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THE LATEST

Floral Garden Bunting Project: a Wrap-Up on the 2023 Stitch-Along

Fall Floral Embroidery Pattern: Calendula Wreath

“Embroideries From an English Garden” by Carol Andrews – Book Review

classic books

5 Inspiring Authors to Read Today

August 7, 2021      Anne      2 Comments

Hello friend!

I thought I’d break up the Garden Bouquet project a bit (mainly because I don’t have much new progress to show hahaha!) and post about some inspiring authors this week! If you’ve been following the blog for a bit now, you probably know that I love books and get a lot of stitching inspiration from reading novels. If you’re new here, hello I’m Anne and I’m a bookaholic who loves embroidery. 😉 In any case, welcome to everyone! Today we’re having a lovely little tea party in which we will discuss 5 wonderful authors whose writing is inspiring. These authors craft beautiful worlds where you will want to lose yourself for hours, and emerge with new, fresh inspiration to live and create and find joy.

So pull up a chair, make yourself comfortable, and I will pour you a steaming cup of Earl Grey.

 

Literature inspiration - 5 authors you should read

 

**Click on any book title with a link to read the full review on Goodreads 🙂

 

1. Lucy Maud Montgomery

“There is so much in the world for us all if we only have the eyes to see it, and the heart to love it, and the hand to gather it to ourselves-so much in men and women, so much in art and literature, so much everywhere in which to delight, and for which to be thankful.”

Anne of the Island

 

stack of l.m. montgomery books with wild goldenrod

Of course, I simply must start this list of inspiring authors with the best of the best, the ultimate authority on all things inspiration – none other than L.M. Montgomery. Her books exude absolute beauty and loveliness. Have you ever read a book where each sentence was delightful? Each sentence somehow better than the next, so well-crafted yet never forced? That’s what Montgomery’s writing is like.

Descriptive, poetic, and yet utterly compelling in its simplicity, her writing flows naturally from page to page, transporting you to a time and place when life was simpler and people were happy. Famous for her beautiful descriptions of nature, Montgomery’s books are a complete delight to read and really make you want to learn to see and feel and appreciate nature for yourself (and perhaps attempt a line or two of poetry!). From giving imaginative names to places to describing nature in all its glory in a most loving way, the inspiration breathed into each of her books is endless.

paperback copies of Chronicles of Avonlea and Anne of the Island books surrounded by wildflowers and lace

Her stories are also filled with all the lovely little every day things that make us grateful to be alive. Baking pies, sewing a new dress, going for a walk over sun-drenched meadows, picking apples, the list goes on forever. Full of Edwardian charm and innocence, Montgomery’s books feature characters as endearing and loveable as her descriptions are, and I guarantee you’ll love it. There’s only one book of hers I haven’t liked as much as the others so far, but every single other one I’ve read was pure gold.

Aside from the most famous Anne of Green Gables series, other titles worthy of note include: The Blue Castle, The Doctor’s Sweetheart & Other Stories, and Chronicles of Avonlea.

 

2. Louisa May Alcott

“Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will bring few regrets, and life will become a beautiful success.”

Little Women

 

hardcover copy of little women by alcott surrounded by queen anne's lace and pressed daisies

While we’re on the subject of all things simple and lovely, what could be more inspiring than Little Women? Not only does it have much to teach us in terms of life lessons, but who isn’t inspired to draw, or paint, or write, or sew, or launch their own theatre club with private mailbox after reading the book or watching the movie? Little Women makes me want to craft. To create. To Make Things. Also to find a sweet, loving husband, but that’s not the topic of this post 😉. It’s such an inspiring read for so many reasons, and makes me want to be productive and try new things just by following what the four heroines are up to.

open Little Women book with pressed daisies

Alcott definitely has a lovely writing style and I’ve enjoyed some of her short stories as well, but I find it’s really the subject matter and imparted bits of wisdom that make her writing inspiring. It makes you want to be better (and not just at crafts lol). Reading one of her stories really just makes you want to take action, and I love that.

The Quiet Little Woman is one of my favourites of her short stories so far. It was such a sweet story that brought tears of joy and sadness to my eyes.

 

3. Georgette Heyer

“It was growing late, and though one might stand on the brink of a deep chasm of disaster, one was still obliged to dress for dinner.”

