Back at the end of May, an e-mail friend, upon learning that we were staying with our son in London, asked me if I had been to Hyggeligt Fabrics yet? Well, I hadn’t even heard of Hyggeligt Fabrics.
But my friend mentioned that they had all sorts of Liberty of London and Kaffe Fabrics and added that it wouldn’t be safe for her to be in London right now because if she was, she might end up camping out at the store as she loves Liberty fabrics.
Now you just know that I had to go check things out.
The lady in the shop that day said they had returned the previous day from a huge quilt show and were still getting things sorted back where they belong. Even so, the shelves were filled with a gorgeous selection of fabric. (Be sure to check out the link above for their on-line store.)
While browsing, I had a good visit with the shop lady; learning in the process that they have a room in the back of the shop set up with tables/work stations that they rent out for the day to anyone who wants to come work on a quilt or other sewing project. What a cool idea!
Oh I could have spent soooooooo much money there. But I restrained myself admirably. I only bought this one yard of fabric and small craft kit (that was on sale half price.)

Isn’t that poppy fabric beautiful! I haven’t decided exactly what I’m going to make with it yet, but I’m thinking it would be great to use to sew one of those Infinity Scarves. And the Santa kit… well, what can I say, he was just too cute to leave behind, especially at half price.
Since then, I’ve been busy working on a few different embroidery projects. I’ve been enjoying the hand work but I’ve also been missing machine sewing so today I decided to make up that little Santa as it looked like it would be quick and easy.
Easy yes. Quick not so much. Do you ever find that a project you think will only take a couple of hours to complete ends up taking several more?
I opened the kit just before noon and finally completed the last stitch just before 6 pm. Let me explain.
First some unpicking happened because I hadn’t read the directions thoroughly.
Then, when I was stuffing one of the legs, part of the seam had frayed and it opened when I tried stuffing it. The leg had to be unstuffed, turned wrong side out, re-sewn, turn back right side out and restuffed.
Note to self: if I make another kit like this, trim the seam allowance to a 1/4” rather than the 1/8” called for.
But other than that, it was a fun project to do and the instructions (had I read them more thoroughly the first time) were great.
I even learned a new method for turning long, skinny pieces like the arms. The kit included a straw and a wooden stick. You put the straw inside the piece you want to turn. Then using the wooden stick, you push the fabric inside the straw until its right side out.
I also used the wooden stick to help push the stuffing into places that the hemostat wouldn’t fit.
It turned out so cute that I’m having trouble deciding whether to keep it or gift it come Christmas time.


If I do decide to gift the Santa… I’ll be sure to slip a little something into his sack as an extra surprize!
I’m just in time to add this post to the Finish It Up Friday link party hosted each week over at Crazy Mom Quilts.
Note: The Santa Kit is from a Canadian company called Happy Sew Lucky based in North Vancouver, B.C. You can find their website with a list of retailers here.
This post has been added to the following link parties:
Sew Darn Crafty Link Party #119
Made by You Monday