Sundy Best - Cross Stitch Kits - Week 1

Hello beautiful people! Today's Sunday Best is a little run through of some of the amazing cross stitch kits available on Etsy. Life has been busy (same old excuses!) and I'm determined to give myself some crafting time in April.

I love the cute and quirky kits available for stitchers now (although still also have a soft spot for the more kitsch and old school cross stitch designs!).

Here are a few of my favourite 'safe for work' kits - the 'not safe for work' kits are equally awesome though, so be prepared for a run down of some of those bad boys next week!

1. Cute Bee from LittleBeachHut - I've admired the designs from LittleBeachHut for a while and this little bee is hard to resist.

2. Adorable Drama Llama from EllbieCo - nothing is better than a drama llama - and seriously - how cute? Just look at that little face.

3. Gin not Gym from SewCrossHandmade - I'm one day in to April and have already failed with my diet (damn the chocolate!) so this kit is a must-make to legitimise my bad decisions.

4. You're Tea-rific from GeekyStitchingCo - I think this cutie needs to be added to my Geeky Stitching Company collection very soon.

5. Makers gonna Make from Stitchsperation  - I've been a fan of the designs from Stitchsperation for a long time - it's definitely time to try a kit!

I definitely believe that setting some time aside for crafting (or any hobbies) helps us be more productive in the long run...so I'm off to have a cup of tea and get stitching. Looking forward to collating some not so safe for work designs for you next week so stay tuned.

Bye for now!

xxx

Motif Monday - The Porg

Motif Monday returns! Yay!

I'm still processing Star Wars The Last Jedi. It was an emotional rollercoaster I wasn't quite ready for.

One thing I do know is that the Porgs were flipping cute. And yeah...I also love the ewoks. If you're a Star Wars fan who hates the cute little critters of the universe then this isn't the blog you're looking for.

This week's free motif is dedicated to the little Porg dudes. It's a super quick stitch, and would be great for decorating a little one's t-shirt, or for stitching a legion of tiny little Porgs if you feel the need for a Porg army.

Porgs seems to be either brown or grey, depending on what point of reference you use. I've chosen brown for this design, but you can easily substitute for grey.

Here's the pattern:

Or you can download a pattern sheet, including the DMC threads colours I used, and a black and white version of the pattern by following this link:

Porg Pattern Sheet

Please only use this pattern for personal use, and if you share it credit this blog.

Happy porging everyone! I'll be back on Monday with another free pattern for you.

24 Projects in 24 Weeks - Week 6 Update - Unicorns Don't Care

Here's my project for last week - a day late! Oops!

I've had a summer cold this past week, which means that life has been spent either at work feeling sorry for myself, or at home curled up with tea and cross stitch.

The style of this kit was a little different for me - but I loved the retro font - and the Unicorn attitude of course! It's another one from The Geeky Stitching Company. I'm finding them to be the most relaxing projects ever. I've got another three kits stored up to complete, and about another 10 designs on my wish list!

I've been doing lots of thinking whilst stitching this week - about priorities, goals, what I want to do next with life - you know - the little things.

I do love crafting for providing some decent thinking time. I find that I never worry while I craft - instead I tend to quite calmly work through things in my head.

I haven't decided what project to complete for this week. I'm working through the rooms in my house at the moment and doing little bits of DIY and tidying/ turning out as I go. I'm hoping that will give me some inspiration on what to make next.

A friend has also lent me her sewing machine - so I'm going to be brave and try to use it. For all the crafts I've tried, sewing machines still terrify me!

Whatever your week brings, I hope it's a happy one. And remember - if you feel stressed - be like a unicorn.

Bye for now.

Sunday Best - The Black Cat Edition

Thursday 17th August was Black Cat Appreciation Day. I definitely appreciate my little black cat, Bob, who loves sitting in cardboard boxes. He hasn't been very well for the past week (which involved a visit to the emergency vet last Sunday (ouch...expensive but worth every penny!). He's much better now though, and is getting lots of love and adoration.

Apparently animal rescue centres struggle to home black cats which is such a shame. Bob is my third black cat and I absolutely adore them. They all have amazing characters and life is a much better place with a little black moggy wandering around the home.

In honour of these amazing felines here are five of the best black cat items on Etsy at the moment...

Kate Broughton is always a favourite for me - and these black cat nail transfers are no exception.

This absolutely adorable pin from GlitterPunkJewellery  is on my list of pins to buy (I'm rationing myself to two per month - it's a killer).

The ilikeCATSshop is another regular favourite of mine on Etsy. I love the style of this print...and the combination of flowers and vegetables is just extra amazing.

Black cats are definitely lucky - and this hoop by CrimsonPins is a gorgeous way of celebrating that fact.

And lastly, this print by PrintsofHeart is so cute...and so right...I've had kitties of all different colours in my life...and the black cats have definitely always had the most chilled and cool little personalities.

