Cross stitcher Magazine...

Cross Stitcher Magazine....
When the Lovely Charlie asked me to review their magazine I didn't know what to expect exactly. I had seen Cross Stitcher Magazine on the supermarket shelf but it had never really attracted me before...well not enough to buy it.
There is a sea of craft publications and I have to confess I am a sucker for a good cover and usually go by it when I choose one to purchase.
I was told it had been "revamped" and that this was the new look Cross Stitcher.
When the package hit my entrance floor I was on my way out and decided it would make perfect reading material on the Tube into town. Not only was it a great read but as it had a free project pack*(Gingham Tree decoration) it kept me busy on the way in! I truly was impressed and surprised! *note I always have a sewing set in my bag and a pair of embroidery scissors. These are not included in the free pack!
The pages are filled with interesting and easy to follow projects with clear instructions. If you're a beginner you'll love this and if you're a dab hand you'll be as equally content as their are so many lovely things to make plus a great source of inspiration. This year I will not be making Chrimbo cards but decorations instead to gift family and friends.
So what's it like? I love the look and the feel of it. It reminds me of French craft magazines which I always buy when I go over.
There's an elegance but also a vibrant and young element to it so it's not at all a "granny makes" magazine. It's grown up but fun and definitely a magazine I will buy again so you can say...The cover has done it's work!
Out now in all good newsagents...go buy it...
Cross Stitcher magazine: £3.99

a few of our favourite things...

Initially when Craft Guerrilla were invited to participate at the Knitting & Stitching shows I had excepted with some what of a preconception that it was a "stuffy", middle class, middle aged event and not for people like us. Let's say that it's far from that! What the Knitting and Stitching shows provide is not just a chance for retailers - though I could have done some serious shopping - but also an opportunity to learn as the amount of workshops on offer was vast and varied. If I were not there in a "work" capacity I would have happily visited on all four days as the one would never be enough. There is just so much to see! We were kept quite busy at our craft table but it was very far from quiet or stuffy as hoards of teenage girls and young children sat and made at our Craft Guerrilla table. Gigantic hair bows in bright Kaffe Fassett fabrics and cut out/reverse applique were the firm favourites!
The feedback we've received and the actual experience it's brought to us is both life changing and inspirational. I'm very proud of Craft Guerrilla and every single person involved with this collective. I had never envisaged when I first started that working with people like Twisted Thread and our many fabulous designers would be possible. Thank you all that made it so awesome!

Finally here are a few of my favourite things...

a piece by Hannah Withington


Budgie's by Forgotten Stitches

Fleur Oakes Victorian inspired embroidered pieces and jewellery


a cute vintage case with lots of lush wool!


Knitted furniture...


Winning piece by Deryn Relph


gorgeous hats from Deirdre Hawken almost edible!


D. Hawken


a King of Pop cushion...I'm so sorry but I lost designer maker details!


A lovely and happy lady that made an upcycled t shirt yarn necklace at one of our work shops!


This is one of my top favourites. Powerful yet beautiful. Paddy Hartley we salute you!


Paper cuts by Kuin Heuff


The lovely Barley and students at the Fabrications table...


Chiaka Morita...more great use of paper! Looks like delicate lace...


A fine selection from Beyond Fabrics.

Honksville...the story so far!

I love this!
We tweeted the craft world to send us their lovely products so we could review them for you. Honksville replied and sent us a few samples of what they make.
First I tried their tote. "Beautiful" I thought "but is it big enough to take my folder,book and lunch?" Well no doubt you figured out that I'm a busy gal so I need a bad ass bag that is both on the right side of cute and roomy to accommodate all my paraphernalia. The good news is that...Hooray,it all fitted!!!
This is good...well made,sturdy,nice choice of fabrics and screen printed with their own inimitable designs.
The Badge is also very cool...a soft badge as opposed to the other sort you see around which are great in their own way but this is again very much "Honksville". You get the feeling that their products reflect the humour of this Canterbury duo and that there is a definite "Honsville" touch.
I really hope they go far as it's just the type of thing I like...green(they use responsibly sourced and organic materials where possible) slightly dark,childish and fun!
You can visit the web site: www.honksville.com
or meet them in the flesh at the next Summer Craft Guerrilla Market on Saturday 28th of August.