“We wish you a…” – my project in this month’s Homespun

I was invited to contribute to this years’ Christmas in July issue of Homespun Magazine, and couldn’t resist.

I’m quite obsessed with vintage cards and postcards… especially Christmas postcards… and particularly those from the 1930’s – 50’s. Designing a stitchery project in the style of these cards has been on my “must do list” for ages, so I was excited to begin. The design was nutted out, finalised, stitched, and this week published in the July, 2016 issue.

There are lots of closeup photos included and a great, detailed guide for stitching each element. A big thank you to the editorial team at Homespun. I love their easy to follow, step by step layout.

“We wish you a…” is stitched with 4 different Cottage Garden Threads and highlighted with Papillon gold thread. For the central design, I wanted to achieve a sepia look with just a touch of bolder colour here and there. I found the subtle variegation of  CGT 310 Carrot Seed perfect for the “sepia” areas. I’m really happy with the overall effect and how your eye is drawn to different details.

Each element of the design is inspired by part of a vintage illustration I’ve found. My hope was to create a “true to era” vintage look while staying true to my own style. It was tricky at times, but lots of fun bringing the different ideas together for one piece.

Most vintage cards I’ve found feature Christmassy Winters of the Northern Hemisphere… roaring fireplaces next to twinkling Christmas trees, snow covered villages, snow men, and children wrapped in appropriately snug clothing. I love them. However, being an Australian designing for an Australian magazine, I thought for this project I’d dress these children for our warmer festive season.

We wish you a... ~ Singing Boy and Girl

The older two, sing heartily as their little sister knocks to announce their arrival.

Can you guess her name?

We wish you a... ~ Little Girl Knocking

I haven’t decided on this little one’s name, but he’s wearing his best bow for the occasion.

We wish you a... ~ Westie closeup

The top and bottom borders feature sprigs of pine and golden stars, along with three hanging baubles from the top and a few red stars, scattered along the bottom.

We wish you a... ~ Lyrics and Wreath Closeup

Stitches used for this project are – Backstitch, French Knot, Running Stitch, Straight Stitch and just a smidge of Satin Stitch. I’ve used Cottage Garden Threads Toffee Apple (1), 207 Swamp Gum, 310 Carrot Seed and 809 Oregano… along with Au Papillon Fil D’or Thread in Medium Gold for highlights.

We wish you a... ~ Vintage Christmas Stitchery

The pattern and instructions can be found in this month’s Homespun Magazine… issue July, 2016, along with some handy embroidery tips and a profile of “your’s truly”.

For a limited time, I have Thread and Transfer packs available. The packs include –

– the required 4 skeins of Cottage Garden Threads

– 5 metres of Au Papillon Fil D’Or – Medium Gold thread

– 1 x A4 sized Iron-on Transfer and Transfer Instructions

– a photo of the “We wish you a…” project

– Please note: Project instructions and pattern are NOT included in this pack. They can be found in the above issue of Homespun Magazine.

We wish you a... - Thread and Transfer Pack

We wish you a... bottom border

I hope you enjoy creating this Christmas in July project as much as I did,

Dragonfly Blog Signature

8 Responses

  1. looks like a lot of fun looking forward to starting on it

    • Melissa Grant

      Thank you Barb,
      Happy stitching, Melissa

  2. Love to sew this fantastic project,could you let me know if this is available from yourself with the threads.

    • Melissa Grant

      Hi Liz, the project is available in this month’s issue of Homespun Magazine. You can subscribe at http://www.homespun.net.au/current-issue/ You can subscribe online too and print off the patterns and instructions. I will be releasing the pattern (including transfer) for general purchase down the track, but not for a couple of months. I may also still be able to provide threads at that time. International post for that size parcel is about $7.50… which is the same for the Thread and Transfer packs I’m offering for the project now. I’m happy to help though, if you’d like to purchase a pattern or thread and transfer pack in the future.

  3. What a lovely gift to create for my family, will make sure I purchase a copy of Homespun..

    • Melissa Grant

      Thank you Margaret. Wishing you happy stitching. Melissa x

  4. Saw this on my fb had to rush out and buy the Homespun magazine. Can’t wait to start it . If I have it finished I will give it to my sister for Christmas

    • Melissa Grant

      That’s so lovely to hear Kerrie. When designing, you’re never really sure if it will appeal to anyone other than yourself. This week has been one of so much encouragement. Thank you so much for commenting. Melissa x