Indholdsfortegnelse for November 2016 i CrossStitcher

Max. stitch count: 38 high x 41 wide Max. design size: 7x7cm (2¾x2¾in) Stitch time: 3 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials 28countwhiteevenweave 10x10cm (4x4in) Cotton backing fabric; 10x10cm (4x4in) Red felt; 20x10cm (8x4in) White hanging cord; 33cm (13in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle White seed beads Toy stuffing  For stockist details see page 89 Templates Use your templates at 100% (includes seam allowance) Make a… heart hanger Step 1 TRACE the templates of the heart shapes provided onto paper or card. Use them to cut two heart bottoms from red felt, a heart top from the backing fabric, and a heart top from the stitched evenweave. Position the template so that the…

Lucie Heaton designed our snow globes on page 20 . "I love the way snow globes contain a magical miniature world that can be brought to life with a little shake! My starting point was the snowy landscape but it was sketching out the cute snowman and deer characters that really started to bring these designs together. I chose different shades of blue to create depth in the designs, then white for the snow and reflections, which I hope add to the 3D effect." www.lucieheaton.com…

KIDS LEARN TO STITCH LUCINDA GUY & FRANCOIS HALL [Berry & Co] Kids Learn to Stitch is the latest title from author and illustrator team Lucinda Guy and Francois Hall. Their previous books Kids Learn to Knit and Kids Learn to Crochet both proved a hit with budding crafters. It includes six easy projects, such as little animals and birds, designed to encourage both children and adults to pick up a needle and learn to hand stitch. TRANSFER, EMBELLISH, STITCH JEN FOX & SARAH CASE [C&T Publishing] If our ‘stitching on other fabrics’ feature last month encouraged you to break free from aida and evenweave more often, this is the book for you. With four ways to copy images onto fabric; stencil, transfer paper, freezer paper and fusible web, there…

Stitch count: 56 high x 56 wide Design size: 10x10cm (4x4in) Stitch time: 19 hours each These designs were stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials   For each snow globe Zweigart 28 count White Brittney evenweave, ref: 3270/100; 30x30cm (12x12in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Red felt Toy stuffing Blue ribbon Baker’s twine Wooden embroidery hoop, 10cm (4in) diameter For stockist details see page 89 Template Use your template at 100% Use any leftover stranded cotton to wrap the outer hoop before assembling, making sure the thread ends are secured Make a… snow globe Step 1 USE the template provided to cut a snow globe stand from red felt. Fold in half, and then sew up the…

Why not stitch the highlights or outlines of your letters in gold or silver thread for extra festive sparkle?    One of these letters will make a special Christmas card for a friend, and will only take you an evening to stitch Time to deck the halls! You won’t be short of ideas for fabulous festive decorations, gifts, cards or even tags, with our versatile set of letters and numbers. Maria Diaz has used a warm, bold colour scheme for extra festive flair, but it’s so easy to adapt these designs to fit in with whatever threads you may have spare in your stash, making them a thrifty option too! ‘Let It Snow’ was stitched on Zweigart 14 count Cream and Gold Glitter aida, ref: 3706/118, and each letter…

“I don’t use patterns as I like the freedom and randomness of the shapes this produces!” A former graphic designer and illustrator, Sharon’s beautiful stitched artworks celebrate the simple pleasures in life – from a hot cup of tea to sledging in the snow. Every one is crafted by hand from found fabrics. Sharon tells us about her life in creativity, and how she loves to share it with her daughters – and her new granddaughters, too! Why do you find Christmas and the festive season such an inspiring time of year? Christmas has always been my favourite time of year and most of my designs for card companies are Christmas ones. I enjoy using Christmas colours and being reminded of childhood Christmases. I think it is often a time…

Stitch count: 38 high x 37 wide Design size: 6.5x6.5cm (2½x2½in) Stitch time: 3 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. THE CHART EACH square on the chart represents a single cross stitch. Start from the centre of the design and your fabric. The centre of our charts are indicated by arrows at the designs’ edges. To find your fabric’s centre, fold it in half and into quarters. THE KEY ALL THE symbols that appear on the chart are listed in the key with their corresponding thread codes beside them. The key also tells you the different stitches used in the design. The closest column of thread codes listed next to the chart symbols is the thread brand that’s used in the…

SCANDI CHRISTMAS INSPIRED BY our gorgeous Scandi-style free gift, we’ve headed north for more Nordic festive inspiration… WHO This stunning Christmas reindeer makes a magnificent centrepiece for this quick-stitch kit, worked in bold green and reds. www.thehomemakery.co.uk WHAT Back your Christmas cushions with this sweet Christmas Scandi Snowflakes cotton fabric, shown here in Red & Cream. www.fabricguild.co.uk HOW Hang up decorations and create loops for hand-stitched gift tags, with this versatile Hessian & Red Stripe Christmas ribbon. www.tch.net…

