February Again and Heartfelt Stitches

Hello again, we have made it to another February, the month where it is often a little cold, dark & dreary. But, it holds the potential for so much change in its 28 short days as we move that much closer to Spring. Can you sense a change unfolding yet? This month you will mostly find me: Planting delicious vegetables in the garden, losing myself in the pages of captivating books, and, of course sketching and painting. As the wood-stove crackles, I find solace in the rhythmic dance of a needle in hand, weaving intricate tales with every stitch. It is also the month that we take our first trip away of this year, as we are heading to the peaks in the camper van for a few peaceful days.

In this blog post I wanted to take you on a little journey through the creation of my most recent fabric art pieces; these vintage and antique textile hearts are heading into the shop soon. The wonderful thing about creating these fabric squishes is the way they come to life in such unique ways, each one surprising me with their cute individual personalities. This is because they are such spontaneous pieces to craft, I never sketch them out, I draw directly onto the fabric and dive straight into the cutting, layering, stitching, and decorating until they are complete. And of course, love is in the air this month, so all the more perfect for enjoying all things with a pretty and romantic aesthetic. From delicate lace to sumptuous silk and velvet, these pieces are like love stories woven into fabric. And who could resist the allure of a heart crafted from vintage gems that whispers tales of yesteryears?

I will confess too that I have a serious crush on antique lace here at Magpies and Diamonds. Maybe a little more than a crush, more like a full-blown lace obsession. And you know what? I am totally okay with that! After all, each lace pattern carries its own unique story of nostalgia and elegance in every delicate thread. Lace, with its soft beauty, reminds us of the love and dedication that went into creating each design. That’s likely why I have woven a smattering of antique lace into each of the fabric heart designs.

So, whether you are a die-hard romantic or just someone who appreciates the finer things in life, take a peek at these latest handmade fabric hearts here, and remember, you don't need an excuse to indulge in the magic of romance. I hope you enjoy the pictures below taken from the collection.

Do you have a fabric that makes your heart skip a beat too? I would love to hear about it - it's always fun to geek out about the things we adore. Until then, may your days be filled with the warmth of creativity and the enchantment of romance.