Handmade Christmas 2015

Cute yarn lights

W E LO V E C R A F T

Start today! :stocking fillers :tree trimmings :table themes :cards & wrap

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Festive idea FAB MAKES & INSPIRATION FOR CELEBRATING IN STYLE!

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Get crafty :crochet :cross stitch :papercraft :Needlefelt

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Handmade Christmas H Welcome

EDITORIAL TEAM Commissioning editor Amanda Robinson Managing Editor Charlotte Martyn Art Editor Julian Dace Production Editors Vicky Guerrero, Helen Dorritt Additional design Rob Eyres Contributors Abigail Barker, Lucy Croft, Lucy Evans, Faye Perriam-Reed, Becky Skuse With special thanks to all the designers and publishers who contributed their work ADVERTISING Call: 0117 300 8206 Senior Advertising Manager Penny Stokes MARKETING AND CIRCULATION Direct Marketing Manager Kevin Slaughter Newstrade Marketing Manager Janine Smith Head of Newstrade Marketing Martin Hoskins Subscriptions Director Jacky Perales-Morris PRODUCTION Production Controller Derrick Andrews Production Director Sarah Powell Production Managers Louisa Molter, Rose Griffiths LICENSING Director of International Licensing and Syndication Tim Hudson [email protected] International Partners Manager Anna Brown PUBLISHING Publishing Directors Kerry Lawrence, Cath Potter Head of General Craft Liz Taylor Group Senior Editor Julie Taylor FIND A COPY Call +44 (0) 1604 828 744, visit craft.buysubscriptions.com/special-issues or email [email protected] Distribution Frontline Printed in England by William Gibbons

Immediate Media Company Chairman Stephen Alexander Chief Executive Officer Tom Bureau Managing Director, Bristol Andy Marshall

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 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 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 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 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 taken, neither Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited nor its employees agents or subcontractors shall be liable for loss or damage.

Welcome!

Our favourite thing about Christmas is the chance to spend time with friends and family, and make our homes even more welcoming with pretty decorations and treats for all. It’s definitely the craftiest time of the year, too, which is where Handmade Christmas comes in! We have a fantastic selection of projects for this very special celebration, whether you’re a seasoned crafter or someone having a go for the first time. If you’re looking for ideas to decorate your home, then check out the pretty button baubles (p32), origami fairy lights (p75) and embroidered table runner (p54). We’ve also included plenty of presents for the whole family, with our favourites including the fox mitts (p102) and delicate terrarium (p98). We haven’t forgotten your furry friends, either – check out the crocheted cat basket (p92) and doggie bow tie (p120)! When everything is made, turn to the cards and wrap section to make your finishing touches, including cross stitch gift tags (p144) and stamped wrapping paper (p142).

LET’S EAT! 16 PAGES OF PARTY FOOD & DRINK FROM Look at the end of the mag

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Christmas is also an opportunity to experiment with tasty recipes, so we’re thrilled to include a special 16-page party food supplement from Olive magazine. This has a plethora of mouthwatering treats, from canapes to go with cocktails to a DIY sundae spread. With all this, plus 22 pages of ideas and trends to inspire you, you’ll want to get started straight away!

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So go on, make this your most creative Christmas yet!

COVER: HESSIAN, BUTTONS, TRIMMINGS AND BERISFORD RIBBONS ON WREATH SUPPLIED BY GROVES + BANKS, WWW.GROVESLTD.CO.UK PHOTOGRAPHY: MAIN IMAGE BY DAVE CAUDERY. STAR BISCUITS BY KATE WHITAKER; TIN HORSES BY CLAIRE RICHARDSON

Amanda Robinson, Editor

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72 for the home 14 Twinkle, twinkle... Luxury paper stars 16 From junk to funk A foraged wooden tree 18 Layer it up Have a go at découpage 21 Catch me if you can A cute gingerbread feltie 26 Touch of luxe Cross stitch a quartet of Christmas sayings 30 String it out! Crochet some fairy lights 32 Vintage charm Beautiful button baubles 34 Marvellous metallics Pretty candle holders made from tin foil

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36 Smiling snowmen Try needlefelting today 42 Festive fluffiness DIY pompom decorations 44 Make a house a home A fab crochet banner 50 Festive sparkle Knit your own baubles 52 Happy holly days! Use craft basics to make a handy card hanger 54 Run reindeer run Embroider a table runner 57 Rockin’ robin A sweet felt bird ornament 62 In a flurry Adorn your tree with cross stiched snowflakes 64 Cute confections Knit a gingerbread duo! 68 Falling snowflakes Papercraft a snowstorm

70 Warm glow Create a set of unique candles for your table 72 Oh Christmas tree A festive table runner using free-motion embroidery 75 Merry and bright Fold origami fairylights 77 Deck the halls Paper chains, yarn style!

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gifts and goodies 80 Fly away with me A heavenly halo and wings 83 Hello deer! Knit this fun reindeer hat and matching nose 86 Ready for Santa A pretty pompom stocking 90 Pretty pockets Sew an elegant countdown 92 Crocheted cat nap! The comfiest kitty basket 94 Sugar and spice Bake some tasty Scandinavian biscuits 96 Make do and mend Sweater to stocking 98 Garden in a jar Plant a terrarium

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Dozens ideas fo of r ver y cra a f Christm ty as!

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101 Snap to it! Make your own crackers 102 Feeling foxy Keep warm in cute mittens 108 Time for tea Make teabags and biscuits 110 Filled with fun Cross stitch Advent calendar 114 A soft touch Protect a gadget 117 Mark the spot Quick-make bookmark 118 Sweets for my sweet Delicious chocolate wafers 120 Dapper dog Crochet a pooch’s bow tie 124 Have a hoot! Adorable owl scarf 126 Stack ‘em high Get creative with cookies 129 Luscious lemons Whip up a delicious digestif

130 Full to bursting Personalised Santa sacks 133 Stuffed with love Decorative heart sachets

cards and wrap 138 Send it with love Embroidered felt tags 142 Stamp it up! Craft unique wrappings 144 The X factor Cross stitch your tags 147 Warm wishes Funky Scandi-style cards

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ideas and inspiration 06 Ideas: DIY Make it a crafty Christmas! 24 Trends: golden Go for glamorous metallics 40 Ideas: florals Decorate with flowers 48 Trends: Nordic Inspired by the outdoors 60 Ideas: winter living Selina Lake’s stylish projects 66 Trends: white Go for some snowy décor 88 Trends: creative Keep it classic 106 Ideas: upcycled Make new from old! 122 Trends: woodland Opt for the natural look

140 Trends: brights Try a multicolour makeover 151 How to A guide to crochet, knitting and cross stitch 156 Templates Everything you need to make the projects 162 Where to buy Essential supplies directory

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patchwork dining decs

or Sew a patchwork runner, ge ed the d un aro r create a borde lay t Jus h. lot lec tab ple of a sim ra pieces of festive fabrics ove of ge ed the at plain runner, or ce pla in pin h, lot a tablec and sew together.

Ideas H DIY

40 stylish DIY ideas Get crafty this Christmas – adorn your home with handmade decorations and give it a special, personal touch

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Paper paradise

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One for all

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Master the art of making paper pom poms – create garlands out of larger ones, or use smaller ones as place settings or decorations on your tree.

Liven up shop-bought decorations with glue, glitter and sequins.

HOW TO MAKE THE BAUBLES Step 1 Make sure all of the baubles are clean and dry. Step 2 Unless you are going for simple spots and stripes, practise your design on some paper first. Step 3 Recreate your design on the bauble using strong glue – if you plan to use sequins, a glue gun is best. Step 4 Quickly cover the bauble in glitter or sequins. Remember to work over a sheet of newspaper! Step 5 Shake off any excess and leave to dry. Then it’s ready to hang up.

Get each family member to make their own decoration this Christmas. Stitch or write on the initials of each person and the date, and continue the tradition every year. You’ll be able to keep track of how everyone’s skills develop over time and have a lovely collection of handmade ornaments.

festive crockery. You could even make a special plate to put Santa’s mince pies out on…

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Bespoke for you

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Season’s greetings

Make festive place settings using plain kraft paper gift tags, buttons and ribbons. Write on each of your guests’ names for an impressive seasonal dinner table.

Take a moment when you put out your Christmas cards to make a real display – cover a single side table, pin them to a wreath or string them up and hang beneath the mantelpiece.

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Glass jewels

Scatter glass ornaments over a silver tray, and add in glass bowls, candlesticks and vases to create a reflective display – perfect for a side table or the entrance hall.

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Gone pottery!

Take the kids to a ceramics studio and paint your own decorations and

Decorate baubles

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Ornament vase

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Lick of paint

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Woolly wreath

Wrap a wreath frame in wool for a modern-yet-rustic look. Embellish with buttons or pom poms, and pop on your door – make sure you keep it dry, though!

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Paper snow

Hang stars and snowflakes to bring the beauty of a winter’s night sky inside. Mix your own makes in with more intricate ones for an eclectic look.

For a subtly festive table decoration, half-fill a clear bauble with soil and pop a sprig of Christmas tree inside. Wrap some twine or rope around the base to create a flat surface for it to rest on.

Pick up some plain wooden ornaments from a craft shop and paint them however you fancy – replicate antique style decorations, or go for something more modern and funky.

s Get the kid h it w d involve r the simple ts projec

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Ideas H DIY

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Indulgent stocking

For a stocking with a very chic feel, line the opening with a faux-fur trim and accessorise with a vintage brooch – simply fabulous!

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Ring the bells

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Stylish welcome

Create a pretty feature for your dining table with a 1950s-style sugar shaker and a little bell. Using red gingham ribbon, hang the bell inside the sugar shaker then cover the top with a big bow. It looks delightful and sounds very festive, too.

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Delicious tree decorations

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Message boards

Homemade biscuits are an eye-catching and mouth-watering way to decorate a tree. Just don’t expect them to last the full 12 days of Christmas!

Tap into the chalkboard trend by taking a frame and cutting a piece of sturdy cardboard or balsa wood to fit. Paint the board with chalkboard paint and, when dry, write festive messages on it such as ‘Goodwill to all men’ and ‘Santa Claus is coming to town!’.

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Sweetly scented

Tie together a bundle of cinnamon sticks with some red ribbon, then add a few dried orange slices beneath. Create a loop at the top using raffia and you’ve got the scent of Christmas in a tree ornament.

Mix things up a bit at the front door – instead of a traditional wreath, why not choose a couple of your favourite baubles to tie onto the knocker with some pretty ribbon?

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Vintage touch

Bring the feel of Christmases past to your table. Dress each napkin with a strip of ribbon, tuck a retro card behind and pin together with a vintage badge.

These idea s are great fo r using up your stash !

Garland trim

Embellish a lampshade by gluing on a felt garland. Keep the decoration simple and ensure that nothing comes into contact with the bulb.

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All doilied up

Create a thrifty-chic garland. Simply cut your doilies in half, then stitch along a piece of ribbon. No

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let it snow

Don’t rely on the British weather to bring a white Christmas – create your own wintry snow globes! HOW TO MAKE THE SNOW GLOBE Step 1 Use a strong adhesive to glue decorations to inside the lid of a jam jar. Opt for plastic decorations, rather than ceramic, as the paint on these would run in the water. We love retro cake toppers! Step 2 Fill the jar with water and add a tablespoon of glycerine and two teaspoons of glitter. Stay traditional with white glitter or experiment with different colours. Step 3 Be patient and wait for the glue to dry. Then, screw the lid on and turn upside down. Shake for a mini winter wonderland.

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sewing skills? Fold the doilies over the ribbon and glue.

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Better than bunting

Make a festive garland out of wrapping paper – concertina fold rectangles of the paper, then tie in the centres. Fan out each side to make a circle and glue together.

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Simple bauble

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Jingle bells

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Quick candle idea

Pick up a cheap foam ball and wrap it up in an offcut of Christmassy fabric. Secure tightly at the top with an elastic band. Tuck some holly, ivy or mistletoe into the band, then cover the elastic with ribbon and create a bow.

Make sure your Christmas surprises stay secret – hang some merry jingle bells on your door when you’re wrapping presents and no one will be able to sneak up on you!

Stick a small doily onto a jam jar, then tie a length of ribbon around it. Add a tealight candle and you’ve got a pretty light for your mantelpiece or hearth.

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Crafty cushions

Put offcuts of fabrics to go od use by combining them to create seasonal cushions. If you’re not handy with a sew ing machine, use felt and fab ric glue to create a simple winter scene.

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Taste of Christmas

al Whip up a batch of season h wit s jar te ora dec chutney and ric fab tic rus , els lab n itte handwr ’ve and dried bay leaves. If you n the th, too more of a sweet uld wo jam ne mulled wi look just as festive.

Ideas H DIY

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Felt tree decorations

Felt is amazing – easy to use, nice and vibrant, and hard wearing too. These decorations will last for years.

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Cute as a button

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Dress the doors

HOW TO MAKE THE DECORATIONS Step 1 Use a pencil or fabric marker pen to draw out your chosen shape. Also mark the positions of any buttons you’d like to add. Step 2 Cut out the shape using fabric scissors and then sew on the buttons. Ricrac ribbon is great on a tree decoration as miniature tinsel thanks to its zigzag edges – pin into place and sew. Step 3 For the trunk of a tree, wrap ribbon around the base, pin and sew into place. Step 4 Stitch a ribbon loop on top and hang it on your tree.

Create gorgeous button wreaths for your tree – choose coordinating colours and sizes, then feed onto some craft wire. Tie a ribbon around the wire join to hang them up.

Hang big pinecones from your kitchen cabinets and dresser door handles. Hot glue some ribbon to the base of the cone to make a loop, then cover the join with a bow.

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Learn a new skill

Why not pick up a new hobby this Christmas? You could learn how to knit your own stocking, crochet a wreath, or cross stitch a cosy cushion for your home.

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Crafty cornucopia

Roll up semicircles of kraft coloured paper to make rustic fillable cones for your tree. Create holes in either side and feed some twine through to hang from the fir. Fill with sweet treats.

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Presents and parcels

As an alternative to a Christmas tree (or as well as one!), why not create a gorgeous display of your presents in the run-up to the big day?

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Go nuts!

Fill a glass bowl with the fruits of the season – mix walnuts, hazelnuts and macadamias with colourful clementines, cranberries and even kumquats. You will need to replenish this one regularly, though – they are irresistible!

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Shining chandelier

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Chained together

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Button men

create a scarf out of ribbon to hide the join. Make a top hat out of felt and secure a loop behind, to hang.

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Feast for the eyes

If you’ve friends or family popping over for a mince pie, then make a feature out of your teatime treat. Place the pies onto a cake stand, dust with icing sugar and decorate with sprigs of fresh holly r u o y ft a – they’ll look just as good Cr h s li ty s t as they taste. mos

Christmas ever!

To create an elegant centrepiece hang a selection of harmonising baubles on long lengths of sheer ribbon from the ceiling or a light fitting – this looks spectacular over the centre of a dining table.

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Cookie cutter decorations

Create quirky tree ornaments with festive biscuit cutters – stick different coloured papers behind one side and attach a loop of ribbon.

The humble paper chain is a great project for the kids – sit them down with some colourful paper and some glue, pop a film on and they’ll be quiet for hours…

Use white buttons to create snowmen decorations. Glue a small button to the top of a large one, then

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PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.DUNELM.COM

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Make your house a warm and welcoming space ëLVVHDVRQ Home is where the heart is, and even more so at Christmas. Trim

the tree with handcrafted decorations and make your dinner table look extra special in preparation for the big feast! Evoke a winter landscape with flowers and berries, while glittering fairy lights and flickering candles create a cosy glow

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Twinkle, twinkle… DESIGNER: JULIET CARR, PHOTOGRAPHY: HOLLY JOLLIFFE AND EMMA MITCHELL

Whip up a galaxy of shining silver stars for your festive parties this year, using simply folded mirrored card

For the home H Silver stars

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YOu will need MIRRORED, PLAIN OR PATTERNED CARD OR GOOD-QUALITY (180GSM) PAPER

6LPSOHWRPDNHEXWRKVRHIIHFWLYH)Lç\RXU KRXVHZLëëHVHSUHWW\VWDUVWRPDNHVXUH\RXU &KULVWPDVUHDç\VKLQHVëLV\HDU

PENCIL SCISSORS OR CRAFT KNIFE METAL RULER SCORING TOOL, SUCH AS A BONE FOLDER – ALTERNATIVELY USE THE NON-SHARP SIDE OF YOUR SCISSORS 3MM PUNCH TOOL OR MINI HOLE PUNCH NARROW RIBBON, 3MM WIDE, FOR HANGING

HOW TO MAKE THE STAR Step 1 Position one of the scored star templates from page 156 on your chosen card and draw around it with a pencil. Step 2 Repeat if desired and then cut your stars out, using either scissors or a sharp craft knife.

Step 3 Turn the stars over and, following the template, use a metal ruler and pencil to draw the straight lines from the points It wouldn’t be Christmas without to the centre on the back of the star. Make a liberal sprinkling of stars, and sure your lines meet exactly at the midthese folded card versions are an point of the star (otherwise you’ll easy way to achieve this! lose the crispness of the form). They’re made from Turn your star over and lightly mirrored card but old draw in the shorter lines, Make in a greeting cards would from the inverted corners rainbow of also work extremely well. to the centre. for a

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co You can hang them child’s room individually on Step 4 Take your scissors or a Christmas tree, or make scoring tool and metal ruler several and arrange them at and start to score along your different heights in a cluster. In longer pencil lines. Do this with a fact, they’d look pretty displayed little pressure, but not so much that you at any time of year! will tear the paper or card. Turn over and

repeat the process on the shorter lines. Step 5 Using a little force with your fingers, squeeze and fold either side of one of the longer scored lines so that they are pushed backward. Do this on all five points. Then turn over and repeat on the shorter lines. Step 6 To hang the star, punch a small hole at the top of one of the star’s tips and thread through your ribbon. A mixture of large and small stars looks good when hung as a display.

$QGëHUHÐVPèH Paper Pom-poms And Other Party Decorations by Juliet Carr is published by CICO Books, priced £12.99. To buy a copy for the special price of £9.99 including free UK p&p, call 01256 302699 quoting EC8. For more information, please visit www.cicobooks.co.uk  

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For the home H Driftwood tree

FéRPMXQNWRIXQN Bring the seaside into your home with a spectacular driftwood Christmas tree by Pip Leyland

YOu will need SMALL TREE STUMP 1.2CM WOODEN DOWEL WOOD GLUE

The beautiful simplicity of bleached wood PDNHVëLVWUæLGHDOIèDKRPHëDWÐV GHFèDWHGLQDQHXWUDOFRORXUSDOHWWH

1.2CM WOOD DRILL SAW MEASURING TAPE WORKTOP WITH CLAMPS WOODEN MALLET STAR FOR THE TOP

Foraging is all the rage at the moment so why not incorporate this trend into making bespoke festive trimmings for your home? The great thing about this design is the endless possibilities it holds. We love the seaside, so we chose to use driftwood here; however, woodland or industrial themes would work just as well. The tree looks fantastic as it stands, or can be dressed up with fairy lights, baubles or tinsel, or you could even show your creative flair by getting your paints out. This is a great way to boost your eco brownie points too – it’s recycling at its best! HOW TO MAKE THE DRIFTWOOD TREE Step 1 Clean your pieces of wood with a brush and disinfectant and leave to dry completely before starting the project. Using the saw, cut your tree stump, making sure that the bottom side is completely flat. Test that it doesn’t wobble when placed upright – this is very important for the overall stability of the tree.

7RSWLS You can easily adapt the measurement of this tree to fit in with the wood you collect or the size of the room it’s going to be in.

Step 2 Cut the dowel 2.5cm longer than the height you would like the tree to stand. Don’t forget to add on the height of the tree stump when estimating this. Clamp the tree stump onto your workbench securely and mark the centre point with a pencil. Step 3 Choosing a drill bit that is the same diameter as the wooden dowel, drill 2.5cm deep into the centre of the tree stump using the pencil mark as a guide. Check the dowel fits and if it doesn’t, use the drill to cut a little more wood away from the edges. Blob a generous amount of wood glue into the hole and wiggle the dowel into it. The dowel needs to fit snugly into the hole and you can gently use a wooden mallet to tap it in further. Wipe any excess glue from the tree stump before it dries.

collected enough for back-up pieces. Step 6 Using the thinnest pieces of wood, cut enough lengths to cover the diameter of the bottom piece of dowel to form the trunk. Glue each piece in place and tie string around the ‘trunk’ to secure until dry.

Step 4 Lay your driftwood out onto the floor to make it easier to select the best pieces. Using the smallest piece first arrange the Step 7 Once dry, thread the wooden sticks into a Use your to longest piece of driftwood tree-shaped triangle with s winter walk r onto the dowel, place a little each piece slightly bigger find wood fo glue around the hole and than the last until it this project trunk and thread the next on measures the height of your top. Repeat until all the pieces dowel. Remember to leave an have been threaded onto the inch or two at the bottom and an dowel. Once all the branches have inch at the top of the dowel. been threaded, make sure the weight is evenly distributed. Step 5 Using the same drill bit and your workbench and clamps, drill holes in the Step 8 Leave to dry thoroughly overnight. middle of all your pieces of driftwood. To finish, choose your tree topper and Some of the smaller or dryer pieces may secure in place. crack or crumble, so make sure you have

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Great g stashbustin projects!

For the home H Découpage decorations

Layer it up Get creative with festive papers to make Pip Leyland’s beautiful découpage projects – they’ll wow your Christmas visitors

YOu will need WOODEN CAPITAL LETTERS PLANT POT CARDBOARD BIRD DECORATIONS POMPOM TRIM PVA GLUE PAINT BRUSH MIXING BOWL SHARP PENCIL SCISSORS SELECTION OF FESTIVE PAPERS – OLD WRAPPING PAPER, TISSUE PAPER OR DÉCOUPAGE PAPERS STRING BLU-TACK

Add an on-trend touch to your home with these stylish découpage makes, featuring oversized letters, an embellished plant pot and a hanging bird decoration. With so many gorgeous papers around, the possibilities to make your set unique are endless, whether you opt for classic colours or experiment with pastel shades. You can use any thickness of paper for the letters, but generally thicker is better. For the pot and bird you will need thin paper, such as wrapping or tissue paper.

Line up the edges of the letter with the edges of the paper to avoid waste. Draw around the letter in pencil, then cut out. Repeat for all the letters, using different papers for each one. Make a hole in the centre of the ‘O’ by placing Blu-Tack underneath it and stabbing with a pencil; this will enable you to cut out the centre without creasing the paper.

HOW TO MAKE THE LETTERS Step 1 Protect your workspace with some cardboard or a plastic sheet, then pour half a cup of PVA glue into a mixing bowl.

Step 4 Add a splash of water to the glue in the mixing bowl and stir well.

Step 2 Put a letter, wrong way around, onto the reverse of one of the festive papers.

Step 3 Use a paintbrush to coat each wooden letter with glue, then stick the corresponding paper letter on top; line up the edges exactly.

Step 5 Use the same paintbrush to coat the letter with the glue/water mix. This will seal the paper in place and give it a glossy finish. Leave overnight to dry completely.

HOW TO MAKE THE PLANT POT Step 1 Measure the plant pot, then cut your festive paper to this size plus a 6cm overlap to the height and a 4cm overlap to the diameter. Cut the paper in half so that you have two matching papers. Step 2 Use a paintbrush to coat the entire plant pot with PVA glue. Stick one half of the paper to the back of the pot and smooth into place, using your fingers to push out any wrinkles. Fold the extra paper under the bottom of the pot, making sure there are no big bumps and lumps that might make it sit wonky when upright. Step 3 Once you are happy with the back of the pot, then stick the front piece of paper in place. Add more glue to the overlapping paper and secure in place, folding the ends under the bottom of the pot, as before.

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For the home H Découpage decorations

Step 4 Measure the circumference and depth of the rim of the plant pot and cut a contrasting piece of festive paper, adding a 4cm overlap to each measurement. Cut this piece of paper lengthwise to make three long strips.

Step 7 Add a splash of water to the glue in the mixing bowl and stir well. Use a paintbrush to cover the entire plant pot with this glue/water mix to seal the paper and give it a glossy finish. Leave overnight to dry completely.

Step 5 Use a paintbrush to cover the rim of the plant pot in PVA glue. Starting at the back of the plant pot, attach the first strip of paper. You will need to make sure there is a straight line along the bottom edge of the rim, covering any overlapping paper from the body of the pot. Repeat until the rim is covered by the papers.

Step 8 Add a pompom trim just under the edge of the rim using PVA glue, to finish.

Step 6 Cut into the excess paper sticking up from the top of the pot at 1cm intervals. Fold these tabs over the top of the pot, using extra glue to secure them in place.

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HOW TO MAKE THE BIRD HANGINGS Step 1 Put the cardboard bird decorations, wrong way around, onto the reverse side of one of the festive papers. Draw around each bird (omitting the hanging loop) using pencil, then cut out. Step 2 Use a paintbrush to coat the right side of each bird with PVA glue, then stick the corresponding paper bird on top.

Step 3 Stick the two bird shapes together. Add scraps of paper between the two bird shapes to pad out and give them a 3D appearance. Step 4 Add a splash of water to the glue in the mixing bowl and stir well. Use the same paintbrush to coat the bird with this glue/ water mix. This will seal the papers in place and give the hanging bird a glossy finish. Leave overnight to dry completely Step 5 To make the hanging, tie a length of string through the loop at the top of the bird.

Catch me if you can! No baking is required for Manuela Trani’s supercute gingerbread man

ily Craft a fam of felties by e enlarging th s te la temp

For the home H Felt gingerbread man

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YOu will need LIGHT BROWN FELT PALE PINK FELT NATURAL WHITE FELT SIMPLE SEWING THREADS (SAME COLOURS AS FELT) BLACK EMBROIDERY THREAD POLYESTER TOY STUFFING NATURAL WHITE LACE RIBBON, 7MM WIDE TWO 10MM PALE PINK BUTTONS TWO 6MM BLACK ROUNDED GLASS BEADS 2MM SILVER SEED BEADS

Our little smiling gingerbread man is good enough to eat! Settle down and sew up this favourite storybook character to hang on the Christmas tree or in a child’s bedroom. If you’re new to felt craft then he’s a lovely project to start with, as he only requires basic sewing skills. One of these felt cuties would make a great role play toy for children, too, so why not package up one alongside a copy of the book to make a wonderful gift for a young child? HOW MAKE THE GINGERBREAD MAN Step 1 Photocopy and cut out all the pattern pieces from page 156. Place the head template on light brown felt and trace it, using a pencil. Cut out the felt head piece leaving an approx. 5mm seam allowance from the pencil trace. Use this head piece as a template to cut out a second head piece. Step 2 Use the paper template to cut out one body. Sew a 3.5cm piece of natural white lace ribbon at both arms and legs of

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the gingerbread man, using whipstitch and matching thread. Fold the ribbon’s ends and secure them at the back with a couple of stitches inside the felt (don’t sew all the way through the felt). Add two 10mm pink buttons to the gingerbread man’s tummy when done. Step 3 Pin the icing paper template on natural white felt and cut out one felt icing piece, leaving an approx. 5mm seam allowance from the top edge. Cut two 9-10mm dots from pale pink felt to make the cheeks. Step 4 Outline the pencil trace on the head piece with a few pins or make a simple basting along the pencil trace with white thread that you’ll remove later. This will help you keep your stitching within the pencil trace. Turn the head piece so that the pencil trace is at the back, pin the icing piece in place and sew along its bottom edge only, using whipstitch and matching natural white thread. Backstitch a little smiling mouth using black embroidery thread separated in half (3 strands).

