10 different crafts to master • cosy projects for your home 8 prints by meera lee patel
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Welcome Embracing change isn’t always easy, but when you know it’s on the horizon – like the approach of autumn – I’ve found the best way to 110 deal with it is to lean in. So, while sunny summer days will always be my jam, the amount of loveliness we’ve curated for this issue has definitely warmed my heart. You’ll find makes to delight all the senses, from tactile needle punch and crochet to brightly hued knits and fibre art jewellery, and sweet yet tangy flavour sensations from Bake Off legend Kim-Joy. Plus, we’re diving head first into Christmas – yes, I said it! – with a mini mag full of sustainable projects, and the cutest
cracker kit illustrated by the amazing Suzy Ultman. I guarantee by the time you’ve finished this issue, you’ll be longing for those cosy winter evenings to come around.
Yvette Streeter Editor
FOLLOW MOLLIE MAKES FOR DAILY INSPIRATION... MOLLIEMAKES.COM 3
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Introducing
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ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS; STYLING: SARAH MALONE AND SALLY BUFTON
THE LATEST FROM THE WORLD OF HANDMADE 10 Mollie loves What’s new in the craft world 14 Fair Isle cowl Brighten up grey days with this colourful, chunky knit accessory 21 Fibre art necklace Statement jewellery cleverly made from scraps of yarn 24 Latest crush Shop the pattern clash trend 30 Crochet jumper Toasty warm and oversized, you’ll be wearing this beauty all through winter 36 Meet the maker Hello Sunshine’s Jo Want shows us around her studio and campervan
85 7 turn over for more on your gift!
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Living
Making
CREATIVE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR LIFE AND HOME
HAND-PICKED PROJECTS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH
43 Needle punch cushion Create a textured landscape that doubles up as a tactile cushion
76 Patchwork project bag Sew beautiful, portable storage
47 Plywood mirror and shelf Fancy up your bathroom with this simple weekend DIY project 50 At home with Take a tour of Wendy Lau’s home, filled with thrifted goodies and greenery 56 Get the look Recreate Wendy’s modern boho style
EXCLUSIVE! 67 Bonus papers Eight folk-inspired watercolour papers and prints designed by Meera Lee Patel
80 Good read When to take your side hustle full time 85 Autumn mobile Forage around in your craft supplies to make this cute kawaii hanging for kids 89 Cat meringue tarts Great British Bake off star Kim-Joy shares her delectable recipe
59 Crochet plant hangers Make space for your plant babies
92 Templates All the charts and shapes you’ll need to create this issue’s makes
62 Advent calendar Countdown to Christmas the Scandi way with an easy-sew wall hanging
98 Tea and a chat ARD Bakery share the inspiration behind their Insta-famous cakes
NEVER MISS AN ISSUE 28 Subscribe UK Subscribe today and get a Janome sewing machine worth £99 58 Subscribe overseas International subscribers save up to 78%
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Contributors Wendy Lau Canadian blogger Wendy loves to give all her plants human names. When she’s not tending to them at home, Wendy travels the world as an air hostess, Instagramming her home décor discoveries. Take a tour of Wendy’s globally-inspired, greeneryfilled home on page 50. www.thekwendyhome.com
Jo Want Jo is happiest surrounded by cats, cheese and the colour yellow. Her business, Hello Sunshine, is one of the most cheerful around. Jo’s ambition is to travel the country, live illustrating at events from her camper, Buddy the Sunshine Van. Get inspired by Jo’s creative journey on page 34. www.hello-sunshine.co.uk
Claudine Powley Claudine started as a fashion designer before screenprinting her own T-shirts, which she sold from her van during ski seasons. She often dreams of being back in the mountains, wearing handmade jumpers. Make Claudine’s Fair Isle cowl on page 14. www.ironlamb.etsy.com
Meera Lee Patel Meera is a self-taught artist and writer who believes that anything is possible. She writes books and makes pictures from a 20-acre farm in north Nashville that she shares with her husband, their dog, and a wild array of turkeys, vultures, coyotes, and deer. Find Meera’s whimsical pull-out illustrations on page 67. www.meeralee.com
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Cheers! Anna Alicia, May Babcock, Emma Bassey, Holly Booth, Valerie Bracegirdle, Miesje Chafer, Becki Clark, Karen Dunn, Colette Earley, Chloe Hardisty, Emma Hardy, Holly Johnson, Arounna Khounnoraj, Janet Kwan, Rachel Lawson, Lottie Storey, Philip Sowels, Sam Taylor-Crooks, Manuela Trani, Suzy Ultman, Chloe W, Cassie Ward, Eilidh Weir, Jesse Wild, Becka Wright, Emma Wright
Kim-Joy A regular daydreamer, Kim-Joy loves everything colourful and different from the norm. She’s also a huge advocate of learning from your mistakes, and some of Kim-Joy’s best recipes have come about through cookery blunders. Learn how to make Kim-Joy’s cat meringues on page 89. www.hardiegrant.com/uk/quadrille
mollie makes gift
make these festive pals for christmas!
MEET THE MAKER ARTIST AND DESIGNER SUZY ULTMAN CREATED OUR FESTIVE CRACKERS “I love creating characters, and I hope this set of friends gives your Christmas that extra ‘pop’. These fun cracker companions were inspired by the bright colours, simple designs and playful spirit of 60s and 70s wooden Christmas tree ornaments. The pom poms and glitter also add a bit of crafty
vintage charm. The crackers can be used in so many ways – as stocking fillers, present toppers, Christmas tree ornaments and more. I’ll be customising mine with each person’s name, filling with special treats, and then setting them at the table as pretty placeholders for Christmas
dinner. Hope you enjoy making them – happy holidays!” Find more of Suzy’s fun illustrations, makes and products on Insta @suzyultman and at www.suzyultman.com. Turn to page 92 to make your Christmas crackers, and share your pics using #molliemakers.
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Introducing THE LATEST FROM THE WORLD OF HANDMADE
Winter might be coming, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun with it. Make piling on the layers a thing of joy, starting with Donna Wilson’s whimsical knits. With storybook-worthy cashmere creatures, shaped cushions, and scarves galore, rolling around in autumn leaves never felt so good. www.donnawilson.com
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MOLLIE LOVES NOT ALL TROUSERS ARE MADE EQUAL. Sewists, you’re going to want to get your hands on the Pietra pattern from Closet Case Patterns’ Rome collection. They’re a pair of beautifully skimming wide leg high-waisters with comfy elastic in the back for an impeccable fit. And for those who favour leg freedom or dwell in a toastier hemisphere, you can sew them as shorts too. The pattern’s available printed or as a PDF. www.closetcasepatterns.com
NEED TO READ
EMBROIDERED LIFE Sarah K. Benning is a key player in modern embroidery, so the chances are you’ll have spent a bit of time ogling her impressive botanical stitchery on the ‘gram before now. Sara Barnes’ new book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the artist and her most popular pieces, and we defy anyone to read it without reaching for a hoop. Embroidered Life comes out this month. www.abramsandchronicle.co.uk
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It’s what’s inside that counts, or so they say, but aesthete earth-dwellers know that gift wrap can stand for a lot. Up your game this year with eco furoshiki wraps – printed organic cotton that’s every bit as lovely as the present you’ll hide inside. Find The Cloth in designs by four different artists. www.chalkandmoss.com
BRAND FOCUS Visual artist Akiko Ban’s perspex creations are every bit as enchanting as the business name suggests. Mystic Forms is a project of hers that explores the relationship between art and fashion through jewellery. Each pristine accessory is shamelessly bold with block colours and fierce shapes – geometric and then some. Akiko runs the Londonbased jewellery brand with creative director and fellow artist Taiyo Nagano, and she finds inspiration for her collections all over the world. www.mysticforms.com
sustainable and made to measure, Stitched have got it going on when it comes to curtains. Their cosy wool fabrics don’t even need lining, and they seem to be approved by pups. www.stitched.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY: TAMASSY
MYSTIC FORMS
we love a good fashion homage, so wish we could squeeze into Mini Boden’s A/W 2019 Harry Potter range. Mischief and magic take the form of everything from socks and jammies to hoodies and dresses, all in house colours. We’re obsessed with the knitwear, and anything emblazoned with Hedwig. www.boden.co.uk
JUST LANDED
IS IT EVEN SEPTEMBER without a stationery splurge? Spoiler alert – no. Top of our paperphile lust list is The Completist’s Burnt Orange Lips Pocket Notebook. Not only does it look like a work of art, but the A6 pages alternate between plain, lined and grid, to satisfy all your creative needs. The thought that goes into each piece is next level, and their planners are quite something too. Frankly, you’ll have a tough time coming away with just one item from their dreamy range. www.the-completist.com
Visible marks
BOOKMARK Raison d’être The Enthusiast wants us to be proud of positivity, and we’re 100% on board. Start small and brighten up someone’s commute with a Happy to Move for You badge, or feel more yourself in a Caring is Cool tee. www.theenthusiast.co
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indicate the time, skill and care that’s gone into an artisan piece, like the delicate carving facets in this stool. The deets? Handmade in Morocco with willow and natural leather, neatly woven into a firm seat. We know just the place for it. www.oggetto.com
Gudrun’s colourful SIMPLICITY Gudrun Sjoden - natural materials and unique design. Organic cotton and beautiful linen, woven, dyed and designed in keeping with our motto, “Swedish design with a green soul”.
Designer
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Stockholm | Est. 1976
SIMPLY COLOURFUL
coverr
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LAYER UP Give traditional Fair Isle a modern update with Claudine Powley’s cowl
PHOTOGRAPHY: JESSE WILD; STYLING: SARAH MALONE AND SALLY BUFTON; MODEL: CHLOE W
HOW TO MAKE A FAIR ISLE COWL MATERIALS Q Cascade 220 Aran, 100% Peruvian Highland Wool, 100g/200m per skein, one skein in each Beige (8021) (Yarn A), Hunter Green (8893) (Yarn B), Christmas Green (8894) (Yarn C), Gold Fusion (9669) (Yarn D) and Flamingo Pink (7805) (Yarn E) Q 5mm (UK 6, US H/8) circular knitting needles with 70cm (275/8") cord Q Yarn needle Q Stitch marker
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FINISHED SIZE Approx. 70 x 35cm (275/8 x 13¾") TENSION Approx. 19 sts x 24 rows in st st to measure 10cm (4") square ABBREVIATIONS (UK) st(s) stitch(es) k knit p purl st st stocking st, k each round pm place marker sm slip marker
RS right side WS wrong side rep repeat
Ease yourself into the season of knitting with this colour-pop Fair Isle cowl. It’s the next step up from basic scarf skills, but less intimidating than a full-on Nordicnoir jumper. And, it’s a cheery way to jazz up your look on grey days. Read on to familarise yourself with Fair Isle before you get started – switching between yarns can be fiddly to begin with, but you’ll be a pro by the time you’re done. Instructions The Fair Isle pattern is created by using two or three colours per round, floating the unused yarns across the back of the work, and bringing them in when needed.
Each time you float your yarn, ensure you stretch out the sts on your right needle so the floating yarns aren’t too tight, otherwise your knitting will be puckered. And, to avoid tangling your yarns when floating, alternate them so one yarn always goes over the other, and one yarn always goes under. To bring in a new colour, simply place the new yarn over your right needle, leaving a long tail, then start knitting again. The chart for the Fair Isle pattern used in the main body of the cowl is on page 92. Each square on the chart represents 1 st. When knitting in the round, always read the chart from right to left. The pattern repeat for this cowl is 8 sts,
and the chart shows the first 32 sts of the cowl so you can see the pattern emerging. You’ll need to follow each row of the chart four times to complete each round. Rib Using the long tail cast on method and Yarn A, leave a tail approximately 220cm (87") long and cast on 128 sts pm and join to work in the round, ensuring the sts on the knitting needle cord aren’t twisted Round 1 (RS) working into the first cast on st, *k2, p2; rep from * to end of round, sm Round 2 *k2, p2; rep from * to end of round, sm
Work six more rounds of rib Main body Work the Fair Isle section using the chart, as follows: Rounds 1-4 k all sts, sm Round 5 follow Row 5 of the chart from right to left, with detailed written instructions as follows: *k1 in Yarn E, float Yarn A behind work, bring Yarn A over Yarn E, k7 in Yarn A, float Yarn E behind work, bring Yarn E under Yarn A, k1 in Yarn E, float Yarn A behind work, bring Yarn A over Yarn E, k7 in Yarn A, float Yarn E behind work, bring Yarn E under Yarn A, k1 in Yarn E, float Yarn A behind work, bring Yarn A over Yarn E, k7 in Yarn A, float Yarn E behind MOLLIEMAKES.COM 17
HOW TO MAKE A FAIR ISLE COWL work, bring Yarn A over Yarn E, k1 in Yarn E, float Yarn A behind work, bring Yarn A under Yarn E, k7 in Yarn A, float Yarn E behind work, bring Yarn A over Yarn E; rep from * another three times, sm Round 6 follow Row 6 of the chart from right to left, with detailed written instructions as follows: float Yarn E behind work, bring Yarn E over Yarn A, *k2 in Yarn E, float Yarn A behind work, bring Yarn A under Yarn E, k5 in Yarn A, float Yarn E behind work, bring Yarn E over Yarn A, k3 in Yarn E, float Yarn A behind work, bring Yarn A under Yarn E, k5 in Yarn A, float Yarn E behind work, bring Yarn E over Yarn A, k3 in Yarn E, float Yarn A behind work, k5 in Yarn A, float 18 MOLLIEMAKES.COM
Yarn E behind work, bring Yarn E over Yarn A, k3 in Yarn E, float Yarn A behind work, bring Yarn A under Yarn E, k5 in Yarn A, float Yarn E behind work, bring Yarn E over Yarn A, k1 in Yarn E; rep from * another three times, sm Round 7 Follow Row 7 of the chart from right to left, 4 times, sm (note this is identical to Round 5) Round 8 k all sts in Yarn A, sm Round 9 k all sts in Yarn C, cut Yarn C, sm Round 10 k all sts in Yarn E, sm Round 11 k all sts in Yarn B, sm Rounds 12-19 follow Rows 12-19 of the chart from right to left, four times for each row, sm at the end of each round, cut Yarn D after Round 15
Rounds 20-58 follow Rows 20-58 of the chart, but note that you’ll need to float two colours behind the work for Rows 20-23 and Row 30, pay attention to float tension as you work, cut Yarn C after Rounds 27, 44 and 58, cut Yarn D after Rounds 35 and 53, cut Yarn E after Round 54 and cut Yarn B after Round 55 Round 59-62 k all sts in Yarn A, sm Round 63 *k2, p2; rep from * to end of round, sm Work seven more rounds of rib, then cast off in rib Weave in the ends on the WS, then dampen the cowl slightly. Pin the cowl out to the given dimensions on the blocking mat while damp, and leave to dry.
