I am equal parts nervous and excited to let you know that I have launched a Patreon channel. For a while now, I have been very kindly asked if I have a Patreon page where people can support me. I am enjoying making Youtube videos so much that I decided to launch a Patreon page because this will give me the opportunity to share even more. I earn very little from Youtube itself, but I am extremely grateful for what I do get. The idea behind Patreon is that it will be a place for me to share extra content and that it will ultimately support my Youtube channel and help it to continue.

If you aren't familiar, Patreon is a way people can support creators through signing up for a monthly subscription. In return, the creator will offer various things back to their Patrons as their way of thanking them for their support. 

​I currently have two tiers available. The Hexagon Flower Tier is £2 per month and in return, Patrons at this level will receive a monthly update post about things I have been working on, enjoying, inspiration etc. The Jewel Flower Tier is £6 per month and Patrons will receive early access to any Youtube videos ad free, as well as an extra, Patreon only vlog each month. I have so many ideas for the Patron only vlog, I think it will be an opportunity for me to share broader topics than I share on Youtube and I think it will be a bit more personal too. My hope is that Patreon will evolve and grow and I will be able to offer more things as time goes on. It is scary putting myself out there in this way but I am so thankful for the wonderful support I have received over the past few years. Monthly subscriptions can be cancelled at any time so people can join for the exact length of time that suits them and you can move between the tiers too. If you would like to join me over on Patreon, that would be truly wonderful. Currently, all of the January content is over there and ready. But please remember, if you aren't able to join, it's absolutely fine, there is no pressure to join at all and nothing will change in terms of everything else I am doing. You can find my Patreon page by clicking here. 

I find it so difficult launching things like this, it is very nerve wracking! But when I sent out an email newsletter last night, I had a group of lovely people sign up straight away and I am so grateful for that, and so excited to go on this new journey with them, and if you are able to. I would love to see you over there, it's a very cosy, creative and friendly place. 

In this week's video I am sharing some tips for how to improve your English paper piecing technique. I am definitely not an expert, but I've learnt a few things along the way, through making my own mistakes. I firmly believe there is no right and wrong to do things, but making some little changes here and there will hopefully help a little.

Basting
1. Make sure you have accurately cut paper shapes
2.Take care when glue basting, don't use too much
3. Don't put the glue too close to the edge
4.Try not to wrap the fabric too tightly around the shape
5. Use a seam allowance of at least 1/4"

Sewing
1. Use a fine, long needle, for example, a size 9 milliners needle
2. Use a strong, fine thread. I like polyester thread such as Invisifil by Wonderfil
3. Use a colour that blends with your fabric
4. Pull the thread tight when you sew, making sure there aren't any gaps
5.Use a locking knot at every junction
​6. Carry your thread at the back of the work

I've never found new year resolutions to be particularly helpful. They always end up becoming a list of things I am failing at, a list of things I can't keep up with. It drags me down and makes me feel not good enough. So this year I've decided it will be different. I am starting the year in a more gentle way, here is my approach. I hope you like it and that you can take something from it too. 

1. Reconnect with what inspires you
2. Don't set targets and goals
3. Write a list of accomplishments
4. Change habits little by little 
​5. Organisation
6. Reframe how to think about time
7. Make least favourite tasks more enjoyable
​8. Group tasks together

Happy New Year! I hope 2023 is a brilliant year for you full of good health and happiness.

​The start of a brand new year always feels like a good time to reflect on the past year and think about what changes we can make for the new one. I began by thinking I didn't really achieve much last year because I thought about all of the things I didn't do. My list of goals, none of which I completed. All of the things I started but didn't finish. I had to remind myself that it was a tough year personally in many ways, my health wasn't at it's best. But hopefully I am through the worst of that now and I can move forward. When I looked back on what I did make, I was pleasantly surprised that I did work on some nice projects last year! I also taught some lovely workshops at the festival of quilts and the knitting and stitching show, meeting so many lovely people at both. So overall last year ended up being better than I initially thought!

A major highlight of the past year was the quilt as you go community project. I started a quilt as you go quilt and after sharing it on Youtube, I asked others to join in and to send info and photos of their projects in so I could share on the channel. The response was fantastic and I really enjoyed seeing what everyone was making. If you'd like to see too, I will leave the video below so you can watch, it's so inspiring I know you'll enjoy it too.

In 2022 I launched my Stitch School and I am really proud of it. So far there are two workshops on there, one that is an add on to the Hexagon Sewing Case pattern and one that is a stand alone mini workshop for the Flower Power Pincushion. I have lots in the works for more workshops in 2023 and I am looking forward to sharing that with you in due course.

Thank you so much for all of the support you have shown me over the past 12 months. Whether that is through following on Instagram or Youtube, buying my patterns and workshops, or purchasing items from my shop, it all means so much to me and I have a lot to be grateful for. Wishing you a wonderful 2023 full of lots of creativity.
​Emma