Crafting Time...
Monday 14th January 2008 by Cherry Menlove
The knitting renaissance (lauded by the media super trendy hobby of women everywhere) is already in its fourth or fifth year, so it’s only right and proper that other crafty activities are given an airing. Some folk will say that they've always knitted, crocheted, sewed, embroidered etc and I believe them, but the fact is that I’ve been indulging in these pastimes as an adult for over eleven years and it’s only in the last couple that crafting and the materials that go along with it have become so readily available and so beautiful.
 I dream of haberdashery: boxes overflowing with yarn that you simply want to reach out and touch; bobbins full of beautiful cottons and drawers stuffed with trims and buttons; every single kind of needle, hook and accessory that you could ever hope for...
If knitting’s your thing, then a trip to Loop  has all the answers and, if trims and buttons ring your bell, MacCulloch & Wallis does not disappoint.
Or, if you’re keen to keep it simple then treat yourself to a Knitcase – they contain everything you need to relax, unwind and create something beautiful and unique, whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced knitter looking for a simple relaxing project to do.
But what do you do if knitting or crochet doesn’t take your fancy and you have an urge to make your daughter’s nursery smock the prettiest in the class? Perhaps you have a few guest towels that could do with a monogram? I suggest you pick up a needle and a thread that are closest to you.
Get to grips with chain stitch, the french knot and the straight stitch; working with only these three stitches you can write, draw, fill and create scenes, pictures, names and illustrations.
Find a picture of something that you've always longed to sew and buy yourself coloured threads in the same way you would have bought a quarter of rhubarb and custard twenty years ago – with abandon.
 Find fabric that you can practise on and before you know it your dreams of stitching by the fire or in the sun, while you regale your friends with tales of life before you knew how to tie a French knot will be a reality.
Does that sound corny? It does? Oh how delicious!
You may want to purchase the wonderful book Sublime Stitching by Jenny Hart or simply pay her website SublimeStitching.com a visit.
See you next time!
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