Crafts: Christmas Gift Series for Cross Stitcher
Little mash up of my crafty contributions to Cross Stitcher Magazines as a Christmas Series of Works in 2012
Cross stitch Christmas gift ideas in Jacqui Pearce’s retro style! | Cross Stitcher.
Posts tagged ‘jacqui pearce’
Dec 1
Press: Sew goes Supersize
This month the lovely folk at Sew Magazine did a 3 page feature on Supersize Stitches .. and even snuck a picture from the book on the cover (see my Supersize Russian Doll admiring herself!). Cheers folks – glad you liked it. If you buy the mag they are also running a special offer inside, and it comes with the cutest peg doll project on the cover. Happy Stitching x
Supersize Stitches at Ally Pally
On Friday I visited the Knit and Stitch Show at Alexandra Palace and hosted a Supersize Stitches Class – quietly launching the book on the day it arrived from the printers. It was great to meet everyone in the class and the time just whipped by! Each person chose from one of the mini projects in the book – Glasses Case, Sleep Mask and Telephone Case – with the glasses being the most popular choice! Each came with in one of my stitching bags and included needles and even a threader.
It was brilliant for me to get feedback and to see everyone freestyling making the projects their own, and I signed a few copies during the day for those that hadn’t bought it yet. I also loved seeing everyones previous stitching pictures and there were some great adaptations which is always great to see and share – so please upload any you have to Facebook or email them to me so that I can start to compile a gallery of stitchery.
Whilst we cannot sell the charts separately due to copyright reasons – we will be pulling together mini stitch it kits for the projects in the book to sell on Jacqui P and Pearl and Earl.
I will be announcing a few more stitching classes for this Autumn – so watch this space
Happy Stitching x
Supersize Crafts Day 7: Pouffe
Last but not least of the preview projects during Supersize Week – is this folksy Pouffe! Stitched on 7 count with tapestry yarn, you could make it up into a round cushion – but in the book I give you instruction about how to make it into a modern day pouffe.
This is one of my favourite projects and is also the cover of the US edition of the book. There are an additional 23 projects on top of the 7 that I have previewed this week, and I may sneak a peek at some of them over the coming weeks. I hope you enjoy it and please let me know how you get on, and send in your pictures of finished projects or post them to facebook
I will be hosting more stitching classes over the next month as it was so nice to meet everyone at the Knit and Stitch Show at Alexandra Palace on Friday
Happy Stitching x
Supersize Crafts Day 6: Supersized Cutlery
Day 6 of Supersize Book Launch Week – and I have chosen to share a peek at my Cutlery Giant Wall Hanging. Not for the faint hearted this one! I first tackled cross stitch cutlery (or Flatware as the Americans like to call it) for a project I designed for Cross Stitcher in 2010 (published in Feb 2011). Not quite as large and mad – I fancied making a Supersize version in wooly stitches and hey ho here it is! Stitched in 7 count canvas with tapestry yarn.
You could use it as a bench cushion – or just stitch up part of the design and have it as a cushion. But we have hung it in all its splendor on our Kitchen wall for all to see!
Happy Stitching x
Book: Boxes Land at HQ
Today is the day that my book SUPERSIZE STITCHES officially launches – and a big pile of boxes arrived with the title emblazoned on the side. Excited? Me? I nearly spontaneously combusted! I am sorry to be so overtly giddy – but this is my first book and I am going to bask in the glory of it for a little while longer.
Hopefully you will like it – the test will be when it hits your mats!
x
Supersize Crafts Day 3: Russian Doll
Day 3 of the SUPERSIZE Book Launch week – and project 3 to share is this shaped Russian Doll. For the book I stitched her on 5 count canvas with 2 threads of tapestry yarn… this way you can use finer canvases to make other sizes, and I include instructions for the variations in with the project.
Happy Stitching – JPx
Oct 9
Supersize Crafts Day 2: Zig a Zig Glasses
Day 2 of the SUPERSIZE book week – and project preview no 2 is this retro zig zag glasses case. Featuring one of my infinity patterns ‘The Chevron’. You can repeat these patterns till you run out of canvas!
On Friday I will be at the Knit and Stitch Show at Alexandra Palace teaching a class on Supersize Stitches. This will be one of the projects that people can choose to stitch.
See you there!
Supersize Crafts Day 1: Supersize Granny Test
This week my book SUPERSIZE STITCHES finally hits down from the printers (towards the end of the week I am told)… which makes me beyond excited! It’s my first book and it is quite a big deal for me and definitely one thing ticked off my bucket list! Last month Cross Stitcher published an extract from the book and one of my customers Gill has whipped up her version of my Granny Square cushion already! Puts me to shame the speed of her needle, but I am thrilled that as the book promises the projects are all quick stitch affairs on supersize bases. Think you can agree she has done a cracking job {pic below}
Every day this week I will preview a new project from the title to tempt you to BUY IT
Happy Stitching – J x
Crafts: Sneaky Peek at my Kisses
Sneaky peek of my design in next months Cross Stitcher – the second in my series of 3 Supersize Stitch gift projects for Christmas. This is a Kisses make up bag – featuring one of my infinity stitching patterns, named because they can be repeated and repeated to fill a fabric until your hearts content.
