Harrogate was hosting the Knitting and Stitching Show this weekend, so Manda and I popped along on Saturday afternoon. The show itself was okay. We both wanted to go to get some much needed fabric from Fabrics Galore., which we did with gusto. I'll tell you about that later in the week.

But the highlight was definitely the Sashiko and Japanese Fabrics stand. I have definitely found a new love.

The fabrics there were utterly stunning in their simplicty. They actually had these that I had previously purchased on Etsy. But it was the Sashiko panels and threads that won our hearts.

As you can see the colours are just divine. And their texture is simply sublime. And since I was incapable of waiting to have a go, I tested it all out last night and the threads are just a joy to work with.

There were several different panel designs and after much deliberation I chose this one. It comes with half the fabric printed and the other half plain to then turn it into a cushion cover.

I am totally in love with this process of continuous running stitches building up the design. The needle simply glides through the fabric (oh yes, you have to buy the Japanese needles too). If you haven't experienced the art of Sashiko, you really must give it a try. It is effortless, yet immensely rewarding and I have a feeling that this will be a welcome evening distraction on a regular basis.

And the good news is that it is all available online right here.

I'm rushing around like mad today. The week was definitely shorter than usual and usually it's short enough. But I just received this amazing package I had ordered from Erika of Mikodesign and I just had to share it with you.

First of all it was wrapped beautifully...

Second of all Erika had included these little stamped bags too. How gorgeous are they?

Then the pile of handprinted fabrics was never ending...

I particularly love this little girl bunny and will think up something very special for that, although I have a feeling if someone else sees my stash she'll have her own ideas;-) But just check out all this!

And there was loads more too! As ever, the most simple of designs are the most appealing. Well, for me anyway.

I am so excited by this and have a million and one ideas in my head of what I am going to do with it. Go check out Erika's blog and Etsy store for more inspiring work from her and pick up your own stash today. Haapy weekend all...must dash...x

I've been involved in a Hand-stitched Embroidery Swap on Flickr this month. I'm not sure what possessed me to do it as my last swap ended in tears as my swap partner disappeared off the face of the earth after receiving my lovely bunch of goodies and I never got to get hers (I am genuinly concerned that something awful did happen to her as she has literally fallen off the end of Flickr with not a word from anyone).

I was invited to join the swap by Kate, my lovely friend on the other side of the world, so I couldn't refuse her. I have to say it was a fantastic experience. This is my first 'making' swap. The others were swapping fabric and I think this made the whole thing such fun. We all posted our progress pics and oohed and ahhed over the ones we hoped we'd be getting. (It was a secret swap - noone knew who was giving to who)

I was very much oohing and ahhing over the progress of Tacha's pics of the embroidery I subsequently received. Even from the first posting she did, I was intrigued and mesmerised. As for the finished article, well, just look at it, it's stunning isn't it?

Tacha had obviously done her homework on me. I mean, would'ya just look at all tha blue and red?? I could not have bought a more perfect embroidery. And I love it's position in my kitchen.

Thank you, Tacha, it is more than perfect.

As for my creation...this is what Kate received from me...

Yes, that's right, Kate ended up being landed with me as a partner! Apparently she loves it...or so she says...

Above all, this was a fantastic experience, meeting lots of talented, wonderful people. Can't wait for the next one!

Sunday Stash #6

Again, not so much a stash in my possession, but one that will be any day now...

My American aunt is on her way over, so as ever I have ordered a shed load of fabric for her to bring with her for me. Here's just some that I'm hanging out for.

This lovely little lot is coming from Sew Mama Sew.

(Go see more SS goodies over here...)

::friday flickr favourites::

I'm a bit obsessed with these colours at the moment and hope you'll enjoy perusing these lovely examples. Hopefully it all works and the links will take you through to more about these artists.

1. Mini Quilt Monday 2. Citron Stack 3. Crafting 365 4. Bosch 5. grey and yellow linen clutch 6. Crafting 365: 285Mottle 7. Yellow and Grey Wing Chair 8. Pete and Pearl 9. side plate

Enjoy and Happy Friday!

See more :: friday flickr favourites:: here

Something for the house

Yesterday ... or was it the day before now? I lose track ... it was Ladies Day. Today it is the turn of your home.

I've been coveting these beautiful cushions by Roddy & Ginger for aeons and finally they are here at Blueberry Park.

If you are a regularly reader, you know all about my soft spot for hand printed fabrics. And my soft spot for cushions. So it's hardly surprising that these were going to hit the spot.

Virginia, the talent behind this vintage inspired company, handprints stunning retro inspired designs onto linen or cotton using water based dyes.