April Lady

 

a few inspiring books by author georgette heyer

As much as I love L.M. Montgomery and Louisa May Alcott, the love I have for Georgette Heyer’s books is just not the same. Probably my favourite author ever, Heyer has been crowned Queen Supreme of the Regency romance novel for her hilariously sublime portrayal of Regency life. Historically accurate yet undeniably escapist, Heyer’s novels are the perfect blend of comedy of manner, romance, and adventure. Ranging from mad romps through London or Bath (as in Frederica or Bath Tangle), to the quiet countryside (Venetia), there’s something for everyone to delight in. Her witty dialogue is unparalleled, and I warn you, you will laugh out loud at certain passages. 😉

 

Historical Inspiration

 

When I first started reading Heyer’s books, I was really struck by the quantity of fascinating period detail she’d manage to weave through her stories. It never felt too much or too forced, it was just beautifully illustrated. You can see the glittering ballrooms, the fashionable dresses, the well-dressed gents as clearly as if you were looking at a painting. It’s amazing. And it never fails to provide ample historical sewing or needlework inspiration. One day, I will recreate Léonie’s presentation gown, or Frederica’s ball-gown for her sister’s come-out.

front cover of Georgette Heyer's Frederica surrounded by wildflowers

“With a Georgette Heyer you don’t buy a book, you buy a world. If its suits you, you settle down forever.”

Time Magazine

I haven’t read all her books yet (she wrote over 30 historical romances!), but I already have so many favourites!! All the ones previously mentioned are top favourites: Frederica, Bath Tangle, Venetia, and These Old Shades, in which Léonie appears. And there are so many more!!

 

4. Jen Turano

“’I can cry at the drop of a hat.’
‘You find hat-dropping distressful?’
‘If it’s a nice hat, and it has dropped in the mud, certainly. I could cry about that for days.'”

A Most Peculiar Circumstance

 

various books by inspiring author Jen Turano

Someone once described Jen Turano as the American Heyer, and she was so right! Jen Turano is a modern-day author who writes fabulously farcical comedies set during the American Gilded Age (often taking place in New York or other such places where socialites dwell). As with Heyer, you enter into a wonderfully glamorous world full of witty repartee and screwball comedy. Her books are much less accurate and plausible than Heyer’s though. The emphasis is really on fun and comedy. Little of what goes on in her novels actually reflects life in 1880 New York, but it’s endlessly diverting and the characters are absolutely charming.

book copy of A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

I’ll be honest, some of her books were a bit much for me sometimes, but I have such fond memories of the Ladies of Distinction series that I simply had to include her on this list! Even the books that I enjoyed less (usually because they were just a *tad* too silly, and I was probably in the mood for something more serious) still had that wonderfully escapist quality that I find so inspiring. If you’re into historical sewing recreation and you like Victorian-era fashions, Turano’s books are like a goldmine of inspiration. Think cascading bustles, elegant rows of buttons on bodices, and lacy parasols.

My favourite book so far is A Match of Wits, the fourth book in the Ladies of Distinction series, although the entire series is really good!

 

5. Laura Childs

“Pungent, orange-red Assams. Smoky, slightly sweet Ceylon teas. Fragrant Darjeelings from the steep slopes of the Himalayas. There were also sparkling emerald green teas from Japan, gyokos and senchas, that were a touch puckery and a bit of an acquired taste.”

Shades of Earl Grey

 

bookcover Death by Darjeeling by inspiring author Laura Childs on iPad surrounded by bone china teacups and wildflowers

And lastly, we will end this list of inspiring authors with Laura Childs, whom I just started reading last year. Specializing in cozy mysteries, Childs has written many murder mystery series, all of which have a theme. I’ve dabbled in her Tea Shop Mysteries, and they are so sweet and loveable! Those are perhaps not words one would associate with murder mysteries, but the Tea Shop books are as cozy as cozy can get! The puzzles are rather easy to solve, but the ride to the end is really fun, and filled to the brim with delicious tea tidbits, tea recipes, steaming tea pots, and pretty tea cups.

The stories are set in modern-day Charleston, South Carolina, and drip with loveliness, historic district charm, and all things tea. If pretty bone china, soft pastels, and dainty sandwiches are your aesthetic, you will love these books! The main character, Theodosia Browning, owns the Indigo Tea Shop, a picture-perfect spot that always ends up at the center of the action. Featuring delightful characters, intriguing mysteries, and endless cups of tea, these are the books to read for an ultimate cozy experience. As an added bonus, tea recipes are included at the end of each book!

bookcover of the English Breakfast Murder by inspiring author Laura Childs on iPad surrounded by bone china teacups and wildflowers

So put the kettle on, dust out your vintage tea set, and invite a friend or two to sample your freshly-baked lavender-laced scones. These books will get you inspired to bake and cook and drink lots and lots of tea, guaranteed!

