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Mollie Makes - 2016 Christmas

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
123 views156 pages

Mollie Makes - 2016 Christmas

Uploaded by

vasugomay493
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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110 GORGEOUS GIFT

& DÉCOR IDEAS G E T I N TO C R A F T


CROCHET•KNITTING•SEWING•PAPERCRAFT•JEWELLERY

free inside!
4 EXCLUSIVE CARDS
& 24 GIFT TAGS
TO SEND &
SHARE 
 
MERRY & MAGICAL...
Welcome to the third edition of Mollie Makes
Christmas! This bumper edition is jam-packed
with fantastic ways to fill your festive season
with cheer. From gorgeous gifts to delight your
MAIN IMAGE STYLING: HELENA TRACEY, JEN GARDNER, PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS

friends, family and colleagues (not to mention


plenty of fun makes for the little ones) to decorations for your
tree, walls, and table, we’ve got your handmade Christmas
covered. There’s a real variety of techniques and skill level too
– from trusty favourites such as crochet, sewing and stitching,
to newer kids on the block like marbling and weaving. Go
on, give them a try! We’ve even thrown in a couple of recipes
for keen bakers, too. And don’t miss our pull-out tags and
greeting cards on page 115. Team Mollie Makes wishes you
a very happy festive season and a wonderful new year.

Jessica Bateman,
Editor
Christmas
GIFTS FOR HER•HIM•KIDS•HOME•STOCKING FILLERS

53
Salted
nutmeg
eggnog

45
Paint-dipped
baubles

41 56

88
Retro ruffle
apron 29
christmas home makes For her makes For him
7 CHRISTMAS STOCKING 61 FAUX GEM NECKLACE 94 PRINTED HANKIES
Hang a candy striped version with owl mascot Make a statement at the next bash with Whip up Zeena Shah’s easy-yet-stylish gift
Francesca Stone’s dazzling geometric jewellery
11 POP-ART TABLE SETTINGS 96 KNITTED TIE
Pep it up with these 60s-inspired felt designs 65 NIGHTWEAR SET Spruce him up for the party season in Elen
Sew up a gorgeous camisole and shorts set and Angharad’s simple, skinny moss stitch tie
15 SNOWFLAKE TABLE RUNNER
throw the most luxe of pyjama parties
Crochet an elegant winter wonderland 99 DESK CALENDAR
20 PARTRIDGE & PEAR WREATH 68 WRAPPED CLOTHES HANGERS Make his desk the most stylish around, with
Welcome guests with a sparkly felt wreath Any fashionista will adore these bright and Tery Muncey’s slick, marbled desk calendar
playful plastic-wrapped hangers
25 CRACKER PINATA & SEQUIN DECALS 102 EMBOSSED NOTEBOOK COVER
Make the party go with a supersized bang 73 KNITTED EVERYDAY BEANIE Amy Tangerine’s customised notebook packs
Treat your gal-pals to this chunky chill-buster a punch and is just right for music lovers
31 GIFT BAGS, TOPPERS & ENVELOPES
We’ve got your wrapping sorted 76 FAUX FUR & LEATHER CLUTCH 104 WASHBAG & SHAVING CREAM
Add instant glamour to her outfit, night or day Gift him Leah Farquharson’s dapper washbag
36 CANDY CONE GARLAND and homemade coconut shaving cream
Sew up these festive cones and fill with sweets 80 EMBROIDERED CAPE
Upcycle a blanket into a clever, cosy cover-up 106 KNITTED SCARF
41 PENGUIN HOT WATER BOTTLE COSY A winner with all the guys in your life: dress him
Knit up this snuggly buddy to keep you warm 84 FOX SLIPPERS up in Anna Weil’s soft, luscious wear-anywhere
Treat her feet to these friendly knitted foxes scarf in simple brioche stitch
45 FESTIVE DECORATIONS
We can’t get enough of these bauble ideas 88 RUFFLE APRON 110 MOUNTAIN PEAK CUSHIONS
Gift this zingy pinny to a domestic goddess Impress him with your crochet skills and up-style
53 SWEET TREATS
91 KNITTED WRIST WARMERS his sofa at the same time with Carmen Jorissen’s
Rustle up Danish cookies and nutmeg eggnog
Cosy up in a pair of snowy mountain designs fun and cuddly home accessories
57 TAKE TWO GARLANDS
String up twig snowflakes and origami lights
FREE INSIDE!

28
GIFT TAGS
CONTENTS & CARDS
TO SEND
& SHARE!
128 73 98

106
Knitted
scarf

LAYLA AMBER
Illustrator Layla Amber’s charming tags are
ready for you to adorn your gifts. Inspired
by the animals and nature around her home
in Suffolk, Layla’s sweet designs transport
us to an idyllic winter countryside scene.

7
Stocking
and owl

makes For kids stocking fillers


115 PORTABLE DOLL’S HOUSE 14 ADVENT PAPER POCKETS
Kids will have loads of make-believe fun over A grown-up twist on the advent calendar, this
the Christmas hols with Louise Kelly’s doll’s paper bag version has more room for sweets!
house packed with miniature interactive details
19 COFFEE CUP CANDLES
120 GINGERBREAD PLAYHOUSE Recyle retro finds into twinkling treasures
Chilly outside? Keep little wild things happy
29 FELT MISTLETOE
inside and spark their imaginations with Kirsty
Pucker up for Lia Griffith’s cute tutorial
Hartley’s bright fabric play tent
44 PAINTED ENAMELWARE
124 FESTIVE VESTS Update an enamel mug into something special
Update a tot’s vest with Kirsty Hartley’s
simple sewing project, featuring Mr Frosty the 56 CORD COASTERS
snowman and his cute penguin pal These pretty coasters make great quick gifts

128 AMIGURUMI DINO 60 TASSEL EARRINGS


Meet Eduardo the friendly dinosaur – kids will Glam up with Lana Red’s glitzy drop earrings
adore him and as soon as he’s unwrapped he’ll 64 LAVENDER BODY SCRUB
be swept away on a rollercoaster of adventures Treat her to a soothing DIY spa experience
132 SUPERHERO MASK & CAPE 72 BEAD PHONE CASE
BECKI CLARK
Put some sparkle and magic into playtime with Bristol-based illustrator Becki has come up
Give a pal’s phone a makeover with a jazzy new
Kirsty Hartley’s fantastical superhero set – it’s trumps with four beautiful notecards in her
case made from bright Hama beads
so easy to sew up too! favourite pastel palette. It just remains for
98 COPPER PLANTERS you to choose the four best friends to send
Dress up succulents in Lara Messer’s copper these delightful Christmas wishes to!
and blue painted terracotta pots
Contributors

Christmas
GIFTS FOR HER•HIM•KIDS•HOME•STOCKING FILLERS

EDITORIAL
Editor Jessica Bateman
Managing Editor Charlotte Martyn
Art Direction Helena Tracey
Art Editors Julian Dace, Rob Eyres
Production Editor Vicky Guerrero
Lia Griffith Becki Clark
The reigning queen of US craft, Lia’s greatest Becki creates patterns, brush lettering and ADVERTISING
loves are her daughter Emily, her dog Enzo illustrations from her cosy home in Bristol. Call: 0117 300 8206
and travelling in Europe. She believes every She’s obsessed with polka dots, pom poms, Senior Advertising Manager Penny Stokes
Senior Sales Executive Beckie Pring
room should include a bit of handmade. Visit badgers and fresh flowers. She’s also very
Sales Executive Tiffany Jackson
her site for amazing paper and felt projects. partial to a pastel palette and fresh pot of ink.
Whip up Lia’s felt mistletoe on page 29. Find Becki’s cute gift cards in our pull-out section.
MARKETING AND CIRCULATION
www.liagriffith.com www.beckiclark.com
Direct Marketing Manager Kevin Slaughter
Head of Newstrade Marketing Martin Hoskins
Newstrade Marketing Manager Janine Smith
Subscriptions Director Jacky Perales-Morris
Subscriptions Project Lead Julie Sewell

PRODUCTION
Production Director Sarah Powell
Production Manager Louise Molter, Rose Griffiths

LICENSING
Director of International Licensing and Syndication
Tim Hudson [email protected]
Layla Amber Lana Red International Partners Manager Anna Brown
Layla is a designer-maker of illustrated Lana never leaves her house without her red
handmade jewellery, who works from her lipstick; she loves Cocoa Puffs; she always PUBLISHING
studio on the Suffolk coast. Layla can also wears dresses or skirts, and is a big Mad Publishing Directors Kerry Lawrence, Catherine Potter
be found in her pyjamas knitting, drawing, Publisher Liz Taylor
Men fan. No one beats her at Boggle and
Group Senior Editor Julie Taylor
baking or hanging out with her dog Ted. she taught her cats to give her kisses.
See Layla’s sweet gift tags in our pull-out section. Make a cracker piñata with Lana on page 25. DISTRIBUTION
www.layla-amber.co.uk www.lanaredstudio.com Frontline
Printed in England by William Gibbons

FIND A COPY
Call +44 (0)844 844 0388,
visit www.buysubscriptions.com/craftspecial
or email [email protected]

Chairman Stephen Alexander


Deputy Chairman Peter Phippen
%JKGH'ZGEWVKXG1HƂEGT Tom Bureau
Managing Director, Bristol Andy Marshall
Kirsty Hartley Fran Stone
Kirsty lives in the Lancashire hills with her Sharing her lifelong love of making with her
partner and three wild children. When she’s half a million online following at Fall For
not writing and making lovely things, she can DIY and We Make Collective is Francesca’s
be found wandering about the woods with her passion. It drives her to continuously
two crazy lurcher puppies Willow and Sunny. experiment with techniques both old and new.
Stitch Kirsty’s gingerbread playhouse on page 120. Make Fran’s faux gem necklace on page 61.
www.wildthingsdresses.com www.fallfordiy.com

Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited (company number 05715415) is registered in


England and Wales. The registered office of Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited is at
Vineyard House, 44 Brook Green, London W6 7BT. All information contained in this magazine is
Other contributors for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press.
Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited cannot accept any responsibility for errors or
Anna Alicia, Elen Angharad, Valerie Bracegirdle, CICO Books, Mary Dugart, Leah Farquharson, inaccuracies in such information. Readers are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers
directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this magazine. If you
Sabina Gibson, Fiona Goble, Laura Howard, Carmen Jorissen, Louise Kelly, Jesse MacKenzie, Laura Mitchell, submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Immediate Media Company
Bristol Limited a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in all editions of the
Teri Muncey, Nina & Nienke, Meghan Quinones, Delia Randall,Yan Schenkel, Zeena Shah, Sophie Simpson, magazine, including licensed editions worldwide and in any physical or digital format
throughout the world. Any material you submit is sent at your risk. Although every care is
Philip Sowels, Julia Staite, Laura Strutt, Amy Tangerine, Danielle Thompson, Louise Walker, Anne Weil, taken, neither Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited nor its employees agents or
Anna Wilkinson, Stephanie Wolven subcontractors shall be liable for loss or damage.

6 MOLLIEMAKES.COM CHRISTMAS
' Twas the night
before Christmas
And the stockings were hung by the chimney with
care... Start your own festive tradition with Julia
Staite’s candy striped-version, plus a cute owl mascot

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 7


Making the stocking

01

04

HOW TO MAKE… A STOCKING AND OWL

MATERIALS What were your Christmas To match the stripes on your


For the stocking For the owl traditions growing up? Charades stocking, cut one side out then use
Q Red and white Q Mint felt in front of the fire, some sherry it as a template to cut your second
striped cotton Q White felt for Santa (AKA granddad) and side, flipping it over and lining
fabric, 0.5m (½yrd) Q Red felt the ever-exciting hanging of the up the stripes with the fabric
Q Fleece fabric, Q Small piece white stockings, just before bedtime? underneath. You can also make
0.5m (½yrd) fur/fleece fabric Recreate a little of that nostalgic your own piping using bias tape
Q Cotton tape, Q Small piece of magic by sewing a stocking, and some cord – if you don’t
6cm (23/8in) patterned fabric complete with a sweet owl mascot, have a piping foot for your sewing
Q Red embroidery Q Dark grey, blue and that can be unpacked on the 24th machine, then a concealed zipper
thread yellow embroidery for years to come. This is a good foot works really well.
Q Ribbon, 16cm (63/8in), threads first sewing project for children Have fun personalising this
1cm (3/8in) wide Q Matching sewing (under supervision of course), so one – stitch a name or monogram
Q Piping, 40cm threads they can hang their own special instead of ‘Joy’; switch up colours
(15¾in), 3mm Q Toy stuffing handiwork. That’s not to say it’s just and patterns, or make a different
(1/8in) thick for kids – it will make just as special coloured owl to match each
a hiding place for a partner’s gifts. stocking’s owner.

8 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


Turn tHe page
to make me!

02 02 03

05 06 07

Making the stocking piece. The top of the pocket needs lining, only this time leave a 5cm
01 First cut out all the pieces using to be around 10cm (4in) from (2in) gap in the seam on one side
the templates on page 135. Cut the the top of the stocking with your for turning later on.
outer stocking pieces on the bias embroidered label tucked under 04 Turn the stocking RS out.

to create diagonal stripes. To make the right hand side. Sew the Pin then sew the piping around
your pocket label, first press a 6cm pocket to attach it. Fold a 16cm the top edge. Keep your line of
(23/8in) long piece of cotton tape in (63/8in) length of ribbon in half to stitching about 2mm (1/8in) away
half. Mark out your letters on make the loop for hanging. from the piping so that it doesn’t
one side of the label using an air Sew on your loop, keeping your show on the front of your finished
erasable fabric pen, and embroider stitching within the seam allowance stocking. It looks neatest if your
over the top using three strands of so that it doesn’t show on your piping crosses over at the seam
red embroidery thread. Set aside finished stocking. of the stocking.
for the moment. 03 Place the stocking pieces right 05 Tuck the stocking inside the

02 Press under 1cm (3/8in) around sides (RS) together and machine lining, RS together. Pin then sew
the whole of your pocket piece. stitch using a 1cm (3/8in) seam around top edge through all
Hem the top edge. Pin your pocket allowance. Trim the seam allowance layers, as close to the piping as
in place on the front stocking and clip curves. Repeat for the possible. Trim seam allowance.

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 9


Making the owl

08 09 10

11 13 14

HOW TO MAKE… A STOCKING AND OWL


06 Turn RS out by pulling the whole using three strands of blue sew down the long side using
stocking through the hole you left embroidery thread. an 0.5cm (¼in) seam allowance.
in the lining seam in Step 3. Top 11 Draw on the owl’s eyes and Turn RS out.
stitch the hole closed. beak. Embroider the eyes using 14 Cut a strip of fur or fleece fabric

07 Push the lining inside the three strands of dark grey thread, 2.5cm (1in) wide and 15cm (6in)
stocking. and the beak using three strands long. Fold raw edges under and
of yellow. pin, then hand stitch to the rim of
Making the owl 12 Sew on the wing using the hat.
08 Sew your tummy fabric piece to matching thread. Draw on the wing 15 Sew a small pom pom onto the

the front owl body piece using a feathers using an air-erasable pen tip of the hat. Fold the hat over
small zig zag stitch. Sew the owl and embroider using three strands and stitch in place. Secure the
body pieces RS together, leaving of blue floss. hat on the owl’s head using a few
an opening at the bottom. Trim the 13 To make the Santa hat, fold stitches under the edge of the fur.
seam allowance and clip curves, the hat piece of felt in half and Fill the stocking with goodies.
then turn RS out. You can use
a knitting needle or blunt pencil Julia Staite
to push the points fully out. Julia is a designer-maker with a background in
09 Fill the owl with toy stuffing and
illustration and pattern design. She lives in Essex
slipstitch the opening closed. with her husband and two daughters and works
10 Draw a triangle of scallops
from her home studio, overflowing with paper,
on the owl’s head from the points pencils, fabric, thread and paint, designing and
of the ‘ears’ to where the beak creating products for her kids’ decor and toy range.
will be using an air erasable pen. www.juliastaite.com
Backstitch over the scallop pattern

10 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


Eat, drink
and be merry
Say no to dull parties with Danielle Thompson’s
eye-popping 60s-inspired table decs

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 11


01 01 01

04 05 05

HOW TO MAKE… FELT TABLE DECORATIONS

MATERIALS Merry-makers tend to be a bit the tree toppers (pie shape) on pieces of wax paper and print the
Q J Wool felt, 20 full and snoozy by 25 December, page 135, leaving an extra 0.5cm templates onto it instead of regular
x 30cm (8 x 12in) but we think Danielle Thompson’s (¼in) around the edges. Attach the paper. Be sure to print on the
sheets eye-catching table decorations will cut pieces to the cardboard (or matte side. Then cut out the wax
Q Embroidery thread wake everyone up a bit before the chipboard) using temporary paper pieces leaving an 0.5cm
Q Cardboard or final port and stilton course finishes adhesive. Cut out along the (¼in) space around template edge,
chipboard them off. The neon colours and template lines using a craft knife, and iron onto your felt, shiny side
Q Mini pom poms pop art-inspired motifs are bound box cutter or heavy duty scissors. down. Cut along the lines using
Q Small jewels to delight the non-traditionalists, as Peel off the paper pieces. Keep super sharp scissors and peel off
Q Sharp needles well as providing a talking point for your triangles and tree topper the remaining wax paper. This is
Q Darning needle any lulls in conversation. shapes for each of the five trees quicker and more accurate than
Q Felt glue Have fun matching one or two organised, as they vary in size. tracing the shapes onto wax paper.
Q Iron to your guests, adding your own Set the tree topper shapes to Alternatively, you can print your
Q Printer motifs if you want – Aunt Mo’s one side. To make each tree base, templates onto regular printer
Q Package tape Dame Edna-style specs can be tape three triangles together paper, cut out (again leaving 0.5cm
Q Very sharp scissors copied to a tee, and we won’t be along the seams using packing (¼in) around the edges), pin them
Q Craft knife, box able to resist delivering a tongue- tape to make a pyramid. Do this to your felt and cut out that way.
cutter or heavy in-cheek ’be jolly’ to the humbug for each tree, then set them aside. Again, be sure to keep your pieces
duty scissors of the family. 02 Now we’ll cut out the felt for each tree organised so they
Q Toothpicks, shapes. Here’s a handy tip for don’t get mixed up.
tweezers, wax 01 Cut out the templates for the if you’re printing from our website: 03 Gather the accent felt pieces for

paper (optional) tree base structure (triangles) and cut out 21.5 x 28cm (8.5 x 11in) one tree (lips, sunglasses, eyes, ‘fa

12 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


03 03 04

06 06 06

la la’ or ‘be jolly’). Layer and your fingers to make sure the felt felt pieces around the cardboard
adhere them to your front is secure. Adhere your trims to the inside. Again, use a shade that
triangle felt panel using glue. bottoms of your trees with glue. blends in with your felt. Now
Repeat for all five trees. Add 06 Now we’ll make the tree blanket stitch all the way around
small jewels where indicated, using toppers. For your first tree, your tree topper (except for the
tweezers. Use toothpicks to coat sandwich the two felt ‘pie’ pieces V-shape ‘pie slice’ cut-out area)
tiny felt pieces with glue. with the cardboard ‘pie’ piece in using metallic thread (all strands)
04 Take three triangle felt pieces for the middle. Whipstitch all the and a darning needle. Whipstitch
one tree and whipstitch together way around using one strand of your tree topper to the base. Now
along the edges to create a embroidery thread, closing up the arrange on your table as you like.
pyramid. Use one strand of
embroidery thread in a colour that Danielle Thompson
blends in visually with all three felt Mother, wife, graphic designer, photographer and
sides (you don’t want the stitches lover of bright colour, mid-century design and
to stand out too much). Repeat for vintage kitsch, Danielle’s been creative her entire
all trees. life, dabbling in everything from drawing and
05 Add a thin line of felt glue
painting to crochet and needlework. She has
along the bottom edges of your a fine arts degree and is currently building
cardboard pyramid base. Slip your her photography and graphic design businesses,
whipstitched felt pyramids on top working with clients from all over the world.
of the base. Pull downwards tightly www.daniellethompsonphotography.com
and press the bottom edges with

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 13


COUNTDOWN
TO CHRISTMAS
For a modern twist on the trad advent
calendar, make Lana Red’s collection
of paper bags filled with sweet treats

HOW TO MAKE… ADVENT CALENDAR BAGS

MATERIALS A great stash-busting project, the joy 04 Take the top part of the flattened

QPaper of Lana’s grown-up advent calendar area and fold it downwards to the
QScissors is that you don’t have to restrict middle. Repeat for the bottom piece.
QWashi tape yourself to just one chocolate… 05 Place your hand inside the bag and

QDecorations push the side creases open.


01 Cut the paper to your desired size. 06 Fold the side creases towards the

Fold the sides of the paper inside. inside of the bag, making a v-shape.
02 Tape the folded parts together. 07 Decorate how you wish. We wrote

Fold 2cm of the bottom of the paper the date on a circle of paper and
up towards the top. attached it to the top of the bag, along
03 Open the folded area and flatten with a wire decoration, using little
the corner, creating a triangle shape. bullclips. Pop in a treat! Make all 25
Repeat this for the other side. bags and arrange in a basket to finish.

01 02 03
PROJECT BY: LANA RED WWW.LANAREDSTUDIO.COM

04 05 06
Let it snow
Serve up a feast fit for a fairy tale with Valerie
Bracegirdle’s winter wonderland-worthy table runner
HOW TO MAKE… CROCHET SNOWFLAKES

MATERIALS Pastel more your bag than MC, with a 4mm hook. For the 1st dc to join [6 5ch-sps]
For table runner brights? Grab your hook and yarn runner use six mini, five small, four
and coasters and rustle up this dreamy medium and four large snowflakes. Circle centre
QStylecraft Classique snowflake runner. It’s elegant For a hanging decoration, use Foundation using 1st colour, ch4
Cotton DK yarn, 100% enough for the adults, yet has a the Wendy Supreme cotton, with and join into a ring with a ss.
cotton, 100g/184m per touch of the Frozen-esque about it a 3.25mm crochet hook. Round 1 ch3 (counts as 1tr), 17tr in
ball, two balls in White to please the kids, too. No time to The mini, large, medium and ring, join to 3rd st of starting ch3
(3660) (MC), one ball make a whole runner? Get hooking small snowflakes are also charted with a ss [18 tr]
each in Shell Pink (3666) a few speedy coasters or a hanging on page 18. Round 2 ch1 (does not count as st),
(Yarn A), Sky Blue (3667) dec for your tree, instead. (1dc, ch5, miss 2 sts) 6 times, ss to
(Yarn B), Soft Lime Star centre 1st dc to join [6 5ch-sps]
(3663) (Yarn C), Wisteria Instructions Foundation using 1st colour, ch4
(3664) (Yarn D) There are four sizes of motif and and join into a ring with a ss. Mini snowflake motif
Q4mm (UK 8, US G/6) two different centres. First choose Round 1 ch1 (does not count as st), The motifs are made in MC only.
crochet hook the colours you want, then the 6dc in ring, ss to 1st dc to join Foundation, Round 1 and Round
QYarn needle centre, then the motif size. Photos [6 dc] 2 As for Star Centre
QSewing needle show the centres and the large Round 2 ch1 (does not count as st), Round 3 ch1 (does not count as st),
and white thread snowflake motif. Once you’ve made (1dc, ch5) 5 times, ch2, 1tr in 1st dc *1dc in 5ch-sp, (ch7, ss to 3rd ch
For the hanging a large motif you’ll find the others (forming last 5ch-sp) [6 5ch-sps] from hook); repeat from * to end
decoration easy. For the coasters and runner Round 3 ch1 (does not count as st), of round, ss to 1st dc to join. Break
QWendy Supreme Cotton use one of yarns A, B, C or D and (1dc in 5ch-sp, ch5) 6 times, ss to yarn and fasten off.
DK Yarn, 100% cotton,
100g/201m per ball,
Circle centre
one ball in White (1820)
Q3.25mm (UK 10, US D/3)
crochet hook

TENSION
Tension isn’t too important
for this design, just aim for
a finish you’re happy with.

