Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2016 i The World of Cross Stitching

Welcome to our October issue… We always bring you the whole world of stitchy goodness in one neat package and this month’s no different! With 86 amazing designs to enjoy, where will you begin? My hot pick is the pretty, magical fairy, gracing our cover – girlie girls and fantasy fans alike will love it, and I know a little lady who’ll adore her, so it’s on my stitch-list as a fab gift. Head over to page 10 for this exclusive! Another one that’s seriously tempting me is the fab pheasant cushion, page 58, a follow-up from the stunning peacock last month. (See page 91 to order a back issue if you missed it!) This detailed likeness is a must. Plus we’ve copyright-free ideas to stitch for charity (October’s Breast…

© 2016 Bebunni Ltd Used under licence by Immediate Media Co www.Bebunni.com Sylvia READER PANEL “I love giving handmade things to my friends and seeing the look on their faces when they receive them, it makes it even more worthwhile. This sweet Christmas card will be just the thing!” TOP TIP For the best finish, complete the cross stitch before adding backstitch and finally French knot details on top Inside your kit... To help you sort your threads, here is a list of the colours and number of lengths inside your free kit:…

Star Letter CHARITY STITCHES These are artworks by Fernando C Amorsolo which I had the privilege of entering in exhibits with the proceeds going to charity. They’ve been converted to cross stitch by Fernando C Amorsolo with DMC Philippines. I love cross stitching and what better way to hit four birds with one stone – hobby, art, extra income and charity work. Grace Perez, Manila, Philippines Jo: What beautiful works of art, Grace. It’s fantastic that DMC have teamed up to recreate these in cross stitch! Charity stitches For more on stitching for charity, see our cards on page 38, tips on page 41 and Charity of the Month on page 77 A stitching past Just decided to write you and share one of my projects that I’ve cross stitched over…

Autumn is a magical time of year when the trees come alive in vibrant hues of orange and red – signalling the end summer, but the start of one of the prettiest times of the year. Don your jumpers and cosy knits as the seasons change and we prepare for stitchy hibernation. Durene’s autumnal sampler embodies this time of year with 13 orange hues, a jumper, pumpkin, wet weather gear and hot drinks. Stitched on 14-count aida with whole stitches and backstitch, this design will be a joy to finish. And, look out for the decorative scattering of French knots – easily replaced with seed beads if you want to add more pretty embellishments. But the fun part is adding some shiny sequins to decorate your piece with sparkles of…

Piggy perfect These little cuties were our Pets of the Month in issue 238 Piggy perfect Q I love your recent pattern of two guinea pigs. It’s just the design I’ve been looking for as a gift for my friend who has two guinea pigs. But as one is pure white, I’d like to change the left guinea pig to be white in colour. How should I change the colour codes? Glenna Tong, via email A Durene says: This sounds like it would be the ideal project for you to make your pal, Glenna. It’s not too tricky to adapt my pattern to suit – but you’re right to be a little cautious since just swapping all the tan shades (DMC 434 and 435) to white could leave the guinea…

Perfect Perlé Great for traditional embroidery, these threads are silky looking! Perfect Perlé Q Some years ago, I won a bundle of DMC Cotton Perlé threads, in numbers 5 and 3. But I’ve no idea what to use them for! Can you advise me on these heavier strands? Deirdre Doessel, Queensland, Australia A Ruth says: Yes, these thicker threads aren’t really suitable for cross stitch, but it’d be a shame not to enjoy them, so I have an idea to try. Numbers 5 and 3 refer to the thickness of the thread – 5 is finer than 3. It has a high shine and silky-soft touch. The composition is still cotton, but unlike stranded cotton, it's non-divisible. Traditionally, DMC* Perlé threads are used in hardanger stitching… a geometric technique, with…

