Crafting Comforts
Edition 9
Spooky Stitching
Hello lovely makers,
October has arrived with its swirl of golden leaves, cosy evenings, and the gentle scent of spiced bakes drifting through the kitchen. It’s that wonderful time of year when we reach for snuggly throws, light our favourite candles, and let the season’s magic inspire our sewing rooms.
A Cosy Halloween & Autumn Magic
Halloween brings a sprinkle of playful fun too, think pumpkins, cosy textures, and a touch of whimsy in our projects. It’s not about frights, but about creative delights… a chance to stitch something seasonal, scrappy, and just a little bit magical.
This month we’re so excited to bring you:
The Marlow Slouch Bag, debuting as a finished item in The Bag Atelier.
A FREE Family Comforts pumpkin pattern, simple, scrappy-friendly, and perfectly seasonal.
A Ted Walks postcard from Saint-Malo, with a touch of French seaside charm, and a fabulous Grog Club wine to celebrate Sandi’s Birthday.
Our newest cosy mug – the Pumpkin Latte edition, ready for autumn's hot beverages.Plus there’s a treat in store for one lucky reader, who will be winning this gorgeous mug along with a bundle of Autumn goodies! The ‘Give Away’ will be running over on our social pages, so be sure to check it out.
And more..
An October playlist that blends spooky classics with mellow autumn acoustic tunes.
And of course, our seasonal bake, a delicious Apple Cider Cake to fill your home with warmth.
Plus, you’ll find your Sewing Street show dates, an autumn-inspired blog feature, and our quick-link bestsellers to make your crafting easier than ever.
So as the nights draw in and the air turns crisp, we hope this month’s newsletter will give you a spark of inspiration, whether it’s stitching up your new Marlow Slouch Bag, trying our scrappy pumpkin project, or baking a slice of spiced apple cider cake.
October is all about slowing down, making time for the little comforts, and finding joy in the handmade. We’d love to see what you’re creating – so don’t forget to share your makes with us over on Facebook or Instagram.
With hugs,
Sandi & the Team x
Read our Latest Blog
Our latest blog is a gentle invitation to slow down, soak in the season’s colours, and find comfort in making. It’s all about cosy evenings, calming stitches, and the joy of creating with autumn’s warmth in mind.
P.S. I’d love to know – what has inspired you to create a sewing project. Hit reply and tell me!
Stitch a Little Joy – Free Pincushion Pattern!
We all need a good pincushion (or two… or five), and this month we’re sharing a little extra comfort for your sewing space. Our Free Pincushion Pattern is simple, scrappy-friendly, and perfect for using up those beautiful little offcuts you’ve been saving.
Whether you're gifting it, making a set for your sewing group, or just treating yourself, it’s a lovely quick project to stitch between bigger makes.
Happy sewing – and don’t forget to share your finished pincushions with us over on social!
Ted Walks – A Birthday Adventure to Saint-Malo
Step into Ted’s travel paws for a birthday week filled with history, sea air, and just a bit of fine French dining. From the storied halls of Royal Haslar to the cobbled charm of Saint-Malo and oyster stalls of Cancale, it’s a journey of naval tales, market treats, and birthday cheer.
Pop the kettle on and come along – this is one for the memory books.
October Cosy Raffle
Subscribe Today For Your chance to win this lovely 'Foxy Pumpkin' Latte Mug and other Autumnal Goodies
We’re celebrating the season with a special giveaway! One lucky subscriber will win our brand new Foxy Pumpkin Latte Mug – a cosy autumn delight – along with a bundle of seasonal goodies we’ve handpicked just for this time of year.
Already subscribed in October? Don’t worry – you're automatically in the draw!
To enter:
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Subscribe to our newsletter (just once is enough!)
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Like us on Facebook or Instagram
That’s it – you’re in!
We’ll draw the winner on 31st October and announce them on our social pages that evening.
👉 Like/Follow us on Facebook
👉 Like/Follow us on Instagram
As always, thank you for being here. Good luck – we can't wait to send this bundle of autumn joy to one of you!
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Whimsical Home & Lifestyle Gifts
We now have a delightful range of items in our gift shop – from aprons and mugs to journals, mousemats and water bottles – all adorned with our unique Family Comforts artwork. You’ll find them featured in the carousel just below, along with a link to browse the full shop.
Bag of the Month - Marlow Slouch Bag
This month’s star is the effortlessly stylish Marlow Slouch Bag – the perfect mix of relaxed elegance and practical design. Whether you’re popping to the shops or heading out for the day, it’s your go-to accessory for autumn and beyond.
Designed with comfort and versatility in mind, this slouchy beauty features a spacious interior, optional pockets, and a wide strap for easy wear. Choose from velvet, cord, or canvas for the outer and make it your own with decorative studs or added handles.