ABBREVIATIONS (UK)
st(s) stitch(es)
ch chain
ch-sp(s) chain space(s)
Star centre
ss slip stitch
dc double crochet
htr half treble
tr treble
picot ch3 then ss to the
3rd ch from the hook

FINISHED SIZE
Approx. snowflake sizes
at the widest point:
Mini: 7cm (2¾in)
Small: 13cm (5¼in)
Medium: 17cm (6¾in)
Large snowflake
Large: 20cm (77/8in)
Table runner: approx.
120 x 25cm (477/8 x 6¾in)

16 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


and fasten off [6 3ch-sps with 8tr are in A, B, C or D and Round 2 of
along each side] the Circle Centre and Round 3 of
Round L3 join MC to any 3ch-sp the Star Centre, along with Rounds
with a ss, ch3 (counts as 1tr), *1tr S1 and S2, are in MC.
in each of next 8 sts, (1tr, ch3**, 1tr) First make a Circle or Star Centre
in 3ch-sp; repeat from * to end of starting in your chosen colour and
round but in the last repeat finish changing to MC on the last round
at **, join to 3rd of starting ch3 of the Centre, then continue in MC
with a ss [6 3ch-sps with 10tr with the following rounds:
along each side] Round S1 as Round L1
Round L4 ch1 (does not count as Round S2 ch1 (does not count as
st), *1dc, (ch3, 1dc in each of next st), *1dc in each of next 3 sts, picot,
2 sts) 4 times, ch3, 1dc in next st, 1dc in each of next 3 sts, (1htr,
(1dc, picot, 1htr, picot, 1htr, picot, picot, 1tr, picot, 1tr, picot, 1htr)
1dc) in 3ch-sp; repeat from * to end in 3ch-sp; repeat from * to end of
of round, ss to 1st dc to join. Break round, ss to 1st dc. Break yarn and
yarn and fasten off. fasten off.

Medium snowflake motif Hanging decoration


The motif pattern starts with a For a hanging decoration, use
centre (star or circle) and 3 rounds Wendy Supreme cotton and a
are added. 3.25mm hook and follow the small
The motifs are made of 2 colours snowflake pattern but don’t change
– Centre plus Round M1 in A, B, yarn. For a hanging loop, change
C or D and Rounds M2 and M3 the centre picot on any point to
in MC. (ch25, ss to 25th ch from hook).
First make a Circle or Star Centre
in your chosen colour and continue Finishing
with the following rounds using the Sew in all loose ends using a
same colour: yarn needle.
Round M1 as Round L1 but break The motifs will benefit from
yarn and fasten off at the end of blocking. For cotton yarn, we
this round. recommend steam blocking. Lay
Round M2 Join MC to the first tr the motifs out on an ironing board
of any 6tr group with a ss, then and pull to shape. Hold a steam
work as Round L2 iron about 2cm (¾in) above the
Round M3 ch1 (does not count as motifs and steam them. Do not let
Large snowflake motif st), *1dc, (ch3, 1dc in each of next the iron touch the work. Leave to
The motif pattern starts with a 2 sts) 3 times, ch3, 1dc in next st, dry thoroughly.
centre (star or circle) and 4 rounds (1dc, picot, 1htr, picot, 1htr, picot,
are added. 1dc) in 3ch-sp; repeat from * to end To make a table runner, lay your
The motifs are made of 2 colours of round, ss to 1st dc. Break yarn motifs out along the table and
– Centre plus Rounds L1 and L2 in and fasten off. arrange them until you're happy
A, B, C or D and Rounds L3 and L4 with the layout. Take your time
in MC. Small snowflake motif doing this. Once you have a layout
First make a Circle or Star Centre in The motif pattern starts with a you're happy with, use a sewing
your chosen colour and continue centre (star or circle) and 2 rounds needle and white sewing thread
with the following rounds using the are added. to stitch them together where they
same colour: The motifs are made of 2 colours touch. Place your stitches on the
Round L1 ss into 1st 5ch-sp, ch3 – Round 1 of the Circle Centre and wrong side of the work and trim
(counts as 1tr), 5tr in same 5ch-sp, Rounds 1 and 2 of the Star Centre your ends neatly.
ch3, (6tr, ch3) in each 5ch-sp
around, join to 3rd st of starting Valerie Bracegirdle
ch3 with a ss [6 3ch-sps with 6tr Valerie is a crochet and knitting designer and
along each side] Mollie Makes’ technical editor. She describes
Round L2 ch3 (counts as 1tr), 1tr in herself as an ‘accidental designer’ because she
each of next 5 sts, (1tr, ch3, 1tr) in didn’t intend to become one – it just happened
3ch-sp, *1tr in each of next 6 sts, somewhere along the path of enjoying yarn
(1tr, ch3, 1tr) in 3ch-sp; repeat from crafts. Find her on Ravelry as vbracegirdle and
* to end of round, join to 3rd of read her blog www.agrarianartisan.com
starting ch3 with a ss. Break yarn

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 17


HOW TO MAKE… CROCHET SNOWFLAKES

KEY Large snowflake motif

ch

dc

htr

picot

ss

tr

Small snowflake motif

Medium snowflake motif

Mini snowflake motif

18 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


RISE AND
SHINE
Recycle retro coffee cups into chic
candles for that all-important glow

HOW TO MAKE… COFFEE CUP CANDLES


MATERIALS Can’t resist collecting vintage coffee 04 Prepare your cup by placing a stick

QCandle in the colour and tea cups from charity shops? on top, centred in the middle. Tape the
of your choice (make Here’s a great upcyling project to stick to the sides of the cup, so it won’t
sure that the wicks give them a twinkling new lease of life be able to move. Gently place the wick
are long enough) as uber-stylish candles – gift to family into the cup, letting the top of the wick
QCoffee cups or and friends or keep for yourself. lean against the stick. Use a piece of
teacups tape to keep the wick in place.
QPan 01 Place your pan over a medium heat 05 Once the candle has completely

QSmall stick and put the candle in the middle. melted, pour the hot wax into the cup.
QScissors or knife 02 Let the candle melt in the pan. 06 Let the candle cool down. Once the

QTape 03 Carefully take the wick out of the wax has set, you can remove the tape
pan and let it cool down for a few and stick from the cup. Check if the
minutes. Measure the height of your wick is in your desired length, if not,
coffee cup and cut the wick into the you can use your scissors to cut it a
size of that cup. little bit shorter.

01 02 03
PROJECT BY: LANA RED WWW.LANAREDSTUDIO.COM

04 05 06
… and a partridge
in a pear tree
PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS, STYLING: HELENA TRACEY AND JEN GARDNER, CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS: ROSSITERS OF BATH WWW.ROSSITERSOFBATH.COM

On the first day of Christmas, we grabbed


our felt and started stitching Laura Howard’s
sparkling, embellished wreath

20 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


Pear

02 03

04 05

HOW TO MAKE… A FELT WREATH

MATERIALS We all know the house isn’t thread, use half (so for six-stranded
Q Polystyrene wreath Q White nylon thread properly prepped for Christmas thread use three strands). Metallic
base, 17cm (6¾in) (or other thin, strong until you’ve hung a gorgeously thread can be tricky to work with,
Q White felt, approx. thread) festive wreath on the door to so cut shorter pieces than you’d
four 23 x 23cm (9 x 9in) Q Silver sequins welcome guests, or just catch the normally use and take your time.
squares (6mm wide) eye of passers-by. So grab your We ordered our mini sequins from
Q Green felt, approx. Q Mini silver sequins felt and some fancy embroidery www.simplysequins.co.uk and
15 x 15cm (6 x 6in) (3mm wide) threads, and spend a few cosy found the polystyrene wreath
Q Pale green felt, approx. Q Mini gold sequins evenings putting together this at www.craftmill.co.uk.
6 x 9cm (2½ x 3½in) (4mm wide) sparkly partridge and pear wreath.
Q Pale brown felt, approx. Q 1m (1yrd) white ribbon, There are loads of different felt Making the pears
13 x 19cm (5 x 7½in) 5–10mm wide techniques here to practise and 01 Use the templates on page 135

Q Small piece of brown felt Q Polyester stuffing to adapt into other projects – you to cut two pale green pears and
Q Matching sewing Q Glue gun and glue could also just sew the hanging one green mini leaf. Cut two pale
threads Q Sewing needle and pins partridge and pear into individual brown stalk shapes (approximately
Q Silver, gold, black and Q Embroidery scissors decorations, if you don’t want to 2 x 0.5cm). Embroidery scissors are
brown embroidery Q Sewing scissors make the whole wreath. great for cutting out small, fiddly
thread Q Air erasable fabric When stitching, use a third of shapes neatly. Use clear sticky tape
marker (optional) each piece of metallic thread (so to hold your templates to the felt
for six-stranded thread use two to make it easier when cutting
strands). For the black and brown these fiddly parts.

22 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


Patridge

06 07 08

09 11 12

02 Stitch along the leaf using Making the partridge marker. Then sew small stitches
running stitch and silver thread, 06 Use the templates to cut one along the line, as shown.
sewing along then back, filling in white belly, one pale brown body, 09 Add more small brown stitches,

the gaps to make a continuous one pale brown wing and one then backstitch six curved lines,
line. Start and finish your stitching brown beak. One by one, sew leaving space for Step 11.
at the bottom of the leaf. Join the them to a backing piece of pale 10 Stitch the eye using black

stalk pieces using blanket stitch brown felt. Use whip stitch and embroidery thread, building
and pale brown thread. matching threads and sew along up the shape from several tiny
03 Attach the stalk and leaf to the inside lines only. stitches. If you prefer, you can use
the pear using pale green thread. 07 Cut out the partridge shape, a black bead or sequin instead.
Sew the leaf with a few tiny stitches then use it as a template to cut 11 Use silver thread to backstitch

and the stalk with whip stitch a matching backing shape from more curved lines: between the
(sewing into the felt not through it). pale brown felt. brown lines and filling the white
04 Add mini gold sequins using 08 Cut a white felt eye using the space. Use gold to backstitch
pale green thread. template. Sew to the bird using around the wing (leaving the top
05 Join the edges using a simple white whip stitches. Backstitch unstitched) then decorate the wing
blanket stitch. Start at the top, around the eye using brown with small stitches.
making sure you leave a gap big embroidery thread, then sew a line 12 Blanket stitch the edges of the

enough for stuffing. When you’ve from the beak to the partridge’s partridge with pale brown thread,
finished stitching, stuff the pear throat. Stitch this freehand or mark leaving a gap at the top. Stuff the
lightly then sew up the gap. the line with an air-erasable fabric bird lightly then sew up the gap.

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 23


Leaves & wreath

13 14 16

17 18 19

HOW TO MAKE… A FELT WREATH

Making the leaves so they overlap as pictured and tied round the wreath, then sew a
13 Cut four small, seven medium the base is completely hidden. few running stitches up the back.
and four large green leaves, using 17 Tie the white ribbon around the Pull the thread to adjust the pear’s
the templates. Add veins using wreath where the scallops meet, position then sew a few small
silver thread and running stitch knotting it securely. You can trim stitches to secure.
(see Step 2). Start and finish at the it when you hang the wreath. 19 Attach the leaves, using the

bottom of each leaf. 18 Using nylon thread, sew into images as a guide. Add a dot of
14 Add silver sequins using green the top of the pear – from the glue to the bottom of each leaf.
thread. Sew the larger sequins first, back and up between the leaf and 20 Finally, add the partridge,

then fill in the gaps with mini stalk. Sew a small stitch (front to applying glue to the leaves then
sequins. Start and finish your back) into the bottom of the ribbon pressing the bird into position.
stitching at the bottom of each leaf.
Laura Howard
Making the wreath Laura is a designer, maker and craft writer living
15 Use the template to cut white
near London. She loves colour, hand stitching and
scallop pieces (you’ll need 50–60). making stuff from her favourite material – felt!
To save time you could enlarge the She’s written two books about felt crafting
template to cut larger scallops, or – Super-Cute Felt and Super-Cute Felt Animals – and
just cover the wreath in white yarn. she shares lots of fun stitchy tutorials over on her
16 Attach the scallops one by one
blog. www.bugsandfishes.blogspot.com
using the glue gun. Arrange them

24 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


Smash
and
Grab
Make that festive party go with
a bang by hanging Lana Red’s
supersized cracker piñata and
XXL sequin decals

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 25


01 02 03

05 06 07

09 10 11

HOW TO MAKE… A PIÑATA

MATERIALS What might we find inside this one single bold colour. Want even 03 Repeat your new dimensions

QBig piece(s) giant cracker, we wonder? more sparkle? Turn the page to side-by-side to create your
of cardboard XXL-sized sewing kits or nail make some giant sequins. cracker pattern. We repeated
QTissue paper clippers? Or maybe a multitude ours seven times.
QScissors of cheesy jokes? This piñata can 01 Copy the template on page 135 04 Place your mat underneath

QLarge ruler be customised to be as big as you and cut out. the cardboard and cut out the
QGlue stick like – depending on the size of your 02 Place your piece of cardboard diamond shapes using your sharp
QTape party – and filled with whatever you on a flat surface. To make a large utility knife.
QUtility knife can get your hands on. We went piñata, divide the template into 05 Fold the cardboard along the

and cutting mat for good old candy and confetti, smaller pieces by cutting along longer lines. They don’t need to
QTreats and confetti but you could have fun making the horizontal lines. Then add a be overly sharp as long as long as
for inside your own jokes and party hats, or few extra cms around the template, it creates a natural curve.
QRope and/ adding small toys for kids. Choose on the cardboard. Keep the extra 06 Fold the cardboard into a

or ribbon tissue paper in various colours to length the same all around, so the cylinder shape, overlapping the
create a playful look, or just go for dimensions stay the same. two outer edges.

26 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


04

WHat's inside?
Only one way
to find out!

08

12

07 Fill your piñata with sweets, 10 Attach the fringed tissue to the 11 Cut the excess tissue paper to

confetti and any other gifts piñata using your glue stick. Work match the shape of the template.
you fancy. in horizontal rows on the middle 12 Cut a piece of ribbon or rope to

08 Place a piece of ribbon or rope section and vertical lines on the your desired length and attach it
around one end of the cylinder, outer ends to create a playful look. to the piñata for hanging.
where the diamond cut-outs are.
Tie a knot, pulling tight, to create Lana Red
the cracker shape. Repeat on the Lana from the Lana Red Studio blog is
other side. passionate about everything creative. With a
09 Cut long strips of tissue paper,
background in theatre, she loves to combine
then turn them into fringing by multiple disciplines in every project – from
cutting small snips along the photography to fashion – as well as her personal
length. Repeat until you have stories. But the best thing is sharing it all with
enough tissue fringing to cover her readers, of course. www.lanaredstudio.com
the piñata.

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 27


03 04

05 06

07 08

HOW TO MAKE… GIANT SEQUINS

MATERIALS Pep up a plain wall with these 01 Print or trace the template from the middle hexagon points to
QLarge pieces supersized sequins – they’re so on page 135, upscale it on a the outer edge.
of cardboard easy to make you can transform photocopier or scanner, and then 06 Use the plastic part of a pen to

QRuler your room into a party zone in no cut out. trace the pencil lines, creating a
QScissors time. Go for shiny silver with bright 02 Place a big piece of cardboard shallow cut for folding. You can use
QPencil yellow and pink for a real blast of right side up on a flat surface. Use a your ruler to create smooth
QPlate (or another fun, or opt for whatever colours dinner plate to trace a big circle straight lines.
large circle for you like to match your party theme. onto the cardboard using your 07 Cut the outer circle out of the

tracing) Choose pastels and florals if you’re pencil. cardboard and make a small circle
QCraft knife holding a vintage style bash, or 03 Place the hexagon in the in the middle.
Q Pen use sparkly glitter card to add middle of your drawn circle 08 Carefully fold the lines inward,

extra glam. For variety, make some on the cardboard. creating a three-dimensional
smaller sequins to scatter between 04 Trace the hexagon with your sequin. Attach to the wall with
your main decals, or string up a few pencil, drawing a small line. some Blu-tac or masking tape and
to make bunting. 05 Use a ruler to draw six lines you’re ready to party.

28 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


STEAL A KISS
Hang Lia Griffith’s cute DIY felt
mistletoe from a door frame, use as a gift
topper, or make a few into a wreath…

HOW TO MAKE… FELT MISTLETOE

MATERIALS A bunch of mistletoe never goes 03 Glue and layer mistletoe leaves

QFelt in a variety amiss at Christmas, and this felty onto two separate lengths of wire.
of deep greens version can be brought out year 04 Glue the bead berries to the

QFloral tape after year. Make extras to elevate your leaves, as shown in the photos.
QFloral wire wrapping into something special, or 05 Wrap the ends of both wires

QGlue for felt make a show-stopping wreath. together with floral tape.
QSmall clear gems 06 Tie a bow around the wire.

and glue gun 01 Copy and cut out the leaf pattern 07 Bend the wire over into a loop to

QLittle white on page 135 and use this to cut the leaf hang your mistletoe. (Or carry with you
wooden beads shapes into your felt. for some kisses on demand!)
QRed ribbon 02 Use a low temperature glue gun to

stick a clear gem to the end of a white See Lia’s website for lots more
round wooden bead to make a berry. fabulous makes for Christmas and
Make as many as required. ideas for 2017 at www.liagriffith.com

01 02 03
PROJECT BY: LIA GRIFFITH WWW.LIAGRIFFITH.COM

04 05 06 07
MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 31
01

04

05 07 08

HOW TO MAKE… GIFT BAGS AND TOPPERS

MATERIALS They say it’s the thought that (3 to 5in). If you want, you can trim 05 Fold the top and bottom flaps

QGift wrap sheet, 37.5 counts – but we think you’ll it with pinking sheers to create to meet in the centre and tape the
x 50cm (15 x 20in) agree, presentation can elevate a chevron edge, or just leave it bottom of the bag.
QScissors gifts from thoughtful to something- straight instead. 06 Open the bag, pop your hand

QTape they’ll-never-forget status. Here 02 Turn the paper over and fold inside and push out the edges.
QHole punch designer Lia Griffith shows us how both edges in to meet at the 07 Punch a hole in both sides of

QRibbon to create a boutique-worthy gift centre. Tape the seam, using the the bag near the top.
QPinking sheers bag from paper, complete with ends of the tape to wrap into the 08 Thread the ribbon through the

(optional) ribbon handles. Alternatively, wrap inside and seal in place. holes and tie a knot on the inside
QTissue paper your pressies as usual, then add 03 Fold the bottom up. The width to hold the ribbon in place.
QTwine one of our topper ideas – pretty of this fold will determine the width 09 Pop your gift inside and top

QPaper poms and 3D bows. of your finished bag. We folded with tissue paper as a finishing
QGlue dots 12.5cm (5in). touch. For more of a rectangle
Gift bag 04 Open the bottom fold to shape, fold back the sides of the
01 Fold the top edge of the gift expose the inside of the bag. bag and press the folds to create
wrap sheet down 7.5 to 12.5cm Fold the edges into the centre. neat squared corners.

32 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


17

18

12 14 15

Tissue poms Paper bows Fold the bow ends, and glue in
10 Start by folding a square of 16 Use the template on page 135 place on the belly straps.
tissue paper three times to make to cut out the bow from gift wrap 18 Glue the bow on top of the

eight layers. or coloured paper. straps, wrap with the centre piece,
11 Fold your tissue into a triangle 17 Bring the ends of the bow to and glue into place. Glue on top
twice, then a third time, folding the the centre and secure with glue. of your wrapped present.
flaps back.
12 Open the flaps and cut four half Lia Griffith
circles in an arch. Lia’s greatest loves are her daughter Emily, her
13 Layer eight pieces of tissue into dog Enzo and travelling in Europe. She adores
two stacks. a cosy, comfy (and gorgeous) living space and
14 Fold in half, punch a hole and believes every room should include an element
tie with twine. of handmade. When she’s not sharing her DIY
15 Starting with the centre, bunch knowledge she loves making a gourmet spread
one layer at a time to create two for friends and family. www.liagriffith.com
poms. Tie onto ribbon.

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 33


04

09

HOW TO MAKE… FABRIC ENVELOPES

MATERIALS  Paper may be gorgeous, but (81/8in) squares on the back of your
QScissors QTwo different how about experimenting with plain fabric, allowing at least a
QSewing machine patterned light/ materials that have a little more 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance all the
QRuler medium-weight permanence? Here we have a way round each square.
QTailor’s chalk cotton fabrics, lovely idea for using pretty fabric To make this easier (especially if
QPins 0.25m (¼yrd) each to create beautifully presented you want to make several) you can
QPencil QLight/medium- presents. Friends can keep the make a template square from a
QIron weight plain cotton wrapping to use as a pouch to sheet of paper and simply draw
QSmall embroidery fabric, 0.25m (¼yrd) store embroidered hankerchiefs, around this with your chalk. Trim
hoop, around QAdditional 0.25m necklaces and bracelets, and even your fabric squares so there’s a
12cm (10in) (¼yrd) plain, medium small soaps – or maybe fill with 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance around
QE
 mbroidery needle weight fabric or lavender and display in their home your chalk lines.
QTwo sheets of A4 interfacing if your – really it’s two gifts in one! 02 Place one of the fabric squares

paper (optional) other fabrics are Anna Alicia’s envelopes would that will form the outside of one of
QThread in a quite light suit dinky pieces of jewellery, or your envelopes right side (RS) up.
contrast colour QThin yarn or twine how about creating envelopes and Using pins, mark out a rectangle
QMatching colour and decorative notelets using handmade paper in the centre of your fabric, 17 x
thread buttons to finish and pressed flower embellishments 12cm (6¾ x 4¾in) at 45 degrees
to slip inside? You can re-visit the to the square. Again, you could
project in February when writing make a quick template for the
Valentine’s love notes! rectangle out of paper. The area
you’ve marked out will be the back
01 Start by drawing out a 21cm of your envelope, so you can plan
(81/8in) square using your tailor’s your embroidery to fit within it.
chalk on the back of each of your 03 Mark out carefully in pencil your

patterned fabrics, plus two 21cm text to embroider. Remove your

34 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


05 06 08

10 11 12

pins and then stretch your fabric 07 Find the corner of your square front of you with the outside fabric
over your embroidery hoop. directly below your embroidery. (the embroidered side) facing
04 Thread your needle with From the point of that corner mark down and the cut-off corner facing
doubled-up cotton thread (or you 3.5cm (13/8in) along each side, then towards you. Fold the cut-off
could use stranded embroidery join these marks to form a line corner up and the corners at either
thread), in a contrast colour that across the corner. Sew along this side in, so they meet. Pin together
will stand out against your fabric. line, oversewing the ends. and press with your iron.
Embroider over your pencilled text 08 Trim 5mm (¼in) from the line 11 Hand stitch together along the

using chain stitch. Need a hand you’ve sewn, cut across each edges where your fabric is pinned.
with your stitches? Visit us at http:// corner close to your stitching 12 Finally, fold over the top flap of

bit.ly/embroiderystitches. and trim your remaining seam your envelope and press the fold
05 Remove your fabric from allowance to 1cm (3/8in). Repeat with your iron. Repeat Steps 9–12
the hoop and iron on the back. with your other square. with your second envelope.
Repeat Steps 2–5 using your 09 Turn your squares RS out Once you’re ready to pack up
second outer fabric. through the gap you left and your gifts, use some thin twine and
06 Lay your embroidered squares iron flat. Stitch the gaps closed. decorate with a button or a bow as
out RS up and your inner fabric 10 Place one of your squares in a final finishing touch.
squares wrong side (WS) down
on top. If your fabrics are both Anna Alicia
quite thin you might want to add Anna is the designer-maker behind eco-ethical
an extra layer of plain fabric or jewellery and homeware label A Alicia. She’s
interfacing here. Pin together based in East London with her artist husband,
around the edges, following your their baby, and a multitude of books and plants,
chalk line. Sew around the square and loves combining ceramics with organic
edges, following the chalk line and textiles in her work. www.aalicia.bigcartel.com
leaving a 3–4cm gap.

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 35


Candy
Cones
Sew up Mary Dugan’s
last-minute festive cone garland
– what treats will go in yours?
03 04 05

08 10 15

HOW TO MAKE… A CONE GARLAND

MATERIALS  When Christmas time comes Cut one exterior using a rotary
QPiece of exterior QYarn and pom around, there’s always an event cutter, or trace the template and
fabric, 40 x 20.5cm pom maker that calls for a few extra treats. cut with scissors.
(12 x 8in) QEmbroidery thread Hang sweets or mini toys in this 04 Repeat with the lining fabric.

