As crafters, we know it’s the detail that makes a project stand out. Little touches and subtle additions can take a piece of stitch work from mundane to artful. Atsumi knows that too, and in her book Embroidered Emblem she showcases a range of embroidery stitches and motifs that can make all the difference.

Can you believe on Sunday it will be December? It has snuck up on us as well! As much as we’re enjoying all the holiday spirit, we’re also realising time is suddenly running short to make sure we bring a bit of the season’s magic to our favourite people’s lives. If you’re feeling strapped for time fear not — we’ve got tons of gift ideas in store.

The tradition of dollmaking is so so special. For many of us, our first encounter with handcrafts and the creativity they inspire was through the dolls we were given as children. And continuing the generations-old practice of creating playmates for the children (or grown-ups!) in our lives is one of the best ways we keep the flame of imagination alive.