I’ve read the first four books of the Tea Shop Mysteries so far and enjoyed them all, but I’d say Death by Darjeeling and Shades of Earl Grey were my favourites so far.

stack of books by inspiring author Georgette Heyer with bone china teacup and porcelain figurine of two lovers on a settee

 

Thank you for joining me!

I hope that between dreamy tea parties, Victorian fashions, Regency ballrooms, Louisa May Alcott’s wholesome portrayal of simple life, and Montgomery’s breathtaking nature descriptions, you will find a little something to inspire you! Whether it’s trying out something new or re-imagining something you already do, may the various inspiration from these authors bring you joy. I hope you enjoyed this post, and I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Have you read any of the books I mentioned? Did you also find them inspiring? What other books/authors would be on your list of inspiring reads?

 

Happy reading my friends!

 

Fondly,

fresh inspiration - 5 authors to read
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10 Wonderful Classic Books to Read This Summer

July 3, 2021      Anne      8 Comments

Hello dear friend, and welcome to July! Since we’re officially into summer now, I thought I would start off the month with a reading list of classic books to read this summer. I’ve been sharing more literature-related content lately since books are a huge source of inspiration for me. If you’d like to see some embroidery projects based on classic novels, do have a look at Loving Lilacs in Jane Eyre and Wisteria Embroidery: Inspired by The Enchanted April. I have more ideas for similar projects in the near future! For today, I wanted to share with you ten books I really loved that I think are perfect summer reads. They each take place at least partly in the summer, and feature either a dreamy setting or fun activities (or both) and are generally just very evocative of this season. They’re all classics, but of different genres and time periods. From children’s literature to Regency romance, there’s a little something for everyone <3. I’ve rated all of these books 4 or 5 stars on Goodreads, and wrote a full review for most of them.

10 classic books to read this summer

 

1. Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.

Anne of Green Gables book copy surrounded by summer flowers

Is a classic summer reading book list even a thing without the inimitable L.M. Montgomery? I don’t think so! Honestly, I think all her books that I’ve read so far have given me summer vibes. Whether it’s her short story anthologies or the Anne of Green Gables series, there’s something undeniably summery about LMM’s books. So I thought listing the first of the Anne of Green Gables books was the perfect way to start this list!

A Canadian classic set in idyllic Prince Edward Island in a fictional village called Avonlea (based on real life Cavendish), Anne of Green Gables is the timeless story of the orphaned Anne sent to live (by mistake) with a farming couple. I’m sure many of you are familiar with this story so I won’t go into details too much, but suffice it to say that it is utterly delightful. Anne is spirited and enchanting, and the book is written so beautifully that you will want nothing more than experience life in Avonlea in the late Victorian era. Slow and peaceful living at its finest, with blooming meadows and lakes of shining waters, picnics with friends and afternoon tea, kindred spirits and romantic poetry. Ah, the dream! You can’t miss this book. Or the 1985 movie version starring Megan Follows.

 

2. Emma by Jane Austen

There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart.

classic summer book rec: emma by jane austen

Can I ever make a bookish list without at least mentioning Austen? Probably not. I must preface this by stating that, although I’ve chosen Emma to feature on this list, anytime is a good time to read (or re-read) Pride and Prejudice. No matter the season. Emma too, but Emma gives off more summer vibes. Probably because I’ve seen so many film adaptations of it and they all feature the most gorgeous outdoorsy summer scenes. So now Emma is forever reminiscent of [disastrous] picnics and strawberry picking parties, with ladies wearing white and yellow dresses, and painting in the garden.

Emma is a charming novel set in the English countryside in a small town where the titular character presides as Queen. With no intention of ever marrying, Emma sets off to marry everyone else around her. She focuses on everybody else instead of herself, but things get even more interesting when a handsome young gentleman arrives in town for a visit.

Featuring an unusual heroine (in that she isn’t particularly likeable in a traditional way for a heroine for most of the book), Emma is a wonderful piece of wit and satire. You can’t take it (and her, especially) too seriously when you read it. You aren’t always supposed to root for Emma. She’s very, very human, and she makes mistakes. Thank goodness her neighbour Mr. Knightley is around to keep her in check! What would become of Highbury without him! You can definitely always root for Mr. Knightley. 😉 As a confirmed Austenite, I will always recommend Austen, but seriously, this is a really great book.

