Susanne Woods - Seaside Home: 25 Stitched Projects from Sea Creatures to Sailboats

Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside!

I do like to be beside the sea!

I do like to stroll upon the Prom, Prom, Prom!

Where the brass bands play: Tiddely-om-pom-pom!

So just let me be beside the seaside

Ill be beside myself with glee

John A. Glover-Kind, 1907

Who doesnt like to be beside the seaside? The sound of the seagulls, the relaxed readers in lounge chairs wearing inappropriately high knee socks, the children screeching with delight as each wave rolls in, and the intoxicating perfume of sunblock mixed with salty air and heat that only ever occurs at the seabliss. For me, I am happiest at the sea, and the inspiration to capture in craft the easy calm I feel there is unavoidably alluring.

In compiling this fifth book within our best-selling series of Design Collective titles, I have come to the slightly unnerving realization that many of the ideas behind these previous titles began with my frustration; I was not able to find exactly what I wanted, made with the quality I like. This book, I am thrilled to say, saw its beginnings from a much happier placethe love, the joy, the universal draw of the seaside!

As the acquisitions editor for Stash Books, I have invited a group of incredibly talented designers to share their fabulous creations that were inspired by their love of the sea. Each of these unique projects can be used, displayed, or worn to help bring a little bit of the seaside into your every day. Within these pages you will find quilts, softies, embroideries, bunting, and even a sunhat and beach bag. Some of the projects are easily achievable, and some are a bit more challenging, but all are artful, original, and charming designs that I hope you enjoy making for and gifting to yourself, friends, and family.

FINISHED PILLOW SIZE: 15 15

In the United Kingdom, a day at the beach wouldnt be the same without brightly colored beach huts dotting the sandtiny havens for changing into swim gear before heading out into the waves. Capture some of their charm with this cheery appliqud pillow.

ARTIST: Jenny Arnott

WEBSITES: jennyarnott.co.uk

jennyarnott.blogspot.com

Jenny Arnott is a designer-maker producing embroidered textiles and accessories. Working from her UK studio, she carefully makes everything by hand using a combination of machine embroidery and applique. A lover of fabric, Jenny has an ever-growing collection of colorful and interesting materials to work with, including lots of pretty floral prints, ginghams, stripes, and polka dots. Her work includes little embroidered badges, buttons, handbag mirrors, lavender bags, and cushions.

Pale blue fabric: 1 fat quarter for pillow front

Natural-colored fabric: yard for pillow back

Assorted scraps of plain and patterned red, blue, white, and beige fabrics for appliqu

Contrasting thread

Permanent marking pen (optional)

16 square pillow form

PALE BLUE FABRIC

Cut 1 square 15 15.

NATURAL-COLORED FABRIC

Cut 1 rectangle 15 10.

Cut 1 rectangle 15 11.

Note: All seam allowances are .

Trace the patterns () and make the templates for the hut and bunting flag pieces. Place them on the back of the assorted fabric scraps and cut out the number indicated on the patterns.

Position the beach hut on the pillow front panel near the bottom right corner. Using contrasting thread, stitch the hut in place using 2 lines of stitching for emphasis and leaving the edges raw. Stitch the door, doorframe, doorstep, door plaque, beach hut roof, and life ring in the same manner.

Position and stitch the bunting flags at regular intervals. Add the bunting ribbon by sewing a continuous line between flags. Go over the stitch line 2 or 3 times for emphasis. To the right of the beach hut, continue the stitch line to the edge of the fabric. On the left, finish it toward the bottom left corner, in line with the base of the beach hut.

Stitch a small peg at the end of the bunting ribbon and stitch a number onto the beach hut door. Another option is to draw the bunting ribbon, small peg, and number using a permanent fine-tipped fabric marker.

Turn under a long edge to the wrong side on each pillow back piece. Turn under a second and press. Pin and machine stitch to create a neat edge.

Place the larger piece wrong side up with the turned-under edge toward the top. Place the second piece wrong side up on top of the first piece, with the turned-under edge toward the bottom. Overlap the pieces to form a square measuring 15 15.

Where the 2 pieces overlap, baste together securely by hand at each side.

Place the front and back panels right sides together, matching the edges. Pin and baste.

Sew around the edge completely, using a seam allowance. Reinforce the stitching using either an overlock or a zigzag stitch, paying special attention to the corners. Remove all basting.

Trim any loose threads, trim the corners, and turn the pillow cover right side out. Press.

Insert the pillow form.

Patterns are available to print from http://tinyurl.com/10823-patterns

Beach hut patterns

FINISHED GARLAND LENGTH: About 2 yards

These lovely white coquillages (seashells) might have washed up on a romantic dream beach (la plage). Strung in a simple garland along with messagesperhaps found in fine old wine bottles?they lend a bit of Gallic panache to your home.

ARTIST: Janine Chani Attia

WEBSITES: blancetcaramel.com

blancetcaramel.etsy.com

Janine Chani Attias work is influenced by her everyday life in romantic Paris. In its flea markets, she finds both inspiration and unique treasures for crafting projects. A dream came true when in 2010 she opened her Etsy shop, Blanc et Caramel (white and caramelthe colors she uses in her work). Finally she could share a bit of her Paris world with people from far away. In her shop she offers a wide range of handmade products: decorations such as scented sachets and garlands, jewelry made with flea market finds, even stamped note cards, tags, and much more. Be inspired and enjoy. Bisous (kisses)!

White muslin: