Story time! For the last year I have been obsessed with needlepoint applique. I love traditional crafts, especially quilting, so I wanted to expand my own skills while also using my fabrics, scraps and all those old children’s clothes you can’t bear to part with. But I was really struggling to be creative at the same time as being a parent and trying to stay on top of running a business. I didn’t have the hours I needed to sit at a sewing machine without interruptions. I needed a mobile boat that I could easily pick up while everyone was busy for 10 minutes. Something that wouldn’t force me to think too much and would help me relax and have a moment of calm in the midst of chaos.
At first I was just playing with shape and color. These fabrics are my children’s old (and fundamentally clean!) underwear. The fabric is knit (rather than the woven cotton usually used in appliqués), so it’s a little wrinkled, but I actually really liked that organic look. The flexibility of the fabric lends itself to a more natural shape and although this is not “technically correct”, I was starting to explore how I wanted to develop the style.
Since then I’ve been sewing whatever I can get my hands on: an old Uniqlo bag that was feeling a little tired, art, cushions and I have a second-hand oversized Zara shirt I bought in the charity shop I’m opening very soon. I just have to decide what I really want to put in it. I’m thinking classic folk vibes with flowers, horses, stars, and general leaf shapes. I want to get it ready for a light summer top to stay covered, so I need to get started soon!
As always I want to share my craft joy, so I’ve created the Needle Turn Mail Club! FFD OGs will remember We Make Collective, my craft club I ran 10 years ago. I LOVED creating those kits and giving my club the tools to try something new and make something they would be proud of, so it felt very natural for me to share my new craft obsession with you!
Not only is this mailer a kit for creating your own needlepoint patches to add to clothing, accessories, furniture, or art… but it also includes an online course that shows you exactly how to get started, what to use, and how to master needlepoint applique as a skill. Once you’ve watched the training videos, you’ll be able to sew to your heart’s content and if you’re like me, you won’t stop!
But it doesn’t end there! When you are a member of the Needle Turn Mail Club, you will receive additional pieces to help reuse and recycle. This month I’m including a denim patch that you can use to start recycling right away.
I send the Mail Drop on the 1st of every month and I only have enough supplies for 50 locations in April, so join today to make sure you get yours! I can’t wait to welcome you to the club!
