🎂 Happy Birthday to me..

Here's what's happening this week at Clever Poppy...

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EMBROIDERY PUNCH NEEDLE WEAVING Hey, it's Julie here, I hope you are enjoying your week so far! Here's what's happening this week at Clever Poppy.  In today's email: Learn the Long and Short Stitch technique Member's creation of 'The Night before Christmas' A beautiful business making a difference Shop Spotlight: Pot Plant Shelfie In my world: Happy Birthday to me! On the Blog... An Easy Guide to Long and Short Stitch  Long and short stitches are a beautiful technique that is a type of satin stitch, used to fill in larger shapes with a nice and even texture. I think it gives great texture and a nice smooth effect.  This stitch is great in place of satin stitch, because when satin stitch is used to cover a large area, it can leave the threads looking a bit wobbly. And if that is something you don't like, then long and short stitches are a great solution!  If you would like to learn this technique, head on over to my blog article which gives you an easy guide.  GO TO BLOG What have our makers been up to? Here we have Sheena's completed version of 'The Night Before Christmas' pattern. Doesn't it look amazing?! I just love the whole combo of the patterned fabric and colours she has used - they look so great together. I asked her what the most challenging part of the pattern was and this is what she said:  "I love doing all the stitching but struggle the most with the satin stitch. I don't find that I can ever get it to look just right. I also find mine never looks like it lines up perfectly but . I loved doing this pattern ". I think she has done such a great job, this is such a great example of one of our key values which is focusing on progress over perfection. What's inspiring me on the creative front... I wanted to share with you this inspiring and beautiful business we donate our pieces to, along other NZ businesses - Woven Earth. They turn empty houses into homes for people who have fled violence and are trying to rebuild their lives. They make a point of sourcing items relating to the person's special interests and favourite colours. In particular, they pick out special items that the children in these situations may have had to part with as a result of being forced to flee. It's nice to think some of my pieces like Bunny Blooms and Butterfly Swirl are up on the wall in some of the kid's bedrooms, making their rooms a bit cosier. Below in the photo pictured is Kerryn, the founder and driving force behind the business. I think this is such an amazing thing this company is doing and I think we need more people like this in the world! If you would like to know a bit more about what they do, you can check out their instagram page here. Shop Spotlight... Pot Plant Shelfie This pattern is a great way to practise your Satin + Long and Short Stitch and focus on #progressoverperfection, which is what we are all about!  I would recommend this for our Super Confident makers out there. So if you want to put your skills to the test, this is the perfect pattern for you!  Our pattern kit is available for you to purchase in our shop, it includes a square of Fabric, Display Hoop, Thread Bundle with all of the colours you need and a printed Pattern Guide.  Pot Plant Shelfie Pattern Kit Buy Now In my world... Today is a little bit special because it's my birthday! I can't believe I now only have 1 more year before I hit the big 40. I don't actually have anything special planned today, but I'm looking forward to spending it with my family this evening. And I've lined up a whole lotta stitching for during the day – pattern testing is my fav part of the job! So that will be a lovely way to spend the day (and tick the work box too!). Keep an eye out for some sneak peeks of our upcoming 'Personalised Baubles' pattern. We've got a really cool event planned this weekend that Matt and I are organising (it's a car rally/treasure hunt to a surprise destination with a bunch of our mates). So let's just say I'll be doing plenty of celebrating on Sat night (and given my age I'll need to be wary of a hangover the next day haha!).     I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your week.   No longer want to receive these emails? Unsubscribe. Clever Poppy Ltd 39 Woodside Ave Northcote, Auckland 0627 ‌