Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2018 i The World of Cross Stitching

Say a big hello to our September issue – wow, that’s come around quickly! If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer yet (I’m with you!) then don’t worry – we’ve got some gorgeous florals for you to enjoy this month. Pretty blooms in Mason jars (p64) make perfect all-occasion cards with a touch of sparkle, or stitch the delightful terrarium by Durene Jones (p84) to adorn your home. And that’s not all… If you’re stuck in a rut with your stitching, we’re here to help! Take your skills to the next level with Maria Diaz’s dragon hanging (p20) – it’s our stitcher’s challenge this month, and you can find some great tips for stitching large projects in this issue’s inspiring reader story, too (p69). Or why not…

THE WORLD OF Cross Stitching CHARITY OF THE MONTH JEANS FOR GENES Friday 21 September is Jeans for Genes day, which raises money and awareness to support children affected by genetic disorders. By hosting an event, you could help fund projects that provide nursing care, equipment, activity weekends, online support and counselling. Ask everyone in your craft or stitching group to wear jeans and make a donation of £2 – and why not try customising your denim with some cross stitch, too? Taking part can also help raise the profile of your community group, so there’s more than one reason to get involved. APPLY: For more details and to find out how to get involved, go to www.jeansforgenesday.org WHERE AM I? This photo was taken on a sunset dinner boat…

THE WORLD OF Cross Stitching PICK OF THE MONTH Sunny days! SUMMER CUSHIONS Welcome some sunshine into your home when you stitch these fab cushions from Vervaco, available from SewandSo*. Capturing three beautiful summer scenes of both coast and countryside, these kits use gorgeous bold colours that will pop against a plain background. Each design is worked in chunky cross stitch on 4.5-count canvas, using acrylic yarn – so they’ll offer welcome relief for tired eyes. What’s more, the canvas comes hand-painted with the design, so you don’t even need to refer to a chart or key as you stitch. Each cushion has a finished size of 40x40cm (16x16in) and costs £25. GOOD LUCK CHARM Feline lucky? You certainly will be once you start stitching this sweet scene by Vanessa…

Q I’d love to stitch something featuring people from the English Civil War. I was wondering if you could design something to suit, Jenny? Thanks. Julia Newstead, via Facebook A Jenny says: This is such a fascinating era of English history, Julia, so it was great to be able to design this regal-looking fellow! I opted to chart you a Cavalier, as I love the details on their uniforms, such as the fancy plumed hat and red sash. Civil War Cavalier key STITCH COUNT 28 high x 28 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 5x5cm (2x2in) 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 characters from films…

Can anyone tell me where I can get the little magnetic needle holders I’ve seen on some photos? Mary Wellman, via Facebook Heather says: These are called needle minders, and are a great and useful accessory for every stitcher! Lakeside Needlecrafts* sells a wide selection, including fabric-covered, wooden, and metal, including this cute octopus for just £4! There’s bound to be something to suit your style, or why not have a different minder for each WIP, so you don’t have to pick just one! Do you know where I can find 28-count black evenweave fabric? I’d like to use it in a Dimensions kit I have. Zoe Slaw, Peterborough Katriel says: Zweigart doesn’t make a black evenweave in its 28-count Britney range, but you can buy Jobelan evenweave, which is 51% cotton…

34 PATRIOTIC MOTIFS STARS AND STRIPES Keep your dollars safe in a simple felt purse. We’ve decorated ours with a repeat motif of heart-shaped flags (30) on 1-inch wide aida band with blue trim. TIME TO SOAR The USA’s national bird (25) – the bald eagle – is an inspiring emblem. Make it up as a coaster for a loved one. We used an acrylic one from local craft stores. YOU’VE GOT MAIL This mailbox (32) is a sweet way to to send good wishes to someone moving house. Mount it in a simple white square aperture card (AP55U-30) from Craft Creations*. ROAD TRIP Get your kicks with our Route 66 badge (2). Back the stitching with heavy-weight iron-on interfacing and oversew the edges before attaching to your jacket. LIBERTY…

PET OF THE MONTH No.1 pet Design my pet! Q I have a grey domestic shorthair cat called Theo, who’s named after my husband’s football mascot. He was rescued by a lady who saw him being thrown out of a car – she gave him to Blue Cross, where we got him. He made so much noise we just had to have him – it was as if he chose us! Theo looks a lot like Felix from the TV adverts, with a very pink nose. He’s a big cat, and so affectionate and playful. Please can you create a chart so I can make a unique Christmas card? Thanks so much! Barbara Clark, Basingstoke A Durene says: Thanks for your request, Barbara. I hope you like this design of…

