The forecast for this weekend might not be the brightest but don't fret, it's the perfect excuse to stay indoors and start a new sewing project!

Learn how to cross sticth with The Make Arcade's mini cross stitch kits. Brand new to our shop you can choose between rainbows, unicorns, a potted cactus or a pretty pastel sewing machine. 

We also stock a bigger size kit including a 4" hoop with loads more designs, coming to the website soon.

If you've got an afternoon to fill why not make yourself this stylish tote bag? The Flo-JoTote Bag kit  includes everything you need to make yourself a bag with a handy inside pocket and fun applique detail. The kit also includes a 'Handmade by me' label which you can proudly show off when it's done!

Brand new to the shop and online store are the gorgeous sewing patterns by Sew Over It. Why not make something for when the sun finally comes out? We like the look of the 1940's Tea Dress and think it would be lovely made up in a floral or polkadot print.

What are you making this weekend?

I had the pleasure of meeting a lovely woman who came into the shop wearing a rather stuning coat. It was quality woolen coat bought from a charity shop and she had used up an unused tapestry kit to decorate the front and back shoulder areas and the cuffs. She'd covered the 'Aida' with colourful hand stitching. We talked about how hand stitching embroidery was a lovely way to fill time but being able to still engage with other things and people.

Sewing on a machine can be quite a solitary activity because of the noise and as it requires a fair bit of concentration, where as hand stitching can be done whilst listening to the radio or a friends conversation or television. We've noticed the up sales of embroidery hoops to young women taking up the traditionally old ladies activity. Theres allot plenty to be said for mindful activities, taking time away from your phone in a Dr's waiting room or train journey, time to create slowly. 

So welcome in the winter and inside living again with a new project, a few threads a needle and maybe a hoop, let your fireside time be a bit creative. If you've never tried before we recommend the Hawthorn kits to learn the basic embroidery stitches. there's a whole range of animals and birds to choice from.