Innehållsförteckning för 93 från Mollie Magazine

As I’m writing this, Team Mollie are getting ready for The Handmade Fair at Ragley, our first craft event of the year. I’ve packed lots of goodies for our creative workshops, exciting surprises for the designers crafting live on stage with me, and extra pocket money for all the treats I’ll want to buy! If you couldn’t join us, you can still channel those al fresco maker vibes with the summery projects inside this issue. Find the most amazing woven denim jacket on page 31, boho-style crochet bunting on page 88, and an on-trend rope bag on page 38 – this season’s must-have accessory. And, don’t miss the most ingenious use of a suitcase on page 81... We’re officially smitten. Turn the page for more on your free gift! Then…

L.O.M. Fashion are known for their bold festival and party wear, and the Monster’s Garden Party collection does not disappoint.This jumpsuit fulfills all your pom pom, leopard-print and off-the-shoulder frill needs in one statement outfit. Oversized tassel earrings and neon socks optional. www.lomfashion.co.uk THIS MONTH’S WISHLIST We Are Knitters x The Hook Nook might just be our dream collab. With five crochet garment kits in 22 colours, you’ll never be able to pick just one. www.weareknitters.co.uk Treat your sofa to a pop of colour with illustrator Cherie Gregory’s travel-inspired geo cushions. Choose one to add impact to a simple scheme, or buy the whole set and scatter for a maximalist approach. www.sparrowandwolfshop.etsy.com Nothing quite says summer like a beaded watermelon raffia clutch with tassels. Pair it with a crisp white…

To post or not to post?That is the question, not penned by Shakespeare, of course, but contemplated by many of us in our social media age. Plus, how much should we reveal? And how do we keep it enjoyable? So. Many. Questions. Social media has opened whole worlds to us and our worlds to others, but it’s left us with lots to ponder. Understandably, all these queries can leave us feeling unsure when it comes to sharing online.Well, no more! We’re ready to take back control of our social media lives, to feel comfortable, empowered and happy when posting online.You with us? THE BIG REVEAL As makers, social media seems custom-made as a great place to share our crafts, whether we’re selling them or want to showcase the hobbies that…

We’ll shortlist three finalists for each category – you can enter more than one! BEST SMALL BUSINESS AWARD NEW! If you’ve got a start-up, a side hustle you’re trying to grow, or a small handmade business that’s been trading for less than three years, this is the category for you to enter. BEST ESTABLISHED BUSINESS AWARD In association with The Handmade Fair Enter this category if you’re a full-time creative with an established handmade business that’s been trading for over three years. HANDMADE CHAMPION AWARD Be it a craft blog, a bricks and mortar shop, an online boutique or the team behind a great campaign or Instagram hashtag, this award is intended to recognise the people promoting, supporting and championing all things handmade. BEST WORKSHOP AWARD In association…

HOW TO MAKE… VELVET PATCHWORK CUSHIONS MATERIALS Crushedvelvet50cm(19¾") each in light pink, gold, light blue and medium blue, 1m (39 /8") in dark pink (ours was from Rotary cutter Cutting mat Matching sewing threads Metal ruler 45 x 45cm (17¾ x 17¾") cushion pad Polyester stuffing Sewing needle The whole gang’s here – modern geo patchwork, colour block goodness, rich jewel brights and luxe crushed velvet. Basically, this simple-sew cushion duo project is smashing through all of our favourite interiors trends in one go like some kind of crafty juggernaut. Don’t you think it’s time you let your sofa live its best life? Square cushion 01 Using the rotary cutter and cutting mat, cut a 50 x 50cm (19¾ x 19¾") square and a 50 x 26.5cm (19¾…

So you’ve fallen in love with all things wee, but where can you get a slice of prime miniature real estate worthy of your on-trend makes? IKEA (www.ikea.com) do a great house-shaped display shelf to kick things off, or you can find Modernist-inspired plywood storage houses in two sizes at www.fermliving.com. If you fancy a bit of Grand Designs action, you could put together your own set-up with flat-packed doll’s house units from www.littlephant.com. Small suitcases, like the one in this project, score highly for portability and they’re easy to source. Once you’ve found that dream home, the styling fun begins. You’ll be itching to make your own pretties, but for teeny baskets, soft furnishings, mirrors and more, head to www.littlelucciola.etsy.com (she also makes custom travel doll’s houses). If it’s…