PRIZES worth over £1,027! PRIZES WORTH £250 Scandi stitches There’s a definite Nordic twist to the wonderfully quirky designs available on Stitchonomy’s* Etsy shop. We’re big fans of these stylish, fun to stitch designs, so we’re thrilled to be offering 10 lucky readers a £25 voucher each to spend on digital charts on the site. TO ENTER To enter text keyword WOXS271STITCHONOMY or label a postcard ‘Stitchonomy voucher giveaway (WOXS271)’ PRIZES WORTH £256 SHOW TIME! FAB DAY OUT This autumn, Gateshead will be the place to be for anyone with a stitchy passion! Head to the Create It Show*, which will be taking place on 8 September at the town’s International Stadium. We’re excited to be offering prizes of 32 pairs of tickets to the event for lucky readers. Explore…

Stitching’s a breeze! Let Technical Editor Fiona show you how it’s done, in this reference guide 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…

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…

RHONA NORRIE Celebrate the U. S. of A with Rhona’s Design Library, featuring everything from hot dogs to the Statue of Liberty! Find this fab collection on page 47. LESLEY TEARE Lesley has created a sweet array of ballet dancers for her delicate ABC on page 57. Use these pretty motifs to decorate a ballet bag or a little one’s bedroom. DURENE JONES You’ll enjoy two of Durene’s projects this month – the beautiful butterfly bookmarks on page 38 and the miniature terrarium scene on page 84.…

Nurse Mouse key STITCH COUNT 40 high x 35 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 7.5x6.5cm (2¾x2½in) This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Missed a chart? ISSUE 270 Monty Mouse is ready for summer, cooking up a storm on the barbecue. ISSUE 269 Celebrate the American 4 July holiday in stitches with our patriotic chart! ISSUE 268 This winning chart is the perfect quick-stitch for a cricket fan in your life! For back issues, call ☎ 03330 162 137…

✖ Sarah Gomes: YouTube is full of handy tutorials for different makes of sewing machines, such as the basics of how to thread the needle and adjusting the stitch size for different fabrics. ✖ Jacqueline Reardon: Cushions are really easy to make on a sewing machine so if you’re a beginner, start with one of these. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can make something fab! ✖ Mel Duckhouse: I recently made a quilt with some cross stitch motifs. I backed them with interfacing and then used my sewing machine to stitch them together with fabric blocks. I’ve had so many compliments on it, and once I’d practised sewing a few seams, it didn’t take very long to make up. ✖ Louise Tunstall: Don’t be scared of your sewing…

Camper vans SAMPLER STYLE HAPPY DAYS Every part of the Historical Sampler Company’s* van is decorated with a pretty pattern – including the wheels! The ‘Happy Days’ chart pack will make you smile just by looking at it, and from the pleasing check and bunting border to the polka dot curtains, there are plenty of interesting elements to keep you absorbed. Stitch on either 16-count aida or 32-count linen and hang it in a caravan or summer retreat. Stitch count: 180 wide by 130 high, 29x22cm (11½x8¾in) on 16-count aida TINY STITCHING GREEN CAMPER VAN This is the perfect project to work on while you’re on the move – sitting in the passenger seat of a campervan, perhaps! ‘Green Camper Van’ (004-K01stl) by Mouseloft* measures just 5x5cm but has an amazing…

Join us on Facebook Chat 24/7 on our Facebook page – here’s what you’ve missed! OUR FAVOURITE POST Mary Goodman says: “Just took the seahorse from the frame! I’ll stitch my initials and tomorrow it will get a bath and gentle pressing. Designer Lesley Teare from October 2017 issue. I’m thrilled with it.” We’re not surprised – what a lovely finish! 858 people like this YOU LIKED Bethany Hawkins: “Loving the latest issue of the mag. I’ve stitched the free kit and the first two flowers and blackwork.” A collection of cards to be proud of, Bethany! They’re sure to come in handy for birthdays this year. 308 people like this And the winner is… We asked you on Facebook:What’s your go-to quick-stitch make?… The results are in, and most…

Nibble nibble! The last thing on this cheeky chap’s mind is watching his weight, so why not tuck into a whole jammy dodger? Fresh from Bothy Threads* comes ‘The Diet Starts Tomorrow’, which costs £29.49. The kit contains everything you need to complete it, including 14-count Zweigart aida with an unusual printed speckled background. Love birds These blue birds of happiness will make your heart sing as they share a tender moment among the roses. The ‘Budgie Love’ kit, available from SewandSo*, costs £22.50 and contains a chart, instructions, needle, 14-count aida fabric and presorted DMC stranded cotton threads. Doggy delight Stitch this latest upbeat design from Peter Underhill and let these cute canines perk you up. ‘Wag Your Tale’ (PUWT1459) costs £23.65 from Heritage Crafts* and is available as…

CALL THE HOTLINE TODAY ☏ 03330 162 137 ✖ Issue 270 The August issue was full of beautiful summery designs, including a dainty fairy, pretty herb sampler, sunshine ABC and a cheery beach hut scene. Plus, a stained glass window dragonfly, on-trend terrarium cards, 37 sport motifs, button-embellished floral cushion and a cute puss in a boot! YOUR FREE GIFT: adorable fawn card kit ✖ Issue 269 Hummingbird card kit, cute panda, cacti trio, sea-themed motifs, stunning wedding hoop, dreamcatcher hanging, bumblebee sampler ✖ Issue 268 Thread pack + ABC chart book, Furry Tales exclusive, caravan cards, kingfisher ABC, Wild West motifs, fruity bags, fashion lady, lilac sampler ✖ Issue 267 Vintage rose card kit + floral chalk art chart, Bebunni exclusive, peacock stitching accessories, fairy silhouette, christening sampler ✖…

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. 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). 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. French knots Easy with practice – come…

Solve the clues then rearrange the letters in the shaded squares to spell a dance (5). Send us the mystery word to enter the competition. ACROSS 1 Piece of furniture used for storage (8) 5 Rub with a cloth (4) 7 Soft flat caps (6) 8 Length of fabric draped round the waist (6) 9 Unbiased (9) 11 Welcome politely (5) 12 Allow (3) 14 Run away to marry (5) 15 Heavy-duty waterproof canvas (9) 18 Overwhelm with brightness (6) 19 Only just (6) 20 Creative suggestion (4) 21 Having a natural skill (8) DOWN 1 Vegetable with thick leaves (7) 2 Boundary line (9) 3 Deceive with ingenuity (6) 4 Far off (7) 5 Least good (5) 6 Black and white bear (5) 10 Wrong (9) 12 Most noisy…

Toni Boyes is a warehouse colleague from Spalding Moor, Yorkshire What’s your idea of cross stitch heaven? I have a comfy chair by my French windows with my stitchy stash next to me. In summer, I open the doors into the garden and in winter hearing the rain splashing against the windows is very soothing. What has been your worst stitching disaster? I left a Lanarte design uncovered on a frame in the living room and my house rabbit ate through the bottom of the stand, then started on the corner of my project. He’s now banned from that room! Recent fave WOXS project? Rhona Norrie’s caravan charts in 268. I couldn’t wait to start stitching them. Proudest stitching moment? My dad bought a kit of a barn owl and…

Fiona Baker Fiona is our Technical Editor so she’s all ready to answer your problems on all things stitch and chart related Heather Nugent Heather is our Charting Editor and is on hand to answer any technical stitching questions that you have Jenny Barton Design pro Jenny has been creating projects for us for years and is ready to take on your design challenges Hannah Kelly All set to hunt down those elusive charts and products, Hannah’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 Beside the seaside Q In which issues can I find seaside theme patterns please? Particularly an ideal size to put onto a canvas for a…

THE WORLD OF CROSS Stitching KNOW-HOW In the frame Q Do you have any tips for framing a finished stitched project yourself? Andrea Lowe, via Facebook A Fiona says: DIY framing can be a big money saver over getting it professionally fitted, and it’s very easy once you know how! All you’ll need, alongside your chosen frame, is a piece of stiff acid-free mount board the same size of the aperture. Before you begin, tie off all loose ends at the back of your stitching – there’s nothing worse than noticing trailing threads showing through the fabric! Then lay the stitching centrally, right side up, on the front of the mount board. Once you’re happy with the position, insert a line of pins down each side into the edges of…

How did you discover cross stitch? A friend showed me a piece of stitching she was working on and there was no printing on the fabric – I was amazed and had a go at stitching that very day. Do you remember the first cross stitch item that you ever made? Yes, it was a small strawberry – stitched very badly! Where do you find the inspiration for your designs? Everywhere! Often when peeling potatoes or doing housework! What kind of designs are you most drawn to? Usually samplers, wild flowers and alphabets. What tools and materials could you not live without? Gold plated needles and really good very sharp embroidery scissors. What projects are you currently working on? I’m stitching a large sampler which features twin globes, based on…

ISSUE 272 ON SALE 9 AUG SPOOKY STITCHING Create a spooktacular Halloween party set, stitched with ease on plastic canvas AUTUMN HUES Enjoy stitching the rich colours of the season in this woodland scene WOODLAND FRIENDS Meet our forest friends in this collection of six cute all-occasion cards FABULOUS FEATHERS Add sparkle to this sweet owl with sequins, beads and metallic threads! THE WORLD OF Cross Stitching EXCLUSIVE The bold and the beautiful Celebrate the spectacular blooms of the stargazer lily with our exclusive design MOUTH-WATERING MAKES Stitch this delicious sampler for any tea- and cake-loving friends or family FOR YOUR HOME Try something new with this colourful cat doorstop – we show you how! PLUS MUCH MORE ✖ Hit the road with a transport themed Design Library ✖ A…