Mollie Magazine Christmas 2019

Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year – in my opinion, anyway! – so this issue we’re going all out with festive ideas galore. I have such eclectic taste when it comes to crafting, which is why you’ll find a mix of makes and inspiration this month. Embrace all-out jazz with a bright stocking and glittery clutch, or opt for something more calming with Sarah Louise Matthews’ home tour, a modern take on seasonal décor. However you like your space to look and feel, there’s always room for a few fun additions at this time of year. No Christmas Day should be without a supersized cracker piñata, and of course, your cute felt pup kit. And when you’re done with the festivities, look ahead to 2020 with your calendar. Filled…

Hannah Cross HanJan Crochet evolved from Hannah’s desire to craft for friends and their new babies, and a complete inability to follow instructions from other people. She now juggles her creative crochet side hustle with her daytime (and nighttime) job as a midwife. Hook up Hannah’s colourful stocking on page 14. www.hanjancrochet.com Helen Ward A designer-maker with a special interest in homeware and interiors, Helen doesn’t like to hold back when it comes to Christmas. She always insists on having no less than seven Christmas trees up in her house by bedtime on December 1st. Make Helen’s festive FIMO hanging on page 47. www.helenward.info Wendy Chow Wendy is an Aussie modern quilter and pattern designer based in New York City, and uses quilting as her creative outlet to escape from a hectic corporate job. Quilt Wendy’s oven glove…

“I love the festive season almost as much as I love felt, so designing this little dog was such a treat – I’ve been wanting to create a 3D version of the softies I make for a while now. As it’s winter, I didn’t want him to get too chilly outside, so I made a little Christmas jumper to wear, decorated with trees and snowflakes. And, he’s also got a scarf around his neck to make sure he stays toasty warm on long walks.” Turn to page 92 to find all the instructions for making your kit, including the templates and a handy stitch guide. All you’ll need to add is some black thread to sew his cute face, and you’ve got your very own four-legged felt friend. Manuela is an Italian crafter…

HOLY MOTHER OF PEARL, OR WORDS TO THAT EFFECT . That’s what you’ll be uttering breathlessly when you get an eyeful of Wolf and Moon’s latest collection. We’re talking mysterious abstract statement earrings and pendants, rendered in mother of pearl and shining brass – serious Matisse vibes. And no, it’s not too late to redraft your Christmas list *sharpens pencil*. www.wolfandmoon.com BOOKMARK SMALL BATCH BRILLIANCE Loom is our favourite new hand-dyed yarny biz to hit Etsy. Think speckleds, semi-solids, mini skeins and even sparkly fingering weight offerings, all in a superwash merino and nylon blend – top notch for serial sock knitters. Set a reminder for the next shop update to avoid yarn FOMO. www.loomwool.etsy.com WANNA HANG an indie original on your tree this year? The mighty V&A has worked with artists Atelier Stella, Kinska and…

HOW TO MAKE A CROCHET STOCKING MATERIALS Stylecraft Special DK, 100% acrylic, 100g/ 295m per ball, one ball each in Citron (1263) (Yarn A), Aspen (1422) (Yarn B), Fiesta (1257) (Yarn C), Lapis (1831) (Yarn D), Candyfloss (1130) (Yarn E), White (1001) (Yarn F) and Matador (1010) (Yarn G) 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) crochet hook Stitch marker Yarn needle TENSION Each flower motif measures approx. 10cm (4") across ABBREVIATIONS (UK) st(s) stitch(es) ch chain dc double crochet yrh yarn round hook dc2tog double crochet 2 together – (insert hook in next st, yrh and draw loop through) twice, yrh and draw through all three loops on hook htr half treble tr treble dtr double treble ss slip stitch ch-sp(s) chain space(s) crab st crab stitch is a dc worked in the opposite direction. To make the st, insert hook in the st to the…

HOW TO MAKE A PYJAMA SET MATERIALS Pattern paper 2.5m (98 1/8") soft woven fabric (we used cotton flannel) Loose fitting T-shirt Trousers or jeans 5cm (2") cotton tape 1m (39 3/8") elastic, 2cm (¾") wide ABBREVIATIONS SA Seam allowance RS Right side WS Wrong side CF Centre front CB Centre back HE Hip and ease measurement If you‘re anything like us, the festive season means donning new pyjamas, and these beauties lend themselves perfectly to cosying up on Christmas Eve. A sustainable make, when it comes to the materials, anything goes – even old bed sheets that have softened over time. 01 Fold the T-shirt in half down the CF and place on a piece of pattern paper, aligning the folded edge with the edge of the paper. Draw around the T-shirt, then put it to one side. Shorten the…