DIY Cottage Style Pumpkin

Today I am going to show you how to make a beautiful Cottage Style Pumpkin, from an old woollen scarf.

You could also use an old jumper, or even some scraps of fabrics to create your pumpkins, but the main thing to take away, is to make them your own.  Add your own embellishments, have fun creating, use your imagination, and create the prettiest pumpkins to add to your own Home Decor, or gift for others to enjoy.

______________________________________________________________________

To create your pumpkin:

Do you own an old woollen scarf that you no longer wear?  Ever wondered what you could do with it?  Well, don't just discard it to landfill, why not re purpose it into pretty Cottage Style Pumpkins?

They are perfect for the Autumn/Fall season, to add to your cosy decor.

Follow my step by step instructions below, to find out how to make yours.

My scarf, made 11 pumpkins in total.

Step 1

Fold your scarf in half length ways, right sides together and pin in place.

Step 2

Stitch along the edge of your scarf leaving approximately 1/2 inch seam allowance, then divide your scarf into smaller sections and cut.  Mine were around 6 inches each.

Step 3

Gather one edge of one of your tubes around the circumference and pull tight to gather.  I used a double thread for this.  Repeat on all of your tubes.

Step 4

Secure your gathers with a few stitches and turn your pumpkin right sides out.  Repeat the same on the others too.

Step 5

Using Toy Stuffing or scraps of fabric, stuff each pumpkin.

Step 6

Now close the open end, using double thread and a gather stitch.  Secure with a few stitches.

Step 7

Using a strong thread (I used Embroidery thread), tie a knot at one end and insert your needle in from the top, right through until it comes out the centre bottom.  Wrap the thread around and reinsert to create the pumpkin sections (I created 7).  Pull tight and secure with a few stitches.

Step 8

Cut a strip of Burlap/Hessian and roll to create a stalk.  Use your glue gun to secure it.  I inserted some florist wire inside mine, so that I could mould it to shape.  Then glue it into the centre top hole.

Step 9 (Optional)

Cut out a couple of leaves from the Hessian/Burlap and glue to the top.  Glue some of the tassels from the scarf for added texture and add a bow made from a vintage lace.

Or

Embellish using whatever you have to hand

I hope you found this mini DIY useful and will enjoy creating your own Pumpkins.  Maybe you could use an old jumper or t-shirt to create some too?  And watch out for more on my Instagram, created with Liberty Scraps and Denim.

If you use this tutorial to create your own Pumpkins, please tag me on Instagram @michellecorbindesign and use the Hashtag #michellemademestitch

Have a lovely day, and Happy Stitching

Michelle xxx

 

I have Social Media Blues

Most of you who have followed me on Social Media for a while, will know that up until last year, I posted on Facebook and Instagram pretty much every day, quite often twice a day, and dipped in and out of Twitter and Pinterest.

I loved the buzz, the interaction and the community I had built.  Facebook did change in 2015 I think it was, but I found ways to keep my community interactive.  Then Instagram changed once Facebook took over, which changed the Algorithm and made it harder to be seen too.

Facebook was my first Social Media love, where I made my first online sale and it's where I have built a wonderful following, but as times have been changing I have also worked hard to increase my community on Instagram.  I'm still working on that, and I have recently purchased Hashtag Autentic by Sara Tasker (me and orla) to help with that - however, Facebook have recently announced new changes are afloat, and they don't sound very conducive to the world of small businesses. 

I'm a busy mum, working hard to look after my family, sew pretty things, and to promote my business as much as I can.  I have learnt so much since I began and I continue to learn, but the changes that regularly develop on Social Media Platforms, are incredibly hard for us 'Small Businsses' to keep up with at times and quite frankly - it's exhausting!

The new changes are said to decrease our posts from being seen even more, unless we create "amazing content" all of the time, which increases reactions, comments and shares.  These to be honest have always been important, but it looks like they will be even more significant or we will disappear in a puff of smoke!  Ok maybe not, but our posts just won't be seen. 

I just want to make pretty things and show them to you lol!!

Also, The Corbin Family decided to move house last year and life has changed.  The move was rough, with more than your average ups and downs, so my postings on Facebook and Instagram decreased as did my sewing hours.  I'm now trying hard to get back to where I was, but I've been struggling.

