plants! Find the free printable and tutorial over on Lia’s website Tutorial Available at Lia Griffith: Potted Paper Philodendrum
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“I think my creations make people smile!”
Meet the Maker
Angele Carter talks to us about her creation, inspiration and stitching the most beautiful things for her business, Fabric and Ink Angele was born in Switzerland but grew up on the Essex coast in England. She has a teaching degree and studied printmaking, telling us that she still loves the smell of printing inks! Her husband’s job took them first to Singapore and then on to California, where they have lived for the last 20 years. They live an easy drive from the Sierra Nevada, which is Angele’s “happy place”. She loves to kayak on the pristine mountain lakes, ski, hike and birdwatch. Angele has a son at college and daughter at high school. Also part of her family are “Princess” a snooty rescue cat and “Tia” a rescued ex-racing greyhound. When she isn’t sewing, you’ll find her reading, baking or walking Tia. She also teaches a costume design elective class at local middle school and loves the challenge of teaching sewing skills to kids who have never picked up a needle. The best part, she tells us, is watching their skill and confidence grow as they realize not only can they do this, but they can take these new skills and create something uniquely theirs.
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How did you first start sewing Angele? I’ve always enjoyed sewing. My mum sewed clothes and I remember the sound of the sewing machine going in the evenings after I’d gone to bed. When I was at school, needlework was still part of the curriculum so I remember doing basic embroidery at primary school and making a hideous nightdress at secondary school! One Christmas, I made a box of clothes for my younger sister’s Pippa dolls. My parents gave me a sewing machine for my 21st birthday and it travelled the world with me! I’ve made several quilts and I really love sewing costumes for my daughter.
And how did your business come about? I’ve lived in California for nearly 20 years and for most of that time have been friends with two very special ladies. ake. I love sewing outdoors in our bright California light.
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Summer Gardens… For this summer's quick delight Sow marigold, and sow the bright Frail poppy that with noonday dies But wakens to a fresh surprise; Along the pathway stones be set Sweet Alysson and mignonette, That when the full midsummer's come On scented clumps the bees may hum, Golden Italians, and the wild Black humble-bee alike beguiled: And lovers who have never kissed May sow the cloudy Love-in-Mist
Extract from “The Land” by Vita Sackville-West 10
“I love the freedom of being able to explore wherever I want”
Dream it, Do it!
We spoke to Becky about turning her dream into a reality, her hopes for the future and the inspiration behind Patchwork Posse Becky Jorgensen, the founder and creative genius behind Patchwork Posse lives with her family in Utah, USA. She began Patchwork Posse back in 2008, in the same way I started Bustle & Sew, as a sewing-related blog, and over the last nine years her business has flourished and grown, with her latest venture, her online Quilt Guild proving to be popular with quilters across the globe. Becky told us that she’s always been a quilter and stitcher, beginning as a youngster with hand embroidery, and in particular cross stitch. She was talented enough to be asked to stitch samples for her local stitchery store - and loved to go in and see her work hanging on their walls - framed and finished! She began quilting when her mother invited her one year to join her own group for a block of the month quilt class. As well as quilting she also dips into the
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world of doll-making, softies and occasionally clothing. The seeds of Patchwork Posse were sewn when, way back in 2008, Becky started a blog under a different name, and loved sharing what she was working on - finished projects, quilts and a little about her family as well. After sewing a lot of patterns by other designers she discovered that sometimes her own thoughts and ideas on layout and colour didn’t match those of the pattern she was using - so exploring her own direction led her into pattern designing. Blogging to promote her patterns, and also posting online tutorials was the beginning of Patchwork Posse. Becky freely admits she loves to chatter about creative things, and sewing especially, so having a spot where she could share her voice, views and projects made her very happy!
Machine Applique freestyle and very easy! This month I’ve included three patterns that use freestyle machine embroidery and raw edge applique. I love this method as it gives great results in a remarkably short period of time – perfect if you’re working to a deadline, or if (like Rosie and me) you love giving handmade gifts to friends and family. I know many people are a little nervous of trying this technique, I most definitely was, but now I love working in this way – I view my sewing machine in a whole new light as not just a method of joining pieces of fabric together, but as a means of creative expression in its own right. You don’t need any expensive equipment for this technique – you’ll almost certainly have everything you need already. You will need a sewing machine of course – but it doesn’t need to be expensive and/or fancy. In fact the simpler the better as you will only need to use the basic straight stitch option.