I wrote a quote/pic review of it on Goodreads (see here)

 

3. Venetia by Georgette Heyer

As soon as one promises not to do something, it becomes the one thing above all others that one most wishes to do.

Venetia book copy with dried cow vetch

If I’m a confirmed Austenite, then I’m most definitely a die-hard Heyerite. Probably my favourite author ever, you simply cannot go wrong with Heyer. She wrote many Regency comedies and romances, and Venetia is probably her most romantic work. Set in Yorkshire, 1815, it tells the story of twenty-five year-old Venetia Lanyon, a “spinster” as beautiful as she is intelligent. Sheltered yet wise, Venetia has never been outside Yorkshire and has no real experience with men. But a chance encounter with the rakish Lord Damerel changes everything, and we are treated to one of the best romances every written.

Heyer and Austen are often compared, and while I find their style very different, this one is probably the closest to resembling Austen’s style. More than just a romance, it’s full of depth and style, and of course, Heyer’s brilliant writing. Plus there’s blackberry picking and kittens to rescue in a barn, and just generally the most dreamy, romantic atmosphere. It’s basically a cottagecore fairytale. Venetia and Damerel are like two peas in a pod, endlessly quoting poetry, sharing inside jokes, being the most adorable couple ever. And of course, this is a Heyer novel, so you’re guaranteed razor-sharp wit and many laughs!

Full review of this one on Goodreads as well!

 

4. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

I have found that sitting in a place where you have never sat before can be inspiring – I wrote my very best poem while sitting on the hen-house.

I Capture the Castle book copy surrounded by buttercups

Read this amazing book for the first time last September and absolutely loved it. I was hooked from page one, where we meet the heroine journaling away in the kitchen with her feet in the sink. Set in an old half-ruined castle in England in the 1930s, I Capture the Castle is a thoroughly captivating read. Full of rich details and immersive imagery, it’s the coming-of-age story of seventeen year-old Cassandra Mortmain, told through her diary. I’ve always loved novels told through diaries (anyone else used to read those Dear Canada and Dear America series when they were younger??). Cassandra’s is unlike any other, sharp and witty and completely delightful. In it, you’ll find insightful passages about human nature, treasurable moments of childlike innocence, and countless scenes to make you dream of a summer spent in an old castle. There’s moonlit swims and Midsummer rituals, and lots of journaling out in nature.

Cassandra and her sister Rose (and their brother) live in the old castle with their eccentric step-mother and even more eccentric father. They’re incredibly poor and barely scraping by, and rarely have visitors. But when two American gents land on their doorstep one day, that’s when the fun really begins! I Capture the Castle will definitely make you want to capture your own castle. And listen to moonlight sonatas.

 

5. The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton

It had evidently not occurred to her as yet that those who consent to share the bread of adversity may want the whole cake of prosperity for themselves.

The Glimpses of the Moon bookcover on iPad surrounded by daisies

Ah, Edith Wharton. I’m aware that she wrote a novel titled Summer that might have been more appropriate for this list, but frankly I didn’t like that book very much. The Glimpses of the Moon was a much more interesting read. It transports one to moonlit villas in Europe, where the air smells of romance and expensive jewelry. It teaches one about the true meaning of love, and that money and luxuries truly cannot buy happiness. Set in the 1920s, the book centers around two newlyweds who get married with the only purpose of enjoying living off their wealthy friends’ invites to stay with them for extended periods of time. In short, they are parasites who are about to learn a much-needed lesson in integrity and honesty.

Written in classic Wharton style, the book is full of introspection and character portraits. I found it deep and interesting, and the setting really made everything glitter and come alive. This is the perfect book to read outside in a garden full of dewy roses at dusk. And if I remember correctly, there actually is a happy ending for once!

I wrote a full review of this one as well, on Goodreads.

 

6. Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Little rabbits, you know, always have games together before they go to bed.

Little House in the Big Woods book copy with yellow buttercups

I’m sure many of you are familiar with the 1970s TV series, Little House on the Prairie. It’s such a classic, full of sweetness and innocence! I was introduced to it in my mid-teen years and instantly loved it. The book series is just as charmingly loveable! Little House in the Big Woods is the first book, and it will transport you into the deep wilderness of Wisconsin. You will be completely immersed in nature; meeting a variety of animals, living in a log cabin, learning to play with the simple things around you. You will feel the wind on your face and the comfort of a handsewn quilt. It’s a portrayal of hard frontier life, full of sacrifices and discomforts, but also full of the simple joys of life and the reward of hard work and a loving family.

