CRAFTING

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CRAFTING
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 WELCOME

KELSEY MEDIA
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EDITORIAL
Editor Heather Grimes
Art Editor Helen Blunt

kcme
Contributors Sarah Beaman,
Berenice Calvo, Bernadette Fallon,
Nicola Hills, Rosie Horsley,
Alison Manning, Liv O'Malley,
lan Sanderson, Isabella Strambio,
Sophie Warren-Smith, Rachel Warrillow,
Gabriella Weekes

ADVERTISEMENT SALES
OD) f you’re anything like us here at Mindful
For enquiries pelase contact:
Nikki Peterson Crafting then sustainability ranks highly on
020 3510 0849
nikki [email protected] your agenda. You'll be pleased to know that
this issue is full of eco-friendly credentials,
including carefully selected projects to inspire
MANAGEMENT you to reduce, re-use and re-love. Learn how to
Chief Executive Officer Steve Wright create your own reusable make-up wipes,
Chief Operating Officer Phil Weeden
Managing Director Kevin McCormick upcycle an empty jar with macramé, update
Retail Director Steve Brown old clothes with tie-dye, and create a hair clip
Print Production Controller
Anne Meader s| with some common household objects! Not
only are these projects all fantastic, they will
help to inspire you to think more sustainably
DISTRIBUTION for your future crafts.
Marketforce (UK) I’m sure our front cover image has caught your eye and I know you are
Srd Floor
161 Marsh Wall going to love Sarah Beaman’s fabulous fabric cacti project on page 18 as
London much as I do. There are two styles to try out and one of them uses a
E14 9AP
no-stitch method, it’s such a simple, beautiful make! If you enjoyed any
Tel: 0330 390 6555 of the projects within this issue I’d love to hear from you and see your
Northern Ireland and the Republic of efforts. I’m also keen to hear about any techniques or projects that you’d
lreland: Newspread like us to feature, drop me an email at the address below and let me know
Tel: +353 23 886 3850
your thoughts.
If you ever find yourself struggling to create, even though you have set
aside the perfect moment for your crafting, you’re most certainly not
PRINTING
William Gibbons & Sons Ltd, alone. For Gabriella Weekes, this can often mean that her thoughts are
West Midlands
blocking her creative process. Turn to page 56 to discover her innovative
Photography courtesy of Shutterstock remedy for releasing this pent-up energy, reawakening her creativity and
unless otherwise stated
finding a mindful space once again.
Kelsey Media 2020 all rights reserved. Kelsey Media is Of course, you’ll find plenty of inspiration inside this issue, so I really
a trading name of Kelsey Publishing Ltd. Reproduction in
whole or in partis forbidden except with permission in hope you enjoy it. If so, you can purchase back issues and subscribe to
writing from the publishers. Note to contributors: articles
submitted for consideration by the editor must be the Mindful Crafting online at shop.kelsey.co.uk, as well as a whole host of
original work of the author and not previously published, other titles. Your magazine can be delivered directly to your door and we
Where phutographs are included, which are nut the
property of the contributor, permission to reproduce provide digital editions if you prefer. Happy crafting!
them must have been obtained from the owner of the
copyright. The
editor cannot guarantee a personal
response to all letters and emails received. The views
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www.kelsey.co.uk/privacy-policy If at any point you have
vation
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our Data Protection Officer at [email protected].
Editor, Minoful Crafting
[email protected]

KELSEY
 CONTENTS

Issue 6

(9

CREATE IT
8 BEAUTIFUL BUMBLEBEE 50 STITCH YOUR OWN ART 82 FLOWER HAIR CLIP
The perfect project to fill This technique will create No one will guess which
an afternoon a display that really pops household objects were
18 FABULOUS FAKES! upcycled for this project!
64 RECYCLE AND REUSE

Ter
Fabric cacti that look so Create your own make-up
real you'll do a double take pads and matching bag
32 FELT WALL HANGING 70 MACRAME JAR COVER
A simple tutorial with Turn old glass jars into SEE PAGE
stunning results beautiful objects
40 PRETTY FELT PURSE 76 TIE-DYE MAGIC 90
A lovely design
that you Give your clothes a new
can adapt in size lease of life

4 Mindful CRAFTING
 CONTENTS

hi

MINDFULNESS INSPIRATION
26 WHY MEDITATE? 6 RELEASE YOUR CREATIVITY 60 MAKE A BETTER WORLD
The benefits of finding Unleash your inner artist! Eco-friendly craft tips
inner peace that will inspire your
14 GET INSPIRED sustainable crafting
46 CRAFT MORE MINDFULLY Boost your creative spark
90 CRAFTING THROUGH
Tips on making the most 30 IT STARTED WITH A THE AGES
of your crafting journey
GRANNY SQUARE A short and interesting
56 JUST DANCE We talk to Ian Sanderson history of knitting
Using movement to 36 THE SELF-EMPLOYED 94 OUR FAVOURITE
awaken your creativity
ROLLERCOASTER... FABULOUS STORES
88 BACK TO NATURE Rachel Warrillow shares The best shopping spots
Incorporate the outdoors the realities of building a to check out both in store
into your mindful crafting handmade business and online
 LET IT OUT!
HOW TO RELEASE YOUR
°
Fe oy
7 y ,
~ ae

MB eG ak
Are you struggling to set your inner artist free?
GU
From books to nature, we show you
where to find inspiration

aN

6 Mindful CRAFTING
 INSPIRATION
Teen

orldwide bestselling beyond the mundane and out of lawyers. The book is full of
Elizabeth our established and limiting roles examples from her own life and
WV Gilbert (of Eat, Pray, in society. the lives of others, as well as
Love fame) is a good woman to There is strong evidence to inspiring quotes, insights,
start with when tracking down show that being creative makes affirmations and tasks to
your creative self. Her book Big us happier. Over three quarters of complete over the 12 weeks.
Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear respondents to the recent BBC
shows how to live your life Great British Creativity survey of Look around
creatively and beat the fear that almost 50,000 people said that You don’t have to take the word
may be preventing you taking creativity helped them block out of others to find your inspiration.
those first creative steps. It’s well stress and anxiety. Creativity Take it from all around you. Be
worth reading because, as she works in a number of ways to inspired by the sights and sounds
says: ‘A creative life is an make us happier, by distracting of nature on a countryside walk
amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a from negative feelings, helping to or, if you live in a city or town,
happier life, an expanded life, build up self-esteem and giving visit your nearest urban park. Sit
and a hell of a lot more us time and headspace to reflect in your garden and immerse
interesting life.” Who wouldn’t on our inner emotions. yourself in nature. Hang a bird
want that for themselves? feeder to attract wildlife to your
She goes on to explain: ‘We are Bring out your inner artist space or, if you don’t have
all creatives. Go back far enough Writer Julia Cameron has also outdoor access, attach a feeder to
into your family history and you laid down a blueprint to help your window.
will find people who were not discover your creative self. In The Take inspiration from beautiful
consumers, people who were not Artist’s Way:A Course in things. Visit your nearest
sitting around passively waiting Discovering and Recovering Your National Trust property and
for stuff to happen to them. You Creative Self, she outlines a wander around both the house
will find people who spent their 12-week course designed to and the garden. Take in all of the
lives making things. This is where unlock your latent creativity period details, the colours and
you come from. This is where we and use your talents in a variety various textures.
all come from. Human beings of ways. Browse fashion and interiors
have been creative beings fora She is particularly good on Magazines for creative
wt
, vw really long time — look at it like tackling self-doubt and self- inspiration, explore Pinterest
this, the oldest evidence of criticism and also on making the with all of its creative mood
recognisable human art is forty whole process fun - the journey boards and start your own board.
thousand years old.’ is a freeing up rather than a Read books about the lives of
Or, in other words: ‘For most of shackling down. Each week artists, whether that be William
history people just made things, involves various exercises, such as Morris, Picasso or Banksy —
and they didn’t make such a big writing first thing every morning discovering where others find
deal about it. We make things and taking yourself on an ‘artist their inspiration can often
because we like making things.’ date’ - bringing your inner artist prompt your own. Search out
Gilbert is also a big fan of using out for an excursion. niche designers in everything
creativity to boost your mental Cameron, a writer and award- from wallpaper to textiles.
health, revealing that over the winning journalist who has also Explore Etsy for active
years she has discovered if she is worked extensively in film, TV inspiration - find out what others
not actively creating something, and theatre, has been teaching are doing. And, of course, keep
she is probably actively this method for over two decades up to date with Mindful Crafting;
destroying something herself, a in her creativity workshops toa in every issue we’ll bring you an
relationship or her peace of range of people including artists interview with a crafter, sharing
mind. She believes that we all and non-artists, painters and their inspiration and tips for
need activities that take us filmmakers and homemakers and pursuing a more creative life. me

Illustration: Shutterstock
 CREATE IT

BUMBLEBEE
CAWH
pl
The perfect project to fill an afternoon...

FEATURE: ROSIE HORSLEY

A nyone who knows me well

know that I absolutely
dore bumblebees. Aside
from the fact that they’re small,
cute and fluffy, I also appreciate
If we’re being overly poetic about
it, you could almost say they are
using the mini storms in their
lives to their advantage and I
think we could all learn
what they stand for and something from that!
symbolise. You could almost say In honour of these marvellous
that we each live in our own little creatures, I have created a 3D
social bubbles, or hives, and bumblebee in an embroidery ring
everyone has something to that you can make yourself. I’m
contribute. Just as we can’t live in awful at finishing big crafting
isolation by ourselves without a projects so this is perfect if you
support network, the bumblebee want to finish something in an
cannot live alone outside of its afternoon/evening. It’s alsoa
wider network. great way of using up little scraps
Another little fun fact about of fabric. I have takena realistic
bumblebees is that they fly by approach to my bee but why not
creating mini hurricanes with go for a more whimsical look if
their wings to lift them upwards. you have ditsy floral fabric, or get
inspired by what you have lying
around. Even a trip to a local
charity shop and upcycling
clothing can produce some great,
inexpensive results. If you’re
using fabric with a dark or large
pattern, why not choose a bold
thread colour that will stand out
against it?
Ilike to use embroidery rings as
Ba they can work anywhere in the
home, and can easily be hung as
a picture or propped up on a shelf
to show off all your hard work.
As a backing fabric, you’ll want
something that’s fairly robust as
it will weather better and is less
likely to tear if you’re repeatedly
sewing into the same spot. If you
are also using a sewing ring, a
higher thread count and more
‘opaque’ fabric will hide the
thread from showing through. —

8 Mindful CRAFTING
 CREATE IT

Pencil
Sharp scissors
Pins
Needle
Thread
Black embroidery thread
Embroidery ring
Thick fabric for backing e.g.
calico
Selection of fabric scraps
Wading
A4 plastic sleeve or interfacing
(for the wings)

STEP BY STEP:
5D BUMBLEBEE

Step 1 Using the templates provided

on page 97, draw around them onto the
chosen fabric, excluding the wings. Cut
out the shapes using sharp scissors.
You should have a body piece, neck,
belly and bottom. For my bee have
|

chosen black fabric for the body,

golden fabric for the neck and belly,
and white fabric for the bottom. You do
not need to leave a seam allowance.

