Crafting Comforts
Edition 11
Happy Holidays
A Month to Slow Down, Stitch Love Into Every Moment, and Feel the Magic of Making
A Gentle Welcome to December
As we step into December, I’m reminded that the true spirit of Christmas isn’t found in the rush, but in the quiet comforts, the warm cup between our hands, the twinkling lights at dusk, the familiar songs that wrap around us like a favourite quilt. This month at Family Comforts, we’re celebrating all the cosy, soulful joys that make the season feel enchanted.
Blog of the Month: Sewing the Spirit of Christmas
In our featured blog, Sewing the Spirit of Christmas, we wander through the softer side of the holidays, where kindness, connection, and handmade memories matter more than any gift that comes wrapped in a bow.
Celebrating Our Autumn Giveaway Winner
Thank you to every single one of you who joined our Autumn Giveaway with such warmth. We’re thrilled to announce the winner this month – your support means the world.
One Whole Year of Our New Website
December also marks a beautiful milestone:
✨ One whole year of our new Family Comforts website ✨
To honour it, we’re hosting a special giveaway of our Aurelius Blue Bear, a true heirloom and a symbol of the love, loss, memory, and comfort that sits at the heart of everything we do.
Sounds of the Season: Our Christmas Playlist
Our Christmas Playlist is ready to fill your kitchen, sewing room, or cosy corner with songs to sew, bake, wrap, or simply breathe to. Pop it on and let the festive rhythm carry you through the season.
Book of the Month: The Little Book of Hygge
This month, we’re cuddling up with The Little Book of Hygge, a perfect companion for comfort-seekers who adore soft blankets, flickering candles and the art of slowing down.
In the Kitchen: A Taste of the Market
We’re treating you to something special, a recipe that tastes like a Christmas market at midnight: Mulled Wine Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream. Perfectly festive and full of cheer.
Gordon Grog Club: A Festive Twist
For our Gordon Grog Club, we’re shaking things up with a Christmas Espresso Martini – available in both a spirited version and a delicious alcohol-free alternative.
A Festive Arrival in The Atelier Bag Shop
A very exciting guest has just arrived: our heirloom Marlowe Slouch, in all her festive glory. A timeless, one-of-a-kind piece designed to be cherished, carried and remembered.
Thank You, With All My Heart
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being here, for supporting small creative businesses, and for lifting Family Comforts into a place of community and care this year. As we each move through December in our own way, I hope you find moments of stillness, inspiration, and joy tucked into unexpected places.
With love, warmth, and a mug of something delicious,
Sandi and the Team xx
PS You can quickly jump to each section of choice by clicking 'in this edition'
In this edition
Family Comforts First Anniversary Giveaway Bear
A Heartfelt Thank You & A Special Giveaway ✨
As we celebrate the first anniversary of our Family Comforts website, we want to say a huge thank you to each and every one of you. Whether you've welcomed a Memory Bear into your home, gifted handmade treasures, or simply shared kind words along the way, you've helped make this first year truly meaningful.
To mark the occasion, we’ve created something very special — a one-of-a-kind keepsake bear, lovingly stitched to honour the moments, memories, and magic we've shared so far.
Meet Aurelius Blue. And soon… she could be yours.
Meet Aurelius Blue
In a little sewing room where fabrics whisper their memories and threads weave gentle magic, a very special bear came to life.
Her name is Aurelius Blue, a golden-hearted companion created to celebrate the first anniversary of our Family Comforts website.
Aurelius was lovingly crafted from a blend of cherished prints and velvety soft fabrics, chosen for the stories they remind us of: cosy evenings, handwritten letters, and the comforting weight of a well-loved quilt. Her ears bloom with golden floral fabric, and her paws are finished with delicate lace, a nod to the heirlooms passed tenderly from one generation to the next.
Her deep blue body reflects calm skies and quiet moments, those times when a cup of tea, a slow breath, and a familiar friend can make everything feel just a little lighter. The name Aurelius, meaning “the golden one,” echoes in her shimmering ribbon and the warmth she’s ready to share with the world.
She is more than fabric and thread, she’s a symbol of gratitude. For every customer, every maker, every story shared and sewn with us.
She carries just one wish in her heart:
“May the home I find be one where memories are treasured and comfort is always close.”
How to Enter to Win Aurelius Blue
Between now and 30th December, Aurelius Blue will be taking a little journey... and you’re invited to follow along.