Soumak weave 01 Take a length of roving (50cm (19¾") is a good length to work with, you can always add more) and, starting in the middle of a row, bring the roving up from the back of the weave leaving a tail of 5cm (2"). Wind the roving around one warp thread to secure it. 02 To make the first row take the roving over six warp threads then loop it under and back between the 3rd and 4th warp threads. 03 Repeat Step 2 across the weave. Vary the amount of warp threads you weave the roving across and through to vary the shape and size of the soumak. 04 Bat the weave down when you reach the end of the row. Turn and repeat back across the…

Tiam Safari Tiam is a London-based yarn hoarder, cat lover, and general knitting and crochet enthusiast. Her stash is called Yarnia, as it was originally tucked away in a large closet before it finally took over her apartment. Make Tiam’s cape and crown on page 76. www.knitsafari.com Lisa Congdon American illustrator and author Lisa is best known for her colourful drawings and hand lettering. She’s the author of seven books, including Art Inc: The Essential Guide to Building Your Career as an Artist. Find Lisa’s illustration on page 36. www.lisacongdon.com Lizzie Evans As founder and creative director of SMUG Lifestyle Store in Islington, blogger and new mama Lizzie oversees every aspect, even designing her very own collection – her proudest creative achievement. Take a peek inside Lizzie’s home…

Little Paisley Designs Ellie Longhurst, the creative behind Little Paisley Designs, has a love for all things flora and fauna. Working from her sunny studio in Bristol, all Ellie’s homewares and gifts begin as handpainted illustrations. With products ranging from screenprinted tees and temporary tattoos to embroidered badges and enamel pins, they are all unified by a whimsical nod to nature. Shop at www.littlepaisleydesigns.etsy.com.…

Designer and illustrator Bert Fowler set up his nautical homeware brand, Bert & Buoy, in the summer of 2015. Having always found inspiration in his surroundings, Bert spent his childhood in the Midlands, climbing hills and fishing in local rivers. After a number of years, the love of a woman – his now wife – brought Bert to Devon, where he discovered another love in the form of the coastal surroundings. “The rare light, vivid colours, prevalent wildlife and iconic places offer an unrivalled way of life.” Inspired by his new home, Bert decided to design a seaside-themed homeware range, Bert & Buoy, for which he produced the branding and first collection in just six weeks, launching with a pop-up at Dartmouth Royal Regatta. It was a huge success and…

HOW TO MAKE… A ROPE BAG MATERIALS 305m34yd of braided natural cotton rope, 0.5cm (¼") thick Polyester thread, one large spool each in white and navy blue Embroidery thread in blue, red, pink and white Ovalwoodenbead3cm (1¼") long Cardboard, 5cm (2") wide Sticky tape Embroidery needle Right now, we like our bags how we like our doughnuts – round, sizable and sweet. And who knew you could get in on this summer’s hottest accessory trend with a bit of clever rope coiling? This casual, cross-body treasure has holiday written all over it. It’s light enough to throw on over your shoulder and has enough room for your phone, purse, sunnies and your current read. It’s easy to customise, too – keep threads neutral for a subtle look, or…

Pull together eclectic décor or cement a colour palette with a well-placed statement print. Clare Nicolson’s Pink Palm cuts a dash, and Crispin Finn’s Gin and Tonic screen print has a retro look. www.clarenicolson.com; www.crispinfinn.com Adding bright spots of colour, geo goodness and housing your beloved tiny plant babies, these wee concrete planters are small wonders for sure. www.anthropologie.com When you want to embrace that tropical vibe but you’re committed to the pastel aesthetic, a pink toucan coinbank is really the only logical way to go. www.ifeelsmug.com It’s probably way too soon to call it, but Kiran Ravilious’ linen waterlily cushion has the makings of a classic. We only have eyes for this print now. www.thehambledon.com No word of a lie, this chair’s called Dapper. It’s got industrial design good…