I love the freshness and colours of her designs and never tire of gazing at them. Go check them out right here and tell me what you think. I know you'll feel the same way as I do.

Something for the ladies

Today has been another exciting day at Blueberry Park. We've had a delivery of these beautiful felt corsages.

Anna Johnson is the talented designer of the A Alicia label. She makes beautiful corsages from the most exquisite felt. This range of colours is so autumnal and stunning.

From Winter White to Burnt Sienna, Anna has produced a range that is already proving to be a big hit.

Anna cuts and sews every felt petal by hand so each brooch is utterly unique. The sculptured shape of the flowers makes them little works of art.

Whether you are accessorising a sweater, dress, coat, bag, hat these will be firm favourites on any outfit.

Sunday Stash #6

Not so much a stash I currently have...more one I am lusting after.

Knowing my willpower with resisting buying fabrics, unlike this lady, no doubt it will be purchased quicker than you can say...well anything really...

And if you'd like to test your own willpower, head over here.

Lucky lucky me

A while ago I commented on one of my cyberspace friend's blog about how much I loved a shirt she had designed. (I would show you her original design, but I can't find the blog post!) Almost by return, the lovely Kylie emailed me thanking me for the comments and what were my measurements so she could make me one.

I was flabbergasted by her kindness. She didn't want payment, she was just touched by my comments and would be honoured to make something for someone who genuinely appreciated her work.

I accepted her kindness (well who wouldn't?) but only on the proviso I could make something for her. Kylie chose a pin cushion and needle set, which seemed insubstantial to be honest.

Today it arrived and I am blown away by how gorgeous it is, how beautifully it is made and by the fact that it is mine! Not only will I enjoy wearing this ALOT, but every time I do it will remind me of that lovely lady on the other side of the world, who I have 'met' and become friends with through this wonderful world of blogging.

Thank you so much, Kylie xx

(Now all of you, if you haven't come across 3 sheets before, go check out Kylie's wonderful blog and shop)

All in the packaging?

Normally I package my Craft Kits like this...

That's where they got their name 'Take Away...' from. I couldn't, or wouldn't want to, call them that if I was packaging them a different way. However something always comes along to change how you view things.

My friend Jo (a separate post about her to come) and her family came to visit over half-term last week. As usual, bless her, the first thing she wanted to do was go shopping. By that I mean, take our coffees up to my studio and rummage through all my things! She is Blueberry Park's number one fan and always gives me a big boost of confidence by oohing excessively over everything. And the fact that she goes back home with a shed load of gifts confirms her feelings.

This time it was a Christmas shop she was doing. She wanted to order 3 Apron Kits for her 3 children. Jo being Jo - and only my bestest buddy can get away with this - she painstakingly worked her way through my fabric stash and selected the ones she wanted in the kit. Oh, and the ones she wanted the needle/pin sets made out of too! As I say, only Jo can get away with this...Just in case you were wondering...

The point of all this rambling is that these weren't quite ready for her to take back home with her and in an attempt tocut down the packaging through the mail, we decided that they would work all folded up in a cello and wrapped in tissue. Whilst I wouldn't recommend this design for my stockists, as I think the piles of the Take Away Boxes has an eye-catching appeal, I think this really works for a personal order. Particularly when there a few presented together.

What do you reckon?

Planning ahead

It's definitely that time of year. I don't know about you but, even though we've a ways yet before 2010 is upon us, I do need somewhere to write down things for next year. Next year's calendar is definitely something I need now. I normally get one of M & S's family calendars for the kitchen - lots of space and normally I can find quite a funky one. I've been looking at Etsy to see which to get for my studio however. I'm after something prettier up there. Something that's just mine, that isn't going to have everyone's schedules and arrangements scribbled over. I really only need one to check dates, rather than having to write anything on. Here are some of my faves so far...

Cupcakes sure make me happy and I like the fact that there is a little column to write should I need to (only in my favourite best pen of course). This is one of several fun calendars with great illustrations from Yeehaw

This is a very sweet one from Alidesign, but I'm thinking i'd like something bigger. Cute nonetheless

I love this by Beth Fioretti. Very different from the screenprinted ones I had in mind, but a beautiful piece of art on the wall all year.

Back to the screen printed varieties... again this is veering away from the wall calendars (amazing how distracted you can become when you enter Etsy territory!) but very sweet to have in your bag when needed.

I'm liking this one from PSPapergoods and they have a great one for the kitchen too - just not quite big enough for my lot.

I think you can tell from this snippet, that there is alot out there. Many other contenders that I haven't even included. Go check out Etsy for yourselves. I'm sure you'll find plenty that will make it to your not-even-quite-whittled-down list.