A Gem in Blogland

Sometimes you come across a gem.  You may not know it is a gem when you first encounter it – you may think it is another pebble on the beach just like you.  But over time the shine brightens until you see the pebble for what it really is – a true gem.

The gem to which I am referring is Amy from Amy Made That.   We first met on the Zakka sew along last year when we swapped hints and tips, laughter and fun.

The mug rug I made for Amy

Then Amy invited me to swap mug rugs with her and I undertook my very first mug rug swap.  I wasn’t nervous at all because Amy was so relaxed about it all.  

One of two mug rugs Amy sent to me

From there we joined with Amy’s sister, Susie (another gem) to form the Across the Pond sew-along group.  The group, like Amy, Susie and I, is very relaxed and full of fun.   It was our very first project, the Anita Vacation Tote - a pattern from Amy's pattern shop - that showed me just what a gem Amy is. 

Amy's tutorial pattern showed me how to make a professional looking tote bag complete with inner zipped compartment.  And it was so easy - I just followed Amy's clear and clever instructions. 

Amy's Topiary Pillow

And now Amy has introduced me to zipped cushions where the back of my cushion looks as professional as the front.

My version - with a touch of gingham - of course!

Can you believe this is a free pattern?  It is Amy’s make for the Christmas in July blog hop that we participated in this month.

Yes, I made this zipped cushion back - I am well chuffed!

I whipped up this cushion in an afternoon with the zipped back taking just 30 minutes! 

But then it was easy because Amy made it first and she made sure even the most ardent zip-a-phobe would be able to complete this project.   This is my project for the Christmas in July theme of our Across the Pond sew-along.

Amy has another free cushion tutorial - the snowflake cushion - which would also make a superb Christmas project if you fancy joining us..

Are you in?   If so don’t forget to post your pictures to the Flickr group.  If not that is fine also.  On sunny days there is always so many things we like to do.  But do check back on the first of every month for a new theme or pattern – you never know just when you might want to jump aboard this merry band of land-lubbers. 
 

p.s. Amy is having a sale on all her patterns at the moment so you can pick up the Anita Vacation Bag pattern for just $5 (about £3.50 in English money).  Check out her Craftsy store.