A simple but satisfying sewing thing I can do in front of the tv

[Thepleasureofyourcompany]

I like cross stitch but find a lot of the patterns very twee. I've just spent a happy couple of hours hemming things and really enjoy simply sewing! I've broken the top of my arm but I've discovered I can still sew.

Any cross stitch patterns that I'd actually want to display afterwards- nothing to twee OR sweary! Or something other than cross stitch - I could probably manage some basic embroidery! Thanks!

The equivalent of Death by Cross Stitch for blackworkers is Save the Stitches - I've included a link to a blog post about it as, due to the weird nature of the Blackwork Journey website, I can't post a permalink to it https://ohsewcrafty.typepad.com/my_weblog/2020/11/stitching-hd-save-the-stitches.html

At some point I intend to do one of the smaller versions of it, probably New Stitches. StS is amazing but I'm not sure where I'd put it once done.

@tribpot that looks amazing! With several projects already on the go I am trying not to get drawn into more but that is seriously tempting!

Completely agree re twee kits. Lots of the Bothy Threads kits are twee but they do have some more modern ones too. These are on my list:

www.bothythreads.com/shop/kits/snowy-london

www.bothythreads.com/shop/kits/women-who-changed-the-world

The Fabled Thread embroidery and needlepoint kits are gorgeous in a boho style

thefabledthread.com/pages/shop

I've recently started embroidery and I've been using practice patterns from amazon as a starting point

I loathe counted cross stitch but live Hannah Bass’s map canvasses and I also do a tonne of English paper piecing.

I’m currently doing a king size bed quilt in 1.5inch liberty hexagons. Been at it a while already!! If you fancy this look at Alice Caroline for a beginners kit.

Those maps are lovely. Have no idea which one I'd choose though as none are particularly special to me.

I think patchwork might be the way to go!

I use Boro/quilting techniques to make useful things like table mats or coasters. I use old fabric scraps and don't even mark up the patterns, just freestyle quilt. They are easy to make and as I make small pieces easy to transport.

Those maps are lovely, thanks for introducing me!

I like small projects that I can finish. I did do a quilt entirely by hand and it is gorgeous but oh my days it was a lot of work! It took about a year to finish it, and that really tested my patience.

I really like making felt decorations as one of my "small project" things - simple embroidery/hand stitching and the output is either usable at home or make quite cute little gifts. I like the fact you can also make them as fancy or as simple as you want.

I love these!

Yes they are lovely.

Following for ideas!

Many of the suggested makers are small businesses, so it's great to support them too.

I do loads of English paper piercing. Quite good to pick up and put down again.

I’m on my third Emily Peacock tapestry. Really easy to do mindlessly as no counting involved.

I also buy PDFs of cross stitch designs I like.

this thread has made me really nostalgic as my granny taught me how to do epp. She always had a box of hexagons on the go made form scrap fabric, old shirts etc.

The first time I bought fabric for patchwork I felt so guilty. I still have in my head that it is supposed to be using up scraps.

I made a duvet cover from sewn patchwrok. It is wearing out. I am tempted to make a hand sewn epp on. With a sunburst design. But I would have to do it in scrap fabric!

All Points Patchwork is a good book for beginners and more experienced in English Paper Piecing.

Is EPP just patchwork with a fancy name?

Yes, it's the folding of the fabric round the paper template and sewing the pieces together. There are other types of patchwork but EPP is a good one for in front of the TV or to take with you on your travels.

It is the original hand patchwork.

A lot of modern patchwork is done on machine with no paper peiercing.

So in EPP you have paper hexagon and wrap and fabric hexagon round it and tack it in to place. Then when you have enough you sew them together by hand along the edges.

Ah that's what my mum did. I just assumed all patchwork was like that!

Hexagons are the easiest shape, but many other tessellated shapes can be used. Look up Millefiori quilts for instance. I have one on the go and fully expect it to take years!

I once did a diamond shape for a cushion cover, but then suddenly realised that you can't keep going, you need another shape! (I was about 12 at the time)

So Granny and I sewed the star burst I had made ontp a plain background for my cushion !