Innehållsförteckning för February 2017 från CrossStitcher

Use metallic threads from your stash to create a pair of sparkling earrings instead! Materials For one pair of earrings White 14 count plastic aida; 12x7cm (4¾x2¾in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Silver-style earring findings For stockist details see page 89 Stitch count: various Design size: various Stitch time: 30 mins (each) These designs were stitched on 14 count pastic canvas. Make an… earring Step 1 STITCH your design onto plastic canvas, taking care to finish your thread ends by running them through the back of your stitching. You will need to leave enough room between the earrings to add a few blank plastic aida squares at the top to hold the finding. Step 2 CUT around the stitching, leaving…

Zoë Patching is the brains behind our Savvy Stitcher features (see page 27 ). “I like to research techniques on Pinterest. It takes a day or so of dipping in and out of my sketchbook to come up with designs, plus I have lots of fabrics, patterned papers and books which I will often look at to get further ideas of scale and pattern. For The Savvy Stitcher I will work across the three designs together. It helps to keep them working as a group as well as helping to co-ordinate thread colours too.”…

MODERN FOLK EMBROIDERY NANCY NICHOLSON [David & Charles] Fans of Nancy Nicholson’s stunning retro needlework designs will be delighted to hear that her long-awaited book has now been published. There are no less than 30 projects inside – each in a folk art style, but with Nancy’s own modern twist, plus 50 embroidery stitches to learn. From bags, to samplers, to pincushions – there are designs of all sizes and skill levels to get stuck into here. SIMPLY REDWORK: THE HUGS N KISSES WAY HELEN STUBBINGS [Landauer Publishing] Out on 15 January, this book focuses on one stitching technique only. Helen Stubbings is an expert on redwork, which is just as it sounds – designs made using red thread only. Popular long ago when red thread was the only colourfast…

Just finished my free gift from issue 311. I cut the sides a little small but overall I think it’s a great addition to my tree! Jess Covert, NY state, USA I’d like to show you my recent work. I stitched Emily Peacock’s apron design from issue 245 to make a festive tea cosy. Olga Efimova, Moscow, Russia Here’s the crackers I’ve made with my free gift from issue 312. These will be going on my Christmas tree for many years to come! Sarah Heywood, Oxfordshire I decided to frame this design by Emma Congdon from issue 288 on a wooden block. I’ve never done that before but I love it. Emma Wright, Devon This snowman from the cute characters set in issue 298 was a perfect quick stitch for…

Refreshing ways to show off your handiwork are always welcome, and we’ve had a lot of fun coming up with ways of using apertures. First we’ve gone retro with this TV with its photo aperture screen. Stitched onto plastic canvas and backed with a magnet, it’s sure to take pride of place on your fridge! As love is in the air, try our triple aperture card, displaying a trio of multicoloured heart balloons. Plus our fabric gift tag with its aperture heart revealing a sprinkling of sequins is the perfect way to dress up a romantic gift! MAKE A… HEART APERTURE CARD Display your stitching to perfection using these apertures to create the heart shapes. Step 1 CUT out the heart templates on page 31 and tack around them onto…

“It is subversive because of the juxtaposition of a very traditional art form with a modern, often feminist, sentiment” Lately I’ve been spending a lot of time browsing Instagram, an online mobile photo-sharing app that lets you snap a photo, add a cool filter, and share it with the world. It’s where I’ve started falling in love with some fantastic cross stitch artists who have created amazing online virtual ‘worlds’ where they showcase their talents. Some just like to post pics of their work, while others have made full-blown careers out of doing what they love. It was during one of my recent Instagram browsing sessions that I stumbled across the work of ‘StephXstitch’ also known as Stephanie Rohr from Chicago, Illinois. What struck me most about Steph’s work, besides…

Follow our example and stitch on dark blue or black fabric to create an instant space’ effect Add more detail to your projects by adding extra star stitch stars’ in gold or silver metallic thread  We’ve had a blast putting together an out of this world alphabet for you this month Filled with rockets, planets, satellites and more, it’s the perfect set to use time and time again for birthdays, parties, bedrooms and much, much more. To get you started, why not stitch our ‘3,2,1... Go’ design? Arrange your numbers, letters and motifs as we have done and watch your stitching take off! Space was stitched on Zweigart Navy 16 count aida, ref: 3251/589, and each letter is approximately 39 high x 30 wide. The design size…

The counters bag design could also be stitched up to make a fun card if you’re stitching this as a gift! Stitch count: 180 high x 180 wide Design size: 33x33cm (13¼x13¼in) Stitch time: 30 hours This design was stitched on 27 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials Snakes & ladders board Zweigart Antique White 27 count Linda, ref: 1236/101; 51x51cm (20x20in) Box canvas art board; 40x40cm (15¾x15¾in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle For stockist details see page 89 Make a… snakes & ladders board Step 1 STRETCH your stitching around an art canvas frame, ensuring it is positioned correctly. Step 2 SECURE the stretched stitching in place using a staple gun, punching the staples into the wooden bars…

Use the loop method to start your stitching, as shown on page 87, to secure your thread firmly Stitch count: Various These designs were stitched using 14 count waste canvas on felt. MATERIALS Socks key fob 14countwastecanvas 7.5x7.3cm (3x3in) Green felt; 11.5x9cm (4½x3½in) x 2 pieces Hat key fob 14countwastecanvas 7.5x7.3cm (3x3in) Green felt; 10x10cm (4x4in) x 2 pieces Dog key fob 14 count waste canvas; 5x10cm (2x4in) Teal felt; 10.5x6cm (4¼x2½in) x 2 pieces For all Strandedcottonaslistedin the key Size 26 tapestry needle Ribbon; 1cm (⅜in) wide x 7.5cm (3in) For stockist details see page 89 More to make... Our cosy clothes are perfect for all sorts of wintry projects. Here are some more fun, fab ideas to get you started... 1 Use waste canvas…

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…

WE CAN’T PROMISE the thrill of a mystery unsigned Valentine in our February issue but we do have plenty of things for you to make for the most important person in your life – or more than one, if you’re feeling saucy and have the stitching time available! Start by choosing a fun saying from the card selection on page 60. Designer Durene has done us proud with four cards that you don’t have to save for Valentine’s Day to show you care. Then you can say ‘Sail away with me’ with our little ship picture on page 42. And if you want to go straight for a grand gesture, think big with our papercut-style cover star (page 14). After all this breathless romance, you might want to settle down…

NTSTUDIO Send your living room style into orbit with this PDF pattern, The Rotation Of Planets, which can be instantly downloaded. FORESTFRIENDSSHOP Add a planetary touch to a nursery by making this sweet Felt Space Mobile which is available as PDF pattern for you to sew. STITCHKITS Just want a cute trim for a card or tag? Look no further than this fab Alien Ribbon in Blue or Cream that’s perfect for kids’ birthdays.…

“It’s hard to know what to do with WIPs, but the most important thing is not to beat yourself up about their existence” Hello dear readers! I thought I’d take time to address an old stitching issue – WIPs, here’s a sneak peek of what I have to say about them in my upcoming book, The Mr X Stitch Guide to Cross Stitch. Works In Progress (WIPs) are the bane of any stitcher’s life, and nearly everyone will have at least one unfinished piece in their stash. Let me help ease your potential tensions about these WIPs! My oldest WIP is ten. She’s a graffiti pattern, stuck on a scroll frame and she sits in a corner of a cupboard in my office. Once a year we celebrate her birthday…

 Stitch count: 90 high x 70 wide Design size: 16.5x13cm (6½x5¼in) Stitch time: 18 hours Make this design your own by using thread colours to suit your room – simply substitute the letters or border with another shade This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials ZweigartWhite14countaida, ref: 3706/100; 33x28cm (13x11in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 21.5x16.5cm (8½x6½in) aperture Mount board to fit frame For stockist details see page 89…

Stitch count: 51 high x 52 wide Design size: 8x8cm (3¼x3¼in) Stitch time: 4 hours This design was stitched on 32 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. It’s important to stitch this design on coloured evenweave so that the white waves stand out! Materials ZweigartGrey32countMurano, ref: 3984/705; 20x20cm (8x8in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Frame with a 10x10cm (4x4in) aperture Mount board to fit frame For stockist details see page 89…

You could stitch the cactus in its pot twice to give your pincushion a front and a back, if you prefer Stitch count: 56 high x 42 wide Design size: 8x10.5cm (3¼x4in) Stitch time: 7 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials ZweigartAntiqueWhite28count Brittney evenweave, ref: 3270/101; 18x23cm (7x9in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Felt circles; 5cm (2in) diameter x 2 pieces Wadding; 11.5x17cm (4½x6¾in) Toy stuffing; just a small amount Empty toilet roll tube Bag of rice or beans For stockist details see page 89 Make a… cactus pincushion Step 1 WRAP the empty toilet tube with wadding, cut away any excess and catch stitch down the back seam – do not…

Craft 4 Crafters show tickets Westpoint Arena Exeter is once again the venue for this mammoth needlecraft show, with over 170 craft retailers, workshops running over three days, galleries and textile displays. There’s a range of expert talks, demos, a crafter’s cafe and more! The show runs from Thursday 16 to Saturday 18 February 2017. Tickets are £9 for adults, concessions £8, with under 16’s going free. Go to www.craft4crafters.co.uk for more details. We have five pairs of tickets to give away. Enter by post to the address below, labelling your entry ‘CRAFT4CRAFTERS GIVEAWAY XST314’. Love Tree kit This stunning design by Kim Anderson for Bothy Threads features a beautiful adorned tree with hearts, flowers and butterflies stitched in stranded cotton, with the addition of metallic thread, sequins and beads.…

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…

LOVEBIRDS OUR PAIR of lovebirds on our cover project make such a gorgeous design, so we’ve found more real ‘tweethearts’ for your stitching… WHO Designer/maker Paula Perrins is the creator of this amazing Lovebirds Pincushion Ring which is 30mm in diameter and trimmed with cotton lace and a vintage mother of pearl button. www.wychburydesigns.co.uk WHAT This 100% cotton Birds Fabric from More By Design is strong enough for home furnishings and bags, so you can use it to back your stitched cushions or totes. www.notonthehighstreet.com/morebydesign HOW Trim your Valentine’s projects with this delicate Lovebird Lace Appliqué – it would look gorgeous attached to coloured aida or evenweave. www.myfabrichouse.co.uk…

Change your thread shades to suit the room you want to display your picture Stitch count: 121 high x 89 wide Design size: 22x16.5cm (8¾x6½in) Stitch time: 37 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave working over two threads of fabric. Materials ZweigartAntiqueWhite28count Linda, ref: 1236/101; 40.5x38cm (16x15in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Frame with a 28x23.5cm (11x9¼in) 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 each side and working outwards. Step 2 PIN…

Stitch count: 115 high x 116 wide Design size: 16.5x16.5cm (6½x6½in) Stitch time: 20 hours This design was stitched on 18 count evenweave over one thread of fabric. Use the alphabets provided to add a name and birth weight to the design Materials 18countwhiteevenweave 23x23cm (9x9in), for front central cushion panel 18 count white evenweave; 30x30cm (12x12in), for picture Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Cotton fabric for cushion; 22x12cm (9x6in) x 2 small panels at top and bottom on cushion front; 12x42cm (5x17in) x 2 panels left and right on cushion front; 42x42cm (17x17in) for cushion back Cushion pad; 40.5x40.5cm (16x16in) 13mm (½in) ribbon; 1½m (60in) Frame with a 20x20cm (8x8in) aperture For stockist details see page 89 Make a… cushion…

Stitch count: 50 high x 45 wide Design size: 9x8.5cm (3½x3¼in) Stitch time: 4 hours each These designs were stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials For each card Zweigart White 28 count Brittney evenweave, ref: 3706/100; 20x14.5cm (8x5¾in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Card with a 10x9.5cm (4x3¾in) aperture For stockist details see page 89 Why not frame your design instead to make a mini baby sampler? Make an… aperture card Step 1 USE the alphabet provided to add a name to the top of the design. If the card is not for February, you will need to move the numbers around so that they are positioned under the correct days – please refer to a current…

This project has several colour changes, so the stitch and park’ method of using a separate needle for each colour area can save you time  Stitch count: 160 high x 82 wide Design size: 29x16cm (11½x6¼in) Stitch time: 31 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials ZweigartAntiqueWhite28count Brittney evenweave, ref: 3270/101; 46x33cm (18x13in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Frame with a 35.5x20cm (14x8in) aperture Mount board to fit frame For stockist details see page 89 Make a… heart home marker Step 1 STITCH the small house onto a scrap of evenweave, then wrap it around a rectangle of cardboard cut into a rough house shape. Step 2 USE fabric glue, or a…

These cards great stash busters – choose the colours based on what you have spare Max. stitch count: 55 high x 38 wide Max. design size: 10x7cm (4x2¾in) Stitch time: 5 hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials For each card Zweigart Antique White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/101; 20x15cm (8x6in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Card with a 10x7cm (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, and the backstitch in one and two strands. 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…

THE CHALLENGE THE RULES Welcome to our February stitching challenge. We love seeing what our designers come up with each month, and this time we asked them to create a modern card for a man, featuring a mode of transport of their choice. Their thread choices were limited, but they were allowed one mystery ingredient each and each of them had to include a birthday greeting in their design! Read the challenge rules on the left to see exactly what they were given. We hope this will inspire you to join in too – turn the page to see what our challenge will be for April – we’ve listed everything you need to take part. RUTH CAIG… COMPASS CARD “I began…