For the home H Felt gingerbread man

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'HOLJKWFKLOGUHQDQGDGXOWVDOLNHëLV &KULVWPDVE\åLQJLQJDIDYRXULWHIDLU\WDOH FKDUDFWHUWROLIHLQIHOW Whipstitch the pink cheeks as well. Remove all of the pins and basting when complete. Step 5 Pin the two head pieces together wrong side out and start sewing along the pencil trace from the head’s bottom, leaving a small 2cm opening to insert the polyester toy stuffing. Sew very small backstitches in matching brown thread and pull the thread firmly at each stitch. Carefully trim off the seam allowance when done. Turn the head right side out and stuff it. Leave the gap open. Step 6 Cut out a second body piece. Pin the two body pieces together and start sewing from one side of the neck, leaving the top open for stuffing. Use blanket stitch and matching brown thread. Stuff the arms and legs first. Sew up the gap when done.

Step 7 Take a 15cm piece of pale pink cotton thread and knot its ends together to make a hanging loop. Use a larger needle to poke the loop through the gingerbread man’s head opening and out on its top. Step 8 To add the silver seed beads onto the icing of the gingerbread man’s head, poke a needle with white thread in between the icing whipstitches. Pull the thread until the knot disappears underneath, stitch all the beads in place and secure the thread with a hidden knot under one bead when done. Step 9 To add the eyes, poke the needle with black thread through the head’s opening and out just above one cheek. Add one black bead, poke the needle inside the head again and out above the

other cheek. Add the second black bead. Repeat to make sure both eyes are attached firmly to the head. Secure the thread with a hidden knot under one bead when done. Step 10 Pin the head to the body (the neck hidden inside the head completely) and sew the gingerbread man together using ladder stitch. To make a tiny bow tie, cut a 2.5x1.5cm piece from pale pink felt and wrap a piece of matching pink thread right at its centre a couple of times. Pull firmly and secure the thread with a knot at the back. Add the bow tie to the gingerbread man’s neck with a couple of stitches and embellish it with a silver seed bead in the middle.

0DQXHOD7éDQL Find more fab felties on designer Manuela Trani’s Etsy shop at www.manufatti.etsy. com. And keep up with her free tutorials and inspiration at www.manufatti.blogspot.co.uk

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STYLING AND DECORATIONS BY WWW.SAINSBURYS.CO.UK

Trends H Golden

Golden glamour Nothing says festive luxury more than décor based around gold accents, whether you use it subtly or go for fully glamorous accessories…

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This lavish décor will shine in the candlelight!

A touch of sparkle +

Pick up plain wooden shapes from your local craft shop and coat with gold paint and then add glitter to give them the wow factor. We love these fretwork decorations from www.tch.net

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Dazzling display

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Take a leaf out of our book and make a wreath this season that’s more striking than the usual red and green offering. Tie leaves around a wire circle then spray them with gold paint or try this wreath from www.marksandspencer.com

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Picture perfect

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Trawl antiques shops and reclamation yards for old gilt frames, then use them to show off vintage-style decorations for a classy display that’s actually super-simple to put together. From www.rigbyandmac.com  y

Sheer opulence y

Old tree decorations can easily be given a glamorous makeover by spraying them with glitter paint – you’ll create an extra luxurious look in a matter of moments. Or buy a gold decoration like this one from www.sainsburys.co.uk

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Golden highlights +

Glam up plain white tableware by adding gilt highlights with specialist paint or go for these fab items from www.wilko.com

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Time to party +

Holding a few festive gatherings this year? Give your guests stylish treat cones. Easily create them from gold card, then hang from gold ribbon and decorate with organza or silk bows like these from www.dunelm.com

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Uses whole cross stitch tch and backsti only

Touch of luxe Spread joy and happiness with Emma Congdon’s stylish sayings, framed inside a golden hoop for a fabulous festive finish

For the home H Cross stitched hoops

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YOu will need

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15x15CM FOR EACH DESIGN 13CM WOODEN CRAFT HOOPS GOLD ACRYLIC PAINT RIBBON MEASUREMENTS 9.5x9CM ON 14-COUNT FABRIC

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The season of good cheer is nearly with us, so let’s celebrate in stitches! We love the clever way that these cross stitched designs use festive words to create a striking decoration. They’re also a great way to incorporate the current typography trend into your home in a crafty way. Worked in sumptuous shades of gold and purple, these classic designs are sure to be brought out year after year to adorn your home. The real beauty of these, however, is that they use whole stitches and backstitch only, so you’ll be able to complete them in no time at all! To finish the Christmas look, display your work in wooden hoops that you’ve painted with gold acrylic paint. So simple yet so pretty!

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For the home H Crochet fairy lights

String it out! Add a splash of colour to your walls with Liz Ward’s cool crocheted fairy light bunting. No need to check if the bulbs are blown with these!

YOu will need RICO ESSENTIALS COTTON DK (100%

Substitute es pastel shad e for a vintag look

COTTON, 50G/130M) IN RED (02), FUCHSIA (14), GREY (25),TURQUOISE (33), ROYAL (36), EMERALD (45) AND BANANA (63) FOR YARN STOCKISTS, SEE PAGE 162 3.5MM CROCHET HOOK WOOL NEEDLE TOY STUFFING MEASUREMENTS 127CM LONG ABBREVIATIONS FOR A FULL LIST SEE PAGE 155

Handmade bunting is always a great item to make at Christmas, as it can be re-used each year. Try our crochet fairy lights, which combine traditional shapes with funky colours. HOW TO MAKE THE LIGHTS Make 12 (two in each colour – start each one in Grey yarn). Start with 6dc into magic ring. 6sts. Round 1 (Dc in next st, 2dc in next), repeat to end. [9 sts] Round 2 (Dc into each of next 2 sts, 2dc in next), repeat to end. [12 sts] Change to bulb colour after round 2. Round 3 (Dc into next st, 2dc in next st), repeat to the end. [18 sts] Round 4 Dc in each st to the end. [18 sts] Round 5 (Dc in the first 2sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. [24 sts] Rounds 6-8 Dc in each st to the end. [24 sts] Round 9 (Dc2tog, dc in next 10 sts) repeat to end. [22 sts] Round 10 (Dc2tog, dc in next 9 sts) repeat to end. [20 sts] Round 11 (Dc2tog, dc in next 8 sts) repeat to end. [18 sts]

Round 12 (Dc2tog, dc in next 7 sts) repeat to end. [16 sts] Round 13 (Dc2tog, dc in next 6sts) repeat to end. [14 sts] Round 14 (Dc2tog, dc in next 5sts) repeat to end. [12 sts] Round 15 (Dc2tog, dc in next 4sts) repeat to end. [10 sts] Round 16 (Dc2tog, dc in next 3sts) repeat to end. [8 sts] Fill with stuffing. Round 17 (Dc2tog, dc in next 2sts) repeat to end. [6 sts] Cut the yarn leaving a long tail and pull through the loop to secure.

Using a wool needle, weave the yarn through the last 6 sts and pull tight to close. Weave in the yarn ends and cut off the remaining yarn. HOW TO MAKE THE TAPE Make one in Grey yarn. Ch261. Dc in second ch from hook, (dc in next 20 ch sts, slip stitch in the top of a bulb to attach it to the tape). Repeat until you have connected all the bulbs along the tape, evenly spaced, dc in the remaining ch sts. Weave in and cut off any loose ends.

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Handmade H Crochet Crown

For the home H Button baubles

Vintage charm Dip into your button box to make Dorothy Wood’s stunning baubles in pretty shades of cream, ivory and gold

YOu will need THREE POLYSTYRENE SHAPES, ABOUT 8CM IN SIZE MIXTURE OF IVORY, CREAM AND

:KDWEHWWHUZD\WRPDNHXVHRIëDW FRçHFWLRQRIEXWWRQV\RXÐYHEæQVDYLQJXS IèDVSHFLDORFFDVLRQ"

GOLD BUTTONS HOT GLUE GUN AND GLUE STICKS 7MMx1M COFFEE-COLOURED ORGANZA RIBBON 35G TUB SEQUIN/BEAD PINS IN GOLD OR BRASS 30x4MM GOLD BEADS 20G OF SIZE 8 AND 11 SEED BEADS IN IVORY AND GOLD BAMBOO SKEWER

If you’ve been hoarding a selection of pretty vintage buttons, now’s your chance to show them off! If you’re not a button collector, however, then you can look in charity shops or online, or raid the button boxes of relatives who have been keeping hold of their spares for years. It takes several handfuls of buttons to make each bauble, so you can add some unusually shaped ones to the mix to make them more interesting. HOW TO MAKE THE BAUBLES Step 1 Begin with the round bauble. Plug in the glue gun with a glue stick inserted, and bring up to temperature. Apply some glue to a small area, about postage stamp size, and then stick buttons onto the area, butting the edges together.

Top tip! Sort your buttons before you start to ensure there’s an even distribution of distinctive buttons for each bauble.

the pointed end of the skewer so that the knot is on the surface. Leave to dry.

Step 2 Continue to apply the glue to the Step 4 Fill in the gaps between the buttons bauble in small areas, adding large with different sized seed beads and buttons from time to time as well small round gold beads. Use the as the smaller buttons. If a sequin pins to add one bead button has a shank you can at a time, pushing the pins cut it off using pliers or Use this firmly into the polystyrene overlap it slightly with technique to using the flat end of the the flatter buttons. in decorate pla s skewer. e wooden box Step 3 Once the whole Step 5 When making the shape is covered, use the heart and star baubles, choose handle of a fine paintbrush or a buttons that fit over the edges and skewer to pierce a small, single hole around the flatter shapes. The star is about 1cm deep between the buttons at particularly tricky, and you’ll need to the top of the decoration. Fold a 25cm graduate the sizes of the buttons down length of ribbon in half and tie an overhand each spike and glue small buttons over the knot about 1.5cm from the cut ends. Apply gap between the rows of buttons. Again, a small amount of hot glue into the hole fill any small gaps with beads. and then push the tails into the hole with

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DESIGNER: CLARE YOUNG, PHOTOGRAPHY: CLAIRE RICHARDSON

ur Light up yo table this Christmas!

For the home H Foil candle holders

0DUYHçRXVPHWDçLFV Try something different for your Christmas decorations this year with a set of striking foil candle holders

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YOu will need TRACING PAPER

These unusual candle holders are based on the Mexican tradition of punched tinware. As well as looking fab, they’re also very easy to make.

PENCIL SCISSORS 2 SHEETS OF THICK FOIL (AVAILABLE FROM CRAFT SUPPLY STORES OR USE

Step 1 Copy and enlarge the horse template and patterns on page 156 onto tracing paper and cut out the horse shape.

A DISPOSABLE FOIL ROASTING TRAY), MEASURING APPROX. 21x25CM OLD BALLPOINT PEN 3 CANDLES STRONG DOUBLE-SIDED TAPE OR GLUE 3 SMALL METAL TART TINS TO PLACE THE CANDLES IN (YOU CAN USE SMALL GLASS CANDLE HOLDERS, BUT MAKE SURE THAT ANYTHING YOU USE IS VERY STABLE)

Step 2 Lay the template on a piece of foil. Draw around the template with a ballpoint pen – an old one that has run out of ink is ideal. Press firmly to make a clear indented line. It may help to place the foil on a newspaper or magazine, as this will allow you to make a deeper indentation. Cut out the horse shape. Take care, as the edges are sharp, and do not use your best fabric scissors as the blades will blunt very easily. Step 3 Lay the traced template on the foil horse and draw over the lines with the ballpoint pen, pressing firmly to transfer the pattern.

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Step 4 Place the horse next to the candle. Take a strip of foil approximately 2cm wide. Bend it into a ring and use double-sided tape or glue to stick it to the back of the horse, so that it fits snugly around the candle and the horse’s feet are level with the bottom of the candle. Step 5 Repeat steps 1-4 to make the heart and circle decorations, using the templates. Place the decorated candle in the tart tin or holder. Repeat to make two more foil candle holders.

AnGëeUHÐVPèH… Handmade Christmas is published by CICO Books at £14.99. To purchase a copy at the special price of £10.99 including free UK p&p, call 01256 302699 quoting EE2. For more information, please visit www.cicobooks.co.uk

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t Have a go a g needle feltin technique!

For the home H Felt snowmen

Smiling snowmen These needle-felted cuties will make a lovely set of decorations for your home this festive season! By Vicky Craxton

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It’s snow time! These snowmen are made by felting yarn with a needle and will last for years to come. Once they’re created, we guarantee that they’ll be brought out for many Christmases to come. Each one has a snuggly hat and a scarf, plus chunky mittens to keep them cosy. You can really enjoy yourself by making each snowman unique, and varying the colours in the accessories and details. Needle felting is a fun craft to try, and we guarantee that once you’ve made one snowman, you’ll end up making a whole family! ‘Roving’ is wool that hasn’t been spun into yarn. It’s also called ‘combed tops’ and is easily available online. HOW TO MAKE THE SNOWMEN Step 1 For the body, tightly roll about 8g of white wool into a ball, and stab with the needle until it forms a solid ball. Turn it continuously while you stab to keep the ball shape. Add layers of the wool to make the ball bigger until it is about 6cm tall. Try to flatten the bottom by stabbing it with the needle and shaping it with your thumbs. This will help the body to stand upright when it’s finished. Step 2 For the head, tightly roll about 5g of white wool into a ball and stab with the needle until it forms a solid ball. Add layers of the wool to make the ball bigger until you have your required head size for the

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body. Hold the head on top of the body and, with the needle, stab the bottom of the head onto the top of the body until it stays fixed.

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YOu will need 160G OF WHITE MERINO WOOL ROVING

Step 3 For the arms, cut a 10cm length of white wool and fold it in half. Leaving one end fluffy, stab this with the needle to make a solid arm shape. Place the arm onto the body and start by stabbing the fluffy end onto the body first. Then stab the edges of the arm to secure it to the body.

7G OF BLUE ROVING 3G OF LIGHT GREEN ROVING 2G OF YELLOW ROVING 4G OF LIGHT PURPLE ROVING 4G OF BROWN ROVING 4G OF RED ROVING 6G OF BLACK ROVING 1G OF ORANGE ROVING

Step 4 For the mittens, cut a thin 5cm length of coloured roving and wrap it over the end of the arm as a hand. Stab this in place with the needle until it sticks. Roll a very small piece of the roving into a ball, line up the cuff edge and stab this at the side of the coloured hand to form a solid thumb shape.

SMALL AMOUNT OF BABY PINK AND DARK GREEN ROVING SIZES 38 AND 40 FELTING NEEDLES NEEDLE-FELTING FOAM PAD MEASUREMENTS BOBBLE HAT SNOWMAN 11x8.5x6CM EARMUFFS SNOWMAN

Step 5 For the bobble hat, cut an 18cm length of light green roving, pull apart slightly and fluff up. Wrap this around the head to form a rough hat shape and stab in place with the needle. When this is fixed and is a solid hat shape, wrap a thin strip of yellow roving around the bottom of the hat and stab this until it fixes. Then make a ball with some yellow roving and fix this to the end of the hat by stabbing it in place.

9.5x8.5x6CM CLOCHE HAT SNOWMAN 9.5x9x6CM TOP HAT SNOWMAN 12x8.5x6CM

Step 6 For the cloche hat, start in the same way as the bobble hat to fix the purple

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For the home H Felt snowmen

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$JèJHRXVTXDUWHWRIIXQGHFèDWLRQV ëDWDUHGHàQLWHO\VHWWREHFRPHSDUWRI\RXU IDPLO\ÐV&KULVWPDVWUDGLWLRQV roving to the head. Cut another length of the purple roving so it is long enough to wrap around the bottom of the hat. Roll it into a sausage shape and stab with the needle to make a solid brim shape. Attach this to the hat by wrapping it around the bottom, and by stabbing the side that touches the hat until it fixes. While the brim is fixed, you can stab it to make it more solid. To add a band, wrap a thin strip of yellow roving around the bottom edge of the hat and stab it in place. Step 7 For the earmuffs, make two blue balls using the same technique as before, but as you stab, squeeze each one into a flatter shape. Fix onto each side of the head by stabbing them in place. Then cut a thin 6cm length of blue roving and fix to the top of the head so it joins up the earmuffs.

6DIHW\àUVW When stabbing the wool, rest it on the foam pad – do not place it directly on the table.

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HANDMADE CHRISTMAS

Step 8 For the top hat, cut a 20cm length of black roving and roll it up into a cylinder shape. Stab this with the needle until it is solid. Cut a 10cm length of black roving, fold it up and stab into a solid disc shape as the brim. Fix this on top of the head by stabbing it in place, then add the hat on top of the brim by stabbing the bottom edges of the hat. To add a band, wrap a thin strip of red roving around the hat and stab it in place.

Step 11 For the snowman’s buttons, roll up two small pieces of black roving and stab in place on the tummy of the snowman. Keep stabbing them to form two solid circles. Step 12 For the snowman’s eyes, roll up two 2cm pieces of black roving into balls. Stab them in place onto the face. Lightly stab each ball until they become more solid. Step 13 For the snowman’s cheeks, take two very thin pieces of pink roving and lightly stab them in place to make rosy cheeks on each side of the face. Step 14 For the snowman’s eyebrows and smile, take a thin length of black roving and twist it in between your fingers so that it becomes like thread. Lightly stab in place to form the features.

Step 9 For the snowman’s scarf, cut a 20cm length of coloured roving of your choice and stab into a long solid shape, but leave the ends fluffy. Wrap it Use one as s tma around the neck so the a fun Chris r! ends cross over at the front, tree toppe and stab it in place. Step 10 For the nose, cut a thin 4cm length of orange roving and fold it in half. Stab this into a solid carrot shape and leave the end fluffy. Attach this to the face by stabbing the fluffy end of the nose to the head until it is secure.

Step 15 For the holly leaves, cut a thin 2cm length of dark green roving and fold it in half. Stab it in place on the hat or earmuffs and shape the leaf by stabbing the required areas inwards. For the berry, roll a small piece of red roving into a ball and stab it in between the leaves to cover the join, until solid and fixed in place.

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Making scents

PHOTOGRAPHY: DARREN CHUNG, MICHELLE GARRETT AND PAUL RYAN-GOFF, STYLING: EMMA VOWLES AND SOPHIE ROBINSON

Create your own delicious xing smelling pot pourri by mi , ise an r sta es, ng ora ed dri d an eg tm cinnamon, cloves, nu e ros few a h bay leaves, wit petals and pine cones to decorate.

Ideas H Flowers

10 simple flower ideas Get out your vintage vases and vessels, and fill them with seasonal blooms for easy yet striking festive displays

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Natural flourish

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Build your own wreath

Use ribbons to tie small sprigs of mistletoe to Christmas gifts. Not only will they make the wrapping much prettier, they’ll look stunning arranged underneath the tree, too.

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Decorate your door with this pretty circlet of hellebores and ivy.

HOW TO MAKE THE WREATH Step 1 Wire in flat moss, thistles and lichen-covered fruit-tree twigs such as apple onto a wire wreath base. Step 2 Build up the wreath by twisting some ivy through the twigs, poking the ends into the damp moss. In our example, we’ve added some battery-powered fairy lights and silver-frosted birch twigs. Step 3 Add some fake hellebores (fresh ones are too unstable). Twist them into the twigs and attach with wire. Step 4 Add a ribbon and hang up. Spray with water about three times a week.

Places please

Set a pretty place using a hand-tied mix of larch twig, thistle and a couple of ivy leaves. Write your guest’s name in a place-set bauble ‒ visit www.confetti.co. uk or www.favourfairy.co.uk

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Dressing up

wrap around

Make your staircase the star of the show this Christmas by creating a festive display. Tie small branches of fir and ivy to the banisters with florist wire, then decorate by arranging bunches of roses, dried oranges and cinnamon sticks and attach at intervals. If you’ve children in the house, use artificial roses for a sturdier arrangement.

Window vases are plentiful in the nation’s charity shops and sit beautifully on shelving and window sills. Fill with oasis, then add steel berries, white hellebores, white carnations, silversprayed silver birch, snowberries, Christmas tree offcuts, acacia, ivy and larch twigs to create a beautiful display that will wow your guests.

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Tree trimmings

A door swag makes a great change from a wreath. Start with an offcut of Christmas tree, then layer with holly, ivy and berries. Secure with gardening string and tie a contrasting ribbon around it.

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Festive makeover

Rustic choice

Recycle a simple jam jar and fill with an exuberant display of hydrangea, amaryllis and tendrils of ivy. For a cooler and less traditional palette, choose blue hydrangeas and white amaryllis. Add to the sense of occasion by sitting the jar inside a basic wreath.

Use what you already have in the house and give it a Christmassy twist. Select some of your normal houseplants and pop the tubs into a fabric

bag. Choose a fabric and make into a bucket shape by hemming the raw edges along the top, then tie with a ribbon.

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Crowning glory

For a glamorous cake display, stack two cake stands on top of each other then fill the bottom tier with rose heads and intersperse with currants. Finish with a ring of washed ivy. Add further flowers and currants to the top of the icing.

Be sure ur to check yo l n fi florist’s a te deliver y da

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUTH JENKINSON

Make this decoration in under an hour!

For the home H Pompom baubles

)HVWLYHáXIàQHVV Enhance plain glass baubles with tiny handmade pompoms for a yarntastic tree decoration

YOu will need SMALL AMOUNTS OF RED, WHITE AND GREEN YARN SCRAP OF RED SATIN RIBBON, 3MM WIDE GLASS BAUBLE OF THE DESIRED SIZE (ONE USED HERE HAS A 9CM DIAMETER) THAT CAN BE OPENED FROM THE TOP SIZE 25MM POMPOM MAKER (YOU CAN ALSO USE CARDBOARD DISCS OR A FORK) EGG CUP

In classic Christmas colours, these cute little pompom baubles are such a fun project! You can also experiment with different ideas, such as using tinsel yarn to make the pompoms, including more of them or adding embellishments inside the bauble such as rhinestones or sequins. HOW TO MAKE THE POMPOM BAUBLE Step 1 Remove the bauble top and place to one side. Sit the glass bauble on the egg cup to stop it from rolling away. Step 2 Make up two pompoms in each colour of yarn, so you have six in total. Trim each pompom into a neat ball. Step 3 Once you are happy that all six pompoms are of equal size and shaped carefully, insert them into the glass bauble.

Use the top of a pen rather than your finger – glass baubles can break easily. A little pressure should be enough to push them through the neck of the bauble. Step 4 To finish, carefully replace the bauble top and add some red ribbon to allow it to hang. Trim to the desired length and secure with a knot.

$QGëHUHÐVPèH 20 To Make: Pompom Christmas by Alistair Macdonald is published by Search Press and is priced £4.99. For more information about the book, please visit www.searchpress.com

7KHFUHDWLYHSRVVLELOLWLHVIèFRPELQLQJ SRPSRPVDQGEDXEOHVDUHHQGOHVVÍKDYH IXQVæLQJZKDW\RXFRPHXSZLë

Top tip! Never use a metal instrument to push the pompoms into the bauble, as this may accidentally crack the glass.

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Make a house a home Celebrate your space this Christmas by crocheting a fun festive hanging that the whole family will love

For the home H Crochet banner

YOu will need DMC NATURA JUST COTTON (100% COTTON, 50G/155M), 1 BALL OF EACH: YARN A: GREEN VALLEY (N14) YARN B: PASSION (N23) YARN C: CHARTREUSE (N48) FOR YARN STOCKISTS, SEE PAGE 162 3MM CROCHET HOOK YARN NEEDLE TO DARN IN ENDS MEASUREMENTS 16x16CM APPROX. PER PANEL ABBREVIATIONS FOR A FULL LIST, SEE PAGE 155

Spell out your favourite place in yarn! This sweet hanging is made in double crochet, meaning that it’s a great project for beginners and intermediate crocheters. This 100% cotton 4ply yarn from DMC is super soft to craft with and gives a lovely matt finish. We’ve used classic shades of red and green here, but as there are 60 colours of Natura Just Cotton, you can easily change them to match your chosen décor. HOW TO MAKE THE HANGING Background panel Using Yarn A: Row 1: 27ch, 1dc in 2nd ch from hook, 1dc in next 25 ch, turn. [26 sts] Rows 2-30: 1ch (does not count as st), 1dc in each dc, turn.

1dc in next 26dc, 2dc in next dc, ss to 1st ch, turn. [120 sts] Row 3: 1ch, (2dc in next dc, 1dc in next 29dc) 4 times, ss to 1st ch, turn. [124 sts]. Row 4: 1ch, (2dc in next dc, 1dc in next 30dc) 4 times, ss to 1st ch, fasten off and sew in ends. [128 sts]

EDGING Continue working in yarn A. Row 1: 1ch (does not count as st), 2dc in next dc, 1dc in next 24dc, 4dc in next dc, working in row ends, miss 1st row, (1dc in next 5 rows, HOW TO MAKE THE “H” miss next row) 4 times, 1dc in next Row 1: With yarn B, 33ch, 1dc in 2nd ch 4dc, miss next row, working along from hook, 1dc in next 8ch, 10ch, 1dc in other side of starting ch in unused 2nd ch from hook, 1dc in next 8 ch, 1dc in loops, 4dc in next ch, 1dc in next next 14ch, 10ch, 1dc in 2nd ch from hook, 24ch, 4dc in next ch, working 1dc in next 8 ch, 1dc in next 9ch, turn. in row ends, miss 1st row, [53ch and 50dc] (1dc in next 5 rows, Row 2: 1ch, 3dc in next dc, 1dc miss next row) 4 in next 16dc, 3dc in next dc, r This banne times, 1dc in next working along other side of is crocheted 4dc, 2dc in last row. ch in unused loops, miss 1st c using just d Change to border colour, ch, 3dc in next ch, 1dc in stitches (we have used the same yarn next 7ch, dc3tog, 1dc in next colour for the edging as each 10dc, dc3tog, 1dc in next 7dc, letter). 3dc in next dc, working along To join round, ss to 1st ch, do not other side of ch in unused loops, turn. [112 sts] miss 1st ch, 3dc in next ch, 1dc in next 8 ch, Row 2: 1ch (does not count as st), working 1dc in next 8 dc, 3dc in next dc, working in back loops only, 2dc in next dc, (1dc in along other side of ch in unused loops, next 26dc, 2dc in each of next 2dc) 3 times, miss 1st ch, 3dc in next ch, 1dc in next 7ch, dc3tog, 1dc in next 10ch, dc3tog, 1dc in next 7ch, 3dc in next ch, ss to 1st ch, turn. [108 sts] Row 3: 1ch, 1dc in next dc, *3dc in next dc, If you’re an experienced crocheter, you can 1dc in next 7dc, dc3tog, 1dc in next 8dc, adapt the pattern so that the letters spell out dc3tog, 1dc in next 7dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc NOEL, or experiment to create the initials of in next 2dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next your loved ones. 18dc, 3dc in next dc, ** 1dc in next 2dc, rep from * to **, 1dc in next dc, ss to 1st ch,

Top tip!

