The Makers Marks PBW Bear Needlepoint Craft Kit Review

Reviewed by H Chan

We all know someone who loves to craft! Emma Homent at The Makers Marks has created some beautiful craft kits. By collaborating with other artists she has produced a fantastic range of kits which will appeal to all ages. Using recyclable materials too!

I do love a good craft kit, and it can be quite hard to buy gifts for me but I was more than happy when this kit arrived on my doorstep wrapped up in brown paper and compostable tape!

The kit comes in a very sturdy, cardboard tube in a lovely pastel purple with a picture of your craft on the front. I loved the personal touch of the hand written note which came with it offering a helping hand should I get stuck or have any questions. It makes me feel like those who run the business are really invested in their customers. I did appreciate it.

Inside you will find instructions on how to create your needlework, the template printed onto a piece of canvas, all the wool you will need and a needle. The piece of canvas is big enough to be used on a small cushion, on a bag or is a lovely size to be framed. I think I am going to pop mine on a cushion as once finished it is lovely and soft. The finished piece measures approximately 20cm x 20cm. I particularly liked that the instructions remind you how to cast on and how to finish your work.

The work uses tent stitch, (just one diagonal of a cross stitch) which is a great stitch for beginners as it is a lot easier than it sounds. Although when I first looked at the kit I thought it might not be suitable for beginners, however it is actually very simple so would be a lovely beginners kit for a gift. I did make a couple of mistakes but it is so easy to sort and the wool is lovely and soft.

This particular print is one of three in a Going to the Movies range. I think with the other two it could make a lovely set of artwork for a bedroom or three lovely cushions. It has a nostalgic but colourful feel to it, using pinks, reds and purples. The colour of the wool is good quality and very true to the images on the box.

The kit itself is actually a really eco friendly gift. The little bag that the wool comes in is biodegradable, and the packaging all recyclable. I am usually quite careful about making sure products I purchase are recyclable or ethical so it is lovely to see a company taking this seriously and incorporating it into their products.

The Makers Marks also offer a gift wrapping service using brown paper. This is great if you would like your order sending directly to someone. Especially with Christmas fast approaching. This would be a perfect, direct delivered gift.
Their website has some handy hints to help you along with your projects, including advice on how to frame your work whilst on her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/themakersmarks/ you can find photographs of completed projects. You can also find pictures of the different stitches if you get a little stuck.

Rating: I give this kit 5 out of 5 stars. I’d happily purchase more and think they would make great gifts.

RRP and Buy link: You can purchase the PBW Bear kit here.  It costs £35, which when you look at other kits, is a good price point too.