Innholdsfortegnelse for Special 2017 i The World of Cross Stitching

We are getting fully into the festive spirit here – humming carols is just the start of it! We’ve had the (very tough) job of sampling some mince pies and other goodies, too… left over from our photo shoots, I promise it’s all in the name of quality control! You’ll love our inspiring Christmassy scenes, on location – for starters, Margaret Sherry’s mice on page 10. They’re just as cutie-pie sweet as our tasty pie props! For more fun festive stitching, I’m loving the jolly foodies Design Library (p47). Quick-finish motifs of ‘The Green Triangle’ choccie, and even a Brussels sprout or two… what’s not to love?! But it’s not all about the food – the real meaning of the season is perfectly celebrated with religious-style cards (p86) and of…

PICK OF THE MONTH Snow and ice DAZZLING BEAUTIES There’s something so appealing about stitching beautiful ladies, especially when they’re dressed in gowns as sumptuously as this pair! We think 'The Snow Queen' and 'White Christmas' by Mirabilia Designs, available from Country Designs*, would both make really enchanting projects for you to stitch for the festive season. Both designs come as a chart only, and 'The Snow Queen' measures 38x47cm (15x18_in) when stitched on 16-count aida and 'White Christmas' measures 51x24cm (20x9_in) when stitched on 14-count aida. They each use a colour palette of over 30 thread shades, and you’ll also get to try your hand at beading and metallic threads for those special touches. We can’t help but feel captivated by the intricate details in these magical designs –…

Adding seed beads Q I’ve nearly finished Claire Comerford’s 'Fabulous Florals' (issue 245). The shading is amazing, the anenomes almost jump off the fabric, they’re so realistic. I am swapping the French knots for seed beads. Do I attach them before or after washing? Jennie Rastall, via email A Carol says: Black or dark jet grey beads by Mill Hill* will be super for this design, so look for code 02014 or 00081. Or a matt, indigo finish will also be lovely – code 03042. Secure them with two strands of thread, matching the stitching (or fabric) – see page 63 for a tutorial. As for washing, I suggest you wait until the beads are on and wash your project at the end. Wait until you’ve completely finished, as it’s…

Fun facts about … Kintamani dogs • Kintamani dogs are native to the island of Bali, Indonesia • Currently an unrecognised breed, efforts are being made for the breed to be recognised by the World Canine Organisation (FCI) • They are very friendly but also make great guard dogs, with their alert and curious personalities • Kintamanis are lightfooted and often climb roofs or enjoy sitting or sleeping on top of garden walls Design my pet Q Dear Durene, I love your ‘Pet of the month’ designs and would love you to do a design for me. We had a dog who passed away two years ago and she was really close with my mum. She was a cross between a poodle and a village dog. I would love to…

LOVING HANDS Have you ever wondered how you could use your stitching skills for good? Well, then you might like to hear about Loving Hands – a collective of local craft groups across the UK, who use their skills to help those in need. By bringing together likeminded crafters to sew, knit and crochet for a wonderful range of charities and causes, Loving Hands helps people in crisis and animals in need all over the world. Why not join in? After all, it’s the season for giving – and we think this would be the perfect way to spread some Christmas joy and goodwill! MORE To find out about local groups in your area and how you can get involved, visit www.lovinghands.org.uk WHERE AM I? Here I am in the…

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…

B e on the panel! Get a sneak preview Appear in the magazine Receive a stitchy gift Cynthia Reese is now retired and lives in Florida, USA How did you start stitching? I taught myself to stitch coasters and jar covers, then I did my first counted cross stitch for my sister-in-law. This was about 40 years ago. A favourite recent design? The sweet fawn by Makiko in issue 257. One of the reasons I love the mag is because of the fun animal projects. Proudest stitching moment? When I gave my mum a picture of 'Grandmother’s Blessing', with her grandchildren stitched under the blessing. She was so proud of it and I felt really wonderful when I was able to present it to her. “Cutie stitching, like Cookie Bear,…

Star Letter BUSY STITCHER Hello! Just wanted to thank you for the 'military ABC' in issue 256. I started it straightaway for my son’s birthday – but had to do it secretly, as my son lives and works from home! After finishing it, I stitched the 'Summer Rose' card (also issue 256) for my mum’s birthday. Both were very well received and the timing for issue 256 couldn’t have been better! Thanks so much for all the inspiration. Alison Greaves, via email Lynne: These look great Alison! I’m so glad that issue and its freebie kit were useful – I hope this times’ is just as inspring. Win! Our Star Letter writer wins these three fab kits – ‘Mini Railway Cottages’, ‘Mini River Cottage’ and ‘Mini Myrtle Cottage’ – all by…

Q Hi, I’d love a cross stitch chart of my 20-monthold English springer spaniel, Olly. I’ve found it hard to get one that looks like him, or is the right colours. Olly’s the most laid-back and intelligent dog I’ve ever known! Hope you can help. Nicola and Olly, via email A Jenny says: Thanks for your request Nicola. I’ve used just six shades for the cross stitch and added another in backstitch to bring out his features. I hope it captures Olly’s likeness for you! English springer spaniel key Cross stitch in two strands STITCH COUNT 29 high x 32 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 5.5x6cm (2x21/4in) This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Please note: Jenny can only fit in fairly small designs and for…

Nativity ideas CLASSIC DESIGN NATIVITY P art of the John Clayton Collection from Heritage Crafts*, this kit (JCNA1285) shows the scene from Bethlehem of the three kings visiting Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus in the stable. Rich in detail and colour, this quality kit contains 31 lustrous DMC shades pre-sorted onto two card organisers so you can start stitching straightaway. As often with designs by Heritage Crafts, the horizontal and vertical ‘squashed fractionals’ add extra detail, and blending of threads also makes this design suited to more experienced stitchers. The choice of 14-count aida is also available, instead of evenweave… You’ll love the many hours of pleasurable stitching from this special kit. Stitch count – 120 high x 170 wide, 22x31cm (8½x12in) on 28-count white evenweave BEGINNER_FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS NATIVITY PANEL…

FREE THREADS & CHART BOOK TWO MADEIRA THREAD PACKS Enjoy using your top-quality Madeira metallic threads – 16m of festive red and green, just perfect for Christmas! DESIGNS FOR EVERYONE Stitch 46 sparkling designs including angel cards, handy gift tags, Christmas cuties and a baubles ABC for personalising your makes READER OFFER PDA Card & Craft* is offering readers of The World of Cross Stitching 20% off all purchases, so you can save on everything you need to complete the gorgeous cards and gift tags from your free Chartbook! Check out their Single Creased Cards measuring 103x130mm, in Bright White (207) and Eco Kraft (801) to finish off your adorable Christmas animals, or use their Centura Singlesided Pearlescent Single Creased Regular Cards, measuring 74x210mm, in Christmas Red and Christmas Green…

Ruth Southorn Ruth, our Editor, has been a cross stitcher since she was tiny and is ready to share everything she knows Fiona Baker Fiona is our Technical Editor so she’s all ready to answer your problems on all things stitch and chart related Jenny Barton Design pro, Jenny has been creating projects for us for years and is ready to take on your design challenges Katie Lewis All set to hunt down those elusive charts and products, Katie’s here to find shopping answers that you need Katriel Costello Stitching guru Katriel has worked in the industry for years, so has ample knowledge to answer any queries Fantastic floral Q Can you tell me where I can get this stunning design from (inset photo)? Either as a pattern or kit,…

Peter Thomas: I take a photo of all the cards I make one year and put the recipients’ names on the back. I keep these in an album and often look through it. Also I try to only use charts with whole stitches. Quick and easy! Wenche Gjelsten Sviund: Usually stitch a few cards during Christmas, so I get a good start on next year while I’m in the mood. Helen Jane Bentley Stonehouse: I have one day a week upstairs doing my own thing so I can easily hide a secret stitch. It’s also good for the relationship between my hubby and I. Take a flask of drink and your favourite music or boxset and just relax. Joseph Bordelon Jr.: I start my card stitching in June. I keep…

Where do you do most of your stitching? If you’re anything like us, the answer to that would probably be, “curled up on the sofa!” So, we were fascinated when The World of Cross Stitching fan, Tim Hughes, got in touch to tell us about his rather more unusual spot for catching up with his Works-in- Progress… it’s on board a ship! A chief officer in the Merchant Navy, Tim spends a lot of time at sea. “It can sometimes get boring and lonely, especially when I’m off duty, but cross stitching takes my mind off being away from home. I find it so absorbing – hours can pass away in no time!” he reveals. It was almost by accident that newbie-stitcher Tim discovered the joys of cross stitching… “About…

ISSUE !"! ON SALE _ NOV Father Christmas is coming! You’ll love to stitch this timeless project for the festive season – perfect for any home PLUS MUCH MORE Nativity ABC stitches for any age – it’s a classic collectable! Easy guides: techniques & finishing, to boost your skills Stitch cutie-pie ice-skaters, enjoying playing in the snow 50+ fast-finish motifs! Lastminute festive Design Library Your stories, inspiration & letters… plus much more FREE GIFT WITH SPARKLE! CUTE CHRISTMAS KIT: SWEET PUPPY CARD! Everything inside to cross stitch this Christmas card Your free stitch kit includes: • 14-count aida • 17 lengths of stranded cotton • Metallic threads! • Tapestry needle • Clear colour chart & key • Illustrated card & envelope TO SUBSCRIBE 033330 162 147 CAN’T WAIT FOR NEXT…

The other day I was thinking how much I love making handmade Christmas presents, and yet at the same time how much it stresses me out! Yes, it’s wonderful to put love into every stitch, and to see the look on someone’s face when they open my gift and realise it’s a little bit special – but is all this extra pressure really worth it? Well, after a bit of consideration, I’m pretty sure the answer is YES! Whether we start stitching for Christmas in January, July or November, we will always feel the strain as the big day approaches. It’s the crafter’s curse! So, how do you manage your Christmas stitching stress… I’d love to know. Drop me a line at ruth@cross-stitching.com to share your secrets! This year, I’ve…