Step 2 Pin your neck, belly and bottom

pieces in place on top of your bee's
body and sew together.

10 Mindfué CRAFTING
 CREATE
IT

Step 3 Put your backing fabric in the

embroidery ring and puil until it is taut.

Step 4 Cut out a series of small circles

of wadding, this will give the bee a 3D
appearance. Make sure these are a
touch smaller than the ‘body’ template
so they don’t poke out.

Step 5 Pin the bee’s body onto the

backing fabric, with the wadding
underneath. Starting with the bee’s
head, as this section is prone to distort,
sew around the outside of the body to
attach it to the backing fabric.

Step 6 Cut the wings out and sew these

onto the body as shown in the picture.

Step 7 Keeping tension in the wing to

avoid any puckering, sew a series of
straight lines to give texture. >

11
 I have taken a realistic approach’
to my bee... why not go for a more
whimsical look if you have ditsy
floral fabric, or get inspired by
what you have lying around!
 CREATE
IT

Step 8 On the underside of the

embroidery ring draw on where the legs
will go. You can then trace these from
the front side and sew with the
embroidery thread. kept sewing long
|

‘lines’ over the same area to build up

the solidity.

ain
. Step 9 To make the antennae,
through some emboridery thread and
pulled
|

knotted it at either side of the backing

fabric.

Step 10 To tidy up the finished piece,

trim any excess fabric round the
outside of the embroidery ring, leaving
an inch behind. Using normal sewing
thread, now zigzag across opposite
sides of the ring to pull the fabric
together. Keep going until all loose
edges are tucked away. Alternatively,
you could square off the backing fabric
and frame your creation! mc
nr
LISTENING
ie
Here are some albums I’ve been
listening to this month:
Souls by Shallou
Lonesome Dreams by Lord
Huron

Look Up Child by Lauren Daigle

Mi Picture credits: Rosie Horsley

13
 INSPIRATION

INSPIRED!
In need of some inspiration? Here are some of our favourite
instagrammers, podcasters, bloggers and teachers from the
creative world...

FEATURE: SOPHIE WARREN-SMITH

nspiration is absolutely key which is why we’re lucky that the

Je= it comes to crafting. Itcan

come to us from all sorts of
internet is always on hand!
To help you on your crafting
sources, from nature to journey we’ve sourced some of the
conversations with friends, where best creatives - from podcasts to
do you find yours? However, weall instagrammers, the best blogs to
hit a stumbling block at times, read and courses to enrol on.

14° Mindful CRAFTING

 INSPIRATION

Hannah @hannah_madden_printmaker
Hannah is a printmaker living on the Welsh
Marches and has always had a love of art and
design. She loves drawing and designing and
being able to work on a process from start to
Marie and Maria @lushdesigns_ finish. Hannah specialises in block printing and
Animal loving artists, Marie and Maria have plant dying on both fabrics and paper, this
been working together since 1982 when they met at ensures each piece is one of a kind. Her
Maidstone Art College while studying painting and Instagram account shows her inspirations, print
printmaking. Their business evolved while they were processes and studio. Hannah’s products include
working in the theatre and community arts. They beautifully scented wheat and lavender bags,
both adore colour and their quirky prints have been lampshades, fine bone china mugs and lanterns.
applied to their homeware products, which include
lampshades, cushions and wallpaper, all made in
house from their studio in Cockpit Arts, Deptford.

i WY AN
Nes

‘
Sax:

x. <= x ail

‘“\
9 ~~ AG

$i
%
Ruth @ruth.eaton SS
Ruth makes beautiful clothes and home- kd
furnishings with stunning embroidery as a finishing
touch. She uses time-honoured needlework and
fabric manipulation in contemporary designs that
are inspired by nature. Each garment is unique and
built to last years, and her embroidery designs are
produced in small, customised editions or as
YY commissions.
Ruth @ruthsingertextiles The fabrics Ruth
Ruth has been working as an artist-maker in uses are
textiles for 15 years. Prior to setting up her primarily
own studio, she worked in museums natural and,
following her master’s degree in museum where possible,
studies. The love of both aspects can be seen organic. You can
in her work as her creative projects are see her gorgeous
inspired by heritage. Ruth has produced five designs on her
solo exhibitions including Criminal Quilts — Instagram
an art and heritage project inspired by account,
photographs and documents relating to including
women held in Stafford Prison 1877-1916; close-up images
it’s a travelling exhibition and can be seen of the detailed
throughout the UK until 2021. embroidery.

15
 INSPIRATION

Hannah Thiessen
Hannah Thiessen is obsessed with
yarns and is the author of Slow
Knitting and the soon to be
launched, Seasonal Slow Knitting.
Her neighbour taught her to knit
when she was just eight years old
and she has been in love with yarn
ever since! Her ethos is to: source
carefully, produce thoughtfully,
think environmentally, experiment
fearlessly and to explore openly.
Her blog features knitting patterns
for pieces like socks, baby blankets
and hats, as well as posts on yarns,
dyeing and seasonal inspirations.
www. hannahthiessen.com

Purple Sewing Cloud

Samantha is the name behind the
Purple Sewing Cloud blog, and she
lives in Gateshead, south Newcastle,
UK. Her love of crafts started when
she was young, she was taught how to
sew early on and helped to make her
own dance costumes. Samantha also
loves baking, knitting, crochet and
embroidery. After several years of
health issues that culminated ina
brain virus, Samantha found that
sewing helped her recovery and now
it helps to keep her happy and sane.
Her blog features clothing projects,
pattern reviews and sewing.
www.purplesewingcloud.wordpress.com

16 Mindfué CRAFTING
 INSPIRATION

oo caply
Yarn Stories Podcast
Miriam Feltonis a maker,
knitwear designer, teacher,

Siw)
4

author and lover of yarns;

she’s also the host of the Yarn
Stories podcast! Over the last
few years she has met so many
fibre people doing great things, so she decided
to launch the podcast to tell the stories behind
the yarn - how many miles has it travelled?
How many hands have touched it? What went
into its creation? There are plenty of interviews
on yarn construction, making and dyeing, as
well as chats on knitting, crochet and other

Katie Starks
textile- and yarn-based subjects.
www. yarnstoriespodcast.com

Picture credit

un:CUT The Makers’

Podcast
The un:CUT podcast was I
W@

1
formed in the summer of The Makers’ Podcast
2020 and is a collaborative
SURF ACE PATTERN QESIGN affair for makers, by makers.
ANB CUSHION MAKING
You have three hosts; Alice,
Atia and Juliet, and there are intimate
Make it in Design interviews and chats with a focus on diving
Are you yearning to learn about surface pattern into how everyday people from different walks
design? Make it in Designis a collaboration of life approach creating the things they love.
between Rachael Taylor, an internationally renowned surface They cover style, inspiration, how to create
pattern designer, stylist and instructor, and Beth Kempton, an when money is tight, how to make time for
award-winning entrepreneur and self-help author. Together, they creativity, as well as those mishaps we all have!
run online courses for surface pattern design, textile design and www. anchor.fm/uncutpodcast

print, including Florals and Nature, Pattern Creation and Chair

Upholstery and Surface Pattern Design and Cushion Making. Grow with Soul
www. makeitindesign.com Previously stuck ina
marketing job that left her
West Dean College
There are many local colleges that run short courses as well as
disillusioned, Kayte Ferris was
fed up with the usual s
foul
survcaing wad
srmgte
an
more in-depth foundation and degree options. Shorter courses are marketing speak that centred
ideal for testing the water on a creative pursuit you might want to around billion dollar
take further. At West Dean College you'll find a large selection that companies squeezing money out of people. She
includes machine embroidered landscapes, learning to crochet, handed in her notice after an opportunity to
coiled basketry and bobbin lacemaking. move to the Welsh mountains appeared, and
www. westdean.org.uk once there, Simple & Season was born. Kayte
now helps creatives with their own marketing
School of Stitched Textiles but in a meaningful way that nurtures you and
The School of Stitched Textiles is the Uk’s largest distance learning your business and helps you to find the right
for textiles-based courses. You’ll find courses for absolute people for what you create. In the podcast
beginners and those who are more advanced. Subjects covered episodes, Kayte talks to creative people who are
include patchwork, knitting, crochet, hand-embroidery, learning at various stages of their businesses, it’s
to draw for design and simple hand stitching. They also have City informative and inspiring and you'll also find
& Guilds accredited courses that are more advanced, they cover some fabulous coaching episodes.
felt, machine embroidery and textiles. www. simpleandseason.com

www. sofst.org

17
 CREATE IT

FABULOUS
FAKES...
These fabric cacti YOU WILL NEED...
look so real you’ll = Medium weight fabric
" Steel rule
do a double take! = Scissors or rotary cutter and
cutting mat
= lron and ironing board
= 5cm and 7cm polystyrene craft
FEATURE: SARAH BEAMAN balls
®
Sequin pins
»
Flowerpots

H
ave fun making your own * Chalk or other fabric marker
display of these ®
Sewing machine with matching
fashionable plants and, thread
guess what... they need even less =
Toy stuffing
water than the real things! = Hand sewing needle
You will need a sewing = Linen threads and novelty fluffy
machine to make the cactus, but yarn for the spines
the succulent only requires an = Tissue paper or newspaper
iron, some dexterity and oh yes, = Vermiculite or fine grit
some patience! >

18 Mindfué CRAFTING
 CREATE IT

loge
Medium weight cottons or silks
are ideal fabrics for this project.
Although plain fabric can be
used, more interesting results
are possible if printed or
hand-dyed cloths are selected
such as those seen here,
available from Changs Fabrics
—a fat quarter is enough to
make one cactus and one 5cm
diameter succulent.

19
 CREATE IT

STEP BY STEP: FOLDED FABRIC SUCCULENT

Step 1 Cut a straight edge on your

chosen fabric then use scissors or a
rotary cutter to cut a strip of fabric to
match the diameter of your poly ball,
for example cut a 5cm wide strip for a
5cm diameter ball, or a 7cm strip for a
7cm diameter poly ball.

