With Christmas drawing ever closer, we take a look at this pretty cross stitch kit, ideal for stitching or gifting. Reviewer Sara Walker takes up her needle.
“I have to admit, I’ve never been a huge fan of cross stitch because I’m just too impatient and it can be a bit fiddly. However, I seem to have solved this problem! This little kit is very manageable and not too over-facing, so I wasn’t put off by the scale of the project. My really bright idea, though, was to pack this to do on a very long car journey (obviously I wasn’t driving!) It was ideal, and kept me occupied for hours while still being able to chat and listen to the radio. The finished project is destined to be a Christmas card for some American relatives, which I’m sure they’ll appreciate.
“This kit, which features a little gingerbread cottage, is one of many designs available from specialist stitch company Caterpillar Cross Stitch. It’s available in several permutations, including pattern-only, kit only and kit and hoop. Prices range from £5.95 to £22. I looked at the kit-excluding-hoop option, which costs £16.50. The kit included everything I’d need, including pattern, thread and holder, aida fabric and needle. All I had to add was a pair of scissors and a bag to keep everything together.
“I started off by taping up the edges of the fabric with masking tape to stop it fraying while I was working, then I got stuck straight in. The instructions were easy to follow, and required no previous experience or expertise.
“I started off with a block of the base brown colour so give me something to build the rest of the detail on. I found the process very soothing and enjoyed seeing the design build up gradually. I did make a couple of – ahem – minor mistakes with the counting, but nothing that matter dramatically (the decorative bushes at the front of the house might not be quite the right shape, but I just made them symmetrical so it wouldn’t show too much!) I was really pleased with my end result – I didn’t keep track of how long it took me, but it was time I wouldn’t have used for anything else. Unfortunately I seem to have forgotten to take any ‘work in progress’ photos, probably due to the ‘being in a car’ thing!

My finished project – looking surprisingly like the kit photo! I also added some outlining around the main features, there was more than enough dark brown thread supplied to do this.
“These little kits would make a great present for anyone interested in crafting, particularly if you do a lot of travelling! Alternatively, the finished project could be personalised and gifted for a house warming, new baby or any other event – Caterpillar Cross Stitch has designs for every occasion.”
To find out more and buy products online, visit Caterpillar Cross Stitch.
Main image: (c) Caterpillar Cross Stitch.