QPiece of lining or perle cotton cone garland – it’s a fun twist on 05 Spray tack or stitch tack the

fabric, 40 x QSewing needle kids’ party bags, and we’re sure batting to the wrong side (WS)
20.5cm (12 x 8in) QEmbroidery needle the grown ups will be tempted of the exterior.
QThin cotton batting, QStraight pins to dip their hands in, too. Add 06 Trim batting even with the

33 x 25.5cm QCardboard or more or less cones depending exterior fabric.


(13 x 10in) quilters template on your event, or you could make 07 With the right sides (RS) of the

QSewing thread plastic them individually and add ribbon exterior and batting and lining
QWool rope, or yarn QTacking spray loops to hang. together, stitch along the top
to braid into roping, (optional) curved edge only using an 0.5cm
1m (40in) 01 Trace the cone template (¼in) seam allowance.
on page 135 onto cardboard or 08 Trim the ends close to the stitch

quilter’s template plastic and cut. line and trim the seam allowance
02 Fold the exterior fabric in half to reduce the bulk.
widthwise. The folded fabric will 09 Press the trimmed top curved

measure 15.5 x 20.5 (6 x 8in). seam toward the lining. Take care
03 Place the template on the fabric not to stretch the fabric, but try to
with the marked edge on the fold. keep the curve crisp.

38 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


07

18

10 Open so the exterior and lining 14 Stitch the opening closed. Stitch through the cone top and
lay flat. Fold the entire project 15 Press the mouth of the cone all the wool roping. Space the cones
lengthwise, so the exterior (with around and smooth the lining. evenly along the rope.
batting) is folded in half on itself 16 Add pom poms to the bottom 18 Add pom poms in the spaces

RS together, and the lining is also point by stitching with a needle between the cones using needle
folded RS together. The fold will and thread through the centre and thread. For a more finished
fall along the centre length of of the pom pom and the bottom look, sandwich the roping between
the cone. point of the cone. two pom poms.
11 Pin, leaving a 6cm (2½in) 17 Attach the cones to the wool 19 Fill the cones with treats or

opening in the lining for turning. roping by stitching through using small toys, then string up ready
Mark the opening for later. embroidery thread or perle cotton. for both little and large guests.
12 Stitch along the length of the

exterior and lining using an 0.5cm Mary Dugart


(¼in) seam allowance. Don’t forget Mary’s quilting story began more than 25 years
to leave the marked section in the ago. Today, not only does she quilt and blog
lining open. at Molly Flanders (www.mollyflanders.blogspot.
13 Turn the cone RS out through com), but she’s also teamed up with her sister to
the hole you made in Step 11. open an online fabric shop called Sunny Day
Push out all the points with an Supply (www.sunnydayfabric.com). Mary curates
instrument such as a chopstick, fabulous fabrics and ships worldwide.
knitting needle or scissor point.

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 39


Cuddle buddy
Keep toasty on cold nights with Fiona Goble’s
snuggly knitted hot water bottle cosy

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 41


HOW TO MAKE… A HOT WATER BOTTLE COVER

MATERIALS Brrr! It’s chilly out there. When


Q Drops Air (Aran the mercury’s dropping we all
weight), 70% like to get as cosy as possible
alpaca/23% nylon/ indoors, and what better way to
7% wool, 50g/130m stay warm than with a cuddly
per ball; one ball each penguin hot water bottle cover.
in Medium Grey (04) With his sweet heart-shaped face
(Yarn A), Black (06) and sleepy eyes, this penguin will
(Yarn B), Off-White (01) delight kids and adults alike, and
(Yarn C) see you all the way through until
Q Small amount of ochre spring. Use as soft a yarn as
coloured chunky yarn possible for ultimate cuddles.
(Yarn D) for the beak
Q 4.5mm (UK 7, US 7) Instructions
knitting needles The cosy is made in pieces and
Q A handful of 100% sewn together.
polyester toy filling All even numbered rows are WS
Q Three grey buttons and odd numbered rows are RS.
approx. 18mm (¾in)
across Front
Q Black sewing thread Using Yarn A, cast on 36 sts.
Q Yarn needle Beg with a k row, work 60 rows in st
Q Large-eyed st
embroidery needle Row 61 Cast off 7 sts, k to end [29
Q Standard sewing sts]
needle Row 62 Cast off 7 sts pwise, p to
end [22 sts]
TENSION Beg with a k row, work 14 rows in st
16 sts and 24 rows in st.
stocking stitch to a 10cm Cast off.
(4in) square on 4.5mm
needles. Lower back
Using Yarn A, cast on 36 sts.
MEASUREMENTS Beg with a k row, work 53 rows in st
The finished cosy is 33cm st.
(13in) long when on the Row 54 Knit
hot water bottle and will Cast off.
fit a standard hot water
bottle measuring 32.5cm Top back
(12¾in) long (including Using Yarn A, cast on 36 sts.
Too sweet to part
neck) and 20cm (8in) Knit 2 rows
with? Make one for
wide. Row 3 (start of buttonholes) K5,
yourself, too.
cast off 2 sts, k9 (10 sts in this
ABBREVIATIONS (UK) group), cast off 2 sts, k9 (10 sts in
st(s) stitch(es) this group), cast off 2 sts, k to end Wings (make 2) Using main ball of Yarn B, cast on
k knit [30 sts] Using Yarn A, cast on 10 sts. 22 sts.
p purl Row 4 K5, turn and cast on 2 sts, Beg with a k row, work 14 rows in st Beg with a k row, work 6 rows in st
st st stocking st (knit one turn back, (k10, turn and cast on 2 st, working a k st at the beg and st.
row, purl one row sts, turn back) twice, turn and cast end of every WS row. NOTE: when working the following
repeated) on 2 sts, k to end [36 sts] Row 15 k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, rows, as you change colour of yarn
k2tog knit 2 sts together Knit 2 rows. k2tog, k1 [8 sts] twist the ends together to avoid
p2tog purl 2 sts together Beg with a k row, work 16 rows in st Row 16 and every WS row unless getting holes in your work.
ssk slip one st, slip one st. stated: k1, p to last st, k1 Row 7 k5 in B, k3 in C, k6 in B using
st, knit slipped sts Row 23 Cast off 7 sts, k to end [29 Rep rows 15–16 once more [6 sts] separate length of yarn, k3 in C
together sts] Row 19 k1, ssk, k2tog, k1 [4 sts] using yarn from centre of ball of C,
pwise purlwise Row 24 Cast off 7 sts pwise, p to Row 21 ssk, k2tog [2 sts] k5 in B using yarn from centre of
beg beginning end [22 sts] Row 22 p2tog [1 st] main ball of B
RS right side Break A and join in B. Break yarn and fasten off. Row 8 p4 in B, p5 in C, p4 in B, p5
WS wrong side Beg with a k row, work 14 rows in st in C, p4 in B
st. Head front Row 9 k3 in B, k7 in C, k2 in B, k7 in
Cast off. Wind off 1m of B. C, k3 in B

42 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


Saved some pretty
Beg with a k row, work 14 rows in st
buttons? Use them
st.
for your cover.
Row 15 k2, ssk, k to last 4 sts,
k2tog, k2 [20 sts]
Beg with a p row, work 3 rows in st
st.
Row 19 k2, ssk, k to last 4 sts,
k2tog, k2 [18 sts]
Row 20 purl
Row 21 k2, ssk, k to last 4 sts,
k2tog, k2 [16 sts]
Row 22 p2tog, p to last 2 sts,
p2tog. (14 sts)
Row 23 k1, [ssk] twice, k4, [k2tog]
twice, k1 [10 sts]
Row 24 p2tog, p to last 2 sts,
p2tog [8 sts]
Cast off.

Beak
Using Yarn D cast on 10 sts
Knit 2 rows.
Row 3 ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog [8
sts]
Row 4 purl
Rep rows 3–4 twice more [4 sts]
Row 9 ssk, k2tog. [2 sts]
Row 10 p2tog [1 st]
Break yarn and fasten off.

Finishing up
Join side seams and lower edges of
the three main cosy pieces with
mattress stitch, making sure the
top back overlaps the lower back.
Oversew the wings in place using
the images as a guide.
Embroider the eyes in chain stitch
using B, using the images as a
guide.
Place head front and back pieces
right sides together and oversew
sides.
Turn the head the right way out,
Row 10 p3 in B, p16 in C, p3 in B in C, k2tog, k1 in B [10 sts] stuff very lightly, and join the top
Row 11 k3 in B, k16 in C, k3 in B Row 24 p2tog in B, p6 in C, p2tog edges using mattress stitch.
Row 12 p3 in B, p16 in C, p3 in B in B [8 sts] Oversew top of head to top edge
Rep rows 11–12 once more. Cast off in C. of main cosy. Catch front head
Row 15 k2, ssk in B, k14 in C, behind beak to main part of cosy.
k2tog, k2 in B [20 sts] Head back Sew buttons in place.
Row 16 p3 in B, p14 in C, p3 in B Using Yarn B cast on 22 sts. Weave in all loose ends.
Row 17 k3 in B, k14 in C, k3 in B.
Row 18 p3 in B, p14 in C, p3 in B. Knitted Animal Cozies
Row 19 k2, ssk in B, k12 in C, This project appears in Knitted Animal Cozies
k2tog, k2 in B [18 sts] by Fiona Goble, published by CICO Books and
Row 20 p3 in B, p12 in C, p3 in B available from all good bookshops. To purchase a
Row 21 k2, ssk in B, k10 in C, copy at the special price of £9.99 (RRP £12.99)
k2tog, k2 in B [16 sts] including free UK p&p, call 01256 302699
Row 22 p2tog, p1 in B, p10 in C, quoting HW3. For more information, please visit
p2tog, p1 in B [14 sts] www.rylandpeters.com
Row 23 k1, ssk in B, ssk, k4, k2tog

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 43


SWEET CUPPA
Gather round the roaring fire and enjoy
a cosy mug of steaming hot chocolate in
Teri Muncey’s painted enamelware

HOW TO MAKE… PAINTED MUGS


MATERIALS 01 Preheat your oven to 160˚C/320˚F/ ensuring the slogan is bold and has a
QEnamel mugs gas mark 3. Start by drawing your more professional look. Leave to dry.
QPebeo porcelaine ideas on paper. We began by drawing 04 Mix your colours for the florals.

paint intricate florals, but simplified them You can use a paper plate, palette or
QFine paintbrushes to keep the painting straightforward. a ceramic plate. We created a dark
QPlate If you’re doing any lettering, work out orange using yellow and red; a baby
QPencil or pen how the words need to be spaced and pink using a dash of red and a lot of
QPaper how one line could sit evenly on top white, and then a mustard colour using
QBaking tray of another. Think about how you can yellow with a dash of black and red.
QHeat mat or chopping personalise it for your recipient. Work through the colours, painting
board 02 To paint any lettering, you can your first layer as described with the
mark tiny little measuring points lettering in Step 2.
with your paintbrush in order to make 05 Add some detail with black paint,

the scale and spacing more accurate. using just the tip of your brush to
The paint can be picked or wiped off create the delicate lines of the leaf
before baking so these dots won’t be shapes. Go lightly with your brush
permanent. Start with your first coat at this point. Wait for this first layer
of paint, which is mainly for creating to dry, then paint a second layer of
the letter forms. You’ll notice it needs each colour over the top, tracing the
a little help gliding on, so work in existing design to create a solid colour.
smaller sections at a time. The paint 06 Once your designs are dry place the

will look a little faded and patchy mugs on a baking tray and bake in the
in places at this point, but you’re oven for 30 minutes. This will set the
just laying the foundations. design so you can wash the mugs.
03 Leave this first layer to dry and then 07 Remove the tray from the oven and

paint another over the top, tracing leave the mugs on a heat proof mat
the existing paint. You can neaten up or wooden board to cool down. Be
any areas you don’t like, but this step careful – they’ll be piping hot. Once
is mainly for creating solid colour, cool, they’re ready to use.

01 02 05
Hang time
Treat your tree to Nina and Nienke’s crochet
heart, Sabina Gibson’s felt characters, Lia Griffith’s
fawn and Lana Red’s paint-dipped baubles

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 45


01 02 03

06 06 06

HOW TO MAKE… FELT CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS


MATERIALS Here’s an unlikely alliance of Trace the pattern onto the fabric underneath each piece to avoid
Q Wool felt in white, characters come to spread the facing in the opposite direction to disrupting your pattern.
red, mint, plum, Christmas cheer – a traditionalist how you’d like your character. This 04 Now the main form of your

peach and navy goose, and a unicorn for those who way, your pencil won’t be visible. characters are bonded you’re
Q Embroidery floss fancy a bit of extra magic. 02 Now add your secondary, ready to apply them to the
in white, red, mint, We used an unexpected coloured shapes – the mint mane backing. Place your unicorn head
plum, navy and combination of fresh pastels and and peach flower for the unicorn, over the plum oval. Her hair should
black deep plummy tones to bring these and the mint head and chest, red flow off the edge.
Q Yarn or cotton cord creatures to life, but of course you wing accent and peach flower for The goose requires an additional
Q Superglue or can switch the palette up how you the goose. step. Place it on the plum felt and
fabric glue wish, and add whatever stitches or When adding the mane, first cut trace around the shape, leaving
Q Polyester stuffing accessories you fancy. the full shape then cut contouring about a 1cm (3/8in) border. Don't
The flower template is a little strips into it as shown, to create worry about being perfect – you
large, making it easier to cut – we waves. For your goose, tuck the can always go a little bigger and
made a smaller version for the red wing detail under the main trim down if needed. Cut this
goose and a larger one for his wing, then layer the mint parts, shape out twice. Now place your
legendary buddy. beak and neck. Finally, add the goose character over just one of
flower shapes to both animals. the plum pieces.
01 Trace and cut the templates on 03 Time to secure all your felt 05 Next, stitch your animal form

page 135, starting with your white pieces. Pin them in place, then to the purple backing using white
pieces. These will serve as the base apply a very small amount of glue embroidery thread.
for both the unicorn and the goose. under each piece to secure each When you arrive at the mint
Layer them as shown in the layer together. A good trick here portion of either animal (the
photo, starting with the body, then is to take a pin and dip it into your goose’s chest for example, or the
the smaller parts over the top. tube of glue, then brush it unicorn’s mane) you may wish to

46 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


04 05 06

07 09 10

switch your thread colour to stripe to the base of the goose’s 09 Now you need to create a little

make the stitches less visible. beak and unicorn’s snout. ’pocket’ to stuff. Take your final
Follow up by stitching around 07 Now your main work is finished, backing pieces (the purple goose
any of the coloured layers you it’s time to create the base shape and the unicorn's red oval),
feel need extra securing. for your ornaments. Place your layer them together and start
06 Now you’re ready to start unicorn piece over the large red stitching, beginning at the top and
embroidering. For the unicorn, oval. Stitch together using working your way around. Be sure
add a red, diagonal stripe to her matching plum thread. Switch to leave a little gap for stuffing.
horn, resembling a candy cane. up your colours when you arrive 10 Now you’re ready to stuff your

For the goose, add the wing detail at the mint portion of the hair. ornaments. Gently put just a small
using navy thread. Start your line 08 Cut the coloured yarn or cord of amount of stuffing into the pocket
between each scallop and follow your choice to your desired length you've created. Try to avoid
the contour of the wing in a then create a loop, tying it off with over-stuffing, as this can create a
curved line that ends at the base a knot at the bottom. Turn your buckling effect at the seam. Once
of the wing. For the flowers, start ornament over and sew it to the you’re done, slipstitch the opening
from the centre and work your way back. This will be to hang your closed and hang your lovely new
out, creating lines in each petal. ornament from. ornaments from your tree.
Next, stitch in the ’arrows’, starting
at the base of each line and
working your way out, as before. Sabina Gibson
Finally, create almond-shaped An artist and soft sculpture maker, Sabina spends
eyes on both creatures using her days creating puppets for movies and TV and
black thread. Finish by adding her nights selling her characters through her Etsy
a little blush to the cheeks, some shop. She’s inspired by 80s films such as Gremlins
pink in the unicorn’s ears and a red and The Dark Crystal. www.mountroyalmint.etsy.com

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 47


HOW TO MAKE… A CROCHET GINGERBREAD HEART

MATERIALS ABBREVIATIONS This crochet version of a


Q Yarn (heart): Phildar Q Wool felt, one (UK) traditional gingerbread heart
Phil Coton 4, 100% piece for each heart st(s) stitch(es) biscuit is bringing to mind
cotton, 50g/85m per approx. 7cm ch chain evenings spent wandering round a
ball, or similar cotton (2¾in) square ss slip stitch German market, wrapped up warm
DK yarn, one ball Q Embroidery thread dc double crochet and sipping on something mulled,
each in Brown (DMC floss) to match dc2tog double while we breathe in the sweet
(Ebene 0047) and the felt crochet 2 together: smells of the many foodstalls.
White (Blanc 0010) Q Brooch fastener (insert hook in next Bring a little of that magic into
Q Yarn (embroidery): Q Chalk pen st, yrh and draw loop your home with this sweet motif
Phildar Phil Coton Q Scissors through) twice, yrh – as well as a bauble, we’ve also
3, 100% cotton, and draw through all turned it into a brooch and a
50g/121m per ball, TENSION 3 loops on hook wreath decoration.
or similar cotton Whilst tension isn’t
4ply yarn, one too important, try to EMBROIDERY Crocheting the heart
ball each in Rose crochet very tightly. STITCHES Foundation using brown yarn, ch2
(Petunia 0068), Light A smaller hook will Stem stitch Row 1 2dc in the 2nd ch from
Blue (Faience 0039), give a firm look French knot hook, turn [2 sts]
Green (Golf 0044), without ‘droopy’ Lazy daisy stitch Row 2 ch1 (does not count as st),
Yellow (Citron 63) edges. On a firm Satin stitch 2dc in each st, turn [4 sts]
and Red (Griotte 64) crocheted piece your Blanket stitch Row 3 ch1 (does not count as st),
Q 3mm (UK 10, US D/3) embroidery will look (find how to do these (1dc in next st, 2dc in next st) twice,
crochet hook much better. on our blog www. turn [6 sts]
Q Sharp embroidery molliemakes.com) Row 4 ch1 (does not count as st),
needle (no 20) 2dc in 1st st, 1dc in each of next
FINISHED SIZE 4sts, 2dc in last st, turn [8 sts]
Approx. 6cm (2½in) tall Row 5 ch1 (does not count as st),
and 6.5cm (2¾in) wide 1dc in each st along, turn

48 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


Serving suggestion Serving suggestion
one: festive cheer two: trinket wreath
blazer or cardie. decoration.

Row 6 ch1 (does not count as st), Fasten off, leaving a long tail (10cm a knot, but leave a tail hanging.
2dc in 1st dc, 1dc in each of next (4in)) for sewing. Stick your needle in the crocheted
6sts, 2dc in last st, turn [10 sts] Rejoin yarn to centre of the heart stitches rather than between the
Row 7 ch1 (does not count as st), with a ss. free spaces. Weave in the loose
1dc in each st along, turn Repeat Rows 12 and 13. ends every time you finish a motif
Row 8 ch1 (does not count as st), Weave in all loose ends after so the threads do not tangle.
2dc in 1st dc, 1dc in each of next you’ve finished making the white When you come to the motif at
8sts, 2dc in last st, turn [12 sts] crocheted border. the bottom, make the single knot.
Rows 9 and 10 ch1 (does not count Continue stitching the green leaves
as st), 1dc in each st along, turn White crocheted border in lazy daisy stitch. Look at the
Row 11 ch1 (does not count as st), Join the white yarn at the bottom photos to see how to place your
1dc in each of next 6 sts, turn of the heart, and work a round of stitches and refer to our stitch
(leaving remaining sts unworked) (1dc, ch1) all around the edge. Do library at www.molliemakes.com.
Work on these 6 sts only, continue not crochet too tightly and ensure
as follows: that both sides have the same Making up
Row 12 ch1 (does not count as st), number of stitches. Make an extra Iron the heart on the WS. Place it
dc2tog, 1dc in each of next 2 sts, ch at the end of the round and join on a piece of felt and draw the
dc2tog, turn [4 sts] the border by sewing the last contour using a chalk pen. Cut
Row 13 ch1 (does not count as st), chain together with the first chain. the shape inside the lines – the felt
dc2tog twice [2 sts] heart needs to be a bit smaller than
Adding the embroidery your crocheted one. Using two
The embroidery is done freehand strands of matching embroidery
Nina & Nienke
but you can draw the main lines thread, sew the felt heart into place
This duo love to crochet, knit and
of the motif using a chalk pen. using a fine blanket stitch or a
embroider their way to a happy home.
We’ve created two designs, which stab stitch. Attach a brooch
Their designs combine lively colours
you can copy from the photos fastener to the back of the heart,
with old, cherished patterns and craft
above. Embroider the flower at or add a yarn loop to turn it into
techniques. www.bonthuishouden.nl
the centre of the heart. Don’t make a hanging bauble decoration.

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 49


01 02

03 04

05 06

HOW TO MAKE…PAINT-DIPPED BAUBLES


MATERIALS Add a splash of on-trend crucial to do the next three steps slowly move the bauble around,
Q Plain baubles watercolour style to your festive really quickly. letting the paint patterns stick to
Q Bowl décor with this easy bauble 04 Use your stick to twirl the nail the surface.
Q Water tutorial from Lana Red. polish in the bowl. This will create 06 Remove the bauble from the

Q Nail polish the patterned effect on your water and let it dry. Remove the
Q Stick 01 Clean the baubles with a piece dipped bauble. leftover nail polish in the bowl with
of paper or cloth. If you want to 05 Hold your bauble at the top and your stick if you want to repeat
switch up their colours, you can dip it into the water. Slightly and these steps on your next bauble.
also easily spray paint them using
acrylic spray paint before starting. Lana Red
02 Fill your bowl with water. It
Lana never leaves her house without red lipstick
should be room temperature and and almost always wears dresses or skirts. And
not too cold. although she loves to bake, she’s the worst chef in
03 Pour some nail polish in the
the world. She travels a lot, but when at home she
water. It is best to let it ‘drop’ into spends all of her days cuddling her two cats.
the water rather than rush out. The www.lanaredstudio.com
nail polish will dry pretty fast, so it’s

50 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


01 02

02 03 04

05 05 06

HOW TO MAKE… A FELT DEER


MATERIALS Lia Griffith’s adorable folksy fawn 02 Cut the bow and centre piece. 05 Stitch the two body pieces

Q Brown, white, is a Christmas classic. Just sew a Glue the bow edges together to together using blanket stitch and
black and mint felt loop of thread through the top of create a 3D shape. black embroidery thred. Leave a
Q Small black beads his head to hang from the tree, or 03 Wrap the centre piece around 2.5cm (1in) gap.
Q Hot glue gun and perch him on the mantelpiece. Or the middle and glue into place. 06 Fill with polyester stuffing

stick why not make a trio, add woodland 04 Glue all details and bow to the then blanket stitch the gap closed.
Q Black embroidery props and assemble into a cute body piece. Add some small black Add sparkly diamante gems to the
thread retro centrepiece for your festive beads for eyes. bow for a touch of glam.
Q Needle table? We’ve gone for natural felt
Q Polyester stuffing colours, but there’s nothing Lia Griffith
stopping you having a pastel pink Lia’s greatest loves are her daughter Emily,
or neon yellow deer if you fancy, her dog Enzo and travelling in Europe. She
or switch up the colour of the bow. believes every room should include an element
of handmade. Visit her website for an amazing
01 Cut out the deer’s body, face,
variety of papercraft and felt projects to see you
spots, nose and hooves using the all the way through 2017. www.liagriffith.com
templates on page 135.

