Mollie Makes October 2020

welcome

This time of year always has a real air of change about it. We’re creeping into autumn territory – too quickly for some, not fast enough for others – and the back-to-school buzz is real, although it definitely looks different in 2020. There’s also change afoot for the mag as going forward we’ll only be having a bonus gift every few issues, as opposed to every month. I know some of you might be disappointed by this, but due to the current climate we’ve had to make this decision to enable us to keep publishing Mollie Makes . We’ll still be bringing you lots of fresh, innovative projects from top designer-makers though, and plenty of ways for you to try new crafts. Plus we’re reducing the amount of plastic we produce, making…

contributors

Anna Machul As well as sewing cute stuffed animals, Anna also loves travelling. She’s visited 36 countries and alway tries to find time for a new adventure, be it a long trip to Indonesia or simply exploring a nearby forest on her bike. Sew Anna’s cute felt fox and badger on page 18. www.amurutoys.etsy.com Lysa Flower Designer, artist and quilter Lysa lives near Vancouver, Canada. She recently learned how to climb a rope, and has been hugged by a sea lion. If she was a print she’d be a polka dot, because dots are unassuming and polkas are outrageously fun! Make Lysa’s patchwork eye cushions on page 36. www.lysaflower.com Nicole Crowder Upholsterer Nicole loves anything savoury, and could eat pasta all day. Inspired by philosophies that encourage taking time to slow down, Nicole enjoys crafting items for…

mollie makes gift

“I was so excited when Team Mollie asked me to design a fun, summery crochet kit for you! I wanted to create something colourful and easy to make that would brighten up any space around the home. This simple boho wall hanging is made using a combination of bright colours and softer hues, while the chunky multi-coloured tassel at the bottom adds a bit of fun. The main section is essentially a granny square, so ideal for beginners. Plus, you get a handy bamboo hook to start off your crochet stash! I’ve hung mine by my desk to cheer me up whenever I see it.” Sarah-Jane is a crochet designer living in Norfolk with her family and crazy dog, Rosie. She loves writing patterns and her designs are always quirky and simple to…

mollie loves

WEAVING ITS WAY INTO OUR HEARTS AND OUR WARDROBE, Micha and Puff’s Adult Entrelac sweater in Poppy Confetti has reminded us why we love knitwear so much. That neckline of dreams, those super-wide sleeves, the variegated hand-dyed yarn contrasting with blocks of peachy goodness. It’s bringing us texture for days, cosiness galore and straight up chic in one big hug, and we’re Here For It. www.misha-and-puff.com JUST LANDED CLEAN LINES and modern design, that’s what Excell Quilt Co are all about. Fresh from a rebrand reflecting their evolution, owner Kayleigh is flooding our Insta feeds with exquisite art pieces and home textiles. Our top pick? Her handcrafted Dusk Banner, channelling the aura of autumn sunsets. www.excellquiltco.com POSITIVE VIBES ONLY, PLEASE. Yes we’re mid-pandemic, yes we have to wear a mask, and no we can’t hug our…

mr for and mr badger

HOW TO MAKE A FELT FOX AND BADGER MATERIALS Felt in orange, white, black and charcoal (we used Kunin Eco-fi) Matching sewing thread Embroidery thread in black and white Cotton fabric in yellow, white and pink Two buttons, 0.5cm (¼") diameter Soft toy filling DK yarn in lilac 3mm (UK 11) knitting needles Is there anything better than a leisurely stroll on a fine autumn day, freshly fallen leaves crunching underfoot? These handsome friends certainly don’t think so, that’s for sure. Straight from the pages of a storybook, Mr Fox and Mr Badger love to get out and about in the countryside, and always make sure they’re wearing their finest outfits. In fact, we’re not sure what’s cuter – that they’re dressed to impress, or that we actually get to make their tiny…

the statement sleeve

HOW TO MAKE STATEMENT SLEEVES MATERIALS Sleeveless dress or top Plain paper Ruler 1m fabric, 152.5cm (60") wide Sticky tape Safety pin Elastic, 1cm (½") wide Be it bell-shaped, balloon or batwing, it’s all about the statement sleeve right now. How big you go is totally your call, but we’re thinking maximum flounce. Following trends can seem a bit fast fashion-like, but with Juliet’s simple hack, you can easily update any sleeveless top or dress at the back of your wardrobe. Plus, it’s a great way to take a summer-only item through the chillier seasons. It might be tricky to source the same fabric as your garment, so opt for something complementary or contrasting, depending on how much drama you’re after. 01 If the garment you’re using is lined or has armholes that are finished…