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HANDMADE CHRISTMAS

For the home H Crochet banner

turn. [116 sts] Fasten off and sew in ends. HOW TO MAKE THE “O” With yarn C, 36ch, taking care not to twist, ss tog to form a loop. Row 1: 1ch, (2dc in next dc, 1dc in next 5dc) 6 times, ss to 1st ch, turn. [42 sts] Row 2: 1ch, 1dc in next 2dc, (2dc in next dc, 1dc in next 6dc) 5 times, 2dc in next dc, 1dc in next 4dc, ss to 1st ch, turn. [48 sts] Row 3: 1ch, (2dc in next dc, 1dc in next 7dc) 6 times, ss to 1st ch, turn. [54 sts] Row 4: 1ch, 1dc in next 3dc, (2dc in next dc, 1dc in next 8dc) 5 times, 2dc in next dc, 1dc in next 5dc, ss to 1st ch, turn. [60 sts] Row 5: 1ch, (2dc in next dc, dc in next 9dc) 6 times, ss to 1st ch. [66 sts] Fasten off and sew in ends. HOW TO MAKE THE “M” Row 1: With yarn B, 54ch, 1dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next 16 ch, 2dc in each of next 2 ch, 1dc in next 6 ch, dc3tog, 1dc in next 6 ch, 2dc in each of next 2 ch, 1dc in next 17 ch, turn. (54ch and 55dc). Row 2: 1ch, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 16 dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 2 dc, 2dc in next dc, 1dc in next 5 dc, dc3tog, 1dc in

next 5 dc, 2dc in next dc, 1dc in next 2 dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 16 dc, 3dc in next dc, working along other side of ch in unused loops, miss 1st ch, 3dc in next ch, 1dc in next 14 ch, dc5tog, 1dc in next 6 ch, 3dc in next ch, 1dc in next 6 ch, dc5tog, dc in next 14 ch, 3dc in next ch, ss to 1st ch, turn. [114 sts] Row 3: 1ch, 1dc in next dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 13 dc, dc5tog, 1dc in next 5 dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 5 dc, dc5tog, 1dc in next 13 dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 2dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 18 dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 3 dc, 2dc in next dc, 1dc in next 5 dc, dc3tog, 1dc in next 5 dc, 2dc in next dc, 1dc in next 3 dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 18 dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next dc, ss to 1st ch, turn. [120 sts] Fasten off and sew in ends. HOW TO MAKE THE “E” Row 1: With yarn C, 41ch, 1dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next 11 ch, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 14 ch, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 12 ch, turn. (41ch and 44dc). Row 2: 1ch, 3dc in next dc, dc in next 12 dc,

+DYHIXQKRRNLQJXSëLVFKæUIXOEDQQHU DQGVSHçLQJRXW\RXUIDYRXULWHSODFHWR EHLQFURFKHWHGVWLWFKHV 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 16 dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 12 dc, 3dc in next dc, working along other side of ch in unused loops, miss 1st ch, 3dc in next ch, 1dc in next 10 ch, dc3tog, 1dc in next 6 ch, 5ch, 1dc in 2nd ch from hook, 1dc in next 3 ch, 1dc in next 6 ch, dc3tog, 1dc in next 10 ch, 3dc in next dc, ss to 1st ch, turn. (5ch and 96dc). Row 3: 1ch, 1dc in next dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 10 dc, dc3tog, 1dc in next 4 dc, dc3tog, 1dc in next dc, 3dc in next dc, working along other side of ch in unused loops, miss 1st ch, 3dc in next ch, 1dc in next ch, dc3tog, 1dc in next 4 dc, dc3tog, 1dc in next 10 dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 2 dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next

14 dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 18 dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next 14 dc, 3dc in next dc, 1dc in next dc, ss to 1st ch, turn. [108 sts] Fasten off and sew in ends. TO MAKE UP Lay your finished green squares on a flat surface and carefully position each letter centrally on a square. Using the same coloured yarn as each letter, carefully sew in place with small neat stitches. Try to make sure the stitches do not show on the reverse of the squares. Using yarn B, make a long enough ch to hang your hanging. With right side facing dc a row from the top right hand corner of the “E” square working into the back loops for each dc. Continue across the top straight edge. Then work 7ch for the space. Repeat for letters “M”, “O” and “H” squares. Make another ch the same length as the first for hanging. Turn. Continue to work dc across the chain and the other dc. Fasten off and sew in ends.

$QGëHUHÐVPèH This pattern is from DMC. To see more crochet and knitting patterns and their full range of yarn, go to www.dmccreative.co.uk

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STYLING AND DECORATIONS BY WWW.PAPERCHASE.CO.UK

Trends H Nordic

Nordic wonderland Nordic style has always been a favourite. Emphasise the great outdoors with natural shades combined with reindeers, pine trees and bears

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Paper polar pals +

Polar Bear, Rudolf, Partridge, Robin and Chris-Mouse are fun make-them-yourself place settings for the Christmas table. Name cards are included in the kit and kids will love getting involved in putting these together. From www.clareloves.co.uk

Cosy cup +

Cable knit fabrics keep out the winter chill while adding to the Nordic look. Use on soft furnishings or knit up some mug cosies! Perfect for leaving out with mince pies on Christmas Eve, this cable knit-style mug is from www.marquisanddawe.co.uk

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Shades of nature

l Blend natura r fo materials a calming festive room

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Pair neutral tones and rustic browns with fresh greens to bring the Nordic landscape into your home. We love this Scandi tree decoration from www.paperchase.co.uk

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Bear necessity

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Nobody’s Nordic décor would be complete without a polar bear cushion on the sofa to add a touch of authenticity! Cuddle up to this cute fella over the holidays – he’s available from direct. asda.com/george

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Perfect pine cones +

Put those pine cones collected on winter walks to good use! Give them a festive finish by spraying the tops with white paint for a snow capped look, or try these ready-to-hang tree decorations from www. poundland.co.uk

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Rustic garland +

Featuring metal cut-out silhouettes of Christmas trees and reindeer, this garland will dress your tree without the need to use tinsel and baubles. Available from www.theorchardhomeandgifts.com

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Festive sparkle Bring Christmas cheer to your home with these Nordic-inspired knitted baubles by Jane Burns

For the home H Knitted baubles

YOu will need SIRDAR COUNTRY STYLE DK (40% NYLON, 30% WOOL, 30% ACRYLIC, 50G/155M), 1 BALL OF EACH: YARN A: CREAM (411) YARN B: GARNET (418) FOR YARN STOCKISTS, SEE PAGE 162 A PAIR OF 3.25MM DOUBLE-POINTED NEEDLES 0.75MM CROCHET HOOK FOR PLACING BEADS ONE PACK OF DEBBIE ABRAHAMS SIZE 6 SEED BEADS, COLOUR 34 TOY STUFFING TENSION 25 STS AND 34 ROWS TO 10CM OVER ST ST ON 3.25MM NEEDLES MEASUREMENTS 23CM CIRCUMFERENCE ABBREVIATIONS PLACE BEAD SLIP A BEAD ONTO THE CROCHET HOOK, AND INSERT HOOK INTO NEXT STITCH KNITWISE. TRANSFER STITCH TO HOOK, AND DRAW YARN THROUGH BEAD TO CREATE A LOOP. PLACE LOOP BACK ONTO LH NEEDLE AND KNIT. FOR A FULL LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS, SEE PAGE 154

Scandinavian-style stars in stranded colourwork and beading decorate these quick-to-knit baubles by Jane Burns. You’ll easily be able to knit one in an evening – why not whip up a dozen or more in festive shades or to match your colour scheme in time for Christmas? A trio packed in a box with pretty tissue paper would make a lovely handmade gift that’s sure to be treasured. These cosy baubles are worked in a durable wool blend yarn from Sirdar, Country Style DK, which comes in 28 lovely shades. For more guidance on knitting with beads, visit http://bit.ly/knitwithbeads. HOW TO MAKE THE BEADED BAUBLE Using 3.25mm DPNs, yarn B and the long-tail method, cast on 8 sts. PM and join to work in the round, taking care not to twist sts.

Rounds 1 and 2 Knit. Round 3 (K1, M1) 4 times. [16 sts] Round 4 Knit. Round 5 (K1, M1, K2, M1, K1) 4 times. [24 sts] Rounds 6 and 7 Knit. Round 8 (K1, M1, K4, M1, K1) 4 times. [32 sts] Rounds 9 and 10 Knit. Round 11 (K1, M1, K6, M1, K1) 4 times. [40 sts] Round 12 Knit. Round 13 (K1, M1, K8, M1, K1) 4 times. [48 sts] Round 14 Knit. Work round 1 of Chart A. Chart is repeated 4 times across round. Last round sets Chart placement. Cont to work Chart until all 11 rounds are complete. Round 26 (K1, k2tog, K6, K2tog, K1) 4 times. [40 sts] Round 27 and 28 Knit. Round 29 (K1,k2tog, K4, k2tog, K1) 4 times. [32 sts] Rounds 30 and 31 Knit. top of the bauble, securing with a stitch. Round 32 (K1, k2tog, K2, k2tog, K1) 4 Close the bottom of the bauble with times. [24 sts] a running stitch. Gently stuff bauble with toy Make a hanging loop using a stuffing before decreasing the length of yarn, or a crochet top further. Clear beads chain if preferred. Rounds 33 and 34 Knit. te add a delica ct Round 35 (K1, k2tog, k2tog, e twinkling eff le FAIR ISLE BAUBLE K1) 4 times. [16 sts] b to the bau Using 3.25mm DPNs, yarn B Round 36 (K2tog) 4 times. [8 and the long-tail method, cast sts] on 8 sts. Do not cast off, but leave a long Pm and join to work in the round, tail of yarn. taking care not to twist sts. Add more stuffing if necessary. Thread the yarn tail through the remaining Cont to work as for the Beaded Bauble, stitches using a darning needle. Stuff the working Chart B in place of Chart A. bauble lightly. Pull the yarn tail to close the

CHART A

CHART B

KEY 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 10

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10

Yarn A Yarn B Place bead

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HOW TO USE OUR CHARTS Start at the bottom right-hand corner. Read right side rows from right to left and wrong side rows from left to right. A row of squares represents a row of knitting.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUTH JENKINSON

For the home H Card pegs

+DSS\KRç\GD\V Display your lovely Christmas cards on this eyecatching hanging, cleverly made with pompoms, ribbon, felt and clothes pegs

YOu will need SMALL AMOUNTS OF OF RED AND WHITE YARN 1.5CM WIDE RED DOUBLE-SIDED SATIN RIBBON CUT TO YOUR DESIRED LENGTH SCRAPS OF LIGHT AND DARK GREEN FELT 6 WOODEN SPRING-LOADED LAUNDRY PEGS CRAFT PAPER OR CARD SCISSORS TAILOR'S CHALK SIZE 2.5CM POMPOM MAKER (YOU CAN ALSO USE CARD CIRCLES OR A FORK) GLUE GUN PENCIL TAILOR’S CHALK

This holder is a great way to use Christmas cards as part of \RXUGHFèDWLRQV.

Transform some crafty staples into pompom using either red or white yarn and this pretty yet practical card hanger. a 2.5cm pompom maker. Make two berries Stick bright green felt holly leaves and per peg. Trim the pompoms into neat balls cheerful pompom berries to and set aside. clothes pegs, then use them to clip your cards to a Step 5 Assemble each length of ribbon. Pin peg by layering three leaves, ke Easy to ma t across a bare wall for an alternating the colours. project tha l instant festive update Attach the leaves to the peg children wil to any room! using the glue gun. At the ve!

lo

HOW TO MAKE THE CARD HANGER Step 1 Start by deciding how long you want the ribbon that will display your Christmas cards to be. Tie a knotted loop at either end to allow it to hang, and place it to one side. Step 2 Decide on a number of pegs to make. For each peg, use either red or white yarn to determine the berry type. Step 3 Design a holly leaf template and cut it out of paper or card. Use this template and tailor’s chalk to mark out as many leaves on the scraps of felt as you require. Three leaves have been used per peg here, with two leaves in one shade of green and one in the second shade.

same time, glue two berries together and then on to the holly leaves. See the photographs for guidance on how to position the leaves and berries. Step 6 Complete this process until you have enough pegs, then hang your cards!

$QGëHUHÐVPèH This project is taken from 20 To Make: Pompom Christmas by Alistair Macdonald, which is published by Search Press, priced £4.99. For more information on this title please visit www.searchpress.com

Step 4 To complete a berry, make a

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PHOTOGRAPHY: VANESSA DAVIES

For the home H Reindeer table runner

5XQUHLQGæUUXQ Style up the simplest of tables with a showstopping Scandi runner, embroidered in pretty red thread on crisp white fabric

YOu will need 2.2M WHITE COTTON 50CM COTTON VOILE BACKING FABRIC

7KLVEHDXWLIXç\HPåRLGHUHGUXQQHULVVXUHWR EHFRPHDQKHLUORRPLWHPëDWZLçEHWUHDVXUHG Iè\HDUVWRFRPHE\\RXUIDPLO\.

DMC SIX-STRANDED COTTON THREAD: VERY DARK SALMON (347), SNOW WHITE (B5200) SIZE 7 AND 9 EMBROIDERY NEEDLES SIZE 7 MILLINER NEEDLE 6M WHITE PIPING MATCHING SEWING THREAD

Top tip! Keep your stitch direction consistent when embroidering the satin stitch star. You want each pair of diamonds to look the same, with the stitches running parallel to the top edges to form a V shape.

Get everyone into a festive mood with this beautiful embroidered table runner, featuring leaping reindeer, snowflakes and Christmas motifs. We love the classic Scandi feel, or swap the colours to match your décor. You can incorporate metallic threads too – why not try the chain stitch in sparkling silver? Or choose a rainbow of thread colours for a bright and cheerful version that kids will adore. The measurements given here are for a runner to fit a 160x90cm table, but to adjust it to fit your dining table, measure the length and add 25-30cm to each end for the overhang. Before you start, think about where you’d like your embroidered motif to appear: towards the ends so it hangs off the edge of the table or further in so it lies on top of your table? Adjust accordingly to make your ideal runner!

HOW TO MAKE THE REINDEER RUNNER Step 1 Cut the white cotton in half lengthways. Draw a 213x45.5cm rectangle on one half, with positioning marks on either side at 35cm, 60cm, 142cm and 168cm. Cut two 23x50cm pieces of voile. Step 2 Transfer the embroidery design on p156 facing outwards at either end of the fabric. Position the design between the marks on the cutting lines. Tack a piece of cotton voile behind each design. Step 3 Embroider the design according to the instructions on p156.

Top tip! Consistency is key in this design – try to keep your knots and isolated stitches as evenly spaced and lined up as possible.

right sides facing, and use the piping stitching as a guide (sew over it) to join the front and back. Leave a gap at one end for turning. Step 9 Trim the corners, turn the right way round and push the corners out neatly with a closed pair of scissors.

Step 4 When the embroidery is complete, Step 10 Stitch the gap closed by place the fabric face down on a towel hand with small, invisible and iron it from the back. Iron the stitches. rest of the runner, avoiding the embroidered sections, Tap into the Step 11 Press the seams before sewing. Scandi chic gently to avoid squashing e monochrom the piping. Step 5 Check that the trend drawn-on cutting lines haven’t distorted during stitching and redraw them if necessary before cutting out the runner. Step 6 Use the front as a template and cut the back of the runner out of the other half of the cotton fabric. Step 7 Stitch the piping around the edges of the front of the runner, lining up the raw edges and stitching as close to the piping as possible. Use your sewing machine’s zipper foot if you’re using thicker piping.

$QGëHUHÐVPèH Embroidered Home by Kelly Fletcher is published by Kyle Books priced £18.99. For more information on this title, please visit www.kylebooks.com

Step 8 Pin the runner front to the back,

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Rockin’ robin

A few stitches is all it takes to transform felt scraps into Charlie Deighton’s sweet decoration

ject Perfect pro rs e for newcom g in ft a to felt cr

For the home H Felt robin

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4

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YOu will need PURE WOOL FELT IN BROWN, CREAM AND RED FABRIC GLUE RED THREAD BROWN COTTON PERLE THREAD SMALL QUANTITY OF TOY FILLING 15CM OF COLOURFUL RIBBON 1 BUTTON

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HANDMADE CHRISTMAS

Pay homage to our favourite feathered friend by making this folk-inspired robin to pretty up the tree. This sweet robin is made in plain felt with blanket-stitched edges, and is then decorated with heart wings and finished with a pretty button and a ribbon loop so you can proudly hang him from the tree or a doorknob. Fabrics will work as well as felt, so if you’ve saved some pretty prints here’s your chance to put them to good use. He’s super-easy to make, so why not whip up a trio one evening to give as gifts? As he’s small and light he’s perfect to send to friends abroad, too. All you need is some stuffing, felt, a needle and thread, so he’s the perfect project to get started on today!

HOW TO MAKE THE ROBIN Step 1 Using the templates on page 156, cut two body pieces (A) and two wings (B) from the brown felt, two bellies (C) from the cream felt andtwo breasts (D) and hearts (E) from the red felt. Step 2 Lightly glue the cream belly and red breast in place on each of the robin bodies as shown in the picture. Take care to ensure

Top tip! Add some dried lavender, rose petals or pot pourri in with the filling so this little robin smells as good as he looks!

For the home H Felt robin

3

6

each side of the robin lines up. We’ve overstitched the felt pieces in place but you could also use a small running stitch or just glue securely in place if you prefer. Step 3 Position the red felt heart on each wing and either glue or stitch the heart in place.

,WZRXOGQÐWEH&KULVWPDVZLëRXWDFKæUIXO URELQUHGåHDVWVLWWLQJRQëHWUæDQGëLVIHOW YHUVLRQLVHDV\WRPDNHLQDQDIWHUQRRQ

Step 4 Using the brown cotton perle, sew each wing in place with a simple cross stitch. Try to leave a little of the cream belly showing under the wing. Stitch a couple of French knots in the same thread for the eyes, or you could use tiny beads if you prefer.

the tail, stitch the two sides of the robin together. We used a blanket stitch but you could also use small running stitches. Try to keep your stitches as neat as possible as they will be visible on both sides of your robin! Work all the way around the robin, leaving about an inch open under the wing.

Step 5 Place the wrong sides of the robin together and starting under the wing near

Step 6 Lightly stuff the robin with toy filling and then continue with the blanket or

running stitch to meet where you started. Tie off the threads and tuck the ends back into the body. Step 7 Fold the length of ribbon in half and position it the centre of the bird, leaving a good size loop to hang your beautiful robin from the Christmas tree. Stitch in place. Add a pretty button to secure the ribbon loop in place.

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DESIGNER: SELINA LAKE PHOTOGRAPHER: DEBI TRELOAR PUBLISHER: RYLAND PETERS & SMALL

Transform your home with these simple ideas

Ideas H Winter style

Styling the season Selina Lake shares three quick-make festive projects from her new interiors book, Selina Lake Winter Living

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1 Paper chains Give the classic paper chain a modern makeover by using pretty Liberty print papers.

2 Patchwork baubles Cut your chosen fabrics into small squares or rectangles. Use a paintbrush to cover a bauble with PVA glue, then stick the fabric pieces on, overlapping them so there aren’t any gaps. Make a loop

from ribbon and hang the bauble up to dry.

3 Holly bunting Cut out holly shapes in two shades of green felt, and berries from red felt. Sew together using red thread – one leaf followed by a holly berry – by stitching down the centre of each shape using a straight stitch. Continue until you’re happy with the length.

$QGëHUHÐVPèH Selina Lake Winter Living is published by Ryland Peters & Small, priced £19.99. To buy a

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copy at the special price of £13.99 including free UK p&p, phone Macmillan Direct on 01256 302 699 and quote the reference GLR DZ8. For more information, visit www.rylandpeters.com

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,QDáXUU\ You’ll love stitching these twinkling snowflakes, then hanging them from the tree to watch them twirl and dance! Designed by Fiona Baker

Make c de orations t that will las for years

For the home H Cross stitched snowflakes

SNOWFLAKE 1 CHART

YOu will need

20

STRANDED COTTON AND METALLIC THREAD AS LISTED IN THE KEY

20

SIZE 24 TAPESTRY NEEDLE 14-COUNT CLEAR PLASTIC CANVAS MEASURING 10x10CM FOR EACH DESIGN CORD OF CHOICE, EITHER BOUGHT

10

OR HANDMADE MEASUREMENTS 8.5x8.5CM ON 14-COUNT FABRIC

Here in Britain we’re used to a snow no-show on Christmas Day, but we still love the idea of a crisp white landscape with soft, silent flakes falling from the sky. If the weather isn’t promising any snowflakes, however, you can ensure some with these fab cross stitch versions! They’re created using plastic canvas, which means that they’re a great project for children to try, and are made with pretty iridescent threads so they’ll catch the light beautifully. Once stitched, just cut each one out leaving a one square border, tie a cord to the top, and watch them shimmer and shine!

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Top tip! 10

WDMC W Anchor WMadeira

 Cross stitch in two strands

S E 6 2 n 8 q p

550 102 714 995 410 1102 996 433 1103 3743 869 2611 3746 1030 2702 3747 120 901 E718 (DMC Light Effects) E3849 (DMC Light Effects)

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q 2 qn q qnnn q 2nnSnn2 qnnn q qn q qS222 222Sq SnS SS2S S2SS 2n2 nnnnS2 2Snnnn 2 qn q2 2 qnnn q2 SSnnS2 2SnnSS 2 qnnSnn q2 SnSn 2 2 nSnS 2 qnnn q2 nSSqS222 222SqSSn S2SS SS2S 2 qn q2 2Snnnn nnnnS2 2n2 2SnnS SnS SnnS2 2 nSnS n2 2n2 2n SnSn 2 n SqS222SnS222SqS n S2S2Sqn qS2S2S 2 2 n2SqnnnSnnn qS2n q 2 q2 2 2 222nS22n22Sn222 2 2 qn q qn q 2Sn2 qSnSq2nS2 2 qn q2 2 qn q2 qnnn qS2 qnnn q2S2Sqn2SnSnS2n qS2S2 qnnn q2Sqnnn q q2nnSnnnnnnSnnnnnnnSnnSqSnnSnnnnnnnSnnnnnnSnn2q qnnn qS2 qnnn q2S2Sqn2SnSnS2n qS2S2 qnnn q2Sqnnn q qn q qn q 2Sn2 qSnSq2nS2 2 qn q2 2 qn q2 2 q2 2 q2 2 222nS22n22Sn222 2 2 2 n2SqnnnSnnn qS2n S2S2Sqn qS2S2S n SqS222SnS222SqS n 2 nSnS n2 2n2 2n SnSn 2 2SnnS SnS SnnS2 2Snnnn 2n2 nnnnS2 S2SS SS2S 2 qn q2 2 qnnn q2 nSSqS222 222SqSSn 2 qnnSnn q2 SnSn 2 2 nSnS 2 qnnn q2 SSnnS2 2SnnSS nnnnS2 2Snnnn 2 qn q2 2n2 S2SS SS2S qS222 222Sq SnS qn q qnnn q 2nnSnn2 qnnn q qn q 2 q

SNOWFLAKE 2 CHART

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Why not stitch two of each design and stick them back to back for a really neat finish?

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p 868 8 E8E 8 88E8E88 8p Ep8 66p 66 6E6 EEE 86E68 p 68 86 p 8p868p8 E686 686E 8E6E8 666p 6 6p 666 8 Epp88 88pp E 8 6E6 88EE66 66EE88 6E6 86p8 6 88E88 6 8p 68 886E8 886 688 8E688 6p 6 8E8E8 88E8p8 8p8E88 8pp 6 8E8p8E8 6pp8 8pp 668p8p Ep8p866pp8 88666Ep 6E6E6p E66688 66 66 8E666888666E8 88 8 8 8pp 6E6E6E6E6pp8 88 8 8E86666Ep E66668E8 8 688 8p8 8p8 886 8EEp 66E68E6686E8p E8EE888EE8Ep8E6866E86E66p EE8 p 688Ep EEE66EEEp8p E686p8E8p 686Ep8p EEE66EEEp E886p 8EEp 66E68E6686E8p E8EE888EE8Ep8E6866E86E66p EE8 8 8E86666Ep E66668E8 8 688 8p8 8p8 886 88 8 8 8pp 6E6E6E6E6pp8 88 66 66 8E666888666E8 88666Ep 6E6E6p E66688 8pp 668p8p Ep8p866pp8 8pp 6 8E8p8E8 6pp8 8E8E8 88E8p8 8p8E88 886E8 886 6p 6 688 8E688 86p8 6 88E88 6 8p 68 88EE66 66EE88 6E6 8 Epp88 6E6 88pp E 8 8E6E8 666p 6 6p 666 8p868p8 E686 686E 86E68 p 68 86 p EEE 6E6 66p 66 8p Ep8 88E8E88 8 E8E 8 868 p

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL BRICKNELL AT SEARCH PRESS STUDIOS

For the home H Gingerbread children

Cute confections Knit up these adorable gingerbread pals for a sweet and spicy addition to your decorations this Christmas

YOu will need 4-PLY YARN IN BROWN, CREAM AND RED FIVE 8MM DECORATIVE BUTTONS FOUR 4MM BLACK BEADS STITCH HOLDER OR SPARE KNITTING NEEDLE BROWN AND RED SEWING COTTON SEWING NEEDLE TOY STUFFING 2.75MM KNITTING NEEDLES MEASUREMENTS 9.5CM HIGH ABBREVIATIONS FOR A FULL LIST SEE PAGE 154

Indulge your sweet tooth and whip up this friendly pair then embroider the icing sugar details and smiles – just a few simple stitches will really bring them to life. This twosome will feel right at home propped up in the kitchen, keeping an eye on your baking! Or thread a loop through the knitting to hang them from the tree. They’re so easy to make, why not knit up another cuddly set to give to a little one this Christmas? HOW TO MAKE THE BOY (MAKE TWO) LEFT LEG Start with the left leg. Using brown yarn, cast on 5 sts and purl 1 row. Next row: K1, M1, K3, M1, K1. [7 sts] Purl 1 row. Next row: K1, M1, K3, k2tog, K1. [7 sts] Purl 1 row. Repeat last 2 rows twice more. Place sts on a stitch holder or spare knitting needle. RIGHT LEG, BODY, ARMS AND HEAD Using brown yarn, cast on 5 sts and purl 1 row.

and chain stitch, embroider the lines on the Next row: K1, M1, K3, M1, K1. [7 sts] arms and legs. Using cream yarn and Purl 1 row. straight stitches, embroider his bow tie and Next row: K1, ssk, K3, M1, K1. [7 sts] hair. Use the photograph for guidance. Purl 1 row. Repeat last 2 rows twice more.** HOW TO MAKE THE GIRL (MAKE TWO) With RS facing, knit across 7 right leg sts Make the legs, following the instructions and 7 left leg sts. [14 sts] for the gingerbread boy to **. Starting with a purl row, work 7 rows in SS. With RS facing, cast on 4 sts, knit across 7 *Continuing in st st, cast on 4 sts at beg of right leg sts and 7 left leg sts, cast on 4 sts. next 2 rows. [22 sts] [22 sts] Next row: K1, M1, K to last st, M1, K1. Purl 1 row. [24 sts] Next row: K1, ssk, K to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. Purl 1 row. [20 sts] Next row: K1, ssk, K to end of row. [23 sts] Purl 1 row. Next row: P1, p2tog, P to end of row. Repeat last 2 rows three more times. [22 sts] [14 sts] Continuing in st st, cast off 8 sts at the Follow instructions for gingerbread boy beginning of the next 2 rows. [6 sts] from * to *. Starting with a knit row, work 2 rows in SS. MAKING UP Next row: K1, M1, K4, M1, A fun mini Sew the eyes in place and join K1. [8 sts] project that ct the two pieces of the girl Next row: P1, M1, P6, M1, rfe makes a pe ller together following the P1. [10 sts] stocking fi instructions for the boy. Using Next row: K1, M1, K8, M1, cream yarn and blanket stitch, K1. [12 sts] embroider around the dress, right Starting with a purl row, work 5 up to the shoulders, and create a rows in st st. neckline. Sew the buttons in place on each Next row: K1, ssk, K6, k2tog, K1. [10 sts] shoulder using matching sewing cotton. Purl 1 row. Using red yarn and straight stitches, Next row: K1, ssk, K4, k2tog, K1. [8 sts] embroider her mouth. Using cream yarn Next row: P1, p2tog, P2, p2togtbl, P1. and straight stitches, embroider her hair [6 sts] and finish off with a few stitches of red Cast off.* yarn on her hair. Use the photograph for guidance. MAKING UP Taking one piece of the gingerbread boy, sew the bead eyes in place using brown sewing cotton and a sewing needle. Sew the three buttons in place using matching This project is taken sewing cotton. Place the two pieces of the from Mini Knitted gingerbread boy with WS together, then Christmas by Sue sew carefully around the edge using Stratford, published by mattress stitch and placing a small amount Search Press at £9.99, of toy stuffing inside the body, head and where you’ll find 25 more fabulous tiny limbs as you go. Christmas projects. www.searchpress.com Using red yarn and straight stitches, embroider his mouth. Using cream yarn

$QGëHUHÐVPèH

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STYLING AND DECORATIONS BY WWW.TCH.NET

Trends H White

White Christmas Dreaming of a white Christmas? Give your home a sprinkling of frost and snow by combining white decorations with subtle snowflake motifs

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Shake it up +

Snow globes are a top trend for this year’s festive season. Gather a complete snow globe collection on your mantelpiece and it will be a real talking point when visitors come to stay! From www. livelaughlove.co.uk

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Silent night y

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Cluster together white ceramic tea light holders for a focal point that recreates the magic of a snowy Christmas Eve night. This collection of Christmas cottages comes from www.dotcomgiftshop.com

Snowflake frame y

Nothing compares with the intricate beauty of the patterns and shapes of individual snowflakes. Keep them on display throughout the festive season with this wooden wall panel. www.homesense.com

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Stars & VQRZáDNHV + +

Large tin stars like this 22in design give big impact in an instant and will coordinate perfectly with your other white Christmas decorations. Handcrafted by Amish farmers, this star has been upcycled from old corrugated tin roofs and comes with a hook for hanging. From www.limelace.co.uk

Looking for a super-quick decorative idea? Dress up a white wall with a rope ladder tree, then hang stars and snowflakes for a two-dimensional display that’s oh-so-simple yet amazingly effective. From www.tch.net y

Go for a frost-filled look to create chic décor!