I love reading the Little House books when I go camping, as I can best imagine what life in the wild must have been like.😉 There’s nothing better than frying the morning eggs and bacon on the camp stove and eating in tin plates (nicknamed “the Little House plates”) before setting off on a hike and imagining ….. And then to end such a splendid day, you read a few more chapters seated around a sizzling campfire (thankful that somebody invented marshmallows, and that someone else had the brilliant idea to roast them).

 

7. Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy

When a strong women recklessly throws away her strength, she is worse than a weak woman who has never had any strength to throw away.

Far From the Madding Crowd book copy surrounded by summer flowers

This is undoubtedly one of my favourite books ever. A sweeping tale of Victorian farm life in the 1870s in rural Wessex, Far From the Madding Crowd is like a beautiful ode to the country. Filled with descriptive passages of nature, it is the ultimate picturesque novel, full of green hills and valleys and dear little sheep. And while there’s a certain undeniable slow and peaceful tone to it, there is definitely enough going on to keep you interested the whole time. The story might get a little dull if it were just sheep and trees, but what if we threw a good old love triangle in the midst of all this natural beauty?

Ah, then things become most definitely interesting!! Between a hardworking, faithful shepherd, a successful, impassioned farmer, and a handsome young soldier, who will Bathsheba Everdeen choose? Running a farm is no small feat, and while she is certainly up to the task, she could use a little help from one (or all) of her suitors. Descriptive, lyrical, and completely captivating, Far From the Madding Crowd is a classic you don’t want to miss. It is best enjoyed under the shade of a large oak, with a glass of lemonade and a flower crown of daisies on your head. Bonus points if you can acquire a little lamb as your reading companion 😉. The 2015 movie version with Carey Mulligan as Bathsheba is a must-see!

This one also got a full review on Goodreads 🙂

 

8. Jane of Lantern Hill by L. M. Montgomery

‘You want to feel that the house is yours before you buy it,’ said Jane.

Jane of Lantern Hill book copy with dried lavender and daisies

Yes, I’m including a second Montgomery novel, because there are just too many to choose from and I can’t leave it at one. Besides, as the ultimate summer reading experience, LMM deserves a second mention. I read this one a long time ago, but still remember the wonderful atmosphere of it. Jane of Lantern Hill is particularly summer. It tells the story of young Jane Stuart, who spends her summer vacation on Prince Edward Island for the first time. Accustomed to a grey and dull life full of rebukes, she lives the summer of her dreams on sunny and happy PEI. Learning to keep house for her father, this book is full of the joys of homemaking.

Follow Jane as she learns to bake the best pies, keep the parlour tidy, and the garden blooming. Montgomery has such a way with words that any simple action is made interesting when she describes it! This is a very dear, loveable book.

 

9. So Wild the Heart by Geoffrey Trease

summer classic book rec: So Wild the Heart bookcover on iPad surrounded by yellow flowers

A lesser-known classic, So Wild the Heart is the fascinating and adventurous tale of a young writer determined to find the exact place where the ancient Roman poet Antonian lived and translate his work. A shy, serious man, Mr. Adam journeys to Italy with the sole purpose of working on his manuscript. He has absolutely no intention to relax and have fun or even to meet anyone. But can anyone really do that in Italy? How does one resist the sun-kissed landscape, the delicious food, the allure of the sea?

Adam’s adventure, of course, becomes life-changing, full of romance and discoveries. It is near impossible to stay focused with the two American women visiting and the philosophical neighbours obsessed with Reason. Yet, So Wild the Heart is what we all need – a true vacation. This book will make you dream about holidaying in an Italian villa, sampling wine and rowing from village to village. It’s full of sunshine and summer, long writing sessions and piano-playing at night, interesting neighbours and classical references. I was quite impressed with this book and would love to re-read it.

Full Review on Goodreads!

Note:

It seems to be really hard to find a copy of this one, hence why there’s no quote. But I wanted to include it anyways in case anybody happens across it because it is really good!

 

10. The Tale of the Pie and the Patty-Pan by Beatrix Potter

‘Oh I do wish I could eat my own pie, instead of a pie made of mouse!’

