We’ve challenged three designers to use only the materials given to them to create a pincushion to fit an embroidery hoop. Read on to see how they got on…
Springtime is a great time to spruce up your workbox, so we asked our three designers this month come up with a pretty pincushion design to fit a small hoop. Our designers could only use the seven shades of stranded cotton stipulated, and also had to fit their design within a 3in hoop. Take a look at their beautiful results below – we’ve featured a chart for each one so you can stitch your favourite! We hope this will inspire you to join in too – turn the page to see what our challenge will be for May – we’ve listed everything you need to take part.
THE CHALLENGE
• White 14 count aida fabric
• Seven shades of stranded cotton (shown above)
• 3in wooden embroidery hoop
THE RULES
• Create a design for a pincushion using an embroidery hoop
• The design should be no larger than a 42 stitches diameter circle
• Only the materials above can be used
• Be creative as possible!
DURENE JONES… GROWING SYMMETRY
I do love a symmetrical pattern and the opportunity to design them, so as soon as I saw this commission, the colours I could use and that it was to be a hoop pincushion, it just said symmetrical floral pattern to me. I decided to design them from the centre going out as if the flowers are slowly growing over the edge of the pincushion and filling it up.”
MARIA DIAZ… PINK DAISIES
Designing a pattern that needs to be read from multiple angles, means I can play with repeats and mirroring, here I have been able to do both, albeit on a small scale, but this pink daisy design is both simple and sophisticated.”
CHERYL McKINNON… ART NOUVEAU
I immediately knew I wanted to do a pretty floral design, with a large central motif. I included curvy vines with tiny flower buds, and along with the round design, it's meant to have a slight art nouveau look.”
Make a… pincushion
Step 1
WORK using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch and one strand for the backstitch as marked on the chart.
Step 2
TRIM the stitched fabric to fit into your hoop, leaving 2.5cm (1in) of unstitched aida around the design.
Step 3
PLAC