Sometimes we all need a bit of compassion and warmth, and these beautiful pastel cards are just the thing for those battling breast cancer or who’ve been touched by the disease. Show your support with a pink ribbon and some pretty hearts, or stitch up some ‘love and hope’. If you know someone who needs a laugh, stitch and send Jane’s fun ‘Here to support you’ bra design. All designs are stitched on 14-count aida in five lovely shades of pink. With whole stitches only, and a bit of backstitch, these will be a breeze to finish. Stitch one over the weekend and send it on it’s way. In honour of October being international Breast Cancer Awareness Month, why not stitch these cards for charity? They’re copyright-free so host a…

breast cancer care BREAST CANCER CARE October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and it’s the perfect opportunity get involved. Breast Cancer Care is a UK charity providing information, support and care to people affected by breast cancer. So, why not host a coffee morning to sell your stitches and donate the proceeds? Turn to page 38 for our 'Pretty and Pink' copyright-free breast cancer cards! MORE: To get involved, donate or download a fundraising pack visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk WHERE AM I? Here is a picture of me with issue 238 of the mag taken on my recent trip. This particular island is famous for its historic Nelson’s Dockyard and of course its white sandy beaches and blue sea. I had to make sure I had my magazine was in my hand…

Beware All Hallows’ Eve… an eerie night where ghosts and goblins roam free. Haunted houses, witches and jack-o’-lanterns are about while owls and bats fly through the skies. Capturing the sinister forces of Halloween night in spooky silhouettes, these festive hangings are the perfect stitchy decor. Designed by Shannon Wasilieff, these patterns are stitched on beautifully hand-dyed evenweave in four coordinating colours from Polstitches Designs*. The evenweave creates a soft elegant finish allowing theses designs to stand out. Turn to page 88 for a fantastic reader offer. With only black thread, you’ll be sure to fly through these patterns creating the detailed silhouettes and intricate decorative borders. Once your stitching is complete, add coordinating backing fabric, fill with stuffing and add a black ribbon to hang these designs around your…

No. 1 pet Fun facts: Chinese dwarf hamsters • These little ones are originally from Mongolia and China • Unlike other hamsters, this breed has a long tail which makes them better jumpers and climbers • If they like you, these hamsters will cling to your fingers with their paws • In some US states, a permit is required to own this breed of hamster • Male hamsters are referred to as “boars”, females are “sows” and baby hamsters are known as “pups” Design my pet! Q I saw your Pet of the Month section in the latest issue of the magazine, and remembered my favourite little Chinese dwarf hamster from some four or five years back. Her name was Ai-li, and she was such a sweetheart. She was full…

Technology’s my friend: Love it, cables and all! Last week, I met up with a pal who shared a funny story about her latest project… Stitching away, and listening to her iPod, she’d sewn the cable for her earphones to the back of her project. Not noticing for a whole thread length, she went back and forth, trapping the cable to her fabric. You could call it a kind of couching stitch! Luckily, it wasn’t much to unpick, and we had a giggle over it. We decided that, on the whole, technology and stitching get along better than this. We got to musing about how we use tech and the internet for our hobby… Of course, we love Facebook and online forums (like at www.cross-stitching.com) for getting to interact and…

HELEN BRINDLEY Exclusively for you, Helen’s adorable fairy, dancing among the last of the summer blossoms is set to become a classic. Don’t miss her – turn to page 10. DURENE JONES Designer Durene has a sequin-accented project – a modern sampler, and the first in a series: “Watch out for more, to celebrate the seasons!” Make a start (p26). JANE HENDERSON Enjoy a mouth-watering selection of ideas from Jane in her home-bakes Design Library (p47). GBBO here we come! Plus, make pretty-inpink cards on page 38.…

Have you always dreamed of moving to the countryside? Of living in a little cottage with a plot of land, growing vegetables and keeping chickens and geese? Then this playful design from Anchor is perfect for you! The snow-white birds and their bright orange beaks and feet really pop against the 14-count pale blue aida background. And, the mini motifs and decorative borders that break up these characters are just as eye-catching. Mixing a combination of colourful vegetables with an array of patterns, you’ll use mainly whole cross stitches to create this delightful piece. With just a small amount of backstitch adding detail like the carrot tops, and a few French knots for the geese’s eyes, Anchor’s project is suitable for most stitchers. But if you’re unsure of any of…

