Annabarrel the cheeky cow

Annabarrel 

It used to be so difficult to find good crochet patterns as most companies concentrated on catering for knitters up until recently. Now crochet is making a huge comeback its hard to decide what to make first but this cute cow from Stylecraft is a real eye catcher in more ways than you might think.

Done entirely in double crochet (UK terms) Annabarrel has a cheeky suprise hidden beneath her barrel.

Working in the round takes some practice but once mastered it is a great way to create seamless toys. The smaller parts on this pattern are a bit fiddly to hold when making but are well worth it for the extra details such as nostrils, ears and .........udders. That's right beneath the barrel hides some comical udders which are a talking point to say the least.

Anna was made using Stylecraft Classique Cotton which gives a firm structure even before stuffing. Although the pattern called for 12mm black safety eyes I used 15mm as I think it gives toys the extra cuteness factor (think the puss in boots scene in Shrek).

As always we have the pattern and yarn deal over on our website. 
Don't forget to share your Annabarrel over on our facebook page. 

The Easter Fair

 The Easter Fair is just over a month away and it has been so difficult hand picking stalls. The talent in and around Fleetwood is amazing. Who would have thought there are so many creative people in such a small area.

The weekend celebrates The North Euston Hotel's 175th Birthday and to show our support myself and many of the stallholders will be wearing Victorian fancy dress.

We have a wide range of goodies on offer including handmade jewellery, soft furnishings, glassware, pottery, clothing, fabric, knitted goods, crocheted creations, wooden toys, personalised bags and so much more.

 We can't wait to see you there

Yarn Bombing for The Summer Fair

 A few weeks ago The Fleetwood Weekly News put a piece in the paper about our plans to yarnbomb the town in an attempt to combat the councils 'no poster' rules.

Today was our first installment of these woolly wonders. Lots of lovely locals have helped by knitting, crocheting, making pom poms, loom knitting and sewing pieces of crafty gorgeousness to use for this alternative advertising

Armed with needles, wool and plenty of energy myself, Mama Bird, Sioux of Mount Pleasant Tea Rooms, Terri of Cocoa Crafts Made At Home and Summer in her PJ's, wellies and bobble hat set to work sewing together all the lovely pieces to cover a bench.

Today was Carnival day in Fleetwood so the best time to get lots of attention from the spectators.

The knitting will be left for all to see right up to The Summer Fair on 5th July.

It doesn't end here. We will be adding to the art right through until the fair and maybe even beyond ............

'Making' a comeback

 'Making' a comeback


Since opening the shop last June it has given me a huge insight into just how many people 'make'. Whether it be sewing, jewellery making, painting or ceramics, there are so many creative people not just locally to Topstitch but throughout the UK and no doubt beyond that.

I absolutely love running workshop and as they are gaining popularity I am meeting more and more like minded people. Ideas just bounce around the room when a group of creatives get together so socials will become a more regular event at Topstitch.

Next up in our social calendar is the Stylecraft crochet along which is running in the UK and is a free downloadable pattern available on the Stylecraft website from 7th April fortnightly for 8 weeks.

We will be holding our socials every fortnight and offering the yarn pack at a discounted rate to both locals and crocheters across the UK. Socials run from 6-8pm every fortnight at a cost of £3 which includes refreshments and any help you need during the project.

Continuing along the crochet route are these gorgeous kits from TOFT which are 100% wool and are a great price of just £20.99 in the shop and via our facebook page  .

It's getting very close to our Spring Fair and we have a great group of crafters lined up so what better time to give you a sneaky peak at my table set up which was taken at Staining Farmers Market which runs on the first Sunday of every month

Macmillan Craft & Gift Fair 2014

We couldn't have done it without you!

Thank you to everyone who helped us raise £250 for Macmillan Cancer Support. It's a cause very close to my heart and I am so glad everyone got involved. Our donation has now been sent to Macmillan and we are looking forward to raising more money throughout the next year.





Thank you to all the stall holders , visitors to the event and anyone who took part in the charity tombola and raffle.

Website Launch

Today I have launched the new Topstitch website. It s a work in progress but so far I am happy with how it looks and it seems to navigate well, but I am biased seen as though I made it so please check it out for yourself.

I have had so much support since opening the shop in Fleetwood it has been a bit of a worldwind and my feet have still not touched the ground. I cannot wait to see what the next few months will bring.

Christmas stock has already hit the shop and is selling well even though its early. We have Christmas fabrics, handmade decorations, gifts and everything in between.


Due to the massive success the shop has had so early on , a stud wall has been removed and the main shop space extended to give a much more open feel.

I am excited for what the future holds and want to thank everyone who has helped make Topstitch successful.

Local Artist Is A Carving Marvel

About a month ago a lady popped into the shop to show me some carved Santa heads made by her husband Peter Hayton. I was amazed by the quality and couldn't wait to get some in the shop for our customers.

Today they arrived and did not disappoint. Wondering if it was too early for Christmas products I was soon reassured when these two Santa hangers were sold within minutes of announcing their arrival on our facebook page.

I then rang Peter to tell him the good news and luckily he has more to bring to the shop next week. They are hand carved from a single piece of wood and that's what makes each one unique.

The wizard carvings have a slightly more mysterious look about them and each one seems to take on its own personality.

These sit flush with the wall as every one of them has a notch carved out of the back ready for hanging.


Keep an eye on our etsy shop for listings selling local crafters work including Peter Hayton's carvings.

Smaller just as wonderful wizards are also a lovely addition to any home, so much so I bought one myself and it will hang in pride of place in my hall.


If any local crafters and artist deserve some recognition Peter Hayton is the one to watch.

A very welcome addtion to the shop.