TIME AT HOME
Patchwork party If you’re looking to build your sewing skills, Playing with Patchwork and Sewing by Nicole Calver (£22.99, C&T Publishing) is full of fun projects to try. Starting with simple blocks and moving on to more challenging patchwork designs, each one offers three beautiful homeware projects ranging from beginner to advanced, so there’s something for every skill level. This pocket place mat is the ideal make for bringing colour to an Easter table.
Refresh your dining table with a fun sewing project
Learn how to breathe new life into old furniture
JAZZ UP FURNITURE
MAKE IT
yourself HOPPY EASTER
Easter fabric shapes, £2 for 14, The Works
3 of the best
BUNNY BUYS BAKE OFF
FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT
Pink Easter bunny cutter, £2, National Trust Shop
GRASS ROOTS
Green moss bunny, £3, Hobbycraft
Make it
Check out the latest workshops, books and making must-haves
Learn how to revamp your furniture with Frenchic Furniture Paints. Take a trip to Joanne’s Tea Rooms in Doncaster on 26 April to take part in a fun-filled workshop, where you’ll be taught everything from prep and cleaning to painting and distressing a piece of furniture. Priced at £85, including all materials, you’ll be able to take home the skills you need to revamp your own items. What’s more, you’ll also be treated to afternoon tea. For more Frenchic workshops, visit frenchicpaint.co.uk
TRY YOUR HAND AT... NEEDLE PUNCHING
Punch needle is the latest craze in embroidery as it creates beautiful textural designs and is super easy to master. You can punch any design you like; simply sketch it out in reverse onto weaver’s cloth, as the loop side will be on the back (large blocks of colour work best). Place the fabric in an embroidery hoop so it’s taut and thread your punch needle with embroidery thread. Set the loop length using the slider on the needle and punch through the fabric so the depth gauge touches the surface. Start by punching the outline then fill in the design row by row. When finished, turn your piece into a tactile cushion or even wall art.
Punch needle beginners kit, £40, Wholepunching at Etsy
NEEDLE PUNCHING IS MUCH EASIER TO LEARN AND QUICKER THAN NORMAL EMBROIDERY – WINNING! APRIL 2020 | 105
