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Category Archives: UK craft blog
The Depression Vacation
Wow. I just realised I haven’t posted anything in over 2 months. Sorry! I’m calling it my Depression Vacation.
When I got back from visiting my family this summer, I basically fell apart. (Not physically; that would be on the news!) I’m not exactly sure what happened, but the result has been that I had to go to the GP and get on sertraline (an antidepressant). It made me sick for a while, and actually made me feel worse for a while too. It was nice to lose some weight, but my husband was so concerned that he told me to stop taking it. I kept plugging along on it because I knew that it’s not unusual to feel like shit when you first start an antidepressant. And in the end it was worth it.
I feel less hopeless, and although my sewing mojo still seems to be on holiday, at least I can function. For a while there, even contemplating doing the washing up or cooking dinner would leave me exhausted and low. Sewing and knitting and writing seemed irrelevant as my entire world and outlook turned a dark shade of grey. Probably I need to increase my dose. It’s very difficult to fight against your own brain when it’s telling you that you’re worthless and that no one gives a shit what you have to say. The gigantic effort of turning on the computer and actually writing something seems so disproportionate to the reward that it’s easier to just do nothing. And that’s what I’ve been doing. For months. Nothing.
Also, we’ve been selling our house and buying another. And it’s been pretty stressful. I’ve cried a few times. But it’s not all bad. IF everything goes through, we’ll be moving into a beautiful house and I’ll even have a whole study to dedicate to my crafts! We could be moving in a couple of weeks, or it might take another 6 weeks. :s
Anyway, I’ve really missed being active online, and I’ve really missed everyone. I miss twitter but I can never really think of anything to say to anyone these days. I suppose that’s the depression, really.
So I apologise for being AWOL for so long. It’s been a difficult fall and winter. I’d like to get back to functioning normally, including blogging, but you may have to bear with me as I deal with depression and moving and who knows what else. And if you have been feeling low, go see your GP! I was so miserable before the med kicked in and I cannot imagine being that bad indefinitely. I really waited too long before going. I guess it was a combination of wishful thinking (I’ll get better soon. I don’t need help!) and lassitude (Seriously? You want me to leave the couch? Yeah right…) that prevented me getting help sooner.
But I’m feeling much better than I did, say, 4 weeks ago. And the sun is shining and although I have a cold, I also have David Attenborough DVDs and a Mary, Queen of Scots bio. Add some tea and codeine, and things are looking, if not great, at least satisfactory. 
How’s your winter been?
jen
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Posted in UK craft blog
44 Comments
Manic Monday Linky Party
Still convalescing here…got a bit of a cold and a case of the ‘blahs’. Fortunately it’s half term here so Savi and I both have a week long holiday. Savi’s cough is so rattling and awful that I cringe every time I hear it. Poor kid. It was kind of her to share it with the family… :p Sorry I haven’t done the features from last week – I’ll do a double feature this Friday if I don’t post about it before that.
I sure hope you are all feeling better than I am and that you’ve got a great week ahead!
Linky Party Rules:
- You can link anything you’ve created – an etsy shop, blog or tutorial, recipe or project, whatever.
- You can leave up to 2 links
- Please visit at least one other link and comment!
- I’ll be featuring a few on the blog on Feature Friday
- You are welcome to add my party button to your blog, but you don’t have to!
If you’d like to receive my blog feed in your Google Reader (or any other reader) just click on the Feedburner (RSS) link below.
© J C Excell, 2012
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Posted in UK craft blog
7 Comments
(I’m in) Sewing World Magazine ;)
Sewing World Magazine is out now and my quilt is on the cover!!! SQUEAL!!! If you can’t find it in a bookstore/newsagent near you, you can order it from Traplet Publications’s website.
My quilt is a layer cake quilt. I had to scramble to get it done before I went to Texas. To be honest I hadn’t really considered the timing when I asked the editor, Julie, if she’d be interested. Thankfully I managed to finish on time! I am so chuffed they decided to put it on the cover!
