Festive Fun by Jenny McWhinney

One of the hallmarks of a Jenny McWhinney project is her remarkable ability to bring to life her chosen subject through needlework.

Jenny has enchanted us all over the years with her beloved animals and whimsical characters, so vivid that they seem to leap from the fabric, each with its own mischievous charm and irresistible personality.

With a rare gift for turning threads into stories, Jenny’s stitches are as expressive as brushstrokes in a painting.

In her latest project, Festive Fun from The Handpicked Collection 5, Jenny once again showcases this magic, but this time with a twist.

She has taken two iconic symbols of Christmas - a plum pudding and a lit candle - and infused them with such warmth and appeal they seem almost alive.

One can easily imagine the pudding, glossy with sauce and topped with a sprig of holly, ready to chuckle with delight.

The candle, surrounded by a festive wreath, shines brightly with a glow that seems to flicker off the fabric giving us the impression that, at any moment it could begin speaking in dulcet tones reminiscent perhaps of Lumière from Beauty and the Beast.

Jenny’s signature threadpainting style, subtle shading, and wonderful flair for creativity allows her to find personality in the inanimate as she transforms ordinary motifs into delightful works of art.

The pudding and candle may not be creatures, but in Jenny’s hands they carry the same endearing appeal - as if they’re part of a festive storybook scene, caught mid-moment.

The Festive Fun pair are small enough to complete in time for Christmas yet rich in texture and colour, offering plenty to enjoy as each element comes to life while you stitch.The Festive Fun pair are small enough to complete in time for Christmas yet rich in texture and colour, offering plenty to enjoy as each element comes to life while you stitch.

Hung on the tree or given as gifts, they radiate the warmth and joy of the season, destined to become treasured decorations for years to come.

Festive Fun reminds us once again why Jenny McWhinney is such a fan favourite with stitchers the world over - in her hands, even a pudding and a candle can become characters brimming with festive spirit.

The Ready-to-Stitch kits for this project include all the materials you need to make either the plum pudding or candle decorations exactly as Jenny’s originals. The designs come pre-printed onto the fabric for your convenience, and full printed instructions are included.