Indholdsfortegnelse for July 2020 i CrossStitcher

Nautical and nice We love a Sophie Allport print and stitchers will be pleased to hear she has launched new fabrics by the metre for this spring and summer. Following hot on the heels of Butterflies, Zebra & Coastal Birds, a nautical theme is the order of the day with Lobster & Crab and Whales now ready for your summer makes. All are 100% cotton, are ideal for backing cross stitched cushions and for lining bags and much more, and available from sophieallport.com. HOME TRUTHS STAY ON message with this brand-new kit from Cotton Clara. Everything you need is included, 13cm diameter hoop, white aida fabric, DMC threads, needle, wadding, wooden back, instructions card and ribbon to hang. It comes in a beautiful striped box so it would make a…

UNICORNS OUR UNICORNS on page 64 have inspired us to search for more magical makes and materials… WHO Unicorn is a cross stitch kit from DMC measuring 15cm in diameter. The kit comes complete with 14 count aida, 15cm hoop, stranded cotton thread on a thread organiser, needle, chart and instructions. www.dmc.com WHAT Cheer up a friend who’s a unicorn fan by stitching and sending them this fab Dreaming of Unicorns design in a hoop from the Geeky Stitching Company. thegeekystitchingco.com HOW Trim your projects in style with this cute selection including mini pom-pom trim, Sleepy Unicorn print grosgrain ribbon, pastel rainbow stripe ribbon and light turquoise ric-rac. www.notonthehighstreet.com/stitchkits…

FIRST PAST THE POST! Lauren Mason was the first to send us a pic of her finished bouquet brooch from issue 358 – she wins a selection of DMC stranded cotton skeins in 20 colours of her choice from Willow Fabrics. The first person to stitch and send us a pic of their finished geo-pattern purse from this issue to crossstitcher@warnersgroup.co.uk will also win this great prize! Pro Tip Our designers share their top stitching tips "Use an inexpensive lamp" “You don’t need to buy an expensive lamp for your stitching, why not start out with a flexible clip-on lamp (made for reading or camping) as a cheaper alternative?” www.caterpillarcrossstitch.com Lockdown lifesaver Dear Susan and Martin, hope you are both well and staying safe in the current situation. I just…

Strawberries are something that's guaranteed to make you think of a British summer. These luscious red fruits made into a sweet jam and eaten with a scone and cream are the quintessential summer treat. Our three projects are all strawberry themed, and use plastic aida to create summer jewellery. Our necklace is easy to make and is a great gift for a summer birthday, with matching earrings to complete the set. Finally, why not stitch our pretty envelope bag, a perfect way to present your jewellery to someone special! MAKE SOME… EARRINGS These are super-quick to stitch but very effective. Step1 MAKE two of the very small strawberries, and then cut out carefully. Take care when cutting as it is easy to cut through the stitches and have to stitch…

Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 53 high x 38 wide Design size: 10x7cm (4x2¾in) Stitch time: 4 hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Make an… aperture card Step 1 WORK using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch, one or two strands for the backstitch detail, and two for the lettering. Step 2 TRIM the stitched fabric to fit your card, with the design centrally placed behind the card’s aperture. Step 3 ATTACH double-sided tape to the inside of the card around the edge of the aperture. Step 4 PLACE the stitching on the table right-side up, and then place the card on top, pressing down firmly on the tape. Step 5 CHECK which flap will fold onto the back of the…

Alison says historical embroidery slightly differs from our modern stitching, “only in terms of the scale and detail of the professional work – it was very fine, and mostly stitched with silk thread. Domestic stitching was not so detailed,” she says. “Professional embroidery was stitched with silk, using both flat (untwisted) silk and twisted thread. Domestic embroidery was almost entirely twisted thread, of silk or wool. White cotton accessories such as neck-handkerchiefs, however, were stitched with cotton thread.” Jennie adds, “We can only study what has survived and what survives is rarely accidental. Much of the Georgian fashion embroidery I was familiar with was executed by professional embroiderers, or was the work of famous people who happened to embroider, like the wonderful Mary Delany. Researching this book gave me a…