I have Social Media Blues!!

Overwhelmed with the work needed in the new house (it's a doer upper which needs lots of tlc), some personal family ups and downs, plus the getting back into the 'posting rhythm', the commenting and 'interacting rhythm' and generally finding the inspiration to post new amazing content every day, I just want to run away and hide instead!

Has something similar happened to you?  Will I ever lose these blues?  I miss the interaction and buzz it used to bring, but I just can't think what to post or comment anymore.  What is this "Amazing Content" and where will I find it?  Perhaps I'd best have another coffee and see if I can find it!!

If you have any top tips, to help me get out of my blues, please comment or email me info@michellecorbindesign.co.uk

Off to stitch something pretty now

Michelle xx

I Discovered Bullet Journalling!!

 A Belated Happy New Year xx

 So March 2017 I discovered a new way to plan my days, which tbh, really has changed my life!

The Bullet Journal!!

My Journals!
Filofax Notebook for Business Planning
and
Scribbles That Matter for Bullet Journalling

So what is a Bullet Journal?

Well it's basically a notebook that you use to plan your days in!

Isn't that a Diary?

Well, yes, but how often have you bought a diary, that you haven't had enough room to plan your day in the allocated space, so you end up using bits of paper, and before you knew it, you had lost your bit of paper, and therefore your To-do list or notes that needed to be re-written?

Yeah, me too!
Or, how often have you bought a diary and something didn't happen that day, so you left that page blank - therefore wasting valuable paper?
Yeah, me too!

So grab your cuppa and I'll talk you through my experience...

So, I used to use a Diary constantly, back when I was a Freelance Hairstylist and Lecturer, for my appointments and scheduling.  I've always also liked a good To-do list, but never found I had enough room for notes in my diary, so bits of paper were constanly added to my diary.
Then, when I started Michelle Corbin Design, I kept the diary system, but I found the opposite, I never really used it to it's full.  Many pages went unused, I found it a waste of money, it just didn't really work for me, so I began to use my phone calendar.  And, OMG that I found was a nightmare, I would forget what I had typed in, couldn't find anything, didn't have enough space to put all of the details in, kept forgetting how to use it, and it just took me so long to figure out what where and how!!  So I just continued with pen and paper notebook and referred to the phone calendar for dates, because, well, digital just didn't suit me, I remember things better when I write them, this appeared to be working, but I wasn't consistant as to how I jotted my to-lists down and I struggled with an appointment system - que the revelation!!

I flicking through good old Pinterest one day, when I discovered a few pins regarding the Bullet Journal, I dismissed them at first, but they kept popping up, so curiosity then struck and I took a look.  The first I saw, was an article from Bohoberry and in her article she advised you to go to the original source, the creator of the system bulletjournal.com. to find out how and where to start, so that's what I did - this was it!!

And that's what you should too, if you too, would like to try.  On the website bulletjournal.com everything is detailed to get you started, but the important thing to remember, is it is flexible, and you can use your notebook how you like, in order to do what you want or need to do.  Use it as a base to get you started and then adapt it to help you plan your life more efficiently.

Ryder Carroll, the creator, takes you through the system step by step and advises you that all you'll need is a notebook and pen (but you can purchase special Bullet Journal Notebooks on their site too).  

My first notebook, was just an old plain papered book I had on my shelf.  I began planning out my days in Bullet Journal format and I followed a few You Tube videos to get inspiration, and became hooked.
Boho Berry is one of my favourites

My first books aren't too pretty like hers tbh, as my main focus was to just get jobs done, which really is the main purpose of The Bullet Journal and boy does it work, if you apply it correctly, stay focused and get into a rhythm.  That's my advice.  

And Breathe....

An Affirmation I heard from Denise Duffield Thomas

My life since having children and setting up my small business has been quite scatty and busy and I needed to take back control.  Now I have found a system that works for me, I have found my days are running far more efficiently.  I can look ahead to my future now and plan ahead where I need to.  Schedule my orders and commissions in more effectively.  

And if I feel like it, I can do a little doodle in my Journal, track my excercise schedule, or even just focus on a little tlc.

Since discovering this system it has also inspired a new creation too for Michelle Corbin Design, take a look here at my Travellers Style Notebook Covers, they proved popular at Christmas time and I have more designs to be launched soon, so watch this space.