MEET THE MAKER CLAUDINE POWLEY Designer Claudine lives by the sea in Cornwall with her husband and children. She’s always loved creating oneof-a-kind clothing, be it with her crochet hooks, knitting needles or her sewing machine. When she’s not whipping up new patterns, Claudine likes camping, paddle boarding, and hanging out with her family and friends on the beach. www.ironlamb.etsy.com
BEAUTIFUL CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES woven with stories of Cornwall
seasaltcornwall.co.uk
Swap precious metals for tactile yarn with Emma Wright’s bold necklace
PHOTOGRAPHY: JESSE WILD; STYLING: SARAH MALONE AND SALLY BUFTON
new drop
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HOW TO MAKE A WRAPPED NECKLACE MATERIALS Q Scrap chunky yarn in teal (Yarn 1) Q Scrap DK yarn in white and mustard (Yarn 2 and Yarn 3) Q 66cm (26") chain with lobster clasp Q Jewellery pliers Q Florist wire Q Wire cutters Q Large-eyed needle
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Take the wrapped fibre art trend and turn it into an accessory that you can wear again and again. A great opportunity to use up any leftover yarn you’ve been saving for a rainy day, the colours you choose are totally up to you. For the neatest possible finish, remember to wrap your shades of yarn in the same direction. Measure out eight 20cm (77/8") lengths of Yarn 1, folding the yarn back on itself with each length to create a bundle. 02 Cut a 7cm (2 ") length of wire using the wire cutters. 03 Place the wire in the centre of the yarn bundle and, leaving roughly 5cm (2") of Yarn 1 free, begin wrapping Yarn 2 around the yarn and wire bundle seven times. Ensure the wrapping stops at the back of the work. 04 Next, introduce Yarn 3, beginning at the back of the work 01
and trapping the Yarn 2 tails. Wrap Yarn 3 four times, ending the wrapping at the back of the work. 05 Continue wrapping the yarns along the bundle, wrapping Yarn 2 seven times and Yarn 3 four times, until you have four bands of Yarn 2 and three bands of Yarn 3. 06 Fasten off both colours by threading the yarn ends up through the centre of the bundle, as shown. Trim the yarn ends, and also any wire sticking out. 07 Bend the work into a rainbow shape, hiding the yarn changes at the back, then trim the tassel to approximately 8cm (31/8"). 08 Open the jump ring using the jewellery pliers, then insert the jump ring into the centre of the central Yarn 3 band, catching Yarn 1 inside the wrapping. 09 To finish the necklace, insert the chain into the jump ring, then close the jump ring using the jewellery pliers.
MEET THE MAKER
EMMA WRIGHT
Emma is a knit and crochet designer from Rotherham and runs her own company, Emma Wright Jewellery. Emma makes seasonal fibre-inspired jewellery collections from her home studio, where she lives with her fiancĂŠ, Lewis, and Yorkshire terrier, Penny. www.emmaknitted. co.uk
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LATEST CRUSH PATTERN CLASH A feast for the senses, unlikely colour combos and contrasting prints are ruling homes and wardrobes this season. Step out your safe zone, and layer up whatever makes you smile.
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06 Meet Nina, our new favourite house guest. www.anthropologie.com 07 Dip your toe in with a stealth fashion statement. www.happysocks.com 08 Upgrade your morning brew. www.oliverbonas.com 09 Wake up and smell the dreamy hand-printed sunflowers. www. sageandclare.com
PHOTOGRAPHY: ANNETTE O’BRIAN; STYLING: JULIA GREEN AND NOËL COUGHLAN FOR GREENHOUSE INTERIORS
01 Low key looks need not apply this autumn. www.monki.com 02 Trend encapsulated. www.seapinkstudio.co.uk 03 When mid-century modern and polka dots collide. www.habitat.co.uk 04 Pattern clash eleganza. www.bluebellgray.com 05 Birthdays also included. www.kittymccall.com
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make it!
TURN OVER TO CREATE YOUR PATTERN CLASH VASE
make it!
PATTERN CLASH VASE MATERIALS Mod Podge Matte Thin papers in different patterns Plain vase Paint brush
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MEET THE MAKER
CHLOE HARDISTY 03
Choose six or seven clashing patterned papers to use on the vase. These can be decoupage papers, wrapping paper or patterned tissues. Try to use a combination of colours and patterns with dark and light shades to add interest. 02 Cut out a range of geometric shapes in varying 01
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sizes, depending on the vase size. Cut more than you need so you can play around with placement ideas on the vase. 03 Paint the vase with a layer of Mod Podge, then layer on the pieces, overlapping them and experimenting with placement – you can always remove a piece if you don’t like how it
looks. Mix up different sized and shaped papers. To get the best effect, add a first layer of papers, leave to dry for an hour or so, then continue adding more layers. 04 Once you’re happy with the final look, cover the whole vase in another layer of Mod Podge and leave to dry.
Chloe runs her business Cotton Clara in Loughborough and works around her two boys, who love nothing more than coming into the studio and getting involved in crafting. She loves colour, pattern and positive quotes, and these all influence the designs she makes. As well as crafting and making, Chloe loves to potter around at home doing DIY. www.cottonclara.com
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30 MOLLIEMAKES.COM
PHOTOGRAPHY: JESSE WILDE; STYLING: SARAH MALONE AND SALLY BUFTON; MODEL: CHLOE W
Cassie Ward’s crochet leaf jumper effortlessly combines style and comfort
MOLLIEMAKES.COM 31
HOW TO MAKE A CROCHET LEAF JUMPER MATERIALS Q James C. Brett Chunky with Merino, 70% acrylic/20% polyamide/10% merino, 150m/164yd per 100g, eight (nine, 10 ,11) balls in Red (CM05) Q 6mm (UK 4, US J/10) Q Crochet hook Q Yarn needle TENSION Approx. 14 sts and 7 rows to 10cm square over treble crochet ABBREVIATIONS (UK) st(s) stitch(es) ch chain ch-sp chain space dc double crochet ss slip stitch tr treble yrh yarn round hook rep repeat tr2tog treble 2 together – (yrh, insert hook in next st, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 32 MOLLIEMAKES.COM
loops) twice, yrh and draw through all loops on hook tr3tog treble 3 together – (yrh, insert hook in next st, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) three times, yrh and draw through all loops on hook bptr back post tr – yrh and insert hook from back to front in front of post of st below and then from front to back, yrh and pull loop all the way through in front of the post of the st, 3 loops are now on the
Actual bust Length to underarm Width of sleeve Length of sleeve
hook, (yrh and draw through 2 loops) twice fptr front post tr – yrh and insert hook from front to back behind post of st below and then from back to front, yrh and pull loop all the way through behind the post of the st, 3 loops are now on the hook, (yrh and draw through 2 loops) twice FINISHED SIZE This pattern is designed in four sizes and is intended to be a loose fit
S
M
L
XL
111cm
119cm
127cm
136cm
(43 ")
(47")
(50")
(53 ")
39cm
39cm
38.5cm
38.5cm
(15 ")
(15 ")
(15")
(15")
21cm
21cm
22.5cm
22.5cm
(8 ")
(8 ")
(9")
(9")
49cm
49cm
51.5cm
51.5cm
(9 ")
(9 ")
(20 ")
(20 ")
Winter’s all about comfy knits, so we’re welcoming this cosy hug of a jumper with open arms. And, as luck would have it, funnel necks, voluminous sleeves, and all the other oversized things we love are top of this season’s trend list. We’re especially smitten with the leaf detail at the front, giving a nod to autumn. If you’re not a fan of bold hues, hook yours in a neutral shade, and show a subtle flash of colour when you layer up instead. Construction The jumper is made in four parts – front, back and two sleeves. Each of these parts starts with a rib section, a long narrow strip which is turned, and the main part is then crocheted from the long edge. Pattern Instructions are given for the smallest size with the patterns for the larger sizes shown in brackets, e.g. S (M, L, XL) The pattern uses concise crochet terms, for example 6tr means work 1tr into each of next 6 sts
Front and back ribbing (make two) Using 6mm hook, ch15 (15, 17, 17) Row 1 1dc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch to end, turn [14 (14, 16, 16) sts] Row 2 1dc in back loop only of each dc to end, turn Rows 3-77 (83, 89, 95) rep Row 2 Break yarn and fasten off Back Take one piece of ribbing, rejoin yarn and work 77 (83, 89, 95)dc along one long edge working 1dc into each row end, turn** Rows 1-36 ch3 (counts as first tr here and throughout), 1tr in each st to end, turn [77 (83, 89, 95) sts] Break yarn and fasten off Front Work same as for Back to ** Row 1 ch3, 2 (5, 8, 11)tr, ch2, miss 2 dc, * tr2tog, 3tr, tr2tog, ch2, miss 2 dc, 3tr in next dc, ch2, miss 2 dc, 9tr, ch2, miss 2 dc; rep from * twice more, 3 (6, 9, 12)tr, turn Row 2 ch3, 2 (5, 8, 11)tr, ch2, miss 2 ch, *tr2tog, 5tr, tr2tog, ch2, miss 2
ch, 2tr in next tr, 1tr, 2tr in next tr, ch2, miss 2 ch, tr2tog, 1tr, tr2tog, ch2, miss 2 ch; rep from * twice more, 3 (6, 9, 12)tr, turn Row 3 ch3, 2 (5, 8, 11)tr, ch2, miss 2 ch, *tr3tog, ch2, miss 2 ch, 2tr in next tr, 3tr, 2tr in next tr, ch2, 3tr in 2ch-sp, ch2, tr2tog, 3tr, tr2tog, ch2, miss 2 ch; rep from * twice more, 3 (6, 9, 12)tr, turn Row 4 ch3, 2 (5, 8, 11)tr, ch2, miss 2 ch, *tr2tog, 1tr, tr2tog, ch2, miss 2 ch, 2tr in next tr, 1tr, 2tr in next tr, ch2, miss 2 ch, 2tr in next tr, 5tr, 2tr in next tr, ch2, miss (2 ch, tr3tog, 2 ch); rep from * twice more, 3 (6, 9, 12)tr, turn Row 5 ch3, 2 (5, 8, 11)tr, ch2, miss 2 ch, *9tr, ch2, miss 2 ch, 2tr in next tr, 3tr, 2tr in next tr, ch2, miss 2 ch, tr3tog, ch2, miss 2 ch; rep from * twice more, 3 (6, 9, 12)tr, turn Row 6 ch3, 2 (5, 8, 11)tr, ch2, miss 2 ch, *2tr in next tr, 5tr, 2tr in next tr, ch2, miss 2 ch, tr2tog, 5tr, tr2tog, ch2, miss 2 ch; rep from * twice more, 3 (6, 9, 12)tr, turn Row 7 ch3, 2 (5, 8, 11)tr, ch2, miss 2 ch, *tr2tog, 3tr, tr2tog, ch2, 3tr in 2ch-sp, ch2, 9tr, ch2, miss 2 ch; rep
from * twice more, 3 (6, 9, 12)tr, turn Repeat Rows 2-7 a further 4 times, then repeat Rows 2-3 once Shape neck Left side Row 1 ch3, 2 (5, 8, 11)tr, ch2, miss 2 ch, tr2tog, 1tr, tr2tog, ch2, miss 2 ch, 2tr in next tr, 1tr, 2tr in next tr, ch2, miss 2 ch, 2tr in next tr, 5tr, 2tr in next tr, ch2, 1tr in 2ch-sp, turn, leaving remaining sts unworked Row 2 5ch (counts as 1tr and ch2), 9tr, ch2, miss 2 ch, 2tr in next tr, 3tr, 2tr in next tr, ch2, miss 2 ch, tr3tog, ch2, miss 2 ch, 3 (6, 9, 12)tr, turn Row 3 ch3, 2 (5, 8, 11)tr, ch2, miss (2 ch, tr3tog 2 ch), 2tr in next tr, 5tr, 2tr in next tr, ch2, miss 2 ch, tr2tog, 5tr, tr2tog, 2tr in top of 3rd ch of 5 ch Break yarn and fasten off Right side Turn work and rejoin yarn in first tr on opposite side of front Row 1 ch3, 2 (5, 8, 11)tr, ch2, miss (2 ch, tr3tog, 2 ch), 2tr in next tr, 5tr, MOLLIEMAKES.COM 33
HOW TO MAKE A CROCHET LEAF JUMPER 2tr in next tr, ch2, miss 2 ch, 2tr in next tr, 1tr, 2tr in next tr, ch2, miss 2 ch, tr2tog, 1tr, tr2tog, ch2, 1tr in 2ch-sp, turn Row 2 5ch (counts as 1tr and ch2), miss 2 ch, tr3tog, ch2, miss 2 ch, 2tr in next tr, 3tr, 2tr in next tr, ch2, miss 2 ch, 9tr, ch2, miss 2 ch, 3 (6, 9, 12)tr, turn Row 3 ch3, 2 (5, 8, 11)tr, ch2, miss 2 ch, tr2tog, 5tr, tr2tog, ch2, miss 2 ch, 2tr in next tr, 5tr, 2tr in next tr, ch2, miss (2 ch, tr3tog, 2 ch), 1tr in 3rd ch of 5 ch Break yarn and fasten off Sleeves (make two) Cuff Using 6mm hook ch13 (13, 15, 15) Row 1 1dc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch to end, turn [12 (12, 14, 14) sts] Row 2 1dc in back loop only of each dc to end, turn Rows 3-25 (25, 28, 28) rep Row 2 Take one cuff, rejoin yarn and work 25 (25, 27, 27)dc evenly along one long edge working 1dc into each row end, ss to form a tube
34 MOLLIEMAKES.COM
Round 1 ch3, 1tr in same st, 2tr in each tr around, ss to top of 3 ch to join, turn [50 (50, 54, 54)sts] Rounds 2-28 (28, 29, 29) ch3, 1tr in each tr, ss to top of 3 ch to join, turn Break yarn and fasten off To make up Sew along the shoulders Leaving a 21 (21, 22, 22)cm (8 (8 , 8 , 8 )") gap for the armhole, sew up the sides. Pin the sleeves into place and sew around them Neck band Evenly work 72dc around neck, ss to join, turn Round 1 ch3, 1tr in each dc around, ss to join in the round Round 2 ch2 (does not count as st), *1fptr, 1bptr; rep from * to end, join to first fptr with a ss Rounds 3-10 rep Round 2 Break yarn and fasten off Finishing Sew in any loose ends on the wrong side and block gently.
