We’re back with our first edition of The Stitchuation of 2026, and what better way to head back into these posts than to take a closer look at some seriously stunning tapestry! For almost two centuries, Appletons wool have been a first choice for many and it’s clear to see why.
Appletons tips a hat to its company origins, yet has expertly pressed forward with modern ideas and designs, keeping sustainability in mind, whilst continuing to produce high-quality products. With a female-led business, Appletons state via their website:
“We’re driven by a love of creativity and a mission to help every maker. Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or just picking up a needle for the first time, we want you to discover the same joy in crafting that inspires us every day. Our wool is 100% British, and we’re proud to work with the same families of suppliers – from local farmers and dye houses – for decades. Some for over 80 years! Every hank and skein of Appletons wool comes from this rich heritage of British craftsmanship.”
It’s clear to see both their vision and their passion in statements such as this, yet their words certainly hold weight, as it’s clear to see that attention to detail come through when opening any of their tapestry kits. Speaking of, let’s dive in to some of our favourite designs!
Bright Bargellos
We thought we’d brighten those greyer January skies by looking at some fabulous Bargellos! This technique and design style is goes back to the 18th century, with a number of different styles that are used to create unique and eye-catching effects.
The Rainbow and Zigzag mini kit includes what you’ll need to take this kit from materials to finished piece – the rest is up to you! Whether you decide to hang your Bargello on the wall or fashion it into something to wear, we’re sure it’ll brighten up any day!
Next up is this fabulous design from The Bargello Sisters named Ice Cream! Featuring another classic design style, the mix of pastel and vibrant tones have us dreaming of days by the beach with a 99 in hand! With full instructions and a QR code linking to a video tutorial, The Bargello Sisters feel like great teachers to explore a new craft with! You can also find out more about their book, their designs and more, by visiting their Instagram HERE.
Emily Peacock
Hands down one of our favourite designers, Emily Peacock’s signature art style and vibrancy never fails to wow us! Her work with Appletons sees her designs focusing on portraits of public figures across different medias. Well-known names and faces include Grayson Perry, Oscar Wilde, Agatha Christie and more, where Emily immortalises celebrated figures in her own unique way.
One of our current favourites has to to be David Bowie, dressed and styled as Ziggy Stardust, David’s alter-ego of an androgynous rock star from outer space, with both David and his alien persona being a defining moment in his career, as well as the glam rock genre. Emily’s Harry Styles portrait also evokes a snapshot of a pivotal moment of his solo career, encapsulating his ‘Love On Tour’ era, reminding fans of the celebrative series of world shows from 2021 to 2023.
Yet her latest portrait is of iconic designer and visionary Dame Vivienne Westwood, known for popularising punk fashion for the mainstream, alongside iconic designs for well-known figures and film. Capturing her signature style and likeness perfectly, Emily’s shade selections and line-work have blown us away here. We can wait to see what she comes up with next – you never know, we might just see her in The Craft Room again very soon…
You can view all of Emily Peacock’s designs with Appletons HERE.
Nel x Polly Rose
Proving to be quite the team, mother-daughter duo Nel Whatmore and Polly Rose have recently released their collaborative collection with Appletons, focusing on stunning botanicals. Finding that creative outlets helped them through personal hardships, both Nel and Polly Rose have found joy and comfort from creation.
Part of their Garden Project designs, these tapestry reworks hold just as much vivacity as their illustrated counterparts, zooming in on the delights of Nel’s garden.
Each kit measures 40cms x 40cms – perfect to add some fabric to the back and create your very own cushion! However, each piece would be just as striking being hung up anywhere you may call home. Iris-istible and Iris My Case are completed with varying shades of blue for their backgrounds, ensuring your focus stays firm on those florals!
For the final two designs, A Fine Vine and Begin The Begonia showcases stunning shades of pink and green, offering vibrancy to anyone’s craft kit! Each kit comes with printed canvas, 100% British 4-ply tapestry wool, in-depth instructions and a needle for you to thread and start stitching! To view Nel and Polly Rose’s collaboration with Appletons, please click HERE.
Vanessa Bowman
Contemporary artist Vanessa Bowman’s works have also inspired these stunning tapestry kits from Appletons, bringing her oils to a different media. Residing in West Dorset, Vanessa paints full time in her fabulous garden studio, creating still life paintings, moving this style into her landscape pieces, also.
This ‘Pitcher Posy’ series from Appletons encapsulates the florals and striking details typically found in Vanessa’s still life paintings. Although similar in composition, each kit from the ‘Pitcher Posy’ series brings such a different vibe and mood to the piece, allowing you to create whichever takes you, first. Rich tones await in both kits for Burgundy Dahlia and Orange Dahlia, while the fresher tones of Spring and Summer are ready to welcome you in both Helleborus and Primrose.
Whether you’re working with seasons in mind, or just going with what feels right in the moment, the Vanessa Bowman kits are sure to brighten any crafting afternoon! To find out more about Vanessa Bowman and her collection, simply click HERE.
That’s it from us for this month; we hope you enjoyed it! Have you made an Appletons tapestry kit? If so, be sure to tag us in your photos using #WWCrafters and we’ll get sharing! Enjoyed reading this post here in The Craft Room? Be sure to enter your email to subscribe to our posts! ⤵️✨