HOW TO MAKE… A TEA TOWEL AND OVEN MITT MATERIALS 50cm19") Liberty The Cottage Garden Collection in Emily Silhouette X (Fabric A) (ours was from 50cm (19¾") Liberty The Cottage Garden Collection in Newland Large Y (Fabric B) 50cm (19¾") washed natural linen fabric (Fabric C) 50cm (19¾") heat resistant insulating wadding Matching sewing thread Sewing needle Tailor’s chalk Metal ruler Set square Rotary cutter Cutting board Awl 2.5cm (1") bias binding maker tool We’re waltzing merrily into pattern clash territory with this ditsy floral duo – a quilted oven mitt and co-ordinating tea towel. And if getting disproportionately excited about fancy kitchen linen is wrong, we don’t want to be right. Whether or not you can nail the perfect soufflé, making your own bias binding is totally…

HOW TO MAKE… A CROWN AND CAPE MATERIALS For the crown Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK, 100% cotton, 125m/137yd per 50g, one ball in Mustard Yellow (424) 3.25mm (UK 10, US 3) circular knitting needles Yarn needle Stitch marker For the cape Turquoise satin fabric, 1 x 1m (39 /8 x 39 /8") Turquoise organza fabric, 1 x 1m (39 /8 x 39 /8") Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK, 100% cotton, 125m/137yd per 50g, one ball each in Bubblegum Pink (451), Marine Blue (434) and Mustard Yellow (424) 1.5m (59 /8") mustard satin ribbon, 3.5cm (1 /8") wide 6.5cm (2 /8") pom pom maker Fork Matching sewing thread Tapestry needle TENSION 30 sts and 37.5 rows in st st to measure 10 x 10cm (4 x 4") using 3.25mm needles ABBREVIATIONS st(s)…

Creative freedom is being able to fill your days with the things you enjoy – no rules, no pressure, just doing what you love. It’s breaking free from conventional living to create a life that’s a true reflection of you. I passionately believe this is how we find our happy place! I’ve used this approach to shape my everyday living and to create a business that works for me. Through my workshops and mentoring, I hope to inspire other creatives to have the confidence to do the same. There’s no cookie cutter formula for finding your creative freedom, but giving yourself permission to have fun and be your true self is a good place to start. Now I’m on a mission to share my message – find me hanging out…

MAKE IT! PAINTBOX BRIGHTS SCRUNCHIE MATERIALS Cottonfabric56x 12.5cm (22 /8 x 5") Flat braided elastic, 0.5cm (¼") wide, 18cm (7/8") Rotary cutter Sewing needle Matching sewing thread 01 With the wrong side (WS) of the fabric facing, fold the two short edges over to the WS by 1cm ( /8") and press. Fold the rectangle in half along the length with right sides (RS) together, and press again. Sew the long open edge using a 0.5cm (¼") seam allowance. 02 Next, turn the sewn fabric tube RS out, as shown. 03 Holding onto one end of the length of elastic, thread it through the fabric tube and pull it out through the other end. 04 Tie the two ends of the elastic together with a double knot, leaving a…

HOW TO MAKE… A WOVEN JACKET MATERIALS PaintboxYarnsSimplyAran 100% acrylic, 184m/201yd per 100g, one ball each in Neon Yellow (Yarn A), Bubblegum Pink (Yarn L), Neon Pink (Yarn N) Stylecraft Special Aran, 100% acrylic, 196m/214yd per 100g, one ball in Aspen (Yarn B) Clover Natural Roving, 100% wool, 20g, one pack each in Pale Blue (Yarn C), Pale Pink (Yarn G) and Pale Yellow (Yarn J) Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Super Chunky, 50% wool/50% acrylic, 55m/60yd per 100g, one ball each in Neon Pink (Yarn D), Pale Blue YarnIand Dusty Rose (Yarn M) Lion Brand Fun Fur, 100% polyester, 59m/64yd per 50g, one ball in Soft Pink (Yarn E) MillaMia Naturally Soft Super Chunky, 100% merino wool, 50m/55yd per 100g, one ball in Heirloom (Yarn F) King Cole Opium,…