Here’s how to enter:
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Watch our socials – We’ll be posting three pictures of Aurelius Blue in different locations between now and 30th December.
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On 1st January, we’ll ask a simple question:
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Which three countries did Aurelius Blue visit?
You’ll be given three multiple-choice answers to choose from. -
Sign up to our Family Comforts newsletter (if you haven’t already).
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One lucky winner will be drawn at random on 3rd January 2026!
Keep your eyes on our pages, join in the fun, and help Aurelius find her forever home.
New In: Christmas Latte Mug
Wrap your hands around something cosy this season with our new Christmas Latte Mug, the perfect partner for winter mornings, sewing days, and festive evenings by the fire.
With its gently tapered shape and cheerful seasonal design, it holds just the right amount of your favourite brew, whether it's frothy coffee, mulled tea, or a festive hot chocolate topped with cream.
A lovely gift for a fellow maker, or a little treat for yourself to sip and sew in true Family Comforts style.
The Complete Family Comforts Handy Guide Library - your sewing companion for life
The Ultimate Bundle
This is for the sewers who wants it all ,organisation, inspiration, and every Handy Guide released so far.
This carefully curated bundle gives you the full collection, beautifully stored in your Starter Folder, ready to dip into whenever you need guidance, confidence, or a burst of creativity.
Includes:
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The Handy Guide Starter Folder
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All available Handy Guides, including:
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Needles & Threads
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Sewing with Difficult Materials
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Batting & Interfacing
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Sewing Tools
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Zips & Fasteners
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Hand Sewing and Basic Stitches
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Hooping & Stabilising for Machine Embroidery
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Plus our 20 page Handy Cushion Companion "Pillow Talk"
with room for any new Handy Guides to follow.
Everything you need to expand your skills, elevate your sewing, and create with confidence — all in one beautifully organised place.
Perfect for:
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Dedicated sewers
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Loyal Family Comforts customers
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Anyone wanting the full, no-fuss library
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A luxury sewing gift they’ll treasure
Your complete sewing reference collection, practical, beautiful, and made with love.
Playlist of the Month
December Playlist - Classic and Cosy (with a hint of 80s Sparkle)
This year’s final Family Comforts playlist brings together timeless Christmas charm with a little toe-tapping nostalgia.
These are the songs that make you hum while you sew, smile while you bake, and feel grateful for the small, cosy moments that make Christmas magic.
A Quick 'How to'
We've given you two options to listen to our choice of music - click on the 'Go to our Spotify Playlist' - you will need a FREE account already for this. OR...
You can listen straight from here by clicking on the 'play' arrow. Sorted. Music abounds.
Sewing Street Update
We’re back on Sewing Street – 29th December
Join us for two inspiring shows:
Show 1 – Cloud Bag
Drift away on a wave of creativity with the Cloud Bag – a soft, stylish design that blends everyday practicality with handmade charm. With gentle curves and thoughtful details, it’s a joy to sew and even lovelier to carry. Roomy yet elegant, it’s perfect for daily use or special outings, and show-exclusive Handy Guide bundles come with a little surprise too!
Show 2 – Vintage Style Hand Tied Quilt
By popular demand, a cosy, fleecy-backed quilt perfect for winter. Sandi will demo fleece backing, binding, and the gentle art of hand tying.
Pop the kettle on and sew along with us for a day of comfort and creativity.
Christmas Pattern Bundle - Still on Offer for Only £15
We have extended this great offer for December too.
Make this Christmas beautifully handmade
Bring festive joy to your sewing table with our limited-edition Christmas Pattern Bundle!
This charming trio includes a seasonal cushion & runner set, three mix-and-match stockings, and our nostalgic vintage pinny with oven mitt – all designed for easy sewing and thoughtful gifting.
Usually £19 – now just £15 while stocks last!
Perfect for using up favourite fabrics and adding a sprinkle of Family Comforts magic to your home.
Book Review of the Month
The Little Book of Hygge
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s something rather lovely about slowing down a little, lighting a candle, and enjoying the cosy comforts of home. November always feels like a month for gentle creativity, finishing those half-done projects, trying out new ideas, and finding warmth in simple moments. So, pop the kettle on, snuggle under a quilt, and let’s make this a month filled with comfort, kindness, and a little festive sparkle just peeking around the corner.
Let’s Sew Together – Book Me for a Workshop, Course or Creative Talk!
