A Day with Helen of Hugs n Kisses

The day finally arrived. I was going to join a group of other ladies to have a day of stitching with Helen Stubbings of Hugs n Kisses. It's been a while since I've been to a class, so I was super excited.

Upon walking into the room, we were treated to a visual festival. Helen has brought along a number of her projects which were beautifully displayed and which were evoking lots of ooooh's and aaaaaah's from us.





The class got underway and we were taught how Helen appliquéd with her semi water soluble single sided fusible applique paper.



The paper is perfect to popping into the printer and printing up the patterns, or to trace with the standard pen and light box.




We were working on a beautiful project called "Birds of a Feather". Before long we were cutting and arranging and pressing and gluing and arranging and more gluing... It's funny, there were moments of absolute silence as we all concentrated on the task at hand... followed by lots of chatter.


Birds of a Feather by Helen Stubbings of Hugs n Kisses

Helen would show us a step and we'd all be concentrating furiously, and the chatter and giggles would begin and then we'd be taught the next stage and we'd go back to being super quiet and concentrated quickly broken by more chatter. It was such fun!





I didn't finish my project but I'm almost at the sitting and appliquéing stage, which in my mind, is the best bit. Right? 

Helen showed us how she appliqués with fine thread and a fine applique needle. I captured a sneaky picture over her shoulder ;-)





When I finish, I'll be sure to come back and share. Now, I couldn't spend the day in a sewing store and not come away with a few goodies.





Here's what came home with me. Again, I was very surprised at my restraint.

I was thinking that perhaps a Hugs'n'Kisses stitch along might be a fun idea? Maybe starting in the new year. What do you think? Would this be of interest to you? We could set goals and share photos in an online group and maybe even have a few prizes. Let me know if this is something you might like to join. 


10 comments

  1. What an awesome day you had Anorina,and love the project you were working on,yes I think a sew a long would be awesome,Thankyou for sharing your day with us my friend.xx

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    1. Thanks Shez. I'll let you know how we go about a sew along :)

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  2. I'm with Shez. All looks and sounds great. I really like her work. I'm interested to know what thread and needle she uses.

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    1. She uses just regular polyester thread (a bobbin of all the different colours by superior) and she has developed some applique needles which are available in her store. They’re not too long (like straws tend to be) and are very strong with a long thin eye (a bit like a crewel needle). I’m kicking myself for not buying some on the day!

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  3. So envious, I love Helen's work. Thank you for showing us the photos.

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    1. She might be teaching more classes soon. You'll have to organise a trip to the east ;-)

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  4. I would join you if you had a stitch along. Helen's things are beautiful! Glad you had a wonderful day.

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    1. Fantastic! I think we’ll try to plan one for next year.

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  5. What a great class and such a lovely project. Love Helen's designs too and think a stitchalong would be a fabulous idea

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    1. Yay! We'll work out the details for a start in the new year... after the Christmas festivities are all finished.

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