MEET THE MAKER CASSIE WARD Cassie is a crochetobsessed mum of twins and the maker behind The Missing Yarn. She loves to make garments, which stems from her passion for vintage clothing and her desire to be different. www.themissingyarn. co.uk
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IF YELLOW IS THE COLOUR OF HAPPINESS, THEN HELLO SUNSHINE’S JEWELLERY AND ILLUSTRATIONS ARE PURE JOY
M
MEET THE MAKER
THE ART OF SELLING SUNSHINE WITH JO WANT Words: LOTTIE STOREY Photographs: HOLLY BOOTH
36 MOLLIEMAKES.COM
ark Twain once famously said: “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” And, that’s exactly what Jo Want has done with Hello Sunshine. Turning her personal passions into a buoyant business has taken time, and while Jo’s experience in the corporate world of retail wasn’t always fulfilling, it gave her a solid base from which to grow her own brand. In just over a year of working full time on Hello Sunshine, Jo’s managed to pull together the two sides of her business – jewellery and illustration – to create a strong brand identity that seeps into her personal life, too. Surrounding herself with that trademark sunny yellow at home, at work, and in her campervan, Jo spends her days connecting with customers through a shared love of cats, gin and cheese. Even for bright souls like Jo though, self-doubt can creep in, and we chat about her story so far, her growing social community and her tips for those not-so-sunny days. Describe your style in three words. Happy, fun and yellow. Where did it all begin? Since I was little, I’ve had a pencil or crayon in my hand. As a child, I remember creating and illustrating stories about cats, and sitting in front the TV drawing Saturday morning cartoons to give to my mum and dad. After finishing my Decorative Arts degree, I went off to explore as much of the world as I could afford to. When I came back, I got an office job with Boots, where I learnt a lot about brand and business, and I also started playing with jewellery making ideas and drawing again in my spare time. I met other creatives in Nottingham through local craft fairs, and from there I was inspired to start Hello Sunshine, in 2012. Two years later I went part-time at Boots, before making the
The trademark Hello Sunshine brand colours – yellow, black and white – radiate throughout Jo’s home.
MEET THE MAKER
self-employed leap in April 2018. It was a long and sometimes incredibly difficult journey, but worth every up, down, sideways, in and out. I’m so happy to be here now, doing my dream job for a living. What’s your typical working day like? My days can vary so much, but there are some constant factors – being harassed by cats, making tea or coffee, some form of exercise, order packing, emails, calendar planning and shuffling, making snacks, todo list ticking, a Post Office trip, planning for the next day, more tea and snacks, tidying the studio and kitty cuddles. Who, or what, inspires your work? Inspiration comes from adventures to new places, animals, food and people. I find myself inspired by things that make me smile and anything that I have a true love of seems to work its way into my jewellery, especially cats, sunflowers and cheese. I also adore the great outdoors, and finding ways to incorporate adventures and places we’ve been into my work is always fun. Can you talk us through your creative process? Whether it’s an illustration, a pin or a piece of jewellery, all my designs start as scribbles. Once I’m happy with an idea, I neaten them up and tinker with them on the computer to try and work out what to make them into. When I discovered laser cutting in my final months of uni, I fell in love with being able to turn my drawings into something physical, whether it’s a laser-cut wooden cat brooch, an acrylic gin bottle earring or a combination of both materials to create a sunflower necklace. One of my favourite things to make right now is custom pet pins and brooches. From receiving fur baby photos to hand-painting each face, it’s a pure joy.
02 01
01
“Everything
38 MOLLIEMAKES.COM
“Making people
from the prints on
smile with my
the walls to the
personalised work
books on the shelves
is so special.”
reflect me and what makes me happy.”
Online businesses rely so much on social media now. Is there anything you wish you’d known when you started out? When I began Hello Sunshine, I never really used Instagram or Facebook much for business stuff, so I was pretty late to the game where the power of social media was concerned.
03
02
Jo loves playing
with different
04
Buddy the
Sunshine Van is Jo’s second studio. 05
After sourcing as
shapes and
locally as possible,
materials to turn
Jo makes up each
her ideas into
piece by hand at
products.
Sunshine Towers.
04
03
05
“Anything that I have a true love of seems to work its way into my jewellery.” I wish I’d tapped into the creative community and made much more of an effort to chat to people though. I was always scared of reaching out to someone I admire, but if I’d pushed myself sooner, I would have met so many more people and realised we’re all in the same boat. Who are those designers and creative heroes you look up to? I love the work of honest, colourful, heartfelt and fun designers like ADAMJK, Emily McDowell, Lisa Congdon and Emily Coxhead of The Happy Newspaper. I can always count on their brilliant and inspirational work to brighten my day. And I’ll always look up to Leona Baker from Indie Roller as being one of the most inspirational, honest and supportive people in the creative community.
MOLLIEMAKES.COM 39
MEET THE MAKER
01
02
I’ll always be grateful for having the opportunity to work with her and get to know her as a friend, too. What’s the most important business lesson you’ve learnt? Without a doubt, to trust my gut. I’ve avoided doing so many things through fear of not being good enough. But as soon as I started to make the products I genuinely wanted to and enjoyed myself, things began to fall into place and my business took off.
01
Jo offers live
02
Never far away
illustration work for
and always there to
weddings and events
keep her company,
– guests go away
Jo’s colleagues are
with a hand-drawn
her friendly cats,
‘Sunshine Portrait’.
Pegs and Toby.
And the biggest struggle along the way? When my self-confidence and motivation are low, I find it hard to get going. All it takes is a small, thoughtless comment and I can somehow talk myself out of cracking on with even the most exciting of jobs. I’m definitely still learning how to accept and handle this side of working for yourself. It’s a bit of an ongoing process that needs regular attention and tweaking, but a quick cup of tea and chat with the kitties often helps. Is there any advice you’d love to give to your younger self? I’d hand myself Anthony Burrill’s ‘Work Hard & Be Nice To People’ print. I genuinely believe if you learn how to balance working hard without killing yourself, and being nice to people without being a doormat, you
40 MOLLIEMAKES.COM
“As soon as I started to make the products I enjoyed, things began to fall into place.” can and will get to where you want to be, whatever your goals are. Tell us your proudest achievement to date. Aside from leaving my job to see how working full-time on Hello Sunshine would turn out – and still being here today, earning the same as I did back then – the newest, biggest achievement has to be making my Sunshine Van dreams come true. We bought our bright yellow van, Buddy, last summer and I still pinch myself every time we go on an adventure. What are your future plans? I’d like to paint more live portraits at events such as weddings, parties, pop-up fairs and markets. I’ve been painting 10-minute live portraits for over three years now, and the dream has always been to do it from my very own Sunshine Van. Now we have Buddy, it’s only a matter of time. Head to www.hello-sunshine.co.uk to discover more of Jo’s work, or follow her on Insta @sunshine_jo for updates and inspo.
Living CREATIVE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR LIFE AND HOME
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PHOTOGRAPHY: JESSE WILD; STYLING: SARAH MALONE AND SALLY BUFTON; NORDIC GEOMETRIC RUG FROM WWW.COXANDCOX.CO.UK
Room with a view Create a tactile needle punch landscape in cosy cushion form – The Modern Crafter show you how MOLLIEMAKES.COM 43
01
02
03
07
07
08
HOW TO MAKE A NEEDLE PUNCH CUSHION MATERIALS Q Four 100g balls of rug yarn or bulky weight yarn in four different colours (we used gold, blue, pink, and white) Q Approx. 60 x 60cm (235/8 x 235/8") needle punch fabric (we used linen) Q Needle punch tool (we used an Oxford Punch Needle in Size 10) Q 42 x 42cm (16 x 16 ") backing fabric (we used calico) Q Two pairs of 45.5cm (18") stretcher bar frames Q Staple gun Q Staple remover Q Black marker pen Q Polyester stuffing
44 MOLLIEMAKES.COM
Just when you thought you were all good for cushions, this textured beauty is here to prove you wrong. Luring you in with its abstract landscape scene and tactile loops of yarn, you’ll be whipping up your own version before you know it. If you’ve never tried needle punch, you’re in for a treat. This meditative craft is easier than you might think, and the gals at The Modern Crafter have even put together a starter kit including all you need to make this cushion. Visit www.themoderncrafter.co.uk and use discount code molliemakes10 to bag yourself 10% off. Instructions When working the different sections, always punch the outline of the area first, then work from the outer edge in towards the centre of the shape. Needle punching creates a flat stitch on the side of the fabric
you’re working on, and a loop on the reverse of the fabric. To create the mix of textures in the design, the gold sun and blue hill loop stitch sections are worked on the wrong side of the frame, then the remaining flat stitch sections are worked on the right side. Assemble the stretcher bars into a frame following the manufacturer’s instructions, then place the frame over the linen. Pull the fabric up and over the frame and use the staple gun to secure it in place, stretching the fabric as you go to keep it taut. Alternatively, you could place the fabric in a large embroidery frame or hoop. 02 Turn the fabric right side (RS) up – with the frame at the back – then trace the template on page 92 onto the fabric using a marker pen. The easiest way to do this is to tape the template to a window and hold the frame up to it. Turn the frame over and retrace the design onto 01
the wrong side (WS). You can now work the design from both sides. 03 To thread the needle punch tool, thread the yarn through the eye of the needle from the slot side. Pull the yarn until it’s flush in the slot, then hold the needle in your hand and pull the yarn back, leaving a 2.5cm (1") tail. 04 Turn the frame to the WS and start the first loop stitch section – either the gold sun or blue hill – along the outline of the shape. Push the needle down through the cloth at a slight angle, with the eye of the needle pointing in the direction you’ll be working in. Punch down until the wooden handle touches the cloth, then pull the needle up gently. When you see the eye of the needle, skim the needle forward by roughly 1cm (3/8") and punch back into the fabric. Repeat along the outline of the shape, then work towards the centre, staggering stitches from one row to the next as if laying
04
04
05
09
09
10
bricks. When turning the needle, turn it while it’s down in the fabric. And, if the yarn starts to loosen, pull it through the top of the needle to tighten it. 05 When cutting the yarn between sections, cut it flush to the height of the loop or flat stitch. Keep the yarn tails on the WS of the work. 06 Once both loop stitch sections have been filled, turn the frame to the RS and start the first flat stitch section – the white sky, pink hill, or gold hill. Push the needle in the cloth at a slight angle as before, with the eye of the needle pointing in the direction to fill. Punch down until the wooden handle touches the cloth, then turn the frame over and pull the yarn tail through. This keeps yarn tails to the back of the work. Flip the frame back, pull the needle up carefully, then continue punching along the fabric as per Step 4. 07 Punch the stitches for each section as close to each other as
possible, using the template as a guide, but be careful not to punch into any existing loops, or over a stitch. If any loops are punched into, cut the yarn and tidy it before starting again. 08 Once each section has been filled with the correct colour, trim any yarn tails flush with either the loop or flat stitches. Remove the design from the frame and cut out the punched piece to 42 x 42cm (16 x 16 "), leaving a 1.5cm (5/8") linen border around the outside. 09 Pin the calico backing fabric and the punched piece RS together. Using a zipper foot, sew around all four edges, as close to the needle punch as possible, leaving an 18cm (71/8") gap along the bottom edge. 10 Trim the excess fabric from the corners, being careful not to the cut the seam, then turn the cushion RS out. Stuff filling into the gap until the cushion is plump, then whipstitch the gap closed to finish.
MEET THE MAKERS THE MODERN CRAFTER Sisters Rachel Lawson and Siobhan Watt have been into crafting since childhood. Through The Modern Crafter they share their skills, using Siobhan’s illustrations and Rachel’s creativity to offer craft DIY kits and workshops. www. themoderncrafter.co.uk
MOLLIEMAKES.COM 45
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;9F L >AF< O@9L QGM J= DGGCAF? >GJ7 With 12 amazing leather-effect colours weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve redeďŹ ned modelling clay with FIMO leather-effect, which has a similar look and feel to leather when oven-hardened.
E9C= AL& F=O :MQ FGO 9L @G::Q;J9>L
Mix it. Cut it. Punch it. Braid it. Pierce it. Emboss it. Sew it. Shape it. Anything is possible!
#FIMOleathereffect Find your inspiration at staedtler.com/FIMOleather-effect
MOLLIEMAKES.COM 47
PHOTOGRAPHY: JESSE WILDE; STYLING: SARAH MALONE AND SALLY BUFTON
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HOW TO MAKE A PLYWOOD MIRROR MATERIALS Q Two sheets of plywood, one 30 x 60cm (117/8 x 235/8"), one 30 x 30cm (117/8 x 117/8") (ours were from www. hobbycraft.co.uk) Q 20cm (77/8") mirror Q Square pine baton, approx 2cm ( ") wide Q Three leather hooks and fixings Q Drill Q Hand or circular saw Q Strong wood glue Q Spirit level Q Screws Q Sandpaper
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With its clean lines and subtle shelving, this petite vanity unit will fit in with a myriad of décor. Giving us pared-back Scandi vibes minus the hassle of an IKEA trip, it’s an easy way to add storage space to your bathroom. Once you’ve got the DIY basics down, experiment with different sizes and accessories to personalise it for your home. Just remember to use sturdy fixings when mounting it to the wall to avoid any breakages. Start by marking out where the mirror and shelf will sit. We positioned the mirror within the top half of the plywood, with the shelf roughly two thirds down. 02 To make the shelf, take the smaller sheet of plywood and use a saw to cut a piece measuring 24cm (9 ") wide and 10cm (4") deep. Lightly sand the edges to smooth. 03 Mark two points along one long edge of the plywood, 1cm (3/8") in from the long edge and 6cm (23/8") in from either short edge. Drill holes at both marked points. 04 Cut the length of pine to 21cm (8 "), then round off the corners on one long edge using sandpaper. Mark two central points along the width of the pine, 3cm (1 ") down 01
from either short edge. Drill holes at both marked points. 05 Place the plywood and the length of pine at right angles, as shown, then screw the plywood to the pine to create the shelf. 06 To attach the shelf to the main sheet of plywood, place it along the line marked in Step 1 – it might help to place the mirror in position too. Use the spirit level to check it’s straight, adjusting if necessary, then screw it to the plywood. 07 Next, mark where each leather hook will sit on the plywood. Space them evenly along the bottom of the shelf with around 10cm (4") between each one, and roughly 3cm (1 ") up from the base. Drill holes at each marked point. 08 Push the metal fixtures through the holes from the back. Fold each leather piece in half, aligning the holes, thread them onto the fixtures at the front, then screw on the remaining part of the fixture. 09 To attach the mirror, apply the glue to the reverse and stick it onto the plywood where marked, checking it sits centrally. 10 Place something heavy, such as a hardback book, on top of the mirror to weigh it down. Leave overnight before hanging.
MEET THE MAKER
SAM TAYLOR-CROOKS
Sam is an interiors and DIY blogger, currently on a mission to transform her ‘home for now’ on a budget. With a passion for upcycling basic furniture into luxury-looking items, Sam believes anywhere can be your dream home as long as you fill it with things you love. www.dovecottage blog.com
¥ ¨" Love Patchwork & Quilting is celebrating our 6th birthday this month and we’re excited to offer you a special offer! Save 50% on an annual subscription and get a year’s subscription for just £39.99!
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AT HOME WITH...
DISCOVER MID-CENTURY BOHO STYLE IN WENDY LAU’S PLANT-FILLED TORONTO HOME
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Words: HOLLY JOHNSON Photographs: JANET KWAN
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hen that nurturing instinct kicks in, it’s often the right time to consider adding to your little family of two – perhaps a cat named Prickles, a dog called Rufus, or even a child (name choices might take a little more thought for that one). But when your job takes you around the world, those options aren’t necessarily doable. This was the dilemma faced by blogger Wendy Lau and her husband when they settled down and bought a 1970s home renovation project last year. Her solution? She became a plant mother instead. In fact, they now share their home with over 75 plant ‘babies’, each of which has its very own name. “Plants are such organic and beautiful living things,” smiles Wendy. “They add life and softness to your home. It’s never a bad idea to put a plant in your design – just make sure you give it the proper environment for it to thrive.” But Wendy hasn’t just spent the last 12 months buying pot plants. They’ve transformed the run-down, Torontobased house from top to bottom, taking down interior walls to open up the space and filling it with earthy-hued furniture, monochrome prints, and trinkets from Wendy’s travels as an air hostess. “We’ve designed it around budget and with hospitality in mind,” says Wendy, who has a large family and often entertains big groups of friends too. “I wanted the space to be inviting and warm and I didn’t want people to feel like they were in a museum. Everything was chosen so that it would take wear and tear
“Plants are such organic and beautiful living things. They add life and softness.”
MOLLIEMAKES.COM 51
AT HOME WITH... “My mother was always thrifting and would score amazing curbside finds.”
beautifully. The idea is that the home would age gracefully, and all the scars and imperfections would just be part of the character and story it tells.” Their open-plan kitchen, complete with breakfast bar, dining table and sofa, is the heart of the home and flows beautifully thanks to the Canadian hickory wood flooring, which the couple invested in along with quartz for the
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kitchen worktops. Elsewhere, they saved money by sourcing second-hand items and roadside freebies – a hobby that goes back to Wendy’s childhood. “My mother was always thrifting and would score amazing curbside finds. We’d stop by a ton of garage sales during the summer. Now, I take time out in the summer to go vintage hunting, and I’m often at garage sales in town. I’ll
be scouring the streets when I drive by, especially on furniture disposal days. Oh man, the things people throw out is insane!” she exclaims. “I recently picked up these beautiful cane bent wood chairs that are worth hundreds if they’re in better condition. Someone was just throwing them out.” In fact, the item she treasures most in her home cost nothing at all. “If I had
to pick one piece of furniture, it’s the MCM side table in my sunroom. It’s my first curbside find my mother and I came across together. This was 15 years ago and I still remember the thrill of finding something for free on the side of the road. It started this journey of thrifting and second-hand shopping.” Wendy also takes inspiration from other thrifters, and follows friends on
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Instagram who run vintage shops. Some of her favourites include @luvewantshop, @the_sweetest_vintage, @theapartmentlife and @mylittleshop_kingston. Their unique items add a welcoming charm to her home, which is decorated with fresh white walls, warm wood tones and – of course – lots of plants. Wendy describes her style as “whimsical”, and there’s definitely a feeling of the
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Natural rattan
creates cosiness. 02
Wendy’s hanging
air plants make the loveliest vignette. 03
The baskets and
flea markets and thrift stores around the world. 04
Wendy used
spackle paste to give her fireplace
mats on the dining
a ‘German
room wall are from
smear’ look.
MOLLIEMAKES.COM 53
AT HOME WITH...
bohemian throughout her rooms. “I love the clean lines of mid-century modern, but I also find myself drawn to the organic and free-flowing spirit of bohemian décor,” she explains. “Most recently, I’ve started mixing in Art Deco to my spaces as well. I just bring in elements of everything I love – all sorts.You’ll see a really fun and exciting mix of everything in my home.”
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When she wants some time to relax, Wendy heads to the light and airy sunroom, with its beautiful wooden beams and views out onto the garden. Here, she can feel connected with nature – something that’s important to her. “It’s where a lot of my plant babies live and such a cheerful place,” Wendy tells us. “I love it in all seasons. Listening to the rain is so soothing in there, and when it’s
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vanity table on her
in the open-plan
kitchen is by Rifle
Marketplace feed
Paper Co.
and had to buy it.
“I’m constantly changing and evolving, and so is my taste.”
filled with sun, I feel like a cat lounging in its favourite spot.” She admits to having “quite a bit of spare time” as a flight attendant, meaning she can take plenty of beautiful shots for her 33K+ Instagram followers. “I love to take my Instagram friends with me on my travels and through home décor stores. It’s so interesting to see different styles from around the
world. I blog and Instagram for fun and truly enjoy it, so it doesn’t feel like work to me.” Despite her picture-perfect feed, Wendy doesn’t consider her home a finished project by any means, and we can’t wait to see where she takes her styling next. “I’m constantly changing and evolving, and so is my taste, so designing a space that could be
switched up easily was important to me. Everything can be totally reimagined with just a few accessories.” One things for sure though – her plant babies are definitely there to stay. Based in Toronto, Canada, Wendy Lau Instagrams her home styling and décor discoveries at @thekwendyhome. She also blogs about her life as a flight attendant and shares her latest styling tips at www.thekwendyhome.com.
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GET THE LOOK GLOBAL GATHERING Relaxed boho vibes, thrifted pieces and a touch of midcentury creates a mismatched space that feels fresh. Go for all the greenery, paired with neutral tones and 70s-inspired shades.
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Just when you thought the Amalfi Coast couldn’t get any more romantic, Rifle Paper Co. work their painterly magic on its sunkissed shores. Hang in your home for warming retro vibes. www.riflepaperco.com 01
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Take your rattan obsession to the next level with this painted statement chair. Not only will it add a modern edge to any room, if you hadn’t heard, black is the new black. www.sweetpea andwillow.com 02
Fringing, tassels and texture galore in an earthy palette that evokes California desert vibes... We’re not crying, you’re crying. Shop All Roads x Anthro’s collab while you still can. www. anthropologie.com 03
You know a shelf is doing it right when it doesn’t even need accessories. Handmade from bamboo, rattan and plywood, the holy trinity of natural materials, Madam Stoltz does it again. www.hurnandhurn.com 04
With an endless list of possible uses, our obsession with baskets isn’t going anywhere fast. Handwoven in Morocco, this beauty’s made using sustainable palm leaf for all the ethical goodness. www. bohemiadesign.co.uk 05
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BRAND FOCUS Elm Norwich-based indie store Elm boasts thoughtful design-led homeware and gifts, and an abundance of plants you never knew you needed – they even have a pet-friendly section. The store is owned by ceramicist Paige Mitchell, who works from the top floor studio with her dachshund Rickley. www.elmshop.co.uk
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BOOKMARK elk and wolf No home should be without a mustard velvet cushion, and there’s a chance this one might be your sofa’s soulmate. Handquilted and soft as a feather, the Tähti ticks all the right boxes. www.projektityyny.com 06
Create calm with this deliciously scented candle. Its herbaceous fragrance is warm yet fresh, while the amber glass jar and cork lid provide those retro feels no boho-aspiring home should be without. www2.hm.com 07
Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, Elk & Wolf is a unique lifestyle store. Their online extension carries the same carefully curated stock, comprising of handpicked jewellery, homewares and products from beautiful, inspiring places around the globe, as well as a selection of local artisan pieces. www.elkandwolf.com
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We’re dreaming of
transforming our sink area with this Big Ruta Tray. 02
Plant lovers rejoice, as there
are an abundance of hanging planters and pots available. 03
One of Elm’s most iconic
pieces, these antique frames can be hung grouped together.
MOLLIEMAKES.COM 57
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PHOTOGRAPHY: JESSE WILDE; STYLING: SARAH MALONE AND SALLY BUFTON
urban jungle Make space to expand your plant family with Emma Basseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crochet baskets
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HOW TO MAKE CROCHET BASKETS MATERIALS Q Hoooked Zpagetti 100% Recycled T-shirt Yarn, approx. 50-60m/350g per medium bobbin, one medium bobbin each in Ocre Sunset and Graphic Jungle Q 10mm (UK 000, US N/15) crochet hook Q Yarn needle TENSION Tension isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t crucial, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to keep the stitches dense so the basket holds its shape ABBREVIATIONS (UK) st(s) stitch(es) ch chain ch-sp chain space 60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM
dc double crochet ss slip stitch magic ring hold yarn in your hand and wrap working yarn around forefinger twice to create ring, slip ring off your finger and insert hook to pick up first st, ch1, then work the necessary sts for Round 1 and close the ring tightly by pulling loose end FINISHED SIZE Small basket approx. 14 x 19cm (5 x 7 ") Large basket approx. 19 x 25cm (7 x 97/8")
If your shelves are creaking under the weight of your plant babies, think outside the box and hook yourself a set of hanging baskets. Recycled T-shirt yarn has just the right amount of stretch for these handy makes, upping the green factor to the next level. And, as each design has a flat base to support the plant pot, they also double up as handy storage baskets around the home. Instructions These baskets are made in joined rounds, always keeping the right side of the crochet facing you. Do not turn the work at the end of each round. Large basket Round 1 start with a magic ring,
ch1 (does not count as st here and throughout), 8dc into the magic ring, pull ring tight, ss to first dc to join [8sts] Round 2 ch1, 2dc in each st, ss to first dc to join [16sts] Round 3 ch1, 1dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st, *1dc in the next st, 2dc in the next st; repeat from * to the end of round, ss to first dc to join [24sts] Round 4 ch1, *1dc in each of next 2sts, 2dc in the next st; repeat from * to the end of round, ss to first dc to join [32sts] Round 5 ch1, 1dc in each st around, ss to first dc to join Rounds 6-12 repeat Round 5 a further 7 times Round 13 ss into the first st, ch1, 1dc in each st stopping at the second to last st in the round, ch6,
miss the last dc st, ss to first dc to join Round 14 ss in each dc from the previous round, work 8dc into the 6ch-sp, ss to first ss of the round and weave in the ends Small basket Rounds 1-3 as per the Large basket [24sts] Round 4 ch1, 1dc in each st around, ss to first dc to join Rounds 5-9 repeat Round 4 a further 5 times Round 10 ss in the first st, ch1, 1dc in each st stopping at the second to last st in the round, ch6, miss the last dc st, ss to first dc to join Round 11 ss in each dc from the previous round, work 8dc into the 6ch-sp, ss to first ss of the round and weave in the ends
MEET THE MAKER EMMA BASSEY Bristol-based Emma discovered her love of crochet while pregnant with her second daughter. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s since developed her own craft kits and runs her brand from home, working around her family life. www.stitchingmesoftly. etsy.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY: JESSE WILDE; STYLING: SARAH MALONE AND SALLY BUFTON; RUSTIC STANDING STAR TEALIGHT HOLDERS IN MEDIUM AND LARGE WWW.ROSEANDGREY.CO.UK
Finders keepers Sew a Scandi-inspired advent calendar for the whole family â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Anna Alicia shows you how
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HOW TO MAKE AN ADVENT CALENDAR MATERIALS Q 50cm x 55cm (19 x 215/8") white spotty cotton fabric (we used Makower Monochrome in Spot-White) (Fabric 1) Q 50cm x 55cm (19 x 215/8") blue cotton fabric (we used Robert Kaufman Kona Solids in Dresden Blue) (Fabric 2) Q 50cm x 55cm (19 x 215/8") pink cotton fabric (we used Robert Kaufman Kona Solids in Bellini) (Fabric 3) Q 50cm x 55cm (19 x 215/8") dark red cotton fabric (we used Robert Kaufman Kona Solids in Crimson) (Fabric 4) Q Wooden dowel, 50cm (19 "), 0.5cm ( ") diameter
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Q Two 44 x 67cm (17 /8 x 263/8") pieces of medium-weight cotton calico in natural Q 44cm x 61cm (173/8 x 24") stiff sew-in interfacing Q 75cm (29 ") natural cotton cord, 0.5cm ( ") diameter Q Transfer paper Q Craft knife Q Cutting mat Q Rotary compass Q Matching sewing thread 3
Forgo the shop-bought chocolate calendar this year in favour of a handmade beauty you’ll look forward to hanging in your home. We think counting down to Christmas shouldn’t be exclusive to kids, so fill the pockets with mini gifts the whole family’ll love. Cut the fabric pieces for the pockets. Fold Fabric 1 in half with right sides (RS) together and cut four triangles using the template on page 92, making four pairs. 02 Fold Fabric 2 in half with right sides (RS) together. Cut three 10.5cm (4 ") squares and three 19 x 10.5cm (7 x 4 ") rectangles, making six pairs. 03 Fold Fabric 3 in half with right sides (RS) together. Cut two 10.5 x 8cm (4 x 31/8") rectangles and three 10.5 x 14cm (7 x 5 ") rectangles, making five pairs. 04 Fold Fabric 4 in half and mark out three 11cm (43/8") radius circles. Mark a straight line 1cm (3/8") 01
above what would be the centre of the circle, then cut out the larger half circles, making three pairs. 05 Lay out the interfacing with the length running horizontally, then place the two calico pieces on top, RS together, and aligning the bottom and side edges. Pin the bottom and sides, then sew 1cm (3/8") in from the three edges, leaving the top edge unsewn. 06 Turn the layers RS out with the interfacing inbetween the calico layers. Fold the stiff interfacing seams flat and press. 07 Fold the open top edge to the wrong side (WS) by 1cm (3/8") and pin. Top stitch around all four edges roughly 0.25cm (1/8") in. 08 Fold the top edge to the back by 3cm (1 "), then pin and sew 0.25cm (1/8") in from the original top edge to create a channel. 09 Take the fabric pairs cut out in Steps 1-4 and pin and sew around the edges of each pair, 1cm (3/8") in, and leaving a gap of approximately
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5cm (2") on one side. For the triangle and semi-circle pieces, make sure the gap isn’t on the longest straight edge, as this will form the top of the pocket. Trim the corners of each pair, and on the semi-circle pieces, trim the curved edge seams to 0.5cm ( "). 10 Turn the pockets RS out through the gaps, fold the edges of the gaps to the WS, then press. 11 Use the templates on page 92 to draw the numbers onto the transfer paper. Cut each number out using the craft knife and cutting mat. 12 Fold the three blue rectangle pockets and two pink rectangle pockets in half along the length and press – these will each be sewn into two pockets along the centre. Place the calico base with the channel at the top and seam at the back. Arrange the pockets onto the base as shown in the main image. 13 Lay the numbers onto each pocket, noting which pockets will be split into two and need two
numbers. Take each pocket in turn and place the numbers with the backing paper facing up, roughly 1.5cm (5/8") in from the bottom right corner if it’s a square or rectangle, or from the top right corner if it’s a semi-circle or triangle. 14 Carefully remove each pocket from the backing and press the numbers in place following the transfer paper instructions. Leave to cool for half an hour – or as per the instructions – before carefully removing the backing paper. 15 Place the pockets back and pin in position. Sew along the side and bottom edges of each one, 0.25cm (1/8") in, leaving the top edge open. For the pockets that are split in two, sew along the pressed centre crease. Sew the overlapped pockets first, then place the overlapping pockets back and sew. 16 To finish, thread the length of dowel through the channel, then tie the cotton cord to either end and use for hanging.
MEET THE MAKER ANNA ALICIA Anna is a craft writer and the designer-maker behind A Alicia, creating wall hangings, ceramics and more, with a focus on ethical materials. Anna has a new craft book out, Bags, featuring her favourite things to sew. www. aalicia.bigcartel.com
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12 ON SE SAL PT E !
From cooking to crafting, decorating to gift buying, Simply Christmas is packed with ideas and inspiration to make sure you have a very happy holiday season!
GET YOUR COPY TODAY! Only £5.99 (plus p&p) CALL 03330 162 138 and quote ‘SIMPLY XMAS 19 PRINT1’ ONLINE www.buysubscriptions.com/SimplyChristmas19 UK calls will cost the same as other standard fixed line numbers (starting 01 or 02) and are included as part of any inclusive or free minutes allowances (if offered by your phone tariff). Outside of free call packages call charges from mobile phones will cost between 3p and 55p per minute. Lines are open Mon to Fri 8am-6pm and Sat 9am-1pm. Overseas please call +44 (0)1604 973 746. *Prices including postage are £6.99 for UK residents, £7.99 for Europe and £8.99 for Rest of World. Please allow up to 28 days for delivery.
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EXCLUSIVE PAPERS! ESCAPE INTO A FANTASY WORLD WITH THESE DREAMY WATERCOLOUR PRINTS Meera Lee Patel is a writer and artist living and working in Nashville, USA. Self taught, her whimiscal, evocative works help people find beauty in the everyday. Illustrations: MEERA LEE PATEL WWW.MEERALEE.COM
Making HAND-PICKED PROJECTS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH
Always fancied yourself as an artist but not sure where to start? Level up your skills with Learn to Paint & Draw. This new bookazine from the team behind Project Calm helps you start sketching and painting, with everything from paintable postcards to a sketchbook included. www. buysubscriptions.com/paint
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PIECE BY Create beautiful patchwork craft storage from remnant fabrics â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Arounna Khounnoraj shows you how
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PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING: AROUNNA KHOUNNORAJ
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HOW TO MAKE A CRAFT PROJECT BAG MATERIALS Q Remnant fabrics in a mixture of prints and colours Q 35.5 x 30.5cm (14 x 12") waxed canvas fabric Q Two 7.5 x 30.5cm (3 x 12") pieces waxed canvas fabric Q 35.5 x 30.5cm (14 x 12") plain canvas fabric Q 15 x 20cm (6 x 8") plain canvas fabric Q 127cm (50") length of leather or rope
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Turns out intuitive patchwork is our new favourite craft. Piecing together fabrics without having to follow a precise pattern or set of measurements is so freeing, and something designer Arounna wants us to fully embrace. Use this as a basic guide to making your bag, but choose your own balance of colours and prints to build a design unique to you. First, sew together remnant fabrics to form a 35.5 x 30.5cm (14 x 12") section. Taking two fabrics, cut one into a rectangle and one into a triangle. Place the fabrics right side (RS) together, positioning the triangle about halfway down the rectangle, and with the left raw edges aligned. Sew across the base of the triangle, so horizontally across the rectangle, then trim the excess fabric at the corner. Press open to create a rectangle. 01
Cut a third piece of fabric to the same length as the rectangle, then place the fabrics RS together and sew along the long edge. Trim the seam allowance and press open. 03 To break up the areas of colour, cut off the top section of the sewn fabric piece 1cm (3/8 ") above the top point of the triangle. Flip it horizontally, then sew the fabrics as before, RS together and pressing the seam open. 04 Cut another coordinating fabric piece to the same height of the patchwork piece, then sew to the left hand side as before. 05 Cut a final piece of fabric to the same width as the patchwork piece, then add it to the top in the same way. Measure the piece to ensure itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 35.5 x 30.5cm (14 x 12"), trimming it to size if necessary. 06 Next, add a printed element to contrast the plain fabrics. As we used naturally dyed fabrics with 02
muted tones, we chose a light print with a simple botanical image. Cut the fabric to the height of the sewn piece and roughly half the width, then sew it onto the left hand side and press the seam open. 07 Cut two squares to the same height as the patchwork piece, choosing a fabric with stronger tones to give it balance. Sew the two squares to make a rectangle, making sure the pattern runs at a different angle, then sew this to the bottom of the patchwork piece. 08 Cut a piece of fabric to the same width and half the height of the sewn piece, sticking with the darker tones but choosing a smaller print. Sew to the top of the patchwork to balance the top and bottom. 09 Finally, cut a piece of fabric to the same height and half the width of the patchwork. We chose a fabric with a bigger image printed in white for contrast. Sew to the
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right hand side of the piece â&#x20AC;&#x201C; using larger pieces of fabric makes the smaller patched area a focal point. 10 Trim the patchwork fabric to 35.5 x 30.5cm (14 x 12"), then cut a 6cm (2 ") square from the two bottom corners. Cut the same sized piece from the 35.5 x 30.5cm (14 x 12") waxed canvas for the backing and the two plain canvas pieces for the lining. 11 Press and sew the edges of the 15 x 20cm (6 x 77/8 ") canvas piece to the wrong side (WS) by 1cm (3/8"). Pin to the centre of one lining piece, RS up. Sew around the sides and bottom to create a pocket. 12 Place the waxed canvas and patchwork RS together and sew the two sides and bottom edge. Leave the top edge and the indents of the squares open, as shown. 13 Open out one bottom corner of the bag to align the two raw edges, forming a box-shaped bottom.
Sew, then repeat with the second corner. Turn RS out. 14 Fold the edges of the 7.5 x 30.5cm (3 x 12") waxed canvas pieces to the WS and sew in place. Fold one piece in half along the length with WS together, then align the long open edges with one top edge of the bag, RS together. Sew close to the edge, creating a channel for the drawstring, then repeat the other side of the bag. 15 Repeat Steps 12-13 with the lining pieces, keeping them WS out. Tuck the bag outer inside, RS together, then with raw edges aligned, sew around the top edge leaving a gap of 7.5cm (3"). 15 Turn the bag RS out through the gap, then sew the gap closed. Tuck the lining inside, then top stitch just below the drawstring channel. 15 Thread the leather or rope cord through the channel and knot the ends to finish.
MEET THE MAKER AROUNNA KHOUNNORAJ Arounna is a Canadian artist and maker working in Toronto. In 2002, she started her brand bookhou, exploring screenprinting and textile techniques such as embroidery and punch needle. Arounna loves creating objects such as bags, home goods and textile art. www.bookhou.com
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ILLUSTRATION: BECKI CLARK
TAKING THE LEAP HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU’RE READY TO TURN YOUR PASSION INTO A FULL-TIME JOB? KAREN DUNN TALKS TIMING IT RIGHT, AND MAKING THOSE FIRST STEPS
Words: KAREN DUNN Illustration: BECKI CLARK WWW.BECKICLARK.COM
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here’s a lot to be said for feeling the fear and doing it anyway. If you think you might be ready to turn your side hustle into a full-time freelance job, there’s no time like the present to get things in place. That way, when you do make the change, it won’t feel like you’re jumping into the small business abyss. The benefits of being your own boss – from choosing your hours to paying the bills with your creative projects – can more than outweigh the risks of going it alone. And, being self employed means you can adopt a more flexible way of working that’ll fit around you and your lifestyle. Designer and letterer Lauren Hom of Hom Sweet Hom (www.homsweethom.com) quit her job as an advertising agency art director so she could grow the lettering business she started in college. Despite the initial nerves, Lauren says the benefits are worth making the leap for. “Creatively, you get to have more autonomy and feel good about having something that’s yours alone,” she explains. “You get to steer the ship and choose the direction you want your business and brand to go in. You also ultimately get to decide when and where you work from and, best of all, there’s no ceiling for how much money you can make.” Lauren regards herself as a fairly risk-averse person, but knew there’d never be a ‘perfect’ time to quit. “I told myself that, worst-case scenario, I’d have to get another full-time job. And I was OK with that because I would have tried.”
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS But how do you actually know when it’s the right time to focus on your passion rather than a monthly pay check? For Craig Williams of Tribe and Us (www.tribeandus. com), the thought arose when he started turning away the creative work he loved due to his full-time commitments. “The day job meant I didn’t have time, and I wanted to spend more quality time with my family.” Craig now runs a successful blog and photography business with his partner Kate, and says “when you know, you know. It’s a really emotional and scary journey, but believing in what you do is a powerful thing”.
Ceramicist Kara Leigh Ford (www.karaleighfordceramics. com) also went with her gut when deciding to turn her pottery hobby into her day job. “I had no idea if my business would work, my decision was based solely on emotion,” Kara recalls. “I knew it was the right time because the fear of staying in my job far outweighed the fear of failure of starting up on my own. As soon as I’d made the decision to leave, it was like a weight had been lifted.”
GET PREPARED While there’s no right or wrong way to launch a business – especially one that’s so close to your heart – making sure you have a small amount of savings as a buffer while you get your ducks in a row is a good place to start. “In the beginning, I found myself questioning everything, which is good when it comes to your finances,” Craig recalls. “I went over and over working out what we’d need to survive.” Kara agrees. “I did a lot of spread sheets before giving up the 9-to-5 to work out how much money my business needed to make to pay the mortgage and feed our cats.” She saved up £8,000 and used it to pay for a web designer, photographer, hosting fees, materials and equipment. “It also made sure I had something to fall back on.” Don’t be afraid to spend money on help with things that aren’t your forte, like accounting. Join local and online business groups to pick up tips or look for a mentor who can help you make the tough decisions. Most importantly, be prepared to make mistakes and learn from them, as they’ll only make your business better in the long run. Creating a business plan can also help give you focus and structure in those early days. “I gave myself a deadline of when I wanted to launch and stuck to it,” shares Kara. “It’s tempting not to launch until everything is 100% perfect but you can always tweak things later.” Any final words of advice? “Don’t believe the old adage ‘you’ll never be rich if you’re an artist’,” Kara insists. “It’s a load of rubbish! When you run your own business, the sky’s the limit.” So, listen to your heart, and follow that dream.
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Adv r is ment ffe Ad eat atur ure ur e
FROM THE FAIR Shop ‘till you drop with some of the talented makers at The Handmade Festival, 13-15th September
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CANDLE BY EVENTS
Get involved in the candle-making experience, and learn to craft your own candle at Candle By Event’s stand. You can also visit their website to shop their candle-making kits and workshop gift vouchers. www.candlebyevents.co.uk 02
SPLATTER MAKE
Spark kids’ imaginations with Splatter Make’s fabric paint stencil kit for funky T-shirt designs. Choose from eight fun themes – Unicorn, Llama, 01
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Dragon, Mermaid, Flamingo, Robot, Orangutan or Turtle. www.splattermake.co.uk 03
THE MODERN CRAFTER
Master the art of tactile needle punching with The Modern Crafter, run by sisters Rachel & Siobhan. Make sure to pop by their stall for demonstrations, inspiration, and to shop their DIY kits. www.themoderncrafter.co.uk 04
AROMANTIC
Organic skincare made especially for you, by you. Visit Aromantic’s stall to experience their products first hand, and learn to make your own natural skincare products from ingredients you can trust with their range of recipes, ingredients 03
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and training courses. www.aromantic.co.uk 05
ARTCUTS
Returning to The Handmade Festival for their fifth year, Artcuts specialise in wooden craft shapes and complementary craft accessories. Visit their pop-up shop for live demonstrations and bookable make and takes. www.artcuts.co.uk 06
VICTORIA WILLIAMS JEWELLERY
Victoria Williams hand-makes minimal style jewellery using recycled sterling silver and eco resin. She loves experimenting with different processes, and is inspired by her beautiful home town of Cornwall, nature and a love of gin! www.victoria-williams.net 05
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PAPER TOWN
Paper Town’s Children’s Craft Kits make crafting easy, supplying ideas, colourful supplies, and helpful how tos for each project. Get creative with the kids with all the fun and none of the faff. www.papertowncrafts.co.uk 08
MADE BY CAROLINE
Drop by Made By Caroline’s stall for gorgeous jewellery handmade from reclaimed non-tarnish lightweight aluminium, and narrative resin jewellery containing repurposed toys and other quirky objects. www.madebycaroline.co.uk 09
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MILLER & MARGO
Welcome to the wonderful world of gnomes! Lovingly handcrafted, Miller & Margo’s gnomes can be custom made, each with their own unique features. Visit them at The Handmade Festival or online. www.millerandmargo.co.uk. 10
BETTY ETIQUETTE
Betty Etiquette’s calligraphy-inspired stationery celebrates putting pen to paper. Join their brush lettering workshops at The Handmade Festival, or take a peek at Rebecca’s brand new book, Brush Lettering, including sample alphabets and practical projects. www.bettyetiquette.co.uk 11
RACHEL SHILSTON
It’s always the small pieces that make the big picture, so unleash your creativity with Rachel Shilston’s whimsical mosaic kits, sign up for a subscription box, or check out her workshops. www.rachelshilston.co.uk 12
MAKE & CREATE BACKGROUND: SHUTTERSTOCK
Offering a range of beautiful designs, Make & Create specialise in handcrafted fused glass creations, all made with love in the UK. Say hello at Stand W169 at The Handmade Festival, or visit their Facebook page to see more. www.facebook.com/pg/MakeAndCreate
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NEXT MONTH in
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on sale 3RD OCTOBER
CROCHET A TAPESTRY BLANKET MAKE UPCYCLED CANDLESTICKS LEARN PRINTING AND PATCHWORK
GIFT AND CONTENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
all you need to crochet spa rk ly christmas ba ubles!
PLUS GIANT POM POM DEER MACRAMÃ&#x2030; FEATHER GARLAND FESTIVE SEQUINNED JUMPER ABSTRACT EMBROIDERED CUSHION KITSCH XMAS DECS MINI FELT WREATHS 84 MOLLIEMAKES.COM
PHOTOGRAPHY: JESSE WILDE; STYLING: SARAH MALONE AND SALLY BUFTON; AGNA RUG FROM WWW.COXANDCOX.CO.UK; OLLI ELLA NYLA OVAL BASKET AND LOULLOU WOODEN FOREST SET FROM WWW.SCANDIBORN.CO.UK
utumn finds
Sew Manuela Trani’s woodland treasures to make the cutest kids’ mobile
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HOW TO MAKE AN AUTUMN MOBILE MATERIALS Q Wool felt, 1mm thick in Natural (cream), Beige, Red, Fawn (light brown), Moss (dark green), Mocha (brown), Mustard and Apple (light green) (ours was from www. paper-and-string.net) Q Felt balls, 2cm ( "), two of each in red and brown, and one in moss Q Wooden bead, 2cm ( ") Q Embroidery thread in black, white, pink and light brown Q Wooden embroidery hoop, 20cm (77/8") Q Perle cotton thread in mustard Q Matching sewing thread Q Polyester toy stuffing 86 MOLLIEMAKES.COM
It’s rare the autumn weather lives up to our picturesque expectations – we’re dreaming of crisp leafy strolls and chestnut foraging – but this beautiful woodland mobile has it covered. Worked in rich seasonal hues that adults will love, and featuring cute kawaii faces that’ll make kids smile, this simple hanging is a winning piece for a little un’s room. Turn to page 92 for a guide to the embroidery stitches used. We used a sewing machine for a quick finish, but you could easily sew the whole piece by hand instead. Make sure to hang your mobile out of arm’s reach to prevent small fingers from pulling off parts. Using the templates on page 92, cut two toadstool caps in Red, two 01
acorn caps in Moss, two chestnut bodies in Mocha, two toadstool faces in Beige, two acorn faces in Beige, two chestnut faces in Fawn, two leaves in Apple, and two leaves in Mustard. Sew the pieces using matching thread throughout, unless stated otherwise. 02 Pin the acorn face piece onto a bigger felt piece in Natural, at least 0.5cm ( ") from the edge. Sew around the inside of the acorn face, as close to the edge as possible. 03 Place the acorn cap onto the Natural felt, overlapping the face, using the markings on the template as a guide. Sew as per Step 2. 04 Cut around the finished acorn, leaving approximately 0.25cm (1/8") of Natural felt around the outside. 05 Place the acorn right side (RS) down on the Natural felt and trace
the outline with an erasable marker pen. Repeat Steps 2-3 within the markings, then cut along the marked outline to create a matching acorn piece. 06 Using the template as a guide, mark the eyes and mouth onto both of the acorn pieces. 07 Embroider over the lines with three strands of black embroidery thread, using backstitch for the mouth and satin stitch for the eyes. You can also backstitch around the edge of the eyes after filling for a neat, round finish. Use six strands of pink thread and satin stitch to embroider the cheeks. 08 Embroider the acorn cap details on both sides using six strands of light brown embroidery thread and fly stitch, referring to the image as a guide to placement.
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Thread a larger needle with a 1m (39 3/8") length of mustard perle cotton and tie a knot at one end. Thread the needle through the Natural felt at the top of the acorn on the wrong side (WS), making sure not to go through to the front. 10 Pin the acorn pieces WS together, leaving the mustard thread in between, coming out at the top centre. Sew around the Natural felt allowance using blanket stitch, leaving a small gap for stuffing. Stuff, then sew closed. 11 Repeat Steps 2-10 to make the remaining decorations. The toadstool is sewn in the same way, but uses six strands of white embroidery thread and satin stitch to create the dots on the cap. For the chestnut, sew the body onto the Natural felt first, then add the 09
face. Use six strands of light brown embroidery thread and straight stitch for the detail on the chestnut body. For the leaves, add detail using backstitch and six strands of light brown embroidery thread. 12 Thread a felt ball onto each hanging strand â&#x20AC;&#x201C; brown for the leaves, red for the chestnut and acorn, and moss for the toadstool. Wrap the threads around the inner embroidery hoop several times until the ornaments hang at the desired length, leaving at least 30cm (117/8") of thread at the top, then knot to secure. 13 Tie the threads together 20cm (77/8") from the hoop, then make a second knot at the end of the threads to create a hanging loop. Thread on the wooden bead and push it down to cover the first knot.
MEET THE MAKER MANUELA TRANI Manuela is an Italian crafter, living in a small coastal town in Slovenia. She sells her cute felt patterns on her Etsy shop, and shares pics of her latest makes on Instagram @nuvolinahandmade. www.nuvolina handmade.etsy.com
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NE19 EDI
N O TI easy-hook bunting!
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£8.99
D r Sa T … Un Q Ju P r
inc P&P*
o D r! C e Gi T f K s Hook yourself a very happy Christmas with this collection of festive favourites from the Simply Crochet team. Packed with patterns for gifts and decorations, plus cosy winter accessories, it’s the perfect crochet compendium for the holiday season.
ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY! ORDER ONLINE WWW.BUYSUBSCRIPTIONS.COM/CROCHETXMAS19 OR CALL 03330 162 138 AND QUOTE ‘YOUR CROCHET CHRISTMAS 19 PRINT 1’ UK calls will cost the same as other standard fixed line numbers (starting 01 or 02) and are included as part of any inclusive or free minutes allowances (if offered by your phone tariff). Outside of free call packages call charges from mobile phones will cost between 3p and 55p per minute. Lines are open 8am-6pm weekdays and 9am–1pm Saturday for orders only. Overseas please call +44 (0) 1604 973 746. * Price applies to UK orders only. EUR price £10.99, ROW price £11.99. All prices include P&P. Please allow up to 28 days for delivery.
baked to purrfection
PHOTOGRAPHY © ELLIS PARRINDER
Channel your inner star baker with Kim-Joy’s sweet meringue tarts
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HOW TO MAKE PASSIONFRUIT TARTS WITH CAT MERINGUES INGREDIENTS Q Black food dye Q Freeze-dried strawberry pieces For the pastry Q 180g (6 oz) plain flour, plus extra for dusting Q 125g (4 oz) slightly salted butter Q 30g (1oz) caster sugar Q 2 tblsp beaten egg For the curd Q 12 passionfruits Q 110g (4oz) salted butter Q Five large egg yolks Q 125g (4 oz) caster sugar For the meringue Q 80g (3oz) egg white Q 160g (5 oz) caster sugar Q 80ml (3fl oz) water
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EQUIPMENT Q Electric whisk Q Tart tins Q 12cm (4 ") cutter Q Baking beans Q Foil Q Sugar thermometer
Cat lovers, this bake’s for you. Bringing a whole new meaning to fluffy kitties, the light and airy meringue adds just the right level of sweetness – quite literally – to the tangy passionfruit filling for a delicious treat. Fresh from the genius mind of 2018 Great British Bake Off star Kim-Joy, they’re the ideal watching partner for this year’s series. You might even be tempted to apply yourself after making them... Grease six 10cm (4") tart tins. 02 Add the flour to a large bowl. Chop the butter and add to the bowl, then rub the butter into the flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Don’t overwork it. Stir in the sugar, then make a well. Add the beaten egg and beat with a fork, gradually combining it with the rest of the mixture. Use your hands to form the pastry into a ball. 03 Roll the pastry out onto a generously floured surface. Use the cutter to stamp out six circles, then guide the pastry circles into 01
the shape of the tart tin. Trim off the top edges and prick the bases a few times with a fork. 04 Place the tart shells in the fridge for 20 minutes, or in the freezer for less time if you’re in a rush. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). 05 Cover the tarts with foil, then fill with baking beans, making sure they spread into all the edges. Blind bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and beans and bake for a further five to 10 minutes so the pastry is golden brown. 06 While the tarts are baking, make the passionfruit curd. Scoop the passionfruit pulp out and blend in a food processor for just a few seconds to loosen the seeds. Strain the juice into a pan, then add one tablespoon of the seeds. Chop the butter, add to the pan and warm over a low heat until it’s melted. 07 In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together. Pour about a sixth of the hot fruit and butter mix onto the egg yolk mix, whisking constantly, then pour all
this back into the pan. Continue whisking over a medium heat until it’s thick and holds a trail. Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap if the tart shells aren’t yet out of the oven. 08 When the tart shells are baked and golden brown, remove the tart tins and add a generous amount of curd to each. 09 Next, make the meringue. Add the egg whites to a stand mixer or use a handheld electric whisk. Heat the caster sugar and water in a small saucepan over a mediumhigh heat, stirring initially, but then stopping once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture starts bubbling. When the mixture reaches 100°C (212°F), start whisking the egg whites. You want them to reach firm peaks at the same time as the sugar syrup reaches 115°C (239°F). 10 Once the sugar syrup reaches 115°C (239°F), pour it down the side of the bowl of whisked egg whites in a thin, steady stream while whisking on maximum speed.
Make sure not to pour the sugar syrup directly onto the whisk, and to keep the mixer on maximum speed to prevent any hot sugar splashing on you. 11 Whisk for a further five to 10 minutes until the meringue has cooled – the bottom of the bowl will no longer feel hot to the touch – then transfer the meringue to two piping bags. Cut a smaller tip on one piping bag for piping the cats’ ears, legs and tails. 12 Pipe an oval blob for each cat’s body, then a round blob for the head on one end of the body. Dip your finger in a little water and use this to flatten any peaks that form. Use the small piping bag to add the ears, legs and tail, again using water to help shape them. 13 Dip a cocktail stick into a very tiny amount of black food dye – too little is better than too much! – and use this to carefully draw the face and whisker details onto each cat, using the images as a guide. 14 Finish with a sprinkling of crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
BAKING WITH KIM-JOY This recipe appears in Baking with Kim-Joy by Kim-Joy, £18.99, published by Quadrille. Filled with cute, creative bakes designed to make you smile, each recipe can easily be adapted for beginners, too. www.hardiegrant.com/ uk/quadrille
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TEMPLATES ALL THE SHAPES FOR THIS ISSUE’S MAKES. UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, TEMPLATES ARE SHOWN AT 100%. YOU CAN FIND THE FULL-SIZE TEMPLATES READY TO DOWNLOAD FROM WWW.MOLLIEMAKES.COM
YOUR GIFT By suzy ultman PAGE 7
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MATERIALS Q Metal ruler Q Craft knife Q Cutting mat Q Double-sided tape Q Ruler Q Glue
Take a sheet of Santa paper and lay it down on a flat surface. Place the template on top, aligning the edges of the paper with the edges of the template. Trace the outline of the template, including the diamond shapes. 02 Remove the template and cut along the zigzag edges. 03 Use the ruler to mark fold lines through the middle of the diamond sections, and along the points closest to the edges. 04 Create a valley fold along the outer marked fold line, and a 01
mountain fold along the centre of the diamonds. 05 Use the craft knife to cut out all the diamond shapes, cutting away from the body. 06 Attach a piece of doublesided sticky tape along one long edge of the cracker. Roll up the cracker, bringing the two long edges together and stick them in place with the tape. 07 Insert any gifts, jokes, hats, and prizes, then cut two lengths of twine – there will be enough twine for all eight crackers.
Tie the twine in a bow at either end, pushing the folds in to create the cracker shape. 09 To make the elf cracker, at Step 1, copy the solid lines at the right-hand side of the template onto the face end of the paper. At Step 2, cut along the solid lines to create the hat shape. 10 To finish the elf crackers, glue a pom pom to the point of the hat at the front. To finish the snowman crackers, glue three pom poms down the centre, over the illustrated buttons. 08
Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. We have requested specific permission from designers so that you can recreate and sell selected projects from this issue on the following conditions. Just look for this icon. You can individually hand make as many as you wish of our labelled projects, to sell either for yourself, your local event or to raise money for charity. You cannot sell in shops (online or otherwise) and you cannot go into mass production, which means you cannot manufacture in large quantities, especially by machine. Selling photocopies of any part of this magazine, its kits or supplements is prohibited. We don’t mind if you make a copy of the templates for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions available to others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please respect one another’s copyright.
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Templates FAIR ISLE KNIT COWL by Claudine Powley PAGE 14
YARN A YARN B YARN C YARN D YARN E
Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. We have requested specific permission from designers so that you can recreate and sell selected projects from this issue on the following conditions. Just look for this icon. You can individually hand make as many as you wish of our labelled projects, to sell either for yourself, your local event or to raise money for charity. You cannot sell in shops (online or otherwise) and you cannot go into mass production, which means you cannot manufacture in large quantities, especially by machine. Selling photocopies of any part of this magazine, its kits or supplements is prohibited. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind if you make a copy of the templates for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions available to others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please respect one anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s copyright.
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Templates ADVENT CALENDAR by Anna Alicia PAGE 62
Mollie Makes (ISSN 20460228) (USPS 20517) October 19 is published 13 times a year (monthly, with a Christmas issue in October) by Immediate Media Company Bristol Ltd., Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol, BS1 4ST, United Kingdom. Distributed in the U.S. by NPS Media Group, 2 Corporate Dr., Suite 945, Shelton, CT 06484. Periodical Postage paid at Shelton, CT and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to Mollie Makes, Immediate Media, PO Box 2015 Langhorne, Pa 19047 USA. Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. We have requested specific permission from designers so that you can recreate and sell selected projects from this issue on the following conditions. Just look for this icon. You can individually hand make as many as you wish of our labelled projects, to sell either for yourself, your local event or to raise money for charity. You cannot sell in shops (online or otherwise) and you cannot go into mass production, which means you cannot manufacture in large quantities, especially by machine. Selling photocopies of any part of this magazine, its kits or supplements is prohibited. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind if you make a copy of the templates for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions available to others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please respect one anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s copyright.
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Templates ADVENT CALENDAR by Anna Alicia PAGE 62 PHOTOCOPY AT 125%
STITCH GUIDE use our handy guide for the embroidery techniques in this issue
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FLY STITCH This simple stitch can be worked as individual stitches or in a line. Come up at point 1, then go down at point 2, leaving the thread loose. Come up at point 3, catching the loop of thread, then pull to form a ‘V’. Go down at point 4.
SATIN STITCH When you want to fill an area with a smooth finish, this stitch is the ideal choice. It’s best worked in small areas, because if the stitches are too long, they may snag. Come up at point 1, then go down at point 2. Come up at point 3, then go down at point 4. Repeat. Always work the stitches across the area you’re filling, coming up on the opposite side where your needle went down.
BACKSTITCH This stitch is ideal for outlines, and it’s the one you’ll find you use the most. Come up from the back at point 1, then go down at point 2. Come up at point 3, then go back to point 1 and bring the needle through to the back.
Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. We have requested specific permission from designers so that you can recreate and sell selected projects from this issue on the following conditions. Just look for this icon. You can individually hand make as many as you wish of our labelled projects, to sell either for yourself, your local event or to raise money for charity. You cannot sell in shops (online or otherwise) and you cannot go into mass production, which means you cannot manufacture in large quantities, especially by machine. Selling photocopies of any part of this magazine, its kits or supplements is prohibited. We don’t mind if you make a copy of the templates for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions available to others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please respect one another’s copyright.