Have you tried Bullet Journalling? 
 I'd love to hear, pop a comment below, or tell me what form of planning do you prefer?

That's My Life In a Stitch for this month

_ _ My Life in a Stitch _ _

_ _ My Life in a Stitch _ _

Introduction

HELLO WORLD!!

So this is my first post with my new - reinvented - blog, where I hope will be my first of many.

A Little About Me:

Proud to be crowned #QueenOf Memory Bunnies in February 2017

Proud to be chosen as a #WOW winner by Jaqueline Gold CBE in June 2017

My name is Michelle and I run a small business from my home, which I began, to allow me to stay at home with my two amazing children.

Previously, I worked as a Freelance Hairdresser and Visiting Lecturer, but when I fell pregnant with my son back in 2005, my hormones began to do a song and dance and take over my life!

Depression set in, I lost my confidence and self esteem and I couldn't face the outside world anymore.  So my wonderful husband and myself came to the decision that it would be best for both my little boy and me, that I should become a Stay at Home Mummy.

Fastforward to after my daughter was born and the economy had changed.  I began to realise that I no longer could be a Stay at Home Mummy, and another sense of purpose, but as we did not have access to childcare, it had to be something flexible that I could do and still be around for my children, who I loved being there for.

Eventually, Michelle Corbin Design was born.

It's been a wonderful several years, and of course there have been ups and downs and struggles, but all in all, it's been an amazing journey.

I did begin this blog a few years back, but I really had no sense of direction with it, and quite frankly I struggled to think of what to write!  So I'm now back, and reinventing it.  I mini blog on my Facebook and Instagram pages, everyday, so once a month shouldn't be too difficult - right? :)

So, with all of that in mind, I am excited to share this new and exciting journey with you.  

Please join me for a regular cuppa and a slice of cake, and follow me and My Life in a Stitch _ _

Wedding Venue Embroidered Portrait

So it's been on the cards for a while.  Been in my mind sketching and scribbling how and when I was going to do it.  Finalising the details right until the last moment.

About a year ago I created a picture for my home of The Eiffel Tower, which held special memories.  

And I knew straight away that I wanted to create more.  I was busy with commissions at the time, so I had no time to develop my idea. 

So this year I scheduled some time to put pen to paper.

I announced on my Facebook Page that I was looking for a Tester - someone who was attending a Wedding and could capture the beautiful Venue in a photo.

The very lovely E.P. got in touch and once she had sent her photo I began to create. 

Completely stitched using a Free Machine Embroidery technique, I recreated the venue 'Hoath House' the best I could, capturing it's beauty and detail.

Adding the finishing touches, by Personalising the piece and then stretching onto a padded box canvas.

I hope you love it as much as I enjoyed creating it stitch by stitch.

To purchase your very own Wedding Keepsake, they are available here 

www.michellecorbindesign.co.uk

Speak to you soon

Michelle xx

My Crafty Business

This month (September) is the beginning of a new Season.  It's nearly Autumn, which comes, not only with new colours and a crispness in the air, but it is also the run up to the Season we call

CHRISTMAS!!

Oh yes, it is here, and for this Season, I have decided, that I need a bit of a fresh start.  I will be designing and creating some new Christmas Makes, recreating some of last years, but also I have set myself a Goal!  Oh yes, it's time for me not just to be the 'Sewing Lady' as I know many call me, but I now need to put on those 'Big Girl Pants' !

This is after all a business and well, I sometimes to be honest forget that, because I love to create so much.  Creating special Keepsakes for you and your loved ones to treasure, makes my work so special.  

I will also be continuing to work through my Waiting List, creating your Keepsake Bunnies, Quilts and Cushions, for you to treasure your memories, as always, but I need to get a little more 'smart' with my numbers - booo!

Anyone who knows me, knows I have a phobia against numbers and maths, but as a 'grown up' and a 'small business' I need to use them - booo again!!

Sooooo...... I signed up to do a little challenge.  

It's a 100 Day Challenge, and for it, I had to set a goal - and Achieve it!!

So I popped on my 'Big Girl Pants' and reviewed my previous years in business.

