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  • William Morris- Winter Berry Detachable Collar

    Project by Kimberley Hind Make your own detachable collar to accessorise any outfit. This collar can be made with or without the frill depending on your preference, or why not make a few in different variations if you can't decide! What you’ll need: ● Collar pattern download here Print the pattern to 100% scale. Join the two pattern pieces together where it says, ‘join here’ and cut out. ● 2 pieces of fabric measuring 50 x 60cm You may need less if you have non-directional fabric ● 112 x 10cm of fabric for the frill You may wish to join fabrics together to reduce any waste ● 2 strips of fabric for ties measuring 30 x 5cm Instructions: 1. Cut out two collar pieces of fabric on the fold using the pattern. 2. To make the ties, press the strip of fabric in half with wrong sides together. Open out and press the long sides to meet in the middle. Fold the long sides in half down the middle and press. Fold in the short ends by 2 inches to enclose the raw edges. Sew down the long edge of the strip. Repeat with the second tie. 3. If you’ve cut 2 pieces for the frill, join them together at one of the short ends, right sides together. Fold the frill strip in half widthways with wrong sides together and press. 4. Sew 2 gathering stitches along the raw edges. To sew gathering stitches, set your machine stitch length to the longest setting (mine is 5) and sew. Leave a few inches of thread at either end. 5. To gather, put the bottom thread of both stitches at either side of the frill. Gather until the frill is the size of the outer edge of the collar. 6. Pin or clip the frill to the top of the collar facing inwards. Place the ties over the ends of the ruffle 1m from the edge of the collar facing inwards. Sew in place. 7. Place the second collar piece right sides together to the top of the first collar piece, sandwiching the frill and ties in the middle. 8. Sew in place leaving a small turning gap of about 10cm in the back of the collar. 9. Turn right side out and hand sew the opening closed using a ladder stitch. Press the collar to finish. To see more from Kim visit her on Instagram @whatkimberleymakes Made by Kimberley Hind for the Craft Cotton Co 2022

  • Peter Rabbit Spring Wreath

    Project by Angela Harkness Get ready to welcome Spring into your home with this fun wreath, all simple hand stitching so no specialist equipment is needed. Supplies: 1 Fat quarter pack of Flowers and Dreams Peter Rabbit fabric Wreath ring Wadding off cuts Felt Buttons Brass ring Peter Rabbit soft toy Directions Step 1: Cut scraps of wadding into strips and wrap around the metal wreath ring, overlapping as you go, trying to keep the curve shape. Continue wrapping until the ring is nicely padded. A dab of fabric glue will keep the end in place, or just temporarily hold with a couple of pins. Step 2: Cut the felt into 2.5” strips then join the strips together either on the sewing machine or by hand. As previously, wrap around the ring until all of the wadding is covered. Hand stitch the end in place. Step 3: Make a variety of ‘Suffolk Puffs’ in different sizes and in different fabrics · Cut out circles of different sizes · Using needle and thread stitch a running stitch around the edge of each fabric circle · Carefully pull the thread to gather the fabric · Secure the gathers with a couple of stitches in the centre of the circle · Stitch a button into the centre of the ‘Suffolk Puff’ Step 4: Using different sizes and colours of buttons will add greater interest to the finished wreath. Step 5: Arrange the Suffolk Puffs around the wreath, overlapping in places and mixing up the colours and sizes. Hold in place with pins until you are happy with the placement, and then carefully stitch each Suffolk Puff onto the felt base of the wreath. Step 6: Once all of the Suffolk Puffs are in place, position the Peter Rabbit soft toy in the centre of the wreath. Hold in place with pins (sorry Peter Rabbit!) then stitch in place with a couple of stitches to each ear and paws. Step 7: Hand stitch the brass ring to the centre top of the wreath on the back for the hanging loop, then your wreath is ready to enjoy! To see more from Angela, visit her on Instagram @angerellas_crafts Made by Angela Harkness for The Craft Cotton Company 2021

