Lynne’s Links ~ Johnson Crafts

Fans of the “Cut Thru” range of kits by Bothy Threads will be delighted to know that we have another two designs added to the range. Both have the usual bright colours and amazing detail.

The two new designs are Narrow Boat and Gypsy Wagon and both come complete with 14 count fabric, threads, needle, chart and instructions.

I have seen the stitched version of some of the range and they look fabulous. I wish we could show more detail on the website, but they will certainly come to life as you stitch them.

If you love the grace and elegance of ballet, or have a budding ballerina in the family, this would be the ideal kit.

It is from the Lanarte Romantic Collection and is stitched on a very soft green linen which blends beautifully with the colours of the stranded cotton provided.

Other kits featuring Dance can be found here.

I think there must be a lot of new babies around at the moment as we are selling lots of birth samplers, but this one, called Toy Shelf, seems to be one of the most popular.

It comes from Dimensions in their Baby Hugs range and is stitched on 14 count aida. The kit includes stranded cotton, fabric, chart, needle and instructions and is supplied with pink and blue thread, alphabet and numbers for personalising.

This is a stunning collection of scenes from around the world.

There are currently 24 designs available featuring Paris, Rome, Venice, Taj Mahal, Golden Gate Bridge, Great Wall of China and lots more.

Why not stitch your favourite place, or a destination you dream of visiting one day! My favourite is Venice - all I need is the time to stitch it!

They are only 31cm x 11cm, so would brighten up a dull corner or an alcove.

This is a new range, currently featuring four knitted toys - Sally Sheep, Percy Penguin, Bruno Bear and Daizy Duck.

The kit contains soft yarn, knitting needles, ribbon, safety eyes, sewing needle and thread, fleece and full working instructions. The end result is a snuggle-soft cuddly toy.

If you are not a fan of the modern style of samplers, we have a large selection of more traditional designs.

There are various celebrations in the range, including Marriage, Wedding, Anniversary, Silver Wedding, Ruby Wedding and Golden Wedding.

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.

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.