Christmas Stitches - join now!

Right, it's time for some more details about the Christmas Stitches class! :-)

The class starts on October 17th and runs for 4 weeks, ending on November 13th. After you sign up for the class, you will receive a materials list and a link to the class site.

Join now and save!
If you sign up before September 30th, you'll save $5. Just mention "Winter Wonderland" at the Paypal checkout and I'll send you a refund.

Join with a friend!
You can save another $5 by joining the class with a friend. You both save $5 and if you sign up before September 30th, you'll also both save the $5 - so that's $10! If you sign up more than one person, please remember to let me know both your names and email addresses.

There will be 10 different patterns (not counting the pattern variations!) spread over 7 projects. Some of the projects are completely hand-stitched and others are easiest to make with a sewing machine (but it's not strictly necessary.)

These are some of the projects we'll be making
• Hanging cone ornaments
• A soft Christmas tree
• Shisha ornaments
• A brooch
• A Christmas stocking

The patterns include 3 different snowflakes, a festive stitch sampler and a Christmas tree.

We'll use a variety of stitches - some you probably know already (French knot and Daisy stitch, for example), and a few which may be new to you, like Maidenhair and Herringbone. The class is suitable for beginner embroiderers: I'll show you how to make all the stitches used in the patterns and I'm happy to help with any stitchy questions you may have. :-)

All the patterns and projects will be available as downloads and all the class materials will be available for 4 weeks after the class ends.

How to participate
Click here to sign up starting September 26th. Shortly after you have signed up for the class you'll receive the instructions for the classroom site as well as a materials list.

Class interaction
I hope there will be lots of sharing of ideas and questions in the class. I'll check in on the class every day to help you with any questions. The more you take part during the class the more you'll get out of it. Once the class ends I'll still be happy to help, but obviously won't be available every day.

IMPORTANT: Please make sure you provide the email address you'd like me to use for any communications with you during the class. You can do this by writing it in the 'message' area during the Paypal transaction. I'll use your Paypal email if you do not tell me otherwise.

Got any questions about the class? Feel free to email me: polkaandbloom@googlemail.com

I look forward to seeing you in class!

Feedback for Christmas Stitches 2010
"I have been following Carina's blog for a couple of years now, so when I read that she was offering an online embroidery class I jumped on board immediately. What I really loved was the super-detailed explanations she had available: there were instructions on everything! How to use the class site, the materials list, stitch lessons with step-by-step pics, and of course, the lovely projects.

I really thought that all the projects were doable and she had some great suggestions for me when I wrote to her about not having a sewing machine. It's nice to feel like the person who is running the show really cares- I noticed that when questions were asked the response never took longer than a day to be posted. I would highly recommend any class that Carina offers." ~ R.D.

Next class: Christmas Stitches 2011

Hello and happy Friday! There's only about 3 months until Christmas, can you believe it?! This is a pre-announcement of sorts.. I'll be teaching the Christmas Stitches class again this year: pretty things to make as gifts or decorations, like the snowflake design in the picture! Most of the patterns and projects will only be available through the class. It starts on October 17 and runs for 4 weeks.

I'll tell you all about the details next week, first in the newsletter and later on the blog. Newsletter subscribers will get a nice discount, so if you're interested in the class, sign up for the newsletter here if you haven't already. :-)

New pattern: Owl Be Your Friend

Hello! I'm delighted to share another new pattern with you! It's called 'Owl Be Your Friend' and it features two cute owls and one little bird. The pattern comes in 3 sizes and all of those sizes in a reversed version. It's in the shop now.

Am I the only one who feels that owls are autumnal birds? Hiding in the foliage that is already starting to change colour.. :-)

New pattern: Flower Medallion

I'm really excited to share the newest Polka & Bloom pattern with you! Flower Medallion is its name. It's a little bit different and a little bit kind of similar. The colours are quite soft and not a hint of orange or green! But you are of course welcome to use whichever colours you like! :-)

It's inspired by the Happyscape patterns (images below), with their flower-y, succulent-y plants. Just a bit of fun, really! And this pattern only uses 3 stitches, mostly back stitch so it's quite quick to stitch. (Almost) instant stitching gratification, nice!

Available in the Polka & Bloom shop right now for your stitching pleasure. :-)

Writing a review could win you a pattern!

Did you know that you can review patterns /leave feedback on your purchases from Polka & Bloom and be entered in a monthly draw of a free pattern of your choice?

Well, you can! And some people have written reviews already and today I'm here with a lucky winner of a free pattern, yay!

Marigold Sugar Skull pattern

Katie J had this to say about the Marigold Sugar Skull pattern:

I LOVE this pattern, it was so fun to stitch & I will definitely use it again. I did this for a swap on Craftster.org & stitched the pattern using only the red violet-violet part of the color spectrum. It came out beautifully but it will be lots of fun to stitch in a bunch of bright colors :)