  • Meet The Crafty Lass... designer of Petal & Pip

    Hi Paula! We love having you as a member of our blogging group and are so excited about your first ever fabric collection, Petal & Pip! How did you get in to the world of craft? I have always been crafty - it just feels like something I was always doing! Spending my pocket money on beads, glitter glue, craft kits - anything creative, I was trying it, doing it, wanting to do it! I went on to study Printed Textile Design at Loughborough University and graduated with a 1st Class BA (Hons) degree. I went into the 'office' world after University in various fashion buying, forecasting and even accounts roles - and as much as I was happy, I knew it wasn't what I ultimately wanted to 'do'. I just wasn't entirely sure what I did want... When I got married to my lad, who I had met in my first year of uni - I basically turned it into a huge craft project! Lots of handmade decorations, and lots and lots of fabric flowers. It was at this point people kept repeatedly saying I should make 'craft' my business, somehow.., and the rest as they say is history! I quit my 9-5 role and set up 'The Crafty Lass'. All my previous roles - have definitely helped from a 'business' angle though - I feel like it was sort of meant to be! The Crafty Lass has gone down lots of avenues since that moment, in ways I couldn't have imagined. Experiences, collaborations and projects that are beyond my wildest dreams... including having my own fabric collection with the Craft Cotton Co! What inspired your first collection Petal and Pip? We live in a really beautiful part of the Northamptonshire countryside - and I am very lucky to have lots of 'floral' inspiration all around us! I really enjoying running, and walking locally with our boys so I am constantly on the look out for new inspiration! I have been fortunate to visit some local walled floral gardens, visit Botanical gardens, and I do seek out any photography of flowers to draw from. Some of the flowers in the Petal and Pip collection are the flowers in my neighbours garden! When we were expecting my eldest son, Freddie - when he was a 'bump' he was affectionately known as 'Petal' (Paula's Exciting Tiny Amazing Lad) and, when I was expecting our youngest son, Rupert - we found out when he was the size of an apple 'Pip'. So - whilst of course, the collection name is appropriate for the delicate flowers - it is also a very personal and special name, it really means a lot. Tell us a little about the process of first idea to finished fabric. In the lockdowns across Summer 2020, the was just something inside me telling me to draw. I found (and find!) it incredibly relaxing, away from the worries of the world. I get into a 'zone' of sorts - find something inspiring, and just draw, draw, draw. I didn't know then why I was drawing, or what they were 'for' - but, it is incredible to now see these drawings on actual FABRIC! Vicky is the head designer at Craft Cotton Co and she translated my sketches onto the screen and then worked with the fabric manufacturers to make sure the colours were accurate! I have been part of the Craft Cotton Co blogging team for several years now, and I am super grateful for their help and desire to create this collection as much as me! I am crazily excited to see how these might be used - what are people going to make, or be inspired to do with these fabrics?? How do you see these fabrics made up? This part blows my little mind. Honestly, I cannot wait to see what people make! The fabric is 100% organic cotton, and it has a soft, almost 'drapey' feel, which I think could easily be used for all sorts of different projects. I am determined to try and build my own confidence in dress making - I would love to be able to wear my own designs! What do you have planned next? I am working with the Craft Cotton Co on the next The Crafty Lass fabric collections, and there are few other exciting collaborations in the pipeline... I am in the process of trying to write a book - but mainly, I am - at the end of the day - a Mummy too, so I am trying to balance my desire to craft, work and dream - and look after two boys under 5... I am pretty busy most days, and don't get much sleep - but, I wouldn't have it any other way! thecraftylass.com @thecraftylass

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  • Christmas Star Decoration

