Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2015 i The World of Cross Stitching

Summer is well and truly with us, and fantastic bright and breezy, fresh-feeling designs are the perfect accompaniment to the sunshine – let’s hope the glorious weather we’re currently enjoying lasts! We’ve heaps of patterns to choose from, whether you head out to craft alfresco or not. Our FREE gifts for you are a great start… I’ll pack my Margaret Sherry picnic card kit along with my sarnies and will hopefully enjoy adding a few stitches while I’m out picnicking myself! Adorable Tatty Teddy is here too this month, with a beautiful seasonal bouquet, in a stunning DMC exclusive for us. Head over to page 10… And our wow-factor design that’s causing plenty of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ here in the office is the hummingbird project on page 70 – it…

DESIGN BY DMC CREATIVE WORLD Tatty Teddy is back in this adorable design, the perfect stitch for someone special. Young or old, everyone loves this blue-nosed bear, and with his big bunch of gorgeous flowers, he’ll be appreciated even more. You’ll have lots of fun stitching this furry friend. With just a few fractionals to give shape to the petals, nose and eyes, and plenty of backstitch detail to bring this fluffy teddy to life, there’s lots to keep you interested. You’ll even get to use some of DMC’s speciality threads. The glossy satin thread gives the ribbon and flowers a beautiful shimmer and, if you’ve not stitched with this type of thread before, you’ll soon find that it’s a joy to work with. From your first stitch to your…

Dream in colour Q I absolutely fell in love with your dreamcatcher in issue 224, and I was thinking about putting it up in my living room. I’d like to change the colour of the fabric, but I am no good at choosing colours that would bring out certain parts of a pattern. I was wondering if you could make some suggestions which might suit… my living room is mauve and a rust colour? Patricia Springs, via email A Amanda says: This sounds like a great idea Patricia. My original is worked on 28-count antique white evenweave – specifically a fabric by Zweigart* which is called Lugana. To keep the finished size of the design the same size, look out for a fabric with the same count as our original…

Issue 230 Last month’s issue was packed with must-stitch projects – from Lesley Teare’s gorgeous roses to adorable birthday Cookie Bear, a stunning lion family design, retro birdie cushion and fab vintageinspired ice cream canvas. Plus, charming hot air balloon cards, DIY ABC and Father’s Day gifts and card ideas, and a 2-IN-1 FREE GIFT: oh-so-pretty Helz Cuppleditch design and hanger kit Issue 229 TWO packs of Madeira threads & chartbook, Fizzy Moon, inspirational sayings, a folksy fox, summer meadow, teacups ABC Issue 226 ‘Heart of roses’ sachet kit, adorable bathtime mice, Home Sweet Home sampler, tulips field, hearts bunting, All Our Yesterdays exclusive Issue 228 Tatty Teddy kit & Lavender Fields chart, Joan Elliott’s bunny, magical pixie house, pretty bunting, floral clock, 3D garden sheds Issue 225 Margaret Sherry…

Design my pet! Q I’m very interested in taking part in the new series: Pet of the Month. I have a cat; and it would be nice to stitch a card dedicated to my lovely feline, can you help please? Meow and happy stitching. Veronica Paratico, via email A Durene says: Thanks for the request Veronica. We are always happy to help. As you didn’t give much detail on what type of cat you have, we decided to go for a ginger tom with a gorgeous coat and green eyes. We’ve finished ours off as a card, but you could frame it if you want to hang it on a wall (just remember to add some extra fabric onto the measurements before you start stitching to allow for framing afterwards).…

STITCHERS BOOK CLUB, TEXAS, USA Meeting the first Thursday of the month at the Frisco Public Library, the club is open to anyone 18 and up who is interested in reading and crafting. With needleworkers of all kinds, including cross stitchers, they are always looking for new members! For more info, call % +1 972 292 5669 or email AskUs@friscolibrary.com. APPLY: Tell us about your club and you could win a goodie bag! Write to us (p17) or email letters@cross-stitching.com WHERE AM I? Here is a picture of me at the top of the Rockefeller Centre in one of the most amazing cities in America, often called the Big Apple. I was taken here as a surprise for my 30th birthday by my mum. We had a great time, and…

Dive into this fabulous ABC without leaving your stitching chair as you make up the letters of the alphabet. With fractionals, French knots and backstitch to add definition, this is a great project for beginners to stretch their skills, while more experienced ones will whizz through each design. We’ve finished ours off as decorative bunting, which is quick with some iron-on interfacing and ribbon. Sew around each hem with your sewing machine for an easy finish. Don’t have a sewing machine? Then turn to page 44 for our fantastic subscription offer, including a John Lewis sewing machine worth £49! You can also use the motifs to make personalised cards or to monogram items like towels or gowns. And, since they only take a few hours to stitch each, you can…

For over 100 years, riders from around the world have vied for the coveted yellow jersey that goes to the winner of the Tour de France. Cycling across France, through the Pyrenees and the Alps, and finally finishing at the iconic Champs-Élysées, this event attracts fans of all ages, as will this poster! Its retro feel is perfect for any home, and whether you’re stitching for an avid cyclist or someone who loves all things vintage, this would make a fabulous gift. You may remember the first design in this set from issue 227, celebrating the heyday of the Monaco Grand Prix. Just like that evocative picture, this is also fairly simple to bring to life. With the snow-capped mountains and countryside worked in whole cross stitches only, the foreground…

Choose your project… With our Factbox guide in every one of our projects, you can make sure you choose the right level for you. Absolute beginners should aim for a design without fractional stitches. Buy your materials… To make sure your design looks great, use our Shopping List for each project, which specifies everything needed, like size of fabric and finishing materials. Using another fabric with different HPI, will give a different finished size of design. Calculate your fabric requirements like this: Stitch count divided by HPI of ‘new’ fabric choice = new size in inches. Add at least 10cm (4in) on each dimension to allow for mounting, or less for cards. Get ready… We always recommend starting in the centre of a design and working outwards. Our charts are…

Ever been struck by the dreaded lack of mojo? Maybe that ‘stitching bug’ isn’t biting? It happens to the best of us, as I found out just recently – luckily only for a microsecond, haha. I’d finished off a big list of projects, lots of springtime projects for birthdays, gifts and other ‘just-cropped-up’ celebrations. All the while that I’d been making them, I’d been looking forward to stitching something just for me. So, of course, it was typical, yes, you guessed it, I was stumped as what to choose next. Time on my hands and I didn’t know where to start! Quick… I’d better decide soon before another stitchy deadline comes along!!! Thankfully, it wasn’t long after a rummage in my stash… colours and patterns are great inspirations for me,…

Be on the panel! Get a sneak preview Appear in the magazine Receive a stitchy gift How did you start stitching? My mum taught me how to cross stitch when I was in elementary school, and since then I love to do it. If you could have a stitching session and a chat with anyone in the world, who would you invite and why? I want to have a stitching session with my favourite author, Joan Elliott. I want to learn many things from her. What is your idea of cross stitch heaven? Having all the kits that I like and cross stitching every day. What has been your favourite design from a recent issue? The Joan Elliott design of the spring bunny from issue 228. It’s so cute. “I…

Although we love to stitch for ourselves, being able to create a personal gift for a dear friend or family member is one of the loveliest things about cross stitch. And, since a wedding is such a significant occasion, we’ve brought you the most gorgeous sampler to do. Worked in a contemporary shabby-chic style that’s sure to look lovely in any newlyweds’ home, this sweet design incorporates traditional elements with a modern touch. From the pretty lace detailing to two perfectly fitting pieces of a puzzle – and not forgetting ‘something blue’! – you’ll love every stitch from start to finish. And, we’ve also included an elegant backstitch alphabet and number set so you can adapt the names, dates and blackboard message to suit your recipients. Worked on 28-count Cashel…

Q Please would you chart a design to fit a card of the engine house and chimney of an old Cornish tin mine? We’ve enjoyed lots of lovely holidays in Cornwall and I’d like a small design to stitch. Thank you. Mrs C Crawford, Chalfont St Peter A Jenny says: Cornwall is beautiful Mrs Crawford, so I can understand why you would want a reminder of it. I hope you enjoy stitching this design I created for you and it brings back happy memories. STITCH COUNT 30 high x 29 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 5.5x5.5cm (2¼ x2in) This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Please note: Jenny can only fit in fairly small designs and for copyright reasons she is unable to chart logos, or…

I ’m looking for a design of red roses, in a heart shape with the leaves behind. I saw it online and have been trying to find the pattern for a while. Can you help? Tina Clark, via Facebook Fiona says: I think I’ve found what you’re looking for Tina. Designed by Ellen Maurer-Stroh, ‘Heart of Roses’ (59945) is available as a chartpack from Sew and So* for £11.66. Measuring 20x24cm (8x9½in) when worked on the recommended 28-count even weave (or use 14-count aida) it makes for a stunning finish. Can you find me a chart for a bichon frise dog to make a card? Caroline Ballard, Bristol Ruth says: It seems bichon frise designs are in short supply. At 20x20cm (8x8in), this isn’t card sized, but Crafts Unlimited* has a realistic-looking…

As a stitcher, there is always a birthday or special occasion you need to stitch a card for. But finding suitable designs can be difficult. That’s why designer Lisa Reakes has created this set of celebration cards just for you. And, because they only take a couple of hours each to stitch, you won’t be caught out again without a card for last-minute congratulations. With a soft pastel palette of only 15 thread shades, you can easily adapt these cards to use up leftover threads you have. You could even use some metallic thread in the designs to give them that extra sparkle! These cards are also versatile, as the motifs can be used for a variety of occasions, with an adaption of the greeting. The hearts would make a…

Brilliant bird This detailed design of a ‘Cockatoo’ is sure to be popular with bird fans. Done in whole stitches only, it is perfect for all abilities, with a finished size measuring 32x40.5cm (12½x16in) when worked on 14-count aida. Get the downloadable PDF for £5.41 from Stitching Addiction*. Horsing around ‘Horse Pals’ cross stitch kit (D65030) is a heartwarming scene showing two horses nuzzling their heads up to each other. Measuring 13x18cm (5x7in), this Dimensions kit, available from Past Impressions* for £11.50, contains 14-count ivory aida, threads, needle, chart and instructions.…

With their unbelievably long necks, beautiful features and distinctive coats, giraffes are one of the most unusual animals to roam the African savannah. Anyone who’s been lucky enough to see a young giraffe will know they’re one of the cutest baby animals, too, with their Bambi-like legs and long eyelashes. Perfectly portrayed in realistic detail, this delightful mother and baby scene set against a subtle grassland backdrop would make a great gift for an animal lover. Or, you could even stitch it for your little one’s bedroom wall, as a reminder that you’ll always be there to look over them. Worked in a lovely neutral palette for shading and definition, plus using a variety of stitch types, this sweet scene is full of interest for all stitchers. If you’re looking…

Small but perfectly formed, the hummingbird may be the tiniest of its species, but it’s also one of the most eye-catching. When that bold, bright plumage catches the light, shades of ruby red and emerald green shimmer and sparkle under the sun’s rays, just like your stitching will! Using a gorgeous colour palette and expert shading, this little bird is brought to life with just your needle, thread and a bit of stitching expertise, as well as a beautifully detailed backdrop. And this project, by top designer Valentina Sardu for Ajisai Press, is definitely one for the more experienced stitcher. From the flower, given depth and shading through cross-hatching to the stunning geometric shapes behind, you’ll find the blackwork easy to create. See our tips on page 75 to create…

Stitch cute Somebunny to Love! You’ll adore this super-sweet project from DMC – she’s full of summer fun www.dmccreative.co.uk PLUS MUCH MORE Colourful canal art-style ABC – stitch personal cards & gifts Your cross stitching queries answered by our experts Blackwork motifs galore! 40+ motifs in our Design Library New Pet of the Month – your family members in stitches! Your stories, inspiration & letters… plus much more STITCHER’S STORAGE TIN – WITH MAGNET! Keep bits and bobs handy and tidy, with this charming tin 2 FREE GIFTS! • Magnet to hold needles safe • Store stitching accessories or a mini project • Pretty pattern you’ll love! PLUS… Stunning chart exclusive – stitch a bouquet that’ll never fade! TO SUBSCRIBE 0844 826 7341 CAN’T WAIT FOR NEXT ISSUE?…

Loop start With both ends of a strand threaded, bring your needle up (1), leaving a loop at the back. Work the first arm of your stitch (2) & secure it by passing your needle through the loop. Backstitch Add detail and definition. Bring your needle up at (1) & down at (2), come up again at (3), then back down at (1) & so on, to direct each stitch ‘back’ towards the line of the growing backstitch. Cross stitch Bring your needle up at the bottom left corner (1) & down in the top right (2) for the first ‘arm’ of your stitch. Work the second arm, coming up in the bottom right (3) & going down in the top left (4). French knots Easy with practice – come…

Quarter The chart shows which corner has the fractional. Bring the needle up in that corner and down in the centre of the square, halfway across the diagonal (diagram 1). Three quarters Work a quarter stitch, then, a half stitch across the other diagonal arm of the square as in diagram 2. Like quarters, three-quarter stitches can face any direction. Two symbols When two symbols share a square, work a fractional in each colour. Decide on the quarter stitch for the background colour, then a three-quarters stitch for the main one (diagram 3). Back-to-back For a stronger outline, work a three-quarter stitch in each colour, stitching them back-to-back (diagram 4). Make sure that the two half stitch arms lie neatly parallel to each other.…

Woolly wonder Q I love cross stitching, but I’m not very experimental. I’ve seen some kits with ‘Italian wool blend thread’. How does this compare to stranded cotton in thickness and use? Is it coloursafe and how do you wash it? Deb Domin, Ohio, USA A Ruth says: We know the kits you mean. The most prominent producer of this is RIOLIS, and we’ve put one of its kits to the test. The thickness of the wool-based thread is the first difference you’ll notice – it’s around twice as thick as a stranded cotton length, so when working in two strands for cross stitch, we found the 14-count aida holes soon ‘fill up’. It became more difficult to stitch neighbouring stitches, which share a hole, as a result. There was…

Dora France: I tend to start in the middle as I would any design, and slowly work my way to an edge. Then it’s a case of filling in. It is surprising how quickly the design appears. Another reason why I love blackwork. I thought blackwork looked awfully complicated to do... but once I started I found I really enjoyed it. It was having the confidence to try something new. Anji Mae: I work small areas and lines so thread doesn’t run across the back in long stretches. Michelle Munn: I found that with some designs it’s best to do the outline first and then fill in the design. Magda Pietrzak: In those rare projects with blackwork I’ve done, I like 14-count opalescent white aida – with black thread blackwork…

Geisha Glam HIGH-QUALITY PACK HOTARUBI PORTRAIT This portrait of a geisha contains an exquisite level of detail that we’ve come to expect from the maia collection by Anchor*. The kit (5678000-01181) is tailored to more experienced stitchers. The format of the key differs from the usual – in a table reading across, rather than down – but it shouldn’t take long to get used to it. Stitch count – 128 high x 100 wide, finished size 20x15cm (7¾x5¾in) on 18-count blush pink aida GREAT FOR YOUNG STITCHERS GEISHA IN RED This kit (108166), from Permin of Copenhagen and to buy at Sew and So*, makes a funky gift for a tween – and it’s easy enough for a younger stitcher to complete, too. With a large-symbol chart that’s mainly whole…

Join us on Facebook Chat 24/7 on our Facebook page – here’s what you’ve missed! OUR FAVOURITE POST Ilona Parker “I’m poorly at the moment, so keeping busy cross stitching from issue 229 and I’ve managed to get the perfect book stand to help me... my beautiful boy Titch. Loving the bumper chart book!” SPEEDY STITCH Jane Greenslade “This is the biggest cross stitch I have done yet! Just under two years to do, but I am really pleased that I have done it, it only took 127,000 stitches!” You should be proud Jane, it looks great finished. And the winner is… We asked you on Facebook: What embroidery style would you like to try? Blackwork, which is thought to have Spanish origins, is a counted stitch technique that produces…