Q Hi Jenny! I’m trying to find a pattern of a cotton plant or at least a cotton flower – can you help me? Elizabeth Bach, via Facebook A Jenny says: I’ve created this little cotton plant for you, Elizabeth. Being a tropical and subtropical plant, I was sure to give the design a pretty blue background – just like a sunny sky. Using seven shades of blue, brown, grey and white, you’ll stitch this French-knot free idea for a quick finish! Cross stitching cotton! This little plant will be the answer to Elizabeth’s cotton quest 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.…

Do you have any idea where I can get a flower map of Britain by Jane Greenoff? It looks stunning and I’d like to have a go at it. Thanks! Vera Bryant, via email Jo says: This 'Wild Flower Map' design is available as an instant download PDF chart at The Cross Stitch Guild*, which is run by Jane, for just £15. It’s a large stitch at a size of 77x56.5cm (30x221/4in) when worked on 14-count aida, but will certainly look wonderful when complete. Flowers of Britain The Cross Stitch Guild* specialises in traditional kits My pattern uses 28-count evenweave, but is it okay to use 14-count aida instead? Maram Issa, via Facebook Fiona says: For most charts, you can choose any size fabric you like. A design stitched over one…

Who doesn’t love a party? Cakes, gifts, balloons and firecrackers adorn these fantastic letters by Emma Congdon. With motifs for every occasion, this ABC is just the thing for your celebrations year round! Stitch up some birthday bunting to show off your skills at your next festive occasion or use the letters for cards and gifts. Emma’s brilliant designs contain 15 vibrant thread shades, with pretty stars throughout. Using whole stitches, fractionals and backstitch in both one and two strands, these letters are perfect for beginners looking to expand their skills. We’ve hung our bunting with a coordinating blue bias binding to finish it off with a simple and delicate look. Plus, see our top tip on page 68 for a fab bunting template. Quick-to-stitch with maximum impact, you can’t…

Getting started Where to buy your start-up kit – turn to page 96 to see exactly what you’ll need Ready, set, shop! ANCHOR www.makeitcoats.com 01484 681881 For kits, fabrics & threads CRAFT CREATIONS www.craftcreations.com 01992 781900 For blank & aperture cards DMC CREATIVE WORLD www.dmccreative.co.uk 0116 275 4000 For kits, fabrics, threads and more JOHN JAMES NEEDLES www.jjneedles.com 01527 830941 For needles & sewing essentials MADEIRA www.madeira.co.uk For fabrics, threads & accessories, buy in the UK from Barnyarns www.barnyarns.co.uk 01765 690069 THE WORLD OF CROSS STITCHING SUBSCRIPTIONS www.buysubscriptions.com/world 0844 815 0049 ZWEIGART www.zweigart.de For fabrics, buy in the UK from SewandSo www.sewandso.co.uk 01453 889988 Products to drool over! Browse the latest stitching designs and ideas on PAGE 24 Your projects Find all the charts, kits, threads & accessories featured in…

Be on the panel! Get a sneak preview Appear in the magazine Receive a stitchy gift Emilee Bartlett is a busy mum of four girls from Norfolk How did you start stitching? My sister bought me an Anchor ‘Forever Friends’ kit at the age of nine and I’ve been hooked ever since. Not my best stitching, but I still have it! Who are your stitching buddies? My friend Andrea. We create a crèche for the kids and stitch with a cuppa. What’s your most memorable stitching moment? When I was 12 I made a Mums are Magic' cross titch for Mother’s Day. My daughters often asked my mum where she got it and she says, “Your mum made it when she was a bit older than you”. Favourite recent design?…

