Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 85 i Mollie Magazine

There’s change in the air, from the chilly evenings creeping in, to the thought of Christmas getting even closer (hurrah!). And, we’re feeling it on Team Mollie . I’m so excited to be stepping up as Acting Editor while Cath’s away, and can’t wait to welcome two new team members next issue. We’re also looking forward to 2018 with the annual Mollie Makes calendar, filled with Tamsyn Morgans’ beautifully styled projects. But first, Christmas! Get prepped and ready with our festive makes and gift ideas. Embrace the trend for tassels with a quick-knit scarf, get party-ready with a cocktail set, and catch Santa’s eye with Christine Leech’s stocking – a celebration of texture, colour, and all things festive!…

TOP READ Folk fix Illustrators Flora Waycott, Oana Befort, Marenthe Otten and Terri Fry Kasuba have teamed up to create Creative Folk Art and Beyond – an inspiring collection of tips, exercises and creative projects to help you get your hygge on. www.quartoknows.com French illustrator Jennifer Bouron created the whimsical patterns bringing the latest collection by Italian brand Lazzari to life.This quirky cat-print dress is an offbeat alternative to the usual Christmas partywear offerings. www.lazzarionline.net Nope, our ears aren’t burning – we’re just keeping them toasty warm with Miss Knit Nat’s latest range of headbands. They make it easy to stay snug without getting hat hair. www.missknitnat.com Keep it colourful this Christmas with Meri Meri’s candy-striped crackers. They’ll look a treat on your dining table, and without an obviously festive…

 After an ill-timed redundancy, David Lewis decided to switch tack and start his own letterpress business. Partly planned and partly serendipitous, a request to print his sister’s wedding stationery led to more and more commissions, and David was finally able to launch Cherry Press in his hometown of Chipping Campden two years ago. ‘I bought a small press, began experimenting, and fell in love with the medium.’ A design studio and shop, Cherry Press offers wedding, business and gift stationery collections as well as a bespoke design service. And now, it’s a family business. David’s wife Amie works alongside him in the shop, with a flexible approach allowing the couple to work around their two children, Casper and Nancy. Their vintage-inspired studio is home to the beautiful ‘Marigold’, a Heidelberg…

MATERIALS • Artcuts Wooden Christmas Craft Blank Decorations • VersaMagic Ink Pads (we used Red Magic and Cloud White) • Hobby Art Snowflake Stamp Set • Acrylic blocks • Jute twine in red • Wooden beads • Scissors • Ruler You can find everything you need from www.artcuts.co.uk Artcuts’ birch wood Christmas decoration shapes come in a range of different designs that can easily be prettified in the same way as this trio. Follow the steps to create your own beautiful ornaments, being careful not to press too hard when applying ink to the wood or stamp – try to use a light swiping action to build up colour. Likewise, gently apply an even layer of ink for stamping – you can always practise your technique on paper…

Fortune favours the brave with Southwood Stores’ graphic Brave is the New Black wall art, while Wonder & Rah’s Love Rains print is a win for heartfelt home decor. www.southwood-stores.myshopify.com; www.lullabuy.co.uk Donna Wilson’s new City Glass Vase is hand-blown and decorated with Donna’s signature illustrations – fill with eucalyptus to give it a festive twist. www.donnawilson.com We fancy swapping our usual tinsel and vintage baubles for a Scandi-esque tree this year, and this simple decoration from Hübsch feels like a good place to start. www.hubschinterior.com Jane Foster’s distinctive illustrations grace this monochrome Scandi Birds cushion cover for a touch of modern minimalism we can get on board with. www.janefoster.co.uk It wouldn’t be Christmas without the soft glow of candlelight. Use these Cone Candles from Southwood Stores to create a simple…

HOW TO MAKE… A CROCHET STAR CUSHION MATERIALS • Loopy Mango Big Loop, 100% merino wool, 100g/110m per ball, one ball in Cotton Candy (020) • 25mm (US U) crochet hook • Lining fabric, 120 x 60cm (47¼ x 23 5/8) • Soft toy stuffing • Matching sewing thread • Fabric marker TENSION Tension is not too important for this design, just take care to crochet more loosely with the extra-chunky yarn ABBREVIATIONS (UK) st(s) stitch(es) ch chain dc double crochet magic ring to make a magic ring, hold the yarn in your hand and wrap the working yarn around your forefinger twice to create a ring, slip the ring off your finger and insert the hook to pick up the first st, ch1, then work the necessary sts for…