Step 2 Cut the strip of fabric into

— whatever size of ball
squares you are
using you will need to cut 33 squares.

Step 3 Fold a square in half matching

two straight sides and press with the
iron. Fold one short edge over aligning
it with the adjacent long edge and

a
press in place. Repeat with the
opposite short edge to produce a
triangle shape as seen. Repeat the
folding and pressing process to produce
32 triangles, reserving one square of
PR
fabric.

Step 4 Take the reserved square and fix stretching the fabric slightly so that it
it to the poly ball securing it with a sits flat. Place the first triangle on top
sequin pin in each corner and of the square aligning the long edges
and pin the corners to secure it. Pin
the ends of the folded edges as seen
(four pins along the flat edge). Repeat
the process with the second triangle on
the opposite side of the square.

Step 5 Complete the first round by

securing the next two triangles in place
in the gaps between the first two

triangles.

Step 6 The second round is formed by

pinning the next four triangles in the
gaps between the first four. >

ee
Make it easier to push the pins
through the multiple layers of
Jabric into the poly ball by
making a pilot hole with a
piercing tool or a veryfine stiletto.

20 Mindful CRAFTING
 CREATE IT

"TOP TIP
Matching the size of the fabric
squares to the diameter of the ball
makes it easy to scale the project
up or down to suit different sized
polystyrene balls and therefore
create a variety of succulents.

21
CREATE IT

“Tat
Group afew of the foldedfabric
succulents together in a shallow
bowl covering the surface with
Sine grit or vermiculite to make a
convincing display.
 CREATE
IT

Step 7 Round three... Continue pinning

triangles in alternate gaps between the
triangles pinned in the previous row.
Once the first four are in place work
around the same row a second time
adding another triangle in each
alternate gap to create a round of eight
triangles. Repeat for round four,
placing and pinning eight more
triangles in alternate spaces and using
up all 32 triangles.

Step 8 Place the finished succulent in

the pot of your choice. You can simply
rest it or glue it in place on the top of a
flowerpot with a similar diameter, or
alternatively stuff a larger pot with
tissue or newspaper, sit the succulent
TRY THIS! DON’T LIMIT YOURSELF TO PLANT
on top and cover the paper with fine POTS, THIS ONE LOOKS GREAT IN A CLEAN
grit or vermiculite for a realistic effect. + GOLDEN SYRUP TIN!

23
 CREATE IT

STEP BY STEP:
MACHINE STITCHED
CACTUS

TOP TIP! Cutting the cactus pieces

out on the bias means that the fabric
has give and will therefore flex and
flatten more neatly along the French
seams. The bias sits at 90° to the grain
line. An easy way to find the bias is to
fold the cut edge of the fabric to match
it with the selvedge, or finished edge of
the fabric. The fold line indicates the
bias that follows an angle at 90° to the
straight grain.

Step 1 Use the template on page 96.

Fold the fabric to establish the bias

and finger press along the fold. Open
the fabric and place the bottom of the
template along the finger-pressed
crease, pinning it in place. Draw
around it with chalk or a fabric marker.
Repeat then pin the pattern in place for
athird time. Cut out the two marked
shapes and cut around the pattern to
produce three pieces. Fold each piece
lengthways and gently press in half.

Step 2 With right sides together, use

the sewing machine to stitch a lem
seam along the folded edge of each of
the three sections, taking in the curve.
The seams created will be on the wrong
side of the fabric.

Step 3 Open out the first section, place

the right sides of the fabric together,
and match one of the raw edges with
the raw edge on the second section.
Sew a 0.5cm seam allowance along the
edge.

Step 4 Turn the seam back on itself

and stitch along it again 1cm in from
the edge, enclosing the raw edges and
creating the French seam. The seam
should be on the front of the fabric and
will form the rib of the cacti.

24 Mindful CRAFTING
 CREATE
IT

TOP TIP
If you don’t have any

Step 5 Repeat the process to join all toy stuffing use rolled
three sections, forming French seams up bubble wrap or
on the right side of the fabric. The crumpled tissue paper
cactus will be right side out when you to.stuff your cactus.
have finished joining the sections as
described.

Step 6 The top of the cactus is closed

in two stages. First, use a couple of
hand stitches to join the pleats into
pairs then gently tuck the three pairs of
pleats just into the top of the cactus
tube, working the fabric to conceal the
raw edges as much as possible. Step 7 Use whipstitch to join one of the
pleats of each pair to the one adjacent to
it in the next pair and work around the
circle a couple of times — don’t worry if
the result isn’t as neat as you would like
because the cotton or wool used to
create the effect of the spines will
conceal imperfections.

Step 8 Lightly stuff the cactus with toy

stuffing.

Step 9 Thread a needle with a length of

thread and/or novelty yarn and pass it
through one of the pleats, near to the top
of the cactus and close to the edge. Tie
the ends into a knot then trim them off,
leaving the ends longer or shorter to
create the look of spines. Repeat the
knotting and trimming process along the
edge of each pleat at 1-1.5cm intervals
to create the spiny ribs of the cactus.

Step 10 Place the base of the cactus

into a flowerpot and support it with
crumpled up tissue or newspaper then
dress the pot by scattering fine grit or
vermiculite around the top to conceal
the paper. mc

25
 MINDFULNESS

WHY SHOULD WE

mecttale?
The benefits of finding inner peace from
moments of mindfulness

FEATURE: LIV O'MALLEY

s we have started to you to live in the present and be

and at peace with your surroundings
Ascent cknowledge the benefits
of meditation, its popularity has
- this allows us to acknowledge
the simpler things in life and find
significantly increased. Have you the true beauty within the
thought about taking moment
a moment.
out of your busy day to allow
yourself time to step away and Reduce stress
find peace? Let me take you I think we can all agree that
through the various benefits that living a stress-free life is
you could see just by meditating. something we would all like to
aim for. Stress can alter feelings
Increase consciousness towards normal situations,
Are you finding balancing work causing irrational activity and
and personal life difficult and even upsetting those around you.
struggling with concentration? Meditation is known to reduce
Then perhaps you could use stress significantly and allows the
meditation to develop your opportunity to process situations
concentration levels. We have all and feelings before acting upon
been sat in meetings and our them. By living a more relaxed
brain has wandered to what we life, encouraged by daily
have in the fridge for lunch, or meditation, you will be able to
what time we can clock off for think in a more positive manner.
the day! Losing focus can be one Our brains are busy, whether you
of the most frustrating feelings us struggle with anxiety or not. We
humans can encounter are often thinking about next
especially if you are a keen steps before we have allowed
multitasker, it can be particularly ourselves to focus on the now. By
easy to drop the ball. Practising allowing our mind to cloud with
daily meditation is proven to constant thoughts, our brains
increase your awareness. can feel overloaded and
Mindfulness meditation teaches encourage higher levels of panic +

26 Mindful CRAFTING
 MINDFULNESS

[ 7

NZ

27
 MINDFULNESS

within. Meditation can help to to the popular belief of that

alleviate anxious feelings and magical eight hours! However, we
professional life struggles, are all very much aware of when
allowing personal woes to ease. we are lacking in energy due to
In a study carried out by the poor sleep, leaving us cranky and
British Heart Foundation of 201 often short tempered. Meditation
patients with coronary heart encourages the heart rate to
disease, by each patient lower, your slower breathing will
practising 15 minutes of also aid this. Meditating alone
transcendental meditation each will increase the likelihood of
day it lowered the risk of death, getting better quality sleep; by
heart attack and strokes by 48%. promoting inner peace and
calmness you will be able to
Improves sleep switch off and not worry about
Tossing and turning each night is the number of emails you need to
not useful to any of us. Losing respond to the following day.
out on good quality sleep can There are excellent sleep
also trigger negative feelings, meditation apps and videos
anxiety and stress. There is no available online which focus
recommended amount of sleep purely on this function, why not
each person should get, contrary trial one this evening?

No restrictions
One of the best things about
meditation? You can do it
anywhere! Whether you are on

AN the morning commute to work,

or you just like to engage in
evening mindfulness - there is no
right or wrong location for you to
gain your inner peace. Because it
is most often a silent practice
there is nothing stopping you
from meditating where you feel
most at ease.
When I meditate I like to wear
comfortable clothes as this really
helps me to relax... think that’s
I

a bonus in itself! me

Wi Picture credits: Shutterstock

29
 y
LET'S CHAT

IT ALL STARTED
WITHA
yaaye
We talk to textile crafter lan
Sanderson about his journey from
fine art to crafting, influenced by
his father’s love of crochet
What type of crafting do you do? my father crocheting. He would
I crochet, quilt and make crochet but hand it to my mother
patchwork using a combination if any visitors came into the
of machine and hand sewing. I house. I remember him making a
did try loom knitting but decided granny square poncho for my
I don’t really have enough room little sister. So, I decided to learn
in my life for another craft at the how to make a granny square.
moment.
How did your interest develop
How did you first get involved in and how has your work evolved
crafting? over the years?
I studied fine art at college but Learning the humble granny
now work in the area of mental square started this journey; it led
health. A few years ago, I decided on to blankets and throws. With
that I wasn’t using the creative crochet, once you master the
side of my brain enough and stitches you don’t need to limit
decided to start crafting. I first yourself and Iam now venturing
looked at crochet as I remember into clothing. My heart will
always stay with the granny
square and I am trying to
incorporate this staple of the
I spend time searching out crochet world into my clothing.
I’m not sure how quilting crept
preloved cotton fabrics and into my life, but I decided for my
50th birthday I wanted a sewing
yarn in charity shops, wearing machine (I’ve had sewing
machines in the past, so it wasn’t
my recycle credentials with as random as it sounds). I’ve
always liked the look of
pride and sharing the story traditional quilts so decided to
‘have a go’. After 10 years, I think
with my customers. I’ve cracked it.

30 Mindful CRAFTING
 LET'S CHAT

Both crochet and sewing demand

absolute focus, so there 1s no room for
any other thoughts. I feel more centred,
more relaxed and balanced. So much
so that if I go too long without sewing
or hooking I can feel a bit restless.