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 51


Est. 2000 | Devon

Ingre
dients
handm from
ade by us,
you

n g S u pplies
ak i
Soap M
a l ts & Powders
S
Natural igments
u r s & P
Colo
a kin g Supplies
Candle M tial Oils
E sse n
ce &
Fragran B o tanicals
Dri ed
es & M oulds
c Bas
Cosmeti

[email protected]
Tel: 01237 420 872
www.thesoapkitchen.co.uk
Christmas
kitchen notebook
Rustle up some sweet treats for the family this Christmas Eve
– kids will love Laura Mitchell’s biscuits while the adults can
enjoy Lia Griffith’s salted nutmeg eggnog

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 53


01 02

03 04 04

05 05 06

HOW TO MAKE…SALTED NUTMEG EGGNOG


INGREDIENTS This most traditional of festive gradually beat in 1/3 cup of sugar. 07 Give it a quick mix with the

Q Six good quality drink recipes gets a delicious 03 Beat the yolks until they are electric hand mixer to blend the
organic eggs twist thanks to Lia Griffith’s pale yellow, then gradually beat in brown bits.
Q 2/3 cup sugar addition of salt and extra spices. It the other 1/3 cup sugar. 08 Add liquor to taste. Bourbon

Q ½ cup cream can be served hot or cold, and with 04 Fold the whites into the yolks. goes well with this recipe, but
Q 2½ cups milk a tot of bourbon, rum or brandy for 05 Add cream and milk with a brandy or rum work too. Add the
Q 1 teaspoon vanilla an extra kick. It can be kept spoon. Stir well. alcohol to individual glasses rather
Q ½–1 teaspoon refrigerated for up to a week. 06 Add vanilla and spices as than the whole mixture, to account
nutmeg desired. for different tastes.
Q ½–1 teaspoon 01 Separate egg whites and

cinnamon yolks. The bowl with the yolks


Lia Griffith
Q ½–1 teaspoon should be larger, as the whites will
Lia’s greatest loves are her daughter Emily,
coarse grain salt be mixed into it. The bowl with the
her dog Enzo and travelling in Europe. She
yolks will eventually become the
believes every room should include an element
bowl for the entire mixture.
of handmade. Visit her website for an amazing
02 Beat the whites using an
variety of papercraft and felt projects to see you
electric hand mixer or immersion
all the way through 2017. www.liagriffith.com
blender. Once they’re fluffy,

54 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


01 02

02 03 03

HOW TO MAKE… DANISH COOKIES


MATERIALS Here’s a quick and tasty festive mixture is too dry, add the milk 04 Bake for 10–15 minutes, keeping

Q 400g unsalted treat. Inspired by traditional until the batter is softer but still an eye on them as they can brown
butter, softened Danish ‘vaniljekranse’ cookies, firm. Draw tree shapes onto your quickly. Let them cool for 10
Q 260g icing sugar they make a great last-minute gift baking paper. minutes on a rack before sprinkling
Q 620g plain flour when popped inside a jar and 03 Create the cookie shapes by with icing sugar.
Q 2 large free range wrapped with a ribbon. Or make filling a large piping bag fitted with 05 Fill a large jar with the cookies

eggs for you and yours and enjoy with a a small star tip nozzle. Pipe the and adorn with a ribbon or pom
Q 4 tsp vanilla bean glass of mulled wine while you wait trees by moving the piping bag pom trim. Makes 25 medium
paste for Santa to arrive. from left to right to fill the pre- cookies and one (or more) very
Q 2 tbsp milk (if drawn tree outlines. happy recipients.
needed) 01 Preheat the oven to 180oC/

Q 4 tbsp granulated 350oF/ gas mark 4. Line a baking Laura Mitchell


sugar for decoration sheet with baking paper. Mix the Laura Mitchell is a baker and screenprinter who
Q Piping bag butter and icing sugar together followed her heart from Australia to Holland. She
Q Star-tipped nozzle using a stand or hand mixer until loves flea markets, flowers and collecting pottery.
soft and creamy. Read her blog www.kitandnancy.blogspot.com and
02 Add the other ingredients,
visit her shop at www.kitandnancy.bigcartel.com
minus the milk, and mix well. If the

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 55


BOTTOMS UP!
Say no to new year spillages – no matter
how messy the party gets – with
Meghan Quinones’ easy cord coasters

HOW TO MAKE… CORD COASTERS

MATERIALS What will you be drinking this New 03 Once your coaster is about 10cm

Q Piping cord Year’s Eve? A Buck’s Fizz or two? A (4in) in diameter, cut your cord, add
Q Sharp needle fruit punch for the virtuous among tape to the end, and trim it down.
Q Gold metallic and you? Whatever your poison, rest it on Then, add a little hot glue to the end
aqua embroidery these coasters for minimal clearing-up of the cord to stop it fraying.
threads time come the 1st. They’re so easy to 04 Decide on a pattern for your coaster

Q Hot glue gun and glue make, you could whip up a few sets in and begin adding your embroidery
Q Scissors a rainbow of colours to give as thread. Keep going up and down over
Q Felt last-minute gifts to the girls or a your piping until you’ve completed
house-proud colleague. Cheers! your design. When adding your
stitching, try to go up and down
01 Cut one end off your piping cord through the spaces in-between your
and wrap it with a piece of tape. Then piping. This will make the embroidery
trim the end down until you have about much easier.
one eighth of the tape left. This will 05 Cover the back of your coaster

stop your cord from fraying. with hot glue and place it on your felt.
02 Put glue on this end of the piping 06 Use your scissors to trim around the

and fold it into itself. Continue bottom of your coaster, removing the
wrapping it into a circle, adding glue excess felt. All done! Now, there’s a
as you go. great excuse to pour yourself a drink.

02 02 03

04 05
Strung out
Strung out
We do love a Christmas garland – and we’ll be
hanging both Lana Red’s snowflakes and Lia
Griffith’s origami lights at home this year

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 57


01 02

03 04

05 06

HOW TO MAKE… TWIG SNOWFLAKES


MATERIALS Wrap up warm and head out on a sign. Glue them together in the end will get a small twig on each
Q Twigs frosty walk to gather some twigs middle with your glue gun. side. Once all the twigs are glued
Q Scissors for this nature-inspired project. 04 Take the two medium-sized in place, you can spray paint the
Q Glue gun and stick You can spray your snowflakes in twigs and glue them on top of each snowflakes if you wish.
Q Rope, twine or silver or gold for a luxe effect, or other, creating an ‘X’ shape. Glue 06 Wrap a piece of rope, twine or

ribbon keep them natural for a lovely, these on top of the plus shape. ribbon to the top of the snowflake.
Q Cord homespun rustic look. 05 Glue the smallest twigs to the Make a few more and tie to a piece
Q Spray paint ends of the big plus shape. Each of cord to create your garland.
(optional) 01 Gather some twigs on a winter

walk. They need to be fairly straight Lana Red


and not too thick. Lana never leaves her house without red lipstick
02 Cut your twigs to size. For one
and almost always wears dresses or skirts. And
snowflake you will need: two larger although she loves to bake, she’s the worst chef
twigs, two medium-sized twigs and in the world. She travels a lot, but when she’s at
eight smaller twigs. home, she spends her days cuddling her two cats.
03 Place the two larger twigs on
www.lanaredstudio.com
top of each other to create a ‘plus’

58 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


01 02 03 04

05 06 06 06

06 07 08 09

10 11 12 13

HOW TO MAKE… ORIGAMI FAIRYLIGHTS


MATERIALS Jazz up a plain string of then flip over. Repeat this step 11 Pull up small triangle and insert

Q Origami paper fairylights with Lia Griffith’s so you have a diamond shape. into opening in larger triangle.
in various colours simple origami tutorial. Inspired 07 Fold outside points to middle 12 Flip over and repeat Steps

and sizes by Asian lanterns, these will look 08 Flip over and repeat Step 7. 10–12.
Q Fairylights lovely draped around your home. 09 Pull small triangles out on 13 Blow air into the top opening

each side. to create the 3D shape.


01 Take a piece of origami paper 10 Fold outside points to the 14 Attach each box over a light on

and fold in half diagonally. centre as shown. your string.


02 Fold the opposite side

diagonally. Lia Griffith


03 Flip the paper over and fold in
Lia’s greatest loves are her daughter Emily,
half as shown. her dog Enzo and travelling in Europe. She
04 Fold opposite side in half, pop
believes every room should include an element
the centre up. of handmade. When she’s not sharing her DIY
05 Lay with two points each side.
knowledge she loves making a gourmet spread
06 Fold bottom point to meet top
for friends and family. www.liagriffith.com
point on bottom right and left side,

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 59


TASSEL-TASTIC
Glam up in an instant with these easy-
to-make tassel drop earrings – customise
to your outfit and you’re ready to party

HOW TO MAKE… TASSEL EARRINGS

MATERIALS These spectacular oversized tassel around the folded skein, about 1.5cm
QCord in the colour earrings pack a punch, yet are so (½in) down from the top. Tie a double
of your choice simple to make you’ll be raring to knot to secure.
QTwo cord ends make a pair for all your friends in an 04 Insert a small amount of jewellery

QTwo jump rings array of colours. Don’t be afraid to go glue into the cord end. Take the top of
QTwo large for clashing shades or neon if you wish, the tassel and push it firmly all the
rhinestones or keep to neutrals for a subtler look. way inside. Hold in place for a good
QTwo earring posts several seconds.
QJewellery glue 01 Start by unraveling the skeins of 05 Carefully attach the jump ring and

QPliers cord. Separate the strands into two the rhinestone to the cord end using
QScissors groups according to your desired your pliers.
thickness. You’ll decide on the finished 06 Place a drop of jewellery glue onto

length later on. the back of the rhinestone and attach


02 Lay the strands flat, then fold them the earring post. Let it dry for several
in half. Take one leftover piece of cord hours. Cut the tassel to your desired
and slip it under the middle of the length, holding up to your ear if
bunch. Secure with a double knot and necessary. Repeat the same steps to
trim away any excess. complete your new pair of tassel
03 Wrap another leftover piece of cord earrings. Put on and admire.

01 02 03
PROJECT BY LANA RED WWW.LANAREDSTUDIO.COM

04 05 06
STATEMENT
PIECE
Create your own chunky gemstone
beads – ideal for some NYE glam – with
Fran Stone’s jewellery tutorial

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 61


01 02

04 05

HOW TO MAKE… A FAUX GEM NECKLACE

MATERIALS Struggling to hunt down that 01 Take a piece of coarse Now decide on your colour
Q Wooden beads illusive, perfect bead to match sandpaper and place it on a palette. Mix up six or seven shades
Q Metal drop pendant your New Year’s Eve party outfit? flat surface. Holding the bead of paint to create an illusion of light
Q Glass beads Here’s a nifty way to design and at both ends, vigorously sand hitting the stones.
Q Sandpaper make your own rainbow-coloured, small sections flat. Once you’ve 03 Paint the different sections

Q Cotton cord geometric gems. We went for a sanded a completely flat surface using your range of colours. Be as
Q Cord ends unicorn-inspired palette but you on one part, move the bead into random as you like, as this helps
Q Jump rings can create your own look, mixing it a different position and create create the gemstone effect. If you
Q Clasp up with contrasting pendants and another. Keep the angles random want to keep your stones a single
Q Acrylic paint other beads to create a unique all the way around the bead. colour, mix a range of hues from
Q Paint brush statement piece for the new You should see the angles of the light to dark and use these instead.
Q Gloss varnish season. The bigger the bead, the gemstone starting to appear as 04 If you want a glossy bead, try

(optional) easier it will be to sand – don’t be you sand different sections. Don’t painting three or four layers
Q Flat nose pliers scared to go large! But when it forget to sand both ends too. of gloss varnish. Make sure you
comes to painting, use a small 02 Once you’ve sanded down all let each coat dry fully before
paintbrush so you don’t go over your beads, go over them once painting the next. You can also
the edges of your sanded sections. again using a finer sandpaper. sand between each coat with wet

62 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


03

07

and dry sandpaper to really make them in place around the cord. pliers. Squeeze flat to keep the
them shine. Measure the cord length by cord securely in place. Repeat this
05 Lay out your beads and have a placing it around your neck and on the other end of the cord.
play around with the order you’d cutting off the excess. 08 Attach a clasp to the loop on

like them to be on your necklace. 07 Place one end of the cord in the one of the box clasps using a jump
We mixed up a range of wooden, middle of the box clasp and close ring and flat nose pliers. Now your
glass and metal beads in different down either side using flat nose necklace is ready to wear.
styles and textures to really make
the faux stones pop. Experiment Francesca Stone
with the placement until you’re Francesca writes the blog Fall For DIY and
happy, and snap a quick picture runs the craft kit subscription business We Make
on your phone so you can Collective. Sharing her lifelong love of making
remember it. Then begin threading with her half a million strong online following is
them, one by one, onto the cord. Francesca’s passion, and drives her to continuously
06 If you’re using any hanging
experiment with techniques both old and new.
pendants, attach jump rings to www.fallfordiy.com
them using flat nose pliers. Close

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 63


SQUEAKY CLEAN
Get the girls smelling sweet with Lana
Red’s homemade lavender scented body
scrub – it’s so easy to make!

HOW TO MAKE… LAVENDER BODY SCRUB

MATERIALS Give your gal-pals the perfect excuse 03 Mix the salt and olive oil until all of

Q Sea salt for some pampering me-time all in the oil has been mixed through well.
Q Olive oil the comfort of their own home, with 04 Add three to five drops of lavender

Q Lavender oil/essence this fragrant lavender scrub. A long hot essence to the mixture.
Q Dried lavender soak is just the thing after a busy 05 Take your dried lavender, gently pull

Q Bowl Christmas with the calming scent of the purple parts off the tops and mix
Q Spoon summer lavender wafting around. Plus, them in a bowl. Add two spoons of
that salt will do a grand job exfoliating dried lavender to your scrub mixture.
all those impurities. You can try other Mix the dried lavender with the salt, oil
oils, such as peppermint, grapefruit, and essence.
coconut or orange, too. 06 Take a large spoon and scoop the

scrub into a closable container or jar.


01 Pour five spoons of salt into a bowl. The oil might go to the bottom of the
02 Add two spoons of olive oil into jar after a few days, but you can easily
the bowl of salt. mix the scrub again with a spoon.

01 02 03
PROJECT BY: LANA RED WWW.LANAREDSTUDIO.COM

04 05 06
Slumber
Party
Give a timeless
gift with Stephanie Wolven’s
gorgeous nightwear set

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 65


01 02 03

08 11 12

HOW TO MAKE… A PYJAMA SET

MATERIALS Fun, flirty, and oh-so-indulgent, Making the shorts 05 Once you’ve sewn around both

QFabric, 1m (1yrd) this camisole and shorts set is 01 Pin the front right sides (RS) legs, turn the edge over again
long, 115cm just begging to be shown off. together down the centre front. 5mm (¼in), folding over the raw
(11/8yrd) wide Give to a best pal and she’ll have Sew and repeat for the back, edge so it’s not visible. Sew on top
QCotton bias binding, the perfect excuse to cheer up neatening with a zig zag stitch. of your previous stitch line, creating
2m (2yrd), 2.5cm the January days after Christmas Press the front seam to the right a neat finish.
(1in) wide and throw a retro pyjama party. Or and the back seam to the left so 06 Lay the elastic on the RS around

QPicot or ruffled edge if she’d prefer to wear it straight they meet underneath. the waist with picot edge facing
elastic, 1m (1yrd), away, she could team the cami with 02 Pin the front and back together downwards. Attach using a
1cm (3/8 in) wide jeans and a cardie for a relaxed underneath, matching the centre straight stitch, pulling the elastic
QMatching thread style over the festive season. seams RS together. Sew and taut as you go. Pull it evenly, not
QSewing machine We used a soft brushed cotton, neaten with a zig zag stitch. stretched to the maximum. When
QTape measure but if you're a confident sewer then Press the seam to the back. you get to the end, overlap the
QPins lightweight silk or synthetic satin 03 Open out and pin RS together, elastic to finish. Trim the seam
QNeedles would be even more luxurious front and back, along the straight allowance on the wrong side (WS)
QScissors – pick a vintage Liberty print for side seam. Sew both sides and underneath the elastic.
QIron a classic look. If you can’t find neaten loose threads. Press the 07 Press the elastic over so the

binding to match, it’s easy to make seams towards the back. picket edge stands out on the RS.
SIZES it yourself – cut strips 3.5cm (13/8in) 04 Sew a narrow pin hem by 08 Use a zig zag stitch to sew the

Small (UK 8–10) wide along the diagonal grain and turning over the raw edge around elastic down on the inside WS. Your
Medium (UK 10–12) iron over. If you’re worried about the legs 5mm (¼in) and pressing stitching should overlap the elastic
Large (UK 12–14) sewing it, you may find it useful to over. Sew 3mm (1/8in) in from the edge and fabric. Trim any loose
tack in place first. turned edge. threads and try on.

66 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


04 05 06 07

12 13 13

Making the vest length is correct by measuring (45/8in) from each side seam on
09 Pin side seams RS together, sew, around your shoulder where you the back (or check the notches on
neaten and iron towards the back. want them to sit. Make sure both the pattern). Pin the end on the
10 Complete pin hem as you did straps are even. As the binding is inside, with folded end against
on the shorts. ironed, it’s not always necessary to the WS, leaving no raw edges
11 Now for the binding. Press the pin the strap. Sew carefully, close exposed. Pin both ends and tack
binding in half (the raw edges to the binding edge, starting at in place before sewing two rows:
should be turned in). Starting the end of one strap around the one around the existing stitch line
with the neckline, cut off a strip back and finishing at the other end. where the binding is attached,
to fit around the scoop neck, 13 To attach the straps, lay the and one where the strap comes
approximately 34–37cm (133/8 – vest out so the binding is flat. up from the binding. Stitch securely
145/8in). Pin the binding in place on Press up 1cm (3/8in) at the end of in place, remove tacking, neaten
the RS, encompassing the raw each strap. Mark with pins 11.5cm loose threads and you’re all done.
neckline. Make sure the pins go
through the binding on the RS, and Stephanie Wolven
the camisole and binding on the Stephanie is the founder of StephieAnn, a
WS. Sew and trim loose threads. lingerie and nightwear brand inspired by classic
12 Find the vest’s centre back
poetry, featuring her drawings printed onto
and the middle of the remaining silk. Stephanie loves getting behind the sewing
binding. Start pinning together machine, and started out by cutting up and
from this point around the back, reconstructing knickers. Follow her on Instagram
armhole and to the edge of the @StephieAnnDesign. www.stephieanndesign.co.uk
neckline. Double-check the strap

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 67


Closet
colour
Know a fashionista? She’ll love Jesse
MacKenzie’s playful plastic-wrapped
clothes hangers
PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS, STYLING: HELENA TRACEY

68 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 69
01 02 03

05 06 07

HOW TO MAKE… WRAPPED CLOTHES HANGERS

MATERIALS If you’ve already tried out the matching them to a fashion-loving 03 Wrap the lace around the

QWooden clothes weaving trend, then you’ll know friend’s décor makes a thoughtful hanger at least six times to hold
hangers just how addictive this craft is Christmas gift she’ll love. everything in place. Add more
QRexlace plastic craft – we’re constantly on the hunt for if you want to start your pattern
lace, 8m (26¼ft) for new excuses to incorporate it into 01 Cut your plastic lace to the further down the hanger.
wrapping, our projects. Spruce up that plain stated measurements. Attach the 04 Begin weaving. We made our

and three 50cm clothes rail (come on, they’re not three weaving pieces to the back first wrap lie under the bottom
(20in) pieces in the prettiest pieces of furniture) of the hanger using duct tape, and top weaving laces, and over
coordinating with some super-shiny, plastic about 2cm (¾in) from the edge. the middle one.
colours for weaving wrapped hangers – once you’ve Before taping, consider if you’ll 05 Continue to work your pattern,

(www.amazon.com) got the hang of the technique, you feel more comfortable working switching up which pieces of lace
QDuct tape can whip them up in no time. from the right or left side (either lie over and under the wrapping
QScissors We used the plain wooden direction will work). piece. Use your seam ripper or
QSeam ripper pieces found inside padded satin 02 Add your long piece of similar tool to help the laces line
or similar tool hangers, as they’re the ideal shape wrapping lace to the hanger by up neatly. It’s easiest to complete
QClear-drying and size. Just cut away the fabric sticking it diagonally behind the several lines of weaving, then go
craft glue and padding and you’re ready weaving pieces, under the duct back to straighten them up. Be
to go. Plan out your pattern and tape. Press down to ensure the sure to keep the weaving laces
colours on a piece of paper first – lace is stuck securely. running down the middle of the

70 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


04

08

hanger and regularly check the lace did at the start. Duct tape the wrapping piece under the weaving
on the back isn’t getting twisted. weaving pieces to the back of the pieces on the back of the hanger.
06 When you reach the metal hanger about 2cm (¾in) from the Gently lift up the weaving pieces
hanger, keep the lace close to it yet edge, as you did when you began. to place a small dot of craft glue
still flat against the wood. Your Your plain wrapping should cover under the tail. Press down lightly to
lace may have to slightly overlap the strip of duct tape. spread the glue. A little extra glue
on either side to avoid any gaps 08 Finish your hanger with the is better than not enough. Allow
around the metal. As you weave, same number of plain wraps you this to dry before trimming the
the long piece of wrapping lace started with. Thread the tail of the excess lace from the back.
may twist and tangle up a little.
Hold up your hanger every so Jesse MacKenzie
often so the ball of lace hangs Jesse runs a handmade business creating modern
down and untwists itself. accessories from vintage materials. Her work is
07 When you reach the end of your inspired by times she spent as a child, learning
hanger, prepare another small strip to sew with women in her family. An avid crafter
of duct tape. Finish your pattern, since childhood, designing and sewing things all
leaving enough room on the day is her dream come true. She lives in Norfolk,
hanger to wrap your lace around Virginia. www.anykindhandmade.com
the same number of times as you

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 71


HAMA HAPPY
Got a pal who likes to stand out from
the crowd? We talk you through making
a super-fun case from Hama beads

HOW TO MAKE… A BEAD PHONE CASE

MATERIALS Give a friend's phone a winter down. Once you turn over after ironing,
QSquare pegboard and makeover with this jazzy case. Our the space will be on the correct side.
ironing sheet pattern is designed to fit an iPhone 02 When you’ve made up your design,

QHama beads in 5s, but design your own for different place the ironing sheet over the beads
turquoise, pink, models. You can source clear cases on and iron over until they’ve melted
yellow and white Amazon or eBay for just a few pounds. together. Once cool, remove the
QIron ironing sheet. Putting something heavy
QStrong glue 01 Add all your beads to a square on top of the cooling beads helps to
QClear iPhone case pegboard, following the design above. keep the design flat while it cools.
QFine nose tweezers If designing your own case, make sure 03 Add strong glue to the back of the

you leave a space for the camera – it phone case. Once it’s gone tacky, stick
will need to be on the opposite side your Hama bead panel onto the back of
to where it is when the phone is face the case. Then it's ready to go.

01 02 03
The
suits-all
beanie
Still desperately whittling
down that pressie making list?
Elen Angharad’s speedy
beanie is here to help
PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS, STYLING: HELENA TRACEY AND JEN GARDNER, MODEL: LEANNE MEGSON
making the Hat

HOW TO MAKE… A KNITTED BEANIE

MATERIALS Last minute pressie-buying panic Instructions


QCascade Magnum stocking stitch using setting in? Relax – whip up a The hat is made in one piece from
yarn, 100% Highland 15mm needles couple of these super-speedy the brim to the top. The side seam
Peruvian Wool, beanie hats and you’ll be on your is sewn and a pom pom added.
250g/112m per ball, ABBREVIATIONS way to to-do list zero. This chunky, Using the long tail cast on method
one ball in Birch (UK) stretchy hat will fit (and suit!) most will ensure the edge is stretchy.
Heather (9564) st(s) stitch(es) adults, and you can customise it by Cast on 32 stitches using the long
Q15mm (US19) k knit switching up shades, or adding a tail method.
straight needles p purl contrast colour pom pom. The ball Rows 1–7 *k1, p1; repeat from
QTapestry needle k2tog knit 2 of yarn used is enough to make two * to end of row
Q65mm pom pom sts together separate hats – ideal for express Row 8 knit
maker (Hobbycraft) gift making. Row 9 purl
QScissors FINISHED SIZE If you’re a newbie to knitting, try Repeat last 2 rows 4 more times.
Approx 36cm (14in) and keep your stitches as loose as Start decreasing to shape the top
TENSION around the brim possible. Many new knitters will knit of the hat.
7 stitches and 10 rows and 25cm (10in) high very tightly which makes it difficult Row 18 *k3, k2tog; repeat from
to 10cm (4in) over (excluding pom pom) to knit the next row. * to last 2 sts, k2 [26sts]

74 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


making the pom Mustard-toned
knitwear is a fave
at Mollie HQ!