Happy Stitching x
Cross Stitcher 257: The Wooly Stitch One
Cross Stitcher 257 landed on my desk this weekend.. and my trend column this month is all about Wooly Stitches. Whilst cross stitch and needlepoint crafts are as old as the hills, traditional tapestry and crewel threads getting make overs by chic stitchers all over the place. There are lots of new books like Jane Brockett’s Gentle Art of Stitching and of course my Supersize Stitches. I also noticed Cath Kidston has reprinted her paperback STITCH book with the wooly stitched tapestry on the cover, instead of her more traditional looking cotton cross stitch. Then there are all the contemporary needlepoint kits out there like those from Felicity Hall (who did a fab Scandi Horse in this issue) and a new collaboration by American Anna Maria Horner and Coats. All exciting stuff for those of us who prefer a wooly stitch, and its good to see lots of cross stitch lovers moving to try the wooly side of the fence.
So for my design project in this issue – I have released the next in my set of ‘cross over stitch crafts’ – after the success of my ‘Crochet Look’ cross stitch Granny Square, I have created an extended collection of Crochet and Knit look patterns. Including this ‘Knitted’ Stitched Stocking in the mag.
Jacqui P (my stitching label) is having a bit of a make over in the next few weeks, and all the new kits / patterns will be available on Pearl and Earl as well as the Jacqui P site. We needed to have a revamp after feedback from customers, and also problems we have been having with components. It is taking a lot of time behind the scenes, but think it will be worth it in the end. It is just taking a lot longer to complete than anticipated.
Happy Stitching x
Sep 9
Crafts: Knit Look Cross Stitch Christmas Stocking
Over the next 3 months I have created 3 special Christmas Projects for Cross Stitcher Magazine. One of my latest design obsessions has been trying to blend crafts – taking one craft and seeking inspiration from another. It all started with my GRANNY SQUARE project – which I did a variation of for my book. Making Granny Afghan Crochet Squares from wooly cross stitch….
and so began my obsession …
Over the past 18 months, I have created lots of new stitch look patterns which are being launched later this year on my dedicated JACQUI P site. Using one of these as a base I designed this Christmas stocking – which is made to look as if it is made from giant knitted stitches…. finished off with some colourful pom poms! Think Santa will like this one..
It will be in issue 258 out next month
CRAFTS
Pearl and Earl Loves .. CRAFTS! They are a personal affair too… as Jacqui our creator has been named one of the top 5 coolest stitchers on the planet and is passionate about Stitching, Making and Baking. Her first book SUPERSIZE STITCHES is out in the US and UK in 2012 and she writes a regular crafting trend column. Her latest DIY projects can be found on our blog Pearl and Earl Loves … and her stitching designs are show cased on JacquiP.com - and of course at Pearl and Earl.
Aug 8
Press: Profile and Retro Caravan Cross Stitch Project
Cross Stitcher 256 sees the first design for the magazine being published after a years absence busy doing my book… and it will be the first of 5 projects over the next five issues.
The theme was Holiday Stitching – and my design was inspired by our own retro caravan. My vintage van master Victor is a labour of love in progress .. It’s retro curves inspired my caravan cross stitch embroidery design for this months issue… And the minty pastel shades mixed with coral pink are what we have planned for the interior (as well as being some of my favourite current colours)
In addition Charlie and the lovely team there have taken the time to create a whole feature on me – updating all on my crafty sheninagans… as well as asking me a little bit more about my crafty life and inspirations. In total 10 pages of coverage – so I felt a little humbled that they dedicated me so much space!
As usual my trend column was also included with the theme of CHEVRONS
Next month is an exclusive exert and pattern from my book SUPERSIZE STITCHES
Happy Stitching! JP x
Cross Stitcher 256: Trends Zig a Zig Ahh
Cross Stitcher 256 sees the first design for the magazine being published after a years absense busy doing my book… and it will be the first of 5 projects over the next five issues.
For my trend column for issue 256 I have focussed on the most graphic of stripes to grace just about everything… ZIG A ZIG AHH
Chevron love is all around as these dominant stripes are having a moment – as they have just about infiltrated every designers product and look book. So perhaps you too may fancy a little zig-zag chic in your life!
>>
Urban Outfitters (part of the Anthropology family) make the maddest shower curtains – so of course they have a chevron version for your bathroom
>> Why not make a statement with your own crafted chevron quilt using scraps or ready cut jelly rolls from Moda
>> Why not stitch up a little wall art by following a zig zag pattern and hanging in a hoop like Wallwork on Etsy… Or you can stitch my Zig Zag Groovy Glasses case from my book due out in September Supersize Stitches
PLUS >> Next month they have an exclusive extract and project from my new book, so it is definately worth reserving your copy of the magazine (well in my eyes anyway!)
