Craft Focus - Apr/May (Issue 66)

craft focus 47 needlecraft the sharp end On-trend needlepoint designs to fill your shelves this spring HOME SWEET HOME Design Works Crafts has created three new cross stitch kits, each with a relaxing, mindful element. The Home Tribe, Home Sweet Home and Dreamcatcher sets all include white polycotton fabric printed with symbols. Each includes a chart showing which colour thread to use, as well as all the materials needed to complete the project. Solocrafts, solocrafts.com COUNTRY LIVING Inspired by the Dorset countryside, Hawthorn Handmade’s new botanicals range incorporates intricate plants, flowers and insects, all featuring the company’s recognisable colour palette and a diverse selection of stitches. Every kit includes a detailed guide that makes use of familiar stitches from previous designs alongside brand-new techniques to try. There are six in total, each suitable for beginners or experts. The retail price is £17.50. Hawthorn Handmade, hawthornhandmade.com BATTLE TACTICS New from Glorafilia, these striking needlepoint kits depict scenes from The Bayeux Tapestry. Invasion and Hastings are supplied as complete sets, each containing full-colour printed canvas, Anchor Tapisserie wool, a needle, picture and easy-to-follow instructions. Both projects cost £60 each. Glorafilia, glorafilia.com ALL AT SEA Building on the popularity of its two-stitch embroidery kits, Dizzy & Creative’s new Sea Trilogy is ideal for crafters who are looking for a challenge. It’s the first in a new series of kits, which use complementary threads and colours, and three or more stitches. Each picture links to create a themed finish and is supplied on a single piece of fabric, which can be kept whole or divided into separate panels. The picture comes with step-by-step instructions and is set out for both left and right-handed stitchers. Dizzy & Creative, dizzyandcreative.co.uk