What a star! +

Fine pines

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No room for a traditional tree in the corner of the living room? Try this table top idea, made using plaster cast pine cones strung from bare branches for a pared down, yet striking look. Cast your decorations from real pine cones, or buy these from kuberstore.etsy.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE KING

Perfect project for rs papercrafte y to enjo

For the home H Papercraft baubles

)DçLQJVQRZáDNHV Fill clear baubles with pretty paper snowflakes for a quick frosty idea

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YOu will need CLEAR PLASTIC BAUBLES CUTTING MAT SCALPEL SMALL BRUSH SCRAP SURFACE PVA GLUE PENCIL TRACING PAPER WHITE PAPER OR CARD

A simple but pretty winter decoration, these snowflakes can be hung from string or ribbon to great effect. However, they look even better when encased in clear baubles and adorning the Christmas tree. HOW TO MAKE A SNOWFLAKE BAUBLE Step 1 Trace four snowflake templates from page 156 and place them face down on a piece of paper or card. Rub to transfer.

Step 2 Carefully cut out the snowflakes. Step 3 Fold the snowflakes in half as shown, being careful to align the edges. Step 4 Apply glue to one side of the folded shape. Glue one of the shapes to another, then repeat to create a 3D shape. Step 5 Open you plastic bauble and pop the snowflake inside.

7RSWLS

$QGëHUHÐVPèH

You can scale the template to fit different size baubles, but you may need to glue more

This project is taken from Paper Craft,

snowflakes together to create the same 3D look. Remember to get hold of baubles that you unscrew across the middle so you can easily place your snowflake inside.

published by DK for £14.99, with photography by Dave King. For more details visit www.dk.com/uk

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For the home H Tealights

Warm glow Illuminate your festive dinner table with a set of Wendy Massey’s clever cookie cutter candles

YOu will need CANDLE WAX TEALIGHT WICKS METAL COOKIE CUTTERS DOUBLE BOILER PAN PETROLEUM JELLY BAKING TRAY ALUMINIUM FOIL CLOTHES PEGS WICK KEEPERS OR MASKING TAPE STIRRING STICK (WOODEN CHOPSTICK OR ICE LOLLY STICK)

Cluster a few of these homemade tealights to make a superb centrepiece for your table this season. We’ve used star, holly and snowman motifs for ours, but these are just examples of the many fabulous shaped cutters available that you could use. Feel free to sprinkle in some Christmassy scents and coloured dyes, or a good dose of candle glitter for extra festive sparkle. Place them in a pretty Choose wax container or float them shades to in a shallow bowl for an t complemen extra magical touch. r o your déc You can also package up a trio, wrapped in cellophane and tied with ribbon, to make a lovely gift. HOW TO MAKE THE CANDLES Step 1 Coat the inside edges of the cookie cutters with petroleum jelly and place on a foil-covered baking tray. Cut a smaller piece of foil to wrap around the bottom and sides of the cookie cutter. This will reduce (but not eliminate) hot wax seeping under the cookie cutter edges. Step 2 Place tea light wicks in position at the centre of each cookie cutter. Keep in

Let your imagination run riot when it comes to selecting shapes, colours and VFHQWVIèëHVHIXQOLWWOHFDQGOHV

place at the bottom with a wick keeper or a piece of folded masking tape placed underneath the bottom circle. Hold the wick in place vertically with a clothes peg across the top of the cookie cutter. Step 3 Place the wax in a double boiler, with water in the outer pan. Melt it slowly, while stirring. Remove and allow to cool for a few seconds. Pour wax into the cookie cutter slowly. Some of it will seep out, but the escaped wax will quickly set and hold

the rest in place. You can recycle this wax later to make more candles. Allow to cool. Remove the candles from the cookie cutters and trim wicks if necessary.

Top tip! Don’t waste your old candles, as you can easily recycle them for this project by melting them and removing the old wicks.

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Perfect project for using up scraps

2K&KULVWPDVWUæ This beautiful table runner uses free-motion embroidery to gorgeous effect, and means that every tree you make will be unique

For the home H Tree table runner

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YOu will need 46CMx137CM WHITE COTTON FABRIC BACKING FABRIC MEASURING THE SAME AS YOUR WHITE COTTON FABRIC THERMAL WADDING MEASURING THE SAME AS YOUR WHITE COTTON FABRIC NINE TRIANGLES OF FABRIC, IN VARIOUS SIZES OF APPROXIMATELY 13x20.5CM NINE SMALL PIECES OF FABRIC CUT INTO ‘POT’ SHAPES UP TO NINE PIECES OF FABRIC CUT INTO CIRCLES OR STAR SHAPES FOR THE TOPS OF THE TREES A FEW CIRCLES OF FABRIC FOR BAUBLES 3.6M OF 2.5CM BIAS BINDING REPOSITIONABLE SPRAY FABRIC ADHESIVE SEWING MACHINE AND FREEMOTION EMBROIDERY FOOT

Free-motion embroidery is like drawing with your sewing machine, and this runner is a great beginner’s project for the technique, as a few

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wonky lines here and there just add to its charm! As well as looking pretty, the runner includes thermal wadding to protect your table from heat damage when you pile all your delicious Christmas dinner dishes onto it! HOW TO MAKE THE TREE RUNNER Step 1 Arrange the triangle trees evenly across the white fabric, every other one upside down, with the pots at the bottom and the stars or circles on top. Place a few baubles here and there on top of some of the trees. Secure all the pieces with a little spray adhesive. Step 2 Take to your sewing machine, and free-motion stitch in a contrasting colour around each tree, pot, star and bauble. Go around a few times, and don’t worry if your stitch lines aren’t straight! You might want to embroider some extra baubles on as well. Step 3 Lay this topper over the thermal wadding, then over the backing fabric. Spray again to secure, and add a few pins if you like. Step 4 Change to white thread and free-motion embroider all over the white fabric, avoiding the trees. This version has

been doodled in circles and triangles with no particular pattern. You can see what a difference it makes in the photograph, as opposed to leaving the fabric plain. Step 5 Continue until the whole runner is embroidered. Step 6 Trim the edges of the runner if you find that the wadding has ‘grown’. Step 7 Apply the bias tape all around the edge of your runner to finish. Open up the tape and pin right sides together to the edge of your project. Sew along the creased line, taking out the pins as you go. When you meet the start of the tape, overlap by about 0.5cm. Fold the tape over the edge to the wrong side of your work, pin to the back, then slip stitch to secure.

$QGëHUHÐVPèH This project is taken from Half Yard Christmas by Debbie Shore, which is published by Search Press, priced £11.99. For more information on the title please visit www.searchpress.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE KING

g Papercraftin h it project w a twist!

0HUU\DQGåLJKW Illuminate your festive season with a set of funky origami fairy lights

For the home H Origami fairy lights

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YOu will need SQUARES OF THIN PAPER LED FAIRY LIGHTS

With just a few simple paper folds, create amazing shades for your fairy lights! Once you’ve mastered the basic folds, experiment with varying opacities of paper and different patterns and colours to see what works well with your décor. Whether hung up horizontally or vertically, or displayed

Top tip! Make sure you only use LED lights as these won’t get hot and be a fire hazard.

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in a glass or metal bowl to create a warm glow, this is one string of fairy lights that’s sure to be a talking point. HOW TO MAKE THE FAIRY LIGHTS Step 1 Fold the paper in half diagonally, unfold and fold along the other diagonal. Step 2 Fold in half horizontally, then unfold and fold again. Step 3 Turn the paper over. Step 4 Push in the right and left horizontal folds, then flatten to create a layered triangle shape. Step 5 Fold up the bottom corners as shown, then repeat on the back to form a diamond. Step 6 Fold the front edges inward, as shown then repeat on the back.

Step 7 Fold the bottom right corner up so it runs horizontally across the middle. Step 8 Fold it back to the bottom, then refold up at a right angle, as shown. Step 9 Tuck the fold into the triangle at the side. Then repeat with the other corners. Step 10 Pull the paper apart and blow into the centre hole to inflate. Push a bulb from the fairy light string through the hole.

$QGëHUHÐVPèH Paper Craft by is published by DK, RRP £14.99, and is full of card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping and other paper-based projects. www.dk.com/uk

'HFNëHKDçV Create a knitted version of the classic paper chain with Sue Stratford’s easy to make decorations

Perfect knitting project for beginners

YOu will need 4-PLY YARN IN GREEN, PURPLE, YELLOW, BLUE AND FUCHSIA A PAIR OF 2.75MM KNITTING NEEDLES MEASUREMENTS EACH CHAIN MEASURES APPROXIMATELY 3CM WHEN SEWN; 25 LINKS MAKE A FINISHED

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATHERINE GRATWICKE

CHAIN APPROXIMATELY 55CM LONG

In vivid jewel colours, these knitted chains will look gorgeous strung up in your home. Unlike a paper version, these yarn links will last for years and can even be washed in between Christmases to keep them looking fresh. If you’re new to knitting, this is a fantastic project to start with, as it just uses basic knitting stitch and is good practice for

getting your rows neat and even, while experienced knitters can use up all those scraps of yarn in their stash! HOW TO MAKE THE PAPER CHAINS Using green yarn, cast on 20 sts and knit 5 rows. Cast off loosely and evenly. Make four more links in green and five links in each of the other colours. TO MAKE UP Once you have decided the order in which to sew your links together, carefully sew the two short edges of the first link together. Loop the second link through the first link and sew the short seam on that link. Repeat until all your links have been looped and sewn together.

$QGëHUHÐV PèH Mini Knitted Christmas by Sue Stratford is published by Search Press, priced £9.99. For more information on this book, please visit www.searchpress.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.SAINSBURYS.CO.UK

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Make unique JLIWVëDWZLçEH WUHDVXUHGE\ \RXUORYHGRQHV Christmas is the time for giving so show how much you love someone with a beautiful handcrafted present just for them. Enjoy creating beautiful accessories to

delight family and friends, homebaked treats and fun knits for little ones and pets! It’s so rewarding to personalise your gift so it’s close to someone’s heart – just use your imagination and you’ll bring so much

joy and happiness

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Gifts and goodies H Halo and wings

Make the ent perfect pres for a little one!

)O\DZD\ZLëPH There’s heavenly fun to be had by little angels with this halo and wings set, made with marabou and ostrich feathers. By Jane Tooze

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Gifts and goodies H Halo and wings

YOu will need 25CM WHITE BUCKRAM 25CM WHITE FELT 25CM WHITE COTTON 20 LARGE WHITE MARABOU FEATHERS 10 WHITE OSTRICH FEATHERS 2M MARABOU FEATHER TRIM 80x5CM ELASTIC 80CM MEDIUM-WEIGHT CRAFT WIRE PLASTIC HEADBAND MASKING TAPE GLUE GUN & GLUE STICKS SEWING MACHINE TAPE MEASURE SCISSORS PINS MEASUREMENTS FITS AGE 5-6 YEARS

It’ll be difficult to resist this dressingup set, handmade with love! Perfect for imaginative play, fancy dress or school nativity performances, this halo and wings are extra special because they’re made with real feathers, and have a durable backing to make sure they last. Wispy marabou and dramatic ostrich feathers cover both wings, and a marabou trim for the halo will make this set stand out. This pair fits a child aged five to six – simply increase the size for older kids. Get crafting a pair for your little angel today!

and stalk, tying it off once all the wire is covered. Where you tie the marabou, add a dot of glue to secure.

HOW TO MAKE THE WINGS Step 1 Using the template on p156, cut two wings from felt e m o s d and two from buckram. Pin Ad r fo s in HOW TO MAKE THE HALO the felt and buckram sequ le k r a p s Step 1 Take the wire and together with wrong sides extra twist it into a halo shape, facing, and zig-zag around measuring 61.5cm (24¼in), the edge to create two wings. with a stalk coming off it. The Cut out two rectangles stalk should have a finished length of measuring 10x15cm – one felt, one 7.5cm. You will then have an excess of buckram – and zig-zag together. 7.5cm – wrap this around the hairband at the centre point. Step 2 Cut out two straps from the cotton measuring 5x61cm. Fold each piece Step 2 Once you have made the wire lengthways and stitch along the length to shape, tape any wire ends down securely create a channel, then turn through. Pin a with masking tape at the joins. safety pin to the end of the elastic and thread it through the first cotton piece. Pull Step 3 Once the halo shape is secured, the elastic to each end to give the straps take the length of marabou trim and, some stretch, cut and secure in place with a starting at one end, wrap it around the halo few stitches. Repeat for the second strap.

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Step 3 Lay down the wings, buckram side up, and pin your rectangle piece so that it connects the two wings at the centre point. Pin one end of each strap to the top corners of the rectangle, then pin the second end of each strap underneath. Sew the rectangle piece in place, securing the straps. Step 4 Turn the wings over, so the felt side is facing up, and start applying the feathers with the glue gun. Starting from the bottom up, glue the large feathers first (five large ostrich on each side), then the smaller marabou feathers at the top (10 on each side). Snip off any sharp feather ends to finish your angel wings.

Top tip! Make sure you use the glue gun sparingly. Apply in small dots to the wing base and place feathers onto it.

r Knit one fo r e b m each me ! y il of the fam

HHçRGær!

Make winter playtimes outside even more fun with this quirky character hat and matching red nose by Elizabeth Jarvis

Gifts and goodies H Reindeer hat

YOu will need SIRDAR COUNTRY STYLE DK (40% NYLON, 30% WOOL, 30% ACRYLIC, 50G/155M), SEE TABLE BELOW FOR COLOURS AND QUANTITIES FOR YARN STOCKISTS SEE PAGE 162 A PAIR OF 3.25MM AND 4MM NEEDLES TOY STUFFING PLASTIC OR FOAM CLOWN NOSE FABRIC GLUE TENSION 22 STS AND 28 ROWS TO MEASURE 10x10CM OVER ST ST USING 4MM NEEDLES. ABBREVIATIONS FOR A FULL LIST SEE PAGE 154.

Paper party hats, Christmas jumpers, earrings with flashing lights… the festive season is a great time to dress up and have fun, so let the whole family join in with this cute reindeer hat and nose. Being made of a wool-rich yarn the hat is practical too, as it’s guaranteed to keep little heads warm. Use a light toy stuffing, and pack it into the antlers gently so that they hold their shape and stand up proudly. And as kids are bound to be kids, ensure the stuffing you use is washable. HOW TO MAKE THE HAT MAIN HAT Cast on 104 (110: 116: 122) sts using 3.25mm needles and Taupe yarn. Next row (K1, P1) to end of row. Continue in K1, P1 rib for 11 (12: 12: 15) more rows. Change to 4mm needles and, starting with a K row, work st st until hat measures approx 7 (7: 8: 8)cm from cast on edge, ending with a P row. SHAPE CROWN Row 1 *K15 (16: 17: 18), k2tog; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2. [98 (104: 110: 116) sts] Row 2 and every foll WS row Purl. Row 3 *K14 (15: 16: 17), k2tog; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2. [92 (98: 104: 110) sts] Row 5 *K13 (14: 15: 16), k2tog; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2. [86 (92: 98: 104) sts] Cont to dec as set on every RS row, working one less st between each dec until 50 sts rem, ending with a P row. SHAPE TOP Row 1 *K2, k2tog; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2. [38 sts] Row 2 Purl.

SIZE HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE

Row 3 *K1, k2tog; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2. [26 sts] Row 4 Purl. Row 5 *K2tog; rep from * to end of row. [13 sts] Cut yarn, leaving a long tail, then thread through rem sts and pull tight. ANTLERS (MAKE 2 OF EACH SIDE) FIRST SIDE – BASE Cast on 10 sts using 3.25mm needles and Naturelle yarn. Row 1 and every foll WS row Purl. Row 2 K5, M1, K to end. [11 sts] Row 4 K5, M1, K to end. [12 sts] Row 6 K6, M1, K to end. [13 sts] Row 8 K6, M1, K to end. [14 sts] Row 10 K7, M1, K to end. [15 sts] Row 12 K7, M1, K to end. [16 sts] Row 14 K8, M1, K to end. [17 sts] Row 16 K8, M1, K to end. [18 sts] Row 18 K9, M1, K to end. [19 sts] Row 20 K9, M1, K to end. [20 sts] Row 21 Purl. Working on first 10 sts only and leaving rem sts on a holder, st st 8 rows. SHAPE ANTLER TOP Row 1 K1, ssk, K4, k2tog, K1. [8 sts] Row 2 Purl. Row 3 K1, ssk, K2, k2tog, K1. [6 sts] Row 4 Purl. Row 5 K1, ssk, k2tog, K1. [4 sts] Row 6 Purl. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail, then thread through rem sts and pull tight. Return to the 10 sts on a holder and transfer them back to a 3.25mm needle. Rejoin yarn and, working on these sts, repeat rows 2-21 of antler base. [20 sts] Working on first 10 sts only and leaving rem sts on a holder, st st 10 rows, then rows 1-6

Small child

Child

Teen

Adult

cm

48

50

52

55

in

19

19½

20½

21½

YARN

SIRDAR Country Style DK (50g/155m balls)

TAUPE (477)

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2

2

NATURELLE (409)

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1

1

DUSKY PINK (423)

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1

1

1

CHERRY (402)

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1

1

1

SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions. Simply follow our colour-coded measurements.

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Gifts and goodies H Reindeer hat

of antler top. Return to the 10 sts on a holder and transfer them back to a 3.25mm needle. Rejoin yarn and, working on these sts, st st 2 rows, then rows 1-6 of antler top. SECOND SIDE – BASE Work rows 1-21 of first side base. Working on first 10 sts only and leaving rem sts on a holder, repeat rows 1-21 of first side base. Working on first 10 sts only and leaving rem sts on a holder, st st two rows, then work rows 1-6 of antler top. Return to the 10 sts on the second holder and transfer them back to a 3.25mm needle. Rejoin yarn and st st 10 rows, then rows 1-6 of antler top. Return to 10 sts on first holder and transfer them back to a 3.25mm needle. Rejoin yarn and st st 8 rows, then rows 1-6 of antler top. EAR FRONTS (MAKE 2) Cast on 12 sts using 3.25mm needles and Dusky pink yarn. Row 1 and every foll WS row Purl. Row 2 K2, M1, K to last 2 sts, M1, K2. [14 sts] Row 4 Knit. Row 6 K2, M1, K to last 2 sts, M1, K2. [16 sts] Row 8 Knit. Row 10 K2, M1, K to last 2 sts, M1, K2. [18 sts] Row 12 Knit. SHAPE TOP Row 1 K1, ssk, K to end of row. [17 sts] Row 2 P1, p2tog, P to end. [16 sts] Rep last 2 rows until 6 sts rem. Cast off. EAR BACKS (MAKE 2) Cast on 18 sts using 3¼mm needles and Taupe yarn. Row 1 and every foll WS row Purl. Row 2 K2, M1, K to last 2 sts, M1, K2. [20 sts] Row 4 Knit. Row 6 K2, M1, K to last 2 sts, M1, K2. [22 sts] Row 8 Knit. Row 10 K2, M1, K to last 2 sts, M1, K2. [24 sts] Row 12 Knit. Row 13 Purl. SHAPE TOP Row 1 K1, ssk, K to end of row. [23 sts]

Row 2 P1, p2tog, P to end. [22 sts] Rep last 2 rows until 6 sts rem. Cast off. RED NOSE Cast on 4 sts using 3.25mm needles and Cherry yarn. Row 1 Inc in every st. [8 sts] Row 2 and every foll WS row Purl. Row 3 Inc in every st. [16 sts] Row 5 Knit. Row 7 Inc in every st. [32 sts] Cont in st st, work 23 rows. Row 31 *K2tog; rep from * to end. [16 sts] Row 33 *K2tog; rep from * to end. [8 sts] Row 35 *K2tog; rep from * to end. [4 sts] Cut yarn, leaving a long tail, then thread through rem sts and pull tight. TO MAKE UP HAT Use mattress stitch throughout. Sew hat

seam, weave in any loose ends. Assemble antler by sewing the longest edge first, then working from the top point down, sew each ‘finger’. Stuff lightly as the sewing progresses. At the base, add a little extra stuffing to form the base. To assemble the ears, sew the side seams, matching the increases, then gather the ear back evenly along the upper edge so that it fits against the top of the ear front. Sew in place using mattress stitch. Using the pictures as a guide, sew the antlers into place on the hat. Fold the base of each ear into a ‘V’ shape, and sew them into place. NOSE Darn in any loose ends. Run a gathering thread around the edges, and place knitted nose onto purchased clown nose. Pull gathering thread so that edge of knitting is level with the edge of the nose. Use fabric glue to fix into place.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUTH JENKINSON

Gifts and goodies H Pompom stocking

5HDG\Iè6DQWD Add a fun touch to a fabric stocking with a trimming of tiny pompoms in bright Christmas colours

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YOu will need OUTER FABRIC MEASURING 49x66CM LINING FABRIC MEASURING 39x66CM 1M OF POMPOM TRIM THREAD SCISSORS NEEDLE AND THREAD FOR TACKING PINS SEWING MACHINE IRON

HOW TO MAKE THE POMPOM STOCKING Step 1 Fold the outer fabric in half, right sides together, pin on the stocking template from p156 and cut out, including the cuff. Also cut out another piece, just from the cuff part. Fold the lining fabric in half, right sides together, pin on the template and cut out, this time leaving out the cuff part. Step 2 Take the stocking and cuff pieces and pin them right sides together, making sure the cuff fabric will be the right way up when the cuff is folded over. Sew them with a 1cm seam allowance and press the seam down towards the toe.

A stocking at Christmas is a must, as where else will Santa Claus be able to leave his presents? If you or a loved one are lacking in the stocking Step 3 Pin the other side of the department, however, then cuff to the lining, right sides this lovely pompom version together, and sew with a 1cm can be made in just an seam allowance. Press. This can be afternoon. The if hand sewn e pompoms are definitely Step 4 To make the v a h you don’t the star of the show hanging loop, cut the a machine here, giving a cute detail 4x15cm piece from the to the basic stocking outer fabric, fold it in half shape. The fabric used here lengthwise, wrong sides has a retro feel, with its cute together, and sew together about animals and zingy colours, but any 0.5cm from the raw edges. material you have in your store cupboard will work well, whether Step 5 Take the stocking front piece and plain or patterned. mark 11cm down from the cuff seam on

both sides. Starting and finishing at this point, tack/baste the pompom trim to the edge with the pompoms pointing inwards. Step 6 Pin the stocking pieces right sides together, trapping the hanging loop between the layers on the outer cuff. Sew together carefully with a 1cm seam allowance, avoiding the pompoms. Don’t forget to leave a gap in the lining for turning through. Step 7 Clip the curves, trim the points and turn through. Push all the curves into shape. Hand sew the opening in the lining closed. Push the lining into the stocking, making sure to push it fully into the toe. Fold over the cuff. Press gently, avoiding the pompoms.

$QGëHUHÐV PèH Christmas Stockings by Rachael Rowe is published by Search Press at £7.99. For more information about the book visit www.searchpress.com

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STYLING AND DECORATIONS BY WWW.TESCO.COM

Trends H Creative

Creative classics Take traditional Christmas decorations and combine them with on-trend materials and ideas, to create a look that will never go out of style

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Vintage charm +

Hang retro toy decorations from a washi tape ‘tree’ to combine modern and vintage style in one unique display. From www.rigbyandmac.com 

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Mason jar miniatures y

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Take old glass mason jars and fill with Christmas figurines to make mini festive scenes to enchant your visitors! This option even includes a small LED light to create an extra Christmassy glow. So magical! From www.tch.net

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Crafty calendar y

Rustle up your own handmade advent calendar by sewing these retro-style buttons onto pockets on a wall hanging. Then fill each pocket with sweeties or festive surprises for a fun countdown to Christmas that children will love. From www.oakroomshop.co.uk

Beautiful beads +

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Chalk it up

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Whether you chalk up your own fancy letters or simply pick out some readymade items, chalkboard artwork and typography has become a real style statement that’s perfect for festive messages. We love this idea from www.dobbies.com

Combine red, white and green beads to hand-craft colour coordinated coasters for your Christmas table. This retro seed beading pattern shows you how easy it is to bead them yourself to impress your guests. From thearmchairstudio.etsy.com

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6D\FKæUV+

These festive drinking jars are not only on-trend this season but are ideal for serving up mulled wine to friends and family at a festive party. Use stencils to add your own designs to plain jars or buy from www.tch.net

Red, green and white gets a cool makeover

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLYN BARBER

Gifts and goodies H Fabric Advent calendar

PéHWW\SRFNHWV Count down the days to Christmas with a homemade Advent calendar. Melanie Williams’ version can be used year after year

YOu will need APPROX. 50CM OF NEUTRALCOLOURED LINEN FELT PIECES AND FABRIC REMNANTS BUTTONS AND BEADS PIECE OF DOWEL STRING EMBROIDERY THREAD AND NEEDLE SEWING MACHINE PINS NUMBER STENCIL STUBBY BRUSH FABRIC OR ACRYLIC PAINT SELECTION OF RIBBONS GOLD BELLS GLUE SCISSORS

Create a new family tradition each year on 'HFHPEHUZKHUHëH FDOHQGDULVåRXJKW RXWDQGàçHGZLë FRXQWGRZQJRRGLHV

The Advent calendar first landed on wide on each strip and stitch to divide our shores from Germany in the early them. Each pocket will measure 9cmx9cm. 20th century. Since then it’s featured wintery scenes, religious messages Step 3 Use acrylic or fabric paint, a stubby and chocolates, and each year there’s a brush and a number stencil to mark out dazzling array of different calendars to numbers 1 to 25 onto pieces of contrasting choose from. We think that there’s cloth, leave to dry, cut into squares and nothing nicer than a home-made glue to each pocket. For variety, glue some Advent calendar, however, which straight on the pockets and for is why we love Melanie’s others – 6, 18 and 25 in our version with rows of tiny example – back with a pockets that can be filled fabric remnant. Improvise with all sorts of tempting to with fabric treats. For competent Step 4 Now embellish your is make th sewers it’s relatively calendar with braid, ribbon unique simple to make, but if and buttons. Cut out iconic you’re new to crafting, you Christmassy shapes from felt can make it as challenging as and glue or sew on using hand you like depending on how much embroidery stitches to create a you want to decorate it. While we’ve totally original, handmade piece, which can included a window for the 25th (a be updated and added to each year. modern import from America) traditionalists might prefer to stick to Step 5 Insert the dowel into the channel 24 pouches and make Christmas Eve a made for it at the top of the calendar and double pocket. The beauty of this is attach string to each end so you can hang that you can update it each Christmas, it up. adding embellishments or customising it with a name – and of course you can Step 6 Fill the pockets with an assortment ring the changes each year with the of pre-Christmas treats such as chocolates, gifts in the pockets. sugared almonds, gifts, messages, pictures or biscuits. HOW TO MAKE THE ADVENT CALENDER Step 1 Cut out a piece of plain neutralcoloured linen, which should measure 52cm across by 77cm high (this allows for a 1cm hem on all sides). Press and hem three sides, leaving the top. Double fold the top over, allowing a 1cm hem and leaving a big enough (3cm) channel to slot a piece of dowel through later. Step 2 Measure and cut out five strips of the same or contrasting fabric, which should measure 47cm across and 11cm high (again this allows for a 1cm hem on all sides). Turn 1cm hem and press edges under. Arrange, pin and sew onto linen. Measure and mark out five pockets 9cm

7RSWLS If stencilling isn’t your forte then you can use iron-on fabric numbers to go on the pockets instead.

