Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2016 i The World of Cross Stitching

Whilst I love Christmas (and of course, Christmas stitching!) I find it hard not to get carried away at this time of year. I’m my own worst enemy for getting tempted by too many adorable projects, when all my stitching time’s already carefully allocated out. I always try to factor time in to my planner to accomodate a ‘must-make’ project, spotted at short notice. (Like this stunning festive wreath adorning our cover! See page 10… Or the cute Furry Tales on page 18.) I’m such a sucker for, “Oh, I’ll just try and squeeze this one in!”. You can’t blame me with so many gorgeous ideas still here… I promise to try and stay on track with my festive stitching plans though, then I’m looking forward to a few non-Christmassy…

PICK OF THE MONTH Perfectly pretty WINTER BIRDS These feathered friends are out enjoying the snow in the pretty and practical 'Birds in Winter' (SSN40677) bookmark cross stitch kit by Vervaco. Available from Stitcher*, each kit comes with a darling pair of garden birds – great tits and goldfinches, in the snow. Each one measures 20x6cm (8x21/2in), perfect for keeping your place in your favourite book or magazine! With two designs in one, the kit contains 14-count white aida fabric, stranded cottons, needle, charts and instructions. In whole stitches only, with the tiniest bit of backstitch, the pretty fir trees, bright berries and dusting of snow make these designs a seasonal treat to stitch. Just fray the edges of your stitched piece for a perfect finish! JOYFUL SPARKLE! Tis the…

How many strands? Q I normally stitch on 14-count aida using two strands of thread, but how many strands do I need to use on different counts of aida? Madeline Davis, Cardiff A Ruth says: Fabric coverage is important, as using too few strands will mean that the fabric shows through the stitches, while using too many could lead to stitches losing definition. Fabric colour also plays a role, especially if it is darker than the thread – many designs call for an extra strand if stitched on black fabric, as you don’t want the colour to show! For the best coverage of the fabric, I’d recommend the following: 6-count (four or five strands), 11-count (three or four strands), 14-count (two strands), 16-count (two strands), 18-count (one or two strands),…

Season’s greetings ideas! CLASSIC DESIGN SNOWMAN CARD This printed card aperture and stitched design combine to create a clever Christmas card by Orchidea, available at SewandSo*. The kit (1003860) includes everything you need to stitch and send your greeting, including thread organiser with symbols printed on. It’s a neat, small design and the chart’s made even easier to read by being printed twice – once in symbols-only and then again with the backstitch, for clear details. Fix with double-sided tape to complete the sweet snowy scene. Stitch count – 38 high x 38 wide, 7x7cm (2¾x2¾in) on 14-count white aida GREAT VALUE CUTE CHRISTMAS Four adorable figures have fun in the snow in these must-stitch designs by JB Cross Stitch*, available as an instant download (JBDC1292). The pals make cute individual…

53 FAST-STITCH IDEAS Stitch these Christmas designs by Rhona Norrie for last-minute gifts, tags, cards and more! 53 quick-and-easy motifs Rhona Norrie’s design inspiration Stitches for every skill level Helpful tips and advice Unique present ideas for your special someone CUTIE-PATOOTIE How adorable is this furry friend in his Santa hat (48)? Cut him out and patch onto a square single fold card (DEC7U) in bright red (17) from Craft Creations*. PRECIOUS PRESENT Make your gift tags (14) extra special this year with a quick and easy stitch. Use the backstitch ABC (42) to personalise, then patch it onto card of your choice. DECK THE HALLS This mini holiday wreath (41) makes the perfect hanging decoration with its colour-coordinating cord. For simple making-up directions, turn to our ‘How to’ on…

CALL THE HOTLINE TODAY 0844 826 7341 Issue 248 Last month’s issue was full of seasonal stitches including adorable Tatty Teddy and fun Christmas jumpers. There was a beautiful owl cushion, stunning Cinderella, pretty house sampler and a stitchy advent calendar. Plus, an angel ABC, pretty purses and stocking cards, winter Design Library and more! FREE GIFTS: Chart book & metallic threads Issue 247 Wrendale Designs Calendar & robin chart, Snowman & Teddy, holiday wreath, nursery scene, The Snowman™, family tree Issue 246 Bebunni card kit, fairy, geese sampler, pheasant cushion, spooky decor, charity cards, folkart, autumn sampler, party ABC Issue 245 Thread cutter & rose chart, florals, party panda, floor cushion, desserts, birdhouses, seaside cards, peacock cushion, sport ABC Issue 244 Cookie Bear card kit & chart, Wrendale Designs…

Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but when you’re up to your eyes in wrapping paper, it doesn’t always feel like it! Don’t worry though, as Gail’s charming sampler will help you remember to make the most of this season, spending time with loved ones, relaxing, and having fun. And, as you work each section of this pretty design in its soft, muted shades, achieve that sense of Christmas calm we’re all searching for. Whole cross stitches and fractionals make up the main design, while backstitch adds detail to the holly winding round the border, the little robins, and the main sentiment itself. You’ll also use a few French knots throughout, and Algerian eyes in the snowglobe-shaped scene at the top, so there’s plenty…

ISSUE 250 ON SALE $ DECEMBER 3D STITCHING! Try something new: floral decorations, with our step-by-step guide to success THANKS SO MUCH Show your gratitude with cross stitched thank you card ideas for everyone ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR Be transported by the magic of the glittering carousel, from top designer Shannon Wasilieff SWEET SEASONS Fresh and easy to stitch – go fractional- and French knot-free! 2017: a year of stylish stitches! Help our 250th issue celebrations start with a bang, with this oh-so-elegant 1920s lady SHOOT AND SCORE! Make personalised cards and gifts with our football ABC, plus numbers set PLUS MUCH MORE Personalise your own family celebrations calendar Celebrate with our colourful birthdays Design Library Your cross stitching queries answered by our experts Your stories, inspiration &…

