All we want for Christmas
Christmas is one of our favourite times of year for getting stuck into our stitching. We chatted to four makers about how they celebrate, and what inspires them about the festive season…
When it comes to Christmas time, there’s so much to inspire us stitchers, from the colours and sparkle of the season to the challenge of making decorations and gifts in time for December 25th. We chatted to four designers about their seasonal stitching inspiration, and what they hope to find under the tree…
Tell us a bit about your crafty business!
I started Little Beach Hut when I was looking for a cross stitch to do for my twin babies’ bedroom and I couldn’t find anything I liked, so I drew up some animals and started stitching them and just kept on going!
What inspires you about Christmas?
Winter is my favourite time of year. I love to wrap up warm and sit in front of the fire and do a bit of cross stitch with a coffee. Christmas is full of inspiration; as soon as the decorations are out I’m in the shops and garden centres looking at colours and patterns but most of my designs are inspired by nature and feature a lot of autumnal and wintry colours and shapes. Most of my designs are based on animals so my last Christmas designs were of a sausage dog wearing a little hat and badgers hanging up their stockings.
Do you have any new designs planned for this year?
I have lots of ideas in the pipeline for this year and will be continuing the animal and love theme as it seems to be popular. I have just added a new otter couple and will be looking at other animals in the British countryside and their habitats to find some inspiration.
What’s your favourite part of the festive period?
I love to go round craft shops and fairs around Christmas time to look at all the lovely gifts, decorations and festive materials. I also enjoy taking my children to garden centres to see the lights and moving animal displays. They haven’t been to see Father Christmas yet as they are so little but I think this is the year!
What stitchy presents are you hoping to make – and do you have your eye on anything for yourself?
I am planning on making some Christmas stockings for my twins. The main part is going to be thick felt with their names in cross stitch on burlap. I’ve also just ordered a light box to make my photos brighter and hopefully more professional-looking so I will be playing with that in the next few months and taking some new pics.
What are your dreams for your business in 2018?
I would love to grow my business further by bringing lots more designs into my shop. I opened my Amazon shop this year and also launched my website so I’m hoping Christmas will be a busy time at Little Beach Hut HQ!