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Templates AUTUMN MOBILE
TOADSTOOL FACE
by Manuela Trani
CUT two
PAGE 85 Photocopy at 125%
TOADSTOOL CAP
CUT two ACORN CAP
CUT two
CHESTNUT FACE ACORN FACE
CUT two
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CHESTNUT BODY
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LEAF
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Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. We have requested specific permission from designers so that you can recreate and sell selected projects from this issue on the following conditions. Just look for this icon. You can individually hand make as many as you wish of our labelled projects, to sell either for yourself, your local event or to raise money for charity. You cannot sell in shops (online or otherwise) and you cannot go into mass production, which means you cannot manufacture in large quantities, especially by machine. Selling photocopies of any part of this magazine, its kits or supplements is prohibited. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind if you make a copy of the templates for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions available to others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please respect one anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s copyright.
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NEEDLE PUNCH CUSHION by Rachel Lawson PAGE 43 Photocopy at 400%
EDITORIAL Editor Yvette Streeter Art Editor Sarah Malone Deputy Art Editor Sally Bufton Commissioning Editor Lindsey Newns (on maternity leave) Acting Commissioning Editor Becca Parker Picture Editor Emma Georgiou Digital Content Editor Phoebe Burt molliemakes@immediate.co.uk
ADVERTISING Call: 0117 300 8206 Senior Advertising Manager Penny Stokes Client Partnership Manager Beckie Pring Senior Sales Executive Emily Williams
MARKETING & CIRCULATION Head of Newstrade Marketing Martin Hoskins Newstrade Marketing Manager Janine Smith Subscriptions Director Jacky Perales-Morris Direct Marketing Manager Penny Clapp
PRODUCTION Production Director Sarah Powell Production Managers Louisa Molter/Rose Griffiths Production Coordinator Lily Owens-Crossman
LICENSING Director of International Licensing and Syndication Tim Hudson tim.hudson@immediate.co.uk
BUYING TEAM Paul Torre, Karen Flannigan, Jennifer Morgan
MANAGEMENT Managing Director, Lifestyle Catherine Potter Assistant Publisher, Lifestyle Catherine Dean Group Senior Editor Julie Taylor Chief Executive Officer Tom Bureau Group Managing Director Andy Marshall
SUBSCRIPTIONS For new orders and back issues sales call 03330 162 148 or visit www. buysubscriptions.com/craft. For enquiries relating to your subscription email molliemakes@buysubscriptions.com or call +44 (0) 1604 973 757.
COPYRIGHT GUIDELINES FOR PROJECTS We have requested permission from designers so you can make and sell selected projects on the following conditions. Just look for this icon. Please credit the designer where appropriate and when requested. Mollie Makes encourages creativity and as well as making for gifts and for yourself, we want to help you make small batches of handmade items to sell. You can individually handmake as many as you wish of our labelled projects, to sell for yourself, a local event or to raise money for charity. You cannot sell in shops (online or otherwise) or go into mass production, so you cannot manufacture in large quantities, especially by machine. Selling photocopies of any part of this magazine or its kit is prohibited. Please respect one another’s copyright.
Mollie Makes is published by:
Immediate Media Company Limited, 2nd Floor, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol, BS1 3BN. Tel: 0117 927 9009 We abide by IPSO’s rules and regulations. To give feedback about our magazines, please visit immediate.co.uk, email editorialcomplaints@immediate.co.uk or write to Yvette Streeter or Katherine Conlon, Immediate Media Co., Vineyard House, 44 Brook Green, London W6 7BT.
Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. We have requested specific permission from designers so that you can recreate and sell selected projects from this issue on the following conditions. Just look for this icon. You can individually hand make as many as you wish of our labelled projects, to sell either for yourself, your local event or to raise money for charity. You cannot sell in shops (online or otherwise) and you cannot go into mass production, which means you cannot manufacture in large quantities, especially by machine. Selling photocopies of any part of this magazine, its kits or supplements is prohibited. We don’t mind if you make a copy of the templates for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions available to others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please respect one another’s copyright.
Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited (company number 05715415) is registered in England and Wales. The registered office of Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited is at Vineyard House, 44 Brook Green, London W6 7BT. All information contained in this magazine is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. Readers are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this magazine. If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in all editions of the magazine, including licensed editions worldwide and in any physical or digital format throughout the world. Any material you submit is sent at your risk. Although every care is taken, neither Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited nor its employees agents or subcontractors shall be liable for loss or damage.
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TEA AND A CHAT “I come from a design, rather than a food background”
ALISON DUNLOP FROM ARD BAKERY ON CHANGING HER CAREER DIRECTION
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THIS MONTH I’M LOVING... Listening to: Firesmoke by Kate Tempest. Whenever this song comes on the radio I have to stop what I’m doing and listen. Watching: Love Island. I know I’m way too old for this, but I’m a sucker for it. My friends and I have a WhatsApp group for when it’s on. Eating: Berber & Q’s recipe for cauliflower shawarma. After visiting this restaurant in Haggerston, we’ve been obsessed.
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aving my own cake business was never something I thought I’d do. I was working as an accessories designer in a fashion company, and I enjoyed it. I was able to focus fully on design and not get bogged down with the business side of things, so the fact I now own a functioning business of my own is quite a surprise to me. I’d always loved baking, but when I was pregnant with my daughter I started to experiment more with decoration, in particular print, to create quite a graphic aesthetic. It was a style which was quite familiar to me in fashion, but one that I hadn’t really seen much of in cake design. I also wanted to add a more sculptural or 3D element, so I learnt about painting and tempering chocolate to create spheres, pyramids and bonbons to decorate with. I posted the results on Instagram, and it grew entirely from there. Strangers started asking me for cakes, which was very nervewracking at first. But the more I practised, the more confident I became. I decided to give it a proper go and started ARD Bakery. I think because I come from a design, rather than a food background, it gives me a freedom in the finishing – I look for inspiration in architecture, interiors, fashion and graphics. Of course the taste is so important, and I spend a lot of time working on recipes. People come to me for the look of the cake, but they only order again if it tastes good too! Check out www.ardbakery.com and Instagram @ard_bakery to discover Alison’s delicious bakes.
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9 feel-good festive project s!
sustainable christmas CRAFT ECO-FRIENDLY GIFTS 9 SHOP THOUGHTFULLY LEARN NEW SKILLS 9 SPARK YOUR CREATIVE INSPIRATION
INSIDE 32 EASY MAKES & IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME
SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS The topic of sustainability has been huge this year, and we’ve loved embracing a more thoughtful way of crafting – although anything handmade is already halfway there! So, we couldn’t wait to put together this collection of festive makes, showing you easy ways to embrace natural materials, and
clever ideas with your existing stash. We’ve still brought you the latest interior trends, all in this season’s gorgeous colour palette of forest greens, deep reds, and rich ochres, but this year we’re thinking of both you and our planet. Enjoy, and most important of all, have fun making! The Mollie Makes team x
9 eco-friendly festive projects
6 4 Mollie Loves Shop ethically and consciously
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6 Handmade gift wrap Learn to make your own paper 10 Woven cushion Create texture from scrap fabrics
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13 Bathroom set Easy-sew reusable beauty 16 Festive wreath Forage winter foliage to display 20 Paper garland Turn old cards into new makes 24 Beeswax candles Hand-dipped and all-natural
IF IT’S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS, MAKE IT A LIGHTBULB MOMENT this year and switch your mindset towards giving gifts with meaning. Celebrating a sustainable Christmas doesn’t have to be all brown burlap stockings and satsumas – just think ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’. And if you’re stuck for ideas, hit up Nkuku for all the ethically made pretties. www.nkuku.com
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RIBBON PHOTOGRAPHY: IMOGEN XIANA FILM PHOTOGRAPHY
LATEST CRUSH
DECORATIONS PHOTOGRAPHY: CHOKI LINDBERG
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SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS Want to save the world without compromising on straight-up fabulousness? This collection of ethical, eco-friendly treats does good, looks good, and makes you feel good too.
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PHOTOGRAPHY: MARYNA GARAPKO
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01 Be a part of the tiny house movement. www. fabelab.myshopify.com 02 Plant-dyed silk = next level ribbon. www.lancaster andcornish.com 03 We heard Santa canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t resist hand-spun yarn. www. woolcouturecompany.com 04 Natural place settings are the new swan napkin. www.linenlark.etsy.com
05 Even leftovers look fancy on these. www.justslate.co.uk 06 Plastic free, but not classic-cracker-joke free. www.whiteblackgrey.co.uk 07 Ahh, the scent of green living. www.osmology.co 08 Decorations done right. www.bloomingville.com 09 Swap single-use pine for sustainable maple. www.demelzahill.com
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FREE AND EASY Recycle paper to make eco-friendly gift packaging â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May Babcock shows you how
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PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS; STYLING: SARAH MALONE AND SALLY BUFTON
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HOW TO MAKE HANDMADE PAPER WRAP MATERIALS Q Scrap paper Q Flower petals Q Paper confetti Q Pine needles Q Couching cloth Q Plastic storage tub Q Kitchen blender Q Rolling pin Q Paper cutter Q Hole punch Q Sponge Q Two A4 wood frames Q Fibreglass window screening
Creating your very own wrap and tags from scrap paper is the ultimate in handmade gifting. Plus, you’ll be cutting back on paper waste – that glittery roll might look fabulous, but it sure as heck isn’t recyclable. Throw in some extras like petals and confetti to prettify your paper instead, though keep in mind that flower petals and other natural foliage can bleed colour into the paper pulp. If you want to avoid this, boil them for a few minutes, drain, then let them cool before adding them to the pulp mixture.
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Use scissors to cut the window screening slightly larger than the wood frame. 02 Lay the window screening on top of one frame. Staple the screen to the frame, making sure it’s flat and taut. Trim off the excess edges. 03 Cover all four edges with duct tape, making sure not to go past the interior edge of the frame. This will be your mould. The empty frame that sits on top is the deckle. 04 To make the pulp, rip the paper into 2.5cm (1") squares and soak overnight. 05 Collect decorative bits and pieces, such as flower 01
petals, paper confetti, or pine needles. Remove any woody parts. 06 Fill a kitchen blender with water. Place in a handful of the scrap paper and blend for 30 seconds, or until it becomes a pulp. Pour into the plastic tub and repeat until the tub is a third full. 07 Add water to fill the tub halfway, then add the petals, confetti and pine needles. The more pulp than water, the thicker the paper will be, and vice versa. Stack three couching cloths near the tub and dampen them. For the couching, you can also use
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non-fusible interfacing, wool blankets, cloth or sheets, cut into rectangles big enough to fit a sheet of A4 paper. 08 Mix the pulp well each time you make a sheet of paper. Hold the mould flat, screen-side up, and place the deckle evenly on top. In one smooth motion, hold the mould and deckle at 45º, dip it into the bottom of the tub, scoop it horizontally towards you, lift it out the pulp, then shake it back and forth and left to right as it drains. Stop shaking before the pulp is fully settled on the screen. Let the water drain to a drip.
To transfer the paper from the mould to the couching cloth, remove the deckle from the mould. Place the long edge of the mould on the cloth, then in one smooth motion, place the mould face down, press down firmly at the edges, corners and centre, and lift the mould from the initial edge. 10 To press, place another couching cloth on top of the freshly made paper. Press gently at first with a sponge, then increase the pressure, squeezing out the sponge as it picks up water. Next, use a rolling pin to press lightly 09
at first, gradually building up the pressure. 11 To dry the paper, peel the couching cloth with the wet paper stuck on it from the side, and hang it on a washing line. Once the paper is dry – one to two days – peel the paper off the cloth. The paper will be slightly wavy, but you can store it under books to flatten it. 12 For the gift tags, cut the paper into 6 x 10cm (23/8 x 4") rectangles, then fold in half. Punch to make a hole at a folded corner, then thread ribbon, string or twine through the hole to tie.
MEET THE MAKER MAY BABCOCK May is an artist who lives in Rhode Island, USA, with her husband and little dog. She also blogs about papermaking and runs Pawucket Paper, a community studio. Her work combines a variety of techniques to create art that addresses place. www.maybabcock.com
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NEW WEAVE DESIGN
PHOTOGRAPHY: JESSE WILD; STYLING: SARAH MALONE AND SALLY BUFTON
Cosy up your space with Becka Wrightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shaggy chic cushion
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HOW TO MAKE A WOVEN CUSHION MATERIALS Q Chunky and super chunky yarn scraps Q Fabric scraps Q Ribbon Q 200g super chunky wool Q Cotton string Q Large piece of paper Q 59 x 49cm (23¼ x 193/8") loom (ours was from www.woolcouture company.com) Q 30 x 30cm (117/8 x 117/8") cushion pad Q 45 x 45cm (17¾ x 17¾") piece of fabric Q 5m (1957/8") DK yarn Q Yarn needle
Don’t be fooled by its size – a cushion has the power to transform a sofa or chair from mundane to statement in a flash. This one is easy and fun to create, plus, you’ll be repurposing surplus fabrics from projects passed. When making your yarn, you really can use any type of fabric, as this’ll help create all the different, striking textures that make it unique. Decide on your colour scheme, then go through your stash and select fabrics, ribbons and chunky/super chunky yarn in your chosen colours. To make the fabric into yarn, cut it into 1cm (3/8") 01
wide strips along the length. It doesn’t matter how long they are, as long as they measure over 15cm (6"). 02 Draw a 40 x 40cm (15¾ x 15¾") square onto the paper, then draw your cushion design in the square. Use the main image as a guide, or create your own. 03 Next, warp the loom. Tie one end of the cotton string around the top left groove of the loom and secure with a double knot. Keeping the cotton string tight, bring it straight down and loop it around the groove on the opposite side of the frame. Take the string back up to the top to loop it around the
second groove. Continue until the warp is 40cm (15¾") wide, making sure to keep the tension of the cotton string tight. Tie the string around the last groove and double knot to secure. 04 Take the ball of chunky yarn and cut it into 2m (787/8") lengths. Take one of the strips and weave it in and out of the warp threads. Take it back across the loom, this time weaving under the warps you went over, and over those you went under. This is called tabby weave. Repeat for four rows, gently pushing each row down. 05 Next, add a row of Rya knots. Cut your chosen yarn,
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HOW TO MAKE A WOVEN CUSHION fabric yarn and ribbon into 15cm (6") strips. Fold one of the strips in half and wrap it around a warp thread. Thread the ends over the warp and through the yarn loop, pull it tight, then pull it to the bottom of the weave. 06 Now, add a row of loop stitch. Take a length of yarn, fabric or ribbon (at least 40cm (15¾") long), and loop it around a warp thread, using your finger to create the size of the loop. Repeat along the loom. As you weave in and out the warp threads, make each loop the same length as the Rya knots. 07 Change back to the base yarn and weave four rows of
tabby weave. These rows will help secure the Rya knots and loop stitches in place. 08 Continue weaving, alternating between three rows of Rya knots and loop stitches and four rows of tabby weave, using the design as a guide. Make sure to switch between yarn, fabric yarn and ribbon to create a variety of textures. 09 After the last three rows of Rya knots and loop stitches, weave two rows of tabby weave instead of four. Use the yarn needle to weave any loose ends in at the back, trimming any excess yarn. 10 To take the weave off the loom, cut one of the warp
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threads near the top. Secure both ends with a double knot, then repeat across the loom. Repeat along the bottom of the loom. 11 Place the weaving and 45 x 45cm (17¾ x 17¾") fabric piece wrong sides (WS) together. Fold three fabric edges to the WS by 1cm (3/8") and pin to the weave, leaving one side open. 12 Use the DK yarn to neatly whipstitch the pinned edges closed, then insert the cushion pad. Fold the final open fabric edge to the WS by 1cm (3/8") and pin to the weave as before, then whipstitch closed to finish. Trim any excess ends.