Happy Stitching x
Cross Stitcher 255 – Trends: Alternative Stitching
Today the latest issue of Cross Stitcher arrived .. and it certainly is a colourful affair. Attached is a supersize project by Emily Peacock which will surely tempt a lot of people to stitch.. even if the whole piece could take you 300 hours (!) you can pick and mix your cross stitch and make it your own.
There is also a super neon flamingo design from Felicity Hall, as well as an indepth article on the needlepoint designer.
This month my trend column is all about Alternative Stitching…
Cross Stitching is everywhere, and whilst us ardent fans dont need to be convinced of its eternal appeal, it seems that there are some alternative stitching ideas popping up everywhere as this craft goes mainstream
>> Want the stitched effect without the time? Well these cross stitch wall stickers add a stitchy something to any room by Lauren Moriarty (see previous post), they come with a grid chart for planning your own design..
>> Cerys Turner has printed a graph picture onto a tote bag which can be stitched up as much or as little as you like… which is perfect for your hols!
>>Love Love Love these DIY stitch pendants by one of my new favourite stitch shops Red Gate Stitchery… key rings, pendants, gift tags… I will leave the rest up to you
Jul 11
Book: The NOTHS Girls Business Bible
Last Friday I received 2 parcels from Amazon. One was my copy of the new book by Not On the High Street (NOTHS) Founders Holly Tucker and Sophie Cornish that I had preordered from Amazon… “Build a business from your kitchen table” and the second? A personal signed limited edition copy of the same, sent from the ladies themselves (both a lovely touch and brilliant marketing tool).
So on Sunday, I sat down with my morning coffee (kids jumping all around me) and managed to read it cover to cover.
The book is not a preachy business bible – and there are plenty of books that moot the highs / lows of the trend of building a business from home. Why I found this a good read was for 2 reasons. Firstly it came from a very personal perspective – part autobiography, part lessons learnt, sprinkled with some secrets to success – the chapter on work life balance made me cry … the story touching home. There was also a chapter entitled “Its Ok to Fuck Up”, “phew” I sighed to myself, deciding to get out my yellow highlighter.
Which brings me on to the second reason – I felt that in part it was my story. We have been partners of NOTHS since 2008 and have grown phenomenally with their support over the years, even being a finalist in their inaugral MAKE AWARDS for Entrepreneur of the Year. But it is more the story of mum juggling life, work and ambitions to conquer the business world – the human side – that I identified with the most. It made me feel that I am not alone, and that the highs, lows and life lessons are not just mine. Working from your kitchen table / shed / basement can be a lonely affair.
I left a corporate career in 2004 after 12 years of a regular (very nice thank you) pay cheques every month. I started a family – and with 2 babes in arms started my business… no maternity leave for me, I was at the post office posting samples when my waters broke! Yes I was crazy, but I was bloody minded in my determination to make it work. Then when my husband lost his job, it meant this little business also had to support our whole family… and worse we had to learn to work together – not something we planned!
We learn lessons almost every day – and if I had read this book back in 2005, I may have saved ourselves of some of the more painful ones! But at the same time it has made me realise that we should stop and pat ourselves on the back.. we have come a long way in very tough times, and like the NOTHS girls we are nowhere near finished!
Well done Holly and Sophie – I cannot recommend your book enough to budding Mumtrepreneurs… right best get on, I have some juggling to do!
Supersize Stitches Website Live
My first book SUPERSIZE STITCHES is being published in September 2012… and today its website went live.. it has the latest gossip and gallery and information.
We are also on twitter @SupersizeStitch so you can follow our latest updates
Let us know what you think
US Book Cover – Supersize Stitches
The American and Canadian version of my book cover was released today… and instead of SUPERSIZE STITCHES, the publishers in the US Northlight have decided to call it BIG STITCH CROSS STITCH.
They chose the Groovy Pouffe for the cover..versus the XXL cushion from the UK.
You can order it online from Amazon now… or get signed copies from JACQUI P
Which one do you prefer?
Cross Stitcher 254 – Trends Jungle
In Cross Stitcher this month – my column is was entitled WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE, as not content with owls and cute folksy fowls, designers are looking to the Jungle Greats for their latest inspirations
WHO
I love Markus Lupfers animal sequinned jumpers this season, whilst Stella Macartney has also added a bit of roar with her tiger prints
Stella Macartney Tiger Jumper £575 Liberty
WHAT
The influence of mid century needlepoint is all around.. like this vintage lion cushion chart found on Etsy,by illkniterate, which you could use as a counted cross stitch pattern.
HOW
I love the alternative work of Susan from Red Gate Stitchery – and this cute PDF patchwork elephant is the perfect mix of pattern and silhouette.
Happy stitching x
