Crafting Comforts
Edition 7 -
Sunlit Stitches
Hello lovely friends,
We’re back! After six incredible weeks away exploring the sun-soaked markets, open spaces and soul-stirring scenery of France, settling back into life in the UK has felt… well, let’s just say the storms and rain clouds weren’t quite the welcome home we’d hoped for!
If you missed our adventures in France there is still the chance for you to read our 'Ted Walks' which we shared as we went. We had a lovely time of things and were both inspired and refreshed at the same time (but like many longer trips we needed a holiday to get over the holiday when we got back!). Read our Ted Walks here → (just click on the arrow to take you there).
Back in my spot..
But despite the soggy weather on our return there’s something comforting about being back at the sewing table, cuppa in hand, surrounded by fabric and familiar faces. Glad to see that as we craft this letter the sun is again peeping at us, if only temporarily.
And this month’s newsletter is full of the kind of creativity, colour and joy that lifts the spirits, whatever the weather’s doing.
Jam Packed Episode....
In this issue, we’re taking you inside the Drawing Room at St Fagans to discover a truly magical embroidered sofa, stitched square by square by a circle of Victorian ladies.
We’ve also got a new Book of the Month, a delicious risotto recipe, some exciting special offers, and a whole host of brand-new goodies, from finishing kits to one-off handmade bags and beautiful merchandise you helped us choose (yes, we are so excited about this in particular - seeing our wonderful animals and designs come to life)!
Whether you’re still holding onto summer memories or getting ready to hunker down with a new project, there’s something here to make your creative heart sing.
Thanks, as always, for being part of this wonderful Family Comforts community, we’re so glad to be home and sharing all of this with you.
With love, threads and sunshine (even if we have to stitch it ourselves!),
Sandi & the Family Comforts Team
In this edition
Read our Latest Blog
This month, we’re showing you how to capture the colours and moods from your travels and transform them into beautiful sewing projects. From pulling palettes straight from your favourite snapshots to matching fabrics and threads, it’s a creative way to make memories last – plus there’s a free printable to help you get started.
P.S. I’d love to know – what has inspired you to create a sewing project. Hit reply and tell me!
Say Hello to the Family Comforts Gift Shop!
You may have spotted Sandi in a recent post proudly wearing her beautiful Family Comforts apron, and we’re over the moon to let you know that it’s now available to buy! We’ve officially opened our brand new Gift Shop section on the website, featuring thoughtfully designed items like mugs, mouse mats, notebooks, and aprons, perfect for gifting or treating yourself. And this is just the beginning… with even more gorgeous goodies arriving soon, you’ll want to keep checking back!
Bag Of The Month: The Portofino Bag
- 50% off Our Pattern
This month’s spotlight shines on one of my absolute favourites, the Portofino Bag. Whether you’re heading to a weekend getaway, a beach stroll, or simply out for a day of shopping, this bag has you covered with effortless charm and clever practicality.
Designed with both form and function in mind, the Portofino features a roomy interior, secure fastenings, and stylish handles, all wrapped up in that classic, casual elegance that makes it a timeless addition to your wardrobe.
Easy to sew, yet impressive to carry — it’s a lovely make whether you’re stitching it for yourself or as a thoughtful gift.
August Offer:
For this month only, enjoy 50% off the Portofino Bag pattern over on our website.
Why not treat yourself to a summer sew and make something you’ll use again and again?
Pop straight in your cart! Sorted. Happy Summer Sewing.
Love Our Bags?
Introducing The Bag Atelier
Drum roll please…
We’re thrilled to introduce The Bag Atelier – our brand-new showcase for beautiful, handcrafted bags. Until now, we’ve only shared our much-loved bag patterns, but by popular demand, we’ll soon be offering a few limited edition versions of our best sellers, ready to purchase.
They’ll be made with the same care, creativity and quality you know us for – just with the added joy of being able to take one home without lifting a needle.
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.
Scrappy Bear Finishing Kit – Complete Memory Bear Supplies
Make your memory bear truly special with our Scrappy Bear Finishing Kit, thoughtfully curated to include all the little extras that bring your bear to life, without the hassle of buying more than you need.
Each kit includes:
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Interfacing (enough to cut all your bear pieces)
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4 buttons (designs may vary) for arms and legs (2 X 20mm, 2 X 25mm)
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Long doll needle (3 various sizes)
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Strong upholstery thread
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Small piece of felt for the nose
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Matching embroidery thread for the smile
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2 pairs of safety eyes with backs
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Decorative ribbon (shade may vary)
Choose from three colour options:
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Classic Bear: Brown felt, brown eyes, red or pink ribbon
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Blueberry Bear: Navy felt, blue eyes, blue ribbon
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Forest Bear: Black felt, black eyes, green ribbon
Level: Confident Beginner
All you need is your own special fabric and stuffing.
Not suitable as a toy but perfect for memory makes, gifts, or display.
You’re never sewing alone; my email is on the pattern if you need help.