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Crocheted cat nap!

DESIGNER: CHARLOTTE JOHNSON, PHOTOGRAPHY: RUTH JENKINSON

Give a cat lover the purrfect pressie with a soft new basket for their kitty

Gifts and goodies H Cat basket

YOu will need HOOOKED ZPAGETTI (92% COTTON, 8% ELASTANE, 1200G/120M), 1 BALL OF PINK RED 04 FOR YARN STOCKISTS SEE PAGE 162 10MM CROCHET HOOK STITCH MARKER (SM) BLUNT-ENDED YARN NEEDLE TENSION 8½STS AND 10 ROWS TO 10CM OVER DC ON A 10MM HOOK MEASUREMENTS 38CM DIAMETER, 7.5CM HIGH ABBREVIATIONS FOR A FULL LIST SEE PAGE 155

Everyone knows that cats love a cosy place to sit, so this basket is sure to become their favourite snooze spot. It’s made from T-shirt yarn that’s a by-product from the clothing industry, so you’ll be earning eco brownie points as you knit! We love the rose shade but there are lots more colours available. This will fit a small to medium-size cat. HOW TO MAKE THE CAT BASKET Work 2ch and 6dc into second ch from hook, join round with a sl st to first st. Round 1 1ch (does not count as st), work 2dc in each st. Do not join. Place SM on last st. [12 sts] Round 2 (2dc in next st, 1dc in next st) around. [18 sts]

Round 12 (2dc in next st, 1dc in next 11sts) Round 3 (2dc in next st, 1dc in next 2sts) around. [78 sts] around. [24 sts] Round 13 (2dc in next st, 1dc in next 12sts) Round 4 (2dc in next st, 1dc in next 3sts) around. [84 sts] around. [30 sts] Round 14 (2dc in next st, 1dc in next 13sts) Round 5 (2dc in next st, 1dc in next 4sts) around. [90 sts] around. [36 sts] Round 15 (2dc in next st, 1dc in next 14sts) Round 6 (2dc in next st, 1dc in next 5sts) around. [96 sts] around. [42 sts] Round 16 (2dc in next st, 1dc in next 15sts) Round 7 (2dc in next st, 1dc in next 6sts) around. [102 sts] around. [48 sts] Round 17 1dc through back loop in Round 8 (2dc in next st, 1dc in next 7sts) each dc. around. [54 sts] Round 18 (tweed stitch) dc2tog, Round 9 (2dc in next st, 1dc in *1ch, miss next dc, 1dc in next next 8sts) around. [60 sts] st, rep from * to end. Round 10 (2dc in next st, 1dc Add some [101 stitches] in next 9sts) around. [66 sts] e fleece insid Round 19 1ch, *1dc into Round 11 (2dc in next st, 1dc to make it next ch sp, 1ch, miss next in next 10sts) around. [72 sts] ly more snugg dc, rep from * to end. Round 20 1dc into next ch sp, *1ch, miss next dc, 1dc into next ch sp , rep from * to end. Rep rounds 19-20. Join with a sl st. Fasten off and weave in the ends to finish.

$QGëHUHÐVPèH This project is taken from One Ball Of Wool, published by DK, RRP £9.99. You’ll find more gifts that can be made in just a few hours using one ball of wool, including hats, scarves and bags. www.dk.com/uk

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE WHITAKER

Gifts and goodies H Scandi biscuits

Sugar and spice Add this recipe for pepparkakor to your Christmas baking list ‒ the ginger and cinnamon will warm up cold days! Spiced biscuits are always popular at Christmas, and these pepparkakor are a version that’s made in Scandinavian countries. Cut them into any shape you like – hearts and flowers are traditional – and have fun with piping on details or even people’s names! If you want to use them as decorations for the tree, poke a hole in the top before you bake them, then add a length of ribbon or twine when they’re cool.

YOu will need FOR THE BISCUITS 70G BUTTER 90G DARK MUSCOVADO SUGAR 1 TBSP THICK HONEY 250G PLAIN FLOUR ½ TSP BICARBONATE OF SODA 2 TSP GROUND GINGER 1 TSP GROUND CINNAMON 1 TSP MIXED SPICE A PINCH OF SALT 2 TBSP MILK

HOW TO MAKE THE PEPPARKAKOR Step 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4.

TO DECORATE 280G ICING SUGAR 1 EGG WHITE, LIGHTLY BEATEN

Step 2 Put the butter, dark muscovado sugar and honey into a saucepan and heat gently until the butter is melted and the sugar has dissolved. Leave to cool a little.

STAR-SHAPED COOKIE CUTTERS 2 BAKING SHEETS LINED WITH GREASEPROOF PAPER A PIPING BAG FITTED WITH A PLAIN WRITING NOZZLE

Whip up an extra EDWFKRIëHVH\XPP\ FULVSJLQJHUVQDSVIè VXUSULVHJXHVWV

Step 3 Put the flour, bicarbonate of soda, spices and salt into a large mixing bowl. Pour over the melted butter mixture and add the milk. Bring everything together to form a smooth dough.

Step 4 On a clean, lightly floured work surface, roll the dough out into a large rectangle with a thickness of about 3mm. Cut out cookies using the cutters of your choice. Bring the trimmed dough together and roll out again to cut as many cookies out of the dough as possible. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, remembering to leave a Bake little space for spreading le ib d e e between each one. som

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decorations

Step 5 Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until firm. Leave them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes or so, before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6 In the meantime, put the icing sugar into a bowl and beat in the egg white, until you have a thick, smooth icing. Spoon the mixture into the piping bag and decorate the biscuits as you wish! Step 7 Leave to set, store between layers of baking parchment in an airtight container or cookie jar and eat within three days.

$QGëHUHÐVPèH The Cookie Jar by Liz Franklin is published by Ryland Peters & Small, RRP £16.99. Handmade Christmas readers can buy a copy for the special price of £11.99 including free UK p&p by calling Macmillan Direct on 01256 302 699 and quoting reference GLR EB7. www.rylandpeters.com

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Gifts and goodies H Upcycled stocking

Make do and mend Mantelpiece looking a little bare? Transform an old jumper into a funky stocking to hang up for instant cheer!

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YOu will need AN OLD SWEATER OR CARDIGAN (FAIR ISLE IS GOOD) THREAD

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SCISSORS SEWING MACHINE PINS

whip up a stack and use them as your gift wrapping this year?

together, and sew together about 0.5cm from the raw edges.

HOW TO MAKE THE STOCKING Step 1 Lay the sweater flat and place the stocking template (cut out without the cuff) from p156 on top.

Step 5 Place the stocking pieces right sides together, sandwiching the hanging loop between the layers, and machine sew round the edge with a short stitch length, backstitching at the beginning and end of the seam line.

Have you ever wondered what to do with the ever-growing pile of jumpers sitting in the back of the wardrobe that Step 2 Place the top of the stocking have shrunk in the wash, picked up a pattern at the edge of the sweater, to make few holes or just don’t suit you use of the finished edge of the any more? Well, now you can sweater. If the sweater has bring them out of buttons, line up the centre of hibernation and turn them the pattern with the buttons. to y a w t a e into gorgeous stockings Pin this in place. A gr g n li c y c e to hang up on Christmas get r as! Eve and be filled with Step 3 Cut out, through this Christm presents! Those with both the back and front of minimal or no sewing the sweater, to make both experience will easily be able sides of the stocking. to make one of these funky upcycled items, and even better, each Step 4 To make a hanging loop, cut a stocking that you craft will be unique. 4x15cm piece from the leftover sweater, Since they’re so easy to make, why not fold it in half lengthwise, wrong sides

Step 6 Turn through and manipulate the seam to create a rounded shape. Push the toe through gently.

$QGëHUHÐVPèH Christmas Stockings by Rachael Rowe is published by Search Press, priced £7.99. For more information about the book visit www.searchpress.com

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DESIGNER: EMMA HARDY, PHOTOGRAPHY: CICO BOOKS

r Great gift fo h it w a friend rs! green finge

Gifts and goodies H Terrarium

Garden in a jar Bring the outside inside this Christmas by making Emma Hardy’s beautifully delicate glass terrarium

YOu will need LARGE GLASS JAR WITH A WIDE NECK GRAVEL GROUND CHARCOAL (PET STORES SHOULD STOCK THIS) POTTING COMPOST SCOOP HELLEBORUS NIGER (CHOOSE AN ALPINE VARIETY WITH A SMALL ROOT

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BALL) VIOLA X WITTROCKIANA (PANSY) HUMATA TYERMANII (BUNNY FERN) MOSS (AVAILABLE FROM FLORISTS) SOFT PAINTBRUSH

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A terrarium is a lovely means of creating a small garden indoors, and an easy way to bring colour into your home. With a bit of careful plant selection a simple glass jar can be turned into a beautiful feature. We’ve suggested some plants to use, but any ferns or succulents will also work well. HOW TO MAKE THE TERRARIUM Step 1 Clean and dry the jar thoroughly before you start. Carefully place a layer of gravel in the bottom of the jar (adding it in handfuls rather than pouring it in, so that it does not shatter the glass). The gravel should be about 2cm thick and evenly spread over the bottom of the jar. Step 2 Sprinkle charcoal powder over the gravel, completely covering it. This will help

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to absorb odours from the compost, ensuring that the terrarium does not smell. Step 3 Check that the potting compost is damp before using, and water it if necessary, letting it drain slightly before using it. Add the compost to the jar, making a layer about 5cm thick. Add it using a small scoop or your hand rather than pouring it in, so that it does not make too much mess inside the jar. Step 4 Take the hellebore out of its pot and carefully remove any excess soil from around the roots. Make a shallow dip in the compost inside the jar and place the hellebore in it, spreading the roots out a little and anchoring it in place with a little more potting compost if necessary, so that it sits firmly upright.

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Gifts and goodies H Terrarium

4

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Step 5 Take the pansy from its pot and plant in the jar in the same way, placing it toward the back of the jar, next to the hellebore.

potting compost, around the plants. Make sure that all the potting compost is covered, adding smaller pieces of moss if necessary.

Step 6 Add the fern, again removing excess soil from the roots, and plant toward the front of the jar, adding more potting compost if necessary. Firm around all three plants so that they sit firmly in the compost.

Step 8 Using the soft paintbrush, clean up the inside of the jar and brush any bits of compost from the leaves and flowers.

Step 7 Tear the sheet of moss into pieces and place them on the surface of the

AFTERCARE Make sure that the potting compost remains moist but not too wet (stick your finger into the compost to check), watering

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sparely when necessary. Keep the terrarium in a light spot and deadhead the pansy regularly. With the right conditions, the plants should keep flowering for several weeks or months.

$QGëHUHÐVPèH The Winter Garden by Emma Hardy is published by CICO Books, priced £14.99, and is available from all good bookshops. To purchase a copy at the special price of £10.99 including free UK p&p, call 01256 302 699 quoting EC5. For more information on this book, please visit www.cicobooks.co.uk

Snap to it! No Christmas dinner is complete without a cracker, and these zingy ones are the perfect way to get the party started! By Vicky Sheridan

1 Cut Christmas paper to 18x28cm and tape a snap along the length (don’t put tape on the centre of the snap!). Add double-sided tape to one long end, tightly wrap around the cardboard tube and seal.

2 Tie ribbon around one end, fill with a hat and prize, then tie the other end. To help keep the cracker in shape, place a second cardboard tube in the end while you’re tying the ribbon.

3 You can leave the crackers plain or decorate with paper strips or other embellishments.

YOu will need CHRISTMAS PAPERS WRAPPING PAPER CARDBOARD TUBES PINK AND GREEN SATIN RIBBON DOUBLE-SIDED TAPE PINK BUTTON HOLLY LEAF PUNCH CRACKER SNAPS HATS AND PRIZES

DESIGNER: FIONA GOBLE PHOTOGRAPHY: TERRY BENSON

Ideal pattern for te intermedia s r te knit

Gifts and goodies H Fox mittens

FæOLQJIR[\ Keep hands warm in style this Christmas with a pair of fun mittens, knitted in deliciously soft natural yarn

YOu will need UK ALPACA SUPER FINE DK (70% ALPACA, 30% WOOL, 50G/112M), 1 BALL OF EACH: YARN A: RUST (14) YARN B: PARCHMENT (01) SMALL AMOUNTS OF BLACK AND OFF-WHITE DK YARN FOR YARN STOCKISTS, SEE PAGE 162. A PAIR OF 4MM AND 3.25MM KNITTING NEEDLES STITCH HOLDER YARN SEWING NEEDLE LARGE-EYED EMBROIDERY NEEDLE TENSION 20 STS AND 28 ROWS IN ST ST TO A 10CM SQUARE ON 4MM NEEDLES MEASUREMENTS 19CM FROM THE BASE OF THE WRIST TO THE TIP, TO FIT A CHILD AGED 7–10 ABBREVIATIONS C3R CABLE 3 RIGHT: SLIP NEXT 2 STITCHES ONTO CABLE NEEDLE AND HOLD AT BACK OF WORK, KNIT NEXT STITCH FROM LEFT-HAND NEEDLE THEN KNIT STITCHES FROM CABLE NEEDLE. C3L CABLE 3 LEFT: SLIP NEXT STITCH ONTO CABLE NEEDLE AND HOLD AT FRONT OF WORK, KNIT NEXT 2 STITCHES FROM LEFT-HAND NEEDLE THEN KNIT STITCHES FROM CABLE NEEDLE. TBL THROUGH THE BACK LOOP: KNIT OR PURL THOUGH THE BACK OF THE STITCH SL1(2) SLIP ONE (TWO) STITCH(ES): FROM THE LEFT-HAND NEEDLE TO THE RIGHTHAND NEEDLE WITHOUT KNITTING IT (THEM) FOR A FULL LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS SEE PAGE 154

Everyone loves a friendly fox, and these gorgeous mittens are a great way of showing your love for this handsome creature! They’re knitted in yarn that’s a blend of alpaca and sheep’s wool, so they’ll be both super soft and super cosy on chilly winter mornings. The pattern here is for a 7-10 year old, but you can easily make them larger so they’ll fit teenagers and adults. They’re also adaptable to make another animal – try black and white yarn to make a badger, or add whiskers to turn them into a pair of cute cats. HOWTO MAKE THE MITTENS RIGHT MITTEN Using 4mm needles, cast on 36 sts in A. Row 1: [K2, P2] to end. Rep row 1, 13 times more. Beg with a k row, work 4 rows in st st.* Row 19: K22, [kfb] twice, k to end. [38 sts] Row 20: Purl. Row 21: Knit. Row 22: P12, pfb, P2, pfb, P to end. [40 sts] Row 23: Knit. Row 24: Purl. Row 25: K22, kfb, K4, kfb, K to end. [42 sts] Row 26: Purl. Row 27: Knit. Row 28: P12, pfb, P6, pfb, P to end. [44 sts] Row 29: Knit. Row 30: Purl. Row 31: K22, kfb, K8, kfb, K to end. [46 sts] Row 32: Purl. Row 33: Knit. Row 34: P12, pfb, p10, pfb, p to end. [48 sts] Row 35: K23, put next 12 sts onto stitch holder, K to end. [36 sts] Cont on 36 sts on main needles only. Beg with a P row, work 9 rows in st st. Break A and join in B. Row 45: K8 in B; rejoin A and K7; K in B to end, using yarn from ball centre. Row 46: P22 in B; P5 in A; P in B to end.

Row 47: K1, skpo, K7 in B; K3 in A; K6, k2tog, K2, skpo, K8, k2tog, K1 in B. [32 sts] Row 48: P1, p2tog, P6, p2togtbl, P2, p2tog, P6 in B; P1 in A; P7, p2togtbl, P1 in B. [28 sts] Break A and the strand of B currently at the centre of the piece and use the other strand of B. Row 49: K1, skpo, K12, k2tog, K2, skpo, K4, k2tog, K1. [24 sts] Row 50: P1, p2tog, P2, p2togtbl, P2, P2tog, P10, p2togtbl, P1. [20 sts] Row 51: K1, skpo, K8, k2tog, K2, skpo, k2tog, K1. [16 sts] Row 52: P1, p2tog, p2togtbl, p2tog, P6, p2tog, P1. [12 sts] Break yarn, thread it through rem sts, and pull up securely. WORK THUMB With RS facing you, rejoin A to 12 sts on stitch holder. Beg with a k row, work 8 rows in st st. Next row: K1, [k2tog, K2] twice, k2tog, K1. [9 sts] Next row: Purl. Next row: [K1, k2tog] 3 times. [6 sts] Break yarn, thread it through rem sts, and pull up securely. LEFT MITTEN Rows 1–18: Work as for right mitten to *. Row 19: K12, [kfb] twice, K to end. [38 sts] Row 20: Purl. Row 21: Knit. Row 22: P22, pfb, P2, pfb, P to end. [40 sts] Row 23: Knit.

,IëHUHÐVDFKLOGLQ \RXUIDPLO\ZKRORYHV DQLPDOVëH\ÐçDGèH àQGLQJëHVHPLWWHQV XQGHUëHWUæ HANDMADE CHRISTMAS

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Gifts and goodies H Fox mittens

Row 24: Purl. Row 25: K12, kfb, K4, kfb, K to end. [42 sts] Row 26: Purl. Row 27: Knit. Row 28: P22, pfb, P6, pfb, P to end. [44 sts] Row 29: Knit. Row 30: Purl. Row 31: K12, kfb, K8, kfb, K to end. [46 sts] Row 32: Purl. Row 33: Knit. Row 34: P22, pfb, P10, pfb, P to end. [48 sts] Row 35: K13, put next 12 sts onto stitch holder, K to end. [36 sts] Cont on 36 sts on main needles only. Beg with a P row, work 9 rows in st st. Break A and join in B. Row 45: K21 in B; rejoin A and K7; K in B to end, using yarn from ball centre. Row 46: P9 in B, P5 in A, P in B to end. Row 47: K1, skpo, K8, k2tog, K2, skpo, K6 in B; K3 in A; K7, k2tog, K1 in B. [32 sts] Row 48: P1, p2tog, P7 in B; P1 in A; P6, p2togtbl, P2, p2tog, P6, p2togtbl, P1 in B. [28 sts] Break A and the strand of B currently at the centre of the piece and use other strand of B. Row 49: K1, skpo, K4, k2tog, K2, skpo, K12, k2tog, K1. [24 sts] Row 50: P1, p2tog, P10, p2togtbl, P2, p2tog, P2, p2togtbl, P1. [20 sts] Row 51: K1, skpo, k2tog, K2, skpo, K8, k2tog, K1. [16 sts] Row 52: P1, p2tog, P6, p2tog, p2togtbl, p2tog, P1. [12 sts] Break yarn, thread it through rem sts, and pull up securely. Work thumb as for right mitten. EAR Make 4 Using 3.25mm needles, cast on 6 sts in A. Beg with a K row, work 2 rows in st st. Row 3: Ssk, K2, k2tog. [4 sts] Row 4: Purl. Row 5: Ssk, k2tog. [2 sts] Row 6: P2tog. [1 st] Row 7: Kfb. [2 sts] Row 8: Purl. Row 9: [Kfb] twice. [4 sts] Row 10: Purl. Row 11: [Kfb, K1] twice. [6 sts] Beg with a P row, work 2 rows in st st. Cast off kwise.

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TO MAKE UP Join the side seams of the mittens and the thumb seams using flat stitch. Fold an ear piece in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew the two sides, leaving the lower edge open. Turn the ear the right way out and oversew the lower edge. Make the other three ears in the same way and oversew in place. Work French knots in black yarn for the eye centres, winding the yarn three times around the needle instead of the usual two. Using off-white yarn, work a circle of chain stitch around the eye centre. For the nose, work a small coil of chain stitch using black yarn.

Weave in all loose ends.

AnGëere’s PèH… Knitted Animal Scarves, Mitts, and Socks is published by CICO Books priced £12.99. To purchase a copy at the special price of £9.99 including free UK p&p, call 01256 302 699 quoting ED3. For more information on this book, visit www.cicobooks.co.uk

HANDMADE CHRISTMAS READER OFFER VISIT A CHRISTMAS MARKET FROM £99PP From £129pp for 1 night. Departure dates December 2015.

PRICE INCLUDES ALL THIS:

Enjoy a magical winter safari and a Festival of Light celebrating some of China’s most mysterious myths, as one of the most beautiful stately homes in the UK is transformed into a world of enchantment. You’ll also visit Salisbury’s Christmas Market - one of the Daily Telegraph’s Top Five UK Christmas Markets.

From £99pp for 1 night. Departure dates November and December 2015 For a couple of festive days away, look no further than this great-value break. Combining the very best seasonal shopping with fine food, Bath’s spectacular Christmas lights and a short tour of the lovely Cotswolds, it promises to be an unmissable preChristmas weekend!

A visit to Salisbury’s Christmas Market Entry to Longleat’s Festival of Light, including access to Longleat House, a winter safari and the Adventure Park One night’s bed and English breakfast accommodation at a good hotel in the Swindon area Coach travel throughout The services of a friendly Tour Manager

From £105pp for 1 night. Departure dates November and December 2015

PRICE INCLUDES ALL THIS:  A visit to Bath and its Christmas Market  A short tour of the Cotswolds  Visits to Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold  One night’s bed and English breakfast accommodation in the Express by Holiday Inn, Swindon (or similar)  Comfortable coach travel and transfers  The services of a friendly Tour Manager

Get your Christmas shopping off to a flying start with this overnight break to the hugely popular St Nicholas Christmas Fayre in the heart of historic York. The finest crafts, gifts, food, festive fun, musical entertainment, shops and stalls combine to make this a really memorable weekend.

PRICE INCLUDES ALL THIS: TERMS & CONDITIONS: Travel insurance not included. Lead-in price is based on two people sharing. Single supplement applies. Subject to availability. Price could be withdrawn at any time. These holidays are operated by, and your resulting contract will be with, Newmarket Air Holidays Ltd., Cantium House, Railway Approach, Wallington, Surrey SM6 0BP. (Registered in England no. 2238316/1708566) ABTA V7812, ATOL 2325. Your personal information will be used as set out in our Privacy Policy, which can be viewed at www.immediate.co.uk/privacy-policy

A visit to Leeds A visit to the York Christmas Fayre One night’s bed and English breakfast accommodation in a comfortable hotel within a 90-minute drive of York Coach travel throughout The services of a friendly Tour Manager

TO BOOK & FOR MORE DETAILS PLEASE CALL  0330 160 7864 & QUOTE CODE: CFT

VERITY WELSTEAD AND LUCY BERRIDGE

Mix & match Make use of old cups and into saucers by turning them also ps cu g candle holders. Eg s. dle can le litt te cu make very ch, tou l cia spe raext For an add scented oils to the wax. You can buy candle m fro s set g makin craft shops.

Ideas H Upcycling

New from old Adding a personal touch to antique and vintage pieces makes them even more alluring as presents keep it clean Place a pretty soap onto a gorgeous vintage saucer, tie with some ribbon and you’ve got a very elegant present to give.

What a pickle Putting your homemade preserves in antique jars will really give them the wow factor. Don’t forget to label them!

Sweet treats Fill 1950s ceramic jelly moulds with retro sweets for a present that’s sure to delight.

Gardener’s delight For green-fingered friends and family, collect garden tools and seeds together in a wicker trug for a practical yet stylish gift.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATHERINE GRATWICKE

Make a real winter warmer for someone

Gifts and goodies H Tea and shortbread

TLPHIèWHD If you know someone who loves a biscuit and a brew, impress them with a present of homemade teabags and shortbread

YOu will need FOR THE SLEEPY TEA DRIED CAMOMILE DRIED LEMON BALM DRIED PASSIFLORA DRIED ROSE BUDS OR PETALS FOR THE DE-STRESS TEA DRIED CAMOMILE DRIED LEMON BALM DRIED LIME BLOSSOMS DRIED PASSIFLORA DRIED SKULLCAP READY-TO-FILL TEABAGS (OPTIONAL) MAKES 20 TEABAGS

HOW TO MAKE THE TEABAGS Combine equal quantities (50g in total) of each of the dried herbs in a bowl and mix well. Scoop one heaped teaspoon of the blend into each tea bag, tie with fine string or cotton and attach a pretty label to each bag. Stored in an airtight box, these will keep for at least three months. HOW TO MAKE THE SHORTBREAD Step 1 To make the shortbread dough, cream the softened butter and icing sugar until pale and light. Add the vanilla extract and mix again. Sift the flour (and cocoa if using for the chocolate shortbread) and salt, add to the mixture and beat until smooth. Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap in clingfilm and chill until firm.

FOR THE VANILLA SHORTBREAD 225G UNSALTED BUTTER, SOFTENED 75G ICING SUGAR, SIFTED 1 TSP VANILLA EXTRACT 225G PLAIN FLOUR, PLUS EXTRA FOR ROLLING PINCH OF SALT

Step 2 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/ Gas Mark 4 and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper. Lightly dust the work surface with plain flour and roll the dough out to a thickness of about 3mm. Using cookie cutters, stamp out shapes and arrange on the baking tray.

FOR THE CHOCOLATE SHORTBREAD 225G UNSALTED BUTTER, SOFTENED 75G ICING SUGAR, SIFTED 1 TSP VANILLA EXTRACT 225G PLAIN FLOUR, PLUS EXTRA FOR ROLLING

Step 3 Bake on the middle shelf of the preheated oven for around 12 to15 minutes, until crisp and pale golden. Cool on the baking tray, then package into pretty boxes or bags.