Who and what inspires you and my USP didn’t come across. My
what are your key influences? business, QuiltAndHook, is now
The inspiration for my crafts is much more than a hobby and is
always the yarn and the fabric. A self-funding.
huge influence recently is
sustainability — to reuse, re-love What have the highs and lows
and re-craft. I spend time been?
searching out preloved cotton Are there any lows? No, not
fabrics and yarn in charity shops, really. There are moments of
wearing my recycle credentials frustration trying to master a
with pride and sharing the story particular stitch or followa
with my customers. crochet pattern. But then that’s
when the highs follow, mastering
How does being creative make a new stitch or patchwork block.
you feel? The ultimate high is when
Using the creative side of my someone takes the time to talk to
brain brings me back to the me about my work and they
moment. Both crochet and understand it. When that
sewing demand absolute focus, conversation results in a sale am
]

so there is no room for any other always delighted. Delighted that

thoughts. I feel more centred, someone admires my work and it
more relaxed and balanced. So will be loved and used. Selling
much so that if I go too long my first quilt at a craft fair was
without sewing or hooking I can really special.
feel a bit restless.
What advice would you give to
When did you decide to turn people keen to turn their textile
crafting into a business? skills into a business?
There comes a point in any Take a chance. There is room for
crafter’s life when they look us all and people still appreciate
around and wonder what the handmade unique items. Just
next step is; the love of creating find your USP. Sometimes the
beautiful things and keeping simplest ideas spark people’s
them to myself didn’t seem interest. Don’t be shy...
enough. I hadn’t intended to
start a business but thought it Are there any other crafting areas
would be nice to ‘sell some stuff’ you would like to move into?
to fund my hobby. I did try an I think, for now, Pll keep doing See lan’s designs and find out more
online shop for crochet but it what I’m doing and do it well. about him at... Instagram @only1 crochet.
didn’t feel personal enough and But never say never! mec

31
 CREATE IT

FELT
Learn how to create your
hanging using felt and ribbon with
this simple step-by-step
FEATURE:
SOPHIE WARREN-SMITH

looking a bit
re your walls

Ave Why not make your

own wall hanging using
felt and ribbons - no need fora
sewing machine!

YOU WILL NEED...

" A selection of felt pieces
= Twine
" A glue gun
" Fabric scissors
" A selection of ribbon
=
Ruler
*
Pencil or pen
" Thick paper or cardboard

STEP BY STEP:
FELT WALL HANGING

Step 1 Decide what shape you'd like to

make, you could do a heart, hexagonal,

square, rectangle — the world is your
oyster! Draw it on to your cardboard
and cut out. Then, mark up one side of
it with lines roughly the width of your
ruler.

Step 2 Choose your felt colours and cut

them into strips, they need to be wide
enough to overlay each other.

Step 3
Once you have the right number of
strips for the lines on your cardboard
shape, then ‘fringe’ each one. >

32 Mindful CRAFTING
 CREATE IT

Step 4 Starting at the bottom, glue

each piece on carefully. The glue does
dry quickly so you need to work fast,
making sure that each piece is stuck
down properly.

Step 5 Keep going until you have

covered the whole piece of cardboard.
When each piece is securely stuck
down and dry, turn the whole thing
around and trim the sides of the felt
from the back.

Step 6 Keeping the wall hanging

reversed, cut pieces of ribbon and
carefully glue them into place along the
back of the bottom edge. used two
|

different widths and each piece was TOP TIP! Be super

approximately six inches long, then
careful with the glue
|

cut the ends diagonally.

gun, the end can get

really hot!

Step 7 Before turning it round, glue

your twine onto the top corners at the
back, this is for hanging it up.

Step 8 Once your twine is dry then you

can hang it up! It will look great above
a mantlepiece, beside the bed or in a
child’s bedroom. me

34 Mindful CRAFTING
 CREATE
IT

i
di

Ifyou dont have any ribbons,

you could cut additional
felt
strips instead to use along the
bottom, or other pieces of
material from your stash!

Ma

NA
35
 INSPIRATION

THE SELF-

QNES _ When a creative hobby becomes a business

— Is it all it’s cracked
up to be?

FEATURE: RACHEL WARRILLOW

ome people are creative to their

S core. They have been crafting one

way or another for as long as they
can remember. The dream would be to
live that life full time: to turn their
passion a career and have their very
own handmade business.
But is this always the right way to go?
As we all know, being creative is a way
into a calming, mindful world, but can
that last when the realities of business
6
set in? And what do you do if the
passion fades?
This is something I can talk about MME
from experience. I’m a milliner of more
than 12 years and have built a business
around these skills. Back in the In that dream, I pictured
beginning, I attended a workshop to
learn how to use a wonderful material
called sinamay for creating hats and myself sitting in my
fascinators. Something about it caught studio making fascinators
my imagination and that was the start
of a really special time. Practising all all day long...
the techniques I had learned, passion
took over and I simply couldn’t stop
making, exploring and wanting to
know more. I started to dream about doing this all
Over time, my passion - the pastime I the time, of having my own handmade
used to re-charge from the rest of my business. In that dream, I pictured
life - grew in importance to be more myself sitting in my studio making
than just a hobby. I listed things I’d fascinators all day long. ‘Build it and
made on Etsy and strangers not only they will come,’ that’s the phrase, isn’t
bought items from me but gave me it? Unfortunately, it doesn’t really work
amazing feedback, too. like that. +

36 Mindful CRAFTING
 INSPIRATION

The reality
For a handmade business, especially in
the early days, you could find that the
actual crafting element, the part where
you make items to sell, would account
for around 20% of your time, at most.
For the rest, you will have many
different hats to wear ~ every pun
intended! These can include:
*
Photography
*
Marketing
* Social media
something was missing. I felt lost,
Blog writing stagnant even. While fashion shows
Mailing lists and newsletters and photo shoots were exciting, it
SEO and websites wasn’t quite the world I wanted to be in.
Lead-magnets and/or competitions I'd lost my spark and I missed it.
Publicity
Answering queries Finding your spark
Admin such as accounting. I decided to try running workshops as
another income stream and they werea
Phew, sounds a lot, doesn’t it? Believe real game-changer. Teaching people to
me, I’m not trying to put you off. Being make their own fascinators was the
a self-employed creative can be the best perfect reminder about what I loved
thing in the world, but it isa about this material and this craft. The
rollercoaster. You need a lot of passion I had lost bubbled back up to
determination - some call it the surface as I shared in the wonderful
stubbornness - to keep you going when creative energy that happens when you
times are tough. You also need to look have a group of makers in the room.
after you and remember why you The five-star reviews from attendees of
wanted to do this in the first place. workshops gave me just as big a thrill as
I get from selling a finished object.
Keep your hobbies It’s really important to be honest with
At one point I had a go doing some yourself and to keep checking in with
crochet for the first time. I really the boss - that’s you - that you are
enjoyed it, I find it ever so calming and happy with the way things are going.
therapeutic, the perfect mindful craft. While it’s great to push yourself,
As limproved though, I started to think self-care should always stay at the top of
about cost price, efficiency, time your to-do list. Believe me, you will be
available; essentially, my business brain more productive in the long run that
kicked in. Crochet was abandoned way. That means time away from your
because it wouldn’t be a viable income business, keeping in touch with friends
generator. It’s very easy to become and family, and time for hobbies.
completely focused on building a Things are going to be very different
business, and to a point that’s a good from now on for me and Warrillow
thing. Now, however, I realise how Studio. I’m working through exactly
important it is to keep your hobbies. what I want from my business, and
At that time, had decided my hobby
I what I have to offer my wonderful, loyal
days were behind me. It was time to get customers, but I am back with both feet
serious. I had some professional firmly in the crafting world. From a
branding, a gorgeous new website, my personal point of view, hobbies are back
designs even won an award - there was and here to stay and that includes
a lot to be proud of. However, at the mindful walking, meditation and any
back of my mind was a niggle that other creative endeavour that I fancy! m

38 Mindful CRAFTING
 4

Remember, crafting to enrich

your life is just as important and
valuable as making money selling
your crafts

If you do decide to go down the

business route, keep some crafting
as hobbies too. Not everything has
to be for profit

Always take time to reflect as you

go along. If something doesn’t feel
right, change it. It’s YOUR
business, after all!

NT
* Assume it’s a natural progression
to have a business — do what is
right for you. Having your crafting
passion as a hobby does not
detract from the skill and awesome
talent it takes to do what you do

Give up your day job until you are

sure the ups and downs of
self-employment are something you
can live with

Be afraid to admit if something

isn’t working. Everything is an
experiment.
 CREATE IT

a. WITH FELT!
Once you've got the hang of this pretty purse design
you can adapt the size to suit a variety of other
items...what will you make?

FEATURE: RACHEL WARRILLOW

elt is such a lovely material

F to work with. No hemming

required, it comes in some
fabulous colours and it’s strong
and versatile. In this tutorial we
are going to be making a simple
felt purse with a button
fastening. You can use it for
money, a handbag mirror, or
perhaps a sewing kit.
This is also a design that can
easily be adapted in size to hold
anything from your phone or
tablet, knitting needles or
pencils. Let your imagination
go wild! >

sity

Wi Picture credit: Shutterstock

40 Mindful CRAFTING
 41
CREATE IT

a te
peeseqtts
AnT ue
Ube ates
4 ab
uae
way
eae

aape
 CREATE |

Fal

i “yi

ca
il

| Ww

STEP BY STEP:
YOU WILL NEED:
= Felt in your chosen colours (1 FELT PURSE
use polyester felt, which is Step 1 Cut out your paper pattern from
really strong, smooth and lovely page 98. Lay it on your felt and pin
to work with, and it’s vegan into place. Cut out, keeping your edges
friendly too!) nice and smooth as these raw edges
" Double-sided Heat N Bond/ will be on display.
Bondaweb or similar
«
Baking paper
= lron
"
Embroidery threads — 6 strand
*
Button
= Scissors
" Ruler
= Pencil
" Pins
«=
Craft knife
«
Cutting board

42 Mindfu CRAFTING
 CREATE
IT

Step 2 At the end of the felt with the

rounded edges, use the ruler to find the
centre point 6.5cm widthwise and
around 2.7cm up from the bottom
edge. Mark this point with your pencil.
Then measure your chosen button at its
widest point. This example uses a
patterned button, but a plain one can
be just as effective. Cut a slit the width
of your button with your craft knife.
Test your button will fit through nice
and easily.

Step 3 Select some embroidery thread

the colour of your felt and cut a length.
Split it into three so you are just using
two threads to sew with. This will be
the case for all sewing in this project.

Using blanket stitch, sew around the

cut edge of your buttonhole.

Step 4 Fold the purse into thirds, with

the buttonhole on top. Take your pencil
and put it through the slit to mark the
centre of the fabric underneath; this is
where your button needs to go. Sew
your button in place.

mc &

BBS

%
Just sew one stitch and then
check the button is definitely in
sia-M
AI AANMN LEOoMO ALOR MESIAL

securing it. It saves time if you

need to reposition it!

43
 CREATE IT

Step 5 Now we're going to be doing our

stitching to both sew the purse together
and as decoration. | have gone for a
different colour to the felt, but it’s
really up to you how much contrast you
would like between thread and fabric.

Blanket stitch the short edge nearest

your button. Then fold up the purse
again and pin the sides, which will
create a pocket.

Step 6 Blanket stitch all four sides —

including the bottom edge for

consistency in design.

Step 7 Now you have your purse ready

to use, so any decoration is really up
to you!

To follow the example, cut out the

flower pattern using the template on
page 98, and reinforce with cardboard
if you wish. Select your colours and cut
three squares each of your Heat N
Bond and feit, all the same size to fit
the flower template.

44 Mindful CRAFTING
 S
‘vy
Onceyou've mastered
is
this project why not
adapt the template size
to create a phone holder
or a lipstick case?

Step 8 On your Heat N Bond there is a

smooth, paper side and a rough side —
that’s the side that will stick when heat
from the iron is applied.

Draw around your template onto the

paper side of the Heat N Bond. Then
place the square onto one of the felt
pieces. Use some baking paper on top
to protect your iron from getting sticky,
and press until they are firmly stuck
together. medium hot iron should be
A

fine for this.

Step 9 Cut out your flower shapes, then

peal the backing paper off, leaving the
glue on the felt.

From the scraps left over, cut out some

small freehand circles for the centres
of the flowers.

Step 10 Work out how you want to

arrange the flowers on your purse, and
when you’re happy with it, cover with
the baking paper again and press with
the iron to hold them in place.

Step 11 | added some hand embroidery

to finish off this design (see page 40).
You can really use any stitches or
designs that you wish. For this design,
start at the centre of the flower and do
a simple running stitch our between
the flower petals. Then sew back
towards the middle again, filling in the
gaps. Repeat this between each petal.

And voila! Your very own felt purse is

ready to be used. me

45
 MINDFULNESS

HOW TO CRAFT
more
Top tips on making the most of your crafting journey

FEATURE: BERNADETTE FALLON

n crafting, it’s certainly not all immersed in the tactile and

about the destination. While physical nature of making
| it’s satisfying to havea something, you are keeping your
beautifully made product at the mind and senses intently
end of the process, the crafting focused. However, it can be
journey itself - with its single- difficult to find time to create so
minded focus and concentration here are some ideas to try...
- is also important and hugely
beneficial for your mental health, Re-organise your time
helping to create a more mindful Think about how you structure
space in the midst of busy lives. your day and how much time you
Mindfulness is about being in devote to watching TV, internet
the moment and when you’re surfing, browsing social media
sites, reading your tablet - in
general, how much time you
spend interacting with
technology. Restructure your
leisure hours and allocate some
of that ‘screen time’ to more
mindful pursuits, such as making
and crafting.

Join a group
You can join an online or
physical group to enjoy your
crafting hobby with and this has
the benefit of allocating a set
time to your activity. If that
sounds like too much ofa
commitment, find a friend to
craft with and arrange time to
meet up every week - either
online or in person. 4

46 Mindful CRAFTING
 MINDFULNESS

vy Ay
Upcycling is wonderful way to create with
a

mindfulness. Not only will the project bring

your mind into the moment, the act of
refreshing something old will make your
heart feel full, too!

48 Mindfu CRAFTING
 MINDFULNESS

Create space noisiness of everyday life.

Set up an area in your home for Creative art helps us shift our
crafting. It can be an entire room attention away from life’s
if you have the space or a small problems and the distractions of
desk, table, shelf or storage box the world around us.
will also work. Stock it with all of
your materials and tools so that Try acraft kit
you can access everything you If you find you need a push to get
need quickly and efficiently. That started, invest in a craft kit,
way you won't waste valuable available for everything from
time hunting around the house knitting to painting by numbers.
when you're ready to begin and Kits come with everything you
you'll also have somewhere to need to get started in your
display your new projects. chosen craft, including materials,
tools, accessories and
Be inspired instructions and provide a great
Make your crafting area an leg-up for beginners, allowing
inspiring place to spend time in. you to build up confidence and
Keep your favourite quotes or skills. With everything included
maniras there, interviews with in the kit, you can relax that you
crafters who inspire you, new have all the required materials at
projects, books or even just your fingertips, allowing you to
photographs or magazine focus simply on creating. mc
clippings that help to lift your
creative mood.

Mindful crafts to try 3 benefits of mindful crafting...

Some crafts are particularly
suited to mindfulness, calling for 1. Better brain health
close concentration and focus. Experts agree that learning a new skill or taking up a new craft
Try textile crafts such as knitting, hobby keeps the brain active and boosts cognitive function, so
cross-stitch, crochet and crafting can really help us as we age. Creative crafts are
embroidery or more tactile thought to be particularly beneficial in keeping our brains
pursuits including pottery, healthy through life as they force us to exercise several areas of
the brain at once, including those parts responsible for problem
sculpture or woodturning. The
solving, concentration and creativity.
thythm and flow of knitting and
cross-stitch in particular, with
their repetitive movements and 2. Improved wellbeing
patterns, creates harmony Crafts that call for close concentration have been shown to
between the brain and the werk as a distraction frem negative thoughts and a boost to
self-esteem. An international survey of knitters has also found
fingers, as both mind and body
are fully engaged. that knitters are more relaxed, less stressed, happier and report
reduced anxiety, more confidence and improved memory and
For beginners concentration. Meanwhile, a quilting survey found that

If you’re a crafting beginner and participants experienced an improvement in wellbeing and

positivity from their hobby.
looking for an easy way to get
started, make some mindful art
using paints, pencils or crayons 3. Enhanced sleep patterns
and an adult colouring book. The relaxing nature of creative crafting can help you get a
Working with complex geometric better night’s sleep. The repetitive motions of knitting can calm
a busy mind, while colouring in or making art brings you into a
patterns aids concentration and
meditative state to aid relaxatien and rest. Take yourself into a
colouring can help relax both
mind and body, giving you time happy place before you go to sleep by making a collage from
old photos and relive fond memories.
and headspace to reflect on inner
emotions, away from the

IB Illustrations: Nicetoseeya; Shutterstock

49
 CREATE
IT

STITCH YOUR
OWN ART
This simple technique creates really
stunning results!

FEATURE: LIV O'MALLEY

'
\ re you looking for a new amending to a pastel hue due to
of artwork for your the colours not matching as I
Arve ome? This stitching would have liked.
After this, it’s time to get
technique on canvas is a really
fun way of creating something sketching. You can find
” unique that you’re guaranteed to inspiration online or draw an
r get comments on! original design. I find that line
Really think about your colour drawings work best with this
r scheme with this project. You method as they are simple and
will need to find or mix paints to effective when complete.
match your embroidery thread. I Alternatively, you can try lettering
initially started out with a darker on your canvas which also
pink, which I ended up looks fabulous! >

Paper for
sketching
Pencil
Permanent
marker
Canvas
Paint and
brushes
Ruler
Masking tape
Embroidery
thread
Embroidery
needle

!
51
 CREATE IT

STEP BY STEP:
ART STITCHING
Step 1 Using your paper and pencil,
sketch out your design — remember this
is going to be hung in your beautiful
home, so make sure you are really
happy with your choice! Outline your
final design with permanent marker on
the sheet of paper. This step will make
your life easier throughout the rest of
the process.

Step 2 Begin to paint your canvas, |

wanted a pop of blue in mine so chose

the bottom left side to be navy blue,
with the majority of the canvas in a
light pink. If you have a steady hand,

feel free to crack on and paint your

straight lines — but no one is judging
you if you would like to use masking
tape to help out!

Step 3 Once the paint is completely

dry and you are happy with your colours
and paint consistency, secure your
paper design to the canvas with
masking tape.

52 Mindful CRAFTING
 CREATE IT

Step 4 Take your embroidery needle

and puncture holes through the design
and canvas. This will enable you to
Don't throw away your sketch, keep have guidelines for the embroidery. It is

it to one side while You stitch as it totally up to you how far you would like
to space your holes — but try to keep it
makes a handy reference tool! consistent!
>

53
 CREATE IT

Step 5 Remove your design but keep it

to once side. You might need this later
on to refer to.

Step 6 Time for embroidery! chose to

|

use the alternate colour thread to the

paint colour. In this instance: pink
thread on blue paint, blue thread on
pink paint. This makes your design
really stand out and look effective.

Step 7 You can be entirely creative

with your stitching style, in my canvas |

opted for a simple back stitch. started

|

with the pink thread, feeding it through

each hole. Remember that embroidery
thread can easily tangle especially if
you are using a long length, try to be
aware of this.

Ca»
ea

Step 8 Continue your stitching with the

alternate colour. Now, the back of your
canvas could start to look a little
jumbled with a lot of thread — no need
to stress, this won’t be seen by anyone
so just carry on, as long as the front is
looking awesome!

Step 9 Tie up any loose ends on the

back of the canvas, securing them
well to ensure none of your hard work
comes undone!

Step 10 You're done! Find a gorgeous

place to display your masterpiece. mc

54 Mindful CRAFTING
 55
CREATE IT

aR he MAT ¥ TOF. w } ‘
4

s v8
be » $ nf *
ae
~

4 Ny n ’
‘
.
ee
 MINDFULNESS

JUST
DANCE
Using movement and
dance as a tool to
awaken creativity
FEATURE: GABRIELLA WEEKES

reative practices are really beneficial for me.

(, Crafting allows me to become present, and

from that place I can then give my minda
little rest and recuperation.
However on some days, no matter what I try, I
simply cannot find my creative flow. Whatever I
attempt seems to take such effort, or I’m at a loss fora
good ideas.
It happens to the best of us. We block out the time
in our calendars, sit down to craft, hatch a plan to get
focused and productive, but life has other ideas.
When this happens to me, it is usually a sign that I
need a shift in energy. It is an indication that I have
become stagnant, or that I have allowed my mind to
become overactive for too long.

RECONNECTING WITH FEELINGS

I’m naturally a very mind-centred person, and over
time this can disconnect me from my feelings. It is
our feeling state that is our centre of creation;
without feeling we will find it difficult to make
something of value, or worse, struggle to create at all. lt ts our fecel ing state that is our
Often, I don’t even realise I have shifted into my -

mind-state, however, the clue for me is usually in my centre of creation, witnout

h
inability to focus on my crafting. If Ihave become too
S wil in dA it difficult
- -

if
“tf of

eel ing we
caught up in thoughts about the future, or stories of
the past it means I have become stuck in my head,
which is not conducive for creative tasks as there will
to create something of value, or
be all this pent-up energy that needs to be released.
My remedy for this is dance . worse, struggle to create at all.

