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Book Review: My Cross Stitch Doll

November 9, 2024 by Sarah White

Even as our kids’ lives get more saturated with technology, many kids still like playing with dolls and imagining worlds for them. Making a doll for a child is a lot of fun, and you can personalize them for the child’s style or interests.

My Cross Stitch Doll by Susan Bates includes charts for making 20 specific dolls, plus a mix and match section with other options (though of course you can mix and match charts from the main section, too).

The dolls are stitched on 28 count evenweave (equivalent to 14 count Aida, but a little easier to sew up when you’re done stitching) and use whole cross stitches and back stitch. There’s a chart for the front and the back of each doll, which are trimmed, sewn together and stuffed to make the dolls.

There’s a wide variety of options for dolls including a ballerina, a person dressed for playing in the snow, girls in pinafores or floral skirts, sportier clothes options like a vintage varsity jacket or joggers, one in pajamas, another in a dapper suit. Accessories like headbands, glasses, bracelets and a backpack could be altered or interchanged to make your own unique doll.

The mix and match section includes additional hairstyles, hats, tops, bottoms and shoes, along with tips for how to combine patterns whether you work from these or ones shown earlier in the book. You could even design your own once you have the dimensions of your doll.

A techniques section at the back of the book includes tips for cross stitching and finishing the dolls. There are a couple of diagrams showing stitching lines but no photos of the process, which might have been helpful for people who haven’t made 3-D cross stitch projects before.

My Cross Stitch Doll is a fun book that’s sure to get you thinking about how you could represent a loved one or yourself in cross-stitch form. Of course you can also just stitch a doll you like without it matching your personality. The book gives you lots of options and the confidence to design your own details if you want to.

About the book: 112 pages, paperback, 20 patterns. Published 2024 by David & Charles, suggested retail price $24.99.

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How To Sew a Banner from felted wool sweaters

If you’re looking for a creative and sustainable craft project, look no further than the Upcycled Wool Felt Banner tutorial from Cucicucicoo. This DIY project is perfect for those who love working with fabric and want to give old sweaters a new life. It’s an easy way to make beautiful, eco-friendly decor while also recycling materials that would otherwise go to waste.

What I love most about this project is how customizable it is. Whether you’re using wool sweaters in soft neutrals or bold, vibrant colors, you can create a banner that perfectly suits your home decor or seasonal celebrations. The tutorial guides you step-by-step through turning old wool sweaters into felt, which is then used to make the banner pieces. It’s the ultimate upcycled project, giving you a chance to breathe new life into things you may have otherwise thrown out.

The process is easy to follow, and it doesn’t require a ton of supplies – just a few sweaters, scissors, a needle, and thread. Plus, this project doesn’t just make for beautiful home decor; it’s a wonderful activity for kids, especially when working with felt pieces.

This Upcycled Wool Felt Banner would be great for various occasions, such as fall, winter, or even holiday decor. You can hang it on the wall, drape it across your mantel, or add it to a wreath or as part of a festive display. It’s such a charming and thoughtful addition to any space.

I can’t recommend this tutorial enough for anyone looking to upcycle and make something beautiful out of old sweaters. It’s simple, creative, and so much fun to make!

Check out the full tutorial here: Upcycled Wool Felt Banner DIY 

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