Innehållsförteckning för Issue 86 från Mollie Magazine

This issue is all-out, unashamedly Christmas-themed, and I love it. If you’re not quite ready to dive into the festive merriment just yet though, there’s still plenty of lovely things you can craft. Luxury makes like the velvet pouffe on page 53 and embroidered bag on page 85 are a treat any time of year, and Sarah Louise Matthews’ delicate floral wreath can be hung on your wall right through to spring. Make sure to check out your bonus magazine, too. Inspired by Nordic living, it’s filled with ways for you to create a cosy, inviting feel for your home over the chilly winter months. Incorporating elements of nature with plenty of texture, it’s how we’ll be styling our homes this season.…

With colour blocking and graphic shapes inspired by abstract artist Mondrian, you know we’ve got every item from Miss Pom Pom’s A/W collection on our Christmas list. Casually leave your mag open on this page and Santa might bring you something, too. www.misspompom.com TOP READ Get hooked Talented designer Yan Schenkel’s new book, Animal Friends of Pica Pau, is filled with 20 cute amigurumi pals we can’t wait to hook up. But should we start with the donkey in a poncho, or the pig in swimming trunks? Decisions, decisions. www.meteoorbooks.com You know when you wish they sold kids’ clothes in adult sizes? Two words: Sleepy Doe. This childrenswear brand sell matching mama sets, and we’re in love with their Swansy print. www.sleepydoe.com Using different stitches to create texture, these chunky…

“I tend to get really into something and obsess about it until it’s done.” Australian textile designer Cassie Byrnes grew up on a farm in a North Queensland town with no traditional creative input. “I didn’t take an art class or anything,” she says. “But looking back, I did all these weird geeky things as an artistic outlet without realising it.” The young Cassie documented everything in short films and diaries, and was “obsessed with interior design”, repainting her bedroom every few months. After a brief spell working as an interior designer – Cassie’s first degree – she went back to university to study Textiles in Melbourne. Fast forward to today and Cassie is now a successful surface pattern designer with her own label, Variety Hour. Taking commissions from well-known…

With Britain still in the iron grip of austerity measures, the temptation is to dive into your nearest fast fashion emporium for a cheap fix. But, as we all know, that ‘retail therapy’ buzz doesn’t hang around. For longer lasting feels, the only way is to plug in the sewing machine, rev up the creative engine and DIY – that’s dabble, darn and design it yourself. MODERN MENDS Nikki McWilliams (www.nikkimcwilliams.com), she of the iconic biscuit makes, comes from a homemade household. “Up until the age of 10, I only wore clothes that my mum had made for me. I had an amazing wardrobe of custom dresses and outfits. I even had a school uniform dress which I designed and she helped me to make.” But Nikki understands the lure…

01 BETTY TWYFORD Made in the UK where possible, Betty Twyford’s kitchen textiles are 100% cotton and designed to last, both in quality and their unique and timeless look. Call 01568 611124. www.bettytwyford.com 02 SQUIFFY PRINT Squiffy Print is a colourful design and print company specialising in personalisation. All their products are designed and printed in-house. Get 10% off with the code MOLLIE10. www.squiffyprint.co.uk 03 FARO STORE Faro Store create finely crafted aprons made from quality linen, cotton and denim to fit the needs of florists, gardeners, makers or artisans letting them freely move and work. www.farostore.net 04 LOBSTER HOMEWARE The Lobster Apron has integrated oven gloves that attach, detach and tuck away, plus pockets, tea towel loops and adjustable height. Get 20% off with code MM2017. www.lobsterhomeware.com 05 JONNY’S…

HOW TO MAKE… A VELVET POUFFE MATERIALS • 1.5m (59½") main fabric (we used Stoff & Stil Crushed Velvet Antique Rose from www.stoffstil.co.uk) • 1.5m (59½") cotton lining fabric • Two flat pink buttons, 4cm (1 /8") wide • Matching sewing thread • Webbing, 10m (32' 9¾"), 1cm ( /8") wide • Six 250g bags of soft toy stuffing (we got ours from www.prym.com/en) • Long upholstery needle • Strong upholstery thread • Tailor’s chalk Extra seating is always handy over the festive season, and when it looks as good as this blush velvet pouffe, whipping up your own version is a must. Made using the simplest sewing techniques, you could easily finish it in an afternoon, giving a corner of your home a new look, and you a place…

