Story time! For the past year I have been obsessed with needle turn appliqué. I love heritage crafts, especially quilting and so I wanted to expand my own skills while also using up my fabrics, scraps and all those old kids clothes you can’t bear to part with. But I was really struggling to be creative whilst also parenting and trying to keep on top of running a business. I didn’t have the hours I needed to sit at a sewing machine uninterrupted. I needed an on the go craft which I could easily pick up while everyone was occupied for 10 minutes. Something that didn’t require me to think too much and that would help me to relax and have a moment of calm in the chaos.
A first I was just playing with shape and colour. These fabrics are my children’s old (and crucially clean!) underwear. The fabric is a knit fabric (rather than the woven cotton that is usually used in applique) which is why it’s a bit wrinkly, but I actually really liked that organic look. The flexibility of the fabric lends itself to a more natural form and whilst this is not ‘technically correct’ I was starting to explore how I wanted to style to develop.
Since then I’ve been sewing everything I can get my hands on – an old Uniqlo bag that was feeling a bit tired, art, cushions and I have a second hand oversized Zara shirt I picked up from the charity shop that I am starting very soon. I’ve just got to decide what I actually want to put onto it. I’m thinking classic folky vibes with flowers, horses, stars and general leaf shapes. I want to have it ready for a light summer top to stay covered so I need to get started soon!
As always I want to share in my crafty joy, so I have put together Needle Turn Mail Club! FFD OG’s will remember We Make Collective, my craft club that I ran around 10 years ago now. I LOVED creating those kits and giving my club the tools to try something new and make something they felt proud of, so this felt so natural to me to share my new craft obsession with you!
Not only is this mail a kit to create your own needle turn patches to add to clothes, accessories, soft furnishings or art… it also includes an online course that shows you exactly how to start, what to use and how to master needle turn appliqué as a skill. Once you’ve watched the training videos you will be able to sew to your hearts content and if you’re anything like me you wont stop!
But it doesn’t end there! When you’re a Needle Turn Mail Club member you will receive additional pieces to help reuse and recycle. This month I am including a denim patch you can use to start upcycling straight away.
I send out the Mail Drop on the 1st of each month and I only have enough supplies for 50 places in April so join today to make sure you get yours! Can’t wait to welcome you into the club!
