Well, here we are almost at the end of the year, with the days turning colder and the nights drawing in. But the fun isn’t over at Wool Warehouse for 2024 just yet – join us for a look at some perfect projects and awesome accessories for your festive stitching!
We thought we’d begin this virtual walk around our needlecraft goodies by strolling past our needleminder collection and some fun, festive new additions from Caterpillar Cross Stitch have caught our eye in particular. First stop is for a look at the sweet mince pie needleminder – topped with a smiling star and decorated with bright holly leaves and berries, this gorgeous minder will keep your needle safe whilst you change your thread, or even pop off for a cup of tea and a snack (maybe even a mince pie…?).
Caterpillar Cross Stitch have also added a Christmas Wreath to their needleminder collection, and we love the combination of bright flowers, gold outlining and a charming pink ribbon. The strong magnets enable the needleminder to sit on the front of your cross stitch or embroidery, ready for you to pop your needle onto when not stitching, whilst the companion magnet secures onto the back of the fabric, holding everything safely in place.
Next to the Caterpillar collection are our new Bothy Threads minders, and we just had to feature this charming little Let it Snow one. Made from sturdy enamel, the blue and white design features snowflakes on a frosty background, along with the snowy statement in a fun and friendly font. If you have a Christmas project on your hoop at the moment, or a plan for one in the next few weeks, one of these little minders may be just what you need to safely hold onto your needle.
Perhaps you’re looking for a Christmas stitchy project – these Christmas cards from Bothy Threads could be the perfect choice, and there’s still time to stitch up one (or three) before the last posting date! Each little kit includes everything you need to create your own sweet woodland scene – Zweigart 14 count misty blue Aida, all the threads, a needle, stitch diagrams and instructions, along with a card and envelope for finishing. Each design uses full cross stitches, back stitch and french knots, with additional lazy daisies for the fox. The finishing touch is the fuzzy effect on the hare‘s jumper and the cosy scarves worn by the fox and the bear, which is achieved by lightly brushing the stitching with a small piece of velcro, which is also included. We love these charming woodland designs and think they will make a perfect hand-crafted Christmas card-and-gift-combination for someone special.
Sparkles and glitter can be just what is required for some Christmas stitching, and DMC’s large choice of colours in their Etoile thread range is sure to have just the shade you are looking for. A soft cotton thread, flecked with lurex glitter, Etoile (“star” in French) will bring elegance and a subtle twinkle to your stitching. We have chosen to showcase traditional festive shades of green, gold and red, but why stop there?
We love Christmas stitching in frosty blues with silver, cool lilacs and teals, or strong pinks with snowy white. Whether it’s the traditional look you’re aiming for, or something with a more contemporary twist on the festive colours, you can bring the sparkle with all shades of DMC Etoile!
Finally, we wanted to mention two more Christmas kits in our stroll through the Needlecraft area in our warehouse. The Christmas House on the left, is the middle size of a set of three festive houses from Rico. Available in a kit which includes everything you need to create this charming little house front, once the stitching is done, it will be ready to frame in the house-shaped frame.
With the Christmas wreath hanging on the door, and the ornamental fir trees either side of the front steps, this design will be a perfect Christmas stitch, and would make a charming decoration in the years to come. All the instructions you will need for stitch types and placement, as well as stranded embroidery thread, a needle and 28 count evenweave, are included in the kit.
And if it is an embroidery kit that your heart desires this festive season, we love this bright and bold Merry Christmas kit from Oh Sew Bootiful. Steph, the designer behind Oh Sew Bootiful’s gorgeous modern designs, prepares each embroidery kit with every detail considered: DMC stranded cotton, an Elbesee embroidery hoop and John James needles. Each kit also includes a clearly illustrated guide to the embroidery stitches, along with step-by-step instructions, making them perfect for both beginners and more experienced stitchers.
This jolly winter-themed design will keep your creative impulses satisfied whilst you prepare for the busy festive season, and is sure to get you in the holiday spirit! The dark blue fabric is pre-printed in colour with the stylish design, enabling you to get started immediately with your stitching, and opening the door to hours of satisfying crafting time. And, when you’re finished, your design is sure to be a treasured festive decoration for the years to come!
We hope we have tempted you to take a festive stroll around our Needlecraft departments – afterwards, do hop over to see what Alex and Judith have selected for you in Yarn and Fabric this month.