    Project by Gill Rich I love hand made Christmas decorations and this one is really easy and you can use up your Christmas fabric scraps as the pieces are relatively small. To make this project, you will need the following:- ● One pack of fat quarters I chose Christmas Post from Craft Cotton Co ● Sewing thread ● Polyester fibre filling ● Piece of ribbon for hanging and bow, I used 10mm wide satin ribbon ● Rotary Cutter and mat ● Pins ● Acrylic diamond patchwork shape. Mine measured 2” Method 1. Decide which two fabrics you wish to use for the star decoration. I did two different colours, I used the two blue ones for one star and the red and cream for the other star. If you wish to fussy cut, like I did, place your template over the specific detail that you wish to cut out. Using your rotary cutter, cut around your diamond shape. You will need 12 in total, 6 for each side. 2. Once you have cut out all your shapes, you need to stitch them together. Stitch one lighter one to one darker one using a 1⁄4” seam allowance. Press the seam open. Now stitch another lighter one to the darker one and again, press the seam open. Repeat this process so that you have two sections with three diamonds on each side. Repeat for the other side and press flat. 3. Now you need to join the two pieces together. Pin them right sides together by inserting a pin in each point and one in the middle. I started stitching about 2/3rds down on one of the edges. Stitch at 1⁄4” and pivot at the bottom and top of each of the diamond shapes. When you come to stitch down the last side, I finished stitching about 1cm from the top of the point. The turning gap is quite small but you will be able to turn it out fairly easily. Before turning right sides out, snip the excess fabric at the top of each point and also snip towards the stitching line on the inside where the two pieces join together being careful not to cut your stitches. Turn right side out, use a pencil or knitting needle to push the point of the star out as far as it will go. Press your star and roll the seams together to get a nice straight flat side. Now you need to fill your star. You will need to use small amounts of filling at any one time and poke the filling into the star points using your pencil or whatever you find suitable for the job. 4. Once you are happy with the shape and fullness of your decoration, pin the open sides together and slip stitch the opening closed using a co-ordinating thread. Cut your piece of ribbon to the desired length and glue in place with a hot glue gun or you can stitch your ribbon in place at the top of one of the points. Make a bow with another piece of ribbon and glue over the bottom of the other piece of ribbon. I think these look great on your tree or why not hang them from your window openers, either way, they make a great festive decoration in your home. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. If you wish, you can follow me on Instagram @designbygill66 or Facebook at Design by Gill. Made by Gill Rich for The Craft Cotton Company 2021

  • Celebration Bottle Bag

    Project by Michelle at Creative Blonde Create your own bottle wraps to gift to friends on New Year or other celebrations. Please read through all the instructions before starting your project Materials to make one bottle wrap 12” x 20” Hot Pink fabric from Craftcotton 8” square of metallic fabric (for applique design) 8” square of Vlieseline interfacing 8” square of Vlieseline Bondaweb Gutermann thread Groves 20” Festive ribbon Haberdashery items · Quilter’s ruler, rotary cutter/scissors · Iron · Cutting mat · Basic sewing supplies · Fabric pen Download template here Let’s get sewing… Take the main piece of fabric, mark a line 3” from base and another 10” from top (in between these two lines, if where you design can be positioned) Fuse your piece of interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric, in the centre of the two drawn lines. To create the ‘2022’ design, print the templates attached in this tutorial , and draw in reverse to the paper side of the bondaweb. Roughly cut out and fuse to the wrong side of your chosen metallic fabric. Cut out, peel away paper and fuse in position to your bag. FMQ around each number Fold over 4” along the short edge, press and pin in place. Top stitch 1/8” from raw edge and ¼” from top edge – see photo If you prefer to create your own tie, cut a piece of fabric 2” x 22”, fold over ¼” length ways along either side of the raw edge and press. Fold in half again and press. Top stitch 1/8” along either side. Pin your piece of ribbon 4 ½” from new top edge. Fold your bag in half lengthways - right sides together, sew along the long edge and across the bottom (using ¼” seam allowance) Press seams open. Pull ribbon ends out the top, while you create the base of your bag. Make two triangles in the base of the bag, and draw a line 1 ¼”across both. Sew along these lines and trim away excess Turn you bottle bag right side out, and its ready for your favourite bottle of fizz Be sure to have a go at my other design, see template below, using the same method as the numbers. To see more of my tutorials, and follow my blog at www.creativeblonde.co.uk and/or Instagram page www.instagram.co.uk/michelle_creativeblonde and www.facebook.com/creativeblonde66 Stockist for Fabric www.visagetextiles.com/ www.hobbycraft.co.uk/ Stockist for Vlieseline Bondaweb and Interfacing https://www.facebook.com/VlieselineFreudenbergUK/ www.hobbycraft.co.uk/ Created by Michelle Roberts for The Craft Cotton Co 2021