HOW TO MAKE… CROCHET DECORATIONS MATERIALS • Rico Creative Cotton Aran, 100% cotton, 50g/85m per ball, one ball each in White (80) (Yarn A), Light Green (40) (Yarn B) and Red (05) (Yarn C) • Twilley’s Goldfingering, 80% viscose/20% polyester, 25g/100m per ball, one ball in Gold (002) (Yarn D) • Small amount of DK yarn in grey (Yarn E) • Black embroidery thread • Soft toy stuffing • 3mm (UK 10, US D/3) crochet hook • 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) crochet hook • Tapestry needle • Six black safety eyes, 1cm ( /8") wide • Stitch marker TENSION Tension is not important for this project, but stitches do need to be tight so no stuffing shows through. To avoid this, use a smaller hook than recommended for the…

HOW TO MAKE… A GINGERBREAD CAKE AND TOPPERS MATERIALS • Polymer clay in mint, turquoise, green, white and gold (we used Fimo) • Christmas tree-shaped biscuit cutters in various sizes • Craft knife • Rolling pin • Wooden skewers • Baking tray • Baking paper • Craft glue INGREDIENTS For the cake • 190g (6½oz) plain flour • 1½ tsp baking powder • ½ tsp salt • 1 tsp ground ginger • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • ½ tsp ground cloves • 115g (4½oz) unsalted butter • 100g (4oz) granulated sugar • 75g (2½oz) dark brown sugar • 125ml (4 fl oz) treacle • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 125ml (4 fl oz) buttermilk • 2 large eggs For the frosting • 225g (8oz) unsalted butter • 170g (6oz) full…

1. Biterswit Original designs for creative minds. Get 10% discount in the Etsy shop until 9th December 2017 with code MOLLIEMAKES17. www.biterswit.etsy.com 2. Cecilia Washburn Designs Cecilia is a South London-based illustrator and textile designer selling stationery and prints of vivid hand-painted illustrations and repeat patterns of sea creatures, insects and birds. www.ceciliawashburn.com 3. The Craft Hutch From elf shoes and bunting to craft kits, you’ll find plenty of gift ideas over at The Craft Hutch. Use code MOLLIE10 to receive 10% off in November 2017. www.thecrafthutch.etsy.com 4. TheHappyFeltClub Why not try making your own Christmas baubles and decorations with lovely Christmas Needle Felting Kits by TheHappyFeltClub? Get 10% discount with code MOLLIEMAKESCHRISTMAS. www.thehappyfeltclub.etsy.com 5. Metal Clay Add your own logo or maker’s mark to your metal clay, polymer clay or ceramic creations with…

HOW TO MAKE… A PRINTED STOCKING MATERIALS • White linen fabric, 40 x 50cm (15¾ x 19¾") • Patterned fabric, 25 x 25cm (9 /8 x 9 /8") • Black grosgrain ribbon, 50cm (19¾"), 25mm (1") wide • Lino block, 5 x 5cm (2 x 2") • Lino cutter • Black fabric ink stamp pad • Tracing paper • Pinking shears Christmas rituals, like getting decorations down from the loft and rediscovering old favourites, are all part of the festive fun. But, it’s nice to add something new into the mix each year, too. With its geo-print cuff and fir tree motif, this monochrome stocking echoes the minimalist styling and nature-inspired aspect of the New Nordic look, giving your mantelpiece a fresh feel. Printed using a hand-carved linocut stamp you’ll…

