A lot of what I do in life starts with “I wonder what happens if I do this…” That’s how this blog started 17 years ago and that’s what keeps it going. Curiosity, imagination and the joy in making things remain the driving forces here.
Some things that got invented in the 17th year of the blog experiment:
- miss thistle’s house and plate rack
- dancing bunnies
- scrappy bunting
- little chicks
- mice went glamping
- scrappy trees broke the internet – who knew… That project got picked up by the google newsletter and spread like crazy. The internet has gotten real weird and kinda dicey in 17 years but I do love that stuff like that can happen.
- the stitch book project – now in its second year (another internet miracle – thousands of people showing up for 15 minutes of stitch experiments for 100 days)
sew-alongs and the winning cardinal
We had our first ever sew-along in October – the crow followed by the owl and currently the cardinal sew-along. The cardinals are made from the songbird sewing pattern with these alterations. Let’s start with the winner of the cardinal sew-along.
It was hard to choose! The cardinal sew-along winner is @flora.twigg (I’ll dm you regarding your prize- a bundle of fabulous scraps spanning continents and centuries!)
Check out more awesome cardinals and other projects made by readers below. I’ve added links to the maker wherever possible, you will find a pinterest level of rabbit hole fun exploring them. If you see your photo but I missed your link please let me know – I’m happy to add it.
This is not a real mushroom! Wow. It was made with the mushroom sewing pattern and stitched by @ana.montesdemiguel
1. @littlepostcards 2. Mary Kelly 3. and 4. annika. 5. @astitchwhimsy. 6. @peaceandcraft 7. Nancy 8. @Elisabew
crow by @jillthereckless
1. @kezwilson.3 2.@sarahblankstudios. 3.@revedesouris 4. @lucindawalkerart 5. @smith_cuts_sews 6. @tumblingblocks 7. @jo_broz
owl by Terry Wilson
community
The most significant milestone of the 17th year is the stitch club community. The glorious pink owl by Terry Wilson was posted in the owl sew-along. Currently over 3000 creative members are sharing their work, trying stuff and finding friends.
Thanks so much for showing up and happy anniversary!
Hi Ann, Thanks for sharing my cardinal! I had so much fun working on this, as I do all of your patterns. My link is Instagram.com/littlepostcards
Oh Sailboat sew- along, , , , yes please!! Hanging, swinging, swaying sailboats with stars and little mice and a whale of course , , , dreamy land , , , sooo much fun. Thank you and Happy Anniversary!!
I loved doing the crow sew-along and would love to be part of a spring regatta!
Sailboats would be sweet!
Yes please! Love your sailboats.
I love your website.
You are sew creative.
Thanks for all of the great ideas.
I love newsletter day! Thanks for sharing my puppy pile of projects. You’ve inspired so much making since those paper horses. Happy anniversary!
Thank you for all the joy you have brought to me over the last however many years, I love your blog and I’m always pleased to see your newsletter. It’s always interesting and inspiring. I hope you have as much as we your readers and followers do! Many thanks and Happy anniversary xx
Happy Anniversary Ann! Your projects and patterns have brought me so much joy. My sister and I spent treasured moments making your tiny rag doll pattern together. I would love to do a make along with the tiny ships. I made one for everyone in my family as their Christmas ornament for the year. They are delightful and fun to make as is everything you design. Thank you for your generosity.
Happy Anniversary Ann! I’m adding my voice to the chorus of deeply grateful and admiring followers whom you’ve inspired across those many years. I have collected all your patterns, made some (not all, yet), been delighted with the outcomes. Participating in the 100 days Stitchbook sew along and being a Stitch Club member is quietly changing my life. I’ve built a daily practice, allowed myself to experiment, tentatively shared my makings with others online, and found a world-wide community of wonderfully supportive, generous hearted, interesting and interested stitchers. You’ve made this all possible Ann – you have created a safe, welcoming, inclusive, creative online space in a world where this seems impossible. What an extraordinary and awe-inspiring feat. Thank you , thank you, thank you
Hear hear!
Forgot to add that I’d be completely up for spring regatta sew-along.
Thank you Ann! I am honored to have my little bird chosen from among such lovely entries. I am sooo excited to delve into the goodies of fabric. I have tried several of your patterns, and I always enjoy working with them. That beautiful owl by Terry Wilson has got me thinking about my next project!!
Thanks for your beautiful and inspiring blog, and the newsletter that is always a ray of sunshine in my emails.
xo Flora Twigg
All the entries are beautiful!
Ann, your workshop looks so cozy and fun. It makes me want to sit with a cup of something and run my fingers through scraps. Thanks for everything you share and organize.