  • Pet Christmas Tree Decorations

    Project by Stephanie Marsh You will need: Christmas Fat Quarters Cord Thread Toy Stuffing Template - download here Instructions: 1. Optional – embroider your pets names onto fabric. You can do a few at one, just remember to leave enough space around them to cut out. 2. With the name in the middle of the bone or fish use the template to draw around and cut them out, I used pinking shears to give a nice finish. 3. Cut a blank one out for the back in either the same fabric or plain fabric. Pin wring sides together with raw edges matching. 4. Cut a 6” length of cord. Fold in half and put both cut ends in between the two layers at one end of the bone or fish. 5. Starting on one of the straight edges, and using a reverse stitch to start with sew most of the way around, catching in the cord and leaving a gap of about an inch not sewn using a ¼” seam allowance. 6. Lightly stuff. Sew Gap closed. To see more from Stephanie, visit her on Instagram @stephanie_j_marsh Made by Stephanie Marsh for The Craft Cotton Company 2021

  • Simple Storage Bag

    Project by Angela Harkness Create a simple storage bag to keep toys tidy at home or on the go! Supplies: Jungle Patterns fat quarter pack H250 stabiliser Fabric snap fasteners/poppers Directions: Step 1: Cut out fabrics: · 4 pieces 7” x 11” (top piece) · 4 pieces 10” x 11” (bottom piece) · 2 pieces of H250 stabiliser 7” x 11” · 2 pieces of H250 stabiliser 10” x 11” Step 2: Adhere the stabiliser to the back of the outer and lining fabrics using a dry iron. Join the top and bottom fabric pieces with a ¼” seam allowance. Repeat this for the front and back outer fabrics and the front and back lining fabrics. Press each seam open and flat. Step 3: Stitch the front and back panels together along the two side seams and the bottom seam, making sure the seams are aligned. Repeat for the lining, leaving a turning gap in one side seam. Step 4: Lie out the bag flat and cut out a 2.5” square bottom left and bottom right. Open out the seam, stitch in place to ‘box’ the bottom of the bag. Repeat for lining piece. Step 5: Insert the lining in the outer bag so right sides are together, clip in place and then stitch along the seam joining the outer and lining fabrics. Step 6: Turn through the turning gap in the lining and then stitch this gap closed. Press the top seam and then topstitch in place. Step 7: Attach snap fasteners to the bag top and then it’s ready for your toys on the go! To see more from Angela, visit her on Instagram @angerellas_crafts Made by Angela Harkness for The Craft Cotton Company 2021