HOW TO MAKE… HIMMELI DECORATIONS MATERIALS • White 15cm (6") straws • Nylon thread • White thread The word himmeli has its roots in the German or Swedish ‘himmel’, meaning heaven or sky, and these diamond mobiles have long been part of Christmas décor in Finland. Traditionally made with straw and hung over the dining table, pair these geometric shapes with greenery to complete the look. Symmetrical diamond 01 Cut 12 6cm (2 /8") pieces from the white straws. 02 Feed a length of nylon thread through three straws to create a triangle. Pull tightly to secure the shape and knot the ends twice. 03 Using one side as a base, add two straws to make another triangle. Repeat, creating a row of four triangle shapes, then join the two…

Sarah Louise Matthews Paper engineer Sarah’s earliest memories involve making origami penguins. A self-proclaimed perfectionist, she loves wearing stripes and exploring, and you’ll usually find her buried under piles of paper in her studio. Make Sarah’s floral wreath on page 18 . www.sarahlouisematthews.com Laura Mitchell Australian baker and blogger Laura is based in Rotterdam. She’s been known to create baked goods named after her favourite Beatles songs and often daydreams about what her cake shop ‘Dear Prudence’ would look like. Bake Laura’s gingerbread cake on page 87 . www.kitandnancy.blogspot.co.uk Lee May Foster-Wilson Lee is an artist influenced by the landscapes of her Cornish home and the human connection to nature. When she’s not making stuff, she’s hanging with her children, roaming beaches or saddling…

MATERIALS • Two skeins of embroidery thread in dark blue (we used DMC 823) and one skein in mustard (we used DMC 298) • Two gold earring hooks • Two jump rings, 0.5cm (¼") • Cardboard, 6 x 3.5cm (2 /8 x 1 /8") • Embroidery needle • Jewellery pliers 01 Wrap blue embroidery thread around the width of the cardboard, roughly 45 times, to create a thick bundle. Stop with the winding thread in the centre, then trim the thread at the bottom. Cut a 10cm (4") length of blue thread and thread it through the embroidery needle. Use the needle to pull the thread through the bundle, then tie it loosely at the top. 02 Slide the bundle off the cardboard and pull the knot tight at the…

From elegant jewellery and original art to personalised homeware and cute baby clothes, you’ll find endless Christmas inspiration at walterandmay.co.uk. And not only can you find the perfect gifts for all the special people in your life there; you’ll also get that warm fuzzy feeling from knowing that you’re supporting small UK creative businesses while you’re at it. But with so many lovely items to choose from, where do you start? Let this mini Walter & May gift selection give you some ideas to get started. FOR MORE CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS AND TO BUY, VISIT WALTERANDMAY.CO.UK * Terms and conditions apply. The discount code requires a minimum spend of £10 and must be used by 31 December 2017.…

MATERIALS • Artcuts birch wood Round Bauble Decorations • Artcuts birch wood Alphabet Letters • Artcuts Mixed Mini Wooden Stars • Versamagic Inkpads in Cloud White, Pixie Dust Pink and Aquatic Splash Green • Baker’s twine • Scissors • Masking tape • PVA glue • Paint brush • Iridescent glitter • Gel pen or ballpoint pen You can find everything you need from www.artcuts.co.uk This festive season, impress your friends and family with these personalised gift tags that also double up as Christmas tree baubles. Follow the simple step-by-step instructions to recreate our keepsake ornament, or take the techniques used as inspiration, and choose your own colourway and decorative details. 01 To begin, colour the wooden bauble by swiping the green inkpad across the surface of the wood.…

Show your unwavering love for greenery with Sian Elin’s Plant Girl print, taken from her #365daysofpeople Instagram series, or pay homage to the season’s hottest shades using Pantone colour swatches. www.sianelin.com; www.mintteaco.etsy.com Embrace the maximalist trend with Sian Elin’s statement wallpaper. Instantly updating a room, it also adds a light, bright feel, even on the greyest of days. www.sianelin.com Pop a few sprigs of eucalyptus into this origami-inspired matte ceramic vase to earn maximum style points with a minimum of effort. www.monpote.co.uk Pile this geo wire basket with logs for the fire, fill it with yarn or blankets to constrast textures, or go all DIY and add a wooden top to use it as a side table. www.fermliving.com Hang House of Rym’s plates on your wall, picking out patterns that…

