There are a few brands that we stock in our needlecraft department that house a number of wonderfully talented artists, and the folks over at Heritage Crafts are another company who do this oh-so-well.
Established in 1987, Heritage Crafts have been a well-known name among stitchers for their high-quality kits and variety of designs. As the years tick by, we’re always astounded by the level of detail and beautiful designs that launch year in, year out. For this month’s edition of The Stitchuation, we thought we’d take a closer look at some standout designers and artists, and our current favourites from them.
Whether you’re aware of these artists or not, we’re sure you’ll find some inspiration for November’s picks. Without further ado, let’s take a look at our first selections!
Sarah Reilly’s ‘Love Country’
Sarah Reilly’s journey with art all began with a leap of faith and asking herself the big ‘what if?’. Putting faith in both herself and her talents, Sarah decided to become a full-time artist. Her journey hasn’t been without hurdles, yet her story is one of triumph and, present day, her business and career as a talented artist has amassed a loyal following.
Taking her inspiration from the nature around her Suffolk Coast home, Sarah’s never short of an idea or two. It’s clear to see that her passion comes from the heart, and one that she’s keen to share with many. Heritage have taken her stunning works and transcribed them into pattern form, for many stitchers to enjoy in another medium.
The Christmas Scarf features an inquisitive goose wrapped in red for the winter season! Using backstitch to add details to the scarf’s tassels and the bird’s feathers, Heritage Crafts are keen to bring that illustrated feel to the piece; details that can be found in the original works. To read how Geraldine the goose obtained the scarf, be sure to read this sweet little poem listed HERE on Sarah’s site.
Our next pick is another winter-themed stitch in Berries & Snowflakes. Featuring a content hare staring at a winter’s moon, we can almost feel the crispness in the air looking at this one! We love the subtle depths of colour for the foliage under the moonlit sky, alongside the pops of crimson for the berries. To be stitched on 14 count aida, both of these kits are sure to bring a bit of winter cheer to any corner of the home. For another sweet poem written by Sarah to accompany the design, simply click HERE.
To read Sarah’s ‘Behind The Brushes’ story, be sure to click HERE to view her letter on her site.
John Clayton’s ‘Elegance’
John Clayton’s works have been a staple for Heritage Crafts for many a year. Based on his watercolours, Heritage have reworked his pieces to transform them into impressively-detailed cross stitch kits. Whether it’s a blend of scenery, or works based on a childhood memory, the details that can be found in these designs are truly stunning.
Some of our favourite pieces are taken from the Elegance collection, a range that features women in scenes eluding to time’s past. Our top picks this month go to these stitching ladies; two kits that are stunningly apt for this month’s post!
We’re always thoroughly impressed with the details in these pieces; from shading to backstitching detail, both the Annabel and Catherine cross stitch kits will have you taking a moment to appreciate your progress, mid-craft. Both timeless and elegant, these John Clayton pieces will be a joy to create and display, covering a range of seasons. To view the full John Clayton collection, simply click HERE.
Mel Rodicq’s ‘Mel’s Stitches’
As soon as we saw Mel Rodicq’s designs way back when, we knew we had to stock them. Featuring an interesting illustration style, Mel’s designs mainly focus on stunning scenery and animals in beautifully composed habitats.
Based in the UK, Mel Rodicq’s passion for colour is crystal clear. Typically working digitally, she studied surface pattern and textile design at Brighton University back in 1993, and has been wowing viewers ever since. Inspired by nature, Mel’s striking compositions have brought her an excited audience, an audience who are always keen to see what she does next, wherever her art may take them.
Heritage Crafts have done another outstanding job as they take Mel’s art and replicate it into stitch form, clearly keeping her signature vibrancy and interesting shapes at the core of these translations.
Current favourites of ours include Llama Drama, Moonlit Bay and the Verdant Canopy. Yet the kit that’s captured our hearts the most this month would have to go to Mel’s Hidden Valley kit. Featuring bright chartreuse and pops of lilac, this idyllic scene has us longing for an extended stay at the seaside! To view the range of Mel’s Stitches, be sure to click HERE.
To view Mel’s original artwork and to find out more on the artist, simply click HERE.
Silhouettes by Heritage Crafts
We’re wrapping things up this month with a few of Heritage’s very own designs. The Silhouettes collection has been a popular one over the years, showcasing scenery and, often, touching moments in time. Typically stitched in sepia tones, each design feels a little ambiguous in terms of time, as these snapshot moments could illustrate both past and present.
Our choices for this month go to a moment of repair in the Bike Shop, calming reflections in First Light, and starting the day with some fun and sun in Morning Walk. Each piece feels grounded and somewhat comforting, offering the stitcher or viewer a moment to ponder about what else may occur for the rest of the day for these characters.
Although we’ll never know how they got there or where they’ll go, it’s lovely to spend a moment to take in the snapshots of these silhouette kits. For more from Heritage Crafts, simply click HERE.
That’s it from us for this month; thanks for joining us for our Heritage Crafts Highlight! If you’re enjoying The Craft Room, be sure to enter your email below and subscribe so you never miss a post ⤵️✨