Use sharp scissors to cut out your applique shapes. I use my large shears which seems perhaps a little odd when I’m often cutting fairly small shapes, but for me it’s easier to make long smooth curving cuts with their long blades as I don’t have to stop and open them again all the time. I also have a small pair of sharp scissors that are good for cutting very tiny curves, like the twirls on the cat’s movember moustache.
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Blast from the Past Woodland is a trend that never seems to quite go away - which isn’t surprising when you think what a cute trend it is! I was amazed to discover that I originally created this quilt design back in March 2014 - more than two years ago! And so I thought that if you were planning to make this month’s Height Chart, then you might also enjoy making the Woodland Alphabet Quilt too for a super-lucky child! Just CLICK HERE to download the Woodland Alphabet Quilt pattern. (Link removed for preview)
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A Little Look at the Craft of Needle Felting 15
In the Kitchen with Debbie: A Summer Lunch in the Garden
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Hello again! As we’re now at the height of summer, and inspired by our feature on the beautiful walled garden at Mells, I thought, that you might feel inspired to spend a little time in your own plot and later perhaps invite friends for lunch. I have put together a few recipes that you might like to make for this and a few suggestions for accompaniments, should you want the recipes for any of these additional suggestions for which I haven’t given the recipes (due to lack of space) then please just email me debbie@bustleandsew.com and I’ll be happy to send them to you. As always you’ll find conversion tables
Stilton Quiche Although thought of as being a French recipe, quiche actually originates in Germany from the medieval kingdom of Lothringen, an area later called Lorraine by the French. The term quiche came from the German word kuchen which means cake. The original quiche Lorraine was an open pie made with bread dough, with an egg and cream custard with smoked bacon. Quite soon cheese was added to it. Later onions were added and that then became known as quiche Alsacienne. At a later period again, the bread dough was replaced by pastry. ● ¼ tsp Salt
Ingredients
● 1/8 tsp pepper
For the Pastry
● ½ cup of spring onions
● 250g Plain Flour
● ½ cup of whole fat milk
● 125g Butter
● ¾ of cup double cream
● 1/3 cup of finely chopped chives
● 1 cup of crumbled stilton
● 2tsps of paprika ● ¼ cup of water,or enough to make the mix come together without being wet or sticky.
For the Filling
● 1 cup of chopped bacon, sautéed You will also need a 23 cm loose bottomed flan tin, baking parchment for lining and baking beans for the baking blind time
● 4 eggs beaten
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“With luck and a good product it can work!”
Meet the Maker
Rachael Baralos talks to us about combining her work as a textile artist for her business Sewn by Rachael whilst bringing up her young family Thanks so much for chatting with us Rachael - we’re delighted you’re here, especially as time must be at a premium with two lively toddlers in the family as well as your successful business to run!
Firstly, could you tell us how you first began sewing? My Grannie is a great sewer, knitter and quilter. When I was younger she taught me to cross stitch and attempted knitting but I never got the hang of it. I enjoyed art at school and would often make items as presents. I recently bumped in to my Year 3 teacher who said that she still had the pencil case that I sewed her when I was 8! I had completely forgotten that I'd made it and amazed that over 20 years later it' still in her possession - I'm assuming it's not being used daily!
How did Sewn by Rachael come about? For Christmas 2010 I was given a sewing machine by my husband and
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working as a full time primary teacher didn't really get round to getting to grips with it! My friend Anne who had worked as a seamstress showed my how to thread the machine and started to sew very basic things. In August 2012 I did a morning Free-Machine Embroidery course at the Makery in Bath ( and loved using the machine to draw and the beauty off fabrics. My piece is still used as the course image on their website! Having had my two sons in November 2012 and November 2013 I found that they co-ordinated nap times whilst I was on Maternity Leave so while they were sleeping I used to get the sewing machine out and have a play around. Living in Bristol and then relocating home to Cardiff I would really enjoy going to Craft Markets, Art Walks and Exhibitions, marvelling at what the artisan makers were creating! Over my shoulder my husband would be whispering 'you could do that!' In January 2014 I decided to start planning to create my little business and in April 2014 'sewn by Rachael' was born! I sew brooches, cards and free-machine embroidered pictures, about 75% of my work is commission
Home Comforts July is the time to enjoy lazy afternoons in the garden, basking in the warm summer sunshine. It’s fun to make a soundtrack for your summer days. Just take the time to create a play list including all your favourite songs that you’ll love to hear all summer. Parties in the garden with friends, long journeys and even evenings spent sitting outside all call for the right tunes and you’ll have them all ready to enjoy the whole season long.
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