Lemon shortbread Add the finely grated zest of 1 unwaxed lemon, 1 tsp of lemon extract and 1 tbsp of finely chopped candied lemon peel to the vanilla shortbread mixture in place of the vanilla extract. Almond shortbread Add 75g of finely chopped or ground almonds to the chocolate or vanilla mixture. Hazelnut shortbread Add 75g finely chopped or ground hazelnuts to the chocolate or vanilla mixture.

50G COCOA PINCH OF SALT

Let’s get the kettle on! Tea and biscuits is always a winning combination, and versions you’ve made yourself are even better. Spoon the tea into ready-to-fill teabags, or decant into glass jars or a tea caddy with a tea strainer attached. Pop the biscuits in a pretty tin, then package everything up with a teapot and you’ve got a gift that any tea lover will adore!

VARIATIONS Pistachio chocolate-dipped shortbread Add 75g of finely chopped unsalted, shelled pistachios to the shortbread mixture (chocolate or vanilla). Stamp out discs of shortbread and bake. Spread the baked and cooled shortbread discs with melted dark chocolate and scatter with chopped pistachios. Stem ginger shortbread Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1 finely chopped nugget of stem ginger to the basic vanilla mixture.

Morello cherry shortbread Add 75g chopped dried morello cherries to the vanilla or chocolate mixture.

$QGëHUHÐVPèH Gifts from the Kitchen by Annie Rigg is published by Kyle Books, priced £14.99. For more information about ths title please visit www.kylebooks.com

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)LçHGZLëIXQ Deck the halls with Lucie Heaton’s adorable cross stitch Advent calendar – a decorative and delicious countdown all in one! It’s perfect for kids of every age

e Find a guid g hin to cross stitc 1 on page 15

Gifts and goodies H Advent calendar

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STRANDED COTTON AS LISTED IN THE KEY SIZE 24 TAPESTRY NEEDLE 14-COUNT WHITE AIDA MEASURING

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10x10CM FOR EACH DESIGN BACKING FABRIC AND HANGING CORD OF CHOICE MEASUREMENTS EACH STOCKING MEASURES 7.5x5.5CM ON 14-COUNT AIDA 10

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We love these cute little stockings – they’re the perfect way to mark the build-up to Christmas! Each design can be stitched in an evening, so there’s plenty of time to get finished before December. Once you’ve finished, cut the stitching into a stocking shape leaving a 1cm border. Place with a matching piece of fabric, right sides facing, then fold down 1cm of fabric either side at the top to create a neat edge. Stitch the sides and bottom of using a 1cm seam allowance, leaving the top open. Finally, add a loop of ribbon or twine and secure inside the stocking with a few stitches.

WDMC W Anchor WMadeira

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Gifts and goodies H Advent calendar

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Gifts and goodies H Gadget cover

A soft touch Draw on Scandinavian style to sew a pretty protector for a tablet or phone using soft fabric and beaded details

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YOu will need 90x115CM LIGHT BLUE FELT 12x12CM LIGHT PINK FELT SCRAPS OF RED AND GREEN FELT

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,WÐVDOZD\VJUHDWWRUHFHLYHDSUHVHQWëDWÐVDV SUHWW\DVLWLVSUDFWLFDOZKLFKLVFHUWDLQO\ëH FDVHZLëëLVVW\OLVKJDGJHWFRYHU

50CM RED BIAS BINDING LIGHT BLUE AND PINK ROUND BEADS, 3MM IN DIAMETER LIGHT BLUE AND PINK EMBROIDERY THREAD RED, LIGHT PINK AND GREEN SEWING THREADS SEWING NEEDLE FABRIC GLUE PINKING SHEARS

Craft the perfect gift for a gadget HOW TO MAKE THE GADGET COVER lover! Lots of us take tablets Step 1 First measure your gadget to work everywhere, but pulling them in and out out how much fabric you will need. There of a bag can easily result in the surface are three pieces to this project – back, front getting scratched and damaged. Stop and flap. The back needs to be the same any accidents in their tracks by making size as your gadget plus 1cm all around; the this Nordic-style cover that front piece is the same width and features traditional Dala two-thirds of the height of the horses. The case is easily back piece; and the flap is the created using felt same width as the back and Easily with some beaded 10cm deep. To make the to adaptable ed cover more sturdy and embellishments, and it’s iz different s also simple to adjust to fit provide extra padding, cut gadgets your chosen gadget size. two of each piece. Round off Felt is a great fabric to sew the corners of each piece. with, as it doesn’t fray and cuts very easily. The instructions Step 2 Trace the templates from here assume you’ll be using a sewing page 156 onto tracing paper and cut out. machine, but if you’re confident in your Cut out two hearts from red felt, two Dala skills then it shouldn’t take long to sew horses from pink felt and four little green this project by hand. If you prefer your leaves. Place them on the front panel. cover to be more plain then you can When you’re happy with the positions, leave off the appliqué details. apply a tiny dot of fabric glue to the back of

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Gifts and goodies H Gadget cover

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each one and gently press them in place. Using matching sewing thread, stitch the decorations in place. Step 3 Pin the decorated front panel right side up on the plain front panel. Turn the panel over and pin the bias binding along the top edge, allowing a few centimetres to stick out at each end. Machine stitch along the top crease line in the binding. Step 4 Trim the blue felt a little if necessary, and fold the bias binding over to the front. Sew along the edge of the binding from the front. Attach bias binding to the bottom edge of the flap. Don’t forget to pin the two layers of the flap together before you start sewing.

:HORYHëHZD\ëDWëHVRIWSDVWHOVKDGHV RIEOXHSLQNDQGJUæQDUHFRQWUDVWHGZLë ëHFKæU\UHGKHDUWVDQGHGJLQJ Step 5 Cut off any excess binding sticking out on the sides, leaving just 1cm or so extending. Fold it over to the back of each piece and attach with a few hand stitches. Step 6 Place the two back pieces in front of you, add the decorated front panel, and then the flap. Align all pieces carefully; trim here and there if you need to, but don’t get carried away and cut off too much! Pin the pieces together with long dressmaker’s pins. Slowly sew all around the cover, using red thread. Step 7 Snip around the blue felt with pinking shears to give the cover a pretty edge, taking great care not to snip through the binding. Using a sharp needle and matching embroidery thread, add a small beaded “flower” to each of the hearts, made up of a light blue centre surrounded by pink beads. Step 8 Add five beads to the closing flap – light blue in the centre, a pink one on each side and a blue bead on each side of the pink.

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AnGëere’s PèH… Sew Scandinavian is published by CICO Books at £12.99, and is available from all good bookshops. To purchase a copy at the special price of £9.99 including free UK p&p, call 01256 302 699 quoting ED6. For more information, please visit www.cicobooks.co.uk

0DUNëHVSRW Use yarn scraps in funky colours to whip up these handy pompom bookmarks in your tea break. By Jess Byrne

YOu will need MATERIALS YARN IN FIVE DIFFERENT COLOURS A FORK SMALL SHARP SCISSORS

1 Cut four lengths of yarn measuring 70cm and put to one side. Choose a ball of yarn and start wrapping it around the fork until the bundle gets as fat as you can make it. Cut the wool to leave a tail of around 35cm.

MEASUREMENTS: 18x4CM

2 Take one of the pieces of yarn you put aside and push it between the two centre prongs of the fork. Pull it up, then wrap it around the wool bundle, tying as tightly as you can and making sure the ends of the long piece are even in length. Slide the wool bundle off the fork.

4 Using sharp scissors, snip the loops of the wool bundle to create a pom-pom. Roll it around a little in your hands to fluff up the strands and then give it a trim to ensure all the strands are even.

3 Fold in half the remaining three strands of wool that you set aside, then tie tightly to the two strands holding the wool bundle. You should now have a tight wool bundle with 9 strands measuring 35cm hanging from it. Plait these strands to around 10cm long. Tie tightly and cut, leaving a 4-5cm tassel.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATHERINE GRATWICKE

Gifts and goodies H Chocolate wafers

6ZæWVIèP\VZæW Impress your friends and family with a box of these delicious dark and white chocolate wafers topped with raspberry pieces and rose petals

YOu will need 150G GOOD QUALITY DARK CHOCOLATE (72% COCOA SOLIDS) 150G GOOD QUALITY WHITE CHOCOLATE 3–4 TBSP FREEZE-DRIED RASPBERRY PIECES 3–4 TBSP CRYSTALLISED ROSE PETALS 3–4 TBSP PINK SUGARED ROSE CHIPS OR SUGAR SPRINKLES

You can e substitute th r fo y raspberr d cr ystallise ginger

Everyone loves to indulge over Christmas DQGëHVHH[TXLVLWH chocolates are only slightly sinful!

Raspberry and rose is an irresistible combination, and these pretty sweets will make a special gift for someone this Christmas. Even non-foodie types will enjoy whipping up a batch, as there’s no cooking required. Pop them in a glassine bag and tie with a ribbon for a pretty finishing touch. HOW TO MAKE THE WAFERS Step 1 Line two large baking trays with greaseproof paper. Step 2 Break the dark and white chocolate into pieces and melt separately in heatproof bowls set over pans of barely simmering water. Stir until smooth, then remove from the heat and cool slightly. Step 3 Spoon heaped teaspoonfuls of melted chocolate on to the prepared

baking trays, spreading the chocolate into discs with the back of the spoon. Scatter with the raspberry pieces, rose petals and rose chips or sugar sprinkles. Set the chocolates aside to cool and harden completely before removing them from the paper with a palette knife. Step 4 Stored in an airtight container, these chocolates will keep for 4–5 days.

$QGëHUHÐVPèH This delicious project appears in Gifts from the Kitchen by Annie Rigg, published by Kyle Books for £14.99. For more information please visit www.kylebooks.com

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Dapper dog

DESIGNER: CHARLOTTE JOHNSON, PHOTOGRAPHY: RUTH JENKINSON

Keep your pooch stylish this season with a smart bow tie

Gifts and goodies H Dog bow tie

YOu will need ONE BALL OF JAMES C BRETT TWINKLE DK (97% ACRYLIC, 3% POLYESTER, 100G/300M) IN RED (03) FOR YARN STOCKISTS, SEE PAGE 162 3.5MM CROCHET HOOK BLUNT-ENDED YARN NEEDLE PRESS STUDS MATCHING THREAD SEWING NEEDLE STITCH MARKER TENSION 22STS AND 25 ROWS TO 10CM OVER DC ON A 3.5MM HOOK MEASUREMENTS 35CM LONG STRAP ABBREVIATIONS FOR A FULL LIST SEE PAGE 155

Always put your best paw forward with this doggie bow tie! The yarn we’ve chosen has metallic flecks in it to make it that little bit more festive. The strap is fastened with press studs, so that the bow tie adjusts to fit a variety of sizes, but if you need to make the strap longer then just continue the pattern as required. MAIN BOW Note: the main bow is worked in the round without joining, Makes a use a stitch marker to mark the first st of each round. great last Ch 21. minute gift! Round 1 Dc in 2nd ch from the hook, dc in the next 18sts, gathering the bow as you go, 3dc in last ch st, turn and work to form the shape. Weave in and along the back of the foundation ch, cut off any loose ends. dc in the next 18sts, 2dc in last st. [42 sts] Rounds 2–31 Dc in each st around. STRAP [42 sts] Ch 7. Fasten off, press flat and sew the opening Row 1 Dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next 5 closed to create a rectangle for the sts. [6 sts] main bow. Rows 2–90 Ch 1 turn, dc in each st to end. [6 sts] BOW MIDDLE Fasten off. Ch 6. Row 1 Dc in 2nd ch from the hook, dc in the TO MAKE UP next 4sts. [5 sts] Sew the middle of the strap to the back of Rows 2–20 Ch 1 turn, dc in each st to end. the bow. Sew press studs to the ends of the [5 sts] bow strap so that it fits on your dog. The Fasten off and sew around the main bow, strap is slightly stretchy, so if making for a

gift add a few press studs a couple of centimetres apart so that it will fit a range of dogs. Weave in and cut off any loose ends.

$QGëHUHÐVPèH This cute project is taken from One Ball Of Wool, published by DK, RRP £9.99. Get your needles and hooks out in the run-up to Christmas and create more fun gifts, all using just one ball of wool! For more information visit www.dk.com/uk

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STYLING AND DECORATIONS BY WWW.DOTCOMGIFTSHOP.COM

Trends H Woodland

Winter woodland Bring the natural elements of a winter woodland into your home. Think mistletoe bunches and berries mixed with textured woods and twine

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Berry nice +

Give your Christmas table a simple yet effective centrepiece by choosing a candle containing winter berries and branches, such as this beautiful large botanical candle by Linea with a warming mulled berry fragrance. From www.houseoffraser.co.uk

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Starry night y

y

Keep the woodland theme going into the night with a natural twig star decorated with LED lights. It’s a great example of how natural objects can work well with modern embellishments. Available from www.livelaughlove.co.uk

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Mix natural and modern styling to t create impac

Textural touch

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Add a coat of whitewash to a wooden Christmas decoration to bring out the texture of the woodgrain, then hang using a simple hessian string. This fretwork Noel decoration comes from www.tch.net

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New from old +

Natural beauty +

For an authentic forest feel, keep your Christmas wreath all-natural with just green ribbon and twine to trim it. This living succulent wreath shows just how effective such a subtle colour scheme can be. From fleurieugifts.etsy.com

Bring a new lease of life to an old wooden pallet by repurposing the wooden slats to make a tree dec with a difference. This sweet design is stamped with a festive message and topped with a distressed paint finish. From www.theorchard homeandgifts.com y

Fresh & festive

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Who says baubles have to be round? Use these quirky toadstool decorations to deck out your tree, or why not string some up along red ribbon for unique festive bunting to hang in your hallway? www.dotcomgiftshop.com

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DESIGNER: FIONA GOBLE PHOTOGRAPHY: TERRY BENSON

Knitted in n chunky yar for a quick make

Gifts and goodies H Owl scarf

Have a hoot! If a woodland walk is what you fancy, dress the part and kit yourself out in this super scarf with pockets at the ends to keep your hands toasty

YOu will need LION BRAND WOOL-EASE THICK & QUICK (80% ACRYLIC, 20% WOOL, 170G/97M), 2 BALLS OF YARN A: OATMEAL (123) KATIA MAXI MERINO CHUNKY (55% WOOL, 45% ACRYLIC, 100G/125M), 1 BALL OF EACH: YARN B: GOLD (047) YARN C: RUST (040) SMALL AMOUNT OF DARK BROWN DK YARN FOR YARN STOCKISTS, SEE PAGE 162. A PAIR OF 9MM AND 5.5MM KNITTING NEEDLES A 9MM AND 6MM CROCHET HOOK YARN SEWING NEEDLE

Delight a child (or an adult!) on Christmas Day with this cute little knitted scarf featuring everyone’s favourite bird. It’s practical, too, as it will keep necks and hands warm on those bracing post-lunch frosty walks.

LARGE-EYED EMBROIDERY NEEDLE FOUR 18MM CREAM BUTTONS TENSION 9 STS AND 12 ROWS IN STOCKING STITCH TO A 10CM SQUARE ON 9MM NEEDLES MEASUREMENTS 149CM LONG ABBREVIATIONS FOR A FULL LIST SEE PAGE 154

AnGëere’s Pèe… Knitted Animal Scarves, Mitts, And Socks is published by CICO Books, priced £12.99. To purchase a copy at the special price of £9.99 with free UK p&p, call 01256 302 699 quoting ED3. For more information on this book, visit www.cicobooks.co.uk

HOW TO MAKE THE SCARF MAIN SCARF Using 9mm needles, cast on 13 sts in A. Row 1: Knit. Row 2: Knit. Beg with a k row, work 17 rows in st st. Row 20: Knit. Row 21: Purl. Rep rows 20–21, 87 times more. Row 196: Knit. Beg with a K row, work 17 rows in st st. Row 214: Knit. Cast off. EYE BASES Make 4 Using 5.5mm needles, cast on 24 sts in B. Row 1: Knit. Row 2: [P2tog] to end. (12 sts) Row 3: [K2tog] to end. (6 sts) Break yarn, thread it through rem sts, and pull up securely. EYE FRINGES Make 4 Using 5.5mm needles, cast on 3 sts in C. *Cast off 2 sts, transfer rem st from right to

left needle without turning work. One picot made. Cast on 2 sts.** Rep from * to ** until you have 12 picots. Fasten off. EAR LOOPS Using the 6mm crochet hook and a doubled strand of dark brown yarn, work four 13cm crochet chains. TO MAKE UP Fold the pocket tops at each end of the scarf upward so that the right side of the top part of the pocket is on the inside and oversew the side seams. Turn the pockets the right way out. Using B doubled and the 9mm crochet hook, work a crochet edging along the sides of the scarf, beginning and ending at the top of the pockets. For the eyes, fold the eye base pieces in half so that the right side is on the inside and oversew the seam (row edges) to form a disc. Oversew the eye bases in position. Oversew the picot edging in place around eye bases and sew the buttons in place in the centres of the eyes using the dark brown yarn. Using dark brown yarn, work a teardrop-shape for the beak in chain stitch. Make each dark brown crochet chain into two loops and stitch in place at the top corners of the pockets for the ears. Weave in all loose ends.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE WHITAKER

Gifts and goodies H Biscuit tree

Stack ’em high Bake sweet biscuits and arrange them into a tree shape for a striking teatime centrepiece that’s guaranteed to wow friends and family

YOu will need 120G BUTTER 120G CASTER SUGAR 180G PLAIN FLOUR 1 EGG, SEPARATED 500G READY-TO-ROLL FONDANT ICING (IN GREEN OR WHITE) 50G APRICOT JAM, STRAINED 50G ICING SUGAR CASTER SUGAR, FOR DUSTING SILVER AND GOLD BALLS STAR-SHAPED COOKIE CUTTERS IN VARIOUS SIZES 2 BAKING SHEETS LINED WITH BAKING PARCHMENT

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A lovely stack of crisp, buttery cookies Top tip! made to look like an elegant Christmas tree is a very special thing These biscuits would make a fantastic gift to make for your guests. You can buy packed into a pretty box. Turn to page 142 individual star cookie cutters in to make your own stamped wrapping paper! descending sizes, or search out the kits that are especially made for the purpose ‒ these usually include about 10 cookie cutters from very large for Step 5 Leave to cool on the baking sheets the base, to tiny ones for the top. for 10 minutes or so, before transferring to Choose a festive coloured icing and a wire rack until completely cold. decorate with sprinkles or silver balls. With this showstopping treat it pays Step 6 Roll out the fondant icing and cut to be patient – those who wait into stars using the cookie cutters, so get the biggest biscuits at that you have fondant stars that the bottom! These cookies correspond in size to the are really easy to make, so n cookies. Offer this fu why not whip up another to alternative ke batch to freeze (just Step 7 Brush the cold a c s a Christm leave out the icing) cookies with apricot jam at teatime for last-minute treats for (heat it up a little in a visitors over the holidays? saucepan set over a low heat if HOW TO MAKE THE COOKIES Step 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/ Gas Mark 4. Step 2 Put the butter, sugar and flour in a large mixing bowl. Rub together until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs, and then add the egg yolk. Bring everything together to form a smooth dough. Step 3 On a clean, lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle about 4mm thick. Cut out star shapes in descending sizes. Bring the trimmed dough together and roll out again to cut as many cookies out of the dough as possible. Arrange the biscuits on the prepared baking sheets, with the larger cookies on one sheet and the smaller cookies on another. Step 4 Bake the larger cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, and the smaller ones for 4 to 8 minutes, until golden and firm.

the jam is too thick to brush) and place the matching fondant star on top. Push gently to secure, taking care not to break the cookies. Step 8 Stack the cookies on top of each other, starting with the largest cookie at the base. Mix the icing sugar with enough water to create a thick icing and decorate the finished tree with silver and gold balls, using the icing to secure them.

$QGëHUHÐVPèH This scrumptious recipe is from The Cookie Jar by Liz Franklin with photography by Kate Whitaker, published by Ryland, Peters & Small, RRP £16.99. Readers can buy it for the special price of £11.99 including free UK p&p by calling Macmillan Direct on 01256 302 699 and quoting reference GLR EB7. www.rylandpeters.com

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FREE INSIDE! 40 GIFT TAGS & GREETINGS

Christmas etings

Seasons Gre

#!  :: !::!#  !

Just £9.99!

The team behind Mollie Makes bring you this collection of seasonal makes for crafters of all levels. Be inspired to give handmade gifts and style a festive home with our 105 exciting projects and ideas. Packed with crochet, knitting and sewing patterns, papercrafts, jewellery-making DIYs and so much more!

order your copy today!

Order online www.buysubscriptions.com/craftspec15 Or call 01604 828744 and quote ‘Mollie Christmas Special 2015’ Lines open weekdays 8am to 9.30pm and Saturday 8am to 4pm. Overseas please call +44 (0) 1604 828744. * EUR price £11.99, ROW price £12.99. All prices include P&P. Please allow up to 28 days for delivery.

*

Luscious lemons Be inspired by Italy and whip up a batch of tangy and refreshing limoncello liqueur

YOu will need 6 UNWAXED LEMONS 250G CASTER SUGAR

the sugar has dissolved. Reduce the heat and simmer very gently for 15 minutes. Add the lemon juice and simmer for a further 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

A 70CL BOTTLE OF GOOD QUALITY

Step 3 Pour the vodka into a large sterilised preserving or Kilner jar and add the lemony syrup. Secure the lid and give it all a good shake.

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This delicious drink is so easy to put together but, when presented in a pretty bottle, makes a real showstopper of a gift. Limoncello is traditionally served as a digestif at the end of a meal, so you could also make a batch for your own consumption and enjoy a shot or two after Christmas dinner! If you prefer the taste of oranges to lemons, you can also make arancello by swapping the fruit. HOW TO MAKE THE LIMONCELLO Step 1 Wash and dry the lemons and remove the zest in fine strips, using a vegetable peeler. Squeeze the juice from the lemons and set aside.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATHERINE GRATWICKE

Step 2 Pour 100ml of water into a small pan, add the zest and sugar and bring slowly to the boil, stirring occasionally until

$QGëHUHÐV PèH Gifts From The Kitchen by Annie Rigg is published by Kyle Books, priced £14.99. For more information please visit www.kylebooks.com

Step 4 Set aside in a cool, dry and dark place for a week, shaking the jar every day. Strain off the lemon zest and decant the limoncello into a bottle. This will keep for months.

r Indulge you is th loved ones ! Christmas

PHOTOGRAPHY: JACQUELINE RAMSEY

Gifts and goodies H Santa sacks

)XçWREXUVWLQJ What could be more exciting for little ones than a personalised sack full of toys? By Jacqueline Ramsey

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Warning: these Santa sacks will generate squeals of delight and lots of poking! They’re great for keeping children’s gifts together and you’ll be able to run them up on a sewing machine in no time. Have fun decorating the plain cotton with simple felt shapes – we’ve got a snow-laden Christmas tree, heavenly angel and cutie penguin for you to choose from, or if you want to flex your creative muscles, how about creating your own Rudolph the reindeer, magical fairy or jolly Santa? For the names, just cut the letters out of felt and sew them on, either by machine or hand. If you’re in a rush, just pop unwapped presents in and pull the drawstring tight to keep inquisitive eyes at bay! HOW TO MAKE THE SACKS Fold the cotton fabric in half, selvedge to selvedge, and cut down the middle (this gives you two sacks). The selvedge will be the top of the sack. Fold in half again, selvedges together, then work on your design with selvedges at the top. The sack is seamed on the bottom and right-hand

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side after you have finished stitching the design. HOW TO MAKE THE CORD CASING Fold 4cm down from top of sack with the wrong sides together. Stitch across the bottom edge, then stitch a parallel line 2cm above it. Backstitch both ends of the stitching to prevent unravelling. Thread cord through casing. Make a 2x4cm felt tab and attach over the ends of the cord. HOW TO MAKE THE CHRISTMAS TREE Step 1 Trace the Christmas tree templates on page 156 onto felt. Place the tree trunk in the centre of the sack, 19cm up from the bottom, and machine stitch in place. Step 2 Arrange the tree foliage felt shapes above the tree trunk starting from the bottom and working upwards. Position them at wonky angles for a fun effect. Machine stitch each one in place individually. Step 3 Once the tree and trunk are in place, attach the tree pot, stitching it on top of the bottom of the tree trunk.

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YOu will need 1 METRE OF 130-140CM WIDE MEDIUM OR HEAVY WEIGHT COTTON IN RED OR WHITE (WILL MAKE TWO SACKS) 1 SPOOL OF MATCHING ALL-PURPOSE THREAD 1 METRE OF PULL CORD FOR EACH SACK FOR THE CHRISTMAS TREE SACK: 30x30CM FELT SQUARES IN DARK GREEN, WHITE, LIGHT BROWN AND DARK BROWN 1 METRE OF DARK GREEN CORD FOR THE ANGEL SACK: 30x30CM FELT SQUARES IN BRIGHT PINK, LILAC, YELLOW AND BLUE 1 METRE OF LILAC CORD FOR THE PENGUIN SACK: 30x30CM FELT SQUARES IN BLACK, WHITE, RED, YELLOW AND BLUE 1 METRE OF YELLOW CORD MEASUREMENTS 45x54CM

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Christmas goodies H Santa sacks

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Step 4 Cut the recipient’s name out of felt, making sure the letters are a uniform size. Stitch across the bottom of the sack.

Step 2 Position the angel’s hair at the top of the body with the pigtails overlapping her wings, and stitch in place.

stitch the main body shape to the centre of the sack, then add the white chest shape and the hat, as shown.

Step 5 Wrong sides together, fold the sack in half and stitch bottom and side edges. Leave an 8cm gap at the top of side seam.

Step 3 Pin the face shape on top of the hair and the shoes at the bottom of the body, as shown; stitch in place. Use fabric glue to attach the eyes to the face.

Step 2 Pin the penguin feet shapes to the bottom of the penguin’s body at a jaunty angle, as shown. Stitch in place.

Step 6 Neatly fold in the raw edges at the top of the side seam and stitch in place. Turn the sack the right way out to finish. HOW TO MAKE THE ANGEL Step 1 Stitch the angel wings (see page 156 for the templates) to the centre of the sack, followed by the angel’s body.

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Step 4 Cut out and stitch on the name, 7cm up from the bottom of the sack. Follow steps 5 and 6 from the Christmas tree to make up the sack. HOW TO MAKE THE PENGUIN Step 1 Using the templates on page 156,

Step 3 Cut two black felt triangle eyes and glue to the face. Add two white felt circles either side of the hat for pom-poms. Step 4 Cut out and stitch on the name, 7cm up from the bottom of the sack. Follow steps 5 and 6 from the Christmas tree to finish.

Add a little ra lavender fo lovely scent

6WXIIHGZLëORYH Send these beautiful Scandi-inspired hearts to loved ones this Christmas to show how much you care

Gifts and goodies H Heart sachet

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YOu will need TWO RECTANGLES OF FABRIC MEASURING 20.5x15.5CM RIBBON FOR A HANGING LOOP (APPROX. 20CM) 5CM CIRCULAR LID TO MAKE A TEMPLATE BUTTON HANDFUL OF TOY STUFFING QUICK UNPICK TOOL THIN CARD PEN RULER

Top tip! Make each heart slightly different by mixing up your fabric, bows and buttons, or use bakers’ twine as a hanging loop.

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Decorative heart sachets are a really popular gift idea and it’s so simple to make your own. We’ve made these hearts longer than usual to add to the Scandinavian look. They’re filled with toy stuffing but you could add lavender or pot pourri, wrapped in a bit of wadding, to give them a sweet scent. We’ve kept to classic red and white, but they’ll look great in other colours and prints – take a look in your stash! Then have fun embellishing with pretty ribbons, plain or shaped buttons and beads. These adorable decorations look lovely hanging from the tree of course, but also think about cupboards, doorknobs or dangling artfully in clusters – anywhere that could benefit from some Scandi cheer!