Be on the panel! Get a sneak preview Appear in the magazine Receive a stitchy gift Lindsey Huxley is a stock controller from Little Sutton Who’s your favourite designer? Painter, Thomas Kinkade. I’ve just completed his Sleeping Beauty piece. He really knows how to bring it to life. What’s your fave design? In issue 242, 'Follow Your Dreams' by Emma Congdon. It has a great message that means a lot. It is definitely on my to-stitch list. Three words that describe you? I’d say that I’m chatty, loyal, witty. If you could stitch with a celebrity, who’d it be? I’ve often thought Bradley Cooper would be a good stitcher! He’s been in some of my favourite movies. We would stitch and natter for hours on end. “Cross stitching has helped…

Star Letter WRITTEN IN STITCHES Loved this idea of cross stitched pens. I like to stitch gifts for friends and family for Christmas and was wondering what to do this year. Thank you The World of Cross Stitching! I ordered 12 and am half way done… Think I may be on schedule. Kim White, Bishop Auckland Jo: What a great gift idea, Kim! It sounds like you’ll be done in plenty of time. For more gift ideas, look at Santa’s sack on page 63. Prize worth £54+! Win! The writer of our Star Letter wins both of these gorgeous Madeleine Floyd kits – 'Garden Birds 1' (XMF1) & 'Garden Birds 2' (XMF2) – worth £27.49 each from Bothy Threads! www.bothythreads.com or call % 08448 000 221 Amazing animals Just completed…

Q I’d like to put in a request to Jenny. My sister used to have a basset hound that she loved dearly. She is an avid cross stitcher but has never found a chart for a basset hound. I think it’d be a great surprise and a wonderful gift if you could chart one for her. Thank you so much. Janet Wade, via email A Jenny says: What a great idea, Janet. I hope your sister likes this design. Basset hounds are such a cute breed and this one will be super quick to stitch! Please note: Jenny can only fit in fairly small designs and for copyright reasons she is unable to chart logos, or characters from films and TV Basset Hound key Cross stitch in two strands STITCH…

Websites you’ll love Next time you log on, check out these amazing stitchy sites The one-stop-shop for modern embroidery… claiming to be a needlework site for “cool crafters”, www.sublimestitching.com is the place to visit for patterns, tools, workshops and tutorials on all things embroidery. From beginners to more experienced embroiderers, this is the one site for all you need to know! www.stitchinglotus.ca is a fabulous site for those looking for cross stitch support. In the third year of the Small SALs, Heather encourages stitchers to finish a small project every month of the year and posts photos of participants’ work, along with her own projects and some great making-up ideas. Blogger of the month Nan fell in love with counted cross stitch over 20 years ago and loves anything in…

Chase away the winter blues with these bold and beautiful birdhouse cards by talented designer Durene Jones. Each design is unique, with tiny details from holly leaves, Christmas lights and even little baubles and pressies decorating these tiny abodes. Not to mention, our cheery pal, Mr Robin, appears to be right at home in the snowy scenes. Maybe you have a friend who has just moved house or a family member that needs a bit of cheering up. Great for any occasion, these cards take approximately five hours each, so finish one over a just couple of evenings and send it on it’s way! In 13 pretty thread shades, you’ll use whole stitches, fractionals, backstitch detailing, plus a scattering of French knots to finish off those unique falling snowflakes. In…

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…

Inside your kit... To help sort your threads, here are the colours and number of lengths: Ralph Robin key Cross stitch in two strands STITCH COUNT 25 high x 30 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 4.5x5.5cm (1_x2in) This design was stitched using stranded cotton from your coverkit TOP TIP Use the loop start to secure your thread. It reduces bulk at the back and makes for tidier stitching. See page 97 for loop start tips!…

I love it when you make stitching into cushions and although I’ve done some basic sewing on my machine, I’m not feeling confident enough. Can you give me some beginner-friendly tips so I don’t make a mess of it? Thanks! Joelle Hatchendon, via email A Fiona says: No problem, Joelle! There’s no need to feel intimidated as a cushion idea is a great way to mount your stitching and you can easily choose a style that’s best suited to a beginner. Our ‘How to’ instruction tutorials included with the projects are usually set out with the exact measurements you need for that specific design, and also guide you through making an envelope-style cushion cover, so there’s no need for fussing with a zip or button fastenings. Here are some extra…

CRISIS AT CHRISTMAS Fancy making a difference? Stitch for charity by hosting a coffee morning to sell your stitchy wares or take part in a stitch-a-thon to raise money. And, as Christmas is upon us, donate to those less fortunate through Crisis – a national charity for homeless people dedicated to ending homelessness by delivering lifechanging services. Turn to page 47 for seasonal inspiration! MORE Visit www.crisis.org.uk/pages/support-us.htm to find out more about how you can get involved and to donate your proceeds. WHERE AM I? Hi there! Here’s a photo of me on a recent holiday. We were visiting the lowest place on earth which is also wellknown for being a very salty sea. Of course I brought my favourite cross stitching magazine with me, always looking for time to…

Old English sheepdog Q Hi Durene. I really love the Pet of the Month feature in The World of Cross Stitching! I would love it if you could create a chart of an old English sheepdog for me as I have one and would love to make a cross stitched name plate for above his bed with him on it. Thanks so much for your help! Becky Cudworth, via email A Durene says: What a clever idea, Becky. I’m sure your dog will love his name plate over his bed, especially if it has a portrait of him on it. My friend has an old English sheepdog and they are such a fun, energetic and enthusiastic breed. I really enjoy playing with him! Using my friend’s dog as a model,…