Christmas gift roundup

I know it's still only November, but it's never too early to compile a Christmas list. I've had my beady eye on this lot for a while now - if Father Christmas doesn't take the hint then I'll be buying them all for myself!  

It's no secret that my first port of call for beautiful sewing goodies is Beyond Measure. This year I'm pining for a pair of Ernest Wright embroidery scissors with baby blue handles (to match my dressmaking shears).

Plus a beautiful leather case to keep them in, hand stitched in Lancashire. I can't quite decide on the colour though, either red or light blue I think.

A set of these lovely marking pencils would make a great stocking filler too!

I'm sure pieces of Tatty Devine sewing themed jewellery will be popping up on many a sewist's Christmas list. My favourite is the traditional Sewing Machine Necklace.

I'm a big fan of stationery and by far the loveliest I've seen recently is the personalised range from A Thing Created. Choose from a selection of chic fashion illustrations, then customise with your own name, hair colour and skin tone. It's a really nice treat for yourself or a very special gift for a friend.

I actually ordered a set for myself in the summer from the illustration below - the one on the far right sporting a classic white shirt and red skirt combo. I've been sending them out to everybody left, right and centre, so may have to order more!  

The company is based in the US, so if you're ordering from the UK make sure you do so before Friday 2nd December to ensure a pre-Christmas delivery.  

If you're a book lover or have a book lover in your life then you'll LOVE Persephone Books. The company publishes little known or re-discovered tiles by (mostly) women writers. Each book has a beautiful 'fabric' endpaper and matching bookmark and an elegant grey jacket. 

They're an absolute pleasure to read and I've loved every single one I've read. Next on my list is The Homemaker by Dorothy Canfield Fisher. 

Whilst we're on the subject of books, how about a shameless plug for my own book?! If you're looking for a sewing-themed children's gift then I can heartily recommend Get Into: Sewing by Jane Marland! 

Packed full of simple, colourful hand sewing projects, it's a fun introduction to sewing for 8-11 year olds.

And finally, no Christmas list would be complete without some Liberty fabric to drool over. This Floral Firework design is a contemporary interpretation of traditional Chinese emblems. I think it's stunning - it reminds me of a 1930's print!

That's just about everything from me - what's on your Christmas list this year?!

Christmas Gift Ideas for those who sew

I don't think there's anything more pleasurable than putting together a wish list of sewing goodies. These are my own personal favourites, just in case Father Christmas is reading….

First and foremost and absolutely top of my list are these exquisite Turned Wooden Pincushions from Beyond Measure.

Aren't they just perfect?!

I only recently discovered Grace's online shop and have been blown away by her hand picked selection of 'beautiful things for folks who make'. Confession time, I was so terrified that they would sell out before my husband Father Christmas ordered them, I bought two myself. A large blue one for regular pins and a smaller, red one for fine pins.

I had to physically restrain myself from buying a couple of Leather Pumice Pincushions too.

These are made from bridle leather and hand stitched in Lancashire. You can read more about the process behind the making of them here. They're also filled with pumice powder to keep your pins and needles sharp!

After seeing Karen's video on How to Use a Clapper, I've decided I can't possibly live without one. This tulip wood clapper from English Couture Company comes highly recommended.

Oooh look scissors, in ALL the colours! Co-ordinate your scissors with your outfit with these hand crafted eight-inch dressmaking shears from Ernest Wright and Son. They even offer a re-sharpening facility, hoorah. 

Show the world your passion for stitching with some sewing themed jewellery. I've fallen hard for these vintage fabric button earrings, mounted as sterling silver studs, aren't they darling?! Happily, there's 10% discount off all jewellery purchased from Beyond Measure until 13th December, just use the code Jewel10. 

Or you could finish off your outfit with a cute scissor badge. Available in green or black perspex or cherry wood veneer.

I've been intrigued by the Now and Then range of vintage-inspired patterns ever since I first read about them. The Clara Bow Blouse is my personal favourite. Just saying.

And finally, a Maker's Workbook to record all your sewing projects, list your fabric stash and note down any pattern adjustments for next time. 

I'll admit, I already have a similar notebook, but I'm totally fickle and this one is easier on the eye! Plus it's A5 size and you can stick it in your bag when you go fabric shopping... It's made by the Swedish Tracing Paper Shop so you can get 10% off with the code JANE. 

I hope this has given you a few gift ideas, either for yourself or if you're buying for others who sew. Right, I'm off to email this list directly to my husband!  Happy Tuesday! x