“Rarely do I sink my teeth into something of this size, as there just aren’t enough hours in the day” Hello dear readers. This month I’d like to discuss a topic that’s been very relevant to me lately – how to work on big cross stitch patterns. As you may recall, I’m working on a book, The Mr X Stitch Guide to Cross Stitch, coming out next May – and as part of that I’m stitching an ‘Epic Pineapple’ design. It’s roughly nine inches wide, 15 inches high and is on 18 count fabric. It’s got 50 colours and over 19,000 stitches. Rarely do I sink my teeth into something of this size, as there just aren’t enough hours in the day, but although I’ve had plenty of amazing model…

Stitch count: 56 high x 150 wide top panel; 21 high x 21 wide approx. numbers Design size: 10x27cm (4x10½in) top panel; 4x4cm (1½x1½in) numbers Stitch time: 45 hours for complete calendar This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials Zweigart28countVintageCountry Mocha Cashel, ref: 3706/100; 80x74cm (34x29in) Zweigart 28 count Vintage Country Mocha Cashel, ref: 3706/100; 11.5x8.5cm (4½x3⅜in) x 24 for the bag fronts and 24 for the backs Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Art canvas; 61x46cm (24x18in) 5mm (¼in) red ribbon; 74cm (29in) x 4 lengths Wadding; 61x46cm (24x18in) Brass curtain rings; 20mm (¾in) x 24  For stockist details see page 89 Template Use your template at 100% Stitch the top section first, then work out…

Make these as table decorations instead by inserting each tree into a block of floral foam in a small pot. Cover the foam with moss to finish the look Max. stitch count: 70 high x 39 wide Max. design size: 12.5x7cm (5x2¾in) Stitch time: 4 hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart14countWhiteaida, ref: 3706/100; 20x15cm (8x6in) x 2 pieces Zweigart 14 count Burgundy aida, ref: 3706/9060; 20x15cm (8x6in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Red felt backing fabric; 20x15cm (8x6in) x 3 pieces White 3mm ribbon; 15cm (6in) length x 3 pieces Toy stuffing Sticks or cinnamon sticks x 3 pieces  For stockist details see page 89 Why not decorate your trees by attaching white seed beads to…

Max. stitch count: 55 high x 38 wide Max. design size: 9.5x6.5cm (3¾x2½in) Stitch time: 4 hours each These designs were stitch on 14 count aida fabric. Use small beads for the fairy lights and holly berries for a 3D effect if you prefer Materials For each card Zweigart 14 count Antique White aida, ref: 3706/101; 23x16.5cm (9x6½in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Card with a 10x7.5cm (4x3in) aperture For stockist details see page 89 Make an… aperture card Step 1 WORK all the cross stitch in two strands of stranded cotton, the backstitch in one strand, backstitch for the eyes in three strands, and the French knots in one strand. Step 2 TRIM the stitched fabric to fit your card, with…

Seasonal settings It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Well it certainly will if you stitch this oh-so-sweet Christmas Runner from Rico. It comes as a kit, No. 31201.52.12 , and includes a linen/cotton mix pre-printed table runner. Stitches include stem stitch, tie stitch and chain stitch. Plus, if you like the sweet little cross stitched and embroidered tags, you can buy these as a kit too, available on cream or kraft tags with a set of four festive motifs and a full alphabet to choose from as your designs. Available to order from www.johnlewis.com  or www.sewandso.co.uk. JOLLY JAR OF JOY MASON JARS are an on-trend home accessory at the moment, and this one cleverly doubles up as a container for your stitching essentials, complete with a…

SOSAECAETANO What could be sweeter than this Figgy Pudding Cottage Ornament? The pattern is available as an instant download. THEWOOLENTREE Get into the Christmas spirit as you work on your festive projects with this yummy Christmas Pudding Pin Cushion! ASKINGFORTROUBLE Love cute Japanese style? Then you won’t be able to resist stitching this Kawaii Christmas Pudding Wooden Tree Ornament!…

Extract the pudding and sprigs of holly from the sampler to make food jar labels, tags and mini Christmas cards! Stitch count: 140 high x 120 wide Design size: 25x21cm (10x8¼in) Stitch time: 32 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart14countAntiqueWhite aida, ref: 3706/100; 44x35.5cm (17½x14in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key DMC Light Effects as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 30.5x25.5cm (12x10in) aperture Mount board to fit frame  For stockist details see page 89 How to… frame a picture Step 1 CUT a piece of white mount board to fit inside your frame. Place your design centrally over the mount board and pin the fabric around the board to secure, starting at the centre of…

