Handmade Christmas

I love the idea of handmade gifts, but this is the first year I've actually gotten it together early enough to make some. Okay, only having two couples to consider made it a whole lot easier. But I'm not going to let that diminish my sense of achievement.




So they'll each get a tote bag made out of cotton shwe shwe fabric with a light blue lining – all of them being regulars at their local farmers' market – and a set of coasters for my brother and his fiancée in colours that'll go in their living room. And I'll be making and putting some edible goodies in the totes closer to Christmas Day.

The Stitch and Thimble : 02

Issue 02 of the Stitch and Thimble – my digital hand embroidery publication – is finished and available for sale on my website. And there are some nice ideas in there for last-minute gifts, should you find yourself needing to stitch up a stocking-filler or two.


You'll find cupcake baking mitts, a vintage inspired notebook, a padded glasses case in shades of black, white and grey and a swallow luggage tag, plus a snowflake sampler and four sun templates in the latest issue. And if you're taking a break from the needle over the festive season, hopefully the projects in issue 02 will give you something to look forward to stitching in the new year.