Row 19 purl Finishing We love using pom pom makers


Row 20 *k2, k2tog; repeat from Now use the rest of the tail of yarn for speed but it’s just as fun to
* to last 2 sts, k2 [20sts] to seam up the back of the hat make your own from cardboard
Row 21 purl using the mattress stitch technique. or around a fork.
Row 22 *k1, k2tog; repeat from Weave in all the ends. Pull the pom pom tail through
* to last 2 sts, k2 [14sts] You’re almost finished – now you the hole at the top of your hat and
Row 23 purl just need to add a pom pom to secure to the hat by weaving in the
Row 24 *k2tog; repeat from your hat. ends and pulling into a tight knot.
* to end of row [7sts]
Measure a 150cm (59in) tail of yarn Elen Angharad
and cut your hat away from your Elen is a Cardiff-based designer-maker
ball of yarn. Thread your tapestry who specialises in hand knit textiles. She re-
needle with the yarn and pull discovered her love for the craft a few years ago,
through the live stitches on the and earlier this year she quit her day job to focus
knitting needle. on her business as well as returning to university
Pull tight to secure the top of to study textiles. www.elenangharad.com
the hat.

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 75


Go Faux
Treat your best gal pal (or yourself!) to Delia Randall’s
super-luxe faux fur and leather clutch

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 77


03 04 04

06 06 07

HOW TO MAKE… A FAUX FUR CLUTCH


MATERIALS  The next cold rainy Saturday 6.5 x 4.5cm (2½ x 1½in).
QLeather or QZipper, that comes around, you’ll find 02 Right sides (RS) together, align

pleather, fat 30.5cm (12in) us hibernating inside and sewing the small leather pieces with the
quarter sized QSewing machine up this gorgeous oversized clutch. ends of the zipper tape and
QLeather sewing and basic sewing With faux fur on one side and sew using an 0.5cm (½in) seam
machine needle supplies leather on the other, it’s a textural allowance. Fold the leather over the
QLining fabric QQuilter’s clips or treat, plus it’s big enough to seam so RS is facing up, and press
of your choice, small binder clips chuck in all your essentials – plus firmly in place with your fingers.
0.25m (¼yrd) QZipper foot a hardback novel or magazine Or topstitch in place, if your leather
QMatching QRotary cutter or two. Although there are a few isn’t too thick. Trim the excess
all-purpose and mat challenging materials used here, leather from the sides of the zipper
thread QFabric scissors it’s a simple enough sew for an tape to fit the zipper width and
QFaux fur, fat adventurous beginner. Got a gal the length of the bag pieces (the
quarter sized pal in need of a treat? Make her this leather pieces are cut larger than
 as a surprise Christmas pressie. needed to accommodate shifting
during sewing).
01 Cut one leather piece, one faux 03 Sandwich one side of the

fur and two lining pieces measuring zipper tape in between the
36.5 x 45.5cm (15½ x 18in). Next, leather piece and one of the lining
cut two leather pieces measuring pieces, RS together. Clip in place.

78 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


05 It’s reversible
too, if you’re
having more
of a smooth day.

09

04 Sew using an 0.5cm (½in) seam 06 Flip leather and faux fur 08 Fold the 7.5cm (3in) opening in

allowance. Use a zipper foot to together, and the lining pieces, the lining bag inward and flush with
make sewing near the teeth easier. RS together. Sew all the way the sewn seam. Pin in place. Sew a
Flip leather and lining RS out to around, leaving a 7.5cm (3in) straight line of stitching along the
expose the other, unsewn side of opening at the bottom of the bottom of the lining bag, close to
zipper tape. Repeat with the faux lining bag. Clip the corners to the edge.
fur and remaining lining piece. reduce bulk. 09 Push the lining bag into the

You could trim away some 07 Turn bag RS out. Push along main bag and zip it up. If you want,
of the fur nearest the zipper seam lines to help make the bag tie a small strip of leather to the
to help avoid it getting caught look nice and smooth. zipper pull, or add a shoulder strap.
in the teeth.
05 Turn everything RS out. Firmly
Delia Randall
press seams down with your Delia is a 30-something work-at-home mum
finger. Do not iron as this may of three. She likes to tell people she has the
damage the zipper. However, if two best jobs in the world: being a mother
the leather is stubborn, then use and a professional maker. She dabbles in
pressing cloths, a warm iron, and sewing, crochet, photography and many
avoid the teeth at all cost. other things creative, and blogs about it at
Topstitch along seam lines using www.deliacreates.com
a lengthened stitch (3–3.5mm).

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 79


PHOTOGRAPHY: JESSE WILD, STYLING: HELENA TRACEY AND JEN GARDNER, MODEL: LEANNE MEGSON

From throw to cape Transform an IKEA staple into a luxe gift for
fashion lovers with Sophie Simpson’s
blanket cover-up tutorial

80 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 81
01 01 02

03 05 06

HOW TO MAKE… A BLANKET CAPE

MATERIALS Grab that throw from the appearance and behaviour to DMC
Q IKEA Polarvide Q Chenille needle, sofa and turn it into a new tapestry wool. Keep tension loose
blanket, 130 x size 16 wear-anywhere accessory – with so you don’t distort the fabric.
170cm (51 x 67in) Q Embroidery hoop, the help of a little cutting and some To care for this cape, wash
Q Tapestry wools and/ 10cm (4in) freehand embroidery. Fashionista it gently by hand, squeeze out
or DK/worsted Q Dressmaking friends will love this blanket-style the excess and hang it on a coat
weight yarns (we scissors cape, ideal for throwing over a cosy hanger over the bath or shower to
used Cascade 220 Q Embroidery scissors winter coat on frosty days. And it’ll dry. Iron face down over a folded
Superwash: Colour Q Tailor’s chalk see wearers through to early spring towel, as described in Step 8.
910A, Winter White Q Ruler when worn alone or teamed with a Embroidery newbies can learn
– 50m; Cascade 220 lighter jacket, too. how to do all of these different
Superwash: Colour Fluffy fabric is tricky to mark, so stitches with the guide on our blog
870, Straw – 50m; we’ve gone for freehand stitching www.molliemakes.com.
DMC tapestry wool, rather than following a pattern.
10m skeins of Colour and motif placements 01 Fold the blanket in half to

assorted greens are semi-random, so you can make a long skinny rectangle with
(one of each): 7542, customise how you like. scallops at the top and bottom.
7386, 7323, 7541, You can do the stitching using Use ruler and chalk to mark a
7406, 7598, 7704) tapestry wool, or just leftover neckline along the fold, 2–3
knitting yarns if you prefer. If you scallops, 6–7cm (2–3in) in, marking
go for the latter, choose ones straight up then curving towards
that are relatively strong with a the folded edge halfway up. Pin
good twist to them, so they can along the line and cut through
withstand the stress of being both layers. The fabric doesn’t fray
pulled through the fabric lots of so there’s no need for finishing.
times. Cascade 220 Superwash is You may want to keep your
almost an exact match in weight, leftover fabric for practising

82 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


PLACEMENT DIAGRAMS

stitches, setting iron temperatures around the flower. The leaves 07 Stitch seed pods along the

and test washing the finished cape. are made from two columns of chain. Each seed pod is made from
02 Stitch a cluster of French opposite slanting satin stitch. a cluster of 3–5 straight stitches,
knots (anything between seven Make your leaves different shapes each topped with a French knot
and 20) for the first flower centre, and sizes. We used the same olive in a contrasting colour. Straight
approximately 12cm (5in) from the colour as the flower centre. stitches should be roughly the
edge of the neckline and bottom 05 Repeat Steps 2–4, stitching same length as the flower petals,
of the blanket. Don’t pull the flowers all around the neckline. 1–2cm (½ –¾in).
stretchy fabric tight in the hoop – Make each flower centre 6–12cm 08 Fold a large terry towel in half

in this project, the hoop’s just there (2½–5in) from the edge of neckline and place over an ironing board.
to keep the fabric flat, not taut. and roughly 12cm (5in) away from Gently iron the cape using a low
03 Surround the French knots with the previous flower centre. Make wool setting, with embroidery
straight stitches in a contrasting the flowers all different sizes. face down over the towel, and
colour, to make the petals. Make 06 Use green threads to stitch using lots of steam. You don’t need
each petal between 1–2cm (½–¾in) further leaves around each to press hard – the steam will do
long, working each stitch from flower (each of ours has five multi- the work. Test on your scrap fabric
the outside edge of the flower coloured leaves around it), then beforehand, as all irons are slightly
towards the centre, and keeping link the blooms using a chain of different. It’s now ready to wear
your stitches quite loose to prevent French knots. – no other construction needed!
PHOTOGRAPH: SUSANNA BLAVARG

distorting the fabric. We spread


a few petals around the circle Sophie Simpson
first, and then filled them in with Sophie is the designer, author and compulsive
densely packed stitches. Vary stitcher behind What Delilah Did. A perpetual
your stitch lengths to make the dreamer and period drama-obsessive, she finds her
flower look more natural. happy place in rainy days, folk music and anything
04 Stitch two or three satin stitch
involving needles and yarn. www.whatdelilahdid.com
leaves in a random formation

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 83


PHOTOGRAPHY: JESSE WILD, STYLING: HELENA TRACEY AND JEN GARDNER, MODEL: LEANNE MEGSON

Louise Walker’s friendly fox slippers


Keep those tootsies warm and snug with
HOW TO MAKE… FOX SLIPPERS

MATERIALS
QBergere de France
Ideal, 40% wool/30%
acrylic/30%
polyamide, 50g/125m
per ball, two balls in
Vitamine (24109)
(main orange colour
M), two balls in Meije
(51253) (contrast
cream colour), small
quantity in Truffle
(22002) (black colour)
QScrap yarn markers in
four colours – A,B,D,E
QPair of 2.5mm (US 1½)
knitting needles
QPair of 3.5mm (US 4)
knitting needles
QTapestry needle

TENSION
24 sts and 31 rows to
10cm (4in) measured
over stocking stitch
on 3.5mm needles.

ABBREVIATIONS (UK)
k knit
p purl
kfb knit into the front
and the back of the We’ve all owned a pair (or two) and 2.5mm needles cast on 72 sts k6, (k5, kfb) three times, k27
stitch of novelty slippers before – in M, this will form the first row of [102 sts]
skp slip a stitch, knit a now we’ve got a more grown knitting. Work all stitches in M until Row 18 purl, adding scrap yarn
stitch, pass stitch over up version thanks to one of our otherwise stated. The first 8 rows markers (colour A) on the 43st
k2tog knit two stitches fave knitters Louise Walker (AKA of the pattern are worked in a 2 x 2 and 54nd stitches and scrap yarn
together Sincerely Louise). These friendly rib, with the cast on row counting markers (colour B) on the 59th
M main colour foxes are surprisingly easy to knit as ‘Row 1’. and 70th stitches. These are a
C contrast colour – it’s just a few stitches with a bit Row 2 *k2, p2; repeat from * small amount of yarn tied to the
p(number)M purl of decreasing and increasing – so to end instructed stitches and will be used
number of sts in M are a great quick-make festive gift. Rows 3 to 8 repeat Row 2 as a guide later when placing the
k(number)M knit To make bigger slippers try using features.
number of sts in M a worsted yarn and the suggested Change to 3.5mm needles. Row 19 k27, (kfb, k6) three times,
p(number)C purl needle size, and for smaller feet To form the shape of the slipper, k6, (k6, kfb) three times, k27
number of sts in C use a sport or fingering weight. three sts are increased either side [108 sts]
k(number)C knit Customise by adding rubber of the central part; there are 27 sts Row 21 k27, (kfb, k7) three times,
number of sts in C slipper pads to the sole or lining either side of the increase sections k6, (k7, kfb) three times, k27
with faux fur for a super-comfy and 6 sts in the centre. You’ll see [114 sts]
FINISHED SIZE fit, or you could try varying the how they are formed after the first Row 23 k27, (kfb, k8) twice, kfb,
To fit an adult woman fox’s expression and adding couple of rows. k22 adding scrap yarn markers
size 39 (UK 6, US 9) embellishments such as safety Row 9 k27, (kfb, k1) three times, k6, (colour D) on the 5th and 8th
eyes for a unique make. (k1, kfb) three times, k27 [78 sts] stitches and scrap yarn markers
Row 10 (and all even rows unless (colour E) on the 15th and 18th
Instructions otherwise stated) p stitches, (kfb, k8) twice, kfb, k27
The main slipper is made in one Row 11 k27, (kfb, k2) three times, [120 sts]
piece and the ears, tail and nose k6, (k2, kfb) three times, k27 [84 sts]
are made separately. Finally all Row 13 k27, (kfb, k3) three times, Changing colour
pieces are sewn together. k6, (k3, kfb) three times, k27 [90 sts] When changing colour you can
Row 15 k27, (kfb, k4) three times, either use the intarsia method or
Slipper (make two) k6, (k4, kfb) three times, k27 [96 sts] carry the yarn along the back of the
Using the long tail cast on method Row 17 k27, (kfb, k5) three times, piece if you prefer.

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 85


HOW TO MAKE… FOX SLIPPERS

Row 34 p49M, k10C, p8M, k10C,


p49M
Row 35 k50M, k9C, k8M, k9C,
k50M
Row 36 p51M, k8C, p8M, k8C,
p51M
Row 37 k52M, k8C, k6M, k8C,
k52M
Row 38 p53M, k7C, p6M, k7C,
p53M
Row 39 k54M, k7C, k4M, k7C,
k54M
Row 40 p55M, k6C, p4M, k6C,
p55M
Row 41 cast off in M and weave in
the loose ends.

Ears, front panels (make two)


Using the long tail cast on method
and 3.5mm needles cast on 12 sts
in M, this will form the first row.
Row 2 p
Row 3 k3M, k6C, k3M
Row 4 p3M, p6C, p3M
Repeat the last two rows three
more times.
Row 11 k1M, skp in M, k1M, k4C,
k1M, k2tog in M, k1M [10 sts]
Row 12 p3M, p4C, p3M
Row 13 k1M, skp in M, k1M, k2C,
k1M, k2tog in M, k1M [8 sts]
Row 14 p3M, p2C, p3M
Row 15 work all sts in M from here
on. k1, skp, k2, k2tog, k1 [6 sts]
Row 16 p
Row 17 k1, skp, k2tog, k1 [4 sts]
Row 18 p
Row 19 cast off and weave in the
loose ends.

Ears, back panels (make two)


Using the long tail cast on method
We carried the orange across the M, k4M, k5C, kfb in M, k24M, kfb in and 3.5mm needles cast on 12 sts
cream colour changes, attaching M, k5C, k4M, kfb in M, k9M, kfb in in M, this will form the first row.
a second thread of cream yarn on M, k27M [126 sts] Row 2 p
the other section when needed. Row 26 p44M, k5C, p4C, p20M, Rows 3 to 10 work in st st (k one
Be sure to keep the yarn loose p4C, k5C, p44M row, p one row)
or it’ll pull the piece. The contrast Row 27 k44M, k11C, k16M, k11C, Row 11 k1, skp, k6, k2tog, k1
colour is added where the pattern k44M [10 sts]
changes, using M for the main Row 28 p44M, k11C, p2C, p12M, Row 12 p
colour and C for the contrast. p2C, k11C, p44M Row 13 k1, skp, k4, k2tog, k1 [8 sts]
The cream cheeks are knitted Row 29 k44M, k14C, k10M, k14C, Row 14 p
in garter st (knit on each row), k44M Row 15 k1, skp, k2, k2tog, k1 [6 sts]
however when adding the cream Row 30 p45M, k13C, p1C, p8M, Row 16 p
on the wrong side, purl it, then p1C, k13C, p45M Row 17 k1, skp, k2tog, k1 [4 sts]
change to knit for the already Row 31 k46M, k13C, k8M, k13C, Row 18 p
formed cream sts, as the pattern k8M Row 19 cast off and weave in ends.
instructs. This ensures no ‘wrong Row 32 p47M, k12C, p8M, k12C,
side’ garter bumps are added on p47M Tail
the right side of the piece. Row 33 k48M, k11C, k8M, k11C, Using the long tail cast on method
Row 25 k27M, kfb in M, k9M, kfb in k48M and 3.5mm needles cast on 12 sts

86 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


02 03 04

in M, this will form the first row. the two sides together, forming an Add a small stitch at the bottom of
Row 2 and all even rows p oval. Then sew up the back seam, the loop to secure it in place and
Row 3 *kfb, k2; repeat from * from the cast on edge to the cast weave in the loose ends. Remove
to end [16 sts] off edge. Sew up using a mattress the markers.
Row 5 *kfb, k3; repeat from * stitch in M. Place the nose at the centre of
to end [20 sts] Take a front ear piece and back the snout, leaving a little space at
Row 7 *kfb, k4; repeat from * ear piece and place wrong sides the end as it will need to be sewn
to end [24 sts] (WS) together. Pin and sew up in up. Sew into place using black yarn
Row 9 k a mattress stitch in M, leaving the then weave in the loose ends.
Row 11 k cast on edges open. Repeat for 03 Lay the fox so the cast off edge

Row 13 k the second ear. Take the tail and is facing up. Then pin it together.
Row 15 work all stitches in C from match the two edge seams WS When sewing up this seam just sew
here on, *k4, k2tog; repeat from * together. Pin and sew up from the from the outer stitch of the cast off
to end [20 sts] cast on edge to cast off edge using edge to the other outer cast off
Row 17 *k3, k2tog; repeat from * a mattress stitch in M. edge in M. Pull it tightly after a few
to end [16 sts] 02 Use the scrap yarn markers as a stitches, but be careful not to pull it
Row 19 *k2, k2tog; repeat from * guide for placing the fox’s features. too tightly as the sole needs to stay
to end [12 sts] Take the first sewn up ear and flat and comfortable. Weave in all
Row 21 *k1, k2tog; repeat from * place between the set of Colour the loose ends.
to end [8 sts] A scrap markers. Pin and sew into 04 Place the tail a third of the way

Row 23 *k2tog; repeat from * place using M. Then repeat for the down from the cast on edge on
to end [4 sts] second ear, placing it between the the back of the seam of the slipper.
Row 24 cast off purlwise and Colour B scrap markers and sewing Sew into place using M and weave
weave in the loose ends. into place. Remove the markers. in the loose ends.
Embroider each eye on to the Your sleepy little foxes are
Nose face between the scrap yarn Colour now all set to keep your (or your
Using the long tail cast on method D and E markers. Do this by loosely recipient’s) feet cosy. If you’re
and 3.5mm needles cast on 12 sts sewing a straight line in the black making these slippers as a gift for
in black, this will form the first row. yarn from marker to marker, then a mum, you could make matching
Row 2 p loop it downwards to form the eye. pairs for her cubs, too.
Row 3 *k2tog; repeat from * to end
[6 sts] Louise Walker
Row 4 p Louise is a knitting designer and photography
Row 5 *k2tog; repeat from * to end graduate who can be found running her business,
[3 sts] Sincerely Louise, from her Brixton studio. She
Row 6 cast off purlwise and weave loves creating animal-inspired pieces, particularly
in the loose ends. her ‘faux taxidermy’. She’s also an aspiring
gardener, always tending to new plants once
Making up she’s killed the old ones. www.sincerelylouise.co.uk
01 Lay the slipper flat and place

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 87


zingy pinny
Domestic godesses will
be ruling the kitchen after
being gifted Laura Strutt’s

PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS, STYLING: HELENA TRACEY AND JEN GARDNER, MODEL: LEANNE MEGSON
02 03 04

06 07 08

HOW TO MAKE… AN APRON

MATERIALS When Christmas Eve comes other. We sourced our fabrics from together and pin. Machine stitch
Q Cotton & Steel around, it’s time to gather in www.thefabricfox.co.uk. a 5mm (¼in) seam along one long
XOXO Basics in front of the fire – and enjoy a edge to join. Turn the fabrics RS
Dandelion (Fabric few treats in anticipation of the 1cm (3/8in) seam allowances are out, aligning the raw edges and
A) and Mochi Lime big day, of course. Keen hostesses used throughout the pattern pressing the seam neatly along
(Fabric B), 1.25m will love serving up a beautifully unless otherwise stated. the bottom of the strip.
(1¼yrd) each presented festive feast while 03 Working with the upper 1cm

Q Vilene F220 wearing this cheery pinny – or 01 Place the template on page 135 (3/8in) of the raw edges of the strip,
interfacing if that description sounds more on the fold and cut out the apron work two lines of gather stitches,
Q Sewing machine like someone you know, sew it front from Fabric A and Fabric B. either by hand or by selecting a
Q Needle up as a last minute gift instead. Then cut two 6 x 109cm (23/8 x 43in) long stitch length on the sewing
Q Coordinating When making the apron, lengths for the ruffle trim from each machine. Hold the thread ends
cottons pressing the fabrics between each fabric; three 12 x 109cm (4¾ x 43in) and carefully draw up the strip to
Q Pins of the stages will keep them neat for the waist ties from each fabric, gather the fabric, creating a ruffle.
Q Dressmaking and help them come together and two 12 x 109cm (4¾ x 43in) Use the lower portion of the apron
scissors easily. When pressing the ruffle, try interfacing pieces. as a guide.
Q Iron to only press the section with the 02 Machine stitch two of the 6 x 04 Carefully pin the ruffle around

gather stitches to help prevent 109cm (23/8 x 43in) strips of Fabric A the lower edge of the RS of one of
flattening the ruffles. together along the short edges to the apron pieces, aligning the small
Make sure you position the make an extra long strip, using a join in the strip to the centre front
correct contrast prints together so 5mm (¼in) seam allowance. Repeat of the apron. Ensure the contrast
that, once stitched and turned right with the same pieces of Fabric B. print is placed RS to the apron
side out, they ‘pop’ against each Press the seams open, position RS section. Secure the ruffle in place

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 89


05

REVERSIBLE
PATTERN

HOW TO MAKE… AN APRON

along the lower portion of the extra long strip with Fabrics B, out. Press the ties, pressing the
apron using a 5mm (¼in) seam. ensuring the interlined section is in seam allowance on the gap closed.
05 Place the second apron piece the centre. Press the seams open. 08 Place the RS of the seam

on top of the first with the ruffle Align the strips RS together and allowance along the upper raw
sandwiched in between, aligning pin. Neatly trim each end of the edge of the contrast apron panel
raw edges, and pin. Machine sew strip to create a diagonal point. and pin. Machine stitch the ties
around the outer edge to join the 07 Machine stitch the two parts of to the apron, working the stitches
two pieces in place, leaving the the ties together. Leave the centre neatly along the fold in the seam
upper straight section open. Cut 67cm (263/8in) (on the interfaced allowance. Fold the remaining side
a series of small V shapes along portion) unstitched for turning. of the ties over to the RS of the
the seam allowance of the lower This is also where the apron will second apron panel, folding it over
curve. Turn RS out and press. be attached. Carefully clip the to conceal the raw edges, and pin.
06 Fuse the piece of interlining points from the tips of the seam Slipstitch the gap in the ties to the
onto the wrong side of one of the allowance on the ties and turn RS apron front and press to finish.
12 x 109cm (4¾ x 43in) pieces on
both Fabric A and Fabric B. Place Laura Strutt
a second 12 x 109cm (4¾ x 43in) Laura lives in Colchester with her husband and
strip of Fabric A on to the interlined little dog, Waffle. Since making the break from
piece, RS together, and join using a journalism to go freelance she’s written a number
5mm (¼in) seam allowance. Repeat of crafting books and shares makes, how-to-
to add the Fabric A strip to the guides and handmade inspiration on her blog
other short end of the interlined www.madepeachy.com
strip. Repeat to make a second

90 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


Beat the
chills
Cosy up in Anna Wilkinson’s snowy peak
mountain wrist warmers – preferably while
holding something hot and mulled
PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS, STYLING: HELENA TRACEY AND JEN GARDNER, MODEL: LEANNE MEGSON

