As it usually happens this time of year, I’ve been drawn to spending my spare time outdoors and haven’t picked up too many DIY projects. But last week, for some reason, I really fancied some cross stitch fun. I reached to my stash of assorted kits and decided to work on one I’ve been saving for absolute ages. I don’t know why, but I really liked this design, at least based on the packaging. So much so that I essentially kept it for a special occasion. Turns out, the special occasion was a random week in June. Why not! Although the set itself wasn’t perfect, I enjoyed cross stitching these feathers and it didn’t take me long to finish the whole project.
My most recently completed cross stitch project was a cute turtle in neon colours. It might be one of my favourite cross stitch projects to date! Partly because I love reptiles, and partly because the vibrant, neon colours of this design were super fun to sew. Although it was a large set (the kits I buy in TK Maxx usually come in two sizes, small and large), I finished it in just a couple of days.
When life gives you lemons… you cross stitch them in a cute design, apparently! At the beginning of May, the UK enjoyed a bank holiday Monday. I hoped to spend the extended weekend outdoors, enjoying long walks and maybe a day trip too. But first, I set my alarm for early Saturday morning, to go to the gym and start the weekend with a productive workout. 20 minutes into the training, my lower back decided it was a great time to flare up like it hasn’t in a long time. Well, I limped back home, and spent most of the weekend in bed. Frustrating, to say the least! To keep myself busy, I reached for a couple of DIY projects. One of them was this mini cross stitch set with a lemon design. It was quite fun to sew!
It’s been a while since my last cross stitch endeavour, and it was time to pick up another one of the many cross stitch sets I have in my DIY stash. And since it’s officially spring now, I chose a design that screamed ‘spring’ – quite literally. The pattern included a large slogan in the middle! Well, I’ll be honest – I’m not a fan of a slogan. I don’t buy slogan T-shirts, I don’t like home decor with inspirational lines, nothing of that kind. I bought this cross stitch set with a goal to design my original pattern, or at least some small elements, and replace the slogan. So, here it is – my very first semi-original cross stitch design!
Earlier this year, I bought a set of 12 botanical cross stitch kits, designed by the Royal Horticultural Society. I had seen this set in several shops, and one day, I found it in TK Maxx at half the regular price. So, naturally, I got it! The mini cross stitch designs are labelled with months, and I decided to complete them in those months, and share the results every quarter. Today, I’d like to present the completed mini projects for October, November and December – featuring an anemone, a pansy, and a poinsettia. This makes 9 out of 12 designs from the set done!
I can’t believe it’s almost Christmas. This year has just flown by! I’ve been in the Christmas spirit for ages (I’m one of those people who get in the festive mood on the first colder days in September), and finally, the holidays are pretty much here. So naturally, I’ve been enjoying Christmas themed crafts lately. This time, I completed yet another cross stitch kit, with the perfect design for this time of year. I thoroughly enjoyed cross stitching this small gingerbread man holding a candy cane!
We may be in between two festive periods – Halloween and Christmas – but it’s never a bad time for a generic crafty project. This time, I completed yet another cross stitch piece from an assorted kit, depicting a floral cat. I got it in TKMaxx, like most of the assorted craft kits, and for around £2. It was a good use of money – kept me busy for a couple of hours!
Happy Halloween, almost! The spooky day is tomorrow, and what could be a better way to celebrate it than completing a themed, Halloween DIY project. This time, I had just the perfect one – I completed a cross stitch design featuring a classic Jack-o’-lantern. The final result looks cute, but cross stitching it wasn’t plain sailing. It turned out to be yet another assorted cross stitch kit with insufficient supplies. Luckily, I managed to figure out a solution.
Happy spooky month! I feel like it’s now officially acceptable to start celebrating the Halloween season. Well, frankly, Halloween isn’t that huge in the UK, to my surprise. Still, there are some seasonal sweets and home decorations in the stores, and I enjoy a holiday period, no matter the holiday! So naturally, in October, I usually like to do some Halloween themed crafts or cook themed recipes. This time, I completed a mini cross stitch project featuring a skull with colourful flowers. Probably more in the style of Dia de los Muertes rather than Halloween, but the two are celebrated at the same time of year. So, here’s the first of this year’s Halloween DIY projects!
Cross stitching is one of my favourite relaxing hobbies. Ever since I picked it up a year and a half ago, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. I have now completed dozens of small designs, and I’m always on the lookout for new projects to work on. I usually buy assorted cross stitch kits with cute designs and all supplies included in the box. A couple of months ago, I got a set with 12 small designs, one for each month of the year. The designs are inspired by flowers that bloom at different times of the year, and the set itself is branded with the Royal Horticultural Society. For a plant lover like myself, this kit is perfect! I decided to share my progress on this blog after every quarter. This time, I’d like to present the completed designs for April, May and June – featuring tulips, a bluebell and a poppy.
Alphe's Corner 