HOW TO MAKE… A DINING SET MATERIALS For the crackers • White paper • Black ink pad • Toilet roll tubes • Cracker snaps • Ribbon • Pencil with a rubber • Double-sided tape • Scallop-edged scissors • Craft knife • Metal ruler • Small cracker gifts For the placemats • Leaves • Blush pink linen • Two ink rollers • Black fabric paint • Paint brush • Scrap paper For the candles • 250g soy wax flakes per candle • Dried rosemary • Rosemary essential oil • Black porcelain paint • Candle wicks • Glass jars • Glass bowl • Glass jug • Saucepan • Paint brush Forget stately, majestic settings – when it comes to our Christmas dinner table, we’re all about simple Scandi chic, accented with a…

01 HEATHER ALSTEAD A fun and alternative Christmas jumper for any Jon Snow enthusiast. Each Heather Alstead jumper is made to order in the family-run studio. www.notonthehighstreet.com/heatheralsteaddesign 02 NOG PEPPER ME Have fun stitching your own Christmas jumper.This kit includes everything needed to stitch a cute piece of hoop art ready for Christmas. Use code NOGMM10 for 10% off. www.embroiderykits.shop 03 BABY YORKE DESIGNS Baby Yorke Designs are dedicated to making your special occasions as glittery as possible. Find them on Etsy for more metallics and a children’s range. www.babyellieharriet.etsy.com 04 BATCH1 This soft and snuggly ‘Mince Pies Before Guys’ sweatshirt by Batch1 is fab for cosying up at home this Christmas, and an on-trend take on the Christmas jumper. www.batch1.com 05 LARNIES Larnies aims to create beautiful clothing to…

01 BONBI FOREST If you wish, this little horse pin by Lee Foster-Wilson of Bonbi Forest comes complete with your choice of hand stamped letter on his bottom. Fab for pony lovers. www.bonbiforest.com 02 FATPOPPYCAT These fabulous fabric flower brooches come in a huge range of colours, ideal to brighten up your clothes, hats or scarves or as Christmas presents for your family and friends. www.fatpoppycat.co.uk 03 FIZZY PIGG Get into the Christmas spirit with Fizzy Pigg’s festive wall art, decorations and handmade buttons. With lots of options to personalise, there’s no doubt you'll find the gift you're looking for. www.fizzypigg.co.uk 04 CUTER THAN A BUTTON Find something for everyone from this Yorkshire-based shop. All products are designed, printed and handmade with love. For 10% off, use code MOLLIE10. www.cuterthanabuttonuk.etsy.com…

I EXPLORED FEMALE ROLES IN DIFFERENT CULTURES AND GOT TO PLAY WITH PATTERN Name: Jade Fisher Occupation: Illustrator and stationery designer Women of the World was a natural choice for our 2018 calendar as it combines my two fave things – women and the world! I explored female roles in different cultures and got to play with folky patterns. I love having a project to work on alongside designing cards, and a calendar keeps things fresh and inspires new ideas. My first thought when planning a calendar is December. Whatever the theme, that one has to look Christmassy! I went to Finland a few years ago and met some Sami people with their reindeer, and that was the first illustration I did for this calendar. If an image isn’t connected…

HOW TO MAKE… A CHUNKY-KNIT BLANKET MATERIALS • Lauren Aston Designs Giant Yarn, 100% merino wool, 100g/5m, 1.3kg in Baby Blue • 40mm (US 70) knitting needles • Sewing needle • Matching sewing thread TENSION Approx. 1½ stitches and two rows to 10cm (4") ABBREVIATIONS  k knit p purl st(s) stitch(es) FINISHED SIZE Approx. 80 x 80cm (31½ x 31½") When it’s dark and chilly outside, there’s nothing better than declaring it a duvet day and staying warm under the covers with buttery toast and big mugs of tea. This super-sized knitted lap blanket in marshmallowy merino wool will make that snuggling all the more cosy. Drape it on the bed, or keep it within easy grabbing distance on the sofa or armchair. Using basic knit and purl stitches, it’s…

