Here we are in Summer, we can’t believe how quickly the lighter evenings and mornings have arrived – it doesn’t seem five minutes since Christmas! If you have a spare moment, whether it’s over a coffee in your garden, a rest on a park bench, or a break from dipping into the sea on holiday, why not take a look at our Needlecraft picks for July! We think you might find something to start you off on a new creative journey!
Beautiful florals from Oh Sew Bootiful!
Perhaps you’re considering an embroidery kit but don’t know where to start; or maybe you’re an experienced crafter looking for a fresh challenge – either way, how about getting started on a riot of fresh, floral colours in these new kits from Oh Sew Bootiful!
Bloom Burst is a gorgeous design from Steph of Oh Sew Bootiful! The bold outlines and fresh colours of the collection of floral blooms are just asking for a summery start! The light, mint green background really showcases the bold palette of shades, with the overlapping design allowing it to peek through between the blooms. The embroidery pattern is printed onto the fabric, making it easy for you to quickly get started on creating your own floral bouquet! The kit includes needles, padding and an embroidery hoop, meaning you have everything you will need to create your own summery display of flowers!
And Steph has really gone peak sunshine with another new design for the season! Hello Summer features 30 different motifs to stitch for the warmest season, reminding you of beach holidays, relaxing in the sun, and even building majestic sandcastles! Enjoy all that the warmer weather has to offer as you work your seven different embroidery stitches on the sky blue, pre-printed fabric. DMC stranded cotton threads are included, to ensure you achieve the bright, bold colours of the design, and step-by-step instructions and illustrations will guide you on your way! We know you’re going to enjoy saying Hello to Summer with this gorgeous kit!
Step back in time to a different era!
The new Appleton’s tapestry kit will transport you into an embroidery time machine, back to the times of the Tudors! Featuring a bold, colourful portrait of the doomed Tudor queen, Anne Boleyn, this new design from Appletons will be a pleasure to stitch. The rich blue of the background perfectly showcases the clever shading of Anne’s face and the colourful designs on her headdress and bodice. The kit, designed by Emily Peacock, includes everything you will need to create your own piece of history, and could be framed or made into a cushion once completed. A must for every history lover, as well as every tapestry lover!
And, we just had to pair Anne’s portrait with one of Henry and all of his wives! This DMC embroidery kit – Kings and Queens, Henry VIII – uses bold colour and clever shading to bring to life the regal group. The ladies’ dresses and the King’s robes are all picked out in primary shades, surrounded by an intricate border featuring the iconic Tudor rose. The gorgeous patterning on the front of the ladies’ gowns gives depth and richness to the portrait, really drawing your eye into the centre, to where Henry proudly stands. Stitched on 16 count white Aida, which is included in the kit, all of the drama and colour comes from the colourful figures and the interesting border. Each figure is even identified with their name, all stitched in a suitably formal font. So, whether you’re a history buff or just a fan of bold and colourful designs, perhaps take a trip back to sixteenth century England with one of these wonderful kits!
Delicate DMC daisies and more!
And finally, to conclude our July visit to Needlecraft at the Wool Warehouse, these simple but pretty DMC floral embroidery kits could be just what you’re looking for when choosing your next summer project!
Both kits include everything you need to complete the projects, even a wooden embroidery hoop to stitch it in and to display it afterwards. The Delicate Daisies kit on the left, designed by Jenni Davis, uses just a couple of shades of DMC stranded cotton to create such a pretty design on the white, cotton fabric. The design is pre-printed onto the fabric, so you won’t have to worry about where to place your daisies and leaves, just concentrate on working the little blooms and watch your fresh, delicate design take shape! The Indiennes Flowers kit on the right is equally as pretty, but with a more rustic feel. Designed by Marie-Dominique Procureur, the design is worked in organic wool onto 28 count printed linen in a natural beige tone. The range of pink shades, plus white for the leaves, worked onto the natural linen gives a charming, muted effect, making it a joy to stitch and to admire afterwards! Everything you will need to create these two charming floral embroideries is included in the kit – all you have to do is find a quiet spot and start your creative journey!
That’s it for needlecraft this month, but pop over to Yarn and Fabric to see what we have picked out for you this month!