Needles & Notions
Your stitching, top tips, online chat and more!
Hoppy Days
Dear CrossStitcher, here are my bunny tins I’ve made for family and friends. The Beach bunny is from issue 399 and Indoor bunny from issue 396. I’ve also done the Outdoor bunny, which my great nephew loved. For each one, I’ve told them a story about the Bunny to spark their imagination. For Christmas, cross stitchers were getting ready to make cards, gift tags and so on, but these tins are so loved and taken with my great nephew and niece everywhere, so I wanted to make one for their Christmas Eve box as a surprise. I used the template from the Indoor bunny, changed the colours and used the Christmas tree pattern from issue 402’s Gingerbread house as a starting point for the interior. I’ve included stockings above the cosy fire, a view of the snow-covered garden and put a little robin redbreast on the doorstep. I would love to see more designs for these tins, maybe a fitness or yoga one!
Jennifer Gillespie, by email
Our bunnies in tins have proved such a hit with so many readers! You have done some clever customising to change the look of your bunny for Christmas, Jennifer! Can’t wait to see what you stitch next!
Martin & Susan, CrossStitcher Editors
Purrfect Partner
I have a sewing buddy, his name is Wispa, who was helping me with my roof of the gingerbread house, which is now complete. He has a thing with my sewing machine and loves watching it!
Nicola Sycz, Banbury Oxfordshire
YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
Courtesy of Willow Fabrics, our Star Letter writer will win a materials pack of their choice from those on offer for the projects in the current issue. Please note that packs for the Calendar, Mandala and British Houses SALs are not included in this prize selection. PLUS! The writers of every letter or tip featured each month will also receive a mystery prize!
Perfect Post
Hello! I’ve just finished the adorable letter to Santa kit you included in issue 404 and it was such a delight to both make and give to my niece. I deliberately kept the name blank so she could put stickers there instead of her name as per her request. Many thanks,
Carine Appleby, Dorset
READER TIP
Take care with backstitched areas"
When backstitching, keep your stitches small and even, especially when working around curves or corners. Keep your tension consistent throughout your work, as loose stitches can cause your backstitch to pucker and tight stitches
