#20 The art of finding hidden treasures

For me, the best thing about having a hobby like cross stitching is that I can find and create the most personable gifts for my nearest and dearest.

It’s a best-of-both-worlds hobby, really – I’m gifted special pieces like the poppy pattern in my recent post (#19) or I spot designs myself when coasting my local craft barns for the certain someones in my life.

The pieces below are exactly that.

Classic Winnie the Pooh – ‘Bathtime’ by Anchor, 16-count Aida, 15cm x 15cm

I found this cross stitch hidden at the back of a Winnie the Pooh sale rack months ago. The second I saw it I knew it was destined to belong to Mr XStitch’s Auntie Kate. Her love of all things Winnie is endearing and so to make this for her was a treat for both her and me.

Though not easy at times due to the metallic thread used to create the soapy suds and the tricky back stitch detail on the barrel tub, to see the finished result made this little project well worth it.

I also wanted to share a little extra present I made for my Mum for Christmas: this black and white kitty keyring.

Again, this was another hidden treasure found buried at the bottom of a basket of mini kits & starter patterns. As soon as I put my hands on it I had to have it. This is a picture perfect image of my cat, Whisky, who lives with my Mum and Dad – it’s like looking at her reflection.

My Mum was delighted and the little lady herself even gave it her whisker-twitch seal of approval.

It just goes to show… One person’s sale item is another cross stitcher’s treasure.

So get digging, m’crafters – arghhh!

J x