INSIDE THE MOST CREATIVE CHRISTMAS HOMES


 KNIT IT!
PAGE 79

MAKE


  67
IT! EASY-SEW 
! 
PAGE
STOCKING & OWL TOY






CROCHET SNOWFLAKE
TABLE RUNNER




KIDS'  
FANCY DRESS MASKS




4 QUICK MAKES
FOR MISTERS
Sweet




s
&more..
d r e a m

MODEL 2015a
s  3TITCHES
s !UTO 
STEP BUTTONHOLE
s 6ARIABLE STITCH LENGTH
s #ONVERTIBLE FREE ARM
s1UICKCHANGESNAPONFEET
AVON Direct Sewing Machines, Bristol - 0117 977 8216
BEDFORDSHIRE Tudor Rose Patchwork, Oakley. Bedford - 01234 824 983
BERKSHIRE Sew Devine, Reading - 0118 926 8664
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Alans Sewing Machines, High Wycombe - 01494 527600
Threads and Patches, Milton Keynes – 01908 649687
CAMBRIDGESHIRE Sew Creative, Cambridge – 01223 350 691
CHESHIRE J & P Sewing Machines, Warrington - 01925 633 831
Phil Morton Sewing Machines. Macclesfield – 01625 433 131
CORNWALL The Sewing Studio, Redruth -01209 216 942
DERBYSHIRE Elegance, Derby – 01332 382 292
Ilkeston Sewing & Janome Centre, Ilkeston – 01159 307 664
The Knitting & Sewing Bee, Chesterfield – 01246 232 176
DEVON Exeter Sewing Machine Company, Exeter - 01392 275 660
Hulu. Modbury – 01548 831 911
Soft Touch Needlecrafts, Tavistock – 01822 617 673
DORSET Hansons Fabrics, Sturminster Newton - 01258 472 698
So N Sews, Weymouth – 01305 766 411
DURHAM UK Sewing Machines, Darlington - 01325 463 630
ESSEX Superstitch Machine Co, Leigh on Sea - 01702 478830
GLOUCESTERSHIRE Cotswold Sewing Machines, Stroud - 01453 763660
West End Sewing Centre, Cheltenham - 01242 244025
HAMPSHIRE Eastleigh Sewing Centre, Eastleigh – 02380 650 808
Hampshire Sewing Machines, Fareham – 01329 280499
Reads of Winchester, Winchester – 01962 850 950
HEREFORDSHIRE Badder Fabrics, Hereford – 01432 379 137
HERTFORDSHIRE Chicks Embroidery, Letchworth – 01462 670 007
Rebecca Woollard Sewing School, Hatfield Heath – 07887 654 717
Rona Sewing Machines, Waltham Cross - 01992 640250
Sewfine Sewing Machines, Watford - 01923 693 734
Sewing Machine Discount, Borehamwood - 0208 236 1520
KENT Ashford Sewing Centre, Ashford - 01233 620948
Barcham Sewing Centre, Whitstable - 01227 264 271
Maidstone Sewing Centre, Maidstone - 01622 670 254
The Sewing Shop, Canterbury – 01227 457 723
The World of Sewing, Pratts Bottom, Orpington – 01689 638 638
The World of Sewing, Tunbridge Wells - 01892 533188
LANCASHIRE Hobkirk Sewing Machines, Blackburn - 01254 693555
Hobkirk Sewing Machines, Bury - 0161 764 4450
Lestan Sewing Machines, Nelson - 01282 614 511
M & S Sewing Machines, Heywood – 01706 366 943
S A Sewing Machines, Oldham – 01706 355 529
S A Sewing Machines, Rochdale – 01706 355 529
Sew-Knit (Dalby & Jones), Preston – 01772 254 558
Transworld Sewing Machines. Leigh – 01942 608028
LEICESTERSHIRE Cresswell Sewing Machines, Leicester – 07979 798 010
The Sewing Café, Hinkley – 01455 698 034
LINCOLNSHIRE Couling Sewing Machines, Lincoln - 01522 521841
Seweezy, Gainsborough – 01427 614 570
LONDON (GTR) Lewisham & Deptford Sewing Machines, Deptford - 0208 692 1077
Redgewells, South West London, 0208 337 3444
SM Sewing Machines, Neasden - 0208 452 4257
The Sewing Centre, Battersea – 0207 228 3022
Wimbledon Sewing Machine Co, South Wimbledon - 0208 542 5240
MANCHESTER (GTR) Bamber Sewing Machines, Manchester - 0161 707 7786
R. Bullock & Son Ltd, Wigan – 01942 247 836
MERSEYSIDE Affordable Sewing, Moreton, Wirral - 0151 677 7755
Sewing & Knitting Centre, Southport - 01704 534 688
MIDDLESEX Tysons Sewing Machines, Hounslow - 0208 570 6790
Tysons Sewing Machines, Southall - 0208 574 1587
NORFOLK Sewing Machine World, Kings Lynn - 01553 773362
Sew Creative, Norwich – 01603 305 888
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Sew Northampton, Northampton - 01604 637200
www.janome.co.uk
The ‘Sewing with Style’ offers are available from Janome
sewing machine retail outlets nationwide. Promotion starts
1st September 2015 to 18th December 2015
(All offers subject to stock availability.)
SPECIAL
P U RCH A S E
£99
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Cresswell Sewing Machines, Nottingham – 0115 926 7572
OXFORDSHIRE Witney Sewing Machine Centre, Witney - 01993 704535
Witney Sew & Knit Centre, Witney – 01993 702 772
SHROPSHIRE Sewing Machine Centre, Shrewsbury - 01743 343 902
SOMERSET Bredons Sewing Machines, Taunton – 01823 272 450
SUFFOLK Sew Creative, Bury St Edmunds – 01284 755459
SURREY C & A Supply Co. Ltd, Cranleigh – 01483 267 777
Redgewells, Worcester Park – 0208 337 3444
The Quilt Room, Dorking – 01306 877 307
The World of Sewing, South Croydon - 0208 681 1811
Woking Sewing & Knitting Centre, Addlestone - 01932 352 958
SUSSEX Brighton Sewing Centre, Brighton - 01273 621 653
Clothkits Ltd, Chichester – 01243 533 180
Eclectic Maker, Worthing – 0845 862 5552
Hastings Sewing Centre, Hastings - 01424 423 108
TYNE & WEAR G Tully Sewing Machines, Sunderland - 0191 565 7995
Sewing Machine Sales, Whitley Bay - 0191 252 5825
WARWICKSHIRE Leamington Spa Sewing Machines, Leamington Spa - 01926 338 749
WILTSHIRE Cotswold Stitchcraft, Malmesbury - 01666 823 245
West Wilts Sewing Machine Co, Trowbridge - 01225 753 792
WEST MIDLANDS Brewers Sewing Machines, Wolverhampton – 01902 458 885
Coventry Sewing Centre, Coventry - 02476 257266
D C Nutt Sewing Machines, Walsall - 01922 497 603
Frank Nutt, Kings Heath - 0121 444 3978
GUR Sewing Machines, Birmingham – 0121 359 5335
L & M Nutt, Sutton Coldfield - 0121 373 5497
S Nutt Sewing Machines, Birmingham - 0121 327 2828
WORCESTERSHIRE Creative Hands 2, Worcester - 01905 24940
Inkberrow Design Centre, Redditch – 01527 69100
Topstitchers, Kidderminster - 01562 822 698
YORKSHIRE Arcade Sewing Machines, Huddersfield – 01484 429 808
C & G Sewing Machines, Bradford - 01274 306352
Electra (DA) Company, Doncaster - 01302 340 369
Flynn’s@ Browns of York, York - 01904 561234/611166
Lennox Sewing Machines, Rotherham - 01709 377 797
MKC Services, Leeds - 0113 245 3156
Samuel Taylors, Skipton - 01756 700 946
Sewing Centre, Bridlington - 01262 603057
Sewing Centre, Scarborough - 01723 363 167
White Rose Sewing Machines, Harrogate - 01423 503767
Woodseats Sewing Machines, Sheffield - 0114 255 2822
ISLE OF MAN Joan’s Wools & Crafts, Onchan - 01624 626 009
IRELAND Sew N Knit Belfast, Belfast – 0289 045 6015
Sew N Knit Lisburn, Lisburn – 0289 267 0908
Singer Sewing Centre, Ballymena – 0282 564 0034
SCOTLAND David Drummond, Edinburgh - 0131 539 7766
ESC Sewing Machines, Keith – 01542 887 000
N.J. Sewing Machine Services, Brightons Falkirk – 01324 711 333
Pembertons Sewing Machines, Stirling - 01786 462 993
Quilt Creations, Inverness – 01463 719 369
Sew Materialistic, Ayr - 01292 285 801
WALES Butterfly Fabrics, Cardiff – 02920 470 808
Calico Kate, Lampeter – 01570 422 866
Cliffords Sewing Machines Ltd, Swansea - 01792 655 928
J B Sewing Machine Co, Ltd, Newport – 01633 284 646
Newport Sewing Centre, Newport - 01633 284 659
Quay Street Sewing Centre, Haverfordwest – 01437 762 355
Sewing Machines Direct, Wrexham - 0800 092 5215
The World’s leading sewing machine manufacturer
 60

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

¤ EASY-SEW CHRISTMAS STOCKING ¤ GIFT-WRAP SPECIAL
¤ 3 WAYS WITH WINTER FLORALS ¤ KAWAII EMBROIDERY
¤ KID’S SUPERHERO COSTUME ¤ SNOWFLAKE TABLE RUNNER

bake sew knit

MAIN IMAGE STYLING: HELENA TRACEY, JEN GARDNER, PHOTOGRAPHY: JESSE WILD
 60

CONTENTS issue
number
sixty

ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS, STYLING: HELENA TRACEY AND JEN GARDNER, MODEL: AGATHA CAMERON KETTLE

62
Crochet runner

INTRODUCING.. LIVING
The latest news from Fill your life and home
the world of handmade with crafted goodness
9 INTRODUCING… 49 LIVING
Handpicked crafty happenings Our top picks of the most lovely buys

20 14 TRENDS
Three ways with winter florals,
for a hand-crafted, creative home

52 HOME TOUR

CANDY plus our top shopping picks

20 STOCKING
Blogger and designer Marij Hessel shows
us how to blend vintage and contemporary

STOCKING Sew a future heirloom stocking,

plus adorable mini owl mascot
28 TEA AND A CHAT
With US papercraft queen Lia Griffith
Talk to us! 35 WRAPPING SPECIAL
Elevate your gifts to the next level with
59 STITCHED CUSHION
Embroider a beautiful, seasonal pomegranate
to pep up your sofa
62 CROCHET TABLEWARE
Grab that hook and make a snowflake table
runner, coasters and hanging decoration

these five different presentation ideas 67 PULL-OUT PAPERS EXCLUSIVE!

facebook.com/MollieMakes
pinterest.com/MollieMakes
Typographic papers, labels and posters
@MollieMakes MollieMakes
42 GOOD READ for you to use however you want
Why do we choose to make and create?
100 TEMPLATES
youtube.com/user/MollieMakes 45 KIDS’ COSTUME Everything you need to make all
Sew a playful superhero outfit the issue’s projects

4 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
NEVER MISS AN ISSUE
26 Subscribe UK
Subscribe and choose from a satchel or
Zeena Shah’s new book and fabric bundle
76 Subscribe overseas
International subscribers save up to 40%

16
Fabric

45
Mini
flowers

35
heroes Let’s get
wrapping

ALL-OUT FESTIVE
It’s time. If you’ve picked up this magazine
on our on-sale day, you have 42 days left
before Santa catches up with you. Don’t
fret that’s a good few weeks to craft the
quick, easy ideas we’ve brought together in
this issue for your nearest and dearest. We’ve
even got your gift wrap covered with our
paper section on page 67 (festive bunting
thrown in for good measure) and, for the
more adventurous, we have a whole present-
presenting special on page 35. I suggest
you go and make yourself a cuppa, grab

LOVING
a notebook or your smart phone and we’ll
meet you back here so we can get a list of
handcrafted gifts together. See you in a mo!
From all of us at Mollie Makes, have a very
Treats and treasures merry Christmas!
to fall in love with
77 LOVING
Beautiful things to adore and make
Lara Watson Editor
78 COLLECTOR
Seeking out eccentric vintage hats

79 KNITTED BEANIE
A suits-all for last-minute gifting
94
Festive
treats
84 BAKING SPECIAL
Make Christmas Eve extra scrummy
with a cookie recipe and apron pattern
89
Gifts for
89 GIFTS FOR GUYS
the guys
We’ve got four different ideas for those
hard-to-make-for men in your life

94 STITCHED FOODS
Kawaii-style Christmas treat patterns
to use however you want

106 BACK PAGE PROJECT Turn the page to learsene

Lucky Dip Club’s Christmas secrets about your free kit! rs
Subscribe at molliemakes.com
page 67 for your pape
 Contributors
Lia Griffith
Portland-based designer Lia Griffith is a self-
confessed messy crafter – you’ll often find her
working behind a huge pile on her desk. When
she’s not drowning in craft supplies, she’ll be
walking her dog or cooking gluten free treats.
Learn the secrets of Lia’s success on page 28.
www.liagriffith.com
Ben Treanor
Illustrator and owner of Old English
Company, Ben is a fan of strong (and good)
coffee, as well as everything related to
typography, illustration and hand lettering,
which inspires most of his design work.
Cut and stick Ben’s illustrated papers on page 67.
www.oldenglishprints.com
Elen Angharad
Powered by good coffee and BBC6 Music,
Elen loves nothing more than knitting all day.
At the weekend she packs up her campervan
and heads to the beach with her boyfriend – he
surfs and she knits. It’s a perfect combo!
Knit Elen’s fail-safe beanie hat on page 79.
www.elenangharad.com
Other contributors
Anna Alicia, Leona Baker, Henny van Belkom,Valerie Bracegirdle, Ali Burdon, Jaclyn Campanaro, Rob Eyres, Leah Farquharson,
Kirsty Hartley, Solanah Hernandez, Laura Howard, Mollie Johanson, Kacey Kendrick Wagner, Chrissy Lau, Leanne Megson &
Agatha Cameron Kettle @ Mustard Models, Laura Mitchell, Zeena Moolla, Zoe Patching Hill, Lana Red, Helen Self, Philip Sowels,
Suzonne Stirling, Laura Strutt, Amy Tan, Jesse Wild, James Wootton, Heather Young
6 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
Julia Staite
As a sewist, knitter, crocheter and stitcher,
Julia could do with a few more hours in the
day to fit all her hobbies around two children
and a small business! Her children’s products
feature lots of illustrated characters.
Sew Julia’s heirloom stocking on page 20.
www.juliastaite.com
Marij Hessel
Dutch blogger Marij works in fashion, and
shares her love of all things interiors on her
blog, My Attic. Right now she’s probably
wrapping presents with cheesy festive music
playing and a classic Christmas movie on TV.
Peek inside Marij’s inspiring home on page 52.
www.entermyattic.blogspot.co.uk
Sophie Brown
When she’s not bundled up in her summer
house writing, Sophie loves to make, bake and
create. She shares her North London home
with her partner and a stray cat named Steve,
and is an avid fan of hip hop and G&T.
Read Sophie’s take on why we make on page 42.
www.reindeerandbear.com
EDITORIAL
Editor Lara Watson
Deputy Editor Nikki Arnold
Art Editor Helena Tracey
Production Editor Jessica Bateman
Designer Jen Gardner
Digital Editor Nina Camacho
Picture Editor Emma Georgiou
Newsletter Coordinator Lottie Storey
molliemakes@immediate.co.uk
ADVERTISING
Call: 0117 300 8206
Senior Advertising Manager Penny Stokes
Senior Sales Executive Beckie Pring
Sales Executive Tiffany Jackson
MARKETING & CIRCULATION
Head of Newstrade Marketing Martin Hoskins
Newstrade Marketing Manager Janine Smith
Subscriptions Project Lead Julie Sewell
PRODUCTION
Production Director Sarah Powell
Production Controller Stephanie Smith
Production Manager Emma McGuinness/ Sian Rodgers
LICENSING
Director of International Licensing and Syndication
Tim Hudson tim.hudson@immediate.co.uk
BUYING TEAM
Paul Torre, Karen Flannigan, Corinne Mellerup
MANAGEMENT
Publishing Director Catherine Potter
Group Senior Editor Julie Taylor
Group Art Director Matthew Hunkin
Chairman Stephen Alexander
Chief Executive Officer Tom Bureau
Managing Director, Bristol Andy Marshall
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Call 01604 828740 or subscribe online at
http://craft.buysubscriptions.com
Mollie Makes is published by:
Immediate Media Company Limited, 2nd Floor, Tower House,
Fairfax Street, Bristol, BS1 3BN. Tel: 0117 927 9009
Fax: 0117 934 9008
Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited (company number 05715415) is registered in England
and Wales. The registered ofice 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
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material you submit is sent at your risk. Although every
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 your free gift!
FELT PINE CONE
PHOTOGRAPHY: JESSE WILD, STYLING: HELENA TRACEY AND JEN GARDNER
DECORATIONS
THIS GIFT COMES WITH THE PRINT COPY OF THE MAGAZINE ONLY.
Reimagining nature…
“My favourite designs are usually inspired
ALTERNATIVE KIT ON SOME OVERSEAS COPIES.
by nature – I love the challenge of attempting
to recreate often-complex forms in a simple
way, such as with these pinecones. Their
natural colour often feels a little dull to
me, so I created something more whimsical.
My early experiments involved individual
petals, which was mind-numbingly labour
intensive. Eventually I realised how simple it
would be to craft them out of flower shapes,
and the rest was easy.
Since the shapes are pre-cut, it shouldn’t
take very long to assemble your pinecone.
However, they’re addictive – you might want
to create templates so you can make more!”
Suzonne is a freelance designer and crafter
for multiple publications. She’s based in New
Orleans, Louisiana, where she shares her home
with her husband, son and assorted pets.
www.urbancomfort.typepad.com
Turn to page 99 for all instructions,
then share your makes using #molliemakers.
Ten fabulous years of gorgeous knitting & crochet supplies

YARN SOURCED FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, HANDMADE & VINTAGE GIFTS,
HABERDASHERY, BOOKS & PATTERNS, WORKSHOPS & GIFT VOUCHERS. WE POST EVERYWHERE!

Twelve patterns celebrating ten fabulous years of Loop London

Susan Cropper

Selection of patterns from Loop’s Anniversary book ‘10’

WWW.LOOPKNITTING.COM
15 CAMDEN PASSAGE, ISLINGTON, LONDON N1 8EA 020 7288 1160
 INTRODUCING.. 60

THE LATEST IN CREATIVE GOODNESS – HANDPICKED JUST FOR YOU

Presents ahoy!
As if we weren’t
already head over heels
in love with Danish
home wares and
accessories company,
RICE they go and
woo us all over again
with their new cool
as a cucumber range
of Christmas wrap.
Each pack features nine
sheets of giftwrap in
three assorted festive
prints, plus coordinating
'To & From' stickers.
Winner! www.rice.dk

Subscribe at molliemakes.com 60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 9

 TOP READ
Perfect stitch
World-renowned
knitter Debbie Bliss has
compiled a lifetime of
yarn expertise for The
Knitter's Knowledge,
a go-to workbook From an elegant Christmas Eve to
of techniques, insider a fun-filled Christmas morning, and
Hello Orla! A pretty name
tips and tutorials. It's every snow-covered memory in
for a pretty new shift top
a new craft room staple. between, the new Juniper Berry
pattern from Tilly and the Buttons,
www.quadrille.co.uk collection from Basic Grey makes
we do hope you are in our stockings
this year! www.tillyandthebuttons.com scrapbooking holiday memories,
making paper chains, or whipping
up a few last minute cards a breeze.

THIS MONTH’S WISHLIST www.basicgrey.com

Fabulous and Fairtrade. We're all over these

rustic silver vases from Nkuku. Dot a few
around the home and see how beautifully they
reflect twinkly lights and candles. www.nkuku.com

Countdown the days until Christmas

not with choccies, but jewellery!
This novel Nutcracker Advent
Calendar gives you a new charm to
add to the bracelet (included), each
day. www.twentysixdegrees.co.uk

10 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
 Bah humbug!Who wouldn't
feel festive wearing these?

PHOTOGRAPHY: JASON JENKIN, ART DIRECTION: ANNA WADE, STYLING: EMMA LAMB © F&W MEDIA INTERNATIONAL LTD 2015
BRAND FOCUS
Bee Smith Millinery
"English elegance, with just a
hint of eccentricity", that's
how designer Bee Smith
describes her quirky milnery,
and bridal wear collections.
It applies to her new festive
range too, which includes
Christmas cake headbands,
gingerbread brooches and
mistletoe hair clips. Go on,
switch your Chrimo jumpers
for these. www.bee-smith.co.uk

Room after room adorned with colourful

crochet… it's the stuff dreams are made
of! Cue crochet queen, Emma Lamb's stunning
new book, Crochet Home, featuring 20 amazing
projects to enhance your abode with handmade
loveliness. www.stitchcraftcreate.co.uk Bee makes all of her designs by
hand, adding tiny details.

WEBSITE TO WATCH
acorn & will
Set up by vintage lover Danielle as a
way of sharing her love of all things
kitsch, this online store is a treasure
trove of fun and affordable retro
goodies. The site should probably
come with a warning – trust us you'll
Enjoy Christmas cake without
want everything on there – but then
the calories!
with most things coming in under
£10, life's too short to not to treat
yourself. www.acornandwill.co.uk

Subscribe at molliemakes.com 60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 11

 TOP READ
Colour pop!
We don't like to brag,
but we think you'll
PHOTOGRAPH: CLAIRE PEPPER

really like our Mollie

Makes Colouring. Christmas? New Year? Wednesday?
It features over 60 Like you need an excuse to hang
designs by our fave these beauties! Each set from
illustrators, from cool Talking Tables includes three paper
geometrics to chic honeycomb baubles in mint, red
botanicals. It comes
and cream, with gold foil detail,
Learn how to stitch a stylish new with a pack of pencils
too so you can get
plus ribbon for hanging. Suspend
wardrobe – pattern free! – with
started straight away. from ceilings, shelves, banisters and
Sewing Bee finalist, Chinelo Bally's must-
have dressmaking book Freehand Fashion. www.buysubscriptions.com anything else you please for instant
The woman wows. www.pavilionbooks.com festive joy. www.talkingtables.co.uk

Brilliantly hip and functional too, we can't get

enough of OYOY's exquisite furniture and
homewares. From cool hues to chic geometrics, this
winter's most coveted trends are sorted. www.oyoy.dk

Forget trad Christmas palettes, we

can't wait to plaster our trees in a
riot of colour with Biscuiteers' new
Mexican-inspired decorations. That
is of course if we don't eat them
first. See more in this vein on page
50. www.biscuiteers.com

12 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
 Creative Autumn
Savers October – December 2015
Scotland
David Drummond Edinburgh EH12 5HD
ESC Keith AB55 5HF
Karelia House Ltd Perthshire PH15 2LS
N J Sewing Polmont FK2 0UF
01315 397 766
01542 887 000
01887 822 027
01324 711 333
Pembertons Sewing Machines Stirling FK8 1HA 01786 462 993
North East
Singer Sewing Centre Whitley Bay NE26 2SY 0191 2525 825
G Tully Sewing Machines Sunderland SR1 3JG 0191 5657 995
XR27NT Plus F
The Fat Quarters Newcastle upon Tyne NE17 7TN
UK Sewing Machines Darlington DL3 7JY
01207 565 728
01325 463 630
Sewing machine Get g REE
oin Northern Ireland
• 27 stitches your s g with Sew n Knit Belfast BT4 1AB 07799 268 258
e
• Automatic needle threader mach wing North West
ine bo
• Stitch length & width adjustment ok (VYKHISL:L^PUN Wirrall CH46 9QA 0151 677 7755
Bamber Sewing Machines Ltd Eccles M30 7HY 0161 707 7786
• 1 step automatic button hole Hobkirks Sewing Machines Limited Blackburn BB2 2AJ 01254 693 555
• Quickset bobbin Hobkirks Sewing Machines Limited Bury BL9 0LQ 0161 764 4450

£189
• LED sewing light Jaycotts Chester CH1 4LT 01244 394 099
Lord’s Sew Knit Centre Accrington BB5 3DE 01254 389 171
• Free arm conversion M&S Sewing Machines Heywood OL10 4NN 01706 366 943
• Instructional DVD R&T Machines (Domestic Sales) Blackburn BB1 2AL 01254 520 63
• 3 year warranty Temptations Bentham LA2 7HQ 01524 261 868
New Generation Isle of Man IM9 6AQ 01624 836 301
Sewing Machines Direct Wrexham LL12 0PJ 0800 092 5215

Innov-is 20LE Yorkshire & The Humber

Gillies Fabrics York YO1 8SW 01904 626 244
Computerised sewing machine Plus F Grimsby Sewing & Knitting Grimsby DN32 9DR 01472 343 921
RE Woodseats Sewing Machines Ltd Sheffield S8 0RY 0114 255 2822
• 40 Stitches Creati E
ve Midlands
• 5 styles of automatic 1 step button hole sewin Badder Fabrics of Hereford HR4 0BU 01432 379 137
• Automatic needle threader pack g Brewers Wolverhampton WV2 3AF 01902 458 885
• Variable stitch length and width control worth Binders Sewing Centre Peterborough PE1 5BA 01733 340 449
• Slide speed control
£59.99 Couling Sewing Machines Lincoln LN5 8AW 01522 521 841
Craft Central Stores Ltd Burton on Trent DE14 3QZ 01283 568 857
• Start/Stop button Creative Hands 2 Worcester WR1 2LU 01905 249 40
DC Nutt Sewing Machines Walsall WS3 3SS 01922 497 603

£299
• Needle stop position setting up or down
• Drop feed SAVE E L Grain Sewing Machines Ltd Nottingham NG6 8UY
Frank Nutt Sewing Machines Birmingham B14 7AA
0115 927 1155
0121 443 5555
• Twin needle setting £30 GS UK Ltd Nottingham NG2 3DE 0115 844 8000
• 3 year warranty GUR Sewing Machines Birmingham B19 3QN 0121 359 5335
Leamington Spa Sewing Machines Ltd CV32 4RA 01926 427 572
Sewing Machine Centre Shrewsbury SY1 1XJ 01743 343 902
The Lorna Knight Sewing Academy Leek ST13 7NX 07970 345 628
Innov-is 1300 L & M Nutt Sutton Coldfield B73 5BS 0121 373 5497
Computerised sewing machine East Anglia
Beccles Sewing Machines Beccles NR34 9TB 01502 714 234
• 182 built-in stitches Bedford Sew & Knit Limited Bedford MK41 7LE 01234 217 096
Franklins Group Limited Colchester CO2 7DU 01206 563 955
• Automatic 1 step button hole, 10 styles Franklins Group Limited Ipswich IP1 3EL 01473 221 188
• SFDS – Square Feed Drive System Franklins Group Limited Chelmsford CM2 0LG 01245 346 300
• Long arm 8.3”(210mm) sewing area Sewing Machine World Kings Lynn PE30 5DD 01553 773 362
Sew Northampton Northampton NN1 4DX 01604 637 200
• Advanced automatic needle threader Plus F
• Stitch length and width control RE Wales
• Start stop button Creati E *SPVYKZ:L^PUN4HJOPULZ Swansea SA 3JY 01926 427 572
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• Automatic thread cutter Ashford Sewing Centre Ashford TN23 1JH 01233 620 948

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• Knee lift Bobin Along Worthing BN11 3EG 01903 200 771
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• Multi-directional sewing CCB Sewing Machines Rochester ME1 1HS 01634 841 597
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• 3 year warranty Dowlings Wickford SS11 8YJ 01268 562 022
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INTRODUCING trends

THIS MONTH WE’RE

OBSESSING ABOUT...

WINTER
FLORALS
Because why should
spring and summer
have all the fun?

Be the belle of the

festive ball in this
statement skirt. www.
anthropologie.com/uk

14 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
 INTRODUCING trends

03

02

01

01 Who said wreaths

have to be red and
green? www.notonthe
highstreet.com/
westcountrywhimsy
02 A Liberty print felt
robin brings plenty
06
of Christmas cheer.
www.liberty.co.uk
03 Add colour to dark
days with a floral scarf.
www.amy-sia.com
04 Moody blues and

PHOTOGRAPH: J. TULINIEMI PHOTOGRAPHY

greys meet shocking
fuscia blooms. www.
abigailryan.com
05 Serve up mince pies
and mulled wine on this
Scandi-inspired tray.
www.atomicsoda.fr
07 06 Jot down last minute
festive to-dos in a
luxurious notebook.
www.riflepaperco.com
05
07 You’ll always know
what the time is, as you
won’t be able to stop 04
looking at this watch!
www.topshop.com

MAKE IT! TURN THE PAGE FOR

THREE WAYS WITH FLORALS
Subscribe at molliemakes.com 60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 15
INTRODUCING trends
FABRIC HYDRANGEAS
MATERIALS
Q White cotton fabric (1m (1yrd)
makes three large hydrangea
heads)
Q Tubes of watercolour paint
(we used red, blue, violet,
brown and white)
Q Paintbrush, mixing dishes
and water
Q Fabric scissors
Q Large, sharp darning needle
Q Green floral wire (36 wires
per hydrangea)
Q Glue gun and glue
Q Pliers
Q Green floral tape
16 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
SEW IT!
01 Paint pieces of white cotton
fabric a selection of hydrangea
shades. Mix watercolour paint,
add water, then apply the
colour as a wash so the paint
soaks through the fabric. Leave
one edge unpainted so you can
hang the fabric to dry without
getting paint on the pegs.
02 When the fabric has dried
use the template on page 100
to cut out lots of petals (we
used 72 per hydrangea), cutting
two layers at a time.
03 Use a darning needle to poke
a hole through the centre of
01
03
05
two petals. Slide one petal onto
a piece of green floral wire.
04 Using a glue gun, add a small
dab of glue in the centre and
carefully pinch the petal
together. Add the second petal
at a right angle. Then repeat
Steps 3 and 4 to construct all
the flowers.
05 Carefully trim the excess
wire from the top of each flower
with pliers.
06 Bind the flowers together
in groups of three, wrapping
green floral tape tightly around
a few inches of the wires.
02
04
06
Arrange 12 of these clusters
together, bending the wires to
create a domed shape. Wrap
the stem with floral tape.
Laura Howard is a designer,
maker and craft writer living
near London. She loves colour,
hand stitching and making
stuf from felt. She’s written
two books about crafting and
shares lots of stitchy tutorials
over on her blog.
www.bugsandfishes.blogspot.co.uk

MATERIALS
Q Air-drying clay
Q White acrylic paint
Q Plum coloured (or colour
of your choice) acrylic paint
Q Paintbrush
Q Kitchen towel
Q Twigs, leaves or dried
flower heads
Q Pencil
Q Pen (optional)
Q Rolling pin
Q Two wooden strips
3mm thick (optional)
Q Craft knife or scalpel
Q Small sponge
Subscribe at molliemakes.com
MOULD IT!
CLAY FLOWER POT
01 Roll your clay out into a long
strip. If you can, place a strip of
wood on either side of your clay
and roll your pin along them to
ensure an even thickness.
02 Press your twigs/ foliage into
your clay and then remove. We
also used the end of a pen to
add ‘berries’.
03 Trim the long edges of your
piece of clay with a ruler and
craft knife. You could also trim
the short edges but we decided
to keep the curve.
04 Roll your clay into a cylinder,
overlapping the edges. Roll out
01
03
05
another small piece of clay. Place
your cylinder on top of the piece
of clay and, using a pencil, draw
around the inside edge of your
cylinder on the clay. Remove the
cylinder and cut out the circle.
05 Unroll your cylinder and wrap
it around the circle of clay, so
that it forms the base. Seal the
edges and where your cylinder
overlaps using water. Neaten
the joins and edges with a damp
sponge. Leave to dry overnight.
06 Once dry, paint your pot
white inside and out. Once dry,
take a sheet of kitchen towel and
INTRODUCING trends
02
04
06
wipe a thick layer of coloured
paint onto your pot. Using a
damp piece of kitchen towel,
wipe away the paint gently so
that it remains in the grooves
of your pattern.
Anna Johnson creates eco-
ethical jewellery, homewares
and other bits and bobs for
her label A Alicia. She lives
in East London with her artist
husband, their bonny baby
and a multitude of books
and houseplants.
www.aalicia.bigcartel.com
60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 17
INTRODUCING trends
MATERIALS
Q Tattoo transfer paper pack
(including tattoo paper and
adhesive film, from www.
craftycomputerpaper.co.uk)
Q Printer (laser or inkjet)
Q Scissors
Q Water
01 Pick an image or photo that
you like and print it onto the
tattoo paper according to the
18 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
PRINT IT!
TRANSFER TATTOO
manufacturers’ instructions.
Remember that the image
will be mirrored.
02 Apply the adhesive film
sheet over the printed images
according to the instructions.
If you have some air bubbles
between the sheets, use your
finger or a small plastic card
to rub them away.
03 Cut out the shapes from the
piece of paper.
01
03
05
04 Carefully remove the
transparent sheet, protecting
the image by gently pulling it
off. Be careful not to touch the
image or you might smudge it.
05 Place the tattoo face down
on your skin.
06 Use a damp cloth and wet
the white paper of the tattoo
while on your skin. Once the
paper is wet, it will easily slide
off and reveal your tattoo.
02
04
06
Lana Red has a passion for
everything creative. With a
background in theatre, she loves
to combine multiple disciplines
in her craft projects and share
them on her website. She always
wears dresses or skirts and
never leaves the house without
her red lipstick.
www.lanaredstudio.com
 Sewing machines for beginners to experts from £99 to £1500

Synonymous with sewing since 1851

Join us on Facebook and Twitter @singersewinguk
www.singerco.co.uk

A Christmas Gift from Singer

Forget the needles on your tree, we’d like to give you a FREE pack of Singer needles as a stocking
filler on us (while stocks last). To claim your gift, go to www.singerco.co.uk/xmas and complete the
form using the promotional code MM1115
 ' Twas the night
before Christmas
And the stockings were hung by the chimney with
care... Start your own festive tradition with Julia
Staite’s candy striped-version, plus a cute owl mascot

20 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
Making the stocking

01

04

HOW TO MAKE… A STOCKING AND OWL

MATERIALS What were your Christmas To match the stripes on your
For the stocking For the owl traditions growing up? Charades stocking, cut one side out then use
Q Red and white Q Mint felt in front of the fire, some sherry it as a template to cut your second
striped cotton Q White felt for Santa (AKA granddad) and side, flipping it over and lining
fabric, 0.5m (½yrd) Q Red felt the ever-exciting hanging of the up the stripes with the fabric
Q Fleece fabric, Q Small piece white stockings, just before bedtime? underneath. You can also make
0.5m (½yrd) fur/fleece fabric Recreate a little of that nostalgic your own piping using bias tape
Q Cotton tape, Q Small piece of magic by sewing a stocking, and some cord – if you don’t
6cm (23/8") patterned fabric complete with a sweet owl mascot, have a piping foot for your sewing
Q Red embroidery Q Dark grey, blue and that can be unpacked on the 24th machine, then a concealed zipper
thread yellow embroidery for years to come. This is a good foot works really well.
Q Ribbon, 16cm (63/8"), threads first sewing project for children Have fun personalising this
1cm (3/8") wide Q Matching sewing (under supervision of course), so one – stitch a name or monogram
Q Piping, 40cm (15¾"), threads they can hang their own special instead of ‘Joy’; switch up colours
3mm (1/8") thick Q Toy stuffing handiwork. That’s not to say it’s just and patterns, or make a different
for kids – it’d make just as special a coloured owl to match each
hiding place for a partner’s gifts. stocking’s owner.

22 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
 Turn tHe page
to make me!
02 02
05 06
Making the stocking
01 First cut out all the pieces using
the templates on page 100. Cut the
outer stocking pieces on the bias
to create diagonal stripes. To make
your pocket label, first press a 6cm
(23/8") long piece of cotton tape in
half. Mark out your letters on
one side of the label using an air
erasable fabric pen, and embroider
over the top using three strands of
red embroidery thread. Set aside
for the moment.
02 Press under 1cm (3/8") around the
whole of your pocket piece. Hem
the top edge. Pin your pocket in
place on the front stocking piece.
03
07
The top of the pocket needs
to be around 10cm (4") from
the top of the stocking with your
embroidered label tucked under
the right hand side. Sew the
pocket to attach it. Fold a 16cm
(63/8") length of ribbon in half to
make the loop for hanging.
Sew on your loop, keeping your
stitching within the seam allowance
so that it doesn’t show on your
finished stocking.
03 Place the stocking pieces right
sides (RS) together and machine
stitch using a 1cm (3/8") seam
allowance. Trim the seam allowance
and clip curves. Repeat for the
lining, only this time leave a 5cm
(2") gap in the seam on one side
for turning later on.
04 Turn the stocking RS out.
Pin then sew the piping around
the top edge. Keep your line of
stitching about 2mm (1/8") away
from the piping so that it doesn’t
show on the front of your finished
stocking. It looks neatest if your
piping crosses over at the seam
of the stocking.
05 Tuck the stocking inside the
lining, RS together. Pin then sew
around top edge through all
layers, as close to the piping as
possible. Trim seam allowance.
60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 23
Making the owl
08 09
11 13
HOW TO MAKE… A STOCKING AND OWL
06 Turn RS out by pulling the whole
stocking through the hole you left
in the lining seam in Step 3. Top
stitch the hole closed.
07 Push the lining inside the
stocking.
Making the owl
08 Sew your tummy fabric piece to
the front owl body piece using a
small zig zag stitch. Sew the owl
body pieces RS together, leaving
an opening at the bottom. Trim the
seam allowance and clip curves,
then turn RS out. You can use
a knitting needle or blunt pencil
to push the points fully out.
24 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
10
14
09 Fill the owl with toy stuffing and
slipstitch the opening closed.
10 Draw a triangle of scallops
on the owl’s head from the points
of the ‘ears’ to where the beak
will be using an air erasable pen.
Backstitch over the scallop pattern
using three strands of blue
embroidery thread.
11 Draw on the owl’s eyes and
beak. Embroider the eyes using
three strands of dark grey thread,
and the beak using three strands
of yellow.
12 Sew on the wing using
matching thread. Draw on the wing
feathers using an air-erasable pen
and embroider using three strands
of blue floss.
13 To make the Santa hat, fold
the hat piece of felt in half and
sew down the long side using
an 0.5cm (¼") seam allowance.
Turn RS out.
14 Cut a strip of fur or fleece fabric
2.5cm (1") wide and 15cm (6") long.
Fold raw edges under and pin,
then hand stitch to the rim of
the hat.
15 Sew a small pom pom onto the
tip of the hat. Fold the hat over
and stitch in place. Secure the
hat on the owl’s head using a few
stitches under the edge of the fur.
Julia Staite
Julia is a designer-maker with
a background in illustration
and pattern design. She lives
in Essex with her husband and
two daughters and works from
her home studio, overflowing with
paper, pencils, fabric, thread and
paint, designing and creating
products for her kids' decor and
toy range. www.juliastaite.com
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SEE PAGE 76

Dreaming
big with…
LIA GRIFFITH
A simple blog and paper flower tutorial changed Lia Griith’s
life. Now she’s on her way to owning a whole crafty empire...
Words: ZEENA MOOLLA Photographs: JACLYN CAMPANARO
Lia Griith’s career is the stuf dreams
are made of. A single mother most
of her adult life, she built her hugely
successful business from her own
paper flower tutorials and a humble,
yet brilliant blog. One million page
views per month later, and Lia, mum
to 21-year-old Emily, is now a globally
famous designer working with big-name
brands including Country Living, MSN
and Martha Stewart, and heading up a
team of six from her oice.
Her slick site is a warm world
marrying craft and lifestyle without
28 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
any pretention. She covers everything
from kids’ crafts, jewellery and fashion,
to weddings, food and homeware. And
of course the impetus and signature to
her business – the paper flower – is still
there in many diferent creative forms.
Living in Portland, Oregon, amid
breath-taking scenery, it’s fair to say
Lia’s never really short of inspiration.
Life is pretty good, and when we caught
up with her, you get the sense that this
is all just the tip of the iceberg for Lia
– this is one woman with seriously big
craft-shaped ambitions.
Describe your style in a few words?
I’m inspired by my Scandinavian roots
and also the natural beauty of Portland,
Oregon, where I now live – there’s not a
day goes by that I’m not inspired by the
light, colour, flora and fauna here.
What’s a typical working day for you?
I start my day at the local gym early in the
morning, before my team arrives at 8am.
We plan the week’s posts and projects,
then all hell breaks loose as we immerse
ourselves in designing, stitching, printing,
cutting, painting, folding and generally
getting our hands dirty with craft materials.
We share three DIY projects every weekday
and four over the weekends, so we have to
work hard to make that happen.
When did you realise that paper
flowers were so popular?
I made my first paper rose when I was a
designer at a wedding stationery company.
The tutorial was incredibly popular and
I realised there was a desire for paper
flower patterns that were striking to look
at yet still easy to make. Creating simple
yet stunning paper flower designs became
my calling, and I’ve never looked back.
What inspired you to blog?
I began my blog with the sole intention
of encouraging creativity in others. As
 INTRODUCING tea & a chat

‘The goal remains

the same – to
inspire, teach and
reignite creativity.’

02

01 03

a growing business, we wanted to be I’m constantly surprised at just how well 01 Lia’s photography 02 This felt
sustainable without relying on a clutter of – and how quickly – we’ve grown. It’s studio is filled with succulent garden
ads on our site. It’s working really well and been fun finding talented creatives to help props – she believes is a hugely popular
our audience has been happy to pay a small me grow my vision. It hasn’t been easy, strong photography tutorial on Lia’s site.
amount for premium DIY project patterns though – we are where we are because of is key to doing a 03 Festive paper
and downloadable stationery. But our an immense amount of work. project justice. Christmas trees and
reason for being here remains the same a boxwood wreath.
– to inspire, teach and reignite creativity. How does your creative process work?
Do you keep sketchbooks or use any
Did you ever think you’d go from online resources?
blogging alone to having a team? We love to create mood boards on
It was always my dream to make this Pinterest as a team. In terms of my own
something bigger than just me, although process, I’m always sketching, but I don’t

60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 29
INTRODUCING tea & a chat
01
01 Lia’s living room
– the homemade birch
fireplace cover is from
one of her tutorials.
02 This pretty paper
anemone is a simple
project designed to
suit all skill levels.
03 Lia’s cute pooch,
Enzo, enjoys some
downtime on her
printed cushions.
03
30 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
02
use sketchbooks. I sketch on the back of
anything that I can grab when inspiration
hits – the back of an envelope, the corner
of my to-do list or a scrap of craft paper.
What’s been your biggest struggle in
getting your business of the ground,
and how did you overcome this?
Having no income was hard in the
beginning. But by sticking to my goal
of writing one post per day and keeping
the quality of posts and projects high,
I was able to bring in some money from
advertising by the end of the first year.
I was also lucky enough to have a small
amount of investment at the beginning
of 2015, which allowed me to bring in
another designer and a writer, which in
turn meant we could start posting more
DIY projects every day.
What tools or materials could you not
live without?
I couldn’t live without a glue gun – those
things are amazing! My Cricut Explore
cutting machine is also a favourite. It has
opened up endless opportunities in terms
of what I can now make. For example, my
paper hydrangeas would otherwise take
hours to cut by hand, but with a cutting
machine I can have all 90 petals cut in less
than 30 minutes.
 INTRODUCING tea & a chat

‘Not all my decisions

have been right, but
I’ve never allowed
that to stop me.’

02

01 03

How did you learn your craft? clean quality. Getting out in it is the ideal 01 The statement this paper succulent
I grew up in a household of creativity. way to loosen any creative stifness. lamp was made heart wreath.
Dad built our home and Mum made from some found 03 Lia’s paper
our clothes. From top to bottom we What has been key to achieving your wood and vintage village – a
handcrafted everything, so it’s a way of creative and professional goals? light fittings. great alternative
life for me. But I’ve only improved with Probably an unwavering desire to reach 02 Visitors receive a Christmas scene.
practice. I’m my own worst critic so honing those goals. I left my last job with such warm welcome with
my skills is an important part of making. a determination to make this work that
I just kept striving for success. Not all my
What do you do to blow the cobwebs decisions have been right, and sometimes
of a creative block? I’ve had to turn around and try a diferent
I take a walk with my dog. Portland is a path, but I’ve never allowed that to slow
very green city so the air has a wonderful, me down or make me stop.

Subscribe at molliemakes.com 60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 31

 INTRODUCING tea & a chat

02

What would be your dream project?

I’ve made 36 ‘papier couture’ dresses out
of printer paper and recycled magazines
that I’ve exhibited on the runway and
at other events. It’s been a while since
I made my last dress and I have a dream
of another big show featuring nine dresses.
We have plans to make this happen in
Autumn 2016.

What projects are you currently

01
01 A gold-dipped
paper feather garland
Lia Griith
decorates Lia’s
Lia’s exclusive, beautiful
home office.
designs and templates can
02 An inspirational
be downloaded from her
quote on the office
site for a monthly fee
wall keeps Lia
of around £3.30 ($5).
motivated.
You can sign up at www.
liagriith.com. To get a taste
of Lia’s pretty, accessible
style, turn the page for her
easy paper gift wrapping
and topping ideas.
working on?
We work with the seasons, so as soon as
Christmas is over we’ll be thinking about
spring projects and the wedding season. We
also have licensing contracts with a number
of paper and stamp companies, so we’re
constantly designing for them as well.
Where do you want to take your
business next?
I see our business becoming a full
media company where we ofer daily video
tutorials, an online crafting show and a full
line of crafting products.
Finally, what’s the best piece of
creative advice you’ve ever been given?
Never try to figure out what the readers
want but create and design what speaks to
me. This sets a tone of authenticity that the
readers will respond to.

32 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
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34 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
Gif
tw
rap
spe
cia
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 01

04

05 07 08

HOW TO MAKE… PAPER BAGS AND TOPPERS

MATERIALS They say it's the thought that to 5"). If you want, you can trim 05 Fold the top and bottom flaps

Q Gift wrap sheet, 37.5 counts – but we think you'll it with pinking sheers to create to meet in the centre and tape the
x 50cm (15 x 20") agree, presentation can elevate a chevron edge, or just leave it bottom of the bag.
Q Scissors gifts from thoughtful to something- straight instead. 06 Open the bag, pop your hand

Q Tape they'll-never-forget status. Here our 02 Turn the paper over and fold inside and push out the edges.
Q Hole punch Tea & a Chat star, Lia Griffith, shows both edges in to meet at the 07 Punch a hole in both sides of

Q Ribbon us how to create a boutique-worthy centre. Tape the seam, using the the bag near the top.
Q Pinking sheers gift bag from paper, complete with ends of the tape to wrap into the 08 Thread the ribbon through the

(optional) ribbon handles. Alternatively, wrap inside and seal in place. holes and tie a knot on the inside
Q Tissue paper your pressies as usual, then add 03 Fold the bottom up. The width to hold the ribbon in place.
Q Twine one of our topper ideas – pretty of this fold will determine the width 09 Pop your gift inside and top

Q Paper poms and 3D bows. of your finished bag. We folded with tissue paper as a finishing
Q Glue dots 12.5cm (5"). touch. For more of a rectangle
Gift bag 04 Open the bottom fold to shape, fold back the sides of the
01 Fold the top edge of the gift expose the inside of the bag. bag and press the folds to create
wrap sheet down 7.5 to 12.5cm (3 Fold the edges into the centre. neat squared corners.

36 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60

12 14
Tissue poms
10 Start by folding a square of
tissue paper three times to make
eight layers.
11 Fold your tissue into a triangle
twice, then a third time, folding the
flaps back.
12 Open the flaps and cut four half
circles in an arch.
13 Layer eight pieces of tissue into
two stacks.
14 Fold in half, punch a hole and
tie with twine.
15 Starting with the centre, bunch
one layer at a time to create two
poms. Tie onto ribbon.
Subscribe at molliemakes.com
17
18
15
Paper Bows Fold the bow ends, and glue in
16 Use the template on page 100 place on the belly straps.
to cut out the bow from gift wrap 18 Glue the bow on top of the
or coloured paper. straps, wrap with the centre piece,
17 Bring the ends of the bow to and glue into place. Glue on top
the centre and secure with glue. of your wrapped present.
Lia Griffith
Lia’s greatest loves are her daughter Emily, her
dog Enzo and travelling in Europe. She adores
a cosy, comfy (and gorgeous) living space and
believes every room should include an element
of handmade. When she’s not sharing her DIY
knowledge she loves making a gourmet spread
for friends and family. www.liagriffith.com
60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 37
 04

09

HOW TO MAKE… FABRIC ENVELOPES

MATERIALS Paper may be gorgeous, but (81/8") squares on the back of your
Q Scissors Q Two different how about experimenting with plain fabric, allowing at least a
Q Sewing machine patterned light/ materials that have a little more 1.5cm (5/8") seam allowance all the
Q Ruler medium-weight permanence? Here we have three way round each square.
Q Tailors chalk cotton fabrics, ideas for using fabric to create To make this easier (especially if
Q Pins 0.25m (¼yrd) each beautifully presented presents – you want to make several) you can
Q Pencil Q Light/medium- friends can keep the wrapping to make a template square from a
Q Iron weight plain cotton use as a pouch, or maybe display sheet of paper and simply draw
Q Small embroidery fabric, 0.25m (¼yrd) in their home – really it's two gifts around this with your chalk. Trim
hoop (around Q Additional 0.25m in one! your fabric squares so there’s a
12cm (10")) (¼yrd) plain, medium Anna Alicia's envelopes would 1.5cm (5/8") seam allowance around
Q Embroidery needle weight fabric or suit dinky pieces of jewellery, your chalk lines.
Q Two sheets of A4 interfacing if your and you can re-visit the project in 02 Place one of the fabric squares

paper (optional) other fabrics are February when writing Valentine's
Q Thread in a quite light love notes. Zeena Shah's tutorials
contrast colour Q Thin yarn or twine (over the page) include handy
Q Matching colour and decorative printing techniques that you can
thread buttons to finish re-use in other projects – both
come from her new book, which is
our current welcome gift for new
subscribers (see page 26).
01 Start by drawing out a 21cm
(81/8") square using your Tailors
chalk on the back of each of your
that will form the outside of one of
your envelopes right side (RS) up.
Using pins, mark out a rectangle
in the centre of your fabric, 17 x
12cm (6¾ x 4¾") at 45degrees
to the square. Again, you could
make a quick template for the
rectangle out of paper. The area
you’ve marked out will be the back
of your envelope, so you can plan
your embroidery to fit within it.
03 Mark out carefully in pencil your

patterned fabrics, plus two 21cm text to embroider. Remove your

38 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
 05 06 08

10 11 12

pins and then stretch your fabric
over your embroidery hoop.
04 Thread your needle with
doubled-up cotton thread (or you
could use stranded embroidery
thread), in a contrast colour that
will stand out against your fabric.
Embroider over your pencilled text
07 Find the corner of your square
directly below your embroidery.
From the point of that corner mark
3.5cm (13/8") along each side, then
join these marks to form a line
across the corner. Sew along this
line, oversewing the ends.
08 Trim 5mm (¼") from the line
front of you with the outside fabric
(the embroidered side) facing
down and the cut-off corner facing
towards you. Fold the cut-off
corner up and the corners at either
side in, so they meet. Pin together
and press with your iron.
11 Hand stitch together along the

using chain stitch. Need a hand you’ve sewn, cut across each edges where your fabric is pinned.
with your stitches? Visit us at http:// corner close to your stitching 12 Finally, fold over the top flap of

bit.ly/embroiderystitches.
05 Remove your fabric from
the hoop and iron on the back.
Repeat Steps 2-5 using your
second outer fabric.
06 Lay your embroidered squares
out RS up and your inner fabric
squares wrong side (WS) down
on top. If your fabrics are both
quite thin you might want to add
an extra layer of plain fabric or
interfacing here. Pin together
around the edges, following your
chalk line. Sew around the square
edges, following the chalk line and
leaving a 3-4cm gap.
and trim your remaining seam your envelope and press the fold
allowance to 1cm (3/8"). Repeat with your iron. Repeat Steps 9-12
with your other square. with your second envelope.
09 Turn your squares RS out Once you’re ready to pack up
through the gap you left and your gifts, use some thin twine and
iron flat. Stitch the gaps closed. decorate with a button or a bow as
10 Place one of your squares in a final finishing touch.
Anna Alicia
Anna is the designer-maker behind eco-ethical
jewellery and homeware label A Alicia. She's
based in East London with her artist husband,
their baby, and a multitude of books and plants,
and loves combining ceramics with organic
textiles in her work. www.aalicia.bigcartel.com

Subscribe at molliemakes.com 60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 39

 01

08

03

09

06

10

HOW TO MAKE… A STENCIL-PRINTED DRAWSTRING BAG

MATERIALS Stencil printing Make sure they are lying flat with 09 Fold over the top edge by

Q Two pieces plain 01 Carefully cut out the templates no gaps. 1cm (3/8") then fold again, lining the
lightweight fabric, on page 100 using your scalpel 06 When you’re happy with the edge up with the cut marks. Press
25 x 18cm (10 x 7") and cutting mat. layout, dab the brush into the ink into place, pin then sew as close
Q Cord, 72cm (283/8") 02 Tear off a section of painters then onto your stencil a few times to the edge as you can, reversing
Q Sewing machine tape approximately 4 to 5cm (15/8 to to evenly cover the fabric. Add at the start and finish (middle and
and thread 2") in length. Position a template in more or less ink as necessary. bottom diagrams). Repeat this
Q Pencil the centre of the tape, then use a 07 Leave to dry or use a hairdryer process on the other fabric piece.
Q Scissors pencil to trace around it. before peeling off the tape. 10 Place both pieces of fabric right

Q Pinking shears 03 Cut the shape out using your sides (RS) together, pin, then sew
Q Tape measure scalpel – you need to remove the Making the pouches around the sides and bottom
Q Pins positive space while keeping the 08 To make a channel for edges, leaving a 1.5cm (5/8") seam
Q Large safety pin tape intact. Repeat with the various the drawstring to pass through, allowance. Trim any excess using
Q Iron templates until you have enough measure 5cm (2") down from the pinking shears, or zigzag stitch the
Q Fabric block tape pieces to cover your fabric. top right edge on one piece and edges to finish.
printing ink 04 Use the trick marker to mark a make a 1cm (3/8") cut to create a 11 Turn the pouch RS out and

Q Dish seam allowance onto your piece of flap. Turn the flap in 5mm (¼") and press the seams. Cut the cord in
Q Stencil brush fabric, as well as a rough guideline press, then turn again and press half, then use a large safety pin to
Q Wide painters tape for your stencils. once more. Now pin the flap into thread one half through the channel
Q Trick marker 05 Carefully unpeel the tape place before machine stitching it from one side to the other.
Q Scalpel and sections from your cutting mat so as close to the edge as you can Repeat for the second piece of
cutting mat they don’t tear then stick them (see top diagram). Repeat on the cord, but this time thread it through
Q Ruler onto your fabric, following the opposite side, and then again on the opposite way. Pull through and
Q Hairdryer guidelines you marked earlier. both sides of the other fabric piece. knot each end.

40 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
 02

04

06

10

HOW TO MAKE… ROLLER PRINTED FABRIC WRAPPING

MATERIALS Lint roller printing 05 Gently drop your lint roller down Making the wrapping
Q Light or medium 01 Using the tracing paper and into the top edge of the ink tray 07 Hem the edges of your

weight fabric, 42 x a soft leaded pencil, trace the then carefully roll it towards you, wrapping cloth by folding 0.5cm
42cm (16½ x 16½") templates on page 100 onto your making sure you press down firmly (¼") in on the wrong side of the
Q Sewing machine foam sheet, then cut out. to cover every piece of foam. fabric, pressing with an iron then
and thread 02 Experiment with arranging 06 Starting to work across the folding over again.
Q Sewing needle the shapes on your cutting mat. centre of your fabric, place your lint 08 Pin the fabric at right angles to

Q Pins When you’re happy, carefully peel roller at one edge and very firmly keep it in place, fold your corners
Q Hairdryer away the backing of the lint roller roll it across the fabric width, neatly underneath, then stitch as
Q Iron to reveal the sticky side, then place stopping when you reach the other closely to the fold as you can.
Q Opaque fabric each shape onto the roller, edge. Repeat this process above 09 Trim away extra thread, remove

block printing ink pressing firmly into place. and below your first line of print the pins and press the hem.
Q Ink tray 03 Iron your fabric and place it to cover the entire piece of fabric 10 Follow the instructions shown

Q Roller or brayer on some scrap paper or a table with your design. Leave to dry in the diagram above to fold your
Q Lint roller protector, then fix it in place at naturally or use a hairdryer. cloth and wrap a gift.
Q A5 craft the corners with masking tape.
foam sheet Squeeze a small amount of ink How to Print Fabric
Q Soft leaded pencil along the top edge of your ink tray. Both these projects appear in How to Print Fabric
Q Scissors or scalpel 04 Over-inking will produce a by Zeena Shah, published by David & Charles ©
and cutting mat blotchy finish, so use a roller F&W Media International Ltd 2015, RRP £14.99.
Q Masking tape or brayer to roll the ink out in the Get your hands on a copy when you subscribe to
Q Tracing paper tray as thinly as possible. You can Mollie Makes – see page 26 for more details!
Q Scrap paper or always add a little more later if it www.stitchcraftcreate.co.uk
table protector gets too thin.

Subscribe at molliemakes.com 60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 41

ILLUSTRATION: CHRISSY LAU

WHY DO WE MAKE?
Making, creating and crafting is such a big part of
our lives, but what exactly motivates us to do it?
Words: SOPHIE BROWN Illustration: CHRISSY LAU
C
rafting slips into our routines as easily as eating
and sleeping; from crocheting on your morning
commute to lazily stitching in front of the TV in
the evening. Not to mention flicking through Mollie
Makes for inspiration for your next project, or to lust
over handmade trinkets.
But why do we do it? And what exactly is it that
drives us to create? According to the Craft Yarn
Council’s 2014 research, there are three main
motivations. Of 3,100 knitters and crocheters
surveyed, 65% said that crafting was a creative
outlet, 51% said they simply enjoyed making things
for others, and 44% said that making provided them
with a sense of accomplishment.
EXPRESS YOURSELF
The desire to craft often comes from the urge to
make something from nothing. Whether it’s to pinch
pennies or to breathe life into a ball of yarn, the
hankering to create something tangible motivates us.
Papercrafter extraordinaire Julie Kirk says: “To
paraphrase Mrs Potts from Beauty and the Beast,
I craft to make ‘something that wasn’t there before.’”
And the very act of making is, undeniably, a form
of creative expression. Julie explains: “I craft to
externalise something inside me; something I want
to say; something I want to see. And when I can do
that while surrounded by glorious reclaimed and
salvaged supplies, what’s not to enjoy?”
Crafter Ellie Beck (www.petalplum.blogspot.com)
echoes Julie’s sentiments. “Creativity is an innate
feeling for me. I can’t not make and craft.
“Working creatively brings about a connection
between my hands and my head, and also a kind of
meditation. I have a deep feeling to share my visual
voice through my craft. My dedication to a creative
practice helps to hone my artistic skills, and connect
with my random thoughts and ideas.”
Although the sheer pleasure of creating is enough
for some, for others it provides a get-out from
consumer culture. Our high streets are made up
of chains and replicas, and we pick up clothes and
accessories without thinking where they came from.
Molly Bishop (Instagram @morraii – you won’t
regret it!), a graphic design and textiles teacher
Subscribe at molliemakes.com
INTRODUCING good read
from Leicester, is a crafter on a mission. She spends
her days teaching students not just how to design
and make, but also about ethics and sustainability:
“Using campaigns such as Fashion Revolution in the
classroom helps my students to be aware of workers’
conditions and the true price of fast fashion.
“By talking about these issues, I hope to help my
students make the right choices about the businesses
they support, whilst helping to develop their own
creativity and making skills,” she says.
FEEL GOOD FACTOR
Delving deeper, the psychological rewards of
crafting are becoming evermore apparent. We live
in a digital world, where our work is often intangible
– it’s files on a desktop; images made of pixels and
words on a screen. It’s rare we’re able to actually
touch, hold and enjoy the fruits of our labour –
unless we craft, of course.
“Biologically, the process of making, the mastery
of skills and a tangible end product rewards us
with a boost of powerful feel good chemicals,”
says Betsan Corkhill, who created Stitchlinks (www.
stitchlinks.com), a Bath-based organisation using
therapeutic creative activities to improve wellbeing.
“Making enriches our environment and thinking
creatively enhances our ability to cope with whatever
life throws our way,” she adds.
There’s no doubt making gives you a rush.
“There’s no better buzz than the sense of pride
and achievement when people buy something we
designed,” say Laura Harvey and Jack Thorpe of
Paper Plane (www.paperplanedesigns.co.uk). “The
fact something can be in our heads one day, and on
someone’s wall the next, confuses and delights us.”
In a TED Talk in 2014, psychologist Mihaly
Csikszentmihalyi said: “When we’re involved in
creativity, we feel we’re living more fully.You know
that what you need to do is possible to do, even
though diicult, and sense of time disappears.You
forget yourself.You feel part of something larger.”
Truly, that’s what motivates us to make. Craft is a
constant in a world full of variables. We craft because
it really, deeply, honestly makes us happy, and that’s
a good enough reason to do anything.
60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 43
A handpicked collection of fabrics ... delivered to your door

www.misformake.co.uk
 Git it!
PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS, STYLING: HELENA TRACEY AND JEN GARDNER, MODEL: AGATHA CAMERON KETTLE

To the
rescue!
Whip up easy stocking fillers for your
miniature heroes with Kirsty Hartley’s
superhero mask and cape set
 04 04 05

10 11 12

HOW TO MAKE… A MASK AND CAPE

MATERIALS It’s Christmas time, there’s two recommend supervising younger

Q Matching sewing For the cape whole weeks of no school, and children when wearing their cape.
threads Q Soft fabric, the little ones are all fired up
Q Tailor’s chalk 60cm (235/8") with the magic of the season – Making the masks
or pencil Q Fabric scraps in so put some real sparkle into 01 Prepare the template to the

Q Sewing machine contrasting colours
Q Good quality shears Q One fat quarter of
contrasting fabric
For the masks Q Contrasting lining
Q One skinny or fat fabric, 60cm (235/8")
quarter soft fabric Q Iron-on fusible
Q Fabric scraps in bonding web,
contrasting colours 30cm (12") square
Q Iron-on fusible Q 2cm (¾") piece
playtime with this fantastical
superhero set. It’s incredibly
easy to whip up too, making a
great last minute stocking filler.
We decided to use brushed
cotton moleskin for the main fabric,
but for a simpler make you could
use felt instead to reduce your
sewing time. Just remember it
most suitable scale and make
two copies of it.
Prepare enough fabric for the
mask by backing it with fusible
bonding web. Peel the paper
backing away and back with a
second piece of fabric. This will
eliminate frayed edges later on.
02 Bond the back of the contrast

bonding web, of Velcro won’t machine wash quite as well fabric scraps and trace the
30cm (12") square as regular fabrics. appliqué template pieces on to
Q Matching elastic, The templates should fit the paper backing. Carefully peel
30cm (12") long two-to-ten-year-olds, but you may away the backing.
need to scale up or down to fit. If in 03 Assemble the appliqué pieces

doubt, take a quick copy and mock
up the mask in paper first, cutting
out the eyes for size.
The Velcro provides a safe
and easy fastening, however we
in position, adhesive side down.
Cover with paper or a soft cloth
and press into place until
bonded, taking care not to
overheat sensitive fabrics.

46 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
13

Follow the same

instructions to make
a cat mask, and find a
tail pattern on our blog
www.molliemakes.com.

04 Topstitch 2mm (1/8") from the turning the longer straight edges 12 Cut the neck piece, adding 1cm

edge of all appliqué shapes using
matching thread. Sew around the
lines traced for the outer edge of
the mask.
05 Carefully cut out the mask 2mm
(1/8") from the sewing lines. Cut out
in by 1cm (3/8"), pinning, then
sewing into place.
10 Assemble the appliqué pieces
into position, adhesive side down.
Cover with paper or a soft cloth
and press into place until
(3/8") all around. Place RS together
and sew along the shorter ends
and top. Trim the corners and turn
RS out. Press the remaining edges
in by 1cm (3/8").
13 Using the notches as a guide,

the eyes using finer scissors.
06 Sew the elastic into place at the
back of the mask either by hand
or machine.
Making the cape
07 Prepare the pattern to scale.
Make copies of the motifs. Cut
bonded, taking care not to
overheat sensitive fabrics. Topstitch
around the appliqué shapes, 2mm
(1/8") from the edges.
11 Place the cape and lining right
sides (RS) together and sew 1cm
(3/8") from the edge, stitching at the
start and finish to secure. Snip the
pin the neck piece RS together with
the cape lining and sew into place.
Press. Now bring the neck piece to
the front of the cape, trapping the
seam allowances. Pin and sew into
place 2mm (1/8") from the edge,
along the entire edge.
14 Sew the Velcro fastening into

out the main cape and the lining,
adding 1cm (3/8") seam allowance
all around.
08 Bond the back of the contrast
fabric. Trace the appliqué template
pieces on to the paper backing.
Carefully peel the backing away.
09 Prepare a centre panel for the
cape by cutting the fabric to size,
corners, turn RS out and press. place and press to finish.
Kirsty Hartley
Kirsty's children’s brand, Wild Things, creates
out-of-the-ordinary, everyday clothes that put
imagination back into childhood. Her first sewing
book, Wild Things Funky Little Clothes to Sew, is
available now. www.wildthingsdresses.com

60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 47
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 LIVING 60

INSPIRATION ALERT! SPACES, PLACES & NEW DESIGNERS TO WATCH

Winter is magical
for children –
the snow, the days off
school, plus the wonder
of Christmas, of course.
Indulge this precious
time with a playful,
creative environment
– Ashlyn Gibson’s new
book, Creative Children’s
Spaces is full of ideas.
Mollie Makes readers can
order a copy for £13.99
(RRP £19.99) by calling
Macmillan Direct on
01256 302 699 quoting
EA1. www.rps.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPH: BEN ROBERTSON

Subscribe at molliemakes.com 60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 49

 Enliven the mammoth Farewell, red and green –
Christmas dinner clear-up you have your place, but
with some pastel Scandi circles

GET THE LOOK

for now we’re choosing
– Rudolph seems to approve of the
elegant wood and cool
pattern too, seeing as he’s dressed
himself in it. www.notonthehighstreet.
tones in a wreath that’ll
com/yuyu, www.notonthehighstreet. last for years. www.
com/studionoodles SUGAR-COATED CHRISTMAS annawiscombe.etsy.com

What’s better for

decking the halls
than bright, shining,
jewel-like statement
lights? Ones you
can mix, match and
These candy-toned baubles look sweet customise, of course! As much as we’d love a winter sunshine
enough to eat. We’ll take one of every Get busy pic’n’mixing break, we’ll happily settle for spicing up
letter, ta – as if we needed any more temptation your own at www. our homes with a riot of Mexican-inspired festive
in December. www.anthropologie.com/uk fatboy.com decals instead. www.kitschkitchen.nl

50 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
 Olivia and Chloe Brookman are
transforming children’s design

BRAND FOCUS
Olli Ella
The brainchild of sisters
Olivia and Chloe, Olli Ella
was founded “on the idea that,
just because an item’s made
for a nursery, it needn’t look
out of place elsewhere.”
Cue beautiful woven storage
baskets, nursing seats that
guests can also perch on, and
fresh pastels galore. Because
why should kids have all the
fun? www.olliella.com

Refresh your home with

the help of Atomic Soda,
a French design company
dedicated to the worthy cause
of keeping your inner child
alive. Its stationery, fashion
accessories and homewares
are just the thing for sprinkling
magic around on 25 December
and onwards. www.atomicsoda.fr
Chuck toys in here for easy
peasy tidying up

WEBSITE TO WATCH
Loop the Loop
Dreamed up on a country walk by
Laura (aka ‘Loop’) and her partner
Adam near their home in the Brecon
Beacons, online boutique Loop the
Loop feels like a breath of fresh air
for your home, filled with simple
For the nursery wall, or the
Scandinavian-style products and
grown-ups’ print collection
cooling colours. Perfect for curing
that inevitable post-Christmas bloat.
www.looptheloop.co.uk

Subscribe at molliemakes.com 60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 51

LIVING home tour

Marij Hessel’s colourful

home is a happy marriage
of vintage and modern
Words: HEATHER YOUNG Photography: HENNY VAN BELKOM

Dutch blogger Marij Hessel lives in a three-

bedroom apartment in the large town of Alphen
aan den Rijn in The Netherlands, with her
boyfriend Evert and their two cats Mos and
Def. The couple are sociable and enjoy having
family and friends nearby. In the future they’d
like to make the move to a smaller town close to
them, but for now their home is just right.
Marij works as a designer for Dutch fashion
brand Costes, and she started her interiors blog,

52 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
 LIVING home tour

Left: Marij’s Christmas

tree is decorated with her
signature fresh pastels.
She picked up the vintage
cabinet on a trip to Belgium.
This page: Graphic patterns
freshen up vintage furniture.

60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 53
LIVING home tour
My Attic (www.entermyattic.blogspot.co.uk) in
2011 as a place to share her love of styling and
decorating. My Attic is full of photographs of
her home, which is that dreamy Scandinavian
blend of vintage and modern, with a clean, white
backdrop and furniture pieces full of character
and history. “My style is a mixture of fresh
colours combined with white, vintage furniture,
a lot of plants plus some handmade projects,”
says Marij. “I love graphic elements as well.”
Marij enjoys changing up the colours in her
home, but right now the white walls are brought
to life with accents of fresh pastels such as soft
pink, mint green and yellow ochre. As well
as introducing these colours with accessories
and soft furnishings, Marij likes to wield a
paintbrush. “I often update my vintage finds
myself,” she says. Marij was inspired to paint
her large cabinet pink after seeing a picture
on Pinterest. “You have to be patient when
54 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
MID CENTURY
To hone your eye for mid-
century furniture, Marij
recommends you do some
swotting up. Follow some
Instagram accounts that
specialise in selling furniture
from that period so you learn
to recognise the style and
designs, and read a few books
too.That way, when you spot a
secondhand piece, you can tell
if it’s the real deal and identify
the designer and period.
01
02 03
updating furniture. It’s a whole process of 01 A wall display of
sanding, priming and painting,” she says. “I just vintage treasures
put on some music and enjoy working with my – Marij loves the
hands. I find it really therapeutic.” history they contain.
Marij has a real eye for vintage, and is at her 02 Glass storage jars
happiest scouring thrift stores for new pieces. have been updated
“This summer, Evert and I drove to Belgium with graphic flashes of
with a bus to do a lot of thrift shopping. I also paint in pretty shades.
love Marktplaats, a Dutch website where people 03 A keen cook, Marij
sell and buy almost anything. If you take the bakes her own festive
time to look, you can find amazing things,” she biscuits to share with
tells us. “I love my vintage items more than family and friends.
I love new products because they have a story
behind them.You don’t see them in every store,
which means they’re more unique to me.”
Finding the balance between modern and
vintage is an art, and Marij’s home is a real
lesson in how to nail it. “I try to style my vintage
furniture in a modern way,” she explains. “I
make sure not to put all my items next to each
This light, bright attic used
to be Marij’s workspace. It’s
now used as a craft room
for DIY projects, after she
moved her desk downstairs.

60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 55
LIVING home tour

02

01 03

other, and I combine them with fresh colours
and contemporary, graphic elements, which
helps.” Her dining area is a great example of this
– the vintage table and chairs are lifted by the
graphic flash of green on the wall behind, and
the sharp modern pendant light above.
Plants are another key element of Marij’s
interior style. They’re present in every room,
whether grouped on a shelf, hanging from the
ceiling or popped on a side table, and are paired
with striking pots, many of which Marij has
updated herself. “Plants give the place a more
lively feeling,” she says. “I love to combine all
kinds of diferent shapes and sizes, and they’re
great for styling photos for my blog.”
Marij’s bright home can’t help but make
you smile, with its lively pops of colour and
creative touches.You can tell how much she
loves decorating, updating and styling, and
that sense of pleasure and delight is infectious.
When it comes to Christmas, Marij loves to 01 This desk was
get creative, often making her own decorations picked up during
(she shares tutorials on her blog). “I update my a holiday in France.
decorations every year. I do re-use my old ones 02 Graphic wallpaper
but I try to give them a new twist,” she tell us. in the hallway from
“I love to search for them at the thrift shop as www.photowall.nl.
well – you don’t have to spend a lot of money 03 Marij mixes up
on decorations.” And a Christmas tree is a handmade, vintage
must, of course: “I couldn’t celebrate Christmas and new Christmas
without a real tree – I love it!” decorations.
MARIJ HESSEL
My Attic is where Marij shares her
passion for interiors, with photographs
of her home, clever DIYs, and anything
that inspires or excites her – all with her
trademark love of colour and geometric
prints. www.entermyattic.blogspot.co.uk

56 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
 
   


 



  




Design your own

woven label
10% discount with code:
12MM15
valid untill 09.12.15
www.nominette.co.uk
 WINTER'S
FRUIT
Celebrate the season's richest bounty
with Kelly Fletcher's luxurious
embroidered cushion
PHOTOGRAPH: VANESSA DAVIES
HOW TO MAKE… A POMEGRANATE CUSHION

MATERIALS The six pomegranate seeds eaten piece of fabric and a 5cm (2") hem topstitch across the width – along
Q 0.5m (20") by Persephone are the reason we into the upper back piece. Using the drawn line – using the zipper
white cotton endure these months of colder a suitable fabric marker, draw a foot. Remove the line according
Q 1m (40") white weather – or so the old Greek line across the width of the upper to the manufacturer's instructions.
cotton voile legend goes. These gorgeous piece of fabric, 4.5cm (1¾") above 11 Pin the aubergine strip to the

backing fabric fruits are in season from October the fold. front of the cushion, RS together,
Q 0.5m (20") through to February, and their 10 Place the zip face down and and stitch in place using an 0.6cm
aubergine cotton jewel-like seeds and blood-red centred on the top edge of the (¼") seam.
Q DMC six-stranded tones are so striking that we smaller piece of fabric. Tack it 12 Open the zip in the cushion back

cotton thread in couldn't resist taking them out the in place, keeping the zip’s teeth about halfway and pin the back
Light parrot green kitchen and into the living room. just below the ironed fold line. of the cushion to the aubergine
(907), Snow white To learn how to do the stitches Machine stitch along the fold line strip. Sew the two together, again
(B5200), Very dark turn to page 100, or visit our online using a zipper foot. Fold the ironed using a 0.6cm (¼") seam.
antique mauve guide at www.molliemakes.com. turnover back again so the zip flips 13 Turn the cushion RS out through

(3802), Medium and is right side (RS) up. the zip opening, push out the
dark antique mauve 01 Cut a 50 x 50cm (20 x 20") piece Position the upper piece of the corners and press the seams.
(315), Medium of white cotton and a 50 x 50cm cushion back so that the 5cm (2") 14 Make the cushion inner the

yellow (743 ), Pale (20 x 20") piece of cotton voile. fold overlaps the lower piece same way as the cover, but without
yellow (744), Very 02 Transfer the embroidery design by 4cm (1½") (lay the two pieces the zip. Instead, leave a gap along
dark garnet (902) onto the white cotton. Include the on top of the cushion front at this one edge, turn the cushion inner
Q Embroidery cutting lines. Overlock or tack the stage to check for size and adjust RS out, stuff it and then hand stitch
needle, size 7, 9 voile to the back of the fabric. the overlap if necessary). Tack the the gap closed. Use a 0.6cm (¼")
Q Milliner needle, 03 Embroider the design upper edge of the zip to the top seam. Insert the stuffed inner into
size 5, 7, 8 according to the stitch guide, right. piece of the cushion back and the cushion cover to finish.
Q 35cm (14") white zip 04 Iron the finished embroidery

Q Polyester stuffing by placing it face down on a towel

Q Matching sewing and ironing the back of the work.
thread 05 Check that the traced-on

cutting lines haven’t distorted

during stitching and redraw them
if necessary, then cut out the
embroidered cushion front.
06 Use the templates on page 100

to cut out the two back panels.

07 For the cushion inset, cut 4.5cm

(1¾") wide strips of the aubergine

cotton on the cross. Join until you
have a 153cm (60") strip.
08 For the cushion inner, use the

cutting lines for the front as a

template but add an 0.6cm (¼")
seam allowance, and cut two
pomegranate shapes from the
remaining cotton voile. Fold the
fabric in half and cut both at the
same time, so one is a mirror
image of the other. Create a Embroidered Home
153cm (60") strip, cut on the cross, This project appears in Embroidered Home by
in the same way as for the cushion Kelly Fletcher with photography by Vanessa Davies,
cover from the remaining voile. published by Kyle Books and priced £18.99. www.
09 Overlock or zigzag the zip
kylebooks.com. To see more of Kelly's embroidery
edges of each panel, then iron a designs visit www.kellyfletcher.co.uk.
1.2cm (½") hem into the lower back

60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
 Blanket

Bullion knots
Blanket
Pistil
(embroider longer
Blanket stitches first)
Spider web, whipped
Blanket
French knots
Blanket

Back trellis

Blanket
Blanket
Blanket Spider web, whipped

Blanket

Pistil
(embroider longer
stitches first)

Blanket Blanket

Back trellis Blanket

Blanket
Bullion knots

Blanket Blanket
Pistil Back trellis
(embroider longer
stitches first)

Blanket
Blanket

Blanket Blanket

French knots Bullion knots

Blanket

Spider web, whipped

60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 61
 HOME
FOR
Christmas

Let it snow
Serve up a feast fit for a fairy tale with Valerie
Bracegirdle’s winter wonderland-worthy table runner
PHOTOGRAPHY: JESSE WILD, STYLING: HELENA TRACEY AND JEN GARDNER, TEACUPS & SCENTED CANDLE: WWW.BERYLUNE.CO.UK
HOW TO MAKE… CROCHET SNOWFLAKES

MATERIALS Stuck for Christmas table motif. Once you’ve made a large 6dc in ring, ss to 1st dc to join
For table runner inspiration? Grab your hook and motif you'll find the others easy. [6 dc]
and coasters: yarn and rustle up this dreamy For the coasters and runner use Round 2 ch1 (does not count as st),
QStylecraft Classique snowflake runner. It’s elegant one of yarns A, B, C or D and MC, (1dc, ch5) 5 times, ch2, 1tr in 1st dc
Cotton DK yarn, 100% enough for the adults, yet has a with a 4mm hook. For the runner (forming last 5ch-sp) [6 5ch-sps]
cotton, 100g/184m per touch of the Frozen-esque about it use six mini, five small, four Round 3 ch1 (does not count as st),
ball, two balls in White to please the kids, too. No time to medium and four large snowflakes. (1dc in 5ch-sp, ch5) 6 times, ss to
(3660) (MC), one ball make a whole runner? Get hooking For a hanging decoration, use 1st dc to join [6 5ch-sps]
each in Shell Pink (3666) a few speedy coasters or a hanging the Wendy Supreme cotton, with
(Yarn A), Sky Blue (3667) dec for your tree, instead. a 3.25mm crochet hook. Circle centre
(Yarn B), Soft Lime The mini, large, medium and Foundation using 1st colour, ch4
(3663) (Yarn C), Wisteria Instructions small snowflakes are also charted and join into a ring with a ss.
(3664) (Yarn D) There are four sizes of motif and on page 66. Round 1 ch3 (counts as 1tr), 17tr in
Q4mm (UK 8, US G/6) two different centres. First choose ring, join to 3rd st of starting ch3
crochet hook the colours you want, then the Star centre with a ss [18 tr]
QYarn Needle centre, then the motif size. Foundation using 1st colour, ch4 Round 2 ch1 (does not count as st),
QSewing needle Step-by-step photos show the and join into a ring with a ss. (1dc, ch5, miss 2 sts) 6 times, ss to
and white thread centres and the large snowflake Round 1 ch1 (does not count as st), 1st dc to join [6 5ch-sps]
For the hanging
decoration: Circle centre
QWendy Supreme Cotton
DK Yarn, 100% cotton,
100g/201m per ball,
one ball in White (1820)
Q3.25mm (UK10, US D/3)

TENSION
Tension isn't too important
for this design, just aim for
a finish you're happy with
Star centre
ABBREVIATIONS (UK)
st(s) stitch(es)
ch chain
ch-sp(s) chain space(s)
ss slip stitch
dc double crochet
htr half treble
tr treble
picot ch3 then ss to the
3rd ch from the hook
Large snowflake
FINISHED SIZE
Approx. snowflake sizes
at the widest point:
Mini: 7cm (2¾")
Small: 13cm (5¼")
Medium: 17cm (6¾")
Large: 20cm (77/8")
Table runner: approx.
120 x 25cm (477/8 x 6¾")

64 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
 Mini snowflake motif
The motifs are made in MC only.
Foundation, Round 1 and Round
2 As for Star Centre
Round 3 ch1 (does not count as st),
*1dc in 5ch-sp, (ch7, ss to 3rd ch
from hook); repeat from * to end
of round, ss to 1st dc to join. Break
yarn and fasten off.
Large snowflake motif
The motif pattern starts with a
centre (star or circle) and 4 rounds
are added.
The motifs are made of 2 colours
– Centre plus Rounds L1 and L2 in
A, B, C or D and Rounds L3 and L4
in MC.
First make a Circle or Star Centre in
your chosen colour and continue
with the following rounds using the
same colour:
Round L1 ss into 1st 5ch-sp, ch3
(counts as 1tr), 5tr in same 5ch-sp,
ch3, (6tr, ch3) in each 5ch-sp
around, join to 3rd st of starting
ch3 with a ss [6 3ch-sps with 6tr
along each side]
Round L2 ch3 (counts as 1tr), 1tr in
each of next 5 sts, (1tr, ch3, 1tr) in
3ch-sp, *1tr in each of next 6 sts,
(1tr, ch3, 1tr) in 3ch-sp; repeat from
* to end of round, join to 3rd of
starting ch3 with a ss. Break yarn
and fasten off [6 3ch-sps with 8tr
along each side]
Round L3 join MC to any 3ch-sp
with a ss, ch3 (counts as 1tr), *1tr
in each of next 8 sts, (1tr, ch3**, 1tr)
in 3ch-sp; repeat from * to end of
round but in the last repeat finish
at **, join to 3rd of starting ch3
with a ss [6 3ch-sps with 10tr
along each side]
Round L4 ch1 (does not count as
st), *1dc, (ch3, 1dc in each of next
2 sts) 4 times, ch3, 1dc in next st,
(1dc, picot, 1htr, picot, 1htr, picot,
1dc) in 3ch-sp; repeat from * to end
of round, ss to 1st dc to join. Break
yarn and fasten off.
Subscribe at molliemakes.com
Medium snowflake motif Round S1 as Round L1
The motif pattern starts with a Round S2 ch1 (does not count as
centre (star or circle) and 3 rounds st), *1dc in each of next 3 sts, picot,
are added. 1dc in each of next 3 sts, (1htr,
The motifs are made of 2 colours picot, 1tr, picot, 1tr, picot, 1htr)
– Centre plus Round M1 in A, B, in 3ch-sp; repeat from * to end of
C or D and Rounds M2 and M3 round, ss to 1st dc. Break yarn and
in MC. fasten off.
First make a Circle or Star Centre
in your chosen colour and continue Hanging decoration
with the following rounds using the For a hanging decoration, use
same colour: Wendy Supreme cotton and a
Round M1 as Round L1 but break 3.25mm hook and follow the small
yarn and fasten off at the end of snowflake pattern but don't change
this round. yarn. For a hanging loop, change
Round M2 Join MC to the first tr the centre picot on any point to
of any 6tr group with a ss, then (ch25, ss to 25th ch from hook).
work as Round L2
Round M3 ch1 (does not count as Finishing
st), *1dc, (ch3, 1dc in each of next Sew in all loose ends using a
2 sts) 3 times, ch3, 1dc in next st, yarn needle.
(1dc, picot, 1htr, picot, 1htr, picot, The motifs will benefit from
1dc) in 3ch-sp; repeat from * to end blocking. For cotton yarn, we
of round, ss to 1st dc. Break yarn recommend steam blocking. Lay
and fasten off. the motifs out on an ironing board
and pull to shape. Hold a steam
Small snowflake motif iron about 2cm (¾") above the
The motif pattern starts with a motifs and steam them. Do not let
centre (star or circle) and 2 rounds the iron touch the work. Leave to
are added. dry thoroughly.
The motifs are made of 2 colours
– Round 1 of the Circle Centre and To make a table runner, lay your
Rounds 1 and 2 of the Star Centre motifs out along the table and
are in A, B, C or D and Round 2 of arrange them until you're happy
the Circle Centre and Round 3 of with the layout. Take your time
the Star Centre, along with Rounds doing this. Once you have a layout
S1 and S2, are in MC. you're happy with, use a sewing
First make a Circle or Star Centre needle and white sewing thread
starting in your chosen colour and to stitch them together where they
changing to MC on the last round touch. Place your stitches on the
of the Centre, then continue in MC wrong side of the work and trim
with the following rounds: your ends neatly.
Valerie Bracegirdle
Valerie is a crochet and knitting designer and
Mollie Makes' technical editor. She describes
herself as an ‘accidental designer’ because she
didn’t intend to become one – it just happened
somewhere along the path of enjoying yarn
crafts. Find her on Ravelry as vbracegirdle and
read her blog www.agrarianartisan.com.
60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 65
HOW TO MAKE… CROCHET SNOWFLAKES

KEY
Large snowflake motif
ch

dc

htr

picot

ss

tr

Small snowflake motif

i s m

66 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
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Try our interactive iPad and iPhone editions of Mollie Makes Christmas,
Mollie Makes Blogging and Mollie Makes Social Media magazines

Q You can now purchase a digital edition of our

Mollie Makes specials – ready to read wherever
and whenever you need a bit of inspiration
Q Each purchase is permanently stored in
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To see our full collection, visit

myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/ipad-magazines
 LOVING 60

OH, YOU PRETTY THINGS! MOODBOARDS & MUSINGS TO INSPIRE US

Bake this pretty
wreath to hang on
your door or serve it up as
a fun, sharing dessert after
Christmas dinner. Find
the recipe in Gingerbread
Wonderland by Mima
Sinclair, which is packed
full of inspiring biscuits
and bakes. Published by
Kyle Books, priced £8.99.
www.kylebooks.com
PHOTOGRAPH: TARA FISHER

Subscribe at molliemakes.com 60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 77

 COLLECTING
Vintage obsessive Solanah Hernandez has a
particular fondness for eccentric hats of the past
I started collecting vintage pretty early. My
aunt and sister-in-law were both involved in
vintage fashion in the 80s and 90s, so I got a lot
of amazing hand-me-downs. My family used to
dress me in the cutest outfits too, and when I was
about eight I got to wear a little black felt pillbox
hat with a birdcage veil. That was my first vintage
hat, and from then on I started collecting them at
estate sales and thrift stores.
Later on, I worked at a vintage shop and my
collection grew even bigger – hats weren’t big
sellers, so I got my pick of rare 40s tilt hats and
30s caps that no one seemed to appreciate. I think
that’s part of the appeal; wearing and preserving
something that may otherwise be forgotten. I have
about 50 hats now, as I cleaned out my collection
78 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
from over 100 last year. I don’t like not using the
things I own, so I’d rather they go to owners that
appreciate them than sit inside a box, unseen.
I love wearing my hats – I dress in vintage, so my
hat choice depends on what era outfit I’m sporting.
I’ll wear them to special events, or sometimes just
when I’m in the mood for something diferent.
People generally react positively to them, although
sometimes they’re confused as to why I’m wearing
them. I live in Washington state in the US and
style here is usually based on function, so it can be
diicult for people to see fashion as purely artful.
I don’t have a single favourite hat, but my weakness
is anything with a bird or feather on it. I try to be
selective when buying as I have so many already!
www.solanahoriginal.etsy.com
 The
suits-all
beanie
Still desperately whittling
down that pressie making list?
Elen Angharad’s speedy
beanie is here to help

Git it!
PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS, STYLING: HELENA TRACEY AND JEN GARDNER, MODEL: LEANNE MEGSON
making the Hat

HOW TO MAKE… A KNITTED BEANIE

MATERIALS to 10cm (4") over Last minute pressie-buying panic Instructions

Q Cascade Magnum stocking stitch using setting in? Relax – whip up a The hat is made in one piece from
yarn, 100% Highland 15mm needles couple of these super-speedy the brim to the top. The side seam
Peruvian Wool, beanie hats and you’ll be on your is sewn and a pom pom added.
250g/112m per ball, ABBREVIATIONS way to To-do list-zero. This chunky, Using the long tail cast on method
one ball in Birch (UK) stretchy hat will fit (and suit!) most will ensure the edge is stretchy.
Heather (9564) st(s) stitch(es) adults, and you can customise it by Cast on 32 stitches using the long
Q 15mm (US19) k knit switching up shades, or adding a tail method.
straight needles p purl contrast colour pom pom. The ball Rows 1-7 *k1, p1; repeat from
Q Tapestry needle k2tog knit 2 of yarn used is enough to make two * to end of row
Q 65mm pom pom sts together separate hats – ideal for express Row 8 knit
maker, available gift making. Row 9 purl
at Hobbycraft FINISHED SIZE If you’re a newbie to knitting, try Repeat last 2 rows 4 more times.
Q Scissors Approx 36cm (14") and keep your stitches as loose as Start decreasing to shape the top
around the brim possible. Many new knitters will knit of the hat.
TENSION and 25cm (10") high very tightly which makes it difficult Row 18 *k3, k2tog; repeat from
7 stitches and 10 rows (excluding pom pom) to knit the next row. * to last 2 sts, k2 [26sts]

80 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
making the pom
Row 19 purl
Row 20 *k2, k2tog; repeat from
* to last 2 sts, k2 [20sts]
Row 21 purl
Row 22 *k1, k2tog; repeat from
* to last 2 sts, k2 [14sts]
Row 23 purl
Row 24 *k2tog; repeat from
* to end of row [7sts]
Measure a 150cm (59") tail of yarn
and cut your hat away from your
ball of yarn. Thread your tapestry
needle with the yarn and pull
through the live stitches on the
knitting needle.
Pull tight to secure the top of
the hat.
Subscribe at molliemakes.com
Mustard-toned
knitwear is a fave
at Mollie HQ!
Finishing We love using pom pom makers
Now use the rest of the tail of yarn for speed but it’s just as fun to
to seam up the back of the hat make your own from cardboard
using the mattress stitch technique. or around a fork.
Weave in all the ends. Pull the pom pom tail through
You're almost finished – now you the hole at the top of your hat and
just need to add a pom pom to secure to the hat by weaving in the
your hat. ends and pulling into a tight knot.
Elen Angharad
Elen is a Cardiff-based designer-maker
who specialises in hand knit textiles. She re-
discovered her love for the craft a few years ago,
and earlier this year she quit her day job to focus
on her business as well as returning to university
to study textiles. www.elenangharad.com
60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 81
Free shipping
20-30 Nov!
And 10% off
when you subscribe
to the KPC newsletter
 Advertising Promotion

Yarn, Glorious Yarn

WE’ RE B ET T ING ‘M O R E W O O L’ I S O N YO U R C H R I S T MA S
LIST, SO LO O K NO FU RT H E R T H A N T H E S C R U MP T I O U S
SELEC T IO N AVA I L A B L E F R O M K P C YA R N S

T
here’s nothing more satisfying than
picking out a selection of yarns for a
new project, especially in the winter
months when being cosily huddled under
a WIP in front of the fire is the
very definition of crafting bliss.
So next time you need to stock up, we
suggest you make a beeline straight for the
glorious riot of colour that is KPC’s new
collection of luxurious hand knit yarns, and
make the most of its two great offers for
Mollie Makes readers – free shipping
between 20-30 November and 10% off
when you subscribe to the newsletter at
www.kpcyarn.com.
The Hong Kong-based company
has a long history in artisanal textile
production, and it’s proud to say it knows
the origins of every single ball of wool
produced. Its sheep and goats are raised in
Gostwyck in New South Wales, Australia,
where wool has been produced since 1834.
The animals and their environment are
exceptionally cared for, making for superior
fleece producing a high quality fibre. KPC’s
impeccable care and attention is not just
limited to the well being of its livestock. Its
commitment to the highest industry
standards continue throughout the
production process, including overseeing
all fleece being spun and dyed, and the
winding and packaging of every ball of
wool. And isn’t the packaging pretty? KPC’s
Novomerino yarn is so smooth,
it’s had to create its own method of A HISTORY IN MAKING
packaging to hold the balls together! The KPC journey began over
Hence the distinctive ribbon and label. You 70 years ago in Shanghai. After
can use this ribbon to keep your a move to Macau in the 1950s,
ball of wool intact between projects, the successful family tailoring
and the label contains all necessary yarn business grew into Novetex, one
information with a complete record of of the first completely vertically
everything you need to reorder. Once integrated textile companies in
you’re finished, the label can be used again Asia. In other words, through its
as a gift tag – there’s even space to write parent company Novetex, KPC
your own name or message. oversees and manages the entire
So what’s the range like? Well, it’s fairly yarn production process, allowing
large! KPC has four yarn collections to unrivalled attention to detail and
choose from: ultra-fine ‘Novomerino’ quality control.
in 4ply, DK, Aran and Chunky; cotton/
merino mix ‘Glencoul’ in 4ply, DK and
Chunky; 100 per cent ‘Cashmere’ in Lace,
4ply and DK; and 100 per cent cotton
‘Gossyp’ in 4ply, DK and Chunky. The range
of colours is a sight to behold – there’s
between 40 and 60 different variations to
choose from in the DKs and 4plys, 30 in the
Lace, 32 in the Aran and between 20 and 40
in the Chunky variety. From Parakeet green
to Grizzly Bear brown to Get Ready orange,
it’s an impressive selection. The unique Mix
& Match tool on the site is a brilliant
resource too – allowing you to compare
your colour picks as you shop and make
sure you’re happy with how your palette is
coming together. Something for everyone?
We think so.

Visit the KPC blog for lots of inspirational projects and shopping. The team at KPC would love to see your finished
projects, so keep checking the blog for opportunities to take part in upcoming workshops.
www.kpcyarn.com
PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS, STYLING: HELENA TRACEY AND JEN GARDNER, MODEL: LEANNE MEGSON

Git it!
Watch out, Nadiya – we're ruling the kitchen
with Laura Mitchell's Christmas eve cookies
and Laura Strutt’s zingy pinny

60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 85
 02 03
06 07
HOW TO MAKE… AN APRON
MATERIALS When Christmas Eve comes
Q Cotton & Steel around, it’s time to gather in
XOXO Basics in front of the fire – and enjoy a
Dandelion (Fabric few treats in anticipation of the big
A) and Mochi Lime day, of course. Keen bakers will
(Fabric B), 1.25m love serving up a jar of beautifully
(1¼yrd) each presented Danish cookies while
Q Vilene F220 wearing this cheery pinny – or
interfacing if that description sounds more
Q Sewing machine like someone you know, sew it
Q Needle up as a last minute gift instead.
Q Coordinating When making the apron,
cottons pressing the fabrics between each
Q Pins of the stages will keep them neat
Q Dressmaking and help them come together
scissors easily. When pressing the ruffle, try
Q Iron to only press the section with the
gather stitches to help prevent
flattening the ruffles.
Make sure you position the
correct contrast prints together so
that, once stitched and turned right
side out, they ‘pop’ against each
86 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
04
08
other. We sourced our fabrics from
www.thafeabricfox.com.
1cm (3/8") seam allowances are
used throughout the pattern
unless otherwise stated.
01 Place the template on page 100
on the fold and cut out the apron
front from both Fabric A and
Fabric B. Then cut two 6 x 109cm
(23/8 x 43") lengths for the ruffle trim
from each fabric; three 12 x 109cm
(4¾ x 43") for the waist ties from
each fabric, and two 12 x 109cm
(4¾ x 43") interfacing pieces.
02 Machine stitch two of the 6 x
109cm (23/8 x 43") strips of Fabric A
together along the short edges to
make an extra long strip, using a
5mm (¼") seam allowance. Repeat
with the same pieces of Fabric B.
Press the seams open, position RS
together and pin. Machine stitch
a 5mm (¼") seam along one long
edge to join. Turn the fabrics RS
out, aligning the raw edges and
pressing the seam neatly along
the bottom of the strip.
03 Working with the upper 1cm
(3/8") of the raw edges of the strip,
work two lines of gather stitches,
either by hand or by selecting a
long stitch length on the sewing
machine. Hold the thread ends
and carefully draw up the strip to
gather the fabric, creating a ruffle.
Use the lower portion of the apron
as a guide.
04 Carefully pin the ruffle around
the lower edge of the RS of one of
the apron pieces, aligning the small
join in the strip to the centre front
of the apron. Ensure the contrast
print is placed RS to the apron
section. Secure the ruffle in place
 Turn tHe page to
make DanisH cookies
05
REVERSIBLE
PATTERN
along the lower portion of the
apron using a 5mm (¼") seam.
05 Place the second apron piece
on top of the first with the ruffle
sandwiched in-between, aligning
raw edges, and pin. Machine sew
around the outer edge to join the
two pieces in place, leaving the
upper straight section open. Cut
a series of small V shapes along
the seam allowance of the lower
curve. Turn RS out and press.
06 Fuse the piece of interlining
onto the wrong side of one of the
12 x 109cm (4¾ x 43") pieces on
both Fabric A and Fabric B. Place
a second 12 x 109cm (4¾ x 43")
strip of Fabric A on to the interlined
piece, RS together, and join using a
5mm (¼") seam allowance. Repeat
to add the Fabric A strip to the
other short end of the interlined
strip. Repeat to make a second
extra long strip with Fabrics B, out. Press the ties, pressing the
ensuring the interlined section is in seam allowance on the gap closed.
the centre. Press the seams open. 08 Place the RS of the seam
Align the strips RS together and allowance along the upper raw
pin. Neatly trim each end of the edge of the contrast apron panel
strip to create a diagonal point. and pin. Machine stitch the ties
07 Machine stitch the two parts of to the apron, working the stitches
the ties together. Leave the centre neatly along the fold in the seam
67cm (263/8") (on the interfaced allowance. Fold the remaining side
portion) unstitched for turning. of the ties over to the RS of the
This is also where the apron will second apron panel, folding it over
be attached. Carefully clip the to conceal the raw edges, and pin.
points from the tips of the seam Slipstitch the gap in the ties to the
allowance on the ties and turn RS apron front and press to finish.
Laura Strutt
Laura lives in Colchester with her husband and
little dog, Waffle. Since making the break from
journalism to go freelance she’s written a number
of crafting books and shares makes, how-to-
guides and handmade inspiration on her blog
www.madepeachy.com.
60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 87
 01
DANISH COOKIES
Here’s a quick and tasty festive
02
treat. Inspired by traditional
Danish ‘vaniljekranse’ cookies,
they make a great last-minute
gift when popped inside a jar
02
and wrapped with a ribbon.
Or make for you and yours and
enjoy with a glass of mulled wine
while you wait for Santa to arrive.
You will need: 400g unsalted
butter, softened, 260g icing
sugar, 620g plain flour, 2 large
free range egg, 4 tsp vanilla
bean paste, 2 tbsp milk (if
needed), 4 tbsp granulated
sugar, for decoration, piping
03
bag, star-tipped nozzle
03
01 Preheat the oven to 180C/
THIS RECIPE WAS ADAPTED FROM WWW.WALLFLOWERGIRL.CO.UK/VANILJEKRANSE-DANISH-BUTTER-COOKIES
350F/ gas mark 4. Line a baking
sheet with baking paper. Mix the
butter and icing sugar together
using a stand or hand mixer until
soft and creamy.
02 Add the other ingredients,
minus the milk, and mix well. If
05
88 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
the mixture is too dry, add the
milk until the batter is softer but
still firm. Draw tree shapes onto
your baking paper.
03 Create the cookie shapes by
filling a large piping bag fitted
with a small star tip nozzle. Pipe
the trees by moving the piping
bag from left to right to fill the
pre-drawn tree outlines.
04 Bake for 10-15 minutes,
keeping an eye on them as they
can brown quickly. Let them cool
for 10 minutes on a rack before
sprinkling with icing sugar.
05 Fill a large jar with the cookies
and adorn with a ribbon. Makes
25 medium cookies and one (or
more) very happy recipients.
Laura Mitchell is a baker
and screenprinter who followed
her heart from Australia to
Holland. Read her blog www.
kitandnancy.blogspot.com and
visit her shop at www.
kitandnancy.bigcartel.com.
 Win over hard-to-make-for men with our
gifts for guys: there’s a washbag, shaving
cream, camera strap and book cover

4
GIFTS FOR
MEN
 CAMERA
STRAP
01
03
HOW TO MAKE… A CAMERA STRAP
MATERIALS Guys are always so much harder
QSturdy grosgrain to buy (or make) for, right? So
ribbon, 3cm we’ve put together four easy,
(1¼") wide failsafe projects for the dude in
QContrasting your life – be he boyfriend, brother
twill ribbon, or just a pal. We’ve got a classic
2cm (¾") wide washbag, an all-natural shaving
QSmall piece cream recipe, a colourful camera
of leather or strap and an embossed book
faux leather cover. All guaranteed to win you
QTwo D-rings with those essential girlfriend/ sister/
clip-on hooks cool girl mate brownie points.
QSewing machine
and thread 01 Measure a length of grosgrain
QScissors ribbon so your camera hangs at
QPins a suitable level. Remember the
D-rings and leather tabs will add
about 5cm (2") to the length at
each end. We used a turquoise
grosgrain ribbon and stitched a
90 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
02
04
narrower pink twill ribbon down in place to hold. Repeat with the
the centre. other end of the strap.
02 Cut two strips of leather (or 04 Stitch a box shape onto the
faux leather) the same width as the folded leather through all layers.
wider ribbon, plus 8cm (3¼") long. If necessary, add extra stitching
03 Pass the leather strip around the to hold the weight of your camera.
flat bar of the D-ring and fold it in Some heavier camera bodies or
half over one end of the ribbon lenses might need a double row
strap. Be sure to tuck the ribbon of stitching or an X through the
into the leather by at least 2cm (¾") middle of the box in order to keep
so that when the pieces are sewn everything safe. The strap is now
together the stitching will hold. Pin ready to clip to a camera.
Hello Tokyo
This project appears in the gorgeous book Hello Tokyo
by Ebony Bizys. Mollie Makes readers can order a
copy for the special price of £12 plus free P&P (RRP
£14.99) by calling 01256 302699 and quoting code
FG3. www.murdochbooks.co.uk
 How to make shaving cream WASH
Q Coconut oil, 60mls (¼ cup) BAG
Q Shea butter, 60mls (¼ cup)
Q Olive oil, 60mls (¼ cup)
Q A few drops of essential oil
Measure room temperature ingredients into
a stainless steel or ceramic bowl. Using an
electric mixer, beat on high speed until fluffy. 02 03

This makes for a moisture-packed lotion great

for the skin. Use with a traditional shave brush.

04 06

08 10

HOW TO MAKE… A WASH BAG AND SHAVING CREAM

MATERIALS All seams are 0.5cm (¼"). (just sewn) with the zip centre. the zip, making sure the zip pull is
Q 0.5m (½yrd) 01 Cut two 25.5 x 39.5cm (10 x Glue and stitch the two leather inside, the teeth are together and
medium weight 15½") rectangles each from the pieces together to form a strap. the strap is omitted.
suiting fabric. suiting fabric and the quilting Fold the ends together to form a 09 Starting with one corner of the

Upcycle an old suit! cotton. Cut two 2.5 x 28cm (1 x loop and stitch to hold. Insert the lining, fold the edge open to form
Q 0.5m (½yrd) cotton 11") strips of leather. loop inside, between the zip and a triangle. Line the ruler up on the
quilting fabric 02 Stitch one piece of suiting fabric bottom seam as shown. Stitch only seam, measure 6.4cm (2½") from
Q Matching zip, right side (RS) down on top of the over the zip, through all layers. the tip and mark with your ruler.
41cm (16") zip. Repeat on the other side. 07 Fold the bag and stitch through 10 Stitch the marked seam and trim

Q Piece of leather, 03 Fuse the vinyl to the RS of the one side at a time, from the the excess. Repeat on all corners
at least 30 x 8cm cotton quilting fabric. Stitch the edge of the fold to the zip, first the of the outside and inside layers.
(12 x 3") fabric to the edge of the zip, RS suiting layer, then the cotton fabric 11 Turn the bag RS out through

Q Package of to the zip's underside. Repeat with layer. Repeat on the other side then the opening. Fold the raw edges
fusible vinyl the other piece on the other edge. trim the excess zip. in and stitch closed. Now make
Q Glue suitable 04 Press all pieces flat away from 08 Repeat Steps 7 and 8 on the some shaving cream (see box,
for leather the zip and top stitch the edge. fabric attached to the top end of above left) to pop inside.
Q Matching thread 05 Stitch the two suiting pieces

Q Quilting ruler RS together to form the bottom Leah Farquharson

Q Scissors of the bag. Stitch the cotton fabric,
Q Pen RS together in the same way,
leaving an opening for turning.
06 Open both pieces you've just
sewn and match the bottom seams
Leah lives in the greater Miami area with her
husband and two sons. She owns bluebird chic,
selling bright, modern, handmade goods she stitches
up in her studio space. www.bluebirdchic.com

Subscribe at molliemakes.com 60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 91

 BOOK
COVER

02 03

05 07

HOW TO MAKE… AN EMBOSSED BOOK COVER

MATERIALS 01 Gather your supplies and draw 04 Cover your stamp in Versamark come with it. You’ll begin to see
Q Speedball rubber a stamp design on tracing paper ink and firmly place it on the black the embossing powder heating
stamp carving kit, using a pencil. Our headphones are notebook. up and changing form. You can
available at a simple combination of shapes, 05 Sprinkle American Crafts ZING do this in a waving motion until the
Hobbycraft but you can make them more gold embossing powder over the design is completely crystallised.
Q American Crafts detailed, or use your imagination to stamped image and tap off any 07 Once the embossing is done,

ZING! embossing come up with something equally excess. If you find that you can't use a white gel pen to add in extra
powder in gold easy to carve. Do a quick internet remove all of the excess through detail and a title. You may need
glitter finish, search of 'headphones silhouette' tapping, use a small paintbrush to to bend the cover back and forth
available at The for inspiration. lightly sweep away the remnants. in order to get it flat. Sometimes
Mad Scrapper 02 Once your drawing is finished, 06 Turn on your heat tool and place the heat tends to make the cover
Q Heat emboss gun place the tracing paper face down it near the stamped image. If it’s warp slightly, but it shouldn’t
Q Versamark on the pink rubber and lightly rub your first time using this tool, be be permanent. Have fun here
watermark over with your finger to transfer sure to read the instructions that personalising the book.
stamp pad, the image.
available from 03 Using the carving tool, carefully Amy Tangerine
Crafter's carve around the design until Creative powerhouse Amy Tan originally started
Companion the excess pink rubber has been out with her own T-shirt line, but in 2007 discovered
Q Black cardstock shaved away. Using scissors, trim her true love – scrapbooking. This led to signature
notebook away the remaining pink rubber collections with American Crafts, her own book,
Q Sakura white so that you can stamp easier. You consulting services and many teaching workshops.
gelly roll pen can test your stamp on a scrap She lives in Los Angeles with her partner, son and
Q Pencil piece of paper before working two Jack Russell terriers. www.amytangerine.com/blog
Q Scissors on the notebook.

92 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
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 Pass the
s prouts!
Feed those stitchy cravings with Mollie
Johanson’s Kawaii-style Christmas treats

94 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 95
 These are flipped
y fo r y o u t o trace
read

96 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
60 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 97
 01
03
Backwards
02 01 02 C
01

STEM STITCH
Come up from the back at point 1, then
go down at point 2. Before pulling the
stitch close to the fabric, come up at
point 3 with the loose thread below the
needle. Pull the thread taut, then repeat.
Come up from the back at point 1, then
go down at point 2. Before pulling the
stitch close to the fabric, come up at
point 3 with the loose thread below the
needle. Pull the thread taut, then repeat.
Straight stitch
CHAIN STITCH
Make a small straight stitch. Come up at
point 1, slide the needle under the small
straight stitch, then go down at point 1.
Come up at point 2, slide the needle
under the previous stitch, then go down
at point 2.
01
02
COLONIAL KNOT
Come up at point 1, form a backwards C
with the thread and place your needle
over the C. Wrap the thread over and
then under the point of the needle.
While holding the working thread taut,
bring the needle down at point 2 (next
to point 1, but not the same hole) and
pull slowly until the knot is formed.

02
01 03 02
03

04 02 01 03

SCALLOP STITCH
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 go down at point 4 (next
to point 3, but not the same hole).
LAZY DAISY
Usually used for flower petals, this stitch
is also ideal for embroidering seeds.
Come up at point 1, then go back
down at point 1, leaving a small loop.
Come up through the loop at point 2,
then go down at point 3 (next to point
2, but not the same hole).
BACK STITCH
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.

HOW TO MAKE… STITCHED FESTIVE FOOD

MATERIALS What are your favourite festive
Q Linen or other fabric dishes? Turkey? Gammon? Maybe
Q Sticky-back a yule log or Christmas pud?
water-soluble Don’t forget the drink – we’ll have
stabiliser (or other fizz, please. You’ll find these festive
transfer method) treats (and more!) in our patterns,
Q Embroidery thread adorned with designer Mollie
(we used DMC 310, Johanson’s trademark kawaii-style
blanc, 739, 3024, faces. We’ve included a stitch
436, 839, 726, guide above, some more unusual
352, 761, 309, ones on page 100, and tips for
814, 989, 367) stitching the others are all on our
Q Embroidery hoop blog, www.molliemakes.com.
Q Embroidery needle Use three strands of embroidery
Q Scissors thread throughout.
TRANSFERRING A PATTERN
Print or trace your chosen motifs
onto the water-soluble stabiliser,
then peel off the backing and stick
it onto the fabric. Stitch through HOOPING THE FABRIC
the fabric and stabiliser, and Separate the two pieces of the
when you're all finished soak embroidery hoop, then place the
the embroidery to dissolve inner hoop on a flat surface and lay
the stabiliser. You can also the fabric over the hoop. Loosen
use a transfer pen (follow the the screw on the outer hoop
manufacturer’s instructions) or slightly, then press over the fabric
trace the design onto the fabric and inner hoop. Tighten the screw
with a water-soluble pen or a to hold the tension on the fabric.
finely sharpened pencil. Now you can start stitching.
Mollie Johanson
Mollie has loved creating and crafting
cute things for as long as she can remember.
She lives near Chicago and is happiest with a
cup of coffee, some stitching, and her family
close at hand. She recently published her first
book, Stitch Love: Sweet Creatures Big and Small.
Visit her at www.molliejohanson.com.

98 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
 MAKES

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 FREE GIFT

BY SUZONNE STIRLING PAGE 7

05 06

MATERIALS
Q Felt in two colours
Q Greaseproof or freezer paper
Q Needle tool (or awl)
Q Thin wooden skewers
Q Pinking shears
Q Quick-setting craft glue
Q Fine-textured glitter
Q Small dish and spoon for glitter
Q Drinking glass or container
Q Tapestry needle
Q Metallic thread or string
01 Push out the pre-cut pieces
from two felt colours and keep
the negatives if you want to
make more. Using your needle,
make a hole in the centre of each
petal. Slide the set of small/
medium petals over the skewer,
one of each colour.
02 Gather the seven squares
of felt and make a hole in the
centre of each to use as spacers.
Assemble in this order: one set
of small/ medium petals, square
spacer, one set of medium/
large petals, square spacer,
one set of large petals, square
spacer, one set of medium/ large
petals, square spacer, one set
of medium/ large petals, square
spacer, one set of small/ medium
petals, square spacer, one set of
small petals, square spacer, one
set of small petals, no spacer,
then one set of half petals.
03 Alternate the position of
the petals so they resemble
a natural pinecone.
04 Trim the skewer, then glue
the half petals into a cluster
and set aside for a minute to let
the glue start drying. Cut the tip
off the petal cluster to create a
flat bottom and open it a little
before the glue sets.
05 Wrap the petal cluster around
the exposed tip of the wooden
skewer and pinch it to secure.
06 Apply glue all around the
base of the petal cluster and
bring the last D petal upwards,
pinching it until the glue sets,
for a natural look.
07 To make a stem, take the
small circle of felt and make a
hole in the centre. Cut a narrow
strip of felt, apply glue along the
centre and twist, until glue dries.
Insert the twisted felt through
the hole in the circle. Glue the
tail of the strip on the inside
of the circle. Trim the excess
skewer, flush with the first set
of petals. Glue the stem to the
bottom of the pinecone petals.
Trim if desired.
08 To make more pinecones, cut
pieces of greaseproof paper
slightly smaller than your felt.
With waxy side facing down,
iron the paper onto the felt at
medium heat. Trace around
the negative shapes onto the
paper side of the felt. For each
felt colour you’ll need: two small/
medium petals, three medium/
large petals, one large petal, two
small petals, one half petal. Cut
out and peel off the paper. Cut
square spacers and circles.
To hang
Take one of the small circles of
felt and make a hole in the centre
using a needle. Knot a loop of
metallic thread and insert the
knotted edge through the hole,
gluing the tails of the thread to
the inside of the circle. Glue onto
the bottom of the pinecone.
Glittered pinecones
To add some sparkle, make a
hole in the centre of the petals
and string them onto your
skewers. Apply a line of glue
along the petal tips, spoon on
glitter and shake off.

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. The copyright for these templates belongs to the originators of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to make and love, so
please don’t re sell or distribute their work without permission from Mollie Makes. We don’t mind if you make a copy 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 pass on this information if you make a copy for a friend. Copyright law
protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.

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 MAKES

WRAPPING
BY LIA GRIFFITH PAGE 35

Photocopy at 133%

FABRIC HYDRANGERS APRON

BY LAURA HOWARD PAGE 16 BY LAURA STRUTT PAGE 84
Photocopy at 400%

Place on fold
Cut 2

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. The copyright for these templates belongs to the originators of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to make and love, so
please don’t re sell or distribute their work without permission from Mollie Makes. We don’t mind if you make a copy 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 pass on this information if you make a copy for a friend. Copyright law
protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.

100 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
 MAKES

CHRISTMAS STOCKING
BY JULIA STAITE PAGE 20

Photocopy at 200%

Hat
Owl
Cut 2

Pocket

Owl
tummy

Stocking
Cut 2 from lining and 2
from main fabric Wing

POMEGRANATE CUSHION
BY KELLY FLETCHER PAGE 59

Photocopy at 400%
Place on fold

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. The copyright for these templates belongs to the originators of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to make and love, so
please don’t re sell or distribute their work without permission from Mollie Makes. We don’t mind if you make a copy 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 pass on this information if you make a copy for a friend. Copyright law
protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.

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 MAKES

PRINTED WRAPPING
BY ZEENA SHAH PAGE 35

KIDS MASKS
BY KIRSTY HARTLEY PAGE 45

Mask
Cut 2

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. The copyright for these templates belongs to the originators of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to make and love, so
please don’t re sell or distribute their work without permission from Mollie Makes. We don’t mind if you make a copy 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 pass on this information if you make a copy for a friend. Copyright law
protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.

102 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
 MAKES

Mask
Cut 2

Photocopy cape sections at 500% Neck band

Cape
Cut 1 in main
and 1 in lining

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. The copyright for these templates belongs to the originators of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to make and love, so
please don’t re sell or distribute their work without permission from Mollie Makes. We don’t mind if you make a copy 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 pass on this information if you make a copy for a friend. Copyright law
protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.

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 MAKES
02
03
01
BLANKET STITCH (surface)
This is fun for decorative stitching or
appliqué. Try to keep the spacing and
stitch height consistent, or you can
change it up to create a pattern.
Come up at point 1. Go down at point
2 and come back up at point 3, keeping
the needle over the working thread. Pull
thread to create a right angle. Repeat.
01
02
02
BULLION KNOT
They are tricky at first, but with a little
practice, bullion knots are useful for
creating texture and beautiful flowers.
Come up at point 1, then go down at
point 2 and back up at point 1, keeping
the needle through the fabric. Wrap the
needle until the wrapping is as long as
the space between points 1 and 2. If you
don’t want the knot to lay flat against the
fabric, then wrap it a little more. Holding
the wrapping with your non-dominant
hand, carefully pull the needle through
the wrapped thread. Go down at point
2 and pull the thread taut until the stitch
lays well.
Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. The copyright for these templates belongs to the originators of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to make and love, so
please don’t re sell or distribute their work without permission from Mollie Makes. We don’t mind if you make a copy 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 pass on this information if you make a copy for a friend. Copyright law
protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.
104 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
03
WHIPPED SPIDER WEB
True to its name, this stitchlooks like a
spider web, but also makes wonderful
flower shapes.
Start with a base of four crossed
stitches, creating eight spokes. Come
up close to the centre, between two
spokes. Slide the needle under spokes
1 and 2 without going through the
fabric. Bring the needle over spoke 2,
then slide the needle under spokes 2
and 3. Continue around all of the spokes
several times until the web is filled.
01
PISTIL STITCH
Similar to a French knot, this stitch
resembles the centre of a flower. You
can vary the length, but be careful not
to make them too long.
Come up at point 1, then wrap the
thread around the needle two times.
Holding the working thread with your
non-dominant hand, bring the needle
down at point 2. Keep the wrapped
thread taut around the needle and close
to the fabric, then pull slowly until the
knot is formed.
02
01
BACK STITCH TRELLIS
Worked in backstitch, this trellis is great
for filling an area. Try stitching it on a
diagonal for a true trellis look.
Stitch a set of parallel lines of
backstitch, keeping the stitch length
as consistent as possible. Stitch another
set of parallel lines of backstitch,
perpendicular to the first, and with
the ends of the stitches intersecting.
01
02
02
FRENCH KNOT
This is a stitch that everyone should
learn, because it’s so useful. The secret
is to hold the working thread taut while
you pull it through.
Come up at point 1, then wrap
the thread around the needle twice.
Holding the working thread with your
non-dominant hand, bring the needle
down at point 2 (close to point 1, but
not the same hole) and pull slowly until
the knot is formed.
 10
DE ON
CE SA
MB LE
ER
201
5

NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE PLANS!

Rope coasters for new stay cosy in a giant make your own desk
year’s party drinks pom pom knitted scarf calendar for 2016
MAKE IT
¤ NEEDLEFELTED TERRARIUM VILLAGE ¤ KNITTED WRISTWARMERS
¤ TAPESTRY STITCHED WINTER CAPE ¤ GIANT CRACKER PIÑATA
¤ KID’S DOLLS HOUSE BAG ¤ SWEETIE CONE GARLAND

PLUS 2 FREE GIFTS IN 1!

Make a succulent brooch AND a
necklace, or try one of our other DIYs

61
COVER GIFT AND CONTENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
 Lucky Dip Club’s Leona Thrift-ola
on how to avoid Christmas chaos

Ever since I was a little girl, Christmas has

been my favourite time of year. However,
when I launched my first handmade business
in 2003 I wasn’t prepared for how it also
becomes your busiest time of year! 12
years on, I now have a pretty slick operation.
The magic ingredient to running a stress-free
business over the festive period is planning
Name: Leona Thrift-ola everything way in advance – I start in July!
Occupation: Designer, Set realistic deadlines and create a timeline.
Instagrammer and I love to collaborate with designers from around
founder of Lucky Dip
the world so I make sure I approach them well
Club subscription boxes

If you anticipate a job taking just one Packing Party

– the best way
to wrap and
week, then allow two weeks! send those piles
of goodies.

ahead of schedule. It means we can enjoy the

process instead of feeling frazzled by deadlines
when we’d rather be donning our sequins.
In short, if you anticipate a job taking one
week, allow two weeks. This approach
usually means every part of my box is ready
ahead of schedule and leaves us plenty of
time to plan a super fun Packing Party,
decorate the studio and eat mince pies.
I  promise we won’t get crumbs in the boxes!

After all the

boxes are sent,
it’s time for
some seriously
indulgent treats! Currents
Order one of Leona’s fab boxes at www.luckydipclub.com Thinking about: Las Vegas. We’re
and follow her adventures on Instagram @luckydipclub planning to run of and get
married by Elvis at Christmas!
Listening to: Blogtacular podcasts
while I’m packing
Next issue: Rachel Drake of Objets de Desir Eating: Homemade donuts from
Vicky’s Donuts in Hackney

106 MOLLIEMAKES.COM 60
 knit purl crochet

hand knit yarns in hundreds of colours

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.3& RIIHUV DOO QDWXUDO \DUQV VSXQ IURP SUHPLXP TXDOLW\ ILEUH
PHULQRZRROIURP$XVWUDOLDSXUHFDVKPHUHIURP0RQJROLDRUJDQLFFRWWRQIURP&KLQD

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 15% O
your n FF
ext or
with th der
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WINT e
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