HOW TO MAKE… PENGUIN MITTENS MATERIALS • Sublime Superfine Alpaca DK, 100% alpaca, 50g/120m per ball, one ball each in Soft Grey (433) (Yarn A), Tusk (430) (Yarn B) and Flannel (434) (Yarn C) • Drops Fabel 4 ply, 25% polyamide/75% wool, 50g/205m per ball, small amount in Mustard (111) (Yarn D) • 3.25mm (UK 10, US 3) circular knitting needles • 4mm (UK 8, US 6) circular knitting needles • 4mm (UK 8, US 6) double-pointed needles • Scrap yarn • Stitch markers • Tapestry needle TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to 10cm (4") over stocking stitch on 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS st(s) stitch(es) k knit p purl M1R make one right, pick up the bar between the sts on the right and left needles by bringing the left…

HOW TO MAKE… KAWAII DECORATIONS MATERIALS • Black embroidery thread • Soft toy stuffing • Baker’s twine • Black fine-tipped pen For the star cookie • Felt in brown, pink, white and yellow • Embroidery thread in blue, pink and yellow For the mitten • Felt in blue, brown, pink, turquoise and yellow • Embroidery thread in blue, pink and white For the hot chocolate • Felt in brown, dark brown, pink, light pink, white and yellow • Embroidery thread in brown, pink, white and yellow Team Mollie can’t resist the opportunity to go super-kitsch with our crafting, especially when it comes to Christmas. And, with their twinkling smiles and candy-coloured hues, these squishy tree decorations are so cute, they’ll even have Santa breaking from his busy schedule to admire…

HOW TO MAKE… AN OVERNIGHT BAG MATERIALS • 1.25 x 1.15m (49¼ x 453/8") main fabric (we used Rifle Paper Co Les Fleurs in Folk Birds Black, available from www.fabric.com ) • 125 x 115cm (49¼ x 45 3/8") backing fabric (we used cotton canvas) • 125 x 115cm (49¼ x 453/8") lining fabric (we used Cotton + Steel Printshop in Moons Black, available from www.fabric.com ) • Matching sewing thread • Heavy-duty zip, 61cm (24") • Two leather straps, 107 x 4cm (42 1/8 x 1 5/8") • Small rivets, eight pairs • Rivet tools • Two D-rings • Two swivel clips • Zip, 18cm (7 1/8") • Two pairs of heavy-duty snaps • Snap tools • Quilting clips • Leather punch • Hammer • Fabric adhesive spray Whether…

I LOVE RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR. I ALWAYS LEAVE FEELING EXHAUSTED BUT BEYOND HAPPY! As Christmas is my favourite time of year, I plan as far in advance as I can, starting in spring, with the aim of saving a little time in December for merrymaking. I keep my range concise, settling on a handful of products as well as a showpiece to display at markets – it’s unlikely to sell, but it’s a good conversation starter. Ensuring I have everything I need in plenty of time is vital, and I like to plan out my fair display early, allowing time to make or buy extra props. I especially love Renegade Craft Fair. Tables come with a hefty price tag, but it’s worth it – heaps of fun and amazing for…

Christine Leech Author and maker Christine believes everything looks lovelier with a pom pom and some glitter. She has yet to meet a craft she doesn’t agree with – apart from knitting that is, which she’s still trying to master. Make Christine’s stocking on page 18. www.sewyeah.co.uk David Lewis Military man-turned-printer David is the driving force behind Cherry Press – a traditional letterpress service he runs with the help of his wife, Amie, and his vintage printing presses, Marigold and Martha. Read David’s creative story on page 26. www.cherrypress.co.uk Hayley Southwood Hayley is a keen entrepreneur and marketer. Before she started interiors brand Southwood Stores, Hayley was also known as Mrs Scoops, founder of Vintage Scoops, and catered events from her retro ice cream van, Betty. Take a tour of…