Why buy a kit?
Buying these materials separately could cost you up to £45, especially with postage and multi-pack sizing.
Just the interfacing and doll needle alone cost £12.24 on Amazon, and you’d be left with far more than you need.
This is the ideal kit for beginning your journey in Bear making. Saves you time, money, and effort, everything you need, nothing you don’t.
If you are a seasoned Bear Maker, why not multi-buy, as 3 kits and over will be free P&P.
Price:
• Finishing Kit only: £18
• Kit + Pattern Bundle: £25
Book Review of the Month
If you love adding hand-stitched details to your makes, whether it’s a delicate flourish on a quilt, a textured touch on a keepsake, or an intricate embellishment on a memory bear, you’ll appreciate having a reliable stitch guide by your side.
The Complete A-Z of Embroidery Stitches by Inspiration Studios is exactly that: a beautifully presented reference packed with over 150 stitches, each explained with clear step-by-step photos. In this month’s review, we’ll explore what makes it such a must-have for both new and seasoned stitchers.
A Stitch in Time: The Story Sofa at
St. Fagans
Tucked away in the heart of the Drawing Room at St Fagans National Museum of History, you’ll find a sofa quite unlike any other, not just a place to sit, but a tapestry of stories, stitches, and sisterhood.
Lovingly covered in an extraordinary patchwork of embroidered panels, this sofa is a glowing tribute to the creative women of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Each square was made by hand, every thread telling a different tale: floral sprays and proud peacocks, noble castles and country cottages, a bookshelf brimming with classics, even a contented cat curled up on a cushion. Some blocks are delicate, others bold — but all are deeply personal.
According to the museum’s display, this piece was the result of sewing parties hosted by Lady Windsor herself. Friends would gather by the fireside for a cuppa, conversation, and shared stitches, making “all sorts of pretty things” as the music played and stories flowed. The sofa they created together has become a lasting legacy of female friendship, artistry, and domestic life from over a century ago.
Despite the years, the room hasn’t changed much. The carved oak panelling, vintage gramophone, and vast tapestry still surround the scene, but it’s the sofa that quietly steals the show. A symbol of community spirit, creative joy, and everyday women’s work being honoured in a place of historical importance.
If you’re ever near Cardiff, pop into St Fagans and pay a visit to this handmade masterpiece. Take a moment to admire each stitched square, and maybe imagine the hands that made it, the laughter that filled the room, and the timeless joy of making something together.
After all, some things never go out of fashion… especially a sofa full of stories.
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.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto Recipe
Rich, comforting, and full of earthy flavour, creamy mushroom risotto is the perfect dish for a cosy dinner at home. This classic Italian favourite combines tender chestnut mushrooms, creamy Parmesan, and perfectly cooked risotto rice for a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet simple to make. With a little patience and gentle stirring, you’ll have a bowl of warm, creamy goodness that’s worth every minute in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
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1.25L Vegetable Stock
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, crushed
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400g chestnut mushrooms, sliced
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300g risotto rice
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125ml dry white wine
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30g butter
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30g Parmesan cheese, grated
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Salt and pepper
Method:
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Bring the stock to a simmer in a saucepan
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Heat the olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic for 5-7 minutes until softened.
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Add the mushrooms and cook for 8-10 minutes, then stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
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Pour in the wine and cook until almost evaporated.
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Add the stock a ladleful at a time, stirring until absorbed, for at least 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked.
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Stir in the butter and Parmesan, and season with salt and butter to taste.
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving comfort food, our Creamy Mushroom Risotto delivers rich flavour and silky texture in every bite. It’s proof that a little patience at the stove can create a bowlful of pure comfort.
Gordon’s Grog Club
This month's featured wine is a crisp and citrusy white from Provence, perfect for summer evenings or stirring into a creamy risotto...
Wine: Messire d’Éguilles
Awarded: Couronne d’Or 2025 – Concours d’Aix-en-Provence
Location: Cellier d’Éguilles
AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée)
Region: Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France
Style: Crisp, dry white — chilled to perfection!
Perfect For:
• Risottos
• Seafood pasta, lemon chicken, goat cheese salads
• Or simply sipping in the garden as the sun sets
Gordon’s Tasting Note
“A chilled glass of Messire d’Éguilles is like a breath of Provençal air in a bottle. Smooth and citrusy, with just the right amount of zest to lift your spirits after a day at the sewing table.”
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.....
It’s a month that quietly invites us to slow down, make the most of long evenings, and maybe start a project we’ve been putting off – whether that’s a new sewing pattern or simply enjoying the sunshine with a cup of tea (and don't forget to listen to our Summer Spotify Playlist!).
August takes its name from Emperor Augustus, who wanted his month to be just as long as July (named after Julius Caesar), so he borrowed a day from February to make it 31 days. It’s also the only month in the UK that can begin without any letter “y” in its name and still end with a national bank holiday – the perfect excuse for one last summer celebration.
