Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2019 i The World of Cross Stitching

This issue is a real celebration of spring! The lighter evenings will give us more time for stitching, and we’ve got lots of new projects for you to enjoy. Top of my ‘To Stitch’ list is the stunning leaping hares design by Fiona Baker (p70). Featuring lazy daisy embroidery and sequin embellishments, this is a great project for trying your hand at new stitches and techniques. We’ve made ours into a bolster cushion and we include the simple steps for making your own, but this design would look fab in a wooden frame, too. Bring a flavour of the brighter spring weather into your home with Jenny van de Wiele’s pretty bulb sampler (p38), Durene Jones’ sweet birdhouse design (p20) or Maria Diaz’s allotment alphabet set on page 79. Keep…

Inside your kit… To help you sort your threads, here is a list of the threads in your kit: Red x2 Dark coral x2 Coral x2 Dark pink x1 Pink x2 Light pink x1 Sand x1 Very light pink x1 Light green x1 Grey x1 Green x1 Total: 15 lengths Birdhouse key This design was stitched using stranded cotton from your coverkit Stitch in no time Factbox Approx3hours Crossstitchfractionals backstitch, French knots Advancedbeginner…

No. 1 pet Design my pet! Q Hi, I’d love a pattern of my Chiweenie, Pip. He’s a short-haired, tan-coloured, ten-pound Chiweenie with a white mark on his forehead, like the mark Black Beauty had. I’m disabled and Pip is my service animal. He keeps me active and makes me laugh, among other things. I’d be a depressed sort of lump without him. I’d love to stitch a picture of him for the family wall. Spring Fricks, via email A Durene says: Chihuahuas are cute. Dachshunds are cute. So that makes a Chiweenie extra, extra cute! They may be small in size, but definitely not in personality – their personality is ten times larger than their size, and it really shows! Their supreme cuddling skills are legendary and they make…

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 Head-turner Q I saw a picture of a beautiful owl pattern on the cover of your magazine some months ago, but I wasn’t able to…

⨯ Rebecca Driver: I usually loop start if the thread is long enough. If the thread is short, I just tie a knot. I always use iron-on backing fabric on all my work when I’ve finished as it keeps the stitches in place and makes it look nice and flat. ⨯ Debbie Webb: When I’ve finished with a colour, I run it under the threads on the back and snip it off – no nasty knot! ⨯ Sarah Jane Trelfa: Give as much care and attention to the back as you do the front! Stitching comes from the heart and that love shows through in the finished piece. ⨯ Abby Alexander Powers: I never carry dark threads over an open area as it will show through the fabric in the…

QUICK STITCH UNICORN We love this unicorn’s pretty, multi-coloured mane of pastel purple, yellow and pink threads, it’ll make a really fun stitch. There’s no mistaking the magic of ‘Unicorn’ (004-N03stl) from Mouseloft* as three stars twinkle in the background of this sweet design. As this design fits into a 64mm diameter circle for framing, why not make your stitching into a coaster and gift it to a friend? Stitch count: 26 wide by 26 high, 6x6cm (2½x2½in) on 14-count aida TRY HAND-DYED FABRIC THE MAGICAL UNICORN Designed by the ever-popular Joan Elliott, ‘The Magical Unicorn’ (JE080) from Lakeside Needlecraft* uses 13 thread colