Today I wanted to introduce a new monthly subscription box I’ve been loving recently. The Geeky Little Stitcher cross stitch club from Jess, based in Exeter. It’s kawaii themed and each month is a based around a different cute foody character. The first box was released in April with an avocado theme, May’s was burgers, June is cake and July’s (now available) is doughnuts – you can see the pattern emerging I’m sure.
The box costs £9.99 plus £3.50 UK p&p and includes one main pattern, including all the threads you need, an embroidery hoop, aida cloth and a needle. The patterns are bold and contemporary but simple so it’s good even for beginners like me.
You will also receive a second surprise pattern and themed extras. These are a fabulous touch as the box is already great value. I love the ‘B is for Burger’ pattern (this would make a lovely unusual addition to a kids bedroom). The burger fabric swatch is dead handy for keeping needles safe and I always have room for cute stickers and address labels. And sweets, always room in my belly for them!
WIP shot. I worked on the pattern for a couple of hours a night for 2 or 3 weekends. I’m pretty slow but I’m sure my stitching will speed up as I tackle more patterns.
The finished product! I think I like it without the hearts as well, but let me know if you disagree! I can’t decide.
Can’t wait to get started on the next one. You can sign up here and check out Jess’ other designs as well.
My first workshop of the day was bookbinding with Tim from Camel Winter Books. All the workshops were paid and this one was £15 which included making two notebooks to take away with you. We were told a bit about the basics of bookbinding, for example, how to tell the grain of the paper (crucial for folding purposes), the best tools for the job, and some simple techniques. It was lovely to hear from someone who was so obviously passionate about their craft and to hear that it doesn’t necessarily have to be an expensive activity. My results were mixed, the pages are not exactly neat but they’re bot definitely passable!
I love an easy peasy DIY, I’m forever pinning them on Pinterest although sometimes it takes me a while to get to doing them. I pinned the Paper Umbrella Wreath by Family Chic at least a year and a half ago. I finally got round to doing it last weekend. It took me ten minutes. Yeah, get crafting your pins, folks.
All you need is a whole load of paper cocktail umbrellas – I got mine from eBay here, 144 for £3.99 – and a foam oasis – again I got mine from eBay here, two for £5.99 – bargain!
I’m sure you can figure this bit out, but all you do is open the umbrellas and push them one by one into the foam. Make sure you do one pointing up the way and one facing downwards to make sure that as much of the foam is blocked from view as possible. I tried to ensure an even distribution of colours.
Ta-Da! I’ll be hanging one on my front door and one on my living room door for my pre-birthday cocktail party. I’m sure it’ll get everyone in the mood. And the best thing is this only cost £10 and I have plenty of umbrellas left for the drinks. Result!