Step 3 Join the side of the circle to the centre line, 11.5cm below the bottom of the circle. Step 4 Fold the heart in half along the centre line and cut it out. When you open it up again you’ll have a perfect heart shape. Step 5 Take the rectangle of fabric that will form the back of the heart and cut it in half lengthways. Step 6 Sew it back together with a 0.5cm seam allowance. Press the seam open. Step 7 Lay the heart template centrally over the seam. Draw around it then cut out your heart shape.

HOW TO MAKE THE HEART SACHET Step 1 To make a heart template, draw a centre line along your card.

Step 8 Cut out another fabric heart shape using your template. This will form the front of the heart – you don’t need to create a seam in this piece.

Step 2 Place the lid to the right of the line, so that it slightly overlaps it. Draw around it.

Step 9 Sew the two long fabric hearts right sides together all the way around.

Gifts and goodies H Heart sachet

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Step 10 Take your quick unpick and make a hole in the back seam. Turn your heart the right way through and poke out the point. A knitting needle or unsharpened end of a pencil can help with this. Step 11 Stuff the heart tightly with toy stuffing to give it shape. Step 12 Sew the opening closed with ladder stitch. Step 13 Hand sew the ribbon loop for hanging to the front, adding a button or two to the centre.

$QGëHUHÐVPèH This cute project is taken from Half Yard Christmas by Debbie Shore, published by Search Press, RRP £11.99. For more details go to www.searchpress.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.WAITROSE.COM

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It’s time to add some fabulous àQLVKLQJ WRXFKHV You’ve made the perfect

presents

for everyone, so now you can package them up in style! Be inspired to make your own hand-stamped gift

wrap, then craft exquisite tags by beautifully

embellishing fabric and paper. Send a special message of peace

and goodwill to

those you love in unique Christmas cards

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DESIGNER: CLARE YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHY: CLAIRE RICHARDSON

Make your d parcels stan e out under th r tree this yea

Cards and wrap H Felt tags

6HQGLWZLëORYH Turn your presents into works of art by sewing a set of felt gift tags, which are based on traditional Swedish folk art motifs

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YOu will need PENCIL SMALL PIECES OF RED, GREEN, PINK AND CREAM FELT SCISSORS SMALL PIECES OF THIN CARD ROTARY HOLE PUNCH EMBROIDERY NEEDLE BRIGHTLY COLOURED EMBROIDERY THREAD FABRIC GLUE LENGTHS OF 3MM WIDE RIBBON

AnGëere’s PèH… Handmade Christmas is published by CICO Books, priced £14.99. To purchase a copy at the special price of £10.99 including UK p&p, call 01256 302699 quoting EE2. For more information, please visit www. cicobooks.co.uk

Forget fancy wrapping paper – let your gift tags be the focal point of your presents this year! These sweet little tags are inspired by traditional Swedish motifs found in folk art. Don’t worry if you’ve not tried freehand embroidery before as these are a great introduction to experimenting with new stitches. Felt is also a great fabric to sew on as it doesn’t pucker or fray. The best thing about these pretty tags is that once they’ve adorned your Christmas presents they can have a second lease of life by becoming decorations for your tree the next year.

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Step 3 Using fabric glue, stick the card shapes to the back of the corresponding felt tag shapes, making sure that the holes for the ribbon align. Step 4 Cut small lengths of ribbon. Thread the ribbon through the hole in each tag and tie a knot to make a hanging loop.

HOW TO MAKE THE TAGS Step 1 Copy the tag templates on page 156. Trace them onto felt and cut out. Cut pieces of thin card to match the tags. Hold the card and felt tag shapes together and cut or punch a hole for the ribbon at the top of each one. Step 2 Set the card shapes to one side. Place the cut-out felt pieces on the tags. You do not have to sew them down, as the embroidery over the top holds them in position. Using the stitch guides on the templates, embroider each tag.

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STYLING AND DECORATIONS BY WWW.TESCO.COM

A mix of colours really brightens up winter days!

Trends H Brights

Festive brights Give your home a multicolour makeover for Christmas! Think bold and bright elements in rainbow combinations for a playful look

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Cosy colour combo y

Add a pop of colour to your sofa with seasonal soft furnishings in multicoloured patterns. Cross stitch your own cushions or try this design for inspiration. From www. marksandspencer.com

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Count down to Christmas +

The whole family can get creative with the advent calendar this year. String up mini stockings to doodle on with your own drawings and messages, and then fill with treats. We love this version from www.eatsleepdoodle.com

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Jewel-like colours +

Clear-coloured glass baubles make for a vibrant jewel-like display. Hang from ribbons in contrasting colours for a full rainbow effect. Find them in thrift stores or try these from www.marksandspencer.com

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Top table +

Anything goes with a colourful Christmas theme, so pick out tableware with a real colour pop and mix and match your napkins and coasters to continue the bright and breezy look. These felt ball coasters are from www.nomimakes.etsy.com

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Deck the halls y

Jazz up your hallway with a giant sticker for a cool contemporary look that takes just minutes to create. This amazing Christmas Reindeer Wall Sticker is removable and repositional so you can have fun deciding where to put it. www.beckyandlolo.co.uk

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Tinsel-tastic

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No need to pop tinsel on the tree – simply make some mini trees out of the sparkly stuff instead! It’s a bright idea in more ways than one. Available from www.acornandwill.co.uk

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Stamp it up! Create striking cards and gift wrap that won’t be seen anywhere on the high street

DESIGN: CLARE YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHY: CLAIRE RICHARDSON

Great rainy day activity to do with children

Cards and wrap H Stamps

YOu will need TRACING PAPER PENCIL WHITE ERASERS, APPROX. 5x2CM

horizontal slice of the background, leaving the pattern standing proud of the surface by approx. 3mm. For the triangles, simply cut the whole triangle out, making sure you have sharp edges and points.

CRAFT KNIFE CUTTING MAT SHEET OF THIN WHITE CARD RUBBER STAMPING INK PADS IN ASSORTED COLOURS LUGGAGE LABELS SHEETS OF THIN WHITE PAPER OR BROWN PARCEL PAPER

Making your own rubber stamps is an easy way to create original cards and gift wrap. Put together a collection to make endless combinations of patterns and designs. Look out for ink pads in unusual colours – metallic bronzes and silvers are perfect for Christmas. HOW TO MAKE THE RUBBER STAMPS Step 1 Copy the templates from page 156 onto tracing paper using a soft pencil. Place the trace on the eraser and transfer the pattern. Go over the lines with a sharp pencil to make them clearer. Step 2 Use a craft knife to cut away a

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HOW TO MAKE A CARD Step 3 Fold a piece of white card measuring 17x19cm in half. Load the reindeer body stamp with ink and print a reindeer approximately 1.5cm up from the bottom edge. Print the antlers in place. Use the triangle stamp to make a forest above the reindeer. Clean the stamps in warm water before changing colours. Print the larger triangle in a repeated circle shape for the sun. HOW TO MAKE LABELS AND WRAP Step 4 To make gift labels, stamp designs onto luggage labels. To make wrapping paper, print rows of repeat patterns in different combinations on white paper or brown parcel paper. To make a reverse star shape, transfer the design onto an eraser. As you cut the spokes of the stars, angle the blade inward at a slant. Then cut from the other side of the spoke, sloping the blade toward the middle so that you cut out a ‘V’ shape.

$QGëHUHÐVPèH Handmade Christmas is published by CICO Books at £14.99, and is available from all good bookshops. To purchase a copy for the special price of £10.99 including free UK p&p, call 01256 302 699 quoting EE2. For more information, please visit www.cicobooks.co.uk

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DESIGNER: MODERN CROSS STITCH BY HANNAH STURROCK PHOTOGRAPHY: BY JO HENDERSON

Adapt the t colours to fi threads you e already hav

Cards and wrap H Cross stitched tags

TKH;IDFWè Use cross stitch to create a very special way to label your parcels this Christmas

YOU WILL NEED TEN 4.5x9CM STURDY BROWN CARD GIFT TAGS WITH STRING DMC STRANDED COTTON IN THE FOLLOWING COLOURS: B5200 (WHITE), 310 (BLACK), 801 (BROWN), 817 (RED), 699 (GREEN), 720 (ORANGE), 597 (LIGHT BLUE), 3326 (LIGHT PINK), 3607 (BRIGHT PINK), 725 (YELLOW) KREINIK #004 VERY FINE METALLIC THREAD IN 002J (GOLD) SIZE 4 EMBROIDERY NEEDLE CRAFT MAT, CORK BOARD, PAPER PAD OR SIMILAR DRAWING PIN DOUBLE-SIDED TAPE MEASUREMENTS TREE: 2.9x5.2CM ANGEL: 3.6x4.9CM SANTA: 3.3x5.2CM SNOWMAN: 2.9x5.2CM ROBIN: 3.3x4.5CM

These cute little Christmas gift tags are so easy to make but look absolutely stunning. They’re multifunctional, too – the recipient can keep them to use as decorations to hang on the tree, or as a sweet bookmarks. You could also use the charts to make quick cards. HOW TO MAKE THE TAGS Step 1 Photocopy each of the patterns on page 146 at actual size and cut out. Step 2 Place one gift tag on top of your craft mat, cork board, paper pad or similar. Cover with the pattern so that it is straight and in line with the tag. Step 3 If you are right-handed, hold the pattern still and in place with your left hand. Use a drawing pin to gently push a small hole through each of the dots of the pattern, taking care not to crease the card. There’s no need to push the tack all the way through the tag – pricking the surface will be fine.

Step 4 You can now use your sharp needle to push all the way through the small holes you have made. Then use the grid you have made to stitch the pattern in the normal way. Step 5 Once you have finished your stitching, use double-sided tape to firmly stick a blank tag to the reverse to cover the back of your stitches. Step 6 Write your loved one’s name on the tag, then give with pride!

AnGëere’s PèH… Modern Cross Stitch is published by CICO Books at £12.99 and is available in all good bookshops. To buy a copy for the special price of £9.99 including free UK p&p, just call 01256 302699 quoting ED8. For more information, visit www.cicobooks.co.uk 

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Cards and wrap H Cross stitched gift tags

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ANGEL

ROBIN

SNOWMAN

CHRISTMAS TREE

HANDMADE CHRISTMAS

FATHER CHRISTMAS

Cards and wrap H Scandi cards

Frame your stitching to i create a min g wall hangin

Scandi chic !

Warm wishes Snowflakes, hearts and silhouettes are the ideal way to inject some monochrome style into your cards. Designed by Lisa Reakes

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Cards and wrap H Scandi cards

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YOu will need STRANDED COTTON AS LISTED IN THE KEYS BELOW 10

SIZE 24 TAPESTRY NEEDLE A PIECE OF 14-COUNT WHITE AIDA MEASURING 10x10CM FOR EACH DESIGN CRAFT CREATIONS SINGLE FOLD DECKLE EDGE CARD (DEC6U) IN CREATIVE SMOOTH WHITE BACKING PAPER AND RIBBON OF YOUR CHOICE

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FOR STOCKISTS SEE P162 MEASUREMENTS 7x7CM ON 14-COUNT FABRIC

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REINDEER CHART WDMC

Simply done in whole stitches only, one of these cards can be rustled up in an evening. By the end of the week you’ll have a set of seven gorgeous Christmas cards to send out!

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TREE CHART W Anchor WMadeira

W Anchor WMadeira

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BELLS CHART WDMC

W Anchor WMadeira

 Cross stitch in two strands

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T 321 q 3801

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E E E E E E E E E 666 666 666 E E E E E E E E E 666 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 666 666 666 666 E 6 E E 6 E EE 666 E E 666 6 EEEE 6 E 6 6 6 6 EEEEEE 6 6 666 EEE EE 666 E EEE E EE E EE EEEEE EEEE E EEEEEEEEEE EEE E E E EEEEEEEEE EEEE 6 E EEEEEEEE EEEE E 6 EE E E 6 E EE EEEEEE E EEEE EEEEEEE EEEEEEEEEEE E E E 6 EEEEEEEE EEEEEEEEE E 6 EEEEEE EEEEEEEEE E 666 E E 6 EEEEEE EEEEEEEE E 6 6 E EEEEEEEEEEEEEE E 6 6 6 E EE EEEEEEEEEEEEEE 666 6 E E EEE EEEEEEEEEEEE 6 E E E EEEE EEEEEEEE 666 666 E E EEEEEE EEEEEEEEEE 6 6 6 E 6 E EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE 6 6 6 6 E E EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE 666 E 666 E EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE E E E EEE EE EEEEEE E 666 EE E E 6 E E 6 6 E E 6 666 E E 6 E E E E 666 666 E E 6 6 6 E 6 6 6 6 EE 6 666 EEE E E E E E E E E E 666 E E E E E E E E E E

10

E

10

10

20

10

10

20

DOVE CHART WDMC

10

20

WDMC

W Anchor WMadeira

 Cross stitch in two strands

 Cross stitch in two strands

E 798 6 799

T 321 q 3801

131 145

912 910

10

20

E E E E 66 E E E 66 6 E E 666 6 E E 6 66E E66 6 666 E 6 6 E 6 6 E 6 6 6 6 6 E 6 6 6 E 6 6 6 6 6 6 E 6 6 6 6 E E 6 EE E EE 6 E 6 E EEEEEEEEEE 6 6 EEEEEEEEEE EEE 6 6 6 EEEEE EEEEEEEEEE 6 6 EEEEEE EEEEEEEEE 6 EEEEEEEE 6 EEE EE 6 EEEEEEE EEE 6 EEE 6 6 EEEEEE EEEEEEEE 6 EEEEEE 6 EEEEEEE 6 6 EEEEE EEEEE 6 6 6 EEEEEEE EEEEEE 6 6 6 E EEEEE E 6 6 EEEEEEEEEEE E E E E 6 EEEEEEEEEEEEE EEEEEE E EEEEE EEEEE E E 6E 6 666 EEEEE EEEEEE 6 6 666 EEEEE EEEEEE 6 6 666 EEEEE EEEEEE 6 6 6 66 EEEEEE EEEEE 6 6 6 EEEEEE EEEEE 6 6 6 EEEEEEEEEEE 6 EEEEEEEEEEE 6 6 6 EEEEEEEEEEEEEE 6 6 EEEEEEEEEEEEE 6 6 EE 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 E 6 6 6 E 6 6 6 6 E E 6 6 E 6 6 6 6 6 E E 666 6 E E 6 66E E66 6 666 66 E E E 66 E E E E

9046 1098

510 411

10

10

10

20

10

HEARTS CHART

W Anchor WMadeira

WDMC

W Anchor WMadeira

 Cross stitch in two strands

 Cross stitch in two strands

E 798 6 799

T q

131 145

912 910

20

qq qq qq qq T q T T q T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T q q q q q T T q T T q q q q q q q T T T T q T q T q T T T TTT TTT q q T T T T T T T T T T T T T T q q T T T T T T T T T T T T q q T T qqqqq qqqqT T T T qqqqqqq T T T qqqqT qq qqqqqqqqq T T qqqT qqqq T q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q T T T T qqT q qqqqqqqqqq qqqqq T T q q qqq q qqqqqqqq T qqqq T T q q qqqq qqqqqqqqqq qqqqq q q T T q q qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq T T qqqqqTT qqqqqqqqqq T T TT T T T TT qqTT qqT qqqqqqqq T T T qqqqT qqqqqqq T T T T T T qqqqT qqqqqq qqT qqqqqq T T T q qT qqqqq q T T T T T T T T qqqq q q T qqq T T q T T T T q q T T T T T T q q T T q T q q T T T T q q q q q q T T T T q q q q q T T T T T T T T T T T T T T q T T q T T qq qq T qq qq

SQUIRREL CHART WDMC

20

SNOWFLAKES CHART

W Anchor WMadeira

10

10

10

q qq qq q qq qq q q qq q qq q qq qq qq q qq qq qq qq q qq qq qq q q q qq q qq q qq qq q T q q q q q T T T q q q q q q T T q q q T q T qT T q q q q q q q q q T T q q T q T q q T T T TT TT q q q qq qq T T T q q TT TT TT TT q q q T T q T T qq q q q qq T T T T q q q T T T qq qq qT T T q T T qq q q qq T T T qq qq TT TT qq qq TT TT q T q T TT T TT qq qq T TTT T T TTT T q q q T q T TT TT T qq qq TT TT qq qq TT TT qq q q qq q q T T T qq qq qq qT T T q qq T T q q q q T T T T q q qq qT q qq T T T T q q T T T TT TT q q qq qT q qq T T TT TT q q q q T T T T T q qq qq q T T q q q q q q q q q q q q q qq qq q qq qq q q qq q q qq qq qq qq qq q q qq qq qq qq q q qq q q qq qq qq q qq qq q

321 3801

9046 1098

510 411

HANDMADE CHRISTMAS

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How to H Get started

Get started Follow our simple step-by-step guides and you’ll be cross stitching, knitting and crocheting our projects in no time!

How to cross stitch

BEGINNERS START HERE...

It’s so easy to cross stitch – just follow these simple steps to make our projects WHERE TO START: The centre of our charts is marked out using small arrows on the edge of each side. This is the best place to start stitching, so you end up with the design in the middle of the fabric. To find the centre of your fabric, fold it in half horizontally, open it up and fold it vertically. When you open the fabric, the point where the creases meet marks the centre.

READING THE CHART: Our charts are printed with coloured squares containing a symbol that represent squares to be stitched on the fabric. The key alongside the chart will tell you what colour thread each symbol corresponds to, so you know which one to thread your needle with (see below).

GETTING STARTED

CROSS STITCH

The loop method is the neatest way to start stitching as you don’t need a knot. Cut a 40cm (16in) thread length, then fold one strand in half. Thread the needle with the ends, forming a loop, and bring the needle up through the fabric. As you take it back down, pass it through the loop and pull firmly to secure.

You’ll need to make a whole cross stitch for each coloured square on the chart. Bring the needle up at the bottom left corner of a square and down at the top right corner. This is called a half cross stitch. Bring the needle up again at the bottom right corner and back down at the top left to finish off (see above).

Another method is to work a line of half cross stitches then complete on the return journey (above right). This is a quick way to work, especially when stitching blocks of colour. A good tip is to work each half cross stitch in the same direction, so the top ‘arms’ of your cross stitches all face the same way.

THE KEY: All our charts are accompanied by keys that tell you how many strands of thread to stitch in, the thread colours needed (listed in numbers), the type of stitches used and the size of the design. The thread numbers listed in the first column of the key refer to the brand that we’ve used to stitch the design, then numbers for two other brands of threads are given.

H is for house  Cross stitch in two strands

; T b I 8

DMC Anchor Madeira ecru 926 2404 350 11 213 352 918

9 341

303 314

3755 140 1013 Backstitch in one strand ––– 817 13 210 ––– 918 341 314 French knots in one strand O 918 341 314  Contains fractionals

The three main brands of thread we use. The first column is always the one that we’ve used to stitch the design

Type of stitch and number of strands

BACKSTITCH

FRENCH KNOT

FINISHING OFF

Backstitch is shown by a coloured line and is added to stitching to create detail. Work the backstitch over individual blocks on aida, or pairs of threads on evenweave. Bring the needle up through the fabric at 1 and take it down at 2, up at 3 and so on, so that you are working back on yourself.

French knots appear as dots on your chart. Bring the needle up through the fabric, hold the thread down with your left hand and wind it round the needle twice. Still holding the thread taut, take the needle down one thread or part of a block away. Pull the thread through until a neat knot is formed.

Once you’ve finished stitching your project you’ll need to finish it off by running your needle through the back of several stitches that you’ve already completed. Snip off the ends of your thread neatly with a sharp pair of embroidery scissors, as close to your fabric as possible.

10 10

Cross stitch Stitch count 20 (h) x 18 (w) Design area on 14-count fabric 3.5x3cm (1½x1¼in) Stitch count – how many stitches high and wide the design is Thread number represented by the symbol

Design area – what the design will measure when stitched on the specified fabric

Backstitch

Fractional stitch French knot 10

TbbTTb TbbTTb TTTT;T TTTTTT TTbb TT;b TTTT ;TTT bbTT ;bbTT TTTT ;TTT TT;b TTbb TTTTT TTTT; bbTTbbTTbbTTbb;T TTTTTTTTTTIITTTT TTbbTTbbTIIIITIb TTTTTTTTIIIIIIIT III;;IIIT bbTTb III;;8 8; ;III TTTT TTbb III;;;8 8; ;;III I;;;;;;;;I TTTT ;;;8 8; ;88;T bbTT TTTT ;;88;88;T bTTbbT ;;88;;;;bT ;;88;;;;TT TTTTTT

Symbol and colour that corresponds to the chart

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How to H Get started

How to knit

CAST ON Cable method. Use it for a firm edge and when adding stitches in your work

1

2

Make a slip knot. Insert Push the point of the right-hand right-hand needle into the stitch needle between the first and as if to knit. Wrap the yarn around second stitches. Wrap the yarn the point and pull through, slipping anti-clockwise round the point of the stitch on to the left-hand needle. the right-hand needle.

3

Pull the loop out with the right-hand needle, then slip it over the tip of the left-hand needle.

4

Repeat steps 2-3 until you have the number of stitches you require.

KNIT Follow our simple steps to make the most important stitch you’ll learn

1

Hold the needle with the stitches on it in your left hand. Keeping the yarn in your right hand and at the back of your work, insert the point of the right-hand needle up into the front loop of the first stitch, as shown.

2

Wind the yarn anti-clockwise around the point of the right-hand needle using your index finger. It’s important to keep the yarn in your right hand relatively taut to maintain an even tension as you go.

3

Bring the right-hand needle down through the loop, making sure you catch the yarn you wound around the needle. This creates the stitch. Don’t pull the free yarn too tightly – let out some slack.

4

Push the point of the right needle further through the stitch you created, then gently pull the right needle up and to your left, taking the original loop with it. You’ve now created one knit stitch. Repeat points 1-4 across the row.

PURL To make purl stitches, just reverse the action of plain knit stitches

1

Holding the needle with all the stitches in your left hand, and ensuring that the yarn is at the front of your work, insert the right-hand needle down through the front loop of your first stitch as shown.

2

Wind the yarn around the tip of the right-hand needle from right to left, in an anti-clockwise motion, constantly keeping a slight tension on the yarn.

3

Now slip the right-hand needle back through the stitch, ensuring that you catch the yarn that you’ve already wound around the needle. This creates a stitch on your right-hand needle.

4

Pushing the point of the right-hand needle a little further through the stitch you’ve just created, pull the original loop up and off the left-hand needle. That’s your first purl stitch! Repeat points 1-4 across the row.

CAST OFF Finish off your knitting with this straightforward cast-off technique

1

Start by knitting the first two stitches of the row as normal, but don’t go any further along as you usually would.

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2

Insert the left-hand needle through the first stitch, as shown. Lift this stitch over the other stitch on the right-hand needle and over the needle point.

3

Knit another stitch so you have two on the right needle. Lift the first stitch over the second, then repeat steps 1-3.

4

When you get to the last stitch, cut the yarn about 15cm away, feed it through the loop and pull through firmly to fasten off.

How to H Get started

How to crochet

How to count chains

CHAIN STITCH (CH) Use this stitch to make your foundation chain

9

1

Hold the hook in your right hand, and both the yarn end and the working yarn in your left hand. Move the hook under and over the yarn to wrap it around anti-clockwise.

2

Pull the hook towards the slip knot, catching the yarn in the hook, and pulling it through the slip knot loop. This forms your first chain (ch) stitch. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to form a chain.

3

This is what your row of chains will look like. Hold the chain with your left hand near the hook, to keep the tension. Keep going until you have the number of chains stated on your pattern.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

Each chain or loop counts as one stitch. Never count your first slip knot or the loop on the hook (called the working loop). So that you can be accurate, make sure the chain is not twisted and that the front is facing you.

DOUBLE CROCHET (DC) One of the key stitches in crochet, doubles are simple, compact stitches that form a dense fabric

1

To make a double crochet stitch, insert the hook under the top two loops of the next stitch on the previous row.

2

Wind the yarn around the hook (yrh).

3

Pull the yarn through the stitch, giving you two loops on your crochet hook.

4

Yarn round hook again, then pull the yarn through both loops. There’s your double crochet made and you’ll have one loop left on the hook ready to do the next stitch.

HALF TREBLE CROCHET (HTR) A stitch that’s between double and treble crochet in size

1

To make a half treble crochet stitch, work to where you want the htr and then wind the yarn round the hook (yrh).

2

Insert the hook under the top two loops of the next stitch in the previous row. Wrap yarn around the hook again (yrh).

3

Pull the yarn through the stitch only (3 loops on hook).

4

Yarn round hook again, pull the yarn through all 3 loops. You’ve made a half treble crochet. Continue working htr into next and following sts to the end of the row.

TREBLE CROCHET (TR) One of the most popular stitches in crochet, this simple stitch is twice as high as a double crochet stitch

1

To work a treble crochet, start by winding yrh and then insert the hook under the top two loops of the stitch on the previous row.

2

Wrap the yarn around the hook (yrh), and pull the yarn through the stitch only.

3

You will now have 3 loops on the hook. Yrh again, and draw the yarn through the first 2 loops on the hook.

4

You will now have 2 loops on the hook. Yrh again, and draw the yarn through the remaining loops on the hook. Your treble crochet is complete.

