Nicky Makes Things

Nicky Makes Things Quilting, Sewing & Embroidery
Sew Sunday every week
The life of a quilter
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What's on my sewing table
Quilt Stories

20/09/2026

Sew Sunday
Episode 23: Gemology Blocks Part 7

This week's Sew Sunday is slightly different

I needed to get some photocopies made for my latest Gemology blockd, so rather sitting at my sewing table, you're coming with me on a trip to the photocopy shop.

Then it's back home and straight into cutting them all out.

Not exactly the most glamorous part of quilting but itd all part of the process.

Slowly getting everything ready for the next stage of my Gemology project.

🪡Things quilting has taught me.After spending quite a lot of time surrounded by fabric, thread and the occasional bit of...
16/09/2026

🪡Things quilting has taught me.

After spending quite a lot of time surrounded by fabric, thread and the occasional bit of unpicking, I've learnt a few things.

1. There is no such thing as too much fabric
I will not be taking questions on this one.

2. Measure twice, cut once ... and check it again.
And still manage to get it wrong.

3. The project you thought would be quick probably won't be.
"It's only a small project" - famous last words.

4. A mistake doesn't always mean you have to unpick it.
Sometimes you just have to decide that it was definitely meant to be like that.

5. Sometimes the best part is simply sitting down and sewing
No deadlines, No rushing. Just fabric, thread and a bit of time to yourself.

And I'm sure there are many more lessons I could add to this list.

What's something quilting has taught you?
Or what's the biggest quilting lesson you've learnt the hard way.

13/09/2026

Sew Sunday
Episode 22: It's all about the scraps

I'm starting by finishing off some of my scrap bonus blocks that have been waiting patiently in my sewing room. Then it's time to tackle the scrap pile and process them. Cutting, and getting them organised for future projects.

There's something strangely satisfying about turning a messy pile of scraps into something useful.

One small step at a time and hopefully a slightly tidier sewing room.

Pop Ups UpdateThe quilt top is officially finished.It's always a good feeling reaching this stage, when all those indivi...
11/09/2026

Pop Ups Update

The quilt top is officially finished.

It's always a good feeling reaching this stage, when all those individual pieces finally come together and you can see the whole quilt taking shape.

The afterquilt is pieced, and the quilt label is made, so it's now ready for the next stage: basting and quilting.

I'm definitely getting that 'I'm nearly there' feeling with this one.

10/09/2026

Meet my Colourful Cat Tote Bag

The embroidery is finished, the bag is made and yes, I may have gone overboard with the pockets.

I wanted this bag to be colourful and practical, so there's plenty of space for all those little things I never seem to have a place for.

Another project finished, another handmade bag added to the collection.

Now the important question... can you ever have too many pockets?

Tote Bag Pattern: Debbie Shore

So, what am I going to do with it now that it's finished?Well, I decided to turn my colourful cat cross stitch into a to...
08/09/2026

So, what am I going to do with it now that it's finished?

Well, I decided to turn my colourful cat cross stitch into a tote bag. 👜

A few years ago, I made this pattern twice; I sold one and gave the other away. I really loved making it, so when I finished this colourful cat, making another tote seemed like the purrfect choice. 🐱

What do you do with your finished projects? Do they become something useful, get gifted or simply go into the "I made this and I love it pile".

Tote Bag Pattern: Debbie Shore

*AI note: The first image has been partially AI generated and edited. The tote bag and the sewing are very much real.*

06/09/2026

Sew Sunday
Episode 21: Hope and a Future

A new Cross stitch project has officially landed on my sewing table.

After finishing my Colourful Cat, I needed something new to stitch and this one is a little a more meaningful.

"For I know the plans I have for you"

This verse is one that has stayed close to my heart, so I'm really looking forward to slowly stitching it into something I can keep.

For now, it's just a few stitches but every finished piece has to start somewhere.

Also, a little note for future reels, they'll all be filmed horizontally from now on, because my hubby has been going on about it.

Cross Stitch Pattern:

📮Happy Post ✉️Now that my Colourful Cat is finally finished, it was definitely time for a new cross stitch and look what...
02/09/2026

📮Happy Post ✉️

Now that my Colourful Cat is finally finished, it was definitely time for a new cross stitch and look what arrived.

I chose this pattern because the Bible verse is one that is particularly close to my heart.

"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11

I love the idea of stitching something that has a little more meaning behind it rather than choosing a pretty design. I think this one is going to be a really special project to work on.

Have you ever stitched something because the words or meaning behind it were special to you?

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