56 Mindful CRAFTING
 MINDFULNESS

DANCE AS A MEDITATION
OBSERVATIONS Making movement part of a regular meditation
practice can really do wonders for our creativity. It
Try dance meditation and ask yourself: allows us to literally shift out of those excess thoughts
° What did you feel after trying this practice? and back into our bodies again.
° Were you able to open up to further creativity? When we are fully in our body, we allow for the
channels of creativity to open up. We become
transmitters for inspiration and guidance. While a
more traditional meditation practice can provide the
same results, I find that movement, and more
specifically intuitive dance, allows me to drop down
deeper into myself much faster. There is something
about the exertion of physical energy that helps me
connect with the present moment in ways that a
When we arefully in our body, sitting meditation cannot.
Dance and movement meditation is not so much
we allowfor the channels of about performance, but more about how it makes you
feel in your body. You get to choose what music to
creativity to open up. We become play, what to wear, and how to move. It needn’t take
very long or it could perhaps last an hour. The idea is
transmitters for inspiration to allow yourself to move as freely as you like.
Remember, that no one is watching so turn up that
and guidance. music and move in any way that it takes you! Now,
how does that feel? mc

Gabriella Weekes is a life coach, shamanic

healer, and theta healing practitioner.
Discover more at spiritchild.co.uk.

Wi Picture credits: Shutterstock

58 Mindful CRAFTING
6S
ae
SSANTNAGNIW
 INSPIRATION

MAKE A BETTER WORLD

Eco-friendly
crafting tips
14 great ways to help make a difference

FEATURE: BERNADETTE FALLON “7+ >gay Gece

7 es : WFPa:
ade?
MS wy
*
¥

re
ere at Mindful Crafting we
hate waste and love
HH incorporating elements of
sustainability into our crafts.
Here are a few tips and tricks that NS
you can try yourself...

Always upcycle
Need some material for a crafting
project? Why not re-use old
clothing, bedding, towels and
, ae)

other fabrics. Recycled materials

make eye-catching patchwork
quilts - with lots of memories
literally sewn into the fabric
—and are also great for making
kids’ toys, fabric bags, scarves,
accessories and more. Turn towels
into fabric mats, slippers, beach
bags or cosy cushion covers. Jeans
can become denim jewellery,
bunting, oven gloves, mobile Bf,
phone cases, wall art and even
books. Reinvent woolly jumpers
as socks, scarves, leg warmers and
fingerless gloves. BS

60 Mindful CRAFTING
TELL US
YOUR TIPS!
Sh r favourite ways to
‘e sustainability into
ft ing. Email your tips to:
he th ‘[email protected].

Hardy pet toys

Sturdy old clothing also makes
great pet toys - get the kids
involved and enjoy a fun
afternoon crafting for your pets.

Natural dyes
Give jaded fabrics a new lease of
life with natural dyes. Choose
from a rainbow of shades to
match any colour scheme or
theme.

Personal touch
Use fabric remnants and other
accessories such as buttons and
ribbon scraps to decorate cards
and stationery to give ita
bespoke personal touch. Or Jewellery makeover
combine with leftover wallpaper Fabric scraps are also a great way
or paper off-cuts from other to give old jewellery a stylish
projects to make your own makeover. Cover old wooden or
notecards and greetings cards. metal bangles with brightly
coloured fabric off-cuts to make
eco-friendly fashion accessories.

$e\f)
Rag rugs
Lots of brightly coloured fabric
remnants also make an attractive
rag rug - great in a bedroom or
children’s playroom. Or get really
creative and use them to make a
piece of art, collage style. Who
needs Van Gogh!

ae, -%

61
 INSPIRATION

>!

Soften up!
Making tactile covers for hard
surfaces is a great way to soften
l () Tassels
Leftover thread can be used to
make tassels to be added to
up your interiors and use up old curtains, cushions and other soft
leftover material. Think about furnishing to create a decorative
fabric book covers or update an finish. You could also attach one
old plant pot with brightly to a handbag zip as an eye-
coloured patterned scraps. Wrap catching, decorative and
gifts in fabric for birthdays, practical zipper pull.
Christmas and special occasions
and do your bit to stop millions
of tonnes of wrapping paper,
most of which is not recyclable,
ending up in landfill. Friendship
bracelets
Unused embroidery thread and
leftover beads can make beautiful
friendship bracelets. The only
Tie dye other thing you’ll need are some
Revamp your wardrobe. Got an scissors and tape to hold the
old plain coloured shirt or top thread in place while you work.
you rarely wear? Give ita

l2
colourful makeover using
ice-dying or tie-dying
techniques. Turn to page 76
to see how! Forever
flowers
Leave flowers in nature for
everyone for enjoy. Instead,
brighten up your home with
Pom poms crochet flowers using leftover
Turn leftover wool into pom- thread in a variety of colours.
poms. They are so easy to make Fasten them all together at the
and can be used to decorate other end to create a pretty flower
craft projects, make eye-catching garland. Not only will it look
decorations or add a finishing great, it won’t need watering and
touch to a handmade soft toy. it will also last forever.

62 Mindful CRAFTING
 INSPIRATION

Buy wisely
When shopping for fabrics for
your textile projects, it pays to
invest in sustainable materials
such as organic cotton, hemp,
linen and silk. These are natural
fibres, made from plants and they
are biodegradable in contrast to
man-made polyester and nylon,
which are petroleum-based and
take hundreds of years to
biodegrade. Look out for eco-
friendly fabrics on sites such as
Etsy and support independent
traders. Check out vegan and Revamp it
eco-conscious craft supplies, such If you have any abandoned crafting
as yarn made from bamboo and projects that didn’t make the final
soybeans, vegan wool and fabrics, cut, remember you can reuse these
and animal-hair-free materials too. There’s nothing like
paintbrushes. giving an old project a new lease
of life. me

And remember
Turn off sewing and
knitting machines when
not in use. Don’t leave
lights burning in your
craft room or studio
when you're not there.
Conserve water as much
as possible, both
when crafting and in
your day to day life.

@ Picture credits: Shutterstock

63
 CREATE IT

RECYCLE
AND REUSE
These reusable face pads
are simple to make, really
useful and you can use them
with your favourite make-up
removal products!

FEATURE: NICOLA HILLS

AKA BOBBIN COTTAGE BODKIN

we're a little more

STEP BY STEP:
Tan mindful about how much
waste we are creating and REV AGM pans
ways in which we can reuse what
we already have.
These planet-friendly, reusable
pads are perfect for anyone
looking for a more sustainable
option, and the great thing about
them is that they allow you to
recycle fabrics that you'll already
have lying around at home.

YOU WILL NEED...

« For the face wipe section,
recycle a towel or face cloth
« For the backing, use some spare
cotton fabric or a recycle an old
shirt (I used a Threaders
Enchanted Forest Fat Quarter
pack) 1 Begin by cutting the towelling
Step
TOOLS... into equal squares and repeat for the
* Basic sewing kit or sewing cotton fabric. The size will depend on
machine how large or small you would like your
«
Sharp scissors wipe to be. The pieces pictured are
* A ruler or square shape template 7cm x 7cm. Place the cotton right side
* Iron down on top of the towelling square. —

64 Mindful CRAFTING
 re.
@
CREATE IT

@@
e%
Step 2 Sew around the edge, using a
0.6cm (44”) seam allowance but leave
a3cm gap for turning out. like to
|

mark out where I’m going to sew.

Step 3 Cut across the corners to make

the pieces neater. Turn it right side out,
using something pointed to carefully
push out the corners. Iron the face pad
to make it completely flat.

Step 4 Top stitch all around the square

to close the gap and neaten off.

Step 5 Repeat to make as many face

pads as you need!

I V4
Y
i

66 Mindful CRAFTING
 CREATE IT

Once you've mastered sewing

the square pads, why not
take it up a level and try
sewing circles?

{
Vy
i
ye
tat
at Miegay,
a4
Ager QA
ya,’

#*

“*#
wety,y

a
Nay
 CREATE IT

STEP BY STEP:
STORAGE BAG
ou can use whatever fabrics

Vv
your face
like for the
accompanying bag to store
pads. This bag was made
from some recycled mesh from a
drawstring laundry bag and leftover
fabrics from the wipes project.

FABRIC MEASUREMENTS FOR

THE BAG...
« 10cm square base
« Fabric strip 8cm x 38cm
fold-over for the drawstring
channel
« Mesh 8cm x 40 cm
* Bottom strip fabric 5cm x 40cm
«
Drawstring 3cm x 40cm

Step 1 Sew the bottom strip to the

a oe,
9
tes!
eer
mesh right side down. Then, turn right

4
«=
side out, finger press along the seam
and top stitch to neaten.

Step 2 Fold the 8cm x 38cm top strip

into half to 4cm. Wrong sides together,
press lightly. Open it back out and fold
0.5cm seam each side of the short
ends, press and top stitch down.
Using a folded 0.5cm seam allowance
right side down, sandwich and pin the
mesh between the folded drawstring
channel strip, keeping both seamed
ends over to the same side. Top stitch
all the way along.

Step 3 Next, pin the completed side

piece to the base, keeping the square
shape and sew to secure. When you get
back to where you started, you will have
enough fabric to stitch the two ends
together.

Step 4 For the drawstring, fold the 3cm

strip in half and press. Then, open and
fold each edge into the middle crease,
press again and fold over using the
centre crease, matching the two
pressed sides. Top stitch carefully and
thread through the channel. me
i

ea

68 Mindful CRAFTING
CREATE IT

69
 CREATE
IT

JAR COVER
Turn you old glass jars into things of beauty!

FEATURE: ISABBLLA STRAMBIO vyA

b
ae
H
ere at Mindful Crafting we
love macramé! Not only
is it an easily accessible
craft that requires very few tools
or materials, it’s also incredibly
soothing. The practice of
knotting over and over again,
and watching as your work grows
into something beautiful is very
relaxing and calming.
This tutorial is super pretty and
it also makes the most of an old
jar. So next time you go to throw
out a glass jar in your recycling
bin think about whether it could
be upcycled with some lovely
macramé instead! >
:

YOU WILL NEED.

= 20 meters of cot|

1.5mm (I used Bobbiny.com )

= Glass Jar
(size 75cm dia x 10cm H)
=
p

Measuring tape
"
Masking tape
" Scissors

71
ONILIVUOTPOUL «OL
Ll aLV3auD
 CREATE
IT

STEP BY STEP: MACRAME JAR

Step 1 Cut 30 x 60cm of string. If the
jar you are using is larger or smaller than
the one used in this tutorial, you will
need to adjust the number of strings.
Make sure that the total number of
strings used is an even number. If the jar
is taller, you will need to increase the
length by about 10cm.