The tale of the Pie and the Patty-Pan cover page with yellow flowers

Last but not least, is it really summer without at least a bit of Beatrix Potter? It was very hard to pick one tale to list here! There’s Peter Rabbit, of course, and Benjamin Bunny, and Jemima Puddleduck, and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, and so many more, all equally adorable! I considered listing The Complete Tales because it was so hard to pick. But in the end, I chose The Tale of the Pie and the Patty-Pan, because it’s so cute and funny. It features pies and pretty pie dishes, afternoon teas and handwritten letters, all of which are delightful and wholesome summer activities. When a cat invites a dog over for pie and they have very different tastes, something is bound to go awry!

***

I hope you enjoy this list of classic book recs for the summer and that it motivates you to try something new or revisit an old favourite! What do you like to read during the summer? Have you read any of the books on my list, and if yes, which one(s) did you like best? 🙂 I look forward to sharing more bookish thoughts with you!

Fondly,

Wonderful classic books to read this summer
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~ Diary of a Northern Belle

Northern Belle Atelier is taking a break 🌸💖 Northern Belle Atelier is taking a break 🌸💖

Today (Feb. 09th) is the last day to place your order for any physical items in my shop (kits, needle minders, or finished works). I will be removing the listings over the weekend. PDF patterns will remain available for now, but they may be taken down at any time (so if you've had your eye on one, I suggest grabbing it before they're gone! 🥰).

I will also be tuning off Instagram in the coming days, but you can still reach me via my business emails if you need. My blog will remain up for the time being. 💕

Thank you ever so much for all the support you've shown my little business since I began sharing my embroidery here! It has meant so much to me to be able to do this, even if just in a small way. 💖🪡 Wishing you all some beautiful stitches ahead!

Anne
Xoxo
February Wreath aka "Victorian Valentine" pattern February Wreath aka "Victorian Valentine" pattern from last year 💖🌸🎀 I love this one so much and it's perfect for Valentine's Day coming up!

Find it in my Etsy shop 💜

(Sorry for the shaky video!!)
Needle minders will be leaving my shop soon!! 🍒 Needle minders will be leaving my shop soon!! 🍒 Snag a cute little fruity needle minder for your next embroidery project before February 9th! All remaining needle minders in my shop are 10% off until then 💕🍓🍒💛
✨️ IMPORTANT UPDATE ✨️ I will be disconti ✨️ IMPORTANT UPDATE ✨️

I will be discontinuing embroidery kits from my shop very soon, but I still have 2 left of this pretty summer wreath up for grabs!! 🌼🍓

I love this design and the kit comes with everything you need to make the project: two pieces of cotton fabric, thread card loaded with DMC floss, two needles, a good quality 6" hoop, and the PDF pattern! All presented in a handy folder to make it easy to keep everything together 🤍💛❤️

Visit my Etsy shop (linked in bio) if you're interested!! They won't be around for long!
Thank you so much for all the love on the Floral G Thank you so much for all the love on the Floral Garden bunting!! 💖🌷🌻 Following several inquiries from some of you who were missing some or all of the patterns from this project, I've decided to link them in a handy-dandy blog post for easier access! 💕 I've linked it via my bio if you want to have a look and get the patterns! I like to give my subscribers a bit of exclusivity, but since this project has now come to a close, I've decided to make it available to everyone. 🥰

I may also have taken that opportunity to write a bit about each flower, the inspiration behind the designs, and of course their meanings according to the Language of Flowers 😊🌿🌻 If that sounds of interest to you, read  the post to find out more! I've also linked some stitch tutorials that may be helpful. 

Happy stitching! 🎀🪡🌼

Anne
The Floral Garden stitch-along has come to a close The Floral Garden stitch-along has come to a close and the bunting has been sewn and hung! 🌻🌷🌿 what a joy it was to work on throughout the year, and I hope you've enjoyed it too! I'm thrilled with the final result 😍

Thank you so much for all the lovely comments and enthusiasm for this project. I've just sent the final instructions + bunting template to my email subscribers 💌 it isn't too late if you'd like to give this project a try - you can sign-up via the link in my bio and receive the links to all 12 floral motifs from last year + the instructions for the bunting!! 💕

The embroideries are beginner-friendly and perfect if you want to try a bit of needle-painting, and the bunting part is quite easy and quick to put together (compared to last year's mini-quilt haha!) 🌷💕🌿

Happy stitching!!
Winter Fox 🦊🤍🌲 I think this makes the fir Winter Fox 🦊🤍🌲 I think this makes the first completed embroidery for 2024! Absolutely loved working on this and love the mix of watercolor with embroidery! Can't get enough of the little pinecones 🤎
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