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How to H Get started

Needle conversions UK

METRIC

US

14

2mm

0

13

2¼mm

1

–

2½mm

–

12

2¾mm

2

11

3mm

–

10

3¼mm

3

–

3½mm

4

9

3¾mm

5

8

4mm

6

7

4½mm

7

6

5mm

8

5

5½mm

9

4

6mm

10

3

6½mm

10½

2

7mm

–

1

7½mm

–

0

8mm

11

00

9mm

13

000

10mm

15

–

12mm

17

–

15mm

19

–

20mm

36

–

25mm

50

Knitting abbreviations alt approx beg CB CC CF CN cont dec DK DPN foll/s g st inc K/k kfb kwise k2tog k3tog

Yarn weight UK/US conversion

154

4ply

Sport

Double knitting

Light worsted

Aran

Fisherman/Worsted

Chunky

Bulky

Super chunky

Extra bulky

HANDMADE CHRISTMAS

LH LT meas M1 M1L M1R M1P MB MC P/p patt(s) patt rep(s) PB pfb PM P2tog P3tog

alternate approximately beginning cable back contrast colour cable front cable needle continue decrease (by working two stitches together) double knitting double-pointed needle following/follows garter stitch (knit every row) increase (usually knit into same stitch twice) knit knit into front and back of stitch as if to knit the stitch knit the next 2 stitches together (1 stitch dec) knit the next 3 stitches together (2 stitches decreased) left hand left twist measures make one (increase 1 stitch) make one twisted to the left (increase 1 stitch) make one twisted to the right (increase 1 stitch) make one purlwise (increase 1 stitch) make a bobble main colour purl pattern(s) pattern repeat(s) place bead purl into front and back of stitch place marker purl 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased) purl 3 stitches together (2 stitches decreased)

prev psso p2sso

previous pass slipped stitch over pass 2 slipped stitches over pwise as if to purl the stitch rem remain/remaining rep(s) repeat(s) rev st st reverse stocking stitch RH right hand rnd(s) round(s) (on a circular needle/DPNs) RS right side RT right twist skpo slip 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, pass slipped stitch over (1 stitch decreased) sk2po slip 1 stitch, knit 2 stitches together, pass slipped stitch over (2 stitches decreased) sl slip sl st slip stitch ssk slip 2 stitches one at a time, knit 2 slipped stitches together (1 stitch decreased) ssp slip 2 stitches one at a time, purl 2 slipped stitches together through back of the loops (1 stitch decreased) st(s) stitch(es) st st stocking stitch tbl through the back of the loop tog together WS wrong side wyib with yarn at the back wyif with yarn in front ybk yarn to the back yfwd yarn forward yo yarn over yrn yarn round needle yon yarn over needle * work instructions immediately following *, then repeat as directed

How to H Get started

Crochet abbreviations across alt approx beg bl BPtr

ch(s) ch-sp(s) chcl(s) 4-tr cl

cont dc dc2tog

dec dtr dtr2tog fl foll/folls FPtr

to end of the row alternate/alternating approximate(ly) beginning insert hook under back loop only Back Post treble: yrh, starting from the back, insert hook from back to front to back around post of st in row below, complete as treble st chain/chain stitch(es) chain space(s) refers to ch made previously, eg ch-3 clusters (yrh, insert hook in sp/st, yrh & pull up loop, yrh & draw through 2 loops) 4 times, inserting hook in same sp/st, yrh & draw through all loops on hook continue double crochet (insert hook in next st, yrh and draw a loop through) twice, yrh and draw through all 3 loops on hook decrease double treble crochet work 2dtr together insert hook under front loop only following/follows Front Post treble: work in opposite way to BPtr

htr htr2tog in next inc LH lp(s) meas p or pc patt(s) pm prev rem rep RH rnd(s) RS sk sp(s) ss st(s) tbl t-ch(s) tog tr tr2tog

ttr WS yoh yrh * [] or ()

half treble work 2htr together sts to be worked into the same stitch increase left hand loop(s) measures picot pattern(s) place marker previous remains or remaining repeat right hand round(s) right side skip space(s) slip stitch stitch(es) through back loop turning chain(s) together treble crochet (yrh, insert hook in next st, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) 2 times, yrh and draw through all loops on hook triple treble crochet wrong side yarn over hook yarn round hook work instructions immediately foll *, then rep as directed work or repeat all instructions in the brackets as directed

Crochet hook conversions UK

METRIC

US

14

2mm

–

13

2.25mm

B/1

12

2.5mm

–

–

2.75mm

C/2

11

3mm

–

10

3.25mm

D/3

9

3.5mm

E/4

–

3.75mm

F/5

8

4mm

G/6

7

4.5mm

7

6

5mm

H/8

5

5.5mm

I/9

4

6mm

J/10

3

6.5mm

K/10½

2

7mm

–

0

8mm

L/11

00

9mm

M/13

000

10mm

N/15

Crochet abbreviation conversions

Which hook do I use?

Use this handy quick-reference table to convert UK crochet terms to US crochet terms, or vice versa.

Choosing the right size hook for the yarn you’re crocheting is important.

UK

US

Hook size

UK yarn weight

chain

ch

chain

ch

2.5-3.5mm hook

4ply yarn

slip stitch

ss

slip stitch

ss

3.5-4.5mm hook

double knitting yarn

double crochet

dc

single crochet

sc

5-6mm hook

aran yarn

half treble

htr

half double

hdc

treble

tr

double

dc

7mm and bigger

chunky yarn

double treble

dtr

treble

tr

triple treble

ttr

double treble

dtr

HANDMADE CHRISTMAS

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Templates Copy, trace or print the following templates according to the instructions, then cut them out to make the festive projects in the magazine

Falling snowflakes Page 68 Copy this template on to a piece of tracing paper and then transfer it to card or paper PHOTOCOPY @ 100%

Catch me if you can Page 21 Trace the template onto card or paper and use to cut out the shapes in felt PHOTOCOPY @ 100%

Stamp it up! Page 142 Copy these onto tracing paper and then use to cut out erasers to make the stamps PHOTOCOPY @ 100%

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A soft touch Page 114 Trace the templates on to a piece of card and use them to cut out the appliqué shapes PHOTOCOPY @ 100%

Ready for Santa and Make Do and Mend Pages 86 and 96 Trace the template on to a piece of card and use it to cut out the fabric for both projects PHOTOCOPY @ 200%

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C

B

Fly away with me Page 80 Enlarge this template onto card or paper and use to cut out two wings in felt and two in buckram PHOTOCOPY @ 400%

Rockin’ robin Page 57 Transfer these shapes onto felt and cut out to make your robin PHOTOCOPY @ 100%

A

E

D

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Run reindeer run Page 54 Transfer the design (bottom) to either end of your fabric, then embroider using the stitch guide (below). The numbers in brackets refer to the number of strands of thread to use

PHOTOCOPY @ 200%

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159

Marvellous metallics Page 34 Enlarge and then copy onto tracing paper. Place over the foil to emboss the pattern PHOTOCOPY @ 200%

Happy holly days Page 52 Copy onto card and use to cut the holly leaves from felt PHOTOCOPY @ 100%

Twinkle, twinkle... Page 14 Use at 100% or enlarge and decrease to create the size you want for your paper stars

160

HANDMADE CHRISTMAS

Full to bursting Page 130 Trace these onto card or paper and use to cut out the felt shapes to embellish the sacks PHOTOCOPY @ 200%

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Where to buy If you want to discover more about the products in Handmade Christmas, order items or find your local stockists, just look online

Send it with love Page 138 These are both templates and stitch guides. Copy onto card or paper, then cut out the main shapes and additional shaped details inside (everything that’s edged in black) from felt. Use the coloured lines as a guide for where to embroider PHOTOCOPY @ 200%

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HANDMADE CHRISTMAS

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Dorling Kindersley www.dk.com/uk

Rico Designs www.rico-design.de/en

DotComGiftShop www.dotcomgiftshop.com

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eatsleepdoodle www.eatsleepdoodle.com

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Etsy www.etsy.com

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George www.direct.asda.com/george

The Armchair Studio www.thearmchairstudio.etsy.com

Home Sense www.homesense.com

The Contemporary Home www.tch.net

House of Fraser www.houseoffraser.co.uk

The Oak Room www.oakroomshop.co.uk

James C Brett www.jamescbrett.co.uk

The Orchard www.theorchardhomeandgifts.com

Katia Maxi www.katia.com

UK Alpaca www.ukalpaca.com

Kuber Store www.kuberstore.etsy.com

Waitrose www.waitrose.com

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Wilkinsons www.wilko.com

Lilly Bimble www.lillybimble.etsy.com

Zpagetti www.hoooked.co.uk

Sew, bake, knit, crochet and craft dozens of festive projects for your family, friends and home

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MUST-TRY PARTY RECIPES

IMPRESS

with our easy rum-raisin chocolate torte

Christmas entertaining * Easy recipes to feed a crowd * Make-ahead canapés * Big-batch cocktails * Showstopping desserts

Merry Christmas from O GET IN TOUCH!

So, what is O? Welcome to Britain’s brightest food mag. Here we’ve brought together some of our favourite festive recipes from our top team of experts, and if you like what you see you can get your O fix every month. Our motto is cook, eat, explore, and each issue of O is packed with more than 50 new recipes – a mix of twists on old classics, restaurant dishes from around the world, healthy ideas, easy bakes and more. From midweek must-trys to weekend winners, there’s a dish for every cook in our pages, no matter what your budget or lifestyle. But that’s not all. Oh no. We’ve restaurant ideas and travel inspiration, too. This is your chance to discover the latest foodie news, the best booze advice and the hottest trends. For an exclusive subscription offer, turn to page 16 of this supplement, or you can download our awardwinning digital edition from the App Store. Plus, don’t miss our daily updates, including recipes, reviews, taste tests and more at Omagazine.com. + MEAT-FREE MON OCTOBER 2015 • UK £4.25

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* Marmite bagels * Tear-and -sha * Apple turn re garlic bread * Really simpovers le muesli loaf

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Italian saus Ultimate age stuffed pepp ers | Quic chic k fish curr Watermelon ken burrito | Chicken and feta noodle soup y salad | Ant ipasti rigat oni

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O magazine @O magazine pinterest.com/Omag [email protected]

ER 2015

Laura Rowe, Editor

Omagazine.com O magazine

O OCTOB

Aren’t you lucky? This year Santa has delivered an extra special present in this issue of Handmade Christmas, a stocking-sized sample of O! We’ve packed this mini-mag with our ultimate festive recipes, but we like to do things a little bit differently here at O, so don’t expect the same old classics. We’re all about parties at this time of year, so here are recipes that you can make ahead of time that will wow your guests – think posh hotdogs and mini crabcakes. There’s also an awesome family meal that everyone can tuck into, plus some seriously quirky sides that you won’t have seen before (from baked sweet potato mash to an avocado, pea and herb salad with spring onion dressing). This is the year for big-batch cocktails! We have smart, stress-free drinks without compromising on flavour. Plus, you’ve heard of a Boxing Day buffet, right? Go sweet for 2015, and get the kids involved, too, with our DIY ice-cream sundae bar. We’ve suggested our favourite toppings, but you can choose whatever your family loves, dried fruit, crushed cookies or even popcorn. Basically, we’ve got your Christmas celebrations sorted. And, if you’re feeling as excited and inspired as we are, make sure you check out our website, Omagazine.com, where we have even more recipe ideas, along with handy nutritional stats. (We left them off these indulgent Christmas recipes, as an extra little present… You’re very welcome.)

EDITOR Laura Rowe DEPUTY EDITOR Lulu Grimes FOOD EDITOR Janine Ratcliffe ART DIRECTOR Gillian McNeill CHIEF SUB/PRODUCTION EDITOR Gregor Shepherd SENIOR DESIGNER Nicki Smith SUB EDITOR Sarah Kingsbury PICTURE EDITOR Gabby Harrington GROUP PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Julie Harris PUBLISHER Dominic Murray HEAD OF PRODUCTION Koli PickersgillPRODUCTION MANAGER Kate Gristwood SENIOR PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Emma Purdy REPROGRAPHICS Immediate Media Company Ltd PHOTOGRAPHS Ant Duncan, Myles New, Lara Holmes, Mowie Kay

CHRISTMAS 2015

O

Make mine a mojito One ace cocktail is all you need to kick off any party during the festive season. This on-trend marmalade and mandarin mojito recipe serves one, so just multiply it by as many guests as you have. Make up the jars ahead, have plenty of ice to hand, and top up with tonic for each guest as they arrive.

Marmalade and mandarin mojito jars 5 MINUTES|MAKES 1|EASY marmalade 1 rounded tsp dark rum 2 tbsp mandarin 1, juiced, plus 1 slice star anise 1 ice and chilled tonic water to serve • Put the marmalade, dark rum, mandarin juice and slice, and the star anise in a jar, screw on the lid and leave until ready to serve. • To finish, add some ice to the jar, screw the lid back on and shake well to mix and chill everything. Top up with tonic, then serve.

CHRISTMAS 2015

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Party pleasers Four make-ahead canapés everyone will love

E

asy, prep-ahead canapés that look fabulous and will make your guests think you’ve gone to huge amounts of effort. Make and store them on trays in the fridge, then transfer to serving plates and let them come to room temperature (or reheat) when you need them. Don’t forget to buy cocktail napkins for when you hand them round.

Peppadews with tapenade and mozzarella 20 MINUTES|MAKES 24|EASY Peppadew peppers 12 each of red and yellow (you’ll find jars of these in most supermarkets) mozzarella 1 ball, torn into bitesize pieces TAPENADE pitted green or black olives 100g garlic 1 clove capers 1 tbsp, rinsed and drained basil leaves chopped to make 2 tbsp, plus extra to serve lemon juice 1 tbsp olive oil

• Whizz all the tapenade ingredients together with enough olive oil to make a paste. Stuff each pepper with some tapenade and a piece of mozzarella. When you are ready to serve, top with a basil leaf.

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Mini crabcakes with lime and chilli mayo 20 MINUTES + CHILLING|MAKES 16|EASY white crabmeat 200g mayonnaise 7 tbsp spring onions 2, finely chopped flat-leaf parsley chopped to make 1 tbsp egg 1, beaten fresh breadcrumbs 2 handfuls butter coriander leaves to decorate (optional) lime 1, juiced and zested sweet chilli sauce 2 tbsp

• Mix the crab, onions and parsley with 3 tbsp mayo. Divide the mixture into 16 and shape each into a ball. Put the egg and breadcrumbs in two bowls. Dip the crabcakes in the egg and then coat them in breadcrumbs. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm them up. • Heat a knob of butter in a non-stick frying pan. Fry the crabcakes in batches until golden all over. (You can chill these again and reheat them gently when you need them). Mix the rest of the mayo with the lime juice and swirl in the chilli sauce. Serve with the crabcakes.

CHRISTMAS 2015

O

Beef tataki rolls 15 MINUTES + CHILLING|MAKES 24|EASY

Spinach and potato tortilla bites 45 MINUTES|MAKES 30|EASY

beef fillet 500g oil soy sauce 4 tbsp sesame oil 1 tbsp sugar 1 tsp sesame seeds about 50g, use a mix of black and white if you like mouli 1/4 or chinese cabbage 1/4, shredded carrot 1, shredded spring onions 4, shredded red chilli 2, shredded coriander leaves from a large bunch

• Heat a non-stick pan to very hot. Oil the beef, season, then sear for about 1 minute on each side. Mix the soy sauce with sesame oil and sugar. Take 1 tbsp of this dressing and brush over the meat, then roll the meat in most of the sesame seeds (keep any left over), wrap in clingfilm, and chill in the fridge for 1 hour. • Slice the beef very thinly. Put some of each veg on each slice, add coriander and a drizzle of dressing, and roll up. Sprinkle with more sesame seeds and serve with the remaining dressing as a dip.

CHRISTMAS 2015

potatoes 3 medium, peeled and sliced butter 50g onion 1, halved and sliced spinach 250g, steamed, excess water squeezed out and chopped eggs 6 double cream 150ml cress or other small leaves to decorate

• Heat the grill. Cook the potatoes in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain well. Heat the butter in a large, ovenproof, non-stick frying pan. Fry the onion until soft, then add the potatoes and spinach and stir. • Whisk the eggs with the cream and season. Add to the pan and stir everything. Leave on the heat until set and gently browned on the bottom, then slide under a hot grill until set the top. Turn out and cool. Cut into bite-sized squares or triangles and decorate with cress.

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Simple but smart Posh hotdogs are one of the easiest ways to feed a crowd at a party. Get all your accompaniments made ahead, put the sausages in the oven when guests start to arrive and assemble the buns yourself or serve them in piles for people to help themselves. Having fun couldn’t be simpler.

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CHRISTMAS 2015

O

MENU for 8 Venison dogs with pickled beet slaw and cheat’s brioche buns

• Smoky bacon bangers with cranberry salsa

• Merguez and pepper dogs with sesame tzatziki

Venison dogs with pickled beet slaw 50 MINUTES|MAKES 8|EASY brioche hotdog or finger rolls 8, split lengthways venison sausages 8 chives a few, snipped, to serve BEET SLAW pickled beetroot 250g, diced raw beetroot 200g, peeled and coarsely grated runny honey 1 tbsp orange 1, zested, plus 2 tbsp juice red wine vinegar 1 tbsp SPICED BROWN SAUCE brown sauce (such as HP) 150g ground cloves 1/4 tsp honey 2 tsp

Smoky bacon bangers with cranberry salsa

Merguez and pepper dogs with sesame tzatziki

50 MINUTES|MAKES 8|EASY

50 MINUTES|MAKES 8|EASY

chipolatas 16 streaky bacon 8 rashers white cabbage 300g chunk, shredded as finely as you can (a mandolin is great for this) lemon 1/2, juiced olive oil hotdog or finger rolls 8, split lengthways stilton 150g, sliced, to serve CRANBERRY SALSA cranberry sauce 1/2 jar (about 150g) medium tomatoes 3-4, diced and left in a colander to drain red onion 1 small, finely chopped red wine vinegar 2 tsp

hotdog or sub rolls with sesame seeds 8, split lengthways long merguez sausages 8 rocket 2 small handfuls roasted peppers from a jar about 4, sliced pickled chillies or jalepeños to serve SESAME TZATZIKI ready-made tzatziki 2 x 200g tubs tahini 3 tbsp lemon juice 2 tsp

• Take two chipolatas at a time and wrap them together using a rasher of streaky bacon, stretching it as you go to wind it round as many times as you can. Repeat until you have 8, put them on a baking tray lined with baking paper and chill until needed. • Mix the shredded cabbage, lemon juice and 1 tbsp olive oil with some seasoning. Cover and keep at room temperature for up to a day. (If making the day before, then chill.) Mix all the ingredients for the cranberry salsa together and chill. • To serve, heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/ gas 6. Roast the chipolatas for 30 minutes, until the bacon is golden and crisp and the sausages have cooked through. Stuff some dressed cabbage into each bun and then add a pair of chipolatas with a slice of stilton, and spoon on some of the cranberry salsa.

• For the sesame tzatziki, mix all the ingredients and chill until needed. • Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/ gas 6 and roast the merguez for about 30 minutes until browned and cooked through. Spread the cut-side of the buns with some of the tzatziki and sandwich in some rocket, roasted pepper and a merguez. Top with a dollop more tzatziki and add a pickled chilli if you like a spicy bite.

• For the beet slaw, mix all the ingredients together, season and chill. Do the same with the brown sauce ingredients and pour into a squeezy bottle, if you have one, for later. • To serve heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/ gas 6 and roast the sausages for about 30 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Add some of the beet slaw and a venison sausage to each, then top with a drizzle of spiced brown sauce and a few snipped chives.

CHRISTMAS 2015

V

MAKE THEM VEGETARIAN Choose good-quality vegetarian sausages – we like Quorn Best of British, and vegetarian stilton, and skip the bacon. No one need miss out.

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Help yourself Whether it’s Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, or a holiday Sunday lunch, a centrepiece ham with some simple sides means everyone can help themselves

MENU for 8 Sweet and sour sticky pomegranate ham

• Baked, spiced sweet potato mash

• Avocado, pea and herb salad with spring onion dressing

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CHRISTMAS 2015

O Sweet and sour sticky pomegranate ham 50 MINUTES|SERVES 8|EASY pomegranate juice 150ml pomegranate molasses 200ml light brown sugar 2 tbsp olive oil orange 1, zested fennel and cumin seeds 1 tsp each ground cinnamon 1 tsp cooked boneless ham or gammon joint 3.5-4kg, skin removed POMEGRANATE RELISH red onions 2, finely chopped pomegranate seeds 3 x tubs about 110g each, or seeds from 2-3 whole pomegranates tomato ketchup 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses 2 tbsp orange 1/2, juiced

• Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Mix the pomegranate juice, molasses, sugar, 2 tbsp oil, orange zest and spices, and pour over the ham in a roasting tin. Roast for 30-40 minutes, basting once or twice, until hot all the way through and sticky. Mix the relish ingredients together and serve with the ham.

Baked spiced sweet potato mash 50 MINUTES|SERVES 8|EASY Prep this ahead then have it ready to finish off in the oven when people arrive. sweet potatoes 1.5kg, peeled and cubed baking potatoes 600g, peeled and cubed salted butter 75g, plus a few extra knobs ground coriander 2 tsp brown sugar 2 tbsp lime 1, juiced coriander a few sprigs

• Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Boil the sweet potatoes and baking potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain really well, then mash with butter, ground coriander, 1 tbsp sugar and lime juice. Season and tip into a large baking dish. Top with 2 more knobs of butter and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and piping hot. Scatter with the remaining sugar, to serve.

CHRISTMAS 2015

Avocado, pea and herb salad with spring onion dressing 15 MINUTES|SERVES 8|EASY This fresh, light salad is just what you need after a day of feasting. avocados 2 ripe lemon or lime juice a squeeze cucumber 1 small spring onions 3 frozen peas 200g, defrosted dill a small bunch mint 1/2 small bunch baby gem lettuces 3-4, leaves separated DRESSING spring onions 4, roughly chopped olive oil white wine vinegar 4 tbsp sugar 2 tsp dill a small bunch, stalks discarded coriander a small bunch mint 1/2 a small bunch, leaves picked

• For the dressing, up to a couple of hours beforehand, whizz the spring onions with the oil and 1 tbsp water in a food processor until finely chopped. Add all the remaining ingredients in the order they are listed, but don’t process them yet. • Before you serve the starter, dice the avocados and toss them with a little lemon or lime juice on a serving platter or bowl. Cut the cucumber into similarly sized chunks and chop the spring onions. Add these to the avocado with the peas, dill and mint leaves. • To serve, whizz the dressing ingredients together with some seasoning. Toss most of the dressing with the chopped salad. Put lettuce leaves onto a large platter and spoon the salad ingredients over. Serve the rest of the dressing in a small bowl on the side of the salad.

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Big batch cocktails Make jugs of cocktails and everyone can serve themselves

Deep thinker This recipe is best served in a punch bowl. Unless yours fits in the fridge, make it just before you want to serve it. Wash 5 limes, dice them and put in a punch bowl. Add 71/2 tsp of demerara sugar, a handful of chopped coriander (the stalks can go in, too, if they’re finely chopped), then muddle, making sure all the juice from the limes is pressed out and the mix well blended. Pour in 100ml of elderflower cordial and 350ml Sailor Jerry rum (or any spiced rum, such as Captain Morgan) and chill. Just before serving, add plenty of crushed ice (2 or more times the volume of the mixture, depending on desired strength) and stir well.

All made up Put 250ml Maker’s Mark bourbon and 100ml Amaretto into a jug, then add 75ml fresh lime juice (about 3 limes) and 500ml cranberry juice and chill. Just before serving, add a few handfuls of ice cubes and stir well.

Thyme punch

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Jose’s garden Pour 250ml tequila (like Jose Cuervo Tradicional) and 100ml poire William liqueur (like Gabriel Boudier) into a jug, then add 50ml fresh lime juice (about 2 limes) and 500ml cloudy apple juice. Stir and chill. Just before serving, add a handful of fresh mint leaves, torn up, and a few handfuls of ice cubes and stir well.

CHRISTMAS 2015

RECIPES: GERRY CALABRESE

Cut 3 or 4 thin slices of ginger, finely dice them, muddle (i.e. mash up) with 5 tsps of caster sugar and tip into a jug (if you own any ginger liqueur, you can use 75ml of that, instead of sugar). add 35ml fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon) and 250ml gin (such as Tanqueray), followed by 6 very roughly chopped sprigs of fresh thyme. Top up with 650ml traditional still, cloudy lemonade, stir, and chill. Just before serving, add a handful of ice cubes and stir again.

O

20 minute

party recipe

Everyone loves a fondue, so if you’re planning on having a party around your kitchen or dining table this is the only recipe you’ll need. No double-dipping!

Gruyère and cider fondue 20 MINUTES|SERVES 6 AS A STARTER|EASY garlic 1 clove, halved dry cider 250ml lemon juice 1 tbsp gruyère 250g, grated emmental 200g, grated cornflour 2 tsp ciabatta ½ loaf, cut into chunks and toasted in oven until golden cornichons to serve baby pickled onions to serve • Rub the garlic clove around the inside of a heavy pan then discard (a le Creuset-style casserole is ideal). • Add the cider and the lemon juice and bring to the boil. Toss the cheeses with the cornflour. reduce the heat a little then add the cheese, bit by bit, whisking until the cheese is melted, smooth and thick. Serve with the ciabatta, cornichons and baby onions for dipping.

CHRISTMAS 2015

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DIY

ice cream sundae bar

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CHRISTMAS 2015

O

One of the easiest desserts to serve at a party is a do-it-yourself ice-cream parlour. Set all the toppings out in your prettiest selection of glasses, cups and jugs, and get stuck in Ice-cream sundaes 30 MINUTES|SERVES 8|EASY Pack tubs of ice cream into a big bowl of ice. Make some easy sauces, then pile up bought ingredients into pretty bowls and glasses so guests can build their own bespoke sundaes. vanilla, chocolate and pistachio ice cream 500g tub of each baby meringues 1 pack brownies 1 pack, cut into chunks cherries in kirsch 1 jar mini marshmallows 1 large bag

CHRISTMAS 2015

chocolate flakes 8 ice-cream wafers 8 hazelnuts pecan nuts chopped and toasted whipping cream 600ml tub, softly whipped chocolate sprinkles

• TOFFEE SAUCE Put a 300ml pot of double cream in a small pan with 85g butter and 100g dark muscovado sugar. Heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved and then simmer until toffee coloured.

• RASPBERRY SAUCE Put a frozen 300g punnet of raspberries in a food processor with 3 tbsp berry liqueur and 2 tbsp icing sugar and a splash of boiling water. Whizz to a saucy consistency. • DARK CHOCOLATE SAUCE Put 250g plain chocolate in a bowl with 100ml whipping cream. Melt in short blasts in the microwave then stir in 3 tbsp golden syrup and 50g butter.

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Sweet things End every party with a dessert, and whether it’s a showstopping torte or individual mousses, your guests will thank you

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CHRISTMAS 2015

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Gingerbread and white chocolate mousse 30 MINUTES + 2 HOURS CHILLING|SERVES 6|EASY Mini gingerbread men are available from most supermarkets – look out for them in the bakery section. egg whites 3 medium golden caster sugar 100g white chocolate 200g, broken into pieces ground cloves 1/4 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp mixed spice 1 tsp double cream 250ml caramelised biscuits or ginger snaps 150g, crushed mini gingerbread men 6, to decorate

• Put the egg whites and sugar into a heatproof bowl. Put the bowl over (but not in) a pan of simmering water and whisk with electric beaters until you have a stiff and glossy meringue. Remove from the heat. • Melt the white chocolate over a pan of simmering water or in a microwave. Remove from the heat and stir in the ground cloves, ginger and mixed spice. Fold the chocolate through the whisked egg whites with a spatula until combined. Whisk the double cream to soft peaks. Fold the chocolate mixture into the cream. • Divide half the crushed biscuits between 6 x 200ml glasses. Put a large spoonful of the mousse into each. Scatter the remaining biscuits and then divide the remaining mousse between the glasses. Chill for at least 2 hours. Serve each with a gingerbread man.

Rum-raisin chocolate torte with brown sugar crème fraîche 1 HOUR + OVERNIGHT SOAKING AND CHILLING SERVES 8|EASY dark rum 150ml raisins 200g dark chocolate 250g butter 200g, diced, plus extra for the tin ground almonds 175g egg whites 6 golden caster sugar 200g cocoa and icing sugar to dust BROWN SUGAR CRÈME FRAÎCHE crème fraîche 2 x 200g tubs dark muscovado sugar 2 tbsp, plus an extra sprinkling to serve dark rum 1 tbsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp

• Put the rum and raisins in a bowl and leave to soak for 24 hrs. The day before serving, heat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Butter and line the base and sides of a round,

CHRISTMAS 2015

22cm loose-bottomed tin with baking paper so it comes an inch above the sides. • Melt the chocolate, butter and a pinch of salt together in a big mixing bowl over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir in the ground almonds, followed by the raisins and any remaining rum in the bowl and take off the heat. Beat the egg whites until stiff, add the caster sugar and beat again until stiff-ish and shiny. Stir 1/4 of the whites into the chocolate mixture to loosen, then gently fold in the rest with a big metal spoon or spatula. Spoon into the tin, then bake for 30-35 minutes until the centre still has a slight wobble. Cool in the tin, then turn upside down onto a serving plate, leave the paper on, cover and chill overnight. • At least a couple of hours before serving, mix the crème fraîche, dark muscovado, rum and ground cinnamon together. Scrape into a serving bowl and keep chilled. To serve, dust the top of the torte with cocoa. To decorate your torte, lay a strip of paper doily over the top of the cake and dust with icing sugar. Serve with the crème fraîche.

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