These were my findings:

•  I really enjoy, designing, sewing and creating
•  I really love my customers and appreciate their custom
•  I really love my family and appreciate the opportunity to work around my childrens needs

But..

• I haven't taken a proper wage for a few years and we can't afford for me to do this anymore
• My Commission Work, does not earn me enough to take a wage
• I have not reviewed my numbers regularly enough to be 'Business Wise'
• I forget all too easily that this is a business and not a hobby.  I may enjoy it, but I also need to feed my children and contribute to our household bills
• I can't continue, just putting all money earned straight back into the business for stock etc, I need to live and provide for my family - Properly!!!!!

Conclusion:  I NEED to feed my children, pay for their hobbies, and pay our household bills.  Unfortunately, money does not grow on trees, and I needed to set out a plan.

Who knows what I will achieve, and whether I will get there, but if I don't get smarter, I will have to rethink my whole business, so I have to achieve it.  I really hope you will continue to support me, as I really appreciate each and everyone of you

Achievements so far: Website, is now up and running and has lots of new Goodies listed.  Ranges include Christmas, Weddings and New Arrivals, with more to come soon too.

www.michellecorbindesign.co.uk

Etsy, is now link to this Blog, has some new additions, and is regularly being updated

www.etsy.com/michellecorbindesign

I also, have some new ideas and products in the planning stage, and with the help of 2 very good friends, I think they will be worth waiting for.

I'll keep you posted on my achievements.

Much Love

Michelle 

xxx

It's been a while...

Well, yet again, it's been a while since I wrote.

What have I been up to I hear you ask?

Well let me tell you:

In January, I joined The Arts and Crafts Emporium.
A team of Artists, who collectively sell their Artwork, once a month, based on a Theme, creating 'One off' and 'Bespoke' items, which link or are inspired by the theme.  Some Months sell out well, but if the artist does not sell that month, they have usually learned loads, been able to challenge their creative juices, sell elsewhere and have had a lot of fun developing their new piece.

The first Theme I joined in was Fibonacci.  

Now to tell you the truth, this theme scared the living daylights out of me, as maths is not my strong point.  But once I got my head around it, I realised that the spiral was used in dance, and so inspiration kicked in and I created this Ballerina Canvas, using a mix of Free Machine and Hand Embroidery.

Fibonacci is a series of numbers which creates a spiral
1,2,3,5,8 etc

'Four Seasons' Spring

'Four Seasons' Summer

 Next was 'Four Seasons'.
By this time, I was knee high in Commissions, and only had time to create 2 Seasons, Spring and Summer.
These, I thoroughly enjoyed making.

They are still available here:

Michelle Corbin Design

'Under the Waves'

Developing new techniques, was something I was keen to do, with inspiration from ACE, so here I tried a technique I had played with previously, but never really created anything with.  

I decided to take advantage, a Coral Inspired bowl developed.  

With the use of Water Soluble Fabric, this bowl, was created purely by interlocking the threads using a Free Machine Embroidery Technique.  The bowls were very well received I'm happy to report.

A Poem I created to accompany my Mermaid Embroidery

Ace, has been an incredible experience for me.  I have been inspired, developed new techniques, and learned so much from my peers.

It has really encouraged me to develop my work further, and not to be scared of trying something new.

It has also helped me to enhance my Commission Work and be more inventive with my designs, and I hope that it shows in my recent work.

Words Of Wisdom

If you have been tempted to try a new skill, but your self doubt has stopped you, I would like to encourage you to ignore it and GO for it!!!  What have you got to lose?  

It might not work the first time, hell, most things don't, but practising and practising will help it to become great.  Ignore self doubt, ignore those people who don't believe you can do it, and prove them all wrong.  If it is something you want bad enough, you'll do it.  

You CAN do it.  Give it a try, and most of all - ENJOY!

I'm so happy I joined Ace, as it has given me the chance to ignore my self doubt and be a little more adventurous. 

Please join us on Facebook for our next theme 'Rainbows and Butterflies'

Here's a sneak peek of my Work in Progress

Thank you for reading.  If you have any comments, I's love to hear them, perhaps, you have tried something new and would like to share your experience?

Happy Stitching (and painting and drawing and knitting and baking and designing and.......)

Much Love

Michelle

xxx