Yesterday was the first meeting of the Black Sheep craft group – ‘Yarn in the Barn’. We had a great turn out with 10 ladies attending. There were plenty of fabulous projects on the go, some of which in their early stages, others very close to the finish line. I could see a good mixture of knitting, stitching and crochet taking place. Hopefully I will be able to share many a UFO (Unfinished object) or a completed project with you in the coming weeks. For those in the group we had an offer of a hot drink and a yummy slice of cake for £2.50 from ‘Tea bags full’, along with a selection of biscuits on the tables. A sweet treat is always handy fuel to keep you going on your latest craft project, even if it does lead to the odd crumb needing to be dusted off at the end.

If you would like to come along next week the group will be meeting every Tuesday here in the Craft Barn 10.30 – 12.30pm. Please call the Craft Barn on 01925 764231 or email amy@blacksheepwools.com to be added to the list.

‘Yarn in the Barn’ busy chatting and working away.

A cross stitch project based on ‘The Killing’. It looks very impressive up to now.

This is the beginning of a cross stitch wedding sampler. The chart that is being followed is a vintage chart. Looking forward to seeing this progress next week.

Would you like to make a gift for someone this Easter? Whether you would like to knit, stitch or crochet a small treat, I am sure that there will be something here that will take your fancy!

Easter Inspiration: Idea 1 – FREE download from The Making Spot blog, a pretty daffodil.

Easter Inspiration: Idea 2 – FREE download from Pom Pom Emporium blog. A cute Easter chick to hold a creme egg.

Easter Inspiration: Idea 3 – A baby sweater knitted in the lovely Rowan Baby Merino Silk DK from the NEW Rowan Studio 30 book.

Easter Inspiration: Idea 4 – Knit a cute egg cosy in a Sirdar DK yarn. Either an Easter egg or a little chick from Sirdar Pretty Knits book.

Easter Inspiration: Idea 5 – A FREE pattern of teeny, tiny bunny rabbits from Mochi Mochi Land blog.

Easter Inspiration: Idea 6 – A FREE download from Rowan Edmund the Easter Bunny by Jemma Weston. This cute bunny can be knitted with one ball of Rowan Revive yarn. Download the pattern here.

This Ollie Owl design is available to download for free from DMC’s website. The chart and DMC thread information is all included on the download. Ollie Owl is a character from the Woodland Folk collection, take a look at more of the designs available to order from the Black Sheep here. All you need are your DMC embroidery threads and 14 count Aida fabric.

Take a look at Jo’s latest cross stitching projects………

The Owl design below is from a past issue of  World of Cross Stitch magazine (issue 167). Jo plans to make the stitched design into a cushion for her Living Room. What beautiful pastel colours in contrast with the coffee colour and deeper shades. She is now deciding on the colour for her backing fabric. Looking forward to seeing the finished cushion.

Jo’s second cross stitch project is this cute Bothy Threads kit ‘Owl Fun’ (bt xjr10) with all the little owls balancing on the branch.

Something I have noticed with Jo’s pieces is how immaculately tidy the back of her fabric is! There are no loose ends or messy knots. The design could nearly be displayed back to front. Next time she brings in a finished project I will take a photograph of the back to show you!

I am not sure what Jo’s plans are for this piece, maybe another cushion?

This is the question I asked Jo who works here at the Black Sheep picking and packing. Jo always has a new stitching project on the go so I thought it would be great to see what she has been up to recently. This piece is her current project a decorative heart design. The heart chart is featured in Crossstitcher magazine issue 249 February 2012 this is perfect for Valentine’s day.  Jo has chosen to stitch it in a different colourway of golden shades. She plans to make a cushion with beading added to the design and finishing it with a tassel trim. This will be beautiful, enhancing the decorative feel. Keep an eye out for the finished cushion………..

As you can see from the front cover of CrossStitcher below the cushion is stitched in a red colourway.

This gorgeous Anchor Living bolster cushion kit (alr43) would be a perfect Valentines gift. The tapestry kit comes complete with a full printed canvas and tapestry wools. One of the Black Sheep ladies is making this cushion at the moment, watch this space to see the finished cushion soon……….

It is not long now until Valentines Day, only 12 days to go. If you haven’t already thought of what to buy for your Valentine this year why not make them a gift? Cross stitch, maybe? Take a look at a few ‘love’ inspired designs we have selected from our extensive range of cross stitch kits.

Boofle kit (bl1005/68) Made with 100% Love and Cuddles is only £11.99

Anchor Me to You ‘Love You’ (tt04) only £8.99

Anchor Forever Friends ‘For You’ (FRC221) only £7.99

Have you you seen these cute cross stitch cushion kits by Vervaco?

There are 3 different kits to buy to complete the tractor and trailer set. The kits are available to buy from The Black Sheep priced at just £21.99 each. Take a look at the cushion kits here!

I just had to show you this very cute Disney latch hook rug kit (dpst905) and the matching cushion kit (dpst904)! This would be a great gift for a little girl who loves Disney and especially the Aristocats. Click here to take a look at these kits and more recently added to the website. The rug kit is priced at £33.99 and the cushion kit £26.99.

Take a look at the NEW Bothy Threads cross stitch kits recently added. Available to order now at The Black Sheep.

Vintage (bt xv1) is priced at just £21.99 a perfect kit for those who love all things Vintage. Click here to order.

This Christmas kit is so sweet with each little fairy representing one of the 12 days of Christmas. A great gift idea for Christmas! It is available to order online or buy from the Craft Barn for £31.98. Click here.