INGREDIENTS Makes approx. 30 biscuits • 125g (5oz) butter • 80g (3oz) caster sugar • 1 egg • 200g (8oz) plain flour • Coloured crystal sugar • Grated zest of a lemon • 1 tsp vanilla extract EQUIPMENT • Baking sheets • Baking parchment • Various-sized star cutters • Cling film • Cooling racks Say goodbye to hurriedly-grabbed lattes and master the Swedish art of fika instead. All about making time in your day to enjoy a coffee with friends, a long natter and home-baked goodies, this custom is actually mandatory in some Swedish workplaces, and is definitely a concept we can get on board with. Bake these star biscuits for your fika, or wrap in baking parchment and give to your friends and family as thoughtful Christmas gifts. 01…

Jingle all the way… “Living in a rural Scottish town where the wildlife is abundant, it’s impossible not to be inspired. I try to capture as much of it as possible in my designs, but I have to admit, the deer is my favourite subject of all. This reindeer decoration is a colourful homage to its wild counterpart. I’ve taken one of my soft sculpture designs and simplified it, making it easy for makers of all levels to sew.The pom poms are such a fun addition, and the blanket and collar give plenty of opportunity for customising.This little love is getting centre stage on my tree this year!” Jenny Blair is a designer and maker of fun, modern embroidery and sewing kits. She’s inspired by the natural world that surrounds…

TASSEL JUMPER HOW TO MAKE… A TASSEL JUMPER MATERIALS • Black sweatshirt • DMC Petra 3, 100% cotton, 280/100g per ball, one ball each in 53805 (pink) and 5321 (red) • Scrap cardboard • Tailor’s chalk • Yarn needle Embrace the trend for maximalist fashion with this statement tassel sweater. Adhering to all the rules of a classic novelty jumper – jazzy, over the top, clashing colours – you can also keep this fun make in your wardrobe all winter long to give any outfit a instant lift. Pair with jeans and flats for a casual meet-up with friends, or with a slinky skirt and matching lippy to impress pals at Christmas drinks. 01 Cut a 9 x 9cm (3 /8 x 3 /8") piece of cardboard. Cut a 20cm…

HOW TO MAKE… A FRENCH KNITTED DECORATION MATERIALS • Classic Elite Yarns Ava, 86% wool, 9% viscose, 5% metallised polyester, 50g/117m per ball, one ball in Blush (6819) • Knitting dolly • Crochet hook • Aluminium wire, 2m (78¾"), 2.5mm (/8") wide • Wire cutters • Pom pom maker, 4cm (1 /8") diameter Get ready for a hefty dose of nostalgia with this traditional technique. If – like Team Mollie – you remember creating lengths of French knitting as a kid, but can’t actually recall what you used them for, you’ll be seriously impressed with Christine’s ingenious idea. Threading wire through a tube of sparkly yarn to create a festive decoration, this statement sign also gives a nod to the slogan trend. And, while we’ve given…

For anyone familiar with designer Sian Elin’s bright, Scandi-inspired fabrics and wallpapers, there can be no mistaking her colourful home. From the mugs and tea towels in the kitchen, to the lampshades and cushions scattered throughout, her cheerful patterns fill the space with her breezy, optimistic style, and serve as the thread that unites all the rooms in her home. The keen-eyed may recognise other bits too, because nearly everything in this flat, located on the third floor of a large period building, was made or acquired for styling her Sian Elin catalogues. “Everything is a bit cobbled together, made for photoshoots or trade shows,” she laughs. While the last thing they look is “cobbled together”, Sian’s talent for making everything from wall art to tables has helped create a…