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 91


CHART
42
41
40
39
38
37
36
35
34
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

Colour A Colour B Colour C Colour D Colour E

HOW TO MAKE… MOUNTAIN WRIST WARMERS

MATERIALS If we can’t jet off to some snowy on how to do this.) This will add
QJamieson’s DK, ball in Silver stocking stitch on mountain peaks this winter, we a little thickness and insulation to
100% Shetland Grey (98) 3.75mm needles can at least knit our own. There’s the knitting. However, you may
wool, 25g/75m (Colour E) something of the après ski feel to choose instead to knit them on a
per ball: one ball QSet of five ABBREVIATIONS these fun wrist warmers – we’re pair of needles, working backwards
each in Bluebell 3.25mm (UK 10/ (UK) picturing ourselves wearing them and forwards rather than in the
(665) (Colour A), US 3) double st(s) stitch(es) while sat in a wooden alpine round. If you choose to knit them
Lagoon (660) pointed sock k knit chalet, sipping on eggnog or this way you could still use the fair
(Colour B) and needles (or p purl mulled apple juice. isle technique, or you could use
China Blue (655) circular needles) st st stocking st: if They’re knitted in the round, intarsia.
(Colour C) QSet of five knitting on dpns so no sewing up at the end.
QRowan Pure 3.75mm (UK or circular needles Play around with colour and use Left hand wrist warmer
Superwash Wool 9/US 5) double knit all rounds; if up scraps of DK yarn to give a Using 3.25mm needles and Colour
DK, 100% wool, pointed sock knitting on straight ramshackle patchwork feel, and A, cast on 50 sts arranging evenly
50g/130m per needles (or needles – knit one add lurex to the peaks for a ’freshly across 4 needles (12 on first, 13
ball, one circular needles) row, purl one row fallen’ look. on second, 12 on third, and 13 on
in Snow (012) QStitch marker repeated fourth).
(Colour D) QTapestry needle This pattern is written in the round Round 1 Joining cast on row
QRico Design FINISHED SIZE using double pointed sock needles into the round (ensure that your
Essentials TENSION Finished with the working yarns carried knitting doesn’t get twisted): *k1,
Merino DK, 24 sts and 32 rows dimensions around the inside of the work using p1; repeat from * to end of round.
100% Merino, to 10cm (4in) 10 x 19cm fair isle or stranded technique (see Mark the end of your round with a
50g/120m, one measured over (4 x 7½in) box, above right, for more detail stitch marker. Repeat Round 1 (to

92 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


The fair isle technique
The fair isle (or stranded knitting)
technique is a way of working two
or more colours of yarn in the same
row. Normally the colour changes
are close together and you can
simply carry the yarn you aren’t
knitting with across the back (wrong
side) of your work as you go. It’s
best and easiest to work this in the
round, although it’s possible to do
it in straight rows.
When changing to a new colour,
it’s best to bring the new yarn from
underneath the one you just finished
working with. Also, try to maintain
an even tension, and when changing
yarn don’t pull the new yarn too
tight. When working fair isle or
stranded knitting you must follow
the chart (left). Each square shows
the colour of yarn to use for a stitch.
Charts read from right to left and
from bottom upwards.
As with anything new, a little
practice helps.

form 1x1 rib at the bottom Continue working in chart pattern work to end of round.
of your wrist warmers) until your to end of chart. Cast off.
work measures 5cm (2in) from cast Continue working in chart pattern
on edge. Right hand wrist warmer to end of chart. Cast off.
Work as left hand wrist warmer
Change to size 3.75mm needles until ** Finishing
and begin working from the pattern Weave in any ends to the inside
chart (above left) now, working in Thumb hole shaping of the wrist warmer. To neaten up
stocking stitch, work from right to Round 21 k25 in pattern, cast off the thumb holes, stitch around the
left on the chart as you work each the next 4 sts, work to end outside with a simple embroidery
round and carry all working colour of round. stitch such as blanket stitch.
yarns around the back of the work Round 22 Work in pattern to cast Slip on, and venture outside for
using fair isle technique. Continue off stitches, turn, cast on 4 sts, turn, snowy adventures.
working through the chart until you
finish Round 20. ** Anna Wilkinson
Anna is the author of two knit and crochet
Thumb hole shaping pattern books, and lives and knits in a village in
Round 21 k21 in pattern, cast off the Home Counties – think Midsummer Murders
the next 4 sts, work to end but less murder-y. When not holding her needles,
of round. she enjoys foraging blackberries and smugly
Round 22 Work in pattern to cast baking muffins with her free fruity finds.
off sts, turn, cast on 4 sts, turn, www.instagram.com/annaknits
work to end of round.

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 93


prints charming
Get stamping Zeena Shah’s
printed hankies for an easy-yet-
stylish gift for the guys
PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS, STYLING: HELENA TRACEY & BECKI CLARK
01 02

03 04

06 07

HOW TO MAKE… PRINTED HANKIES

MATERIALS Fan of the dapper gent look? then press firmly onto your sheet 06 Lay the hankie on top of some

QPlain cotton hankies These printed hankies will sprinkle of paper. Hold in place while using scrap paper. You can measure
QTracing paper a dash of old-school charm over a roller on the back to apply more and mark out your repeat pattern
QDesign templates dads, boyfriends and brothers this pressure, giving an even print. here using a pencil, or just choose
QP
 encil Christmas. They’re so easy, you may 04 Use your test print as a guide a random all-over pattern. Ink up
QLino (we used want to keep a few for yourself, too. to perfecting your lino stamp block your stamp as before and press
Mastercut but you and remove any unwanted raised firmly onto your fabric to ensure
can use any type) 01 Transfer trace a design from areas. Keep testing until you’re an even print. Lift up the stamp
QLino cutter page 135 onto the lino block using completely happy with the finished block to reveal your print. Continue
QLino roller some tracing paper and a pencil. print. The imperfections and this process for each hankie until
QScissors 02 Gradually gouge away all of the handmade quality of lino printing you’ve covered them all.
QFabric inkpads areas around the design that won’t really are part of its charm. 07 Dry and fix as per your inkpad’s

QScrap paper be printed (the negative space), 05 Iron the cotton hankies so they’re instructions. We used a hairdryer
leaving the positive shape raised crease-free and ready for printing. and heat set with an iron.
and ready for printing. Be careful
to keep your fingers behind the lino Zeena Shah
cutter at all times for safety, as the A printed textile designer and illustrator living
blade is sharp. Trim off any excess is East London, Zeena designs and crafts a
edges with scissors. collection of hand screen-printed goods for the
03 Once you’ve removed a couple
home inspired by the everyday things she sees.
of mm depth across the lino, test She also teaches pop-up printing workshops,
your stamp on some scrap paper. spreading the printing bug as far as she can.
Dab the inkpad across the stamp, www.zeenashah.com
making sure it’s evenly covered,

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 95


'
Gentlemens
club
Knit Elen Angharad’s
tie for a quick gift for
dapper chaps
HOW TO MAKE… A KNITTED TIE

MATERIALS Get the men in your life all Now decrease to create a triangle
QMillaMia Naturally spruced up for party season in a tip, as follows:
Soft Aran yarn, simple skinny moss stitch tie with Row 1 k2tog, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1,
100% merino wool, contrast coloured tip detail – ideal k2tog [7 sts]
50g/80m per ball, for the inevitable wave of seasonal Row 2 *p1, k1; repeat from * until
one ball each in festivities and any weddings too. the last st, p1
Ochre (240) and Tension isn’t important when Row 3 k2tog, p1, k1, p1, k2tog [5 sts]
Cinder (201) making this project – just aim for Row 4 *k1, p1; repeat from * until
Q4mm (UK 8, US 7) a finish you’re happy with. the last stitch, k1
knitting needles Row 5 k2tog, k1, k2tog [3 sts]
QTapestry needle Using Ochre yarn, cast on 9 sts Row 6 p1, k1, p1
QScissors using the cable method; this will Row 7 p1, k1, p1
QMeasuring tape create a neat edge. Row 8 k3tog [1 st]
Row 1 *k1, p1; repeat from * Pull the tail through the one
ABBREVIATIONS until the last st, k1 [9 sts] remaining stitch and weave in all
(UK) Repeat Row 1 until your tie the ends.
st(s) stitch(es) measures approximately 127 to Try it on for size (taking height
k knit 142cm (50 to 55in) long. difference into account if gifting).
p purl Change to Cinder yarn, and repeat If you’ve forgotten how to tie a tie,
k2tog knit 2 Row 1 three times. hop onto YouTube for a refresher.
sts together
k3tog knit 3 Elen Anghared
sts together Elen has had a busy 2016 – this year she’s
launched a web studio for creatives (www.
FINISHED SIZE cardiganstudio.com), got engaged, got a new
Approx 130 to 145cm puppy (which has totally taken over her
(51 to 57in), but can Instagram feed) and moved into a studio at the
be varied if desired. Printhaus in Cardiff. Check out her website for
upcoming workshops. www.elenangharad.com

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 97


COPPER TOP
Know a keen gardener? Let them nurture
their green fingers with Lara Messer's
copper and duck egg blue painted planters

HOW TO MAKE… COPPER PLANTERS

YOU WILL NEED 01 Select a terracotta pot and give it areas that have spilled over, re-paint
Q Terracotta pots a wash, scrub and dry, removing any with your duck egg blue paint. Leave
Q Crown Classics paint soil or dust. to dry completely.
in duck egg blue 02 Paint the inside and outside of your 06 To plant your succulent, you will

Q Montana Black spray pots with two or three coats of duck need to line the bottoms of each pot
paint in copper egg blue paint. Leave to dry overnight. for drainage. To do this, add a small
Q Ventilation mask 03 Once your planter has fully dried, layer (about a quarter of the pot) of
Q Masking tape mask off your shapes for spraying. stones or chunks of ceramics. This
Q Paint brush We did a diagonal stripe effect, a zig is where those teacup casualties will
Q Succulent zag and a trim around the lip of the come in handy! Then, using a potting
Q Stones/bottoming pot. Make sure every section you want sieve, add a fine layer of compost on
Q Compost to stay blue is covered with masking top. Place your succulent in the pot,
QPotting sieve (from tape, tin foil or paper. judging the height of the plant. You
What You Sow, www. 04 Spray your pots with copper spray want the top of your pot to line up
whatyousow.co.uk) paint, making sure you are in an open with the rim of your succulent.
space with a dust sheet and breathing Pack tightly with compost and press
mask. Give each pot two coats of down to secure in place.
copper to give it a wonderful shine. 07 Soak each succulent with

Leave to dry for at least an hour. water once planted. Place a saucer
05 Once the spray paint has dried, peel underneath your pot to avoid dripping.
back your masking tape to reveal your Arrange two or three planters together
patterns. If you have any off spray or for maximum impact.

01 02 03

04 05 06
hello
2017!
Your friends can start a new year with
the best-dressed desk around, thanks to
Teri Muncey’s marbled calendar
01

04

We couldn’t resist
giving ourselves a
matching mani...

HOW TO MAKE… A DESK CALENDAR

MATERIALS What’s on your new year’s wood. Then paint both wood
QThree sheets of resolution list? Get more pieces white, applying two coats
matt coloured card QVery strong all organised? Make some work all over, allowing each to dry fully
QThree fold back purpose glue, strides? Get a head start by in between.
metal clips such as Gorilla Glue sprucing up your workspace 02 While you’re waiting for that to

QMetallic gold QNail polish in various with Teri Muncey’s slick marbled dry, put down some newspaper or
spray paint colours, including desk calendar – it’s made using anything else that will protect your
QStraw or metallic gold nail polish, so no expensive surfaces against spray paint. Spray
cocktail skewer QTupperware box, materials required, and makes the fold back clips, one side and
QMDF sheet, old dish or foil tray a great unisex gift. then the other. It’s better to do two
A5, 3mm thick filled with water Go for new polishes rather than thin coats rather than saturate the
QWood block, A5 QWhite vinyl numbers old, gloopy ones – the fluidity metal. Leave to dry.
length (larger sizes and letters in Ariel makes for much prettier patterns. 03 Once the wood sections are

can be trimmed Regular font, 2cm Be sure to use a disposable tray dry, apply the all purpose glue to
down with a saw) (¾in) size too, or at least one that you don’t the back of the block. Make sure
QSandpaper QScissors mind being ruined – nail polish is it stays about 2cm (¾in) away from
QWhite matt emulsion QRuler a little tricky to clean off, after all. the edge so it doesn’t ooze out.
paint tester pot If gifting, mix up shades to suit. Align the wooden block with the
QPaintbrush long bottom edge of the A5 wood
01 Start by sanding down any sheet and press in place. Hold for
rough areas on both pieces of a few minutes and leave to dry. You

100 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


02 03
This is one way
to stop January
looking so grey.

05 06

may want to leave a heavy book on 05 Once you’re happy with the 06 Once completely dry, cut the

top to make sure the join is flush. marbled pattern, slide a sheet of card into 26 rectangles, 7.5 x 6cm
Once dry, attach the fold back card down the side of the tray (3 x 23/8in) each. Start applying the
clips using the same all purpose and underneath the nail polish, letters to create 12 month cards.
glue. To ensure they’re evenly which will be sat on the top. Lift For the dates you’ll need 0–3 in the
spaced, measure in 10.5cm (4¼in) the card out so that the pattern first column and then 0–9 in the
from the long edge, then mark adheres to the top, then set aside second. Stack the months and two
another two points 5.2cm (2in) in to dry. Repeat this step using all sets of numbers (the first starting
from each side. These are where your pieces of card. If your tray’s with 0 and the second starting
the clips need to go. Press down smaller than A4, you may need to with 1) in three piles and slot each
firmly to fix. Leave to dry fully. You trim the card in half to submerge. under a clip on the board.
could also add a dab of hot glue for
extra security. Teri Muncey
04 Fill your tray with water and Teri is a DIY/interiors blogger, freelance designer
start adding drops of nail polish and self-confessed stationery and typography
onto the surface. In order to nerd. She works from her cosy West London flat
create the marbling affect, use the and spends her free time dreaming up new craft
cocktail skewer or straw to swirl tutorials, drinking copious amounts of loose leaf
the colours in and out, or gently tea and cooking up a storm (usually a spicy one).
tilt the tray from side to side and www.thelovelydrawer.com
watch the colours create patterns.

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 101


Pump up
the volume
Know a music lover? Amy Tangerine’s custom
notebook makes a thoughtful gift

102 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


02 03

05 07

HOW TO MAKE… AN EMBOSSED BOOK COVER

MATERIALS 01 Gather your supplies and draw 04 Cover your stamp in Versamark come with it. You’ll begin to see
QSpeedball rubber a stamp design on tracing paper ink and firmly place it in the centre the embossing powder heating
stamp carving kit, using a pencil. Our headphones are of the black notebook. up and changing form. You can
available at a simple combination of shapes, 05 Sprinkle American Crafts ZING do this in a waving motion until the
Hobbycraft but you can make them more gold embossing powder over the design is completely crystallised.
QAmerican Crafts detailed, or use your imagination stamped image and tap off any 07 Once the embossing is done,

ZING! embossing to come up with something equally excess. If you find that you can’t use a white gel pen to add in extra
powder in gold easy to carve. Do a quick internet remove all of the excess through detail and a title. You may need
glitter finish, search of ’headphones silhouette’ tapping, use a small paintbrush to to bend the cover back and forth
available at The for inspiration. lightly sweep away the remnants. in order to get it flat. Sometimes
Mad Scrapper 02 Once your drawing is finished, 06 Turn on your heat tool and place the heat tends to make the cover
QHeat emboss gun place the tracing paper face down it near the stamped image. If it’s warp slightly, but it shouldn’t
QVersamark on the pink rubber and lightly rub your first time using this tool, be be permanent. Have fun here
watermark over with your finger to transfer sure to read the instructions that personalising the book.
stamp pad, the image.
available from 03 Using the carving tool, carefully Amy Tangerine
Crafter’s carve around the design until Creative powerhouse Amy Tan originally started
Companion the excess pink rubber has been out with her own T-shirt line, but in 2007 discovered
QBlack cardstock shaved away. Using scissors, trim her true love – scrapbooking. This led to signature
notebook away the remaining pink rubber collections with American Crafts, her own book,
QSakura white so that you can stamp easier. You consulting services and many teaching workshops.
gelly roll pen can test your stamp on a scrap She lives in Los Angeles with her partner, son and
QPencil piece of paper before working two Jack Russell terriers. www.amytangerine.com/blog
QScissors on the notebook.

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 103


The men in your life should be scrubbing up
well after you gift them Leah Farquharson’s
washbag and homemade shave cream

104 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


02 03
How to make shaving cream
QCoconut oil, 60ml (¼ cup)
QShea butter, 60ml (¼ cup)
QOlive oil, 60ml (¼ cup)
QA few drops of essential oil
Measure room temperature ingredients into
a stainless steel or ceramic bowl. Using an
electric mixer, beat on high speed until fluffy.
This makes for a moisture-packed lotion great
for the skin. Use with a traditional shave brush.

04 06

08 10

HOW TO MAKE… A WASH BAG AND SHAVING CREAM

MATERIALS All seams are 0.5cm (¼in). (just sewn) with the zip centre. the zip, making sure the zip pull is
Q0.5m (½yrd) 01 Cut two 25.5 x 39.5cm (10 x Glue and stitch the two leather inside, the teeth are together and
medium weight 15½in) rectangles each from the pieces together to form a strap. the strap is omitted.
suiting fabric. suiting fabric and the quilting Fold the ends together to form a 09 Starting with one corner of the

Upcycle an old suit! cotton. Cut two 2.5 x 28cm (1 x loop and stitch to hold. Insert the lining, fold the edge open to form
Q0.5m (½yrd) cotton 11in) strips of leather. loop inside, between the zip and a triangle. Line the ruler up on the
quilting fabric 02 Stitch one piece of suiting fabric bottom seam as shown. Stitch only seam, measure 6.4cm (2½in) from
QMatching zip, right side (RS) down on top of the over the zip, through all layers. the tip and mark with your ruler.
41cm (16in) zip. Repeat on the other side. 07 Fold the bag and stitch through 10 Stitch the marked seam and trim

QPiece of leather, 03 Fuse the vinyl to the RS of the one side at a time, from the the excess. Repeat on all corners
at least 30 x 8cm cotton quilting fabric. Stitch the edge of the fold to the zip, first the of the outside and inside layers.
(12 x 3in) fabric to the edge of the zip, RS suiting layer, then the cotton fabric 11 Turn the bag RS out through

QPackage of to the zip’s underside. Repeat with layer. Repeat on the other side then the opening. Fold the raw edges
fusible vinyl the other piece on the other edge. trim the excess zip. in and stitch closed. Now make
QGlue suitable 04 Press all pieces flat away from 08 Repeat Steps 7 and 8 on the some shaving cream (see box,
for leather the zip and top stitch the edge. fabric attached to the top end of above left) to pop inside.
QMatching thread 05 Stitch the two suiting pieces

QQuilting ruler RS together to form the bottom Leah Farquharson


QScissors of the bag. Stitch the cotton fabric, Leah lives in the greater Miami area with her
QPen RS together in the same way, husband and two sons. She owns bluebird chic,
leaving an opening for turning. selling bright, modern, handmade goods she stitches
06 Open both pieces you’ve just up in her studio space. www.bluebirdchic.com
sewn and match the bottom seams

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 105


thE faiLsafe scarF
Making for someone fussy? Anne Weil’s stylish and
cosy scarf is guaranteed to suit anyone

106 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS, STYLING: HELENA TRACEY, JEN GARDNER, MODEL: BERNARD GOMM
HOW TO MAKE… A BRIOCHE STITCH SCARF

There’s a real rite-of-passage feel face of the fabric; half the stitches
to knitting a scarf. It’s often the are worked in one row and the
first larger project we tackle, and other half in the following row.
the first gift we present a boyfriend
or family member with. Using 5mm needles, cast on 39 sts.
This version, knitted in soft, Switch to 4.5mm needles.
luscious brioche stitch and made Set up row 1 of brioche stitch
from high quality yarn, is a clear (see right, Steps 1–5)
winner. Adding a simple stitched (RS) *k1, yfsl1; repeat from * to last
detail at the end gives it an st, k1tbl
understated designer feel, too. Set up row 2 of brioche stitch
We’ve included a step-by-step (see right, Steps 6–10)
guide to nailing the brioche stitch sl1, yb, *brk1, yfsl1; repeat from *
to turn your gift-making this to end
Christmas into a total breeze. Row 1 k1, yf sl1, *brk1, yf sl1; rep
from * to last st, k1tbl
Instructions Row 2 sl1, yb, *brk1, yf sl1; rep from
The brioche stitch is fuller than a * to end
simpler stitch such as stocking or Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until desired
garter, so using a larger needle for length
the cast-on helps keep the edge Cast off loosely. Weave in all ends.
from looking pinched.
This scarf pattern is knitted with Finishing
the brioche stitch over an odd The scarf design includes three
number of stitches, with a selvedge tabs of colour, two on one end
to create edges on each side. This and one on the other. On one
MATERIALS means the last and first stitches end, embroider the coloured tabs
Q Juniper Moon Farm forward to front of on each side are treated a little approximately 5cm (2in) long and
Herriot, 100% Baby work, slip 1 stitch differently than the repetitive part 10cm (4in) inches from the bottom.
Alpaca, 100g/200m purl-wise (when you go of the pattern. On the other end of the scarf,
per ball, two balls in to knit the next stitch When counting the brioche embroider the detail approximately
Travertine (0009) the yarn forward will stitch, count each slipped stitch/ 7.5cm (3in) from the bottom, as if
Q Oddment of DK cause a yarn over or a yarn over pair as one stitch. spaced in between the other two.
weight yarn in stitch over the needle. The slipped stitches and yarn Add an embroidered detail in
contrasting colour See box, right) overs in the brioche stitch mean your style wherever you’d like on
Q 5mm (US 8) k1tbl knit 1 stitch you’ll need much more yarn than if this scarf. Duplicate stitches in a
knitting needles through back of the you were knitting in stocking stitch. random pattern; add a monogram;
Q 4.5mm (US 7) loop Two rows are worked for each stitch a heart on top – just play
knitting needles sl1 slip yarn purl-wise counted row that appears on the around and have fun!
Q Tapestry or (bring needle through
darning needle as if you were going
Q Scissors to purl)
yb bring yarn to
FINISHED SIZE the back of the work
Approx. 20cm (8in) brk1 knit the yarn over
wide and 147cm (58in) and the knit stitch
long (blocked) together as one

ABBREVIATIONS (UK) TENSION


st(s) stitch(es) 20 stitches and (44)
k knit rows to 10cm (4in) over
RS right side brioche stitch using
yfsl1 bring yarn 4.5mm needles

108 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


How to set up row 1 of brioche stitch How to set up row 2 of brioche stitch

01 02 02
06 07

08 09

03 04

10

05

06 On the wrong side of the 08 Knit the slipped stitch/yarn

work, slip the first stitch as over pair together (brk1).


if to purl (sl1). 09 Bring the yarn forward

07 Bring the yarn to the back in front of the right hand


of the work (yb). Note: This needle (yf).
is just for the very first stitch 10 Slip the next stitch from

01 On the right side, after 04 As you wrap the yarn for of the row to maintain the the left needle to the right,
you knit 1, bring the yarn your knit stitch, it creates selvedge. purl-wise as if to purl (sl1).
forward (yf). a yarn over on the needle
02 Slip next stitch purl wise – this is what you want! Think
(sl1). This means the needle of this slipped stitch and yarn Anne Weil
comes in front of the next over as one unit together. A lover of beautiful things, Anne designs knit
stitch, as if you were going to 05 This is how the cast on
and crochet patterns and craft DIYs for the
purl, then you slide from the should look, a repeat of a modern maker. Her book, Knitting Without
left to the right hand needle. regular knit stitch followed by Needles (Potter Craft), was released last year.
03 Knit the next stitch with the the paired stitch (a yarn over She’s usually in her sunny studio relishing
yarn in front. overlaying the slipped stitch). making moments. www.flaxandtwine.com

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 109


Mini
mountain
range Carmen Jorissen’s crochet mountain cushions will
freshen up bachelor (and bachelorette) pads

