looking for non-twee craft ideas

[k2p2k2tog]

Schedule just released for the local agricultural show. I already know what i'm doing for some classes but in dire need of inspiration for others. The style in past years of the winning items has been traditional, but I don't do twee and naff.

Inspiration required for...

Article in tapestry or cross-stitch, mounted or unmounted.
Handmade card (any craft)
Any sewn item

Really couldn't bear to make a picture of a kitten frolicking with a ball of yarn. Or a twee card. Or indeed spend lots of money on something I probably won't use again or hang in the house.

A tapestry cushion? Google Kaffee Fassett for inspirationon on how he uses colour and pattern (it may not be your cup of tea but it certainly couldn't be called twee).

I also like Lotta Jansdotter for inspiration, she makes some lovely, very simple hand sewn items in some of her books which she provides the patterns for, but for some of the items you could probably hash a pattern together.

The card making would fox me tbh unless it was made completely from fabric, then I'd be fine!

For an emphatically non twee cross stitch/embroidery item I'd recommend looking at the recommendations on the Mr X Stitch website, and also his quarterly magazine. (Some not suitable fir those of an easily offended disposition.) I also like the What Delilah Did patterns, which are mainly single colour silhouettes of animals, insects and birds. Etsy is another good source of modern, non twee designs, but you have to either know what you're after or be prepared to slog through a lot of unsuitable stuff.

I have done Kaffe Fassett pieces in the past and I love his use of colour. Pricey though.

There's a real gap in the market for modern cross stitch/embroidery I think! Will keep trawling the charity shops to see what turns up - our local ones quite often have kits for next to nothing, even if it's something i'm not keen on it won't matter as much if i've only spent a couple of quid.

I made an Advent calendar in bright contemporary colours with embroidery inspired by modern Christmas fabrics, that went down well.

Once I got on Pinterest there is no lack of inspiration, bags, soft toys, pictures etc.

Also I find 1960s designs look quite fresh now if you can find any.

Card - can you do paper cutting?