  • Round Yoga Cushion

    Project by Nicola Hills Create a beautiful mandala style round cushion with some fun fabric. What you will need: Set of Yoga Wellness Fat Quarters Wadding Calico Zipper Tools: Sewing Machine * not essential as this could be EPP together by hand* Basic Sewing Kit Paper & Pencil Method 1) Make a Calico template, start by making a circle the size of the cushion you require. Fold in half, crease, then into quarters and crease, you can use the quarter folds to create your symmetrical shape patterns. Make paper templates of the patterns as I did below. 2) From the fabric cut 4 large, 8 smaller, a central circle & 8 outer edge shapes. Cut a circle size template of wadding and backing calico fabric. Step A: place the cut central circle down. Step B: Sew the 4 larger pieces together, first two R/S together, open out and iron seam flat, repeat for the next two. Lay on top of the circle. Step C: Now begin to join the 8 smaller pattern pieces. As always flip over, iron seams flat. Layer these on top of the larger pieces. Joining the outer shapes is tricky but my top tip is to: PIN the curved pieces, patiently! 3) The Mandela style pattern was gradually layered & pinned. Wadding and calico backing was then placed on the back and stitched around the outside to secure, before adding quilting stitches for decoration. 4) Create a second circle from the calico for the reverse of the cushion. Cut in half and insert the zip. Place R/S together, pin and sew round * remember to leave the zip open slightly to enable you to turn right sides out* 5) Turn out, add your cushion inner and pop in pride of place :) I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial, happy to answer any questions over at @bobbincottagebodkin Made by Nicola Hills for The Craft Cotton Company 2021

  • Snoopy Zip Pouch Tutorial

    Project by Katie Done at The Fabric Squirrel When I made the Snoopy beach bag, I wasn't sure whether to make some nice pockets in it or to make a bag to go inside. When I put stuff in the pockets of my bags, they normally end up lost in there for months and can be impossible to rummage through so, I decided to make a bag that I could simply clip to the inside so it is safer but can be removed to find things easily. The size was dictated by what Bosal interfacing was left over. It meant that a standard 18” x 58” pack was exactly enough to make the large beach bag and this smaller pouch. After making it, although I love the fabric, I felt like it needed something else, so I dusted off my Cricut and got some sparkly vinyl out to pimp it up a bit. It was exactly what it needed. You will need FQ Green Fabric FQ Blue Fabric 12" Zip Interlining Foam KAM Snap Cricut and Vinyl (optional) Method 1. Cut out your fabric. In the green and the blue cut out 2 of each 12” x 8.5” (width x height). Then cut out a 2” square in the bottom corners. Keep two of the green squares. In Interlining cut 2 12” x 8.5” with 2" squares cut out of the bottom corners. In green cut one 2.5” x 8.5”. 2. Fuse the interlining to the wrong side of the outside fabric. 3. With the 2" squares, press them in half and then press a small hem. Wrap them around the end of the zips and top stitch them in place. 4. Sandwich the zip between the front and lining pieces on each side of the zip. Use a zipper foot to sew it. When you open it out, it will look like this from the lining. Give it a press. 5. With the smaller strip of fabric. Fold it in half length ways and sew down the long edge. Trim, turn it out and press with the seam down the centre. Press one edge in on itself, press and top stitch it closed. 6. Open the bag out so the right sides are together. Pin and sew the edges of the front and lining together with the raw edge of the strap inside the side seam, close to the zip. 7. Sew the bottom edges together but leave an opening in the lining. On both the lining and the front, bring the side and bottom hem together to create a box shaped bottom. Pin and sew. Backstitch at the start and end. 8. Pull your pouch through the hole you left in the lining. Sew the opening with a slip stitch or use your sewing machine like I have (it will be hidden inside after all). 9. On the Strap add a pair of KAM snaps so that they create a loop when they are snapped together. This will allow you to hook it onto your bag. Here is your bag so far. You could stop there but I felt like it needed something more. 10. I used my Cricut to cut out the word Sunshine in some pink glitter vinyl. I get my vinyl from a lovely little place called The Crafty Cutter. I think it finishes it off perfectly! If you don't have a Cricut or similar, there are plenty of little businesses that you can buy these transfers from. I would love to hear from you if you give it a go! For more free tutorials, new fabric arrivals and special offers, make sure you subscribe to my mailing list. www.thefabricsquirrel.com @thefabricsquirrel Made by Katie Done for The Craft Cotton Company 2021