I hope your Sunday has brought with it some loveliness. I'm full of a cold so I've used it as an excuse to hide under a blanket and craft while watching my way through the Star Wars movies in order (still not finished...I have a feeling it may carry over to next weekend!).

Bye for now

xx

24 Projects in 24 Weeks - Week 5 Update - The Cactus Cushion

Soooo...I'm not so sure about how I feel about my project for this week. I've felt a bit like giving up on it a few times, which probably isn't a good sign. My project for this week was an embroidered cactus cushion, which I made using a kit from Flying Tiger Copenhagen (I bought this kit a while ago so I don't think it's in store anymore...sorry!).

The kit itself was easy enough. The instruction were some super-vague pictures, but with a tiny bit of embroidery experience I could work my way through what I needed to do.

My biggest gripe was that I ran out of both of the green threads so had to raid my stash for something similar. I found an okish match, but it's always going to bug me that some of the cactus spines are a different colour to the rest!

My hand-sewing skills to sew the two sides together were also slightly lacking so it's ended up a weird shape at the top! I'm always really really critical of my own work but for this challenge I'm trying to silence my inner critic and post the projects anyway!

Still...it's not keeping my parrot cushion company in my snug. Although my dog has taken a bit of an interest in it...so it may end up being a dog toy!

Anyway...back to cross stitch this week I think...or maybe an embroidery hoop project. Decisions, decisions!

What are you making at the moment? Is it too earlier for Christmas crafts? I'm seeing them pop up everywhere and am so tempted to start because...you know...Christmas.

Bye for now!

xx

24 Projects in 24 Weeks - Week 2 Update - Foxy Cross Stitch

Hello to all the crafty people in the house! I've achieved week 2 of my challenge to complete a crafty project each week. Hurrah! I've found cross stitch to be really helpful this week. My brain has been so tired each evening (hence the silence on here...so sorry my lovely blog readers) that following a pattern has given me something to do that doesn't involve sitting around and worrying, but hasn't overly taxed my poor confused brain!

So here's the finished item. It was from a kit that came as a free gift with the September 2017 issue of Cross Stitch Crazy Magazine. I have such a stash of free kits to work my way through, but I couldn't resist this design - so pretty.

The kit comes with a pink plastic hoop as well, but I am trying to build a collection of embroidered designs in wooden hoops for a hoopla wall I want to put together,  so I used a small wooden one instead.

Here's a close up to show the detail of the design. I was so impressed with this design coming as a free kit.

If you'd like to stitch your own little fox family the magazine should still be in the shops.

I have a sneaky suspicion next week's project is also going to be cross stitch related - but more on that next weekend!

Have you completed any projects this week? I'd love to hear about them if you have!

Bye for now

xx

Sunday Best...The Pineapple Collection

You know it's officially summer when the shops suddenly become filled with pineapple themed items. This year is no exception. Which is amazing, obviously.

I've decided I can't fill my home with pineapples this year...as the items normally end up being donated during the cold winter months when pineapple shaped lamps and cushions just seem very out of place (I need more storage...seriously).

That doesn't stop me from browsing pineapple based goodies though, and imagine admiring them while sipping a pina colada. No sir. So here are some of my favourite items from Etsy at the moment...

If you'd like to see any more about these pieces of pineapple tastiness you can follow the links below to the Etsy listings (clockwise, from top left)...

Be a Pineapple Print by BeauTypographie 

Necklace by TheBonnyBoutique 

Earrings by FinestImaginary 

Pineapple Patch by BelsArt 

Pineapple Scissors from CloudCraftShop 

Beautiful (I'm in awe of the embroidery skills here) pineapple hoop art by YellowTulipCrafts

I'm off to the shops...I have a sudden urge to eat some pineapple...

Bye for now!

Sunday Best - Wearable Sewing Accessories

I'm spending more time on sewing and embroidery projects at the moment to try and help with keeping calm (I find trying to move house so stressful!), so I love the idea of having accessories that are also functional! Here are a few pretty but functional sewing accessories I found in my online travels...

This is the items that inspired this Sunday Best collection. A gorgeous leather bracelet that is also a tape measure? Yes please! You can find this bracelet and lots of other absolutely lovely sewing accessories over at Beyond Measure. 

This needle minder ring by Frozen Star Handmade on Etsy is a perfect and pretty way to make sure I stop losing my needles (which I do more than I care to admit). 

This thread cutter pendant from Sew and So is equal parts retro and useful...and I'd never need to worry about losing my sewing scissors again (yep...that also happens more than I'd like to admit.

And lastly...this pincushion ring by TeenyTinyVintage on Etsy is also really pretty and useful...I love the fact it comes with two tiny floral needles as well!