MATERIALS • Floral fabric, 50cm (19¾") (we used Liberty London Fabrics Crochet Meadows in Tana Lawn Cotton) • A5 hardback notebook • Gold ribbon, 0.5cm (¼") • Fabric glue • Double-sided tape 01 Press the fabric and place it right side (RS) down onto a flat surface. Open the notebook and lay it on the fabric with the pages facing up. Mark around the outside of the notebook, then add a 5cm (2") border to all four sides, giving enough fabric to fold over the edges. Cut out. 02 Close the notebook, then stick double-sided tape to all four edges on the front and back, and along the spine. Repeat along the inside front and inside back edges. 03 Peel off the backing from the tape on the outside of…

HOW TO MAKE… A COCKTAIL SET MATERIALS • Metallic gold marker pen For the snack bowl • White polymer clay • Metallic gold porcelain paint • Paint brush • Rolling pin • Craft knife • Heat-proof bowl For the tray • Circular tin tray • White gloss spray paint For the glasses • Martini glasses There are three stages to any drinks party: the initial meet and greet, dancing and making new pals, and finally, falling asleep on a kitchen stool. But, the bit your guests will remember most are their first impressions, which is where this glam cocktail set comes in. Featuring decorated martini glasses, a gold-flecked nibbles bowl and a glitzy bar tray, these simple makes create a sophisticated setting for your festive gatherings. Display on a retro…

HOW TO MAKE… A TASSEL SCARF MATERIALS • We Are Knitters The Cotton Wool, 100% cotton, 100g/212m per ball, two balls in Salmon Pink (B787) (Yarn A), one ball in Wine (6461) (Yarn B) • 5mm (UK 6, US 8) knitting needles • Medium-sized crochet hook • Yarn needle TENSION 25 sts and 22 rows over 10cm (4") square in 4 x 3 rib stitch ABBREVIATIONS  st(s) stitch(es) k knit p purl FINISHED SIZE Approx. 212 x 24cm (83 5/8 x 9½") There are lots of things we love about winter – the excuse to stay home with a good book, shopping for new coats, and drinking huge mugs of hot chocolate – but our biggest pleasure is creating new, snuggly knits for our wardrobes. This particularly cosy design checks…

Describing herself with a smile as an ‘accidental entrepreneur’, Hayley Southwood, founder of Scandinavian-influenced Southwood Stores and the Southwood Social Hub, is a busy woman. As such, she treats her house as her sanctuary – a calm space she feels protective towards. “This is the first time I’ve invited a magazine in!” she admits, a little nervously. And it’s a privilege to visit. It comes as no surprise that the same impeccable curation of her Swanbournebased showroom is evident in her actual home, just up the road. Although she leans towards the monochromatic, keeping it clean and simple, there are fun, colourful personal touches, too. Donna Wilson face-painted plates line the walls in the kitchen where traditional family portraits might go, for instance, and in the living room, a wooden…

HOW TO MAKE… ORIGAMI FAIRY LIGHTS MATERIALS • 12 pieces of patterned paper, 50 x 12cm (19¾ x 4¾") • String of 12 LED fairy lights • Fast-drying glue NOTE Always use with low-heat LED bulbs and fire-retardant spray. Do not leave unattended Take your festive lighting to the next level with this string of origami lanterns, made using contemporary printed papers. Hang them from your mantelpiece, drape over a bookshelf, or intertwine with eucalyptus for the ultimate in festive chic. And, these aren’t just for Christmas – you can leave them up all year round, too. Stick to monochrome prints for an on-trend Scandi feel, add metallics for a touch of luxe, or mix and match different papers from your stash. 01 Take a piece of patterned paper and…

HOW TO MAKE… A PARTY SKIRT MATERIALS • 1m (39 3/8") main fabric (we used Dashwood Studios Norrland Double Border in Multi Metallic) • Long quarter of contrasting fabric (we used Dashwood Studios Norrland Ice in White Metallic) • 1m (39 3/8") tulle fabric • Elastic, 1m, 2.5cm (1") wide • Matching sewing thread We all want to break away from the crowd when it comes to Christmas party outfits, and little girls are no exception. So, make sure they stand out with a tulle-lined, twirl-worthy skirt you can easily whip up in an evening. Made using panel fabric, where a whole design is printed across one piece, this magical winter scene combines woodland animals and geo shapes for a cute Scandi vibe. Highlighting frosty shades with glimmers of gold,…