Did you know I run friendly, hands-on sewing courses tailored to suit all levels, from beginners finding their way with a needle, to seasoned stitchers looking for fresh inspiration? My workshops are ideal for quilt groups, independent fabric shops, local sewing clubs, and even small groups of friends who love to sew together. I also offer inspiring talks for the WI and other community groups, sharing stories from behind the seams of my design journey (with a few cheeky bears thrown in for good measure!). If you’d like to bring some stitching magic to your group, event or venue, I’d love to chat. Let’s create something special together!
Top Tip:
When booking a sewing workshop, think about the projects your group will enjoy most—whether it’s learning a new technique, making a keepsake, or tackling a skill you’ve always wanted to master. Tailoring the theme to your group makes the day even more inspiring and memorable.
To view upcoming courses or to make an enquiry simple click below.
October Raffle Winner!
Thank you to everyone who subscribed during October – all new subscribers were entered into our special autumn raffle.
And The Winner Is…
A huge congratulations to Janet Vaughan, the winner of our Autumn Giveaway Bundle! Janet was over the moon to receive her parcel, telling us, “I never win anything, so it’s made my day.” Moments like these are exactly why we love putting together these seasonal treats, they’re our way of giving back to this warm and wonderfully creative community.
Janet, we’re so pleased the bundle found its way to you and we can’t wait to see what beautiful makes come from those fabrics, threads, treats, and guides. When your project comes to life, please share it with us as nothing brings us more joy than seeing your creativity bloom.
Mulled Wine Cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream
They smell like Christmas Eve and taste like a toast to comfort and joy.
If Christmas had a scent, it might just be these cupcakes, rich cocoa, warm spice, and a hint of red wine drifting through the kitchen. They’re the perfect treat for festive gatherings or a little indulgence while wrapping gifts by fairy-light.
Ingredients:
You’ll Need (makes 10–12):
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• 100ml red wine (your favourite will do!)
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• 50g butter, softened
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• 100g caster sugar
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• 1 egg
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• 75g gluten-free self-raising flour
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• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
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• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
For the Spiced Buttercream:
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• 100g butter, softened
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• 200g icing sugar
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• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
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• 1 tbsp red wine (or a splash of milk if preferred)
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 170°C and line a muffin tin with paper cases. 2. In a small pan, gently warm the red wine with a cinnamon stick for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and leave to cool. 3. Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. 4. Add the egg and cooled mulled wine, mixing until combined. If the mixture starts to split then add some flour during the process. 5. Sift in the flour, cocoa, and cinnamon; fold together until smooth. 6. Spoon into cupcake cases and bake for 15–18 minutes, until risen and springy to the touch. 7. For the buttercream, beat all ingredients until pale and creamy. 8. Once the cakes are cool, pipe or spread on the frosting, dust with a little cocoa or cinnamon, and enjoy with a steaming mug of tea (or perhaps another sip of wine!).
Gordon’s Grog Club
Christmas Espresso Martini
Rich, velvety, and guaranteed to wake up your festive spirit!
You’ll need:
• 50ml vodka (good quality works best)
• 25ml coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
• 25ml freshly brewed espresso (cooled)
• ½ tsp sugar syrup (or adjust to taste)
• Ice cubes
• Coffee beans, grated chocolate, or a dusting of cocoa for garnish
To make:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and sugar syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 20–30 seconds until the shaker feels icy cold.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass, you’ll get that perfect creamy foam on top.
5. Garnish with three coffee beans or a light sprinkle of chocolate, cheers to Christmas!
Sandi’s Tip: For a festive twist, add a tiny dash of vanilla extract or a grating of orange zest before shaking — it gives the drink a warm, Christmassy aroma.
Our Best Sellers this Month
Best sellers
Spend Over £50 for
FREE P&P
Great news! From now on orders over £50 will qualify for FREE postage. No codes needed - your discount will be automatically applied at checkout.
Happy crafting!
NB Applies to all items sold online.
Consider this.....
As December wraps us in twinkling lights and the scent of spice, consider the quiet origins of Christmas – a season once rooted in midwinter gatherings, stories by firelight and the simple joy of giving. Long before shopping lists and tinsel, there was St Nicholas, known for his kindness and care. This month, may we all find moments to honour that spirit – not in grand gestures, but in little acts of warmth, creativity and love.
Crafting Comforts:
A Year in view
Here are just some of our versions of Ted over the last year!
Enjoy and Happy 2026!
