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 magazines. Most recently I completed a Certificate in Jacobean Crewelwork, at the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace in London. I finally made myself a page here, and registered myself for GST when I was approached to replicate a piece of needlework for a TV series here in New Zealand. It aired on Prime TV, and was called War Stories. Further to that, I completed my most involved piece, 'Guardian of the Sea', which is also featured heavily in that album. It was such an honour to be asked to complete this piece! Stitching gives me great joy, and a sense of accomplishment. I hope that it can for you too!
14/09/2026
Part 11: completed 14 September 2026. It was so exciting to finish the full coverage section a few weeks ago, and after needing to restitch about six leaves in the border, part 11 is complete! Pleased that I found this now, rather that once I finished the whole thing.
While stitching the rocks on either side, I realised that they were mirror images of each other. This didn't feel natural to me, so I exchanged the location of two of the three colours. Most obviously, I left out the figure in the front because it didn't feel relevant to me. I played with idea of stitching in a book on it's own, but I couldn't make the scale work.
14/09/2026
It was so exciting to finish the full coverage section a few weeks ago, and after needing to restitch about six leaves in the border, part 11 is complete! Pleased that I found this now, rather that once I finished the whole thing.
While stitching the rocks on either side, I realised that they were mirror images of each other. This didn't feel natural to me, so I exchanged the location of two of the three colours. Most obviously, I left out the figure in the front because it didn't feel relevant to me. I played with idea of stitching in a book on it's own, but I couldn't make the scale work.
I can't believe how close I am now to finishing this labour of love, which I started in 2017!
30/08/2026
04/08/2026
Spoiler alert: this WIP has been on my mind for a few weeks, and tomorrow is its anniversary. It's the Walter Crane Daffodil Lady from the book.
This pic is from NaNoStitchMo in November 2021.
28/07/2026
Part 5: completed 30 August 2020
23/07/2026
The church changed into one of my places of worship, a museum!
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Address
Wellington
6011
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