Step 2 Cut an additional 60cm piece of

string and tape it on a flat surface leaving
a gap of about 20cm between the tape.

Step 3 Take the 30 strings and tie them

on the taped string using the lark’s head
knot (see page 75).

Step 4 Leave a lcm gap below your

lark’s head knots. Starting from the left
take the first four strings and tie a square
knot (see page 75). Make a full row. —

73
 CREATE IT

NT
S iy on nad\

sns
%

ag
Step 5 Next, leave a 1cm gap below
your first row of square knots and
create another row of square knots but
this time using alternate strings. So,
take string #3 & #4 from square knot
no.1 and string #1 & #2 from square
knot no.2 and tie a new square knot.

uO
Make a full row. The first and last two
strings will be left unused.

Step 6 Next, leave lcm gap below

a

your second row and create a third row

of square knots, this time starting with
string #1 (mirroring your first row of
square knots).

Step 7 Repeat Step 5

V/ ble
Step 8 Tie two extra square knots
below each square knot you just Always be careful
made in Step 7. when using live
candles near
Step 9 Remove your tape and tie
the macramé around your jar. the macramé cover,
Step 10 Trim the macramé ends to
LED candles are
the desired length. recommended.

Wi \sabella is a macramé artist, educator and author. She has been featured in the Sunday
Telegraph, the UK TV series Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas, and regularly writes macramé
tutorials for magazines. She also runs live and online macramé workshops, events, and
team-building classes across the UK and has a new book published: Macramé for the Modern Home,
published by Search Press. www.twome.co.uk, IG: @_twome, FB: @twomeuk.

74 Mindful CRAFTING
 CREATE IT

ecrmk maslelagy
LARK‘S HEAD KNOT

Step 1 Fold your length of string in half Step 2 Bring the ends of your string Step 3 Pull tightly so the knot moves to
and place it under the dowel. You can over the dowel (or string you are the top.
also attach a lark’s head to another attaching to) and through the loop.
string, in which case you would place
your loop under this string.

SQUARE KNOT

Step 1 For this tutorial we will use four Step 2 Take string 1, bring it over Step 3 Take string 4, bring it under
strings. strings 2 and 3, and under string 4. string 1 and through the loop on the
far left.

Step 4 Pull the knot tightly to the top. Step 5 Take string 4, bring it over Step 6 Take string 1, bring it under
strings 3 and 2, and under string 1. string 4 and through the loop on the far
right. Pull the knot to the top. mc

75
c
Give your clothes a new lease of life
with this on-trend dying method!

ie dye has made a huge

[coment
so if you don’t
know, you'd better get to
know! It has been everywhere
~on hoodies, dresses, tees, face
masks, dresses and more.
Celebrities such as Hayley Bieber,
Dua Lipa, Jennifer Lopez,
Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox,
Pink, Cardi B, and Camila
Cabello, have also been seen
rocking the trend.
To help savvy fashionistas
make the most of their wardrobe
and replicate the look, British
brand, Dylon Dyes has created a
DYLON Hand Dyes — we
recommend using more than
one colour
A clean, white cotton or linen
shirt
250g of ordinary salt
Glass measuring jug
Large rubber bands
Rubber gloves
Plastic bottle

simple step-by-step on how to

tie-dye at home and extend the
life of your favourite pieces. >
CREATE IT

77
 CREATE IT

STEP BY STEP:
TIE-DYE SHIRT

Step Wet the clean shirt with water,

1
L.
squeeze out any excess water and leave
it damp.

Step 2 Bind sections of the shirt tightly

with rubber bands. The areas of the
shirt protected by the bands will escape
being dyed and will therefore create
the pattern.

78 Mindful CRAFTING
 CREATE
IT

TRY THIS
Classic. tie dye often uses a
spiral effect, if you would
like to create this look
follow theses. simple steps:

Ceeaelmer ekemiCie
c Cmelieumis( mre domi amny

middle (or wherever you

Pee Oe acm Cm emma
UCM MN LS
mLIe

twist so the fabric ends up

ae iced
mel

Bind with rubber bands.

ee
Ifusing more than one colour make sure your
choices are complementary. Hues from the
same colour family work well together, as do
shades that create an ombré effect.

Step 3 Wearing rubber gloves, dissolve the dye

in 500ml of warm water in the measuring jug,
mix in 250g (4tbsp) of salt and stir well.

Step 4 Pour the mixture into a plastic bottle to

enable easy application of the dye to the shirt.

Step 5 Repeat the dye and salt mixture if

adding additional colours. We recommend
picking shades of dye that go well together,
such as shades within the same colour family
— like Vintage Blue and Navy Blue — or
different colours that complement each other
— like Intense Violet and Passion Pink. >

79
 CREATE IT

Step 6 Rinse the measuring jug and

rest the bound shirt in it. Carefully pour
the dye mixture onto the shirt to create
the desired look.

Step 7 Leave shirt to sit for a minimum

of one hour to allow the dye to seep
into the fabric.

Step 8 Without untying the fabric, rinse

in cold water until the water runs clear,
then untie and wash in warm water.

Step 9 Leave to dry — make sure it is

away from direct sunlight. mec

one Lye:
For a dramtic result, make sure you
squeeze enough dye into the folds
of the shirt. This will result in a
more saturatedfinished piece.

80 Mindful CRAFTING
T8
qe
we:
RE
if
gl
Li alvad3
 CREATE IT

WER CLIP
Create this eye-catching hair clip by upcycling
a couple of common household objects!

FEATURE: BERENICE CALVO

H ring and an old CD (we haven’t

ere at Mindful Crafting, we
love being able to use bits used actual CDs since 2010 and
and pieces from around that was to scrape ice off the car),
the home to give them a new as well as some yarn from your
lease of life, but when we do they stash, you can create this
have to look great. While it gorgeous hair clip. Intricate and
might be and old piece of this or detailed, the softness of the
that, we don’t want the finished crochet creates a stunning
piece to look like it, it’s got to be contrast with the shiny finish
beautiful. Are we right? from the CD and we don’t think
That’s why we absolutely love anyone will guess what it used
this project! Using a plastic bottle to be! 4

YOU WILL NEED...

*1cD
« 1 plastic bottle ring

= 3mm and 1.25mm crochet

hooks
= Hot glue gun
= 4 Swarovski crystals
= Pink cotton yarn (A) am using
|

Sirdar Snuggly 100% cotton

= Red cotton yarn (B)
* Red thin cotton yarn (C)

ABBREVIATIONS
DC: DOUBLE CROCHET
SL ST: SLIP STITCH
ST(S)s; STITCHES

82 Mindful CRAFTING
‘
AU

a
a
 CREATE IT

pS Lids,
fr

ee ee WIE ge
ft

aah
i
t
{

fs i
th

Fin

84 Mindful CRAFTING
 CREATE
IT

STEP BY STEP: FLOWER CLIP

Step 1 Using A (pink colour), stitch the

double crochet around the plastic ring,

join with slip stitch around the ring.
Chain one, 34dc into the ring. Fasten
off A.

aflee
Step 2 Join B (red colour) with a sl st.
Repeat a round of 34 dc and fasten
off B.

Step 3 Join C (a variation of a thin red

colour cotton yarn) with a sl st. Chain
one, 2 (dc) in each of the 34 dc.
68 sts.

Step 4 *6 chain and sl st into the 3rd

dc to create the little arches* to end.
You will end up with 19 mini arches.

Step 5 6 dc outside of each arch.

Fasten off. >

Lok nor
(ood
measure
e
ts piece will
approximately
2.5 inches in diameter.

85
 CREATE IT

Step 6 Sew the four Swarovski crystal

at the front.

Step 7 Cut out a circle from the CD

and glue it at the back of the flower.
Make sure the shiny side is showing!

Step 8 To finish off the flower clip

crochet a circle and sew it in place to
cover the back of the CD. Add a
hair pin.
To create the circle at back:
Chain 4 and join the first chain to
make a circle with a single crochet.
2dc in each chain. 8 sts.
Repeat round one.
dc in each stitch. me

Hi Find out more about Berenice: IG: @upcyclingbere Blog: https://upcyclingbere.wordpress.com/

86 Mindful CRAFTING
CREATE IT
 MINDFULNESS

BACK TO
Create mindful moments and incorporate
the outdoors into your crafting!

FEATURE: ALISON MANNING

any of us love a good walk but

how many times do you go for Sometimes it’s lovely
a wander and not really notice
what’s around you? How many of the to go into a little
small details in the nature and wildlife
do you miss? How many of the dreamland... allowing
hedgerows do you walk past and take
no notice of? yourself some me time,
WhenI go fora relaxed walk -
whether it’s at the beach, in the to be free of worries, to
countryside, the forest, anywhere - I
love to imagine how many tiny use your imagination,
creatures are watching me and how
many little rabbits are all huddled
to appreciate what 1s
together deep in their burrows. How
many sweet mice are in the long grass
around you.
and are there any fairies hiding in
the trees.
Sometimes it’s lovely to go into a
little dreamland... allowing yourself some me time, to be free of worries, to
use your imagination, to appreciate
what is around you. Try it next time!

ood Natural dyes

I like finding things to do that will keep
me busy, healthy and my brain active,
which is why I love heading into the
countryside, glorious woodlands and
forests - they can provide so much
pleasure. I also hate throwing clothes
away, even when they have faded or
they have slight marks on the fabric so I
decided to go out foraging for some
plants and berries to make natural dyes
for my clothes. I wanted to have some

88 Mindful CRAFTING
 MINDFULNESS

to’
LL

fun and I wanted to use nature! I have Once it was all safely in my basket it
small vessel disease, which has caused was time to head home and do the rest.
memory loss, so don’t go too far now
I [had a great afternoon close to nature
but I did discover some great finds. and my mind was content, almost
This gives me great fresh air for my being like a child again collecting petals
lungs as well as exercise from walking to make perfume and magic spells.
and stretching to reach the things I There are lots of websites to guide you
wanted. It also helps my brain to keep through the next stages of dying your
busy and active, thinking about what I clothes, the only other things you will
was to do next and which leaf, or berry need are a colour fixant (Alum is a
would turn what colour. popular one), vinegar, salt and water,
I picked elderberries to use for blue, I and always make sure everything is
have also used dogwood or blueberries. fresh and not dried.
For my brown I selected dandelion For me, half the fun is going out and
roots, oak bark, and kept teabags and foraging to get the plants, berries and
coffee grounds at home. For pink I used seeds, and then testing myself on how
cherries and pink rose petals. For green creative I can be with them all. It’s a
l used either lilacs, grass nettles or good idea to test dye fabric scraps first
spinach. For yellowI tried St John’s though!
wort, marigolds, dandelion flowers,
and yellow dock roots. Finally (for
now), I cheated for orange and kept
carrots and onion skins from my own
food waste.

