me + my boys: Learn Satin Stitch! 🪡

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Learn Satin Stitch! 🪡

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Hey Britta,

I hope you are enjoying your week so far! Here's what's new this week at Clever Poppy.

In today's email:

Learn how to do satin stitch
Cardboard cutout animation
Book recommendation: The Nightingale
In our world: freedom + fun outdoors!

Learn our fav technique satin stitch

Which is your fav embroidery stitch? 🤔

Satin stitch is mine, hands down! It's like colouring-in with thread. This technique involves covering an area with flat stitches placed closely together, making it look smooth and shiny - like satin.

This technique is awesome for adding a pop of colour and texture to your embroidery projects. With a little practice, you'll be crafting beautiful and lively designs in a snap!

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What have our makers been up to?

We absolutely love seeing all the progress our members make in the Maker's Academy! One such member is the wonderful Mallorie, who has adapted our Bunny Blooms pattern. 🐰

She says, "When my SIL said his nursery was a lot of green and blues with a bunny here and there, I knew just what I had to do. I can't believe my progress since almost a year ago, the first time I completed this pattern. So amazing to see!"

This pattern is going to look so adorable hung up in the nursery. 🥹

What's inspiring me on the creative front...

How adorable is this 3D animation by Sarah from @eyepicturedthis? She has combined paper cut-outs with animation to create this sweet spring scene. Sarah is an Australian illustrator and animator who has a picture book coming out in April! Her page is full of cute and colourful cardboard creations and animations. Her fav subjects include animals, nature, and people in fun little scenes. Who's thinking of trying this craft style out?

Book recommendation: The Nightingale

While Matty, myself, and the kids were sailing around the beautiful Bay of Islands over summer, I managed to get a little R&R (reading and relaxation) in. I'm so glad I did because I finally managed to read the #1 New York Times Bestseller, The Nightingale. This book tells the stories of two very different sisters who each embark on their own path towards love and freedom in Nazi occupied, war-torn France. I absolutely loved this book, even though it was quite heart-breaking. I would totally recommend reading it if you want to lose yourself in a book.

In our world...

I'm sitting back at my desk in our studio after a week of camping with friends. We were so lucky with the weather, and all had the best time! Camping is just so awesome for kids in terms of a sense of freedom and fun outdoors. I also realised how much easier it gets as the kids get a bit older – gone are the days of trying to give them naps in hot tents or shushing a crying baby in the night (worrying it's keeping the entire campsite awake, lol).

There's just one week to go of the summer school holidays here in NZ. I am ready for school to go back, but also making the most of spending time with the kids and the slower routine. Time just flies by so fast!

On the work front, I've been creating new designs and working on the video experiences to go with various patterns. I love teaching embroidery and sharing heaps of tips and insights, and I hope these will be super helpful for anyone making our patterns.

Have a great week, everyone!