MJ Makes Handmade

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MJ Makes Handmade 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!

Twice in two days! My new* favourite place for a bit of relaxed social stitching is the refurbished Wellington City Li...
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. 😄

👋🏻 First floor, Southern end, overlooking Civic Square.
12/04/2026

👋🏻 First floor, Southern end, overlooking Civic Square.

Tonight, I managed something that I haven't done for many, many months, and I'm SO VERY HAPPY about it! I stitched for s...
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

My first Timebank session teaching cross stitch, and it went well! 😄
29/03/2026

My first Timebank session teaching cross stitch, and it went well! 😄

My very talented (and patient!) friend has knitted me MANY gorgeous things, and has recently been recruited by me for m...
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!

Attempting to remove the thread by thread, was NOT fun, and most of it remains. 😅 BUT, it's wearable and I LOVE IT! 🥰 ...
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.

This clothing-swapped new-to-me denim jacket has been a UFO for years, started around 2015. I have recently been able to...
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. 😅

Model stitching on the left; my changes on the right.
05/06/2025

Model stitching on the left; my changes on the right.

04/06/2025
Next milestone for the beautiful Victorian Doll's house from , sees me reaching the goal from last year's WIPGO. The t...
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! 😍

Another finish for , and I am thrilled! 😍 Absolutely cannot capture the gorgeous colours, however. Put the last stitche...
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. 👍🏼

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65 Victoria Street

6011

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