Welcome to another Tooled Up column where we aim to give you reviews of fun products from all over the crafty world. Today we review a few of the Christmas kits on offer this year from the good people at Trimits.
I know, I know, a lot of you don’t want us to mention the Christmas word yet, but it’s not far away if you want to sew someone a lovely gift – or treat yourself to a festive themed make. And these two ideas are beauties.
Let’s start with the main craft we love on this site – cross stitch, woo hoo! I absolutely adore this little kit. If you remember, last year we reviewed some of their kits and they had a lovely sausage dog in a Christmas hat, this year the kit is a lovely Christmas tree and presents.
The reason I like this kit so much is, like last year’s sausage dog, it is perfect for a beginner. It’s not too big (about 13cm x 13 cm when finished), the pattern is really clear, and it’s not difficult. But it provides the most beautiful result by using some lovely threads and the addition of 3d thread bows on the present stack. A must for all stitchers, from beginner to pro.
The second kit we have to review is a lovely punch needle kit which features a robin sitting on a branch. Come on, who doesn’t love a cute robin at Christmas, strutting around the garden with his red breast like the king of the season. I love them – and this guy is no exception.
A while ago we did a review of some punch needles and a punch needling book so now we move on to a punch needling kit.
The kit contains quite a lot and again, is suitable for all levels of punch needle lover. The robin comes printed on fabric, you get the hoop to wrap the fabric around, the thread, a needle and instructions. What more could you need.
The instructions are superb and (as you can see above) cover everything from how to thread the needle to how to finish the kit. A beginner could easily enjoy this. I am by no means an expert with punch needle work, but I found it easy to follow and fun to try!
Behold the punch needle. They always make me a bit nervous but this one was really easy to thread and use. Another nice thing about this kit is that it uses embroidery threads instead of thicker wool which gives it a fine finish.
All in all, I say get your Christmas stitch on with either of these kits. Both are fun and will help give your Christmas that snuggly handmade feel.
All of these kits are by the lovely people at Groves. For more information search for @grovesltd on Instagram and #makeitgroves on Instagram and Twitter. Prices vary so please contact groves@stockistenquiries.co.uk for stockists
Happy seasonal stitching! Have you started making gifts yet? Have you made any of these? We would love to hear from you if you have started your Christmas present stash already!