01 CANVASBUTTERFLY These hand-drawn designs are painted with a passion for wildlife. Evoking the great outdoors, bring the countryside into your home with pictures, prints and cards, including this Fall Stag from their Creature Doodles range. www.canvasbutterfly.etsy.com 02 BUNPETIT Textile artist Emma creates freehand machine embroideries of British wildlife.View her beautiful range of products, from individually embroidered bags and sculptures to cards and pocket mirrors, and give one a home today. www.bunpetit.com 03 FATPOPPYCAT Made from soft upholstery fabric, these bird brooches and hanging decorations are all handmade and completely unique. Buy as a gift for a friend or for yourself, and keep a little piece of the countryside with you wherever you go. www.fatpoppycat.co.uk 04 ABBIE IMAGINE Based in charming Cornwall, illustrator Abbie Smith takes inspiration from the countryside…

HOW TO MAKE… A CHRISTMAS STOCKING MATERIALS • 50cm (19¾") white felt • Wool roving in dark pink, light pink, green, blue and turquoise • Selection of trimmings, including ribbons, pom-pom trim and ric-rac • Pink sewing thread • Embroidery thread in gold, light green, dark pink and turquoise • Crochet yarn in fuchsia, light pink, dark blue, light blue, turquoise and light green • Crystal gems (we used Swarovski sew-on crystals) • A6 piece of card • Embroidery needle • Yarn needle • Felting needle • Felting mat Pom poms and tassels and roving and bling – these are a few of our favourite things. And, they’ve all been incorporated into one jewel-coloured, texture-filled, yarn-tastic tactile stocking. Using a range of techniques, from felting to embroidery, this project is…

Like it or loathe it, Christmas shopping is something you can’t avoid. So, switch things up this year, and turn it into a joyful exploration of all things craft by shopping independently, extending festive cheer to all those talented designers and makers out there.Whether you’re a last-minute shopper who relishes dashing round the shops on Christmas Eve, a planner who notes down inspiration months before, or a secret stasher who collects gifts throughout the year, there’s a crafter out there to fulfil your every need, and give you a few ideas for your own Christmas list... A PERSONAL TOUCH In an ideal world, we’d all have the time to dedicate months to crafting our own truly personal gifts, but with hectic schedules and busy lifestyles, it’s not always possible. Buying…

HOW TO MAKE… AN ADVENT CALENDAR MATERIALS • 1m (39 3/8") cotton canvas fabric in cream • 50cm (19¾") patterned fabric, (we used Sevenberry Lightweight Canvas in Poco Black) • Felt in blue, green, orange, pink and yellow • Matching sewing thread • Transfer paper • Tailor’s chalk • Fabric glue • Webbing, 1m (39 3/8"), 1cm ( 3/8") wide • Dowel, 60cm (23 5/8"), 1cm ( 3/8") wide This year, ditch the shop-bought advent calendar and replace it with this easy-sew version instead. Combining Scandilook clean lines and monochrome prints with a pop of colour, not only will it look good hung in your home, but filling its pockets each year creates a lovely tradition, too. Choose the treats as a family, or surprise little ’uns with a selection…

01 BOXCITEMENT Monthly surprise boxes will brighten your day with an exclusive mix of stationery, jewellery, homewares and gifts. Use code MOLLIEBOX for a 20% discount. www.boxcitement.co.uk 02 CRAFTPOD Join the Craftpod club! Treat yourself or friends to a yearly subscription of boxes, or try a one-off. Inside you’ll find seasonal craft and stitching projects, all with materials and instructions. www.craftpod.co.uk 03 LOLLIPOP BOX CLUB Lollipop Box Club has a fun new theme every month. Their boxes are filled with cute stationery, papercrafts, exclusive stickers, stamps, stencils and gifts. www.lollipopboxclub.com 04 TRUNKAROO A creative and STEAM-inspired (Science Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) subscription box for three- to eight-year-olds, to spark curiosity in little ones. www.trunkaroo.com 05 THE GLITTERY HANDS BOX Emma curates a monthly themed surprise box for sassy crafters.Visit…