110 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 111
PHOTOGRAPHY: JESSE WILD, STYLING: HELENA TRACEY AND JEN GARDNER, THROW: WWW.HOWKAPOW.COM
HOW TO MAKE… CROCHET MOUNTAIN CUSHIONS

MATERIALS  In our Pinterest-worthy dream with darker yarn and black denotes
Q Scheepjeswol Q Scissors loop through) twice, lives we definitely have our own ‘no stitch’. Remember that these
Peru, 80% Q Fabric for yrh and draw alpine ski chalet, decked out in charts may not match if you place
microfibre/ inner cushions through all 3 loops cosy textiles and with a roaring your increases differently. When
20% alpaca, Q Polyester stuffing on hook. log fire. However, in the real world, changing colour, carry the yarn that
100g/75m per Q Stitch markers Magic ring Hold we’re happy to settle for these isn’t in use along the back so the
ball (available thread in your hand cosy, cuddly mountain cushions, tension stays the same. You’re free
from Deramores) TENSION and wrap working complete with snowy peaks. They to improvise on the colour scheme
Q For The Tension isn’t really yarn around make fantastic Crimbo gifts for and just use the charts if you need
Matterhorn: important for this forefinger twice to friends who can snuggle up to some guidance.
three balls in project, as long as create ring, slip ring them while toasting marshmallows. As with all colour work, when
Brown (20), ½ the stitches are off your finger and Chunky yarn and a large hook make changing yarn, work the stitch
ball in White (10) dense enough so insert hook to pick these a super speedy project – you before the new colour up to the last
Q For The Everest: the inner cushion up first st, ch1, then could complete one in a rainy day. step then use the new one on the
three balls in isn’t visible. Make work the necessary The cushions are made in one last step. So insert your hook into
Dark Grey (30), sure you keep the sts for round 1 and piece from the top in continuous the stitch, yarn over with old colour
½ ball in White same tension when close the ring spiral rounds (do not join at the and pull through, yarn over with
(10) changing colour. tightly by pulling end of each round). Place a stitch new colour and pull through. A bit
Q For The Fuji: the loose end. marker in the first stitch of each of practice helps.
three balls in ABBREVIATIONS round to help you keep track of
Light Grey (60), (UK) FINISHED SIZE where each round starts and ends. The Matterhorn
½ ball in White st(s) stitch(es) There are three As you work down the mountain This is the small mountain, made
(10) ch chain different sizes/ you can crochet until you almost using brown yarn.
Q 9mm (UK 00, US dc double crochet shapes available. run out of yarn, which is handy for Using white yarn, make a magic
M/13) or 10mm yrh yarn round Since the pattern avoiding leftovers. Then you can ring, then work as follows:
(UK000, US N/15) hook is highly choose either to sew the cushion Round 1 6dc into ring, pull ring
crochet hook dc2tog double customisable, you closed or to make a removable tight [6sts]
Q Large darning crochet 2 together: can adapt it to inner case by adding buttonholes. Round 2 (1dc in each of next 2 sts,
needle (insert hook in next make your cushion Each cushion has a chart 2dc in next st) 2 times [8sts]
Q Buttons (optional) st, yrh and draw just the right size. included covering the section Round 3 (1dc in each of next 3
where the mountain snow line falls sts, 2dc in next st) 2 times [10sts]
down the summit, meaning you use Round 4 (1dc in each of next 4
two colours. Read the chart from sts, 2dc in next st) 2 times [12sts]
right to left, from bottom to top. Round 5 (1dc in each of next 5
White boxes indicate the double sts, 2dc in next st) 2 times [14sts]
crochet stitches with white yarn, Round 6 (1dc in each of next 6
grey boxes indicate the stitches sts, 2dc in next st) 2 times [16sts]

CHARTS
The Matterhorn

The Everest

The Fuji

112 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


Now work to the colour chart
using light grey and white yarn for
Rounds 7 to 11, and then continue
in light grey yarn from Round 12
onwards.
For Round 7 work 2 increases on
each side as in Rounds 2 to 6.
From Round 8 onwards only
increase once on every side,
just like The Matterhorn.
Continue in this manner until
your mountain is as big as you want
or you’re almost out of yarn.

Finishing
Now work to the colour chart using sts, 2dc in next st) 3 times [18sts] Decide if you want your cushion
brown and white yarn for Rounds 7 Round 6 (1dc in each of next 8 sts, cover to be removable or not. If
to 11, and then continue in brown 2dc in next st) 2 times [20sts] not, just stuff it and sew the bottom
yarn from Round 12 onwards. From this round you’re increasing sides together. If you do want to
Round 7 (1dc in each of next 7 only once on every side, just like make the case removable, you’ll
sts, 2dc in next st) 2 times [18sts] The Matterhorn. have to crochet a few more rows
You’ll see that you’re making a When you reach Round 9 start the with button holes. First, crochet
triangle shape. From this point colour chart using dark grey and until you reach a side (it doesn’t
onwards you’ll continue to increase white yarn for Rounds 9 to 17, and matter which one).
on both sides of this triangle by then continue in dark grey yarn Row 1 ch1 (does not count as st),
working 2dc in the sts at the side from Round 18 onwards. 1dc in each st along until you reach
and increasing the number of Continue in this manner until your the other side, turn
single dc between the increases mountain is as big as you want or Row 2 ch1 (does not count as st),
on each round. There’s a trick when you’re almost out of yarn. 1dc in each st along, turn
it comes to increasing for triangles Rows 3 – 4 repeat Row 2
though. Crochet stitches don’t The Fuji Row 5 ch1 (does not count as st),
appear right above each other This is the low, wide mountain (1dc in next st, dc2tog) until last
– in each row, the stitches will made using light grey yarn. three sts, dc2tog, 1dc, turn
be a bit more to the left or right, Using white yarn, make a magic Row 6 repeat Row 5
depending on which hand you hold ring, then work as follows: Row 7 (buttonhole row) choose
your crochet hook. If you continue Round 1 6dc into ring, pull ring three or four places, evenly spread
to increase in the manner written tight [6sts] across the row, and mark them with
above, your mountain top would Round 2 (2dc in next st, 1dc in next stitch markers. ch1 (does not count
twist, and you don’t want that. So st, 2dc in next st) 2 times [10sts] as st), 1dc in next st, dc2tog, 1dc in
it’s easiest to place a stitch marker Round 3 (2dc in next st, 1dc in each st until first stitch marker, ch1,
on each side of the triangle, and each of next 3 sts, 2dc in next st) miss 1 st, *1dc in each st until next
just increase whenever you reach 2 times [14sts] stitch marker, ch1, miss 1 st; repeat
the marker. Round 4 (2dc in next st, 1dc in from * to least stitch marker, ch1,
Continue in this manner until each of next 5 sts, 2dc in next st) miss 1 st, 1dc in each st until last
your mountain is as big as you 2 times [18sts] three stitches, dc2tog, 1dc, turn.
want or you’re almost out of yarn. Round 5 (2dc in next st, 1dc in Row 8 repeat Row 5, when you
each of next 7 sts, 2dc in next st) reach the chain spaces, crochet
The Everest 2 times [22sts] into them.
This is the large mountain, made Round 6 (2dc in next st, 1dc in Row 9 repeat Row 5
using dark grey yarn. each of next 9 sts, 2dc in next st) Break yarn, fasten off and weave
Using white yarn, make a magic 2 times [26sts] in all ends.
ring, then work as follows:
Round 1 6dc into ring, pull ring Carmen Jorissen
tight [6sts] Inspired by the many creative women in her
Round 2 (1dc in next st, 2dc in family, Carmen is always on the lookout for
next st) 3 times [9sts] new DIY ideas. Pastels and nature are her
Round 3 (1dc in each of next 2 thing, and she loves to unwind with crochet
sts, 2dc in next st) 3 times [12sts] and a chai latte. For more patterns and fun
Round 4 (1dc in each of next 3 DIYs, check out her blog Crafty Queens.
sts, 2dc in next st) 3 times [15sts] www.craftyqueens.nl
Round 5 (1dc in each of next 4

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 113


Bags of fun
Little ones will enjoy hours of fun over the
Christmas break with Louise Kelly’s
portable interactive doll’s house
PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS, STYLING: HELENA TRACEY AND JEN GARDNER, CLOUD ILLUSTRATION: © WWW.ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/INCOMIBLE
01 02 03

04 06 07

HOW TO MAKE… A PORTABLE DOLL’S HOUSE

MATERIALS  Who might live in a house like Making the house


QFelt for outer, QFlat back pearls this? An adorable Mollie doll of 01 Iron the felt and cotton for the

50cm (20in) square QEmbroidery threads course – there’s plenty of space inner and outer base of your house.
QFat quarter cotton QSewline glue pen for her to relax in bed, pamper Cut an L-shaped piece from each
for inner (www.pinitandstitch. herself in the bath, or eat tea and one (see diagram). This will be the
QSmall pieces of felt co.uk) cake (and do some crafting) at the walls and the floor of your house.
in various colours QStarch spray table. Children will be delighted Lightly press along the fold lines
(we used white, (Best Press from to spend hours playing with all the to mark each room.
coral, light pink, www.littlelauras miniature interactive details, and 02 Cut out all the main pieces for

hot pink, dusty haberdashery.co.uk) can carry it around with them too your rooms: bath, bathmat, bed,
pink, caramel, any QScissors – ideal if the family are taking any headboard, rug, bedside locker,
skin tone, dark QFine needles trips over the festive period. large window and table. Cut a 26
brown and sky blue) QPins This is a great project for using x 10cm (10¼ x 4in) rectangle of
QSmall pieces of QTwo tiny buttons up those pretty fabric scraps you’ve striped cotton for the wall of the
floral, stripe and QSnap fasteners been squirrelling away. Try to use tea room. Play around with your
polka dot cotton good quality 100% wool felt, layout and lightly stick down the
prints especially for the small pieces – pieces using your fabric glue pen.
QGold glitter fabric try www.paper-and-string.co.uk, For the bed and the bath, stick only
(from www.paper- www.fabricaffair.co.uk and www. the bottom and sides.
and-string.co.uk) coolcrafting.co.uk for stocking 03 Appliqué all your pieces by

up. The other secret tools in stitching around the edges in


this project are the glue pen – backstitch (or blanket stitch for
invaluable for tacking tiny pieces any raw edges) using one or two
that are too small for pins – and strands of embroidery thread and
iron spray, for fabric that’s easy to a fine needle. Remember the bed,
work with and smells lovely, too. bath and drawers should be left

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 117


08 09 10

14 14 15

HOW TO MAKE… A PORTABLE DOLL’S HOUSE

open at the top – pinch the top of young child, cut small circles of 7.5cm (3in) gap at the top of the
the bed and bath together slightly felt or use iridescent glitter fabric. bathroom for turning. Snip the
so a gap is left for your doll to fit. 07 In the bedroom, add a heart corners and turn RS out. Take some
04 Now it’s time to work on the to the rug, appliqué the bedside time to go around the edges and
details. For very small pieces such lamp and stitch a pillow by placing ‘roll’ them between your finger tips
as the shells or teacups, cut double your two pattern pieces right sides to pop out the seams – this will
thickness of felt and stitch. Glitter (RS) together and stitching around, give a neat finish once you’ve
fabric can either be glued or leaving a gap. Turn RS out, lightly ironed them.
stitched (we recommend doing stuff and slip stitch closed. Then top stitch all around the
both for extra security). 08 Cut out all the pattern pieces for perimeter, again using an 0.5cm
05 In the tearoom, pad out the the front of the house and follow (¼in) seam. Stitch along where the
seat with a piece of felt and add the same basic steps: arrange room will fold (see Step 1 image).
a few French knots to give the layout, tack in place with the glue 11 Take two roof pieces – one outer

impression of cushioning. Cut two pen and then appliqué. Glue the and one inner – and stitch along
7.5 x 6cm (3 x 2½in) rectangles for curtains to the inside of the the top and two sides only.
the curtains and lightly iron to set window frame and then glue the Without cutting your thread, line
the pleats. window and curtains to the sky the roof up on the outside of your
06 In the bathroom, cut two towel blue felt. Trim around the edges. house and glue in place. Continue
rails and place back to back. Attach 09 Once all the appliqué is finished, stitching along the scalloped
using a loop of felt. Add the wall it’s time to put your house edge, attaching to the house as
decorations and cut a 5 x 6cm (2 together. Iron the reverse of your you go. Slide your needle between
x 2½in) piece of washcloth to make rooms, then place the outside of the felt without going the whole
a little towel. Add lots of pearl the house and rooms RS together way through to the other side.
bubbles to the bath using the and pin from the centre out. 12 To make the handles, cut two 6

tiniest amount of strong adhesive. 10 Stitch all around the edges using x 30.5cm (2½ x 12in) strips, fold in
If you’re making this for a very an 0.5cm (¼in) seam and leave a the raw edges to the centre on the

118 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


11 12 13

16 17 19

wrong side (WS), and stitch up eyelashes using small straight 18 Cut out your dress pattern

along either side. Fold in the stitches. Satin stitch the lips. pieces and snip into the seam
edges at either end and attach Place the face and back of head allowance, the neckline and the
to the lining of the roof. Add a RS together and sew all around, armholes. Turn in using the glue
few snap fasteners and your house leaving a 1.5cm (½in) gap at the pen. This will give you neat curved
is finished. neck. Turn RS out and lightly stuff. seams when finished.
Insert the body into the gap and 19 Sew the neckline, both front and

Making the doll sew all around the base of the head back. Sew the hems at the back of
13 Cut out all the pattern pieces using ladder stitch. the dress, place RS together and
from the templates on page 135. 17 Attach the arms by stitching join at the shoulders, then sew the
Use a whipstitch to sew her arms through the top of one arm, the armholes, place RS together again
and legs, adding a little stuffing as body, and right through the top and sew down either side of the
you go. of the other arm, back and fourth dress. Now hem the dress at the
14 Attach the legs to one body until they feel secure. Adding bottom. You could use a snap
piece and place the second body a few buttons will also keep them fastener, some ribbon, twine or
piece RS together on top. Stitch in place and cover any stitches. lace to hold it around your doll.
around the body, leaving a gap
for turning.
Louise Kelly
15 Turn RS out, then lightly stuff
Louise resides in Derry City with a Greyhound
the body and close the opening
and a Lurcher, whiling away the hours making
using a ladder stitch.
her Lou Loves This dolls and fanatically practising
16 Place the doll’s hair onto
her brush lettering skills. You can often find her on
the face and secure around the
a motorway somewhere in a shiny black van full of
hairline using backstitch. Cut two
Donegal Tweed, travelling to all the knitting and
small pieces of black felt for the
stitching shows. www.loulovesthis.blogspot.co.uk
eyes, stitch around them and add

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 119


Who lives
h er e ?
Spark kids’ imaginations with Kirsty Hartley’s
colourful gingerbread playhouse – guaranteed
to become a favourite hiding den

PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS, STYLING: HELENA TRACEY AND JEN GARDNER,


TOYS: FOX & STAG PLUSHIES (LOWER LEFT) & SOFT BUILDING BLOCKS: JULIA STAITE, SANTA PLUSHIE & FOX CUSHION: JANE FOSTER,
FOX & BEAR BABY RATTLES: FOX IN THE ATTIC, REINDEER TOY: TOFT

120 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


Gift it!

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 121


03 04 05 06

11 11 12 13

HOW TO MAKE… A FABRIC PLAYHOUSE

MATERIALS Little wild things need space to Making the patchwork sky layer to the reverse, adhesive sides
Q 250cm (2½yrd) let their creativity loose – and 03 Arrange the patchwork squares facing. Draw around the semi circle
blue fabric what better than a whole house in three rows of four. Working templates and cut out, eight in
Q 75 x 150cm (29½ of their own, all made out of horizontally to begin with, sew total. Arrange these underneath
x 59¾in) quilters gingerbread with pockets for three rows of four squares, right the lower part of the roof as you
wadding mini friends? Pop it over a clothes sides (RS) together, 1cm (3/8in) from sew into place.
Q Orange fabric, maiden to create a 3D hideaway; the edge. Press the seams open. 07 Add a chimney. Prepare the

46 x 60cm turn it into a floor playmat for Now sew the strips together and door and heart shapes using the
(181/8 x 235/8 in) smaller tots, or use it to embellish press the seams open. Press again adhesive bonding web, then sew
Q Scrap fabrics in the side of a Santa sack. from the top of the fabric. into place.
assorted colours If time is an issue, use bright felt 04 To make the stars and moon,

Q Assorted blue instead of fabric to cut down on the iron the bonding web to the wrong Making the pocket windows
and silver fabrics sewing needed. The finished mat is side (WS) of your silver fabric. Take 08 First prepare the fabric (or

Q Bonding web 75 x 150cm (29½ x 59¾in), but you care not to overheat if it’s delicate. ribbon) ties. Cut eight 4 x 30cm (15/8
Q 3m ribbon for ties can alter the dimensions to suit Trace around the star and moon x 12in) strips of fabric, preferably on
and window ties your project – such as making a templates onto the paper backing the bias. Press the edges under
Q Matching threads mini version as a baby quilt. and cut out. Peel the backing paper by 1cm (3/8in), fold in half, press
Q Tailor’s chalk off and position on the RS of the again then sew close to the edges
Q Sewing machine Preparing the materials quilt squares. Iron to fuse into all the way around.
Q Dressmaking 01 Prepare your fabric by place. Using matching thread, 09 For the curtains, fold each piece

scissors pressing. Using a ruler or straight topstitch into place 2mm (1/10in) in half lengthways and sew along
Q Pins edge, mark out 100 x 150cm (1 x from the edges. the lower edge, RS together. Turn
Q Clothes maiden 1½yrd) for the quilt back and 75 x through. Take each window, RS
Q Paint 100cm (¾ x 1yrd) for the quilt front Making the gingerbread house together. Place each curtain in
Q Cutting mat lower half. 05 Prepare the orange house place as shown.
(optional) Using the template on page square by pressing under the raw 10 Place the window pocket

Q Long ruler and 135, cut eight pocket windows in edges, then sewing into position. backing into place and sew all
tape measure the main fabric, eight curtains, and 06 Repeat for the roof, snipping around, 1cm (3/8in) from the edge,
one roof. Cut 12 27 x 27cm (10 5/8 x the pointed corners so the edges leaving a gap of 5cm (2in) at the
10 5/8in) squares from the blue turn back neatly. Pin in place. Press lower edge.
coloured fabrics. bonding web to the reverse of your 11 Snip the corners to reduce

02 Paint your clothes maiden and white fabric, remove the paper bulk and turn through. Press, then
leave to dry. backing, then press another fabric position on the house and sew

122 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


06 08 09
OUR PICK OF
GIFTS FOR KIDS

14 15 16

01

02

into place. Press again and tie the Finishing the edges
curtains back. Add felt or bonded 14 Cut strips of the main

snow to each window top, fabric 10cm (4in) wide to form


Add the appliqué tree as before, a continuous welt on the outer
also adding a second layer of length of the quilt. Join if necessary
white fabric for snow. Add a star and press in half.
to the skyline. Working from the reverse of the
quilt, sew the strip to the outer
Joining edge, starting in the centre of one 03

12 RS together, seam the top and of the sides. When you reach a
bottom halves of the quilt together. corner, stop sewing 1cm (3/8in) from
Layer all three layers of fabric and the edge and backstitch.
wadding together and pin or Take the loose strip and fold
clip around the outer edge. Pin upwards to create a 45 degree
intermittently throughout the quilt fold, then fold back down so that
to secure. the strip edge meets the new
13 With the quilt uppermost, sew straight edge as shown. Continue
between the seam allowances to sew and repeat.
of each square to quilt the layers. 15 When you’re close to

Then sew all around the outer completing the last section,
edges, 1cm (3/8in) from the edge. measure your remaining welt, add
04
Trim if required. 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance, trim and
seam the short edges together.
Kirsty Hartley Continue until the welt is complete. 01 Fox and bear illustrated rattles.
Kirsty is the designer behind children’s Press the welt back and fold www.thefoxintheattic.com
brand Wild Things, creating out-of- over to the face of the quilt. Pin 02 Soft building blocks for early
the-ordinary, everyday clothes to all around and arrange a mitred years ABCs. www.juliastaite.com
inspire little adventurers and put edge at the corners. Slip stitch by 03 Bright, screen-printed friendly
imagination back into childhood. hand, or by machine if you prefer. fox cushion and Santa plushie.
Her first book, Wild Things Funky 16 Finally, make and sew fabric www.janefoster.co.uk
Little Clothes to Sew, is available now. ties for each corner to tie to your 04 Download this crochet pattern
www.wildthingsdresses.com clothes maiden, or leave if making from www.thetoftalpacashop.co.uk
a playmat.

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 123


124 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS
Upcycle a simple baby vest into fun festive
wear with Kirsty Hartley’s quick and easy
sewing project

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 125


01 02 03 04

06 06 08

HOW TO MAKE… FESTIVE KIDS’ VESTS

MATERIALS Thanks to a certain singing snowman arms. You could also scraps by backing them with
Q Long or short snowman (looking at you, adapt the webbed feet to add to fusible web or interfacing,
sleeved baby vest Frozen's Olaf), tiny tots were the toes of a babygrow by carefully following the manufacturer’s
Q Fabric scraps, shown to be particularly cutting away the toe seam and instructions.
approx 20cm (8in) enamoured with this Mr. Frosty inserting feet using the step-by- 03 Trace the template pieces onto

Q 30cm (12in) square design, in our independent tests. step instructions. the bonded paper backing and cut
iron-on fusible web Or try making the cute penguin Like our materials? The spotty out. For the penguin you’ll need
or interfacing design instead and let us know how fabric used here is part of two eyes, one pair of wings, one
Q Three buttons you get on! Dashwood studio’s Flurry quilters’ beak (see Step 5) and a contrast
(for the snowman) The template is designed to fit cotton range, which comes in a tummy. For the snowman you’ll
Q Matching sewing one- to two-year-olds but can be broad spectrum of colours and is need two eyes, one beak, one
threads easily enlarged for older children, available at The Homemakery scarf, a hat and 5mm (¼in) strips
Q Tailor’s chalk or reduced to fit the tiniest of (www.thehomemakery.co.uk). If for the feet. Carefully peel the
or pencil newborns. We prefer organic you’d prefer an even simpler make backing paper away and set aside.
Q Sewing machine cotton vests, and here’s the safety then use felt instead of fabric, as it 04 To prepare the penguin, cut two

Q Good quality bit: Always remember to take extra can be simply cut and applied with pairs of feet using the template. A
shears/ care when finishing your design, in or without bonding web. Just seam allowance of 5mm (¼in) has
dressmaking case of loose buttons. remember it won’t wash as well. been added all around. If you’re
scissors Feel free to create your own using felt, remove the seam
Q Pins characters. The penguin template 01 Gather together your materials. allowance from the outer edges.
can easily be adapted into a robin, Press your vest and the fabric Place each pair of feet right sides
if you’re able to source a brown scraps to prepare them. (RS) together and, with your
top. Then use orange for the beak, 02 Scale the template from page machine on a small setting,
red for the tummy, and create little 135 to fit comfortably on the front sew 5mm (¼in) from the curved
feet using the template for the of the vest. Cut out. Prepare the edges, back stitching at the start

126 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


05 05 05 05

08 09 10

and finish and leaving the straight edges, leaving a small 2.5cm (1in) thread. Be careful to manoeuvre
edge open. As you sew around the opening. Trim away the pointed the vest as you sew to avoid
curve, rotate the fabric with the edges to reduce bulk, then turn RS accidentally sewing the vest
machine needle in a downward out and press. Fold and sew a 2cm together. Trim away loose threads.
position. This allows you to move (¾in) pleat through the centre. 10 If you’re making the snowman,

the fabric without losing the line Open out and press flat. prepare bonded fabric for the
of the seam. 07 Assemble the appliqué, hat in the same way as the beak
Turn each foot through RS out adhesive side down. (see Step 5). The arms are created
and press. Set aside. 08 If making the penguin, pin the using cut and bonded strips of
05 To make the beak, back an 8cm feet underneath the tummy. fabric arranged into place. Add the
(3in) square of yellow fabric with Carefully heat press into place, pre-made scarf by pinning into
fusible web. Remove the paper covering with a light cloth for position first. Finally, sew the three
backing, fold in half and press added protection. buttons into place securely. Ta
again, creating a thick fabric from 09 Topstitch into place 2mm da! Now baby doesn’t escape the
which to cut the beak. This will be (1/8in) from the edge using matching Christmas jumper frenzy either.
stable enough to leave with raw
edges, however topstitching all Kirsty Hartley
around will give a good finish. Lancashire-based Kirsty is the founder of
Fold and press in half. Position on children’s brand Wild Things Dresses, creating
the vest and sew into place through funky wearable creatures and critters that add
the centre of the beak. a new dimension to both playtime and everyday
06 To prepare the snowman, cut
clothing. Her first sewing book, Wild Things
one scarf from the template in a Funky Little Clothes to Sew, is available now.
bright spotty fabric. Fold in half RS www.wildthingsdresses.com
together and sew around the

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 127


My Little Dino
Rawwwww! Kids will love finding Yan
Schenkel’s friendly amigurumi dinosaur
under the tree this Christmas

PHOTOGRAPHY: ADAM GASSON, STYLING: HELENA TRACEY, JEN GARDNER

128 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


HOW TO MAKE… A CROCHET DINOSAUR

MATERIALS
Q DMC Natura Just
Cotton, 100% cotton,
50g/155m, two balls in
Light Green (12) and
one ball each in Coral
(8) and Jade (20) (only
small quantity
required)
Q 2.75 mm (UK 11, US
C/2) crochet hook
Q Toy stuffing
Q Two 8mm black
safety eyes
Q Stitch marker
Q Tapestry or
yarn needle

TENSION
Just ensure your stitches
are dense enough for no
stuffing to poke through.

