Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2019 i The World of Cross Stitching

New season, new stitches! After the frenzy of Christmas stitching, I’m sure you’re ready for some fresh designs to inspire you for the year ahead. I can’t wait to see the first snowdrops bloom, but until then I’ll be admiring Amanda Gregory’s winter flower quartet on page 38, and the rustic wreath design stitched on icy blue linen on page 66. If you’re still feeling the celebration vibes then you’ll love Rebecca Spencer’s fireworks card set (p26), and the playful penguins in our ABC collection (p79) are perfect for making party invites. After all of the merriment you might want to set your New Year’s resolutions and Jenny Barton’s motivational motifs in the Design Library will help you keep on track! Fancy learning a new skill this year? Give appliqué…

PICK OF THE MONTH Period Drama ELEGANT ACCESSORIES Fans of Downton Abbey will simply adore this Victorian Tile-themed set of 3D counted cross stitch kits by The Nutmeg Company from Past Impressions*. Available as a ‘Scissor Case’ (10.5 long x 6.5cm wide), ‘Pin Cushion’ (does not come with coloured pins) (5.3x5.3cm, 3cm high), ‘Needle-Book’ (8.6cm high) and ‘Bits And Beads Tray’ (9x9cm, 3cm high). At just £14.95 each, these kits come with everything you need – fabric, plastic canvas, felt, wadding (‘Scissor Case’ and ‘Pin Cushion’ only), stranded cotton thread, needle, chart and instructions. Never lose your scissors, pins or needles again with this fashionable set! LOST AT SEA? When a storm is coming in and it feels like you’re treading water, turn the tide with this nautical-themed motivational sentiment…

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 may 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 Emergency – chart wanted! Q I would love to stitch a fire engine as my friend is watch manager at our local fire station.…

Nicola Brown: I limit time on social media and spend that time stitching instead. Theresa Chalmers: I have a regular stitching time every Saturday, when we video chat with my Father-in-Law in Australia. I stitch while we chat – my Father-in-Law always takes an interest in what I’m making and likes to see the weekly progress. Noreen Skelton: I often don’t sleep well after about 5am, so that’s when I love to stitch! My eyes are rested and it’s SO peaceful! A little bit of ‘me’ time – HEAVEN! Shirley Cori Hopkinson: I always leave my stitching with a row of stitches half completed so that I can pick it up first thing in the morning before I go to work. As the stitches just need completing I don’t have…

Woodland DOWNLOADABLE PDF WOODLAND ANIMALS Durene Jones’ chart shows designs of a rabbit, a pair of badgers, a hedgehog and an owl, each in its natural setting. There is a separate page for each design (6 total). In the key, the 30+ thread colours used are grouped into those that use two strands, one strand and half cross stitch. Order via Durene Jones Cross Stitch* on Etsy for an instant PDF download. Stitch count: 52 wide by 69 high, 12.5x9.4cm (5x3½in) on 28-count evenweave ELEGANT BLACKWORK STYLE SEASONS PANELS-AUTUMN By Derwentwater Designs (a Bothy Threads* brand), this elegant piece features berries worked in whole cross stitch, while the stems, leaves and branches are worked in half cross stitch using one strand of thread. The chart is printed over three A3-sized pieces…

It all started in the early 80s, when Sandra McCorkell was working as an optical receptionist. Sandra noticed the resident optometrist stitching one day and after showing her interest, the colleague bought Sandra a small teddy bear kit to try. “I was hooked! Initially, I made lots of mistakes, but I kept trying and the rest, they say, is history!” Sandra laughs. Still going strong, all of Sandra’s family and friends know of her passion for cross stitch – and so does the local community, as she has been featured in The Greenock Telegraph with her cross stitch club. Sandra finds cross stitching relaxing and calming, and she is keen to spread this joy. “Many admire the stitching, some think it’s hard, but it’s encouraging to teach others to stitch…

Nicola Smales is a volunteer living in Barnet What’s been your favourite ever cross stitch project? A rose kit I did. At first it just looked like a pink blob, but once I completed the backstitch, it brought it to life. Fave thing about stitching? I love the relaxing, meditative feeling it gives me as I stitch. Hours can pass and I’ll hardly notice as I’m so absorbed in what I’m doing. Plus, I love the variety of patterns out there – anything you want to stitch you’ll be able to find if you look long enough. Best cross stitching tip? The loop start – if you’re using an even number of threads, you double them over and pass the needle through the loop to secure them without excess bulk…

Happily ever after Q I’ve just recently gotten married and would love to stitch myself a wedding sampler, but I’ve no idea where to start looking! Any suggestions? Linda Smith, via Facebook A Shannon says: Firstly, congrats on your big day! What a lovely reminder a stitched wedding sampler would be. I’ve created two wedding samplers, including this fairy tale design featured in issue 269 of The World of Cross Stitching, which you can get digitally as a back issue copy on the Apple and Android apps. The pattern was designed with the Royal Wedding of Meghan and Prince Harry in mind, and would no doubt be just as perfect to commemorate your own special day. Measuring 28.5x28.5cm (11¼x11¼in) to display in a 12in embroidery hoop, it’s very luxurious! Or…

KNOW-HOW Tree topper make Q Last Christmas I finished decorating my cross stitch themed Christmas tree and noticed something was missing – a fairy! I would like to finish my tree with a stitched fairy tree topper, which needs to be at least 4½in high. Can you help? Linda West, via email A Katriel says: A cross stitch adorned Christmas tree sounds fabulous! And, of course, no tree is complete without its fairy, so how about stitching one of these four ‘Christmas Angels’ (LJT29C) by Lesley Teare* to sit proudly on top of it? Each fairy measures approximately 13cm (5in) high on 14-count fabric, and with their banners of Hope, Goodwill, Peace and Joy stitched in gold DMC Light Effects thread, they’re the perfect message to send out at this…

PRETTY RUSTIC CHARM Try stitching on linen Factbox Approx9hours Crossstitchbackstitch diamond eyelets, beads Intermediate Flowers, hearts and a chirruping bird – this sweet wreath is the ideal project for those stitchers who love dainty designs inspired by nature. Featuring snowdrops and hellebores that are displayed in a heart shape, finished off with a pretty blue tit nestled in the corner, it will also make a stylish gift to a loved one to show them how much you care! Stitching this design on 28-count cashel linen gives it a beautiful heirloom feel, and as it uses mostly whole cross stitches with minimal backstitch, this simple design is a great introduction to working with linen if you’ve not tried it before. Seed beads are then added to give the…

PRIZES worth over £1,111! PRIZES WORTH £309 It’s the bear necessities It’s great to have something bright and bold to work on during the gloomy winter months. We reckon this colourful ‘Teddy on the Windowsill’ design from Riolis is the perfect antidote to the winter blues. Courtesy of Stitcher*, we have 10 kits (worth £30.99 each) to be won. Included in the kit is Zweigart 14-count white aida, Anchor threads, plus wool/acrylic yarns. The finished design will measure 25x25cm (9¾x9¾in). TO ENTER Visit our website www.crossstitching.com or label a postcard ‘Riolis giveaway (WOXS276)’ PRIZES WORTH £252 Dandy Scandi style Lucie Heaton’s* wonderful take on Scandi style would make a cool wall hanging, or you could patch it onto a tote bag to make a statement wherever you go. It looks…

A basket full of flowers and joy Say thank you in style with this stunning bouquet, complete with dainty fluttering butterflies and perfectly wrapped presents. Who would you gift this to? EXCLUSIVE PLUS MUCH MORE Our Parisian Design Library has a certain je ne sais quoi Stitch and gift a heart-shaped hanging for a loved one Try your hand at blackwork butterflies in a double hoop Your cross stitching queries answered by our experts Your stories, inspiration & letters… plus much more PLUS! STICKY PAD & STITCHER’S NOTEBOOK STITCHER MUST HAVE! The perfect companion for every stitcher – make essential notes and keep track of all your projects that you have on the go! Your exclusive gift includes: Stitching notebook with a sewing theme design A pack of The World…

