Lynne’s Links ~ Johnson Crafts

Congratulations to Julia from Bracknell who is the winner of our website competition.

Julia 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!

The “Mr Men” characters seem to be very popular again and we have a wonderful selection of kits featuring the colourful designs.

There are six different samplers, Number, Months, Alphabet, Space, Underwater and Train. These are all stitched on 14 count and would make a wonderful addition to a nursery or child’s bedroom.

There are also twelve individual kits of the Mr Men and Little Miss characters on 14 count aida and two additional kits, ideal for children to stitch on 8 count aida.

Four Christmas kits and four name plates complete the existing range.

Anchor have produced a “Quick and Easy” range of chunky cross stitch which would be a great starting point for a young stitcher, or ideal for someone who enjoys stitching but their eyesight is not what it used to be! The kits come with 4.5 count printed canvas, acrylic yarn and full instructions. There are currently three designs, Pony, Dinosaur and Rocket. These are 40cm square, and could be converted into a cushion panel.

If you like these three designs, there are matching latch hook rug kits available.

DMC have just released a brand new range of 14 count fabric called Impressions. The fabric is printed and includes gingham, stripes and hearts available in either pink or blue. These will be great for nursery designs or baby samplers. They are available in individual packs, or a selection of the three in pink or blue.

There are also three swirly designs on cream and beige backgrounds.

I have just returned from holiday in the Lake District and thought it would be nice to stitch a reminder.

It is obviously an area that is very popular with needlecraft designers. There are four Long Stitch kits featuring Buttermere, Loweswater, Grasmere and Bowness.

However, I prefer cross stitch and am really spoilt for choice. So far, I have found Cumbrian Village, Ashness Bridge, Friars Crag, Grange in Borrowdale and Lakeside Village.

There are also some well known buildings, including Holker Hall, Sizergh Castle, Rydal Mount, Bridge House and Dove Cottage.

If you are a tapestry fan, there are kits of Grange in Borrowdale and Friars Crag.