Paying by Paypal, without a Paypal account

Aside

We’ve had a couple of queries about payment, and whether when paying for an item you must have, or sign up for, a PayPal account first. PayPal don’t make it as obvious as it should be, but you do not need to do this.

When you’re transferred from our website to the PayPal payment page you will be presented with a screen similar to the one below:

If you click the option called “Don’t have a PayPal account?…pay as guest” (circled in red in the image above), you will then be shown your shipping details etc and be able to pay using your credit or debit card, without having to log in or sign up to PayPal.

Hope that helps! M.

Studio open for workshops

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Maggie

Having extended my studio in Darlington over the last few months, I am delighted to be able to offer a number of workshops there covering a range of topics. Spaces are limited so please get in touch and book early.

Wednesday 13th February 2013, 10am – 3.30pm This is now Full, more dates to follow

“Get Plastered”

A fun mixed media approach using a plaster and paint mixture to create texture and line through mark making, on both paper and fabric. Hand stitching is experimented with before and after exploring processes using shape and texture. No previous experience necessary.

Wednesday 13th March 2013, 10am – 3.30pm

“Sketching with Stitch”

Expressing shape and form through drawing directly with stitch – a course to develop observation skills and confidence with your needle and thread.
May be approached and enjoyed on all levels.

Wednesday 17th April 2013, 10am – 3.30pm

“Inspired to Stitch”

Developing and exploring simple stitches inspired by a well known artists’ work to create your own stitch dictionary as a resource when making new work. For all levels of expertise.

Wednesday 15th May 2013, 10am – 3.30pm This is now Full, more dates to follow

“All Dolled Up”

Making dolls from simple shapes to decorate and embellish with scraps of precious materials, beads and found objects creating unique characters. Basic machine and hand sewing skills are required.

Groups will be small with plenty of support and encouragement. Workshops will be from 10am – 3.30pm on week days and will cost £35. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. Please bring your own lunch. Students need to be aware the studio is up a flight of stairs.

Studio Location
54 North Road,
Darlington,
DL1 2EQ
(Visits by arrangement only)

If you would like to know more or have any queries please email or ring me with your details.

“Stitch” embroidered, stuffed Dandy birds from sumptuous silks

Featured

Posted on January 28, 2013 by Maggie

If you (like me) have bags of delicious fabric remnants stashed away in anticipation of that “special project”, but aren’t sure what that may be, then this month’s Stitch magazine may have the answer. I explain in the article entitled “Dandy Birds” how to make use of these fabric remnants by constructing your own lovely stuffed bird for a gift, or simply as a keepsake that will make you smile.

Stuffed fabric “Dandy Bird” by Maggie Smith for “Stitch” Magazine issue 81, with Tete-de-boeuf stitch detail on wing.

When I discussed an article for “Stitch” magazine with Kathy Troup (Stitch’s Editor) she was adamant she wanted “birds with attitude”, from my book Get Stuffed: shape, stuff and stitch, and after seeing Kathy’s plea to readers for articles showing unusual stitches or using stitches in an unusual way, I decided I wanted these birds to be colourful with more decorative stitching. And so the “Dandy Birds (all dressed up and nowhere to go)” were born.

I spent some time furtling for fabrics in bags and boxes, as one does, and decided here at last was the opportunity to use some of those treasured scraps of silk I had been saving.

The Dandy Bird’s wings are hand embroidered with five of my favourite stitches: Tête-de-Beouf stitch (chosen because the name tickled me, and it’s such a pretty stitch), Straight stitch (for its simplicity), Pistil stitch (for its resemblance to feathers), Fly stitch (for its trellis effect), and Oyster stitch (another pretty stitch), all with French knot embellishments. The eyelashes are embroidered with Fly stitch, and all hand stitching was done with space dyed silk threads.

I think they will make delightful Easter presents and I hope you enjoy making them. Happy stuffing!

Lineage of the Dandy Bird

These stuffed birds are in a direct line of descent from the “birds with attitude”, with inspirations from the “decorative bird”, both designed for my latest book Get Stuffed, shape, stuff and stitch.

Also part of this flock are: the “Bovver Birds with Big Feet” (made from hand painted and stuffed calico), the Dot Spot Forget-me-Not Birds and kits which appeared last March 2012 at the NEC Fashion Embroidery & Stitch, the Floral Belle Birds made from Liberty lawn fabric bought at the show, and the Christmas Bell Birds made for the festive season.

Copyright and Fair Use

I’ve had several queries regarding Fair Use of the patterns and instructions. So to clear things up: please feel free to make as many birds as you want for yourself, or as gifts for friends and family, but please do not sell or reproduce the patterns, instructions, or the birds (whether as kits, or as finished products) as the copyright resides with myself.