Cross Stitch Gold Issue 125

Meet the designer Lesley Teare Lesley lives and works in rural Suffolk. She designs for many of the best cross stitch magazines, as well as for cross stitch books The term ‘Art Deco’ refers to the decorative arts of the 1920s and 1930s, and the modernistic style associated with them. It’s often characterised by rich colours, bold geometric shapes and lavish ornamentation. And so, my fashionable Art Deco lady, otherwise known as a ‘flapper, exudes luxury and glamour! This is brought about by the decorative feathers, fringing, flowers, beads and jewellery that would have been worn for an evening out, perhaps dancing the night away to a Charleston – a well-loved jazz dance. The fan was a popular addition to a flapper’s outfit, and the stylised flower details on this…

Finishing touch If you look closely, you’ll notice that I have repeated the pink flower pattern on the fan in the corners of my design. This helps to give this period piece a ‘complete’ look. A real treat I love to design elegant ladies, and have created many in the past, but I have to say that this project has been one of the most enjoyable. It was a delight to create something stylish, sophisticated, bejeweled, glitzy and glam… all of my favourite things!…

Oriental beauty This is the geisha with butterflies by Lesley Teare, which I stitched from issue 89 of Gold. She was a joy to stitch, even on black fabric, which can be hard on the eyes. I put a white tea towel on my knee when I was stitching so I could see what I was doing. The colours just seem to pop off the fabric and the beads and metallic thread add something special to her. Happy stitching! Sue Craig, Fife Sarah: Oriental designs always catch my eye, too, Sue. I’m so pleased to hear you enjoyed bringing this beauty to life. Special delivery When a former neighbour (and student) asked me to stitch a Christmas stocking for her third child, I was eager to find the perfect chart…

Season’s greetings I stitched this lovely festive cushion by Carol Thornton from issue 114. I started it just before the holidays 2014, but did not finish it until January this year. I loved stitching it and was so pleased with the way it turned out. I sewed it into a pillow using a piece of green fleece for the back. This Christmas, I will have it on my sofa along with a pillow featuring ornaments from a previous festive issue of Gold. Sharye Hardesty, Arizona Sarah: This is such a bright and colourful design, Sharye – what a lovely present to stitch for yourself!…

Meet the designer Angela Poole As well as designing in cross stitch, Angela is Commissioning Editor of Papercraft Inspirations magazine. She has a degree in Textiles and Surface Pattern The peony is a popular flower for obvious reasons, especially for brides in their wedding bouquets. It’s also one of my personal favourites – I have them in my garden at home, and their dramatic large blooms are so eye-catching. I only wish the flowers lasted a little longer each year! I thoroughly enjoyed researching, sketching and charting these peonies for you. My design is achievable for intermediate stitchers, as it uses whole stitches only and just a small palette of colours. So, if you’ve fallen in love with these blooms, why not put needle to fabric?…

Heaven sent Herald the start of spring with this angelic new kit from Design Works. Kitty Angel is a large design measuring 51x35.5cm (20x14in), packed full of detail on a background of 14-count ivory aida, in a palette of pastels and brights. It’s a purr-fect choice for cat lovers, of course, with three pretty kitties to stitch. The geometric patchwork patterns make us think of traditional American quilts, and the floral border is sure to make you smile as it blooms beneath your needle! Once you have finished this gorgeous design, you might like to stitch some of the patterns within it again, to make smaller cards and gifts such as bookmarks. Buy the Kitty Angel kit for £24.99. Visit www.sewandso.co.uk  or call 0800 0130150 My true love…