Ok...I'm going to go and do some embroidery now (if I can just find my sewing scissors and a needle...)

Bye for now!

xxx

That Friday Feeling...Hygge, Crafting and The Fresh Prince

Hello, hello! Welcome again to my favourite time of the week...Friday evening! This week I've been focusing on really trying to create a relaxed and comfy feeling each evening. Lots of crochet, reading and gentle TV viewing has definitely helped me feel more calm and content each evening.

What I've been watching...

In West Philadelphia born and raised....I'm so happy that the Fresh Prince of Bel Air has arrive on Netflix in the UK. It used to be a favourite of mine, and it's definitely standing the test of time - it's had me laughing aloud so many times (and not just because of some of the fashion choices). I'm not as pleased to realise that I'm closer in age to Aunt Viv than to Will mind you...

What I've been pinning...




I'm well and truly sucked in to the Hygge lifestyle. I think it helps that it's pretty much I how decorated my home and tried to live anyway...but I even find pinning pretty Hygge inspired pictures relaxing!

What I've been crafting...

I can't share pictures yet, but I've signed up to a craft swap over at Craftster and I'm really happy to be back to craft swapping - I love making things for people (way more than crafting for myself) and the craft swaps just help focus that on a theme. It's definitely helping me to set aside some time for creative things as well, which I desperately need! If you're crafty and haven't visited Craftster I'd definitely recommend it - it's a really lovely community.

This weekend I have a lovely family day planned, some crafting and some work (boo to deadlines) - all of which will be achieved in a state of Hygge peace and tranquillity, of course (or chaos...definitely one or the other). Whatever your weekend holds I hope it's a good one.

Bye for now!

xx

Stitch 'n' Tell - Cross Stitch Otter

Today I thought I'd share a completed cross stitch project which has been keeping me very busy(I have a few of these on the go!).

This was a present for my dad who is a big otter fan. I'm so happy with how this little guy turned out but have to admit I found him a challenge! I'm better with projects that involve lots of different colours so I don't get bored - but this kit was obviously predominantly brown. I didn't complete the whole picture (as it's quite honestly massive and I didn't want a detailed border around the otter), but this is what the completed project would look like if all of the outlines were added...

The kit itself was perfectly put together and really clear with good quality threads and fabric included. Although I found the design a bit challenging at times, the fine detail of the otter is just so stunning it was worth it in the long run.

If you fancy a challenge, the kit can be found here. I'm going to go and get on with my next project...a Christmas robin who wasn't quite ready in time for Christmas....with any luck he'll be ready for Christmas 2017!

Bye for now

xxx

Craft Kit Review - Kirstie Allsopp Beeswax Candle Kits

I was having a little browse around Hobbycraft after work (as you do) one day and found a kit to make beeswax candles. I've always wanted to try candle making, but have never had the inclination to invest in the kit needed - and hot wax seemed like a terrible thing to be messing with due to my clumsiness, so this seemed like a perfect solution.

The kit itself looked like this:

The kit itself comes in a pretty box (1. and 2.). The kit included is incredibly straight forward - 8 sheets of beeswax, and a reel of cotton wick (3.). My favourite part of the kit are the two cute glass candle holders, which have a lovely vintage look.

The instructions were incredibly simple to follow. To make a tapered candle I just ran the wick along the long edge of a sheet of beeswax and began rolling. Then trimmed the end of the wick. That's it...candle made.

There are instructions in the kit to use the wax sheets in different ways - to make small rolled candles and birthday candles, and then some ideas that are decorative rather than actually making a fully functioning candle (which seemed a bit like clutching at straws). I knew that the type I would get the most use out of were tapered candles, so I just kept rolling. I did make one shorter candle by cutting the beeswax with scissors, to go in my house candle holder...

As far as projects go, this was absolutely perfect for sitting down after a day at work and doing something super simple and yet effective. I had a little pile of completely usable candles before I knew it.

I burnt my first candle from the set yesterday and it was all kinds of relaxing. It didn't take long to burn down...I think about 20 minutes...but those were some relaxing minutes!

The Verdict

The presentation of the kit was beautiful, the instructions clear and the glass candle holders were a nice addition in acknowledgement of the fact the kit was fairly light on resources.

This kit is so simple it's not going to appeal to people who craft for a bit of a challenge. It is, however, perfect for an evening of tuning out and focusing on something pretty and simple.

I thought 8 candles and 2 candle holders was good value for the price of the kit (£10.00 on offer).

The kit is also a good starting point - particularly because it gives the initial safety warnings about using this type of candle.

The only thing I was disappointed about was that the beeswax sheets had no smell. I've always thought of beeswax as having a lovely sweet smell, and a yellow tone. The wax in this kit was white, and had no smell. This makes me thing it has been treated, which would be a shame (although my beeswax knowledge is limited).

