I have been told on more than one occasion that there are not enough embroidery projects around.
I hope those of you who fancy a change from cross stitch will like this new range of table linen. They are produced by Permin and are very good quality. Most are 100% cotton, but there are a couple on linen.
Don’t feel left out if you really do prefer cross stitch, as there are three designs, one with a matching runner.
Maia is a fantastic new range of kits from Coats. The brochure states “at Maia we create beautiful and artistic kits designed to inspire you down to the very last stitch”.
They have certainly succeeded. The range comprises landscapes, wild animals, fabulous floral designs, an Oriental collection including costume, boats and temples and much more.
If you are looking for a serious project which will probably take a few weeks (or months!) then have a look at Maia and stitch something to be proud of.
I wonder how many of you remember reading, or being read, the charming stories of Miffy.
You might be interested to know that there is now a delightful birth sampler available.
The kit is stitched on 14 count aida and includes everything needed to complete, including a choice of blue or pink threads.
There is also an alphabet and numbers to enable you to personalise it.
This is a great bag from DMC for organising all your threads, needles, scissors and other accessories.
Designed especially for needlecraft projects ‘on the go’, it will fit easily into a suitcase if you are planning to do some stitching on holiday.
Size approx. 9″ square (closed). The travel bag includes 3 mini file inserts and compartments for all your accessories (not included).
Congratulations to Julie from Chesterfield who is the winner of our latest website competition.
Julie has won a bumper selection of craft and stitching goodies to the value of £100. If you would like to be our next winner, enter the draw now!
There are some beautiful designs in the Dimensions range. Wonderful landscape views, flowery gardens and elegant people enjoying the season. Buildings in England and America some with views to the sea. Dimensions bring these scenes to life with fine detailing and precise observation.
There are many animal portraits from the powerful Regal Tiger and carefully studied horses to the amusing Max in the Adirondacks and Maggie the Messmaker. If you love wild animals then you are spoilt for choice as Dimensions kits feature deer, wolves, lions and a bald eagle.
For lovers of Oriental tradition there are illustrations of figures in Japanese costume and detailed images of flowers and butterflies, Dragonflies and Bamboo. 
Some of the kits are serious cross stitch projects, being quite large (18” x 12”) and use half stitches to provide some intricate detail. This is cross stitch like you always imagined it, vignetted portraits, rural scenes and wild seascapes.
I hope you will enjoy browsing through these lovely designs and find something to stitch which may become a family heirloom in the future.
If you are a fan of this cute little bear and friends, you will be delighted to know there are some new designs now available.
I really like The Acrobats design and there are also some Easy Popcorn kits which are ideal to get the younger members of the family interested in stitching.
Other products in the range include bookmarks, knitting kits, wedding sampler, birth samplers and some lovely Christmas kits.
We don’t very often get small tapestry kits, but I thought these dogs were cute and will make an attractive gift for any dog lover. They are just 6 inches square (15cm) and would be quite quick to stitch. There are 6 breeds available:-
Cross stitch dogs are also available!