Welcome to our little tour around the warehouse for June, and we have found some gems in the needlecraft section that we think you’re going to love! The long, light-filled days of summer are here now, perfect for crafting and creating, and all of these lovely project ideas could be just what you’re looking for to take with you on a summer trip away or a quiet afternoon at home.

We absolutely love the Historical Sampler Company’s Pretty in Pink Tapestry, on the left. The vibrant, bold colours and the fun flamingo design are so delicious, and we just can’t say how happy the red hearts/pink background combo makes us! Stitched in half cross-stitch in pinks and greens, with splashes of red and yellow, the kit includes Anchor tapestry wool and Zweigart tapestry fabric which has been digitally printed to obtain the highest standard possible. A colour printed chart of the design is also included in the kit, so the project can be completed either by following the printed canvas or by using the blank side of the canvas and the colour chart. These two options provide different ways of tackling this project, allowing you to choose whichever process which is best for you. The finished cushion will look stunning on your sofa, drawing all eyes with its vibrant colours and fun flamingo couple! You could finish it just as it is in the cover design, with the fun red pompom trim, which is not included in the kit but would be a gorgeous addition to the rich colour scheme. We are definitely off to grab one of these fancy flamingo cushion kits!

The embroidery kit on the right, Stars Shine from Dimensions, is another colourful delight, but this time in strong, rich shades on a moody dark-blue background. The phrase used on the embroidery, “Even in the darkness the stars still shine”, is heart-warming and empowering, and the bold lettering really comes to life on the dark fabric. The floral crescent moon along with the positive motto will be a charming project to stitch, as well as a lovely, strong design to hang on your wall afterwards. The embroidery kit includes printed sailcloth, and the embroidery stitches are worked over the coloured shapes on the fabric, making it perfect for both beginners to the craft, and for those who are further along on their stitching journey. Full instructions, as well as stitch diagrams are included, along with all the pre-sorted threads you will need to complete this lovely, positive project.

Now, onto Bothy Threads – we love all of their needlecraft products and are so happy that they have released a book, Especially for You, along with thread, fabric and card packs to complete the designs. We have three of the packs in the warehouse, and are thrilled to be able to offer the book to go with them. The Especially for You book contains ten beautiful greetings card designs featuring artwork by Hannah Dale of Wrendale Designs. Bothy Threads have transformed Hannah’s iconic designs into gorgeous counted cross stitch projects, and have provided clear charts and thread codes (a mixture of DMC, Anchor and Madeira) for the stranded cotton required to recreate the charming animal pictures. Alphabet and number charts are also included, allowing you to personalise your finished design if you wish, ready for gifting!

Whther you’re celebrating a friend’s birthday, the arrival of a new baby, or just want to tell someone you’re thinking of them, we think that one of Bothy Threads’ charming greetings card designs from their Especially for You book will be a perfect choice. We have three packs of supplies for the cards – The Gardener’s Friend (on the left), Deerly Loved (in the centre), and Poppy Mouse (on the right) – available in our warehouse so that, with the addition of the book, you can be ready to go with everything you need to stitch up one of these charming cross stitch cards. Although the packs do not contain a pattern, all the patterns can be found in the book – and the packs do include all your other supplies, such as the fabric, printed with Bothy Threads’ exclusive Wrendale speckle design, threads, a needle, detailed instructions, as well as a card mount and envelope. We love the delicacy of the Wrendale designs from Bothy Threads, set off so beautifully by the speckled fabric, and are so excited to see them collected together in such a gorgeously illustrated book!

And finally, two charming pastel cross stitch kits, perfect for a little summer stitching! We have chosen to feature two favourite hobbies with these choices – in fact, three if you count the stitching too! The cute bookshelf on the left is a new design from the ever-popular Caterpillar Cross Stitch. Appropriately named One More Chapter, the books share their space with a collection of other happy items, including a smiling globe, a plant in a pot and a rainbow bookend. Even some of the books are wearing big grins, happy to be included in such a jolly picture! This surely must be the happiest bookshelf you’ll ever see! The kit for One More Chapter includes full, A4-sized, colour-printed instructions for ease-of-use, pre-sorted threads on a card holder, DMC stranded cotton in eight shades, Zweigart aida in white, and a DMC branded needle. The finished stitched piece will measure 5.6 inches by 5.1 inches, meaning it will fit beautifully into a 6 inch hoop for display. The image shows it displayed on a small wooden easel, which we love. Add a touch of handmade charm to your bookshelf with Caterpillar Cross Stitch’s One More Chapter kit!

The cross stitch kit on the right, Forks & Feathers from Dimensions, celebrates another favourite hobby – gardening! This delicate design shows a collection of colourful garden birds gathered on the wooden handles of various gardening tools – a perfect resting place for our little feathered friends. The tiny wren peeking out from the inner handle of the spade splits the focus from the row of birds perched on top, giving the design a lovely symmetry and adding to its appeal. Designed by Claire Comerford, this pretty design would make a perfect gift for a birdwatcher or gardening enthusiast in your life, or to hang in your own house for a splash of delicate colour and detail. And you get the pleasure of stitching it too! The finished design will measure approximately 35.5cm x 28cm, and the kit includes everything you will need to stitch it, including a large-square charted design and a front sheet picture.

Well, we hope you’ve enjoyed our little needlecraft tour this month – remember to check out what Vic is featuring in Fabric and Alex is highlighting in Yarn!