Lynne of Lily’s Quilts also has a pattern in this month’s issue – isn’t this table runner wonderful? It’s a jelly roll pattern and I love it! I’m thinking about making it with a non-Xmas jelly roll. So cute!
There’s also a profile of my blog in the magazine. I had forgotten about it completely until one of my students found it! Thanks Nati!
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© J C Excell, 2012
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Manic Monday Linky Party
So you may have noticed I wasn’t here last week. That’s because I was reading – I averaged nearly 600 pages per day, which as you can imagine doesn’t leave much time for anything else. For some reason, when I read fiction I can’t bear to put it down. I simply MUST know what’s happening next. And it’s no good saying to myself After this chapter is over I’m going to do computer chores. I turn into Procrastination Central!
So I’m going on a fiction diet – the only fiction I’ll allow myself to buy is on audio, since I listen to that while I’m sewing. No more Kindle books for me! I need to get some real work done.
How about you? Do you have trouble doing anything else when you read a good book?
Linky Party Rules:
- You can link anything you’ve created – an etsy shop, blog or tutorial, recipe or project, whatever.
- You can leave up to 2 links
- Please visit at least one other link and comment!
- I’ll be featuring a few on the blog on Feature Friday
- You are welcome to add my party button to your blog, but you don’t have to!
If you’d like to receive my blog feed in your Google Reader (or any other reader) just click on the Feedburner (RSS) link below.
© J C Excell, 2012
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Abakhan Sponsors: Klona Cotton Solids & Lined Drawstring Bag Pattern Review
I mentioned in Tuesday’s post that I’d do a review of the Klona solid cotton fabric that I used to make my Tula Pink LOVE quilt.
The fabric was provided by Abakhan Fabrics, where it’s available for £7.25 per metre. It’s a full 135 cm wide instead of the usual 114 cm, so it’s a very good deal.
It’s a bit stiffer than, say, Kona solids, which means (for me, anyway) that it doesn’t really need to be starched before you can work with it. It’s also a bit ‘rougher’, not quite as silky. However, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it means that it ‘sticks’ to other fabrics easily. So if you like to press your pieces together so they are completely flat before sewing, Klona solids will ‘stick’ and stay there until you can pin. Indeed, if you’re working with smaller pieces, you don’t need to pin as long as you’re careful.
I was a bit worried that it would still feel stiff after washing and drying my LOVE quilt, but it hasn’t – the motion of the machines seems to have softened it up considerably.
I had a bit of the Klona red left over, and today I decided to make myself a posh knitting project bag from a pattern I bought from Jeni of In Color Order. You don’t have to have the pattern to make one – there’s a tutorial for a slightly smaller version of it on her website. If you do want larger or smaller bags, you’ll have to get the pattern. It only costs $6.50 and is fantastic. There are 8 bag sizes and full instructions, including the formula if you want to make one to your own dimensions. It’s very clearly written, and I’m so pleased with how mine turned out that I’ve decided to make them as Christmas gifts. It was really quick to make, and the finished product is superb. They look quite professional, and if you wanted you could make the interior out of plastic so it could be a wash bag or makeup bag (my students use a cheap shower curtain to make wash bags).
I used the Klona for the interior, and again it was a breeze to cut and sew. I definitely will use the Klona again, and I really recommend it. It comes in many, many colours so you’ll be able to find one to match, and it’s SUCH a good value considering how wide it is. If you’ve never used Klona solids before, I recommend giving them a try – you may discover a new (cheaper!) favourite!
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© J C Excell, 2012
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Posted in Finished Products, Reviews, UK craft blog, UK Modern Quilt Blog, UK quilt blog, UK sewing blog
Tagged Abakhan Fabrics
4 Comments
Tula Pink Sew Along: LOVE Quilt (Sponsored by Abakhan)
This post is sponsored by Abakhan Fabrics (UK).
