Traditionally stitched in wool or on canvas, Bargello embroidery is created from upright stitches laid out in mathematical patterns. Putting a modern twist on a creative classic, Amanda Walker has used a plastic canvas for the base of this set for avid readers. You can store your specs in style thanks to the gorgeous glasses case, and embrace a life of easy-reading with help from the brightly coloured bookmark.
Sew a glasses case
To make a button for the glasses case, cut an 11 x 11 squares piece of plastic canvas. The pattern is embroidered in four different coloured yarns. Follow the chart provided to create the chevron, then over sew the edges of the square to finish. To make the case, cut fabric, 20cm x 35cm. Fold it in half lengthways, right side facing.
Stitch around the three edges with a 1cm seam allowance, leaving a 3cm gap in the stitching line of the long edge. Trim the corners, then turn the piece to the right side through the gap. Tease out the corners and press flat. Fold up 12cm of the piece and press flat to form a pocket. Cut a 12cm length of ribbon and position this between the two layers 2cm down from the open edge of the pocket. Pin in place, then sew the outer edge together, sandwiching the ends of the ribbon into the stitching line. Continue to edgestitch all the way around the base and flap.
Stitch the embroidered button to the right side of the flap, then position it in a diamond shape wit