Stitch these stylish accessories by Lesley Teare to make you the most fashionable stitcher around •30 quick-and-easy motifs • Lesley Teare’s design inspiration • Stitches for every skill level • Helpful tips and advice • Unique present ideas for your special someone ARM CANDY Floral and fringes, this pretty handbag (21) is every girl’s dream! Mount your finished design on a 7x7cm (2¾x2¾in) canvas, available from local craft stores. LOVELY LADY Flowing hair and a gorgeous hat, this lady (6) really is looking good! Patch onto a make-up bag either handmade or shop bought. Add ribbons to match. HATS OFF TO YOU Tip your hat (2) to friends and family who are going on adventures! Ours is mounted in a square aperture card from Craft Creations* (AP10U) in creative linen…

Shopping list Zweigart* 14-count white aida measuring 10x10cm (4x4in) for each design Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Handmade or shop-bought gift tags of choice, ribbon of choice Thread & fabric cost Approximately £15 *For stockists see page 90 “When you’re short on time but still want to stitch something, gift tags are the perfect go-to idea. These ones cover all the bases too, and with their pretty flower patterns, I will definitely be stitching the set.” RUTH, EDITOR Stitch in an evening Factbox Stitching Time Approx. 2 hours each Type of Stitches Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch, French knots Ease of Stitching Beginner TOP TIP These designs are great for adding personal name tags to items. Just plot out the names carefully on graph paper…

What is it about blackwork that appeals to you? When I discovered blackwork, about six years ago, I fell in love with it, and I realised that it could be the perfect medium to express myself. Did you know your work would be so popular for stitchers? Honestly, no I didn’t. I designed the first patterns for myself. It was just a hobby, but later on I became conscious I could turn this passion into a business. Are there any other designers whose work you admire, and why? Tanja Berlin is undoubtedly one of my favourite needlework designers. I also admire Trish Burr for the exceptional use of colour in her needle-painting embroideries. What inspires you? I live in a small, tranquil town set in the countryside and I take…

Many of us will be familiar with sewing patterns, rectangles of delicate paper unfolding to reveal a wonder of dotted lines and symbols. Whether you’re a dab hand at sewing or simply recall your mum or your grandma making clothes, you’ll be sure to remember the pretty casing each design came in. And now you can recreate their retro charm for a crafty corner of your home! This 50s-inspired design not only showcases a stunning dress, but also includes crafty details you’ll love, like an original Singer-style sewing machine. Stitched on 28-count evenweave to achieve a delicate finish, making up the project into a hanging is easy too. Especially with our fabulous sewing machine subscription deal, on page 44! This densely stitched piece is definitely one you’ll invest some time…

CHOOSE YOUR ESSENTIALS… Start with these must-have items 1. FABRICS Begin with either aida or evenweave. Aida is best for beginners, with regular woven blocks and obvious holes. It’s stiffer than evenweave, but will soften slightly as you work. 14-count aida is the most common. It’s harder to work fractional stitches on aida, as you’ll need to make an extra hole in the fabric, in the centre of the aida block. Evenweave is a lovely fabric to work on when you have a little more experience. The fibres aren’t woven in blocks as with aida, so it’s softer and the fine weave has more threads-per-inch – the most commonly used is 28-count. One stitch is usually worked over two threads of the fabric so it has an equivalent design size…

Symbols Look for a symbol close to the chart centre – the arrows on our charts easily show the centre so you won’t need to count! Find this symbol in the key. The codes in that row show which thread shades to use for cross stitching blocks with this symbol. STITCH COUNT 15 high x 20 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 3x3.5cm (1x1½in) This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Thread brands The thread shades are listed in separate columns for the different manufacturer brands of thread. For best results, you should stick to one manufacturer for the whole of a design. Backstitch & French knot shades The shades used for these are listed under the cross stitch symbols. The number of strands needed for these…

Afghan – a woollen blanket with areas inset for cross stitching, often used for baby designs Aida band – a narrow strip of aida, available in varying widths, and finished with a decorative edge Aperture – a hole through which a design is seen in cards & frames Backstitch – used to add detail & definition. See how to stitch it in our diagram above! Beading needle – a longer, finer needle than a tapestry needle, used for adding seed beads to a design Counted stitches – embroidery stitches worked on counted, or evenly woven, fabrics like aida & evenweave. Cross stitch is the most basic counted stitch Floss – USA term for stranded cotton Fractional stitches – made from either a quarter or three-quarters of a cross stitch, these…