The pattern includes full-sized templates, clear instructions, and tips for customising – perfect for confident beginners or intermediate makers looking for a satisfying weekend sew.
Treat yourself to a stylish make that’s as useful as it is beautiful! And with 50% off the pattern it's a steal!
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Book Playlist of the Month
October Playlist – “Cosy & Spooky Stitches”
Monster Mash – Bobby “Boris” Pickett
Thriller – Michael Jackson
Somebody’s Watching Me – Rockwell
Ghostbusters – Ray Parker Jr.
I Put a Spell on You – Nina Simone
Season of the Witch – Donovan
Witchy Woman – Eagles
Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Werewolves of London – Warren Zevon
This Is Halloween – The Nightmare Before Christmas
Time Warp – The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Superstition – Stevie Wonder
Rhiannon – Fleetwood Mac
Moondance – Van Morrison
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.
Book Review of the Month
As the air turns crisp and the evenings grow longer, autumn feels like the perfect time to slow down and enjoy a few quiet hours of sewing. This season, I picked up Stitch It for Autumn by Lynette Anderson, a delightful book that captures the heart of fall through charming and creative projects. It is filled with ideas that bring warmth and colour into your home, from small framed stitcheries and tea cosies to cushions, table runners, and even quilts.
What makes this book lovely is how each design feels personal and comforting. The patterns feature pumpkins, hens, and falling leaves stitched in warm, muted tones that remind you of nature’s calm beauty. Each project encourages you to take your time, enjoy the process, and create something special with your hands.
Whether you are an experienced maker or just getting back into sewing, this book feels like a friendly companion for cosy afternoons at home. It is not only a source of patterns but also a gentle reminder to pause, be creative, and find joy in the little details of the season.
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.
Apple Cider Cake
A cosy autumn bake that fills the kitchen with the smell of spiced apples. Moist, lightly spiced, and perfect with a cuppa (or a little glass of cider on the side!).
Here's the recipe:
Ingredients:
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250ml apple cider (still or sparkling, not too sweet)
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2 medium eating apples (peeled, cored & diced small)
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200g light brown sugar
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125g unsalted butter (softened)
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2 large eggs
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250g self-raising flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp nutmeg
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½ tsp mixed spice
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50g chopped walnuts (optional)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Icing sugar for dusting
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a loaf tin with baking parchment.
2. In a small pan, simmer the diced apples in 100ml of the cider for 5 minutes until softened. Set aside to cool.
3. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
4. Sift in the flour, baking powder, and spices. Fold gently into the mixture.
5. Stir in the vanilla, walnuts (if using), cooked apples, and the remaining cider. The batter will be soft but spoonable.
6. Pour into the prepared loaf tin and bake for 45–55 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
7. Cool on a wire rack, dust with icing sugar, and serve in thick slices.
Tip: It tastes even better the next day as the flavours settle!
Gordon’s Grog Club
Gordon’s Grog Club: La Bernardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021 – M. Chapoutier
For my birthday in Saint-Malo, Andy and I treated ourselves to a very special evening at the Hôtel Chateaubriand, and what better match than a Châteauneuf-du-Pape with a classic Chateaubriand steak.
This La Bernardine from the renowned house of M. Chapoutier poured a deep ruby red, with elegant legs on the glass hinting at its richness. The nose was beautifully aromatic, full of dark berries, cherries, and a subtle touch of spice and herbs from the Rhône terroir.
With the steak, the wine truly came alive. Its bold flavours of plum, blackberry, and peppery warmth wrapped perfectly around the tenderness of the beef. The silky tannins balanced the richness of the meat, and the long, smooth finish made each mouthful feel like a celebration.
Perfect pairing: Chateaubriand steak (as we enjoyed it!), though it would also shine with lamb or a slow-cooked autumn stew.
Verdict: A memorable bottle for a memorable birthday. Rich, complex, and wonderfully food-friendly, La Bernardine lived up to its reputation. A wine to savour, and one we’ll certainly remember in Gordon’s Grog Club!
Best enjoyed: 2024–2032
Cellaring potential: Up to 10 years from vintage (so until around 2031–32)
Will soften and deepen with age, developing more earthy, leathery, and truffle-like notes.
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.....
What if your sewing scissors mysteriously vanished, only to reappear precisely where you know you’d already looked?
Was it a trick of the light… or the handiwork of a mischievous studio spirit with a taste for thread and thimbles?
This Halloween, keep your pins in a pumpkin, stitch under the watchful eye of a black cat (real or embroidered), and maybe – just maybe – offer a toffee or two to whatever keeps hiding your bobbins. It might keep the sewing gremlins sweet…
