Crafting Comforts
Edition 8 -
The Autumn Thread
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.
Hello lovely friends,
September always feels like a gentle turning point, doesn’t it? The last golden rays of summer are still with us, but the evenings are cooler, the markets are full of figs, pumpkins, and autumn colours, and I always find myself drawn back into cosy crafting. It’s the perfect time to curl up with a project that feels comforting and creative, and this month’s newsletter is packed with ideas to inspire you.
Cosy Makes & Little Treats for You..
Very excited to share a 'ta daaa' moment - something we have been working on for a while which we hope you will like.
We’ve put together a blog on cosy crafting for the season ahead to get you in the mood, along with a special free pattern for an autumn bookmark, a quick little make that I hope you’ll enjoy stitching. Our Gift Shop has some lovely new additions too, including a children’s apron and a photo book, perfect for gathering those holiday memories into something lasting.
If you’ve had your eye on a new bag, don’t miss this month’s special offer: 50% off the Daisy Folding Bag. And do take a peek at The Bag Atelier where my new, one-of-a-kind designs are appearing, but be quick, once they’re gone, they’re gone!
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Cosy Eats, Beats & Reads....
This month we’re also sharing a comforting recipe for Butternut Squash & Apple Soup, perfect for cooler nights, plus our Playlist of the Month to keep you company while you sew. Our Book Review features Sewing with Heavy-Duty Fabrics by Laura Sinikka Wilhelm, a real treat for anyone who enjoys trying out sturdier projects. And of course, Gordon’s Grog Club is back with another sip of something special.
On a personal note, Andy and I have just returned from an unforgettable adventure sailing the Norwegian fjords, with two dear friends aboard Cunard’s Queen Anne. The scenery was breathtaking, and it was the perfect way to soak up inspiration for the months ahead (check out our latest Ted Walks - Postcard from the Fjords).
So, grab a warm drink, settle into your favourite chair, and enjoy everything we’ve stitched together for you this month. Here’s to a September full of colour, comfort, and creativity.
With love,
Sandi xx
Ted Walks - Postcard from the Fjords
September hasn’t just brought new fabrics and fresh ideas – it’s also taken us on another adventure! With Ted packed and ready, we set off to explore stunning landscapes, timeless design, and plenty of inspiration along the way. From fjords to gala dinners, here’s a little glimpse into where we’ve been and what’s been filling our creative cup this month...
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!
New merchandise- Childs Apron, Hardback Memory Photo Album!
New in the Gift Shop!
How cute does little Sienna look modelling our brand-new Children’s Apron?
Perfect for baking, crafting, painting, or just joining in with all the messy fun, these aprons are both practical and utterly charming.
Made with one of our signature Family Comforts designs, they’re a lovely way for your little ones (or grandchildren!) to feel part of the creative magic. Whether they’re whisking up fairy cakes or helping out in the sewing room, this apron will keep clothes safe while adding a sprinkle of joy.
Pop over to the Gift Shop to see the new addition, available now while stocks last! See our full range below.
New in the Gift Shop!
How cute is Sienna in our brand-new Children’s Apron?
Perfect for baking, crafting & messy fun!
Check below for details.
Bag of the Month - Daisy Folding Bag with a 50% discount off the pattern
Have you ever set off on holiday only to find you don’t have the perfect handbag for each outfit? That’s exactly where the Daisy Folding Handbag shines. Unlike bulky bags that take up valuable packing space, this clever design folds neatly into a compact 9” x 6” bundle of goodness, so why not make one to match every look in your suitcase?
Quick and easy to sew, the Daisy is ideal for using up those smaller pieces of fabric in your stash. Inside, you’ll find a roomy patch pocket for essentials, while the discreet zipped pocket on the back keeps your keys, lipstick, or card close to hand.
And of course, true to Family Comforts style, you can make it truly your own – play with different handles, pockets, or interfacings to create a bag that’s as individual as you are.
So go on, raid your stash, sew up a Daisy or two, and enjoy having the perfect bag for every occasion.
Book Playlist of the Month
Autumn Evenings – Family Comforts Playlist
1. Fleetwood Mac – Landslide (1975)
2. Elton John – Tiny Dancer (1971)
3. David Bowie – Young Americans (1975)
4. Van Morrison – Moondance (1970)
5. Carly Simon – Nobody Does It Better (1977)
6. The Police – Every Breath You Take (1983)
7. U2 – With or Without You (1987)
8. Tracy Chapman – Fast Car (1988)
9. Simply Red – Stars (1991)
10. R.E.M. – Nightswimming (1992)
11. Norah Jones – Don’t Know Why (2002)
12. Sade – Smooth Operator (1984)
Warm, mellow, a little nostalgic — just right for cooler September nights with your sewing.