Wi Picture credits: Shutterstock

89
 INSPIRATION

—CAFING
THROUGH
THE AGES:
a short history -

kni tin
So many of us enjoy knitting as a mindful craft but
do you know where it all began? Let’s take a look...

ATURE: BERNADETTE FALLON

he origins of knitting
nre-date Christianity and
the earliest known piece of
knitwear is the sock found in an
Egyptian tomb dated at around — jr
3AD. Technically, however, the cf
int)
technique used to create this was
se
mae, t

‘knotting’, and knotting - using

7

ws
x
one, rather than two, needles — is iy
the forerunner of knitting in
both its name and usage.
7 on
Kitting proper stems from the
we
f

Middle East, where it evolved OFLA

ar Wom
v
between the 5th and 11th
centuries, and was brought to
Europe by traders. The first
Middle Eastern knits were created Early knits were delicately and
from cotton or silk yarn, not painstakingly crafted from
wool, and early fabrics had Arabic expensive materials — for
blessings knitted into them. example, a pair of silk stockings
~

Some of the world’s earliest knits, knitted at 25 stitches and 32 rows

made by Muslim knitters for their per inch! As knitting came to
Spanish royal patrons, can be Europe, it remained the preserve
seen in textile displaye-et the of the very Wealthaasiepesaid that
Abbey of Santa Maria la Real de King Eric of Sweden owned 27
Las Huelgas, a royal monastery pairs of knitted stockings in the
near Burgos in Spain. The items, 1500s and each one cost as much
found in the monastery’s tombs, as his valet’s annual salary.
include knitted cushion covers Queen Elizabeth I was also a big
and gloves dating back-to fan of knitted silk stockings,
the 1200s. some of which purportedly exist

90 Mindful CRAFTING
INSPIRATION

91
 INSPIRATION

to this day. And it wasn’t just

knitted fabrics that were luxury
items, knitting needles back then
were also exotic rarities, made
from walrus tusk or ivory and
double-pointed.

Knitting becomes
mainstream
Gradually, the practice of
knitting became more
widespread and knitting with
wool became common. The purl
stitch was introduced in the 16th
century. Knitted fishermen’s
jumpers became very popular as
warm, weatherproof clothing to
wear at sea and sailors would knit
on long sea voyages. In fact, in
Renaissance Europe, only men
were allowed to join the knitting
craft guilds.
Elsewhere, knitting became a
folk craft and cottage industries
began to spring up. In the UK,
knitting schools were established
to provide income for the poor
and in Scotland, whole families
became involved in the knitting
industry from the 17th century.
Areas of the country developed
their own distinctive techniques,
such as Fair Isle knits on the
Shetland island of Fair Isle, with
their multicoloured patterns.
In Ireland, the Aran jumper
was born on the westerly Aran
Islands as a fisherman’s jumper
created with intricate stitches,
unique to each family. Knitted
from sheep’s wool in its natural
off-white colour, the wool
retained its oils to make the
sweaters waterproof. From
fishing boats to the fashion
industry, Aran and Fair Isle
jumpers have gradually made
their way on to global catwalks.
Although cottage industries
gave way to the mass production
of the Industrial Revolution in

92 Mindful CRAFTING
 INSPIRATION

the 1800s, the industrialisation

of knitting dates back to Crafting is now seen as
cool, with a corresponding
Elizabethan England. The first
knitting machine was invented
in 1589 in Nottinghamshire by a
clergyman called William Lee,
coterie of celebrity knitters
( who wanted to free up some of
his wife’s time and created a including Meryl Streep...
machine to do her knitting work
more efficiently. But Elizabeth I
tefused to give him a patent for it
- objecting to the coarse quality
of fabric the machine produced the 1930s, knitting once more
and also fearing it would cause became a necessity, an economic
the collapse of the hand-knitting way of providing clothes fora
industry. family.
As the industry flourished in The practice continued to be
Victorian England, knitting at popular through the 1940s, ‘50s,
home now became a genteel ‘60s and ‘70s and no self-
occupation and a refined art. respecting women’s magazine
Knitters carried their work with would publish without a knitting
them to social occasions and pattern. However, the popularity
even Queen Victoria took up the of knitting halted in the 1980s
craft. Knitters began to pop up in when cheap mass-produced
the works of Charles Dickens and fashion became widely available,
Jane Austen. With all of this and knitting was dismissed as
interest, knitting patterns were old-fashioned.
now written down and published
in craft books for the first time. Modern knitting
The resurgence of interest in
Popularity knitting in the 21st century has
During the First World War, the been fuelled by the growing
British population was interest in traditional crafts and
encouraged to knit for the troops the availability of free patterns
and large quantities of knitted and tutorials on the internet.
socks, hats, scarves and jumpers Crafting is now seen as cool, with
were shipped out to the Allied a corresponding coterie of
forces. Women’s magazines and celebrity knitters including Meryl
the Red Cross published Streep, Sarah Jessica Parker, David
pamphlets and patterns Arquette and Kristen Stewart,
specifically for sailors and who brought her knitting on set
soldiers. during filming for the Twilight
By the 1920s, knitwear had series. Catherine Zeta-Jones and
become a fashion statement. Audrey Hepburn are also famous
Knitted tennis and cricket on-set knitters and the Duchess
jumpers were luxury items and of Cambridge, Catherine
Fair Isle jumpers became all the Middleton, took up knitting
rage when the future King of when she was pregnant with
England, Edward VIII, wore one Prince George.
to play golf. With the slump in After a long and illustrious
fortunes and world economies in history, knitting still reigns. mc
We
Mi Picture credits: Shutterstock

93
OUT & ABOUT

a
STORES TO VIS
+ BUY ONLINE
Check out our guide on where to buy
beautiful craft projects and stationery
pieces both instore and online
FEATURE: SOPHIE WARREN-SMITH

Wt e’ve sourced the best stores and

suppliers in the UK to meet
all of your creative textile needs...
which are your favourites?
Tilly & Primrose
Holly launched Tilly & Primrose two and
a half years ago after taking redundancy
to have her daughter, Tilly. She had
Flohr & Co previously been in a 21-year banking
After studying fine art at Edinburgh College of Art, career. A love of creative products and a
Caroline’s passion for fabrics inspired her to start up desire to work flexibly rather than going
her own business. Her first design was called ‘The back to a 9-5 job lead to the creation of
Stork’ and was created in preparation for her own Tilly & Primrose.
special arrival! Now, a mother of three, Caroline What you'll find: Beautiful felt products
continues to design fabrics and has a beautiful range that will bring a smile to your face and
that you can buy to make your own creations. give that finishing touch to your home.
What you'll find: Stunning illustrative designs There’s pom pom garlands, gorgeous felt
including Starry Night, Tea Party and Country rainbows, baskets with felt balls and fun
Living. Caroline also offers made-to-order service
a coasters.
and curtains and blinds. www.etsy.com/uk/shop. TillyandPrimrose
www.flohrandco.com IG: @tillyandprimrose
IG: @flohrandco

Yorkshire Fabric Shop

Try
INYSYNUN SHHAOVSQVa
ete

Based in the heart of the country,

at tt

Yorkshire Fabric Shop have a

he Bad

warehouse full of upholstery fabrics

wl

and a mill shop that both have

ss

thousands of fabrics in stock that

ld

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dal

you can also buy online. They offer a

iOh

fabric sample service to help you

decide what type or shade to use.
——~ What you'll find: The mill shop is in West
Yorkshire and you can visit it to see their
fabulous selections in person. Or, you can
buy online and choose from their huge range
that includes checks/tartans, geometrics,
patchworks, velvets, weaves and cottons!
www.yorkshirefabricshop.com
IG: @yorkshirefabricshop
ra
 XS:
Edie Rose Ashley
Lottie Lane Rosie of Edie Rose Ashley
Lottie Lane is a textile and originally trained to bea
homeware business based in fashion designer and
Leicestershire, UK. Charlotte began specialised in printed
designing at a young age and her textiles, this is where her AN
= |
passion played a key role in helping love for painting, drawing,
to distract her from health pattern and colour
conditions and related anxiety. blossomed. In 2017, she
After completing a degree in turned her hobby into her
printed textiles at Loughborough, full-time career and Rosie is
and a successful freelance career, basedin her home studioina __ featuring calligraphy and
Lottie Lane was created in 2019. rural village outside lovely hand-dyed cotton
Today, with two children and ina Nottingham, UK. ribbons.
good place health wise, Charlotte What you'll find: Stunning www.edieroseashley.com
has developed Lottie Lane intoa floral paintings, beautifultags IG: @edieroseashley
growing business to inspire others
and to positively change lives.
What you'll find: As well as offering
gorgeous aprons, cushions, bunting
and stationery, Lottie Lane sells
beautiful fabrics that you can make
your own creations with.
www. lottielane.co.uk
1G: @lottielanedesigns

Seed Home Designs

Naomi Sisson works from her
studio in a little village close to
Falmouth, Cornwall. Seed Home
Designs launched four years ago
after Naomi decided to explore a
new fresh way to be creative.
Previously, she had enjoyed a
career encompassing teaching
and designing commercial amma
textiles, greeting cards and
giftware design.
What you’ll find: Inspired by flora
and fauna, Naomi’s designs can Natasha Emily Weavings Honey Bees & Daisies
be found on lampshades, Natasha is a weaver and crafter Four years ago, after Elizabeth had
cushions upholstery and who loves to create new given birth to her daughter, she made
fabric prints. designs and is also a trained her a few things for her room and put
www.seedhomedesigns.com florist and mum to two boys. them on Facebook. She then got
IG: @seedhomedesigns She creates weaving loom kits, requests from friends and family to
woven wall hangings and make similar for them, and so Honey
macramé in beautiful colours. Bees & Daisies was born. Elizabeth
You can buy her lovely had always had a passion for sewing
products from her Etsy page and had studied textiles and fashion
below. design at The Open University,
What you’ll find: Woven becoming a mother made her realise
wall-hangings, loom kits and how much she loved textiles and
yarn bundles, macramé interiors rather than the fashion side.
keyrings and dummy pacifier What you'll find: Gorgeous garlands
clips. made from felt - leaves, flowers and
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ raindrops, plus large butterflies and
NatashaEmily Weavings jewelled beetles.
IG: @natashaemilyweavings www.etsy.com/uk/shop/
HoneyBeesNDaisies

95
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96 Mindful CRAFTING
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98 Mindful CRAFTING
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