This is a fun project which involves simple skills. Suitable for youngsters with a little assistance, but equally appropriate for adults. Personally I have used this decoration in several ways — as a unique Christmas greetings gift to friends — as a decoration for the tree and as a festive fridge magnet. I have created…
It can be a bit of a challenge to find inspiration — not everyone is brilliant at free-hand drawing and so when it comes to finding images for embroidery or card making (just to mention two possible situations) I believe many people turn to internet for suitable material. Something I have found to be useful…
Downloadable patterns & charts for all levels of ability All cross-stitch patterns are created from my own designs or photographs — each pattern is supplied with a detailed colour chart for thread picking and suggestions for canvas type. The default chart uses DMC thread colourways as standard, but you can of course substitute with the…
I just made myself this big, cosy collar with a big pair of needles (size 10 European guage) and a ball of chunky wool in black with bright flecks of colour. I was supposed to follow a pattern, but I just ignored it and did my own thing! Love the results, so I thought I…
Now I would like to say that this idea came straight out of my head, but in fact it didn’t. What is embarrassing is that I can’t remember where I saw this in the first place, so if anyone does know, I will be more than happy to give full credit to the blogger in…
Folk houses — for medium level stitchers Downloadable PDF cross-stitch pattern & colour chart Description:A simple cross-stitch pattern suitable for novices and youngsters, (for the latter, preferably with some help from an adult or capable stitcher), this downloadable PDF file includes a simple chart with colour key to create a single design or border strip…
Downloadable PDF cross-stitch pattern & colour chart Description:A simple cross-stitch pattern suitable for novices and youngsters, this downloadable PDF file includes a simple chart with colour key to create a Christmas elf in the traditionally festive colours, red and green.The chart includes a DMC colour chart, but of course you can use any brand of…
At long last I have managed to add a couple more of these sewing kits to my Etsy store. This particular kit has been surprisingly popular — partly because of its simplicity that even a beginner can handle quite confidently, but also because of the mix of different elements and methods required to complete it….
Many of us have become aware over the past couple of months, either through personal observation or via the media coverage, that the period of lockdown seems to have had a positive effect on our environment. Animals have been leaving their natural habitats to venture into city centres, no longer clogged up with traffic and…
A special day in Venice today — not only is it the day that Italians celebrate their Liberation at the end of WW2, but it is also the day for loved ones — a day to present your love with a red rose — ‘la festa di San Marco’ when under normal circumstances the city…
Another one to add to the collection of freebie cross-stitch patterns and colour charts. An Easter or Spring project for more accomplished stitchers. An older child might manage with the assistance of an adult. Download the pattern and chart from the link below. For youngsters, you might like to download the Easter and Spring design…
Looking for things to do during isolation? Here’s a quick and easy idea for a fat quarter — or any textiles measuring at least 50cm x 50cm you have available to use — to make a drawstring bag to use for all manner of things. Here are just a few suggestions — a shoe bag,…
Difficult times for most of us right now. The Coronavirus has turned our lives upside-down and being closed indoors can be trying, particularly where there are young children to keep occupied and feeling safe in such an uncertain world. So this pattern is offered to those who need to keep their hands and minds busy…
Well this is only half the story… the bottom half in fact! One of my recent shopping adventures produced this fun fabric in very dark grey with fun stylized houses printed all over it. I knew I wanted to use it for something a little unusual, but just needed to think about it for a…
Just finished the first of several of these bags which I plan to make. Pleased with the result, and as usual, I love the colours! I like to make things which I use/would use myself, so inevitably I end up using mainly my own favourite colours. I’ll be trying out other colourways at some stage.
Experimented with one of these sewing pouches yesterday, and I know I shouldn’t be the one to say it, but I will anyway – I love it! Shades of grey and red are high on my list of favourite colours anyway, so this combination of grey felt and red ribbon and buttons is a winner!The…
Been wanting to make some of these little guys for ages, but I was finding it hard to get hold of the felt colour I wanted. At long last my suppliers came up with the goods and I was able to ‘bake’ half a dozen. I also decided to set up a little kit for…
JesS and I have been doing quite a few things, though she tends to limit herself to flashes of inspiration for earrings. I’m the one who pulls out the sewing machine, and this is what I was up to last month… I call them travel buddies to take along with you during your short breaks…
is what I said. There are all sorts of occasions for wanting to take a cup of hot tea or cocoa to someone outside – maybe it’s for the lads working under the car bonnet – or for the gang around the bonfire letting off fireworks – or even for the snowball fights when there’s…
Tough going for the felt hearts I am sewing right now. Not quite a drill job, but I do have a pair of pliers to hand to pull the needle through at almost every stitch! The problem is probably down to the fact that I am having to use a hefty cotton and a needle…
Greetings with a difference and they don’t come much more different than this one! Your seasonal wishes will certainly stand out with this cute (ouch!) washing line full of Santa’s smalls – and larges too! These will be custom made as and when they are requested, but that shouldn’t affect the delivery times so within…
