Geeky Stitching Company and the love of Harry Potter

Social media can be a wonderful thing. I know it feels like it is regularly getting a battering but, for me, it is one of the best ways to discover some lovely independent businesses. It is, in fact, how I discovered the fabulous ‘The Geeky Stitching Company‘: a truly brilliant, independent cross stitch pattern designer based in the South of England – Devon to be precise.

My eye was caught initially by those wonderful words ‘Harry Potter’. I spotted a brilliant bundle of two Harry Potter-inspired designs that looked a lot of fun to stitch. So I placed an order.

The kits are beautifully presented, although being a bit of an amateur at this blogging malarkey, I forgot to take a photo. However, I promise they are pretty. A lovely pastel, branded presentation box with everything inside wrapped perfectly in tissue. The kit contains everything you need to complete the design – a needle (essential), the threads (ready sorted), aida, a hoop, the pattern and an instruction sheet. There is also an awesome pom pom trim.

Now, for some stitchers, I commit a bit of a sin: I do not sew with a hoop. I never have – I am sorry. I used them for the finished presentation only – again, I am sorry.

Anyway, now I have confessed, back to the post. The instruction and the patterns are easy to follow – just remember to start at the centre and always count your stitches.

These kits are great for all abilities and are so satisfying to complete. They are just so fun and colourful and will basically make you happy at every stage.

Also, I have really appreciated the support of Jess of ‘The Geeky Stitching Company’. She will always recognise your efforts if you share them on social media and happily replies to DMs. In fact, I was so happy when she shared one of my photos to her Instagram – felt like a real achievement on all sorts of levels.

I have since stitched four Harry Potter inspired designs and absolutely love them. They make me smile every time they catch my eye because, let’s be honest, who would not rather be at Hogwarts?

So, if you are a fan of cross stitch or want to give something new a go, pop over to ‘The Geeky Stitching Company‘ and pick yourself a little kit.

P.S This is not an ad or something that I was asked to write – I just wanted to share my thoughts on a great independent business and something that has made me smile this summer.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J K Rowling (Illustrated by Jim Kay)

There is very little point reviewing Harry Potter because I am sure the majority of the Book Blogging world will have encountered the young wizard in some way. So, I have decided to simply have a little ramble about my top 5 reasons why I love Harry Potter and the Hogwarts world.

  1. It encourages people to read

I am a huge advocate of encouraging people to read and if the adventures of Harry Potter and pals means people (of any age) will pick up a book – who are we to complain? Illustrated versions, young covers or adult covers, picking up a book and entering a new world is something everyone should have a go at.

2. There is a Harry Potter character for us all

Something that makes the world of Hogwarts such a wonderful place is there is a Harry Potter character for us all – and any situation. I think we can all relate to different characters in all sorts of life situations. I was even asked at an interview which character I related to in Harry Potter (the answer in that stage of my life was Hermione – I do not know if it would be now). So, occasionally, when we need some guidance there is someone from the wonderful wizarding world who can give us some guidance. After all, ‘when in doubt go to the library’.

3. Escapism

One of the charms for me is the pure escapism of the Harry Potter novels. I adore the fact that the Wizards and Muggles co-exist. I love to think that is really possible, especially on visits to London and you spot some of those familiar landmarks that make it into the books.

4. ‘Always’

The pure loyalty and strength of friendship shown throughout the novels is inspiring. This struck me from the very first story, that the importance of friendship and loyalty is central to the stories. It is highlighted at different moments by different characters but it is always there in the background. Just as the friendships we all develop through the love of Harry Potter are important to us.

5. We all wish we had been to Hogwarts

Surely, the most important reason we love Harry Potter is because we all wish we had been to a school as fabulous as Hogwarts. Every time I pick up one of the novels I wish I could have boarded the ‘Hogwarts Express’ (because is there anything better than a steam train?) and have been whisked away to the stunning Hogwarts. The Quidditch, the feasts, the houses – even the lessons sound fun. Who could not enjoy such an adventure?

So J K Rowling, I thank you again for introducing us to this world and Jim Kay, I thank you for giving this wonderful wizarding world another lease of life with the stunning illustrations. And, finally, just from me, Hufflepuff forever!

Bookworm’s Top 5 Books of 2016

Bookworm really struggles with reaching decisions – just loves books far too much!

  1. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Chris Riddell
  2. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
  3. The Illustrated Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J K Rowling and illustrated by Jim Kay
  4. The Return of the Young Prince by A G Roemmers
  5. After You by Jojo Moyes

There were so many though the list could have gone on…