Classes - the start date

OK I finally have set a start date for the classes. 21st January with a revised start time of 10.30 so that people from slightly further afield could consider coming. Please tell anyone you know in the Warwickshire W.Mids area of the UK

New prices

This is an advance warning. I shall soon be putting up the prices of charts and kits. I haven't raised the prices since I started the business 8 years ago and I haven't changed the postage in 4-5 years despite it nearly doubling in some cases. I just can't afford to continue with these prices so I hope that this won't put people off. It's still cheaper than a round of drinks in the pub! I'll leave it a week before I start making changes to give people a chance at the old prices.

This is a photo of the Hardanger sampler that I will be teaching at the classes in January. It's a pretty sampler using all the stitches that you need to feel confident tackling any other Hardanger based pattern that you come across. I won't be using black fabric in class as that's making life too difficult. In a few days I will post another version of it that has been sewn by a complete beginner during private classes.

Hardanger classes

The Hardanger classes are back on. I shall be running them in Curves Gym, Kenilworth from January. It will still be a 6 week course 2hrs per week. Probably running 10-12 on a Saturday morning. The cost of the course will be £8 per week plus a fabric and threads pack (should you need one) for £5.50. As Curves is a Women only Gym I have been asked to restrict the classes to women however if any men are interested please contact me and I will arrange another class, given sufficient interest. Please let me know if you would be interested so that I can start compiling a list.

New design onsale

Matilda is now available for sale via the website. I think that this is a lovely warm piece with just a hint of sparkle about it.

Twitter and an update

I have given in and decided to join Twitter with the business. It's on as IndiaGraceDsgns as they wouldn't let me have enough letters for the whole of Designs. I have absolutely no idea what I am doing yet but if anyone wants to follow I'd appreciate it.

In the meantime I am just finishing the 2nd in a series of 7 designs using Gentle Arts Sampler threads. These are part of a big challenge that I have set myself. I want to get all 7 designs published in Magazines and I am trying to find magazines in 7 different countries. If anyone has any suggestions I'd be really grateful. I can't post any photos yet but I am thrilled with the 2 that are complete and looking forward to sewing the other 5.

New US Distributor

Those of my customers stateside might be interested to know that 6 of my designs can now be purchased through Nordic Needle and their outlets. They are currently stocking Rosa, Marguerite, Madeleine, Grace, Aurora and Elfie. If those sell well they may be interested in expanding the range so please do check them out at http://www.nordicneedle.com/CTGY/000-00-00.html"

Latest New Release

Introducing Crystal. I have been working on this one for 2 years and am very pleased with it. The photo doesn't do it justice as it is a very sparkly piece in shades of peach and copper.

I am also putting Rosa onsale through my website as I was informed by the magazine editor yesterday that that particular issue of the magazine is already sold out.

Mackintosh Inspired Rose and Thistle Armorial

Not a new release as it has been on sale for several years but, as I designed it as a commission, I never sewed a model for it. I've been working on it as my 'in between projects' piece ever since so it deserves an outing!!

2 New Designs released

2 New Designs are now on the website, Seraphina and Elfie. Seraphina was designed with the idea of 'gift for a man' in mind and so is a subtle design in black and silver with smokey crystals. Elfie uses some gorgeous finca aqua colours with a hint of light effects threads and beads and crystals.

I have also released Flora and Hestia's Flame for sale. These two designs were originally published in Australian Magazines.

Counted Wishes Festival

I am going to be premiering 2 new designs, Seraphina and Elphie at the online counted wishes festival http://countedwishes.com from Feb 1st -7th. Please pop by and have a look. There are lots of fabulous designs by new and established designers as well as first chance to see these two.

New Year Update

I've realised that I have been neglecting this blog lately which is very remiss of me so I guess I had better update things.


The magazine has been out since the end of November and you can still get it in the shops for a couple more weeks. The response has been fantastic, people really do seem to like the design. I still have kits available through the website if anyone wants one.















I have released 2 new designs lately, Julie and Ylva (the latter kindly model stitched for me by Ylva Saleem) They are both now available for sale on my website.


I shall be taking part in the Counted Wishes Festival at the Start of February. There will be another 2 designs released especially for the show so hopefully you'll pop by and take a look.