MEET THE MAKER BECKA WRIGHT Becka is a crochet designer, maker and upcycler. She loves nothing more than inspiring others to think differently about waste by teaching them how to create beautiful things for themselves and their homes through her blog, patterns and tutorials. www.reneeandburt.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY: JESSE WILD; STYLING: SARAH MALONE AND SALLY BUFTON
Embrace clean living with Eilidh Weirâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reusable skincare set
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HOW TO MAKE A CLEANSING SET MATERIALS Q 50cm (19 ¾”) of linen (Fabric 1) Q 50cm (19 ¾”) of cotton flannel (Fabric 2) Q Selvedge offcuts Q 20cm (77/8") cotton tape (optional)
Take an easy step towards a zero-waste beauty routine, or give the gift of conscious cleansing to a friend with this simple set. Including a face cloth, make-up remover rounds and a bath mitt, this reusable collection is a great way to start saving the planet – bye bye, face wipes. Plus, the quick-sew makeup rounds are ideal for using up any scraps of fabric. Make-up rounds 01 Using a stencil (like a large lid), draw and cut out 10 circles on both Fabric 1 and 2.
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Hold one Fabric 1 round and one Fabric 2 round together and sew around the edge using zigzag stitch. Trim the fabric as close to the stitches as possible. Repeat to make 10 pads in total. 02
Fringed face cloth 03 Cut 3 x 25cm (1¼ x 97/8") strips from the Fabric 2 selvedge and the offcuts. 04 Sew each strip on top of the other, overlapping by 1cm (3/8") and aligning the selvedge fringe with the previous line of stitches. Repeat until the cloth measures 25cm (97/8") square.
From Fabric 1, cut a 25 x 25cm (97/8 x 97/8") square and place right sides (RS) together with the fringed cloth from Step 4. Sew around the edges using a 1cm (3/8") seam allowance, leaving a 5cm (2") gap along one edge. Trim the corners and edges, then turn through to the RS and press. 06 Place the two ends of the cotton tape into the gap and sew the gap closed. If you don’t have cotton tape, you can make a hanging loop with a 4 x 20cm (15/8 x 77/8") strip of fabric. Press the strip in half along the length, press the 05
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long edges into the centre, then sew along the length. Bath mitt 07 Cut two 20 x 50cm (77/8" x 19¾") strips of Fabric 1. Take one strip and pinch in soft tucks around 1.5cm (5/8") wide along the strip. Press the tucks down as you go. 08 Attach the second strip by sewing the short ends RS together using a 0.5cm (¼") seam allowance. Trim and turn over so the opposite sides of the fabric are together, then press along the seam. Sew 1cm (3/8") from the
seam, then hem the opposite short ends by turning to the wrong side (WS) twice and sewing straight across. 09 Once the whole piece measures around 40cm (15¾"), sew vertically down the length using zigzag stitch. 10 From Fabric 2, cut one 4 x 25cm (15/8 x 97/8") strip and one 4 x 35cm (15/8 x 13¾") strip for the bias binding and hanging loop. Fold and press the strips in half along the length, then fold one long edge towards the centre fold. 11 Fold the main tucked piece of Fabric 1 in half along the
length, WS together and aligning the raw edges. Place the strips of Fabric 2 along either side, aligning the raw edges, then sew 0.5cm (¼") in from the edge. 12 Fold the binding to the other side, tucking under the long raw edge. Fold the bottom edge of the shorter strip back so both ends are enclosed. Sew the binding 0.5cm (¼") in from the edge. 13 On the longer strip, sew to the end, then fold it back to the bottom corner of the bath mitt. Sew to secure and enclose the raw edge.
MEET THE MAKER EILIDH WEIR Eilidh lives in central Scotland with her family, including two Jack Russell pups. She’s the designer-maker behind slow fashion business All That is Braw, and also took over her family’s pottery business, Buchlyvie Pottery, with her partner this year. www.allthatisbraw.uk www.buchlyviepottery. etsy.com
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Celebrate nature’s beauty with Becki Clark’s greenery wreath 16 MOLLIEMAKES.COM SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS
PHOTOGRAPHY: BECKI CLARK
FESTIVE FORAGING
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HOW TO MAKE A CHRISTMAS WREATH MATERIALS Q Jute twine Q Foraged sticks (we used beech) Q Grasses Q Eucalyptus Q Berries Q Glycerine Q Water
If you’re looking to go with a more eco-friendly décor theme this Christmas, a handmade wreath is the simplest place to start. Take a stroll on a crisp winter’s day to collect a selection of rich green foliage and bright red berries, then use them to craft a wreath that’s not only compostable, but can be hung on your front door. Sorry pom poms – this year it’s nature’s time to shine. For the base, willow, hazel and beech branches all work well as they’re nice and flexible and will easily bend
into a circle. You could even add in some dried flowers, stems or foliage that you’ve kept from summer to add a pretty floral twist. First, collect your materials. If you’re lucky enough to live near a forest or woodland, foraging your materials is a great way to collect a range of berries, branches and foliage. Keep in mind there are a few rules when it comes to foraging, the main one being to be respectful of what you pick – only pick things in abundance, making sure 01
your picking doesn’t impact the crop. Also, you’re not permitted to pick in areas maintained by the council. If you’re unable to go foraging, pop to your local florist and you should be able to find some wild greens, sticks, grasses and berries there. 02 Preserve the stems and berries by using glycerine. Make a solution by mixing one part glycerine with two parts water, making enough to fill a roasting tray. Place the stems and berries into the tray, ensuring they’re fully submerged, and leave for four
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HOW TO MAKE A CHRISTMAS WREATH days before removing them and drying carefully with a cloth. This will prevent them from wilting or looking dry. 03 Next, make the wreath base. We used beech sticks, as these are nice and flexible. Use the jute twine to secure the branches together to make a circle. To ensure the wreath is fully compostable, it’s important to use natural jute twine, not wire, to secure the foliage. 04 Start to add in pieces of foliage, bending it around the stick base. Don’t worry about it being too neat – the
aim at this stage is just to cover the base. 05 Use dried grasses to secure the other greenery, twisting and wrapping it around the wreath. If need be, you can use extra jute twine to secure. The wreath base should now be fully covered with a selection of greenery and grasses. 06 Add in some eucalyptus – it works well to add impact as the leaves are large and clustered together. 07 Make small bunches of the eucalyptus and tie with twine. Begin to secure
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them around the bottom half of the wreath. If you prefer a fuller look, then work these the whole way around the wreath base. 08 Wrap any extra grasses around the jute twine to make sure it’s covered. 09 Add sprigs of berries into the greenery for a colour-pop effect – they should secure into the greenery spaces easily. Work the berries in the same direction so they’re all pointing the same way. 10 To finish, tie a piece of jute twine at the top to hang up the wreath.
MEET THE MAKER BECKI CLARK A designerillustrator, Becki specialises in handdrawn typography and surface design, and takes inspiration from her New Forest surroundings. She teaches workshops in brush lettering and painting, and loves sharing JGT RCUUKQP HQT ƃQTCNU www.beckiclark.com
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Give your cards a new lease of life with Miesje Chaferâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s garland
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PHOTOGRAPHY: JESSE WILD; STYLING: SARAH MALONE AND SALLY BUFTON
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HOW TO MAKE A PAPER GARLAND MATERIALS Q Old Christmas cards Q Used wrapping paper Q Extra card Q Pens Q Pencils Q Inks Q Paints Q Paint brushes Q Paper punches Q Sewing machine Q Thread Q Hole punch Q Twine
Eliminate some of your Christmas-waste guilt with these pretty recycled garlands. If, like us, you find yourself hoarding your greeting cards from loved ones every year, this is a super creative way to put them to good use. Use a variety of designs, and add in some jazzy mirror or glitter card for extra Christmas pizazz. Feel like your design isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t working? Just cut it where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not happy and, starting halfway down the last shape, re-join the next shape.
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Gather together any old Christmas cards, greeting cards, gift wrap and coloured card you have. Paper punches work best with slightly thicker paper or card, so avoid using thinner paper. 02 Using either pens, pencils, inks, paints or any other medium you choose, decorate the plain side of the paper and card with a variety of patterns. We used dots, dashes, lines and circles in a variety of different colours and thicknesses to add interest. Remember, the finished 01
garland will be seen from afar, so the bolder, the better. 03 Use the paper punch to cut out shapes from the patterned side of the greeting cards and gift wrap, and play around with layering the different sizes to form a selection of shapes. In order to create a 3D garland, each shape will need to have at least two layers. Generally, sewing machines are robust enough to cope with at least four layers of paper or card, and the more you include, the fuller the garland will look.
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Once you’ve decided on the final pattern, punch out enough shapes to allow it to repeat to the desired length of your garland. Separate them out into their individual piles and layer them up for ease of sewing. 05 Thread the sewing machine with either a corresponding or contrasting coloured thread, depending on the look you want to achieve. Start by inserting the first shapes under the foot. Sewing should begin halfway down the first shape 04
and finish halfway down the last shape. Once you’ve come almost to the edge of the first shape, pick up the next shapes and, making sure all the layers are pinched together, feed them under the foot so they’re butted up next to the first shape. 06 Continue to feed the card shapes under the foot one after the other as per Step 5, until the last shape is reached. To create an even looking garland, try not to leave a gap between the shapes – make sure to continue butting them
up next to each other as they’re fed under the foot. 07 Tie all the loose threads in small knots to prevent them coming loose, then trim the ends. Use the hole punch to punch a hole in the first and last shape, then create a hanging loop using the twine. 08 Starting at one end and working along the garland, fold each of the card shapes along the stitched line to create a 3D effect. The finished garland can then be hung up, or wrapped around a Christmas tree.
MEET THE MAKER MIESJE CHAFER Miesje is a lover of colour and pattern, and creates bold screen printed fabric which she turns into a range of accessories, homewares and kits. Miesje also teaches workshops on embroidery, screen printing and patchwork. www.miesjechafer.com
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Set the mood with Emma Hardy’s hand-dipped beeswax candles
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PHOTOGRAPHY: PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEBBIE PATTERSON © CICO BOOKS
WINTER GLOW
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HOW TO MAKE BEESWAX CANDLES MATERIALS Q Wick Q 3kg beeswax pellets Q Citronella oil Q Dipping can Q Saucepan Q Thermometer Q Long ruler or wooden dowel Q Newspaper Q Sharp knife
If you’re anything like us, you can never have enough candles. Environmentally friendly and non-toxic, these hand-dipped artisan beauties also have a delicious fragrance, filling your living space with a subtle lemony fragrance that’ll perk it up during the darker months. The citronella oil means they’re also ideal for using outside in the summer – the gift that keeps on giving.
Measure and cut a length of wick 50cm (19¾") long. Each length of wick will be used to make two candles. 02 Pour the beeswax pellets into the dipping can and place the can into a saucepan. Half fill the saucepan with water, making sure none of the water goes into the can. Bring the water to a gentle simmer and slowly melt the beeswax to a temperature of 60°C (140°F). 01
Take the dipping can off the heat using oven gloves or similar, and let the temperature drop a little. Add a few drops of citronella oil to the wax and gently mix it in. Citronella can be a strong scent, so add as little or as much as you prefer. 04 Set up a drying rack by propping a ruler (or a piece of wood at least 3cm (1¼") wide) across two tall glass jars at least 25cm (97/8") tall, 03
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HOW TO MAKE BEESWAX CANDLES and placing newspaper underneath to catch any drips. Fold the wick in half to find the centre, then holding it between your thumb, index, and middle fingers, dip the ends into the wax, stopping short of your fingers. Hold in place for a couple of seconds, then in one smooth movement, pull the wick out of the wax. 05 Hang the dipped wick on the ruler for a couple of
minutes to set the wax, then repeat the dipping and hang to dry again. Continue in the same way so the wax builds up, dipping slightly less in each time to create a tapered point at the top. 06 If the molten wax in the dipping can becomes opaque or seems lumpy, reheat it to around 60°C (140°F), then take it off the heat again and continue dipping. We dipped these
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candles about 20 times, but continue until the candles reach your desired thickness. 07 Once the finished candles have set, use a sharp knife to slice off the bottom, creating a flat base. Dip one last time, then hang to dry for a few hours, or ideally overnight. Cut the wick to separate the candles, then trim each wick to about 2cm (ž"). Leave them for a couple of days before burning.
HANDMADE CANDLES & SMUDGE STICKS This project appears in Handmade Candles & Smudge Sticks by Emma Hardy (ÂŁ12.99), published D[ %+%1 $QQMU CPF Ć&#x201A;NNGF with 35 inspiring makes. www.rylandpeters.com
Contributors May Babcock May forages for plants to make paper pulp for her artwork, and enjoys kayaking around Rhode Island with her little dog and husband, constantly on the lookout for seaweed and pondweed. Find May’s gift wrap on page 6. www.maybabcock.com
Miesje Chafer Originally training as a nurse, Miesje swapped one needle for another nine years ago to become a textile designer and screenprinter. Make Miesje’s garland on page 20. www.miesjechafer.com
Becki Clark Crediting her creative inspo to walks with her studio assistant, dachshund Reggie, Becki loves strolling through the New Forest, foraging, and peeking at neighbours’ well-groomed gardens. Craft Becki’s wreath on page 16. www.beckiclark.com
Eilidh Weir Eilidh grew up in a village pottery shop and left as a teenager, vowing never to return. She came back years later with two children in tow and a growing slow fashion business, which recently took on a top marketing team – two Jack Russell pups named Columbo and Patti. Sew Eilidh’s beauty set on page 13. www.allthatisbraw.uk
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Becka Wright When Becka isn’t crafting, she’ll be rummaging in charity shops, taking her pup for long walks, or daydreaming about owning her own alpacas. Weave Becka’s cushion on page 10. www.reneeandburt.co.uk
sustainable christmas CRAFT FEEL-GOOD GIFTS 9 LEARN NEW SKILLS SHOP THOUGHTFULLY 9 SPARK CREATIVE INSPIRATION The team behind Mollie Makes brings you this beautiful Sustainable Christmas project book, filled with on-trend ideas to make your festive crafting more eco-friendly. From simple projects embracing nature to clever uses for your existing stash, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lots of easy ways to make this year's crafting your most thoughtful ever.
www.molliemakes.com Supplement to Mollie Makes issue 110