We have a great design here for those looking for something a little larger than their usual projects. If you’ve stuck to quick stitches so far, why not give it a go? Spot samplers scatter motifs randomly over the design, as opposed to band samplers where everything is kept to rows. It may look complex but we’ve only used whole stitches to keep things simple. The Rustico flecked aida our sampler is worked on is 15% linen, giving it a very classic, almost vintage feel Designed by: Amanda Butler Stitch count: 178 high x 118 wide Design size: 33x22cm (13x8¾in) Stitch time: 48 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart Flecked Oatmeal 14 count Rustico aida, ref: 3279/005; 50x46cm (19½x18in) Stranded cotton as listed in…

Inside this month ❤ Bring to life our circle of beautiful butterflies ❤ Elephant card set to stitch for every occasion ❤ All the fun of the farm: cute farmyard animals alphabet ❤ Super-quick, chunky stitch flower cushions to make YOUR SUMMER BUMPER PACK! ❤ Campervan phone case kit ❤ Your final kit for our exclusive Summer Stitch-A-Long Contents subject to change. Overseas gifts may vary. ISSUE 360 AUGUST 2020 On sale 14 July…

“Hello! My name is Kate, I live in Moscow, cross-stitching for 10 years now, and in the few last years I like to create a cross-stitch patterns. This is my stitching place in which I create my patterns. I like to stitch here also. Like my whole flat, it is decorated by stitched pictures. They inspire me for new patterns. There are a colour chart, my favourite cross-stitching magazines and big beautiful box with moulins, beads and needles in my stitching place. I also own a cat Richard which helps me to stitch.” Drop us a line to crosssstitcher@warnersgroup.co.uk with images of your craft space and a few words about it and our favourites could be featured in a future issue!…

Hullo! We’re at the end of this series – time really flies! I thought to wrap this series off, I would create something to remind us all that that every small action we take can create a bigger outcome. Whether it’s being friendly to a stranger on the street, recycling your plastic containers, or being an active member of your community, every little thing makes a difference, even if that difference is hard to see from the ground level. After all, the oceans of the world are just made up of many individual drops. After all the craziness of this year, it’s under standable to feel lost. But remember that even the smallest gesture can help work towards some greater good. Just think of the biggest cross stitch design you’ve…

We asked our fans on Facebook, “Threads, fabrics, unused kits, WIPs – what takes up the most space in your stash as you just have too much already?” JENNI LANE CROPPER Nothing takes up too much space… I need it all! Never know what I might need to finish off a project or start another. Guess I am an incurable collector/hoarder of craft stash! DEBRA BIRD Unused kits take up the most space! I have three big totes of them floating around. WIPs are in a bag and don’t take too much space. JADE LAWLEY For me, it’s usually the kits and magazines. But I do keep most of my unused kits in a cupboard in my living room and my magazines in a storage box in my bedroom. ANNA…

Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 84 high x 252 wide Design size: 15.5x46cm (6¼x8¼in) Stitch time: 46 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. To help keep track of where you are, cross squares off your chart as you stitch them Materials Zweigart Ivory 14 count aida, ref: 3706/264; 35x75cm (13¾x29½in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Backing fabric; 32x67cm (12½ x26¼in) Pastel tassel trim; 2.5m (2¾yds) Toy stuffing Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Make a… cushion Step 1 STITCH the design. Trim the aida to match the backing fabric; 32x67cm (12½x26¼in), with the design central. Step 2 PLACE the tassel trim on the cushion front, so that the tassels face inwards and the edge of the trim is 1.25cm (½in) in…

Designed by: Maria Diaz Stitch count: 120 high x 90 wide Design size: 21.5x16cm (8½x6¼in) Stitch time: 35 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Sampedro White 14 count aida; 40x30cm (15¾x11¾in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 25.5x20cm (10x8in) aperture Mount board to fit frame Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com *See ‘The Key’ on page 78. The fabric shade you choose will effect the colour of the sky and clouds – we chose white but you can choose a very light blue if you prefer CrossStitcher PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch Fields of Gold, we have a materials pack with everything you need to get you stitching right away, and have it delivered straight to…

THE CHALLENGE THE RULES Whether you have your own craft room or even just a sewing corner, you’ll love trying our challenge this month. We asked three designers to come up with a design for a sewing room sign, but they had to stick to the rules! They were given just six thread shades to play with and had to include a sewing charm within their design too. We hope their results will inspire you to join the fun – turn the page to see what our challenge will be for September – we’ve listed everything you need to take part. FAYE WALSH… SEW SHE DID “My mum is a seamstress so I’ve been surrounded by sewing paraphernalia all my life! This…