  • Poppies Reversible Bag

    Project by Michelle Roberts Grab a copy of Debbie Shore’s book to make your very own reversible bag. Below are my photos to show you how I used the Poppy and denim fabric from Craft Cotton Co to create my version of the bag. Materials Two 20” x 10” pieces from the denim fabric Two 20” x 10” pieces from the poppies on white fabric Two 13” x 3” pieces from the denim fabric Two 13” x 3” pieces from the poppies on white fabric Two 20” x 3” strips from the poppies on black fabric Aurifil threads Haberdashery items · Quilter’s ruler, · Rotary cutter/scissors · Iron · Cutting mat · Basic sewing supplies Lets get sewing… (All seam allowance is ¼”) Using your rotary cutter and ruler, create the handles. Take your time when creating the pleats, to make sure they are all in the same place on each fabric bag piece. Shape the bottom corners of your bag pieces. Pin the handles in place. The two pieces are then sewn together. Remember to leave a gap for turning. Turn right side out and press. What will you use yours for? To see more of my tutorials, you can follow my blog www.creativeblonde.co.uk and/or Instagram page www.instagram.co.uk/michelle_creativeblonde and www.facebook.com/creativeblonde66 Made by Michelle Roberts for The Craft Cotton Company 2021

  • Petal & Pip Pen Holder

    Project by The Crafty Lass How to Make a Pen Storage Holder How to make a pretty but practical pen holder – or, you could store make-up brushes, scissors, paintbrushes – whatever you would like! You Will Need Fabrics Wadding Thread Craft Essentials Sewing Machine Fabric Scissors Pins Tape Measure Needle & Thread Iron How to Make 1. Select, measure and cut out your fabrics and wadding. To make as per the example make, you will need the below measurements - but, depending on what you want to use the roll for, you could of course adapt these accordingly. - Two pieces of fabric 108cm x 27cm - Two pieces of wadding 108cm x 27cm - One piece of fabric 108cm x 17cm - One piece of wadding 108cm x 17cm - Four pieces of fabric 43cm x 4cm 2. Construct your ties. Take two of the pieces 43cm x 4cm and lay them right sides together. Using a 0.5cm seam allowance go up one length side, pivot, along the shorter edge, pivot and then back down the other side – leaving one side open. Snip off the corners as close to the stitching as you can without damaging the threads to remove excess fabric. Now turn out the right way and press. Repeat with the remaining 43cm x 4cm pieces to make your second tie. 3. Take your piece of fabric 108cm x 17cm and the corresponding piece of wadding. This will be the part where your pens tuck into. Lay the wadding down and then the fabric right side up. Turn one of the length edges over and in by 2.5cm. Pin into position and using a 1cm seam allowance, sew to secure the edge over. 4. Take the piece of 108cm x 27cm fabric you want as the background part, above where your pens are. Take the corresponding wadding. Lay down the wadding, then the fabric on top, right sides up. Place on top of this, your now turned edge pen part and lay this on top with the long edges together. Pin into position if desired. Now measure and sew upwards lines from the bottom to point of turned over edge, every 3.5cm (or whatever you need for the tools you are storing!) Remember to leave an additional gap at either edge for your seam allowance. Secure your threads. 5. Time to put all the pieces together! Lay down the now sewn fabric/wadding pen holder/back piece face up. Then, add the sewn ties into the middle point at one side. Now place the remaining 108cm x 27cm piece of fabric face down on to this, right sides together. Then finally the remaining piece of 108cm x 27cm wadding onto this. Pin into position. 6. Now time to sew! Starting at the top (non-pen edge!), and using a 1cm seam allowance, sew all the way around the edge leaving a gap for turning out. Secure your threads. 7. Trim off any excess edges within the sewing allowance and turn out. 8. Finally using a 0.5cm seam allowance sew in a straight line along the top edge to secure everything and close the open turning out gap. 9. Add your pens and roll up! Et voila! Pen holder, done! To see more from Paula, visit her on Instagram @thecraftylass and www.thecraftylass.com Made by Paula Milner for The Craft Cotton Company 2021

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