MJ Makes Handmade
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MJ Makes Handmade is a creative service providing lessons, advice & commissioned handmade needlework. (See Keep Smiling, in the Commissioned Needlework album).
I am a self-taught embroiderer, specialising in cross stitch. I have been stitching on-and-off for about 25 years, and now stitch almost every day! I take immense joy in teaching what I love, particularly when others are made aware of the benefits of engaging in crafts. I have taught Learn to Cross Stitch lessons via Meet Up while living in London, and had my work published in two UK cross stitch
12/04/2026
Twice in two days! My new* favourite place for a bit of relaxed social stitching is the refurbished Wellington City Library, which finally reopened last month. Loving on the English Knot Garden by , last seen in stitchmaynia2025. I'll be working on this until I get it finished. 😄
Craft time for adults - bring a project! | Te Matapihi https://www.tematapihi.govt.nz/whats-on/craft-time-for-adults-bring-a-project/200624301
12/04/2026
👋🏻 First floor, Southern end, overlooking Civic Square.
11/04/2026
Tonight, I managed something that I haven't done for many, many months, and I'm SO VERY HAPPY about it! I stitched for so long, that I actually had to put it down to get ready for bed...
It's been quite the hiatus from stitching (crafting, gaming and a good many other things), and consequently quite the hiatus from posting any progress. Long story short, my stitchy bug is back, and I'm very focused on regaining my momentum with the .
My end goal - for 29 February 2028 - is to have this whole thing completed! I've broken up the remaining parts (see pics) and the first pic. shows my current progress in part nine (of twelve), which I had planned to have stitched by the end of February this year. Next picture is from when I last worked on it in . The following year's goals come next, and part 10 will be the last full coverage section of the chart.
Donna Bayliss | Needle Work
29/03/2026
My first Timebank session teaching cross stitch, and it went well! 😄
22/07/2025
My very talented (and patient!) friend has knitted me MANY gorgeous things, and has recently been recruited by me for more beret options. I finally put this together, using a pattern, after finishing the stitching in 2022! I'm so pleased with how it came out!
20/07/2025
Attempting to remove the thread by thread, was NOT fun, and most of it remains. 😅 BUT, it's wearable and I LOVE IT! 🥰 Soluble canvas + perle cotton for any further clothing embellishments.
18/07/2025
This clothing-swapped new-to-me denim jacket has been a UFO for years, started around 2015. I have recently been able to get back into it, and have been very focused (with a self-imposed deadline) on getting it finished. Next steps are washing, and removing the thread by thread. 😅
05/06/2025
Model stitching on the left; my changes on the right.
04/06/2025
04/06/2025
Next milestone for the beautiful Victorian Doll's house from , sees me reaching the goal from last year's WIPGO. The top bedroom done, completing all of the extra hours smoothing out lines with the addition of quarter and three-quarter cross stitches. I can now clearly see the definition of the fretwork, skirting boards and furniture. Pictures 3 and 4 show my work next to the model stitch in the magazine. Very pleased! 😍
31/05/2025
Another finish for , and I am thrilled! 😍 Absolutely cannot capture the gorgeous colours, however. Put the last stitches in today at the Wellington Cross Stitchers meet up, and sold the chart before it was done. 👍🏼