Designed by: Amanda Butler Stitch count: 38 high x 25 wide Design size: 6.5x5 cm (2½x2in) Stitch time: 3 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. 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 design. Similar colour matches are listed alongside it. Where no close match can be found, you may have to use a different brand of thread for that shade. TIP: If you’re stitching this design separately, just complete the blue border all around. THE CHART EACH square on…

THERE ARE TIMES to face up to reality and there are times when nothing but a bit of escapism will do. We feel in need of the latter – and hope you do too. With this in mind, we have filled this issue with the way we would like the world to be right now. If we can’t actually go there, we can certainly dream while we stitch a beautiful interpretation. Let’s start with a cricket match on a summer afternoon. With a picturesque church spire and a match in progress in front of a very pretty pavillion, Susan Bates has done us proud with her design on page 18. If your dreams are a little further afield, may we suggest a fabulous Tuscan view courtesy of Maria Diaz (page…

PANDORAPASSION Decorate cards and samplers with this 12 pack of 3D sunflower buttons with a shank backing so you can easily stitch them to your work. CATERPILLARXSTITCH This floral needle minder attaches to the front of your fabric with one magnet and the other magnet secures behind your fabric. DEBSCROSSSTITCH Make your mark with this DMC CrossStitch Sunflower Garden Bookmark Kit which is super-easy and suitable for beginners.…

CROSS STITCH WILDFLOWERS AND GRASSES HISAKO NISHISU [Search Press] Embroidery artist Hisako Nishisu showcases a collection of exquisite cross stitch designs. There are over 30 motifs to choose from, from lily of the valley to violets. Be inspired by the gallery of beautiful embroideries, plus remind yourself of your stitching know-how with all the tools, materials and techniques needed for these samplers fully explained. Each design enjoys a full page chart to keep things clear and simple too. CROSS STITCH CHRISTMAS HÉLÈNE LE BERRE [Search Press] Yes, we are in mid summer still – but craft publishers know just how early stitchers like to get ahead for the festive season! Feast your eyes on all the yuletide treats you can stitch this year with chapters on Advent Foliage, Christmas Animals,…

Designed by: Susan Bates Stitch count: 168 high x 119 wide Design size: 31x21.5cm (12¼x8½in) Stitch time: 93 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Use the ‘stitch and park’ method where you thread up several shades on different needles before you start, then ‘park’ them when switching to another colour Materials Sampedro White 14 count aida; 50x46cm (19½x18in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 34x24cm (13½x9½in) aperture Mount board to fit frame Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com 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 each…

Designed by: Cheryl McKinnon Stitch count: 35 high x 49 wide Design size: 6x8.5cm (2⅜x3⅜in) Stitch time: 8½ hours This design was stitched on 28 count linen, over two threads of fabric. Make a… plant pot cover Step 1 PLACE the linen turned longways and stitch your design in the centre of your fabric. With the right side of the fabric facing inwards, and the cut ends of the fabric together forming a tube, sew down the seam with a 1.25cm (½in) seam allowance. Repeat with the lining fabric. Neaten the seam and press it open. With the seam centre back, and working on the wrong side, pin the bottom together using the same seam allowance as before. At either end of the seam, remove the pins and fold in…

From Pride & Prejudice to Sense & Sensibility – Jane Austen’s novels have long enjoyed an enduring popularity that has continued to this day. With many of her characters taking to stitching to pass the time, fans of her work will be thrilled to hear there’s a new book exploring the needlework of the era. We asked its authors how it all came about… Alison Larkin left teaching seven years ago to work as an embroiderer full-time. At this point her interest in the Georgian period of needlecraft began, “I worked on a replica of a waistcoat stitched for Captain Cook by his wife Elizabeth, a skilled embroiderer, and that led me into museum research on extant pieces from the period. They had some beautiful embroidery on clothing and accessories,…

When working with the Light Effects threads, allow your needle to hang every so often so they can unravel Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 118 high x 180 wide Design size: 21x33cm (8¼x13in) Stitch time: 48 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart Royal Blue 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0567; 50x55cm (19½x21½in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key DMC Light Effects as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 24x34cm (9½x13½in) aperture Mount board to fit frame Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com CrossStitcher PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch Magic Wishes, we have a materials pack with everything you need to get you stitching right away, and have it delivered straight to your door! Your materials pack contains:…

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 stitching…