Over the last couple of weeks I've been busy working on projects for the April edition of the Bustle & Sew Magazine   I'm often asked about what inspires my designs and I sometimes think it's all too easy to simply say "the natural world around me." True though that is, for me at least, it's only part of the process.  

The April Magazine includes a design to embroider a tin of sardines, as the first of the month is of course April Fool's Day.  In France the tradition is to pin a paper fish on the back of your victim - hence the sardines...   

The

They're stitched in lovely spring colours inspired by the prospect of the spring blossom season ahead, as well as a (very different) design for the same subject I came across in a French Magazine...

The magazine suggests turning your embroidery into the lid for a box of pastel coloured bonbons and chocolate sardines.  I won't be doing that although I haven't quite decided what to do with my fish yet. It's fair to say, however, that I probably wouldn't have considered working my sardines in a somewhat similar spring-like pink and blue palette if I hadn't come across this photograph.  It is all too easy to find yourself unintentionally copying somebody else's idea, but in this case I think my own sardines are very different to the French ones. 

And finally, it's now only two weeks until Easter, which falls very early this year, so I thought you might enjoy my free Easter MiniMag.  It's a couple of years old now, but has some great patterns for bunnies and chicks as well as delicious chocolate recipes, and much more besides...

Just CLICK HERE or on the image above to download your copy - it's absolutely free.

Until next time, very best wishes from us all here at Station House!

Helen x

The Wheel of the Year panel is now back in stock on Etsy  There is also a digital option if you're confident with drawing and dividing your own circle and transferring the motifs.the so many birds

Aflowers and other motifs I would have loved to have stitched but simply didn’t have space for!

Anyway, the Wheel of the Year panel is now back in stock on Etsy and delivery times have returned to normal after the Christmas holidays.  There’s also an option for a fully digital pattern if you’re confident drawing your own circles and transferring the motifs.) the edges of each panel as I always think finishing the edges to avoid fraying is one of the less exciting parts of beginning a new project.  The panels are printed on a nice quality pure cotton fabric that is a pleasure to work with.  I loved stitching my own wheel (you can see it in pride of place on my shelf in the first image), and really didn’t want to finish it.  I shall have to think of another project that takes us through the year in the same way – there are so many birds, flowers and other motifs I would have loved to have stitched but simply didn’t have space for!

Anyway, the Wheel of the Year panel is now back in stock on Etsy and delivery times have returned to normal after the Christmas holidays.  There’s also an option for a fully digital pattern if you’re confident drawing your own circles and transferring the motifs.