I would definitely try making these candles again. I've been reading about Hygge recently (more on that to follow) and appreciate the relaxation organic candles can provide. I've been researching beeswax sheets online and am planning to buy some natural sheets to try using them. I'll be really interested to see if there's a difference.

I think little bundles of these candles would make a really lovely present, especially when coupled with a pretty little candle holder.

If you're interested in buying your own kit you can find it here.

Bye for now!

xx

Christmas Card Challenge - Week 1 Update

Hello, hello! Last week I set myself a challenge to start making Christmas Cards in honour of World Card Making Day. Over the past week I have learnt/ remembered a few things...

1. Cross stitching takes longer than I give it credit for
2. Just because something is small doesn't mean it'll be quick to make if it still involves lots of stitches and colour changes
3. I find it hard to concentrate on anything other than self pity if I have a bit of a cold (pathetic..seriously...I'm pathetic)
4. I love finishing projects, no matter how big or small
5. As much as I've side-eyed people who start talking about Christmas in October in the past - starting to get prepared early actually feels lovely 

So the three cards I had planned to make this week were wayyy too adventurous. I'd just forgotten how many hours can go into even the smallest of projects when it comes to cross stitch. I think I'll try some other crafting techniques (in addition to cross stitch!) over the next few weeks to help build up my card stash.

I cheated slightly this week and ended up making one card and some gift tags (I'm sure they count, right?). These were made using kits I had hanging around. I know exactly who is receiving the teddy card and I really love the Scandinavian tags - they'll look lovely with parcels wrapped in brown paper.

Here's my week 1 photo...the bear bowl in the photo is a purchase I made today in Next...a bowl with bears climbing into it...does winder home ware get much better than that? I'll blog more about my most recent Next home ware haul as soon as there is enough daylight for me to take photos!

World Card Making Day...and a Challenge!

Today is World Card Making Day, a day dedicated to encouraging people to make cards rather than going for the mass produced market. It has inspired me to have a go at making my Christmas Cards this year. It's something I promise myself I'll do every single year...and then before I know it, it's the 20th December and I haven't made/ posted a single card. I'm determined to change that this year so I'm setting myself a goal. I don't actually send that many cards each year, so my goal is that between now and the 10th December I'm going to try to make three cards each week, so I should have 30 in total. That's more than enough, and any left over I'll either save for next year or donate to charity.

My plan is to cross stitch most, if not all, of the cards, and I have soooo many free kits from magazines to make, so that's my first focus.

I don't think for a second that my blog has enough of a readership to start this as a 'proper' challenge with other people participating, but if you're out there and would like to give this a try too, let me know...I think I'm going to need some motivation to stop me getting distracted and making anything and everything but Christmas Cards!!

I'll do weekly updates of where things are with my card making challenge...wish me luck!

Bye for now!

Craft Kit Review - Kirstie Allsopp Ring Making Kit

 

Because we're trying to sell our house I've packed away most of my craft supplies, which isn't very helpful when I'm itching to do a bit of relaxing crafting. Craft kits are the obvious solution so I've been keeping an eye out for some kits to try that aren't going to break the bank but will keep me amused.

A little trip to Hobbycraft introduced me to the huge range of Kirstie Allsopp kits they have. I'm sometimes a bit hit and miss with Kirstie products, but these kits all looked gorgeous.

I chose the ring making kit because they looked really easy, and so pretty. The kit was £15.00 in store and I have to say that I'm really impressed with how generous the contents are. Here's what it looks like when you open the box...

..and here are the opened contents. Lots of ring blanks, a paper punch, some glass cabochons, glue and lots of paper.

 

The kit contains enough ring blanks to make 15 rings...so it's nice and easy to work out that it's £1 per ring. Considering the kit includes a paper punch I don't think that's bad value at all! The allocation of paper and glue is so generous that there will be some left over as well.

Anyway, enough of the finances! The kit and instructions were so easy to use. I haven't tried this kind of jewellery making before and was so impressed by how quick and easy it was. I started off trying rings with the paper included in the kit, which has a lovely vintage look...

 It didn't take long before I was looking around for other materials to try. I'm not a paper-crafter and so don't have a big stash of paper unfortunately, but did make this one using a punch from the instruction leaflet...

Then I had a little flash of inspiration and dug out some old postage stamps I had in my crafting stash. They're all used but most of them are of animals, so before I knew it I was the proud owner of a bear ring and a bird ring...

I've got a few other stamps lined up to use now and can't wait to see how they turn out! I know it sounds daft but I can't believe how simple the rings are to make. Punch some paper, add some glue, add a glass cabochon with a bit more glue and before you know it your fingers are looking a lot prettier!

I was so impressed with this kit. All good quality and not at all stingy. I'll definitely be checking out more of Kirstie's kits so I have a feeling there will be more reviews to come!

Bye for now!