Grab a bottle of your finest bubbly and celebrate the New Year with a pop, fizz and bang with Lizzie Mouse. Wish friends and family a Happy New Year with this cute character on a card and they’re sure to start the year off in good spirits and with a smile. Cheers! Happy New Year Mouse key This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Missed a chart? ISSUE 275 Surprise a special someone with Monty and his spotty paper-wrapped gift! ISSUE 274 Get cosy with Lizzie, who’s wrapped up warmly in her jumper. ISSUE 273 Celebrate Thanksgiving with American friends and our sweet pilgrim. For back issues, call ☎ 03330 162 137 or visit http://bit.ly/1NwX3Rv…

CLUB OF THE MONTH HEALING STITCHES Coventry Resource Centre for the Blind is a charity that provides practical and social support for people with a visual impairment – they were awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2018, the highest honour a charity can receive for outstanding work in the community! The Resource Centre offers a wide range of activities, including an art and craft club. Life with sight loss can be challenging, but this club is a great way for people to stay social and maintain their creative and dexterity skills. Members produce a range of handmade goodies to sell at their annual Winter Warmer event and other charity events throughout the year. MORE To learn more, visit www.coventryblind.org.uk WHERE AM I? Recently I travelled over 10,000 miles…

Q Hi Jenny, I would like to stitch my friend a small picture of her Bichon Frise dog, called Lulu. I was wondering if you could chart a cross stitch design in Lulu’s likeness? Many thanks! Claire Boston, Southport A Jenny says: What a wonderful gift idea for your friend, Claire! This design is worked entirely in white and greys, with a little bit of black for the cute eyes and nose. Backstitch is used to show off the great detail of the Bichon Frise’s signature fluffy tail. Bichon Frise key 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 and TV. Minimalist Q I would love…

Q I stitched the ‘Somebunny to Love’ design from issue 183 and have turned it into a quilted wall hanging. I’d love to display it at my local quilt group’s show next month – it won’t be for sale, but is this allowed under copyright? Vicky Pool, via email Hannah says: As long as you’re not displaying or selling the pattern itself, then it’s absolutely fine to show your hanging with the stitching on. It may even help garner some interest in cross stitching amongst your quilting group, which is an extra bonus! Q How do I decide what size cross stitch chart to buy? Jennifer Cleave via Facebook Fiona says: This is really just a personal choice, but here’s a few things to consider: stitcher ability – in WOXS, we include…

Join us on Facebook Chat 24/7 on our Facebook page – here’s what you’ve missed! OUR FAVOURITE POST Sarah Lucero says: “My most recent project won first place at the North Carolina State fair!!!” Well done, Sarah! We love your use of bright colours and beautiful stitching on those butterflies. YOU LIKED Marlyn Armour says: “The view from a window. Getting there now.” Simply stunning, Marlyn! We’d love to have this view from our window – we can just feel the breeze on our faces. And the winner is… We asked you on Facebook: What technique are you hoping to master? The results are in, and for the New Year our readers are keen to add beads and embellishments to their projects. If this was you, check out the ‘Let…

No. 1 pet Golden Retriever key This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Stitch in an evening Factbox Approx5hours Crossstitchfractionals backstitch Advancedbeginner Fun facts about golden retrievers thatshow many Augie the golden retriever can hold in her mouth at once – a world record! holdstheGuinnessWorldRecord for the loudest bark – 113.1 decibels! byLordTweedmouthinScotland in the late 19 centuryHewanteda dog that was able to swim far distances to retrieve shot wildfowl, hence the name. Design my pet! Q I have stitched quite a few of your charts, mainly cats and dogs. I make cards for my friends and family and I’ve been asked to do a golden retriever, but I haven’t anything small enough for a card. Can you help? Jean Ridger, West Sussex…

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…