ABBREVIATIONS (UK)
st(s) stitch(es)
ch chain
ss slip stitch
dc double crochet
inc increase by making
2dc in st
dc2tog double crochet 2
together – (insert hook in
next st, yarn round hook
and draw loop through)
twice, yarn round hook
and draw through all 3
loops on hook.
Magic ring Hold thread Meet Eduardo the dinosaur. 5dc, 4dc in next (last) st, continue image as a guide for placement. Fill
in your hand and wrap He may try his best to project on the other side of the foundation the head firmly with stuffing and,
working yarn around a fearsome image but, truth is, chain, 5dc, inc in last st [18sts] from this point, continue stuffing
forefinger twice to create if you bumped into him at Jurassic Don’t forget to put the stitch as you go.
ring, slip ring off your Park, he’d probably be relaxing by marker at the first st in the Round 15 8dc, 3dc2tog, 4dc
finger and insert hook to the lake eating lemon drizzle cake beginning of each round. [15sts]
pick up first st, ch1, then rather than trying to munch on any Round 2 inc, 7dc, 2inc, 7dc, inc Rounds 16–17 1dc in each st
work the necessary sts passing humans. [22sts] around
for round 1 and close the Eduardo is made in a continuous Round 3 2inc, 8dc, 3inc, 8dc, inc Round 18 2dc, inc, 12dc [16sts]
ring tightly by pulling the spiral, from a foundation chain [28sts] Round 19 1dc in each st around
close end. (instead of a magic ring) and Round 4 3inc, 10dc, 4inc, 10dc, inc Round 20 3dc, inc, 12dc [17sts]
worked in one piece – yep, [36sts] Round 21 1dc in each st around
FINISHED SIZE he’s practically seamless. As it’s a Round 5 (5dc, inc) 6 times [42sts] Round 22 3dc, inc, 13dc [18sts]
Approx. 19cm (7½in) continuous spiral, it helps to place Rounds 6–10 1dc in each st Round 23 1dc in each st around
high a stitch marker at the start of each around Round 24 4dc, inc, 13dc [19sts]
round. The head, body and legs Round 11 (5dc, dc2tog) 6 times Round 25 1dc in each st around
are made in one piece. The tail, [36sts] Round 26 5dc, inc, 13dc [20sts]
spikes and spots are made Round 12 7dc, (2dc, dc2tog) 6 Round 27 7dc, ch8 (to form the
separately and sewn together. times, 5dc [30sts] backbone of the dinosaur), you
Round 13 (3dc, dc2tog) 6 times now work around this ch8 in the
Foundation Using light green yarn, [24sts] same way as the first round of the
ch8. Stitches will be worked around Round 14 4dc, (1dc, dc2tog) 6 head (both sides of the new
both sides of the foundation chain. times, 2dc [18sts] foundation chain, plus the neck).
Round 1 inc in 2nd ch from hook, Insert the safety eyes, using the Place your stitch marker in the next

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 129


HOW TO MAKE… A CROCHET DINOSAUR

st (as this is going to be the will be formed from the 9dc from where the second front leg is (this
beginning of each round from this the body and the new 6ch is the space between the legs) and
point), inc in 2nd ch from the hook, foundation chain. attach the yarn to the next st (6th st
33dc, inc in the last st [37sts] Continue working the first back leg: along). Work 9dc, ch6 and join the
Round 28 2inc, 33dc, 2inc [41sts] Round 1 15dc (9 from the body last ch and the first dc with a ss.
Round 29 3inc, 36dc, 2inc [46sts] and 6 from the ch) [15sts] Repeat Rounds 1–7 as the first
Round 30 (4dc, inc) 9 times, 1dc Rounds 2–5 1dc in each st around back leg.
in last st [55sts] Round 6 (1dc, dc2tog) 5 times
Round 31 1dc in each st around [10sts] Second back leg
Round 32 (5dc, inc) 9 times, 1dc Round 7 dc2tog 5 times [5sts] Count 9sts along to the left from
in last st [64sts] Fasten off leaving a long tail. Using where the first front leg is (this is
(At this point your critter will look your yarn needle, weave the yarn the other side of the belly) and
just like Nessie emerging from tail through the front loop of each attach the yarn to the next st (10th
the Loch) remaining stitch and pull it tight st along). Work 9dc, ch6 and join
Rounds 33–39 1dc in each st to close. the last ch and the first dc with a ss.
around Repeat Rounds 1–7 as the first
First front leg back leg.
First back leg Count 9 sts along from where the
Divide the work to crochet the four first back leg is (this will become Belly
legs. In order to do this, you have the belly) and attach the yarn to the Between the legs you have 9st
to find the middle of the dinosaur next st (10th st along). Work 9dc, spaces along the sides and 5st
body at the back. Continue ch6 and join the last ch and the first spaces at front and back. The belly
crocheting 1dc around until that dc with a ss. is made by creating flaps from
point (if you’re not already in there). Repeat Rounds 1–7 as the first these sts.
Then work 2dc, place the stitch back leg. Start with the 9st space between
marker in the next st, 9dc, ch6. Join the back and the front legs.
the last ch and the dc with the Second front leg Attach the yarn to 1st st next to
stitch marker with an ss. The leg Count 5sts along to the left from the first leg you made.

130 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


sewing, then fill with stuffing.
Time to go explore
the blue and purple
Large spikes (make 6)
Jurassic mountains!
Round 1 Using coral yarn, start
with a magic ring, 5dc in ring, pull
ring tight [5sts]
Round 2 1dc in each st around
Round 3 inc in each st around
[10sts]
Round 4 1dc in each st around
Fasten off leaving long tail for
sewing. Don’t stuff.

Medium spikes (make 2)


Round 1 Using coral yarn, start
with a magic ring, 5dc in ring, pull
ring tight [5sts]
Round 2 1dc in each st around
Round 3 inc in each st around
[10sts]
Fasten off leaving long tail for
sewing. Don’t stuff.

Small spikes (make 2)


Round 1 Using coral yarn, start
with a magic ring, 5dc in ring, pull
ring tight [5sts]
Round 2 1dc in each st around
Fasten off leaving long tail for
sewing. Don’t stuff.

Spots (make 6)
Round 1 Using jade yarn, start with
Row 1 9dc, turn start with a magic ring, 5dc in ring, a magic ring, 6dc in ring, pull ring
Rows 2–12 ch1 (does not count pull ring tight [5sts] tight. Fasten off leaving a long tail
as st), 9dc, turn Round 2 1dc in each st around for sewing.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail Round 3 inc in each st around
for sewing. [10sts] Finishing
The back underbelly is made in the Round 4 1dc in each st around Stuff the tail and then sew it
same way. Attach the yarn to the Round 5 (1dc, inc) 5 times [15sts] to the body. Sew the 10 spikes,
1st st after the last leg you made. Round 6 1dc in each st around descending from the largest to the
Row 1 5dc, turn Round 7 (2dc, inc) 5 times [20sts] smallest ones along the dinosaur
Rows 2–3 ch1 (does not count as Round 8 1dc in each st around back spine towards the tail.
st), 5dc, turn Round 9 (3dc, inc) 5 times [25sts] Finally, sew the spots to the
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for Round 10 1dc in each st around dinosaur’s body using the image as
sewing. Round 11 (4dc, inc) 5 times [30sts] a guide for placement. There you
Work the flap between the front Rounds 12–14 1dc in each st go – Eduardo’s ready to be
legs in same way. around wrapped up, ready for lots of
Using the tapestry needle, sew the Fasten off leaving a long tail for adventures over Christmas.
front flap to both front legs and the
back flap to both back legs.
Yan Schenkel
Fill each leg with stuffing.
Toy maker, crochet designer, mother and
Using the tapestry needle, sew the
illustrator, Yan is the founder of Pica Pau toys.
wide belly flap to the other side of
She first began combining her drawings with
the dinosaur.
crochet while waiting to pick her son up from
Then sew the belly flap to both the
school, and six years later has collaborated with
legs and the flaps between them,
several designers and top brands in Argentina,
stuffing the body as you go.
illustrated a children’s book and designed for
stop motion animations.
Tail
www.elmundodepicapau.com
Round 1 Using light green yarn,

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 131


To the PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS, STYLING: HELENA TRACEY AND JEN GARDNER, MODEL: AGATHA CAMERON KETTLE

rescue!
Whip up playful presents for your
miniature heroes with Kirsty Hartley’s
superhero mask and cape set
04 04 05

10 11 12

HOW TO MAKE… A MASK AND CAPE

MATERIALS It’s Christmas time, there’s two recommend supervising younger


Q Matching sewing For the cape whole weeks of no school, and children when wearing their cape.
threads Q Soft fabric, the little ones are all fired up
Q Tailor’s chalk 60cm (235/8in) with the magic of the season – Making the masks
or pencil Q Fabric scraps in so put some real sparkle into 01 Prepare the template on page

Q Sewing machine contrasting colours playtime with this fantastical 135 to the most suitable scale and
Q Good quality shears Q One fat quarter of superhero set. It’s incredibly make two copies of it.
contrasting fabric easy to whip up too, making a Prepare enough fabric for the
For the masks Q Contrasting lining great last-minute stocking filler. mask by backing it with fusible
Q One skinny or fat fabric, 60cm (235/8in) We decided to use brushed bonding web. Peel the paper
quarter soft fabric Q Iron-on fusible cotton moleskin for the main fabric, backing away and back with a
Q Fabric scraps in bonding web, but for a simpler make you could second piece of fabric. This will
contrasting colours 30cm (12in) square use felt instead to reduce your eliminate frayed edges later on.
Q Iron-on fusible Q 2cm (¾in) piece sewing time. Just remember it 02 Bond the back of the contrast

bonding web, of Velcro won’t machine wash quite as well fabric scraps and trace the
30cm (12in) square as regular fabrics. appliqué template pieces on to
Q Matching elastic, The templates should fit the paper backing. Carefully peel
30cm (12in) long two-to-ten-year-olds, but you may away the backing.
need to scale up or down to fit. If in 03 Assemble the appliqué pieces

doubt, take a quick copy and mock in position, adhesive side down.
up the mask in paper first, cutting Cover with paper or a soft cloth
out the eyes for size. and press into place until
The Velcro provides a safe bonded, taking care not to
and easy fastening, however we overheat sensitive fabrics.

MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS 133


13

Follow the same


instructions to make
a cat mask, and find a
tail pattern on our blog
www.molliemakes.com.

HOW TO MAKE… A MASK AND CAPE


04 Topstitch 2mm (1/8in) from the turning the longer straight edges 12 Cut the neck piece, adding 1cm

edge of all appliqué shapes using in by 1cm (3/8in), pinning, then (3/8in) all around. Place RS together
matching thread. Sew around the sewing into place. and sew along the shorter ends
lines traced for the outer edge of 10 Assemble the appliqué pieces and top. Trim the corners and turn
the mask. into position, adhesive side down. RS out. Press the remaining edges
05 Carefully cut out the mask 2mm Cover with paper or a soft cloth in by 1cm (3/8in).
(1/8in) from the sewing lines. Cut out and press into place until 13 Using the notches as a guide,

the eyes using finer scissors. bonded, taking care not to pin the neck piece RS together with
06 Sew the elastic into place at the overheat sensitive fabrics. Topstitch the cape lining and sew into place.
back of the mask either by hand around the appliqué shapes, 2mm Press. Now bring the neck piece to
or machine. (1/8in) from the edges. the front of the cape, trapping the
11 Place the cape and lining right seam allowances. Pin and sew into
Making the cape sides (RS) together and sew 1cm place 2mm (1/8in) from the edge,
07 Prepare the pattern to scale. (3/8in) from the edge, stitching at the along the entire edge.
Make copies of the motifs. Cut start and finish to secure. Snip the 14 Sew the Velcro fastening into

out the main cape and the lining, corners, turn RS out and press. place and press to finish.
adding 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance
all around. Kirsty Hartley
08 Bond the back of the contrast
Kirsty’s children’s brand, Wild Things, creates
fabric. Trace the appliqué template out-of-the-ordinary, everyday clothes that put
pieces on to the paper backing. imagination back into childhood. Her first sewing
Carefully peel the backing away. book, Wild Things Funky Little Clothes to Sew, is
09 Prepare a centre panel for the
available now. www.wildthingsdresses.com
cape by cutting the fabric to size,

134 MOLLIE MAKES CHRISTMAS


TEMPLATES
All the shapes for our Christmas makes. Unless otherwise
stated, templates are shown at 100%.You can find the full-
size templates ready to download from www.molliemakes.com

WREATH
BY LAURA HOWARD PAGE 20

Small leaf
Large leaf Medium leaf Cut 4
Pear Cut 4 Cut 7 in green
Cut 2 in in green in green
pale green

Body
Cut 1 in
pale brown

Belly
Cut 1
Wing in white
Cut 1 in
Mini leaf pale brown
Cut 1 in
pale green

Eye
Scallops Cut 1 in white
Cut 50-60 in white Beak
Cut 1
in brown

FIND
FULL-SIZE
TEMPLATES
S S ON OUR BLOG
L molliemakes.com
M

M
M
M L L
S

M M
L
M
S - Small leaf
S
M - Medium leaf

L - Large leaf

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. The copyright for these templates belongs to the originators of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to make and love, so
please don’t re-sell or distribute their work without permission from Mollie Makes. We don’t mind if you make a copy for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions
available to others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please pass on this information if you make a copy for a friend. Copyright law
protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.

Subscribe at molliemakes.com CHRISTMAS MOLLIEMAKES.COM 135


GINGERBREAD PLAYHOUSE
BY KIRSTY HARTLEY PAGE 120

Photocopy at 400%

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. The copyright for these templates belongs to the originators of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to make and love, so
please don’t re-sell or distribute their work without permission from Mollie Makes. We don’t mind if you make a copy for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions
available to others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please pass on this information if you make a copy for a friend. Copyright law
protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.

136 MOLLIEMAKES.COM CHRISTMAS


DOLL’S HOUSE
BY LOUISE KELLY PAGE 115
Photocopy at 125%

Cutting Guide 11"

Pillow
Cut 2
Bed duvet
Cut 1

fold line
16.5"

10"
fold line

7.5"

Tearoom window
21" Cut 1

Bed
headboard
Cut 1

Outer window
Cut 2

FIND
FULL-SIZE Door
TEMPLATES Cut 1
ON OUR BLOG
molliemakes.com

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. The copyright for these templates belongs to the originators of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to make and love, so
please don’t re-sell or distribute their work without permission from Mollie Makes. We don’t mind if you make a copy for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions
available to others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please pass on this information if you make a copy for a friend. Copyright law
protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.

Subscribe at molliemakes.com CHRISTMAS MOLLIEMAKES.COM 137


Table top
Cut 1

Bath
Cut 1

Table leg
Cut 1

Bath mat
Cut 1

Towel holder
Cut 1 Sink
Cut 1

Seat
Cut 1

Eyes
Face Cut 2
Cut 1

Hair
Cut 1

Body
Cut 1 Arms
Cut 4

Back of head
Cut 1

Legs
Cut 4

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. The copyright for these templates belongs to the originators of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to make and love, so
please don’t re-sell or distribute their work without permission from Mollie Makes. We don’t mind if you make a copy for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions
available to others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please pass on this information if you make a copy for a friend. Copyright law
protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.

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Bedside locker
Cut 1 Bedside drawer
Cut 2

Place on fold
Roof
Cut 4 (2 main, 2 inner)

Bedroom rug
Cut 1

WRAPPING
BY LIA GRIFFITH PAGE 31

Photocopy at 133%

FIND
FULL-SIZE
TEMPLATES
ON OUR BLOG
molliemakes.com

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. The copyright for these templates belongs to the originators of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to make and love, so
please don’t re-sell or distribute their work without permission from Mollie Makes. We don’t mind if you make a copy for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions
available to others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please pass on this information if you make a copy for a friend. Copyright law
protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.

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APRON
BY LAURA STRUTT PAGE 88
Photocopy at 400%

CRACKER PINATA
BY LANA RED PAGE 25

Place on fold
Cut 2

FELT ORNAMENTS
BY SABINA GIBSON PAGE 45

Photocopy at 200%

Unicorn
purple frame Unicorn head,
Unicorn horn and ear
red frame

Flower

Goose’s
Goose wing
beak

Goose
neck

Goose’s mint
markings
Body Unicorn
hair

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. The copyright for these templates belongs to the originators of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to make and love, so
please don’t re-sell or distribute their work without permission from Mollie Makes. We don’t mind if you make a copy for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions
available to others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please pass on this information if you make a copy for a friend. Copyright law
protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.

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KIDS’ FESTIVE VESTS
BY KIRSTY HARTLEY PAGE 124

Photocopy at 133%

Penguin wing

Carrot nose

Snowman hat Snowman arm

Penguin feet

Eye

Penguin scarf

Penguin beak

Penguin belly

FIND
FULL-SIZE
TEMPLATES
ON OUR BLOG
molliemakes.com

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. The copyright for these templates belongs to the originators of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to make and love, so
please don’t re-sell or distribute their work without permission from Mollie Makes. We don’t mind if you make a copy for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions
available to others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please pass on this information if you make a copy for a friend. Copyright law
protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.

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FELT TABLE DECORATIONS Felt
topper
BY DANIELLE THOMPSON PAGE 11
FIND
FULL-SIZE
Photocopy at 200% TEMPLATES
Cardboard
ON OUR BLOG
topper molliemakes.com

BE JOLLY

Cardboard
shape

Left eye
EYES
Cut 1 each and
layer from top Felt
down, then add topper
bottom lash

Cardboard
topper
Eye ball

Eye lid
Right eye
Cut 1 each and
layer from top
down
Eye lid
Eye iris

Eye pupil Eye lid

Cardboard
shape

Top lash Bottom lash Felt shape

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. The copyright for these templates belongs to the originators of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to make and love, so
please don’t re-sell or distribute their work without permission from Mollie Makes. We don’t mind if you make a copy for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions
available to others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please pass on this information if you make a copy for a friend. Copyright law
protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.

142 MOLLIEMAKES.COM CHRISTMAS


FALALA

Felt
topper

Cardboard
topper

Cardboard
shape

Felt shape

Lips
Cut 1 each and layer from
top down

LIPS
Teeth Felt
topper

Cardboard
topper
Bottom lip

Top lip

Bottom lip
highlight

Cardboard
shape
Top lip
highlight Felt shape

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. The copyright for these templates belongs to the originators of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to make and love, so
please don’t re-sell or distribute their work without permission from Mollie Makes. We don’t mind if you make a copy for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions
available to others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please pass on this information if you make a copy for a friend. Copyright law
protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.

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Sunglasses
frame

FIND
FULL-SIZE
TEMPLATES
ON OUR BLOG
molliemakes.com
SHADES

Felt
topper

Cardboard Inner
topper frame

Holly leaf

Cardboard
shape Holly berry

Felt shape

SEQUIN PRINTED HANKIES


BY ZEENA SHAH PAGE 94
BY LANA RED PAGE 25

Photocopy at 400%

CHRISTMAS STOCKING
BY JULIA STAITE PAGE 7
FELT MISTELTOE
BY LIA GRIFFITH PAGE 29 Photocopy at 400%

Photocopy at 200%

Hat
Owl
Cut 2
Pocket

Owl
tummy
Stocking Wing
Cut 2 from lining and 2
from main fabric

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. The copyright for these templates belongs to the originators of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to make and love, so
please don’t re-sell or distribute their work without permission from Mollie Makes. We don’t mind if you make a copy for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions
available to others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please pass on this information if you make a copy for a friend. Copyright law
protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.

144 MOLLIEMAKES.COM CHRISTMAS


CAMISOLE & SHORTS SET Small
BY STEPHANIE WOLVEN PAGE 65 g
din Medium
Photocopy at 400% Bin Bin Large
din
g

Centre front
Binding
Strap
Centre back

Vest back Vest front


Cut on fold

Cut on fold
Cut 1 Cut 1
Straight grain Straight grain
Side seam

Pin hem Pin hem

Elastic edge
Centre front

Side seam

Elastic edge
Centre back

Shorts front Side seam


Cut 2 (pair)

Straight grain
Shorts back
Cut 2 (pair)

Straight grain

Pin hem

hem
Pin

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. The copyright for these templates belongs to the originators of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to make and love, so
please don’t re-sell or distribute their work without permission from Mollie Makes. We don’t mind if you make a copy for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions
available to others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please pass on this information if you make a copy for a friend. Copyright law
protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.

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DEER DECORATION
BY LIA GRIFFITH PAGE 45

Photocopy at 200%

x2 x3
x2 x2 x1

x2 x2
x2
x1
x2

KIDS’ MASKS & CAPE SET


BY KIRSTY HARTLEY PAGE 132

Photocopy masks at 200%

Photocopy cape sections at 500% Neck band

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. The copyright for these templates belongs to the originators of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to make and love, so
please don’t re-sell or distribute their work without permission from Mollie Makes. We don’t mind if you make a copy for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions
available to others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please pass on this information if you make a copy for a friend. Copyright law
protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.

146 MOLLIEMAKES.COM CHRISTMAS


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/MollieMakes /MollieMakes /MollieMakes
STYLE UPDATE LIVING QUICK MAKES handmade gifts

Christmas
GIFTS FOR HER•HIM•KIDS•HOME•STOCKING FILLERS

The team behind Mollie Makes brings you this bumper magazine
packed with projects and ideas for your craftiest Christmas ever. Try
your hand at crochet, sewing, knitting, embroidery, upcycling and
many more techniques, and make gorgeous gifts for family, friends,
colleagues and kids. There are also plenty of quick-make stocking
fillers, lots of projects for your home, and exclusive pull-out cards
and tags. Make this year’s Christmas a truly handmade one!

www.molliemakes.com
ILLUSTRATION: BECKI CLARK

ILLUSTRATION: BECKI CLARK


SEASON’S GREETINGS

SEASON’S GREETINGS
ILLUSTRATION: BECKI CLARK

ILLUSTRATION: BECKI CLARK


mERRY CHRISTMAS

mERRY CHRISTMAS
TO TO

TO TO FROM FROM

FROM FROM

TO TO

TO
FROM FROM
TO FROM

FROM

TO

FROM
TO TO TO

FROM FROM FROM


ILLUSTRATION: LAYLA AMBER
TO
TO TO
TO
FROM
FROM FROM
FROM

TO TO TO

TO
FROM FROM FROM

FROM

TO TO

TO
TO FROM FROM

FROM
FROM
ILLUSTRATION: LAYLA AMBER

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