Cluttered Minimalism is a phrase coined by Lizzie Evans to describe the interiors style of the flat she shares with husband Daniel, son Constantin, and Persian cat Mabel. Lizzie is the shop owner and designer behind SMUG Lifestyle Store, one of London’s best-known interior shops based in Camden Passage, Islington, making her more than a bit prone to take her work home with her. So what is Cluttered Minimalism? This home is full of everything that makes the couple happy, from beautiful pieces of Eames, Eileen Grey and Robin Day furniture, to old Pez and Street Fighter toys, with plenty of plants, light and colour mixed in. “We’re collectors at heart and love piecing together and curating our space based on what we have at our fingertips,” Lizzie explains. It’s…

HOW TO MAKE… A PAPER LAMPSHADE MATERIALS Lampshaderingwithbulbholder, approx. 28cm (11") in diameter Lampshade ring without bulb holder, approx. 23cm (9 /8") in diameter 11 30cm (11/8") lengths of floral wire Flat or round-nosed pliers with wire cutters Green floral tape All-purpose adhesive Fire retardant spray A4papersixsheets in blush pink, four sheets in dark green, three sheets in sage green, two sheets in bright green and one sheet each in pastel pink, bright yellow, white and mustard Craft knife Cutting mat Embossing tool Trailing vines, pink polka dot plant leaves, lily-like blooms and must-have monstera – this tropical papercut project knows the way to our plant-loving hearts. It’s made on a lampshade base (imagine the amazing shadows it’ll cast), but will look just as beautiful as a hanging…

HOW TO MAKE… DOLL’S HOUSE ACCESSORIES MATERIALS For the banner White cotton fabric, 7 x 7cm (2¾ x 2¾") One craft matchstick Fabric pen PVA glue Fray-stop glue String For the cushion Grey cotton fabric, 14 x 7cm (5½ x 2¾") Eight white mini craft pom poms Soft toy stuffing Fabric glue Matching thread Sewing needle For the rug Roll of brown jute string Sheet of A4 card Sheet of A4 clear plastic Sticky tape Compass For the yarn and needles Yarn or embroidery thread in various colours Yarn needle Drinking straw Brown paper Cocktail sticks Wooden beads, 0.7cm (¼") diameter Sandpaper The growing trend for modern doll’s houses has got us feeling like kids again, only this time around we’re kitting them out with squee-worthy mini versions of all…

HOW TO MAKE… MACRAMÉ PLACEMATS MATERIALS 113m (124yd) hemp rope, 0.4cm (¼") thick Masking tape Dowel, 3cm (1¼") wide ABBREVIATIONS (UK) LHK lark’s head knot SK square knot RSK right-facing square knot HDHH horizontal double half hitch FINISHED SIZE Each placemat measures 42 x 44.5cm (16½ x 17½") including fringe If daydreaming to you means mentally rearranging the décor in your pad, it might be time to get your teeth into a new project. Our money’s on this pair of carefully knotted zigzag placemats – beautiful, modern macramé with only the slightest hint of 70s heritage. You’ll get the joy of creating something lovely, then your handiwork will be conveniently parked right under the noses of your diners for admiration. Refer to the macramé guide on page 96 to familiarise…

Lark’s head knot (LHK) 01 Make a loop in the centre of the rope and bring it to the front of the dowel. 02 Fold the loop back around the dowel. 03 Pull the ends of the rope down through the loop, as shown. 04 Make sure the rope is divided precisely in half so each length measures the same, then tighten the knot to finish. Square knot (SK) 01 Bring the left working cord (grey) over both filler cords and under the right working cord (white). 02 Bring the right working cord (white) under the filler cords and over the left working cord (grey), then tighten the knot. 03 Bring the right working cord (white) over both filler cords and under the left working cord (grey). Next, bring the…