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
What's On Next!
We had such a wonderful time on Sewing Street in August with John, if you missed it, it’s definitely worth catching the replay just to hear the two of us singing “Sisters”! I’ll be back on Sunday 29th September with another jam-packed couple of hours, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
In the first hour, I’ll be launching my 7th Handy Guide, all about stabilisers and hooping for machine embroidery. It’s a little longer than usual (there was just too much to fit into 4 pages!) but still at the same great price. Even if you don’t have an embroidery machine, I’ve included plenty of hints and tips for getting the most from your decorative stitches too. I’ll also be showing you how to make a beautiful make-up/toiletry bag with an embroidered pocket.
In the second hour, I’m honoured to demonstrate not one but two of Helen Newton’s gorgeous patterns – the brand-new (and super cute!) Gingerbread Man Cushion, and the return of her much-loved Gnome pattern.
It promises to be a fantastic morning and I’d love for you to join us!
Fun Fact!
The song “Sisters” was first written by Irving Berlin for the 1954 film White Christmas. It was sung by Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen (with Vera’s part dubbed) and later made famous in the UK by the Beverley Sisters. One of the best-loved moments in the film is when Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye cheekily perform it in drag, all feather fans and giggles! So John and I were in very good company carrying on the tradition.
Book Review of the Month
If you’ve ever been daunted by working with canvas, denim, oilcloth or waxed cotton, this month’s pick will give you the confidence to dive in.
Sewing with Heavy Duty Fabrics by Laura Sinikka Wilhelm is a beautifully presented guide packed with durable yet stylish projects, from backpacks and utility aprons to roll-up organisers and sturdy totes. With clear step-by-step instructions, guidance on needles and threads, and inspiring photography, it makes tackling tougher fabrics approachable and rewarding.
Whether you’re an intermediate sewist ready to level up or a bag maker looking to expand your skills, this book is a practical resource that combines modern design with long-lasting craftsmanship. It’s one to keep close by if you want to create makes that truly last.
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.
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe
September marks the transition to Autumn, making it a great time for seasonal recipes that incorporate late summer and early autumn ingredients. One delicious option is a butternut squash and apple soup.
Here's a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
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2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (Granny Smiths work well)
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Olive oil
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Optional: cream or coconut milk for garnish
Method:
1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
2. Add Squash and Apples: Stir in the diced butternut squash and chopped apples. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add Broth and Spices: Pour in the broth and add the cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
4. Blend: Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending in batches.
5. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, drizzled with cream or coconut milk if desired.
This soup is warm, comforting, and highlights the wonderful flavours of September!
Gordon’s Grog Club
Gordon’s Grog Club: “Chicken Wine” Rosé
This month we’re raising a glass to La Vieille Ferme Rosé — affectionately nicknamed “Chicken Wine” thanks to the little hen on its label. Andy and I first spotted it stacked high in French supermarkets long before TikTok caught on, and it’s been one of our favourite finds ever since. Now it seems the rest of the world has finally clucked onto the secret!
Tasting note:
A pale, salmon-pink rosé with delicate aromas of wild strawberries, citrus zest, and a hint of blossom. On the palate it’s fresh and lively, think ripe red berries, soft peach, and a whisper of minerality that keeps it wonderfully crisp. Dry, refreshing, and very easy to drink, it’s a crowd-pleaser without trying too hard.
Food pairing:
Perfect with roasted chicken (of course!), charcuterie boards, or a simple tomato and mozzarella salad, but equally lovely on its own with a bit of stitching and good company.
“Proof that sometimes the chicken really does come before the TikTok!”
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 the kids head back to school and the last of the summer linens are folded away, September offers a quiet invitation to slow down and settle in. The light softens, the evenings draw close, and there’s that familiar nip in the air – perfect conditions for digging into a new project.
It’s a wonderful time for crafters:
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Planning makes for autumn markets or Christmas fairs
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Sorting fabric stashes and rediscovering forgotten favourites
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Swapping breezy florals for rich tweeds, velvets, and cosy brushed cottons
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Trying your hand at seasonal makes – draught excluders, hot water bottle covers, or perhaps a memory bear in autumn tones
September is a month of quiet preparation – not quite the rush of the festive season, but full of promise. A gentle nudge to create something lovely before the year turns.
