Trim the rectangle to 45 x 140cm
(17^3 ⁄ 4 x 55in).17
Place the rectangle of backing
fabric right side down on a
table. Lay the runner top over it,
right side facing up, and pin the
layers together.18
Beginning at one corner,
pin the binding around the
edge, enclosing the two layers of
fabric in its fold. Fold the mitred
corners as you go.19
Sew near the inner edge of
the binding around three
sides of the runner, ensuring that
the stitching catches the binding on
both the front and back of the runner.
Before continuing along the last side,
trim the end of the binding 1cm (^3 ⁄ 8 in)
past the corner. Open the end of the
binding, fold the cut end inwards
level with the corner, then fold each
side to a point. Refold the binding,
pin it in place over the start to form
the last mitre and fi nish machine
stitching it in place. Sew the mitre
in place by hand with invisible
little stitches.For contact details for Cintia Gonzalez,
of My Poppet, turn to Stockists at the
back of the magazine. Step photos
courtesy of Cintia.CINTIA GONZALEZ
What does Christmas mean to you?
I was never very much into Christmas and
was often called a Scrooge by family and
friends. But now I have my daughter,
Emma, I see Christmas afresh again through
a child’s eyes. We like to spend time with
the family and, of course, eat lots and lots
of delicious food.
Do you like to make lots of Christmas
crafts? I make Christmas-themed projects
every year to feature on my blog. This year,
I’ll be involving Emma more and probably will
be making more kid-friendly projects.
What would be your dream Christmas gift?
I love to travel, so an airplane ticket anywhere
exotic would be very welcome.Do you stitch Christmas projects all year,
in anticipation? I’d love to say yes, but I’m
not very organised. My Christmas-project
planning usually starts in November.
Do you like traditional Christmas crafts
or something with a twist? I’m very non-
traditional. Red and green won’t ever be
seen in my house, and I prefer bright colours
to reflect a summertime Christmas.
How long have you been crafting? I started
crafting at a very young age. My mother was
always making something, and I learnt to
sew, stitch and crochet at the age of seven
or eight. I was always allowed to help with
projects, choose fabrics and draft patterns,
and I suppose that has given me a great
grounding in the basics.
Where do you get your ideas? I usually get
inspired by the materials I have at hand.
I like repurposing textiles, and using old
and recycled fabrics often presents
challenges that inspire great ideas.
Do you hand-make gifts for friends and
family? For the past couple of years, I have
been hand-making gifts for my nieces; we
don’t do gifts for ‘grown ups’. All the kids
in my family also get a handmade dress to
wear on Christmas Day. I usually make my
daughter’s dress on Christmas Eve; it’s
becoming a little tradition.
What’s your idea of a perfect Christmas
Day? Great food, a sunny day and someone
else doing the washing up!
Do you take your craft away with you on
holiday? Holidays are a craft-free zone for me.
Because I craft for my blog, I need some down
time to explore other interests. When travelling,
I like to be quite active, try new things and
explore, so I’d probably be too tired anyway.Gett ing to know...
CINTIA’S DESIGN
TIP Don’t get too hung up on
the string of lights being perfectly
arranged. Try to add some ‘kinks’
to the cable and have the lights
slightly askew to mimic how a real
set of Christmas lights looks.Step 18Step 1938 Homespun