Answers to our most frequently asked questions are listed below but please do contact us if you still have any queries before purchasing a Kit or Chart from Holly's Hobbies.
Can you ship kits worldwide?
Yes, all of our kits and charts can be shipped internationally and all of our prices include worldwide postage. However, please be aware of your own country's allowances before import duty is charged as you will be liable to pay any duty on your order.
How long does it take to receive my kit?
We aim to design and post all kits as quickly as possible - usually within 7 working days. However, please allow up to 28 days for your personalised kit to arrive during busy periods. We will try to let you know as soon as possible if there is a delay for any reason.
What does my kit include?
Each kit contains a full colour chart and instructions, 16 count Aida fabric to match the design, a needle and genuine DMC threads pre-sorted onto organiser cards so that you can start stitching straight away.
Chart purchases include a full colour chart and instructions only.
How can I pay?
PayPal is the fastest way of paying for your Holly's Hobbies Kit and all online orders through our Shop use this payment method by default. However we also accept payment via cheque, bankers draft or money order made payable to 'Holly Hinton' (in British Pounds only). Please place your order through our Shop as normal and then select 'Send payment by post' as your option during checkout. You will be sent details of where to post your payment, but your order will be automatically forwarded to us so that we know payment is on its way!
Can your designs be stitched by beginners?
The simple answer is yes! Our designs are kept relatively simple and our standard fabric is a medium weave 16 count aida so even beginners should be able to complete them with a little time and effort. We do include complete instructions but please contact us if you have any queries about cross-stitching in general.
What size are the completed designs?
As each name is designed individually the size of the finished cross stitch will vary. However, as an estimate each of the names are usually around 15-20cm tall and each letter around 5cm wide, so a name of 7 characters would be around 35-40cm in length. We try to indicate sizes for each individual design within the Shop.
How long do they take to stitch?
We give an estimate of around two to three stitching hours per letter, although this will vary on the design and experience of the stitcher. You could spend around 25 hours stitching a 6 character name, once all of the extra motifs of the design are taken into account.
Can you stitch and frame a Name Sampler design for me?
If there were more hours in the day then we'd love to stitch them for you, but that would take the fun and accomplishment out of stitching our designs yourself. We can also recommend online framing company Eframe (www.eframe.co.uk) for excellently priced and quality bespoke frames and mounts if you fancy framing your finished piece yourself.
Can you design a bespoke pattern just for me with my own theme?
Yes, we are happy to design a one off piece for you. Custom Name Sampler designs cost from £45 which includes all of the design work, plus the full kit on completion (a 50% deposit prior to design work is required). Please contact us to discuss your requirements. Please note that we are unable to create designs using copyright material or characters such as Disney, etc.
Can you alter an existing design without charging me for a bespoke pattern?
The short answer is 'yes', but depends on the changes you require! A change of colours or adding motifs, etc can usually be included in our standard price. Please contact us before purchase to discuss your requirements.
Why are your charts not half the price of the kits, even though the materials are not included?
The cost reflects the time taken to personalise and design each chart and so we offer charts for less, but not half the price, of full kits. By purchasing a kit you can start stitching straight away but we know that some stitchers like to choose their fabric or add their own embellishments and so offer both kits and charts.