PICK OF THE MONTH £6 Happy Halloween Barbara Ana Designs suggests using handdyed threads for the perfect finish for these pretty patterns Happy Halloween FROM BARBARA ANA DESIGNS These adorable charts are simply on-trend with country-chic design feel. And, with autumn around the corner, what’s not to love about this darling pair? 'The Witches Inn (Bed & Breakfast)' chartpack contains two whimsical designs showing a witch running her own little inn. The larger chart features the inn alight with autumn leaves and a pumpkin patch. Measuring 62x118 stitches, it makes the cutest cushion. The second is a peek inside – the witch is tucked into her bed with her cat at her feet! At a size of 51x70 stitches, both designs can be stitched on fabric to suit you. The…

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 Jo Stenlake All set to hunt down those elusive charts and products, Jo’s on hand 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 Marbled marvels! These wow-factor fabrics by Sparklies* show off the marbled effect of hand-dying Marbled marvels! Q I saw a photo and…

facebook Sue Hanslow: After working for many weeks on a project, learn to enjoy your sewing machine time and the construction of your finished stitched work because whatever you've made, your sewing machine will very quickly finish it off. Deborah Preece: I try and do a test run on a scrap of the fabric to ensure that the tension is right, and that I am happy with the stitch size, style and colour for the project at hand. Maggie Sare: Oil your sewing machine regularly to keep it in top condition. Use a scrap piece of fabric to do a few lines of stitching afterwards, to make sure there's no residue left that'll mark your stitching. Watch out for fluff that gathers in the bobbin chamber too! Rita Sajtos: I…

Halloween ideas EASY AND FUN MAKE DRACULA With his beady eyes and turned-up collar, this kit (100633) by Mill Hill from SewandSo* is bitesized! Stitch him on the perforated paper provided so you can cut him out and put him on display in your window. Beads embellish his cape, hair and the pumpkin too. New to using perforated paper? It’s easy, since it only uses whole stitches he’s totally worth it. Plus a magnet’s included for a fab finish. Stitch count – 43 high x 31 wide, 7.5x5.5cm (3x21/4in) on 14-count antique brown perforated paper CHALLENGE YOURSELF TRICK OR TREAT If you want to try stitching on a higher-count aida, then you won’t find this kit from Historical Sampler Company* a scary prospect, it contains whole stitches only – there’s not…

Thanks to the Historical Sampler Company*, we’re bringing you the perfect recipe for a bewitching Halloween hanging. Simply take one cleverly designed chart, mix in a handful of stranded cottons, add a length of natural aida, and finally, an eye of newt. Ok, so we might have made the eye of newt part up, but apart from that, it really is that simple and enjoyable! Worked in a rustic, home-spun style, this mini sampler is packed full of details that are great fun to stitch. And, as you’ll use whole cross stitches only throughout, you’re sure to whizz through it in no time at all. Dotted with a scary spider at each corner, this project features all the accessories a good witch needs, including stripy stockings, a cauldron, pointy hat…

CALL THE HOTLINE TODAY 0844 826 7341 Issue 245 Last month’s issue was full of summertime designs including our fresh floral bouquets and a festive party panda. There was a yummy desserts sampler, giant floor cushion, stunning peacock and a new baby Design Library. Plus, a sport-themed ABC, summertime seaside cards, bright birdhouses and much more! FREE GIFTS: handy Thread Cutter & Summer Rose Chart Issue 244 Cookie Bear card kit & chart, Wrendale Designs duck, geisha, sunflower wreath, baby sampler, cute kitty, chalkboard birdhouses Issue 241 Card kit & chartbook, Bebunni, duck duo, Egypt sampler, finishing game, stitchy pens, bath scene, tea shop, tree cards, animal ABC Issue 243 Card kit & ‘AOY’ chart, summer kitten, ‘Fabulous Forest’, Marie Antoinette, silhouettes, tea poster, 1950’s design, funky florals, ties ABC…

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…