This month we’ve created three gorgeous decorations which use new techniques to showcase your stitching skills! First we’ve created this charming Christmas reindeer. With backstitched legs and a chunky chain stitched body, we think he’s just gorgeous! Next we have our three joyous elves with their candy cane -inspired couching, and cute button bobble hats! And our Christmas tree made with scattering of star stitches worked in red and green cannot help but make you feel festive! Add the felt base to the stag with Bondaweb, followed by a simple blanket stitched edge HOW TO… CHAIN STITCH Create our cute reindeer complete with red nose using chunky chain stitch. Step 1 THREAD an embroidery needle with two strands of cotton. Knot the end and bring the needle up ready to…

Give your picture extra festive sparkle by stitching small silver bells onto each star, as we have done Designed by: Zweigart Stitch count: 71 high x 87 wide Design size: 12.5x16cm (5x6¼in) Stitch time: 9 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart14countIvoryaida, ref: 3706/264; 30x30cm ( 12x12in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Wooden embroidery hoop; 20cm (8in) diameter For stockist details see page 89 How to… frame your work in a hoop Step 1 TRIM your stitching and a fabric piece into a circle slightly larger than your hoop. Place the inside hoop beneath the two pieces and the outer hoop on top. Centre and press over your work. Pull taut and tighten the screw. Step…

Drop us a line to pin your projects into our album! Email your photos to crossstitcher@dennis.co.uk or write to us at CrossStitcher, PO Box 172, Northam, EX39 9DY Stay in touch... crossstitchermag.com facebook.com/  CrossStitcherMag @XStitchmagazine pinterest.com/  xstitchmagazine…

Welcome to this issue’s stash-busting challenge, this time with a festive theme! This feature will get you creating something amazing from just a few items that you probably have already lying around. We’ve asked three of our favourite designers to take the challenge to make a Christmas card with a strict limit on what they can use. Read the challenge rules on the left to see what they were given. We hope this will inspire you to join in too – turn the page to see what some of our readers, who took this month’s challenge, came up with! THE CHALLENGE THE RULES DURENE JONES… SNOWMAN CARD “My first thought was an elf, with dangly legs and a bell on each…

THE ESSENTIAL KIT YOU’LL NEED TO START STITCHING NEEDLES For basic stitching you’ll need a tapestry needle that has a blunt tip and large eye. Use a size 24 needle for most aidas, and a size 26 for evenweaves and linens. Use a sharp embroidery needle for finer details such as backstitch and French knots. EMBROIDERY SCISSORS Embroidery scissors are an absolute must-have. Keep yours sharp by only using them to cut threads . STRANDED COTTON Embroidery thread is also called stranded cotton. Each thread length is made up of six strands of cotton twisted together. The chart key will tell you how many strands you’ll need to stitch with. HOOPS AND FRAMES Though not absolutely essential, we do recommend using an embroidery hoop or frame to keep an even…

Your projects For all the basic supplies you need to make the projects in this issue… WILLOW FABRICS  www.willowfabrics.com For Zweigart evenweave, aida, linen, Cashel, wooden embroidery hoops and all kinds of stitching fabrics COTTON PATCH  www.cottonpatch.co.uk 0121 702 2840 For stuffing, wadding, interfacing, Bondaweb, scissors and a range of haberdashery supplies FRED ALDOUS  www.fredaldous.co.uk 0161 236 4224 For general craft and haberdashery supplies as well as mount board for framing your work JOHN JAMES NEEDLES  www.jjneedles.com 0152 783 0941 For all kinds of needles and needle packs JOHN LEWIS  www.johnlewis.com 03456 049 049 For a wide range of stitching and sewing supplies, including cotton printed fabrics SIESTA FRAMES  www.siestaframes.com 0120 281 3363 For stitching frames, hoops and lamps CLOUD CRAFT  www.cloudcraft.co.uk For 100% wool felt in lots of colours…

Inside this month Special delivery! Sweet cycle and Christmas gifts picture Stitch and send our bauble cards with mini Nativity scenes Make our luxury reindeer stocking for little ones Santa and Rudolph will love our mince pie and carrot mat! YOUR FREE GIFT! Make and decorate our festive crackers then tie with ribbon to finish! ISSUE 312 DECEMBER 2016 On sale 11 November Contents subject to change. Overseas gifts may vary.…