01 Keep the natural theme strong by using wooden chopping boards as serving platters, piling them high with tempting charcuterie, cheese and grapes. 02 Echo the colour of the placemats and crackers by cutting long, narrow lengths of blush linen, then using them to tie cutlery. 03 Soft grey sits well with a blush pink, gold and white colour palette. Lay the crackers onto folded white and grey linen napkins, and use grey cushions or blankets on chairs to keep guests comfy and cosy. 04 Use mini vases or bottles filled with sprigs of festive greenery as individual place settings. Write guests’ names onto small white tags, then tie them on with lengths of grey yarn, ribbon or raffia. 05 Bunch larger springs of winter greenery together in simple glass…

01 BRYONY FRIPP Bryony Fripp draws and prints all her products by hand so they can be personalised with a name, or the same markings as your dog. Show furry friends how much you love them, or give this must-have gift to any dachshund owner. www.bryonyfripp.com 02 ELLA AND KAT Ella And Kat create modern and quirky cross stitch designs, kits and patterns. From song lyrics and TV quotes to pop culture references, there’s a fun cross stitch pattern for everyone in their online shop. www.ellaandkat.etsy.com 03 STITCHED Get the gift that gives twice. Stitched’s colourful cross stitch kits combine bold modern design with easy patterns and instructions. Some designs are a little bit wicked – you have been warned! www.stitchedtheshop.com 04 THE LITTLE CLOTH SHOP Caroline at The Little…

HOW TO MAKE… A VELVET BAG MATERIALS • 1m (39 /8") black velvet fabric • 50cm (19 /8") iron-on interfacing • 50cm (19 /8") lining fabric • Embroidered patches • Matching sewing thread • 1m (39 /8") gold chain • Eight gold eyelets • Hammer • Pliers The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the need for a glam day-to-night bag that’ll do you for Christmas lunches, drinks and marathon shopping days. Voilà – the velvet bucket bag. Roomy enough for all your essentials, it also taps into this season’s trend for luxurious accessories. And, while you’ll make the bag itself, the embroidered detailing is an easily achievable hack – sew-on patches. We found ours on eBay, but they’re also available in most high street stores. 01…

YOUR FREE GIFT  BY JENNY BLAIR MATERIALS • Erasable fabric marker • Fabric glue 01 Cut out the deer shapes using the templates opposite. 02 Pin the head gusset to one body piece, matching the marked ends. Sew using whipstitch, starting at the nose, then repeat to add the second body piece to the other side of the head gusset. 03 Mark the leg darts on the underside. Fold one leg under, along the marked line, then sew along the leg dart, through the two layers to make the leg ‘stand’. Repeat for each deer leg. 04 Pin the underside to the body with wrong sides together, aligning the edges and markings. Whipstitch the underside and body together, then turn over and repeat on the other side. 05 Stuff firmly,…

In winter, we often turn to Scandinavian countries for interiors inspiration, looking for ways to make our homes cosy and inviting. This season is no exception, and we’re taking style cues from the New Nordic trend, making our surroundings light and airy with a pared-back colour palette, and filling them with greenery, chunky yarn and other natural textures to add warmth and interest – think sprigs of eucalyptus, oversized blankets and geometric decorations. Packed with tactile, easy-to-make projects and styling ideas, this magazine is all you need to create your own Nordic-inspired space this festive season. The Mollie Makes team x…

HOW TO MAKE… AN ORIGAMI WALL HANGING MATERIALS • A3 double-sided coloured paper in blush pink, patterned blush pink, black, patterned black and white • White thread • Sewing needle • Twine • Clear sequins • 23 wooden beads, 1.5cm ( /8") • Eight wooden beads, 0.5cm (¼") • Crimp beads • Branch, cut to 30-40cm (11/8-13¾") • Craft knife • Cutting mat • Embossing tool Pairing striking monochrome shades with the softest blush pink, this starry paper hanging hits all the right Nordic notes. The tree branch and wooden beads keep things feeling natural, while its stars and snowflakes create clean lines and contrasting texture. Once you’ve learnt how to cut and fold this trio, create longer lengths to decorate your Christmas tree, or use individual shapes to add…