Lynne’s Links ~ Johnson Crafts

Lanarte have produced this beautiful Diva design in their Romantic Collection. It is stitched on 14ct aida which is shaded from coffee to white to create this unusual effect.

The lace detail and the thoughtful expression on her face will make this one of those projects that you can’t put down and the end result will be stunning.

Threads are pre-sorted and the chart is large and very clear.

This is a stunning kit for bird watchers. It features a pair of magpies with foliage and flowers.

It is produced by Thea Gouverneur of Holland and is stitched on linen. There is a wide range of colours in the kit and the detail is fabulous.

If you have a new baby to knit for, you will be pleased to know that we now sell Peter Pan baby double knitting wool by Wendy.

It is currently available in white, lemon, blue, pink and cream. We also have a selection of baby pattern booklets, needles and accessories.

I was contacted a few weeks ago by someone who wanted to convert a family photograph into a cross stitch kit and wondered if there was a way of doing it.

I suggested she should look at the DMC Stitch A Photo kit. The kit includes a pre-addressed envelope for your chosen photograph. Allow about 28 days and they will send you an easy to follow chart, along with your original photograph and easy to follow instructions.

The latest Lickle Ted designs have just arrived, and they are gorgeous.

There is a Lickle Ted toy which is really soft and cuddly and only 5 inches high.

The kits include 3 summery designs, Lickle Holidays, Lickle Butterfly and Lickle Picnic. There is also First Lickle School Day (although I am sure the teacher wouldn’t approve of that spelling!). It would be a good one to stitch if you have someone starting school for the first time this year.

If you have not come across Lickle Ted yet, you can see all the designs here.

If you are looking for a project to stitch on your travels this summer, on a car, train or coach journey and don’t want to take up too much room, then these kits from Textile Heritage will be ideal.

Choose from bookmarks, keyrings, coasters, sachets and fridge magnets, and all at less than £10.

The kits are complete with everything you need, including the needle.

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.

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.