Hello!!! Today’s my big day: My Tula Pink Love Quilt pattern review is up on Sew Sweetness! Please go have a look – it’s a great pattern and if you’re a newer quilter it’s a perfect way to experiment with negative space, wonky blocks and just a little bit of piecing. If you’re an experienced quilter, it’s a fast, easy quilt with plenty of WOW.
I used Klona solid red fabric for the background; it was the first time I’ve ever used it and Will at Abakhan Fabrics was kind enough to send me some to have a play. I’ll do a full review on Thursday, in case you’ve been wondering about using it.
Thanks for looking, my friends!! And a HUGE thank you to Sara for having me as a guest!!!
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© J C Excell, 2012
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Manic Monday Linky Party
Sorry for the late post! I taught at the college today and then got so wrapped up in sewing charity quilt blocks and listening to my new audiobook that I totally forgot to post!
On the house front: we had a couple come see the house on Saturday which meant that we had to stay up very late Friday painting the bedroom. It’s a nice neutral shade of magnolia now which I hate but since it looks brighter I’m not too fussed. Sadly the couple decided to make an offer on a different house but at least we had a clean house for about an hour. keeping this house clean is pretty hard with 3 people living in it! I hope someone buys it soon! Fingers crossed! And my tummy seems to be all sensitive again so I’ve been spending a lot of time curled up in bed with stomach cramps. Yuck city! It’s a bit more settled now but I’m still having to take meds for it. When it rains, it pours over here!
How has your week and weekend been? And I’m eager to see what everyone’s been up to in the links!
Linky Party Rules:
- You can link anything you’ve created – an etsy shop, blog or tutorial, recipe or project, whatever.
- You can leave up to 2 links
- Please visit at least one other link and comment!
- I’ll be featuring a few on the blog on Feature Friday
- You are welcome to add my party button to your blog, but you don’t have to!
signature:
If you’d like to receive my blog feed in your Google Reader (or any other reader) just click on the Feedburner (RSS) link below.
© J C Excell, 2012
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Posted in UK craft blog
2 Comments
Tula Pink Madness @ Sew Sweetness!
I know I’m a little late (only by two days!) but I just wanted to let you know about an event that I’m participating in, which runs September 24th – November 12th. It’s the Tula Pink Sew Along! Every weekday through October 26th, you can find a show-and-tell of one of over 2 dozen Tula Pink quilts, along with a pattern review.
Here is the schedule of guest posts that will appear:
Sept 24 – Sara @ Sew Sweetness (Dream Weaver/book)
Sept 25 – Katie @ Katie’s Korner (Beanstalks/book)
Sept 26 – Lisa @ That Crazy Quilty Girl (Cloudy Day/book)
Sept 27 – Becky @ My Fabric Obsession (Houndstooth/book)
Sept 28 - Caitlin at I Don’t Do Dishes (Spiked Punch)
Oct 1 – Amanda @ A Crafty Fox (Alphabet)
Oct 2 – Michelle @ City House Studio (Fade to Pink)
Oct 3 – Marci @ Marci Girl Designs (Le Petite Salon)
Oct 4 – Katie @ There and Back (Field Study)
Oct 5 – Lorelei @ Mermaid Sews (Hushabye)
Oct 8 – Anorina @ Samelia’s Mum (Pancakes)
Oct 9 – Jenna @ Sew Happy Geek (LOVE)
Oct 10 – Lindsey @ LR Stitched (Fairy Tale Lane/book)
Oct 11 – DeeDee @ mybricole (Any Which Way/book)
Beth @ Plum and June (Cartwheels)
Oct 12 – Katy @ The Littlest Thistle (Crown Jewels)
Oct 15 - Colleen @ The Busy Bean (Shattered Glass/book)
Oct 16 – Kristen @ KD-Quilts (Stacks/book)
Oct 17 – Roseann @ Rosebud’s Cottage (Shattered Glass/book)
Oct 18 – Emily @ Mommy’s Naptime (Lollipops/book)
Oct 19 – Jeannette @ Gone Aussie Quilting (Honey Honey)
Oct 22 – Brenda @ Pink Castle Fabrics (Windswept)
Oct 23 – Bianca @ Sweet Diesel Designs (Stacks/book)
Oct 24 – Jessica @ Sew Crafty Jess (Snow Globes)
Oct 25 – Elizabeth @ Don’t Call Me Betsy (Space Dust)
Lindsay @ Lindsay Sews and Craft Buds (Cherry Pie)
Oct 26 – Kim @ My Go-Go Life (Kiss Kiss)
Kim Munoz (Grand Salon/book)
You also have your own opportunity to make a Tula quilt, bag, dress, whatever! You have until Monday,
November 12, 2012 to make something and be eligible for some outstanding
prizes!! Here are the rules to be eligible for entry into the contest:
1. Join the Tula Pink Sew Along Flickr Group.
2. To be counted for entry into the contest, get sewing!! Sewn item must be made from a Tula Pink pattern (or from her book) *OR*
made from at least 50% Tula Pink fabric (such as a bag, dress, etc.).
If you are sewing from a Tula Pink pattern, the fabric does not need to
be Tula Pink fabric.
3. If you will be adding an item to the pool to be counted as an entry,
it must be sewn and photographed from September 24th through November
12th, 2012. Any items completed before September 24th are not eligible.
4. You may add up to 2 photographs per item.
5. You may add as many items as you want, as long as you made them each
within the time frame. If you are making a quilt, the quilt top is
adequate to be entered. Anything smaller (mug rug, mini quilt, bag,
dress) should be completely finished.
Now how about some discounts?!?
Tula Pink has generously offered a 25% discount on all PDF quilt patterns when you use coupon code tulatroop in her pattern shop. This code is good now through October 31, 2012.
My lovely sponsor, Brenda from Pink Castle Fabrics, has generously extended a 15% discount on all Tula Pink fabrics in the shop using coupon code TULA15. This code will be good now through September 30th.
If you don’t already have the book, Tula Pink’s publisher is offering a discount code so you can pick up your own copy! Use code TULA2012 when you purchase the book from the Martha Pullen store. Support publishers and authors by buying direct!
Prizes
Prizes will be announced soon, but here’s a little sneak peak at the
sponsors that have offered up their amazing products as prizes!
sponsors that have offered up their amazing products as prizes!
So let’s get ready to sew!!! Join me and head on over to the Flickr Group and get ready for some amazing Tula Pink eye candy! I can’t wait to see what you create!
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Manic Monday Linky Party! :)
I want to say thank you to everyone who commented on my post about my depression – I’ve still got a few emails left to answer, but I wanted to let you all know how grateful I am to have such good ‘virtual’ friends. You guys really lifted my spirits and helped me to see that there is a better time down the road – I just have to keep slogging along till I get there.
Also, last week we had a tie for most popular link!
Mary at Mary Emmens got this beautiful set of vintage sheet fabric in a lovely swap.
Q from JAQS Fabrics made this adorable chevron quilt – I just love the stripey binding!
Ok, and now for this week’s linky party:
- You can link anything you’ve created – an etsy shop, blog or tutorial, recipe or project, whatever.
- You can leave up to 2 links
- Please visit at least one other link and comment!
- I’ll be featuring a few on the blog on Feature Friday
- You are welcome to add my party button to your blog, but you don’t have to!
If you’d like to receive my blog feed in your Google Reader (or any other reader) just click on the Feedburner (RSS) link below.
© J C Excell, 2012
 |
Manic Monday Linky Party
Linky Party Rules:
- You can link anything you’ve created – an etsy shop, blog or tutorial, recipe or project, whatever.
- You can leave up to 2 links
- Please visit at least one other link and comment!
- I’ll be featuring a few on the blog on Feature Friday
- You are welcome to add my party button to your blog, but you don’t have to!
If you’d like to receive my blog feed in your Google Reader (or any other reader) just click on the Feedburner (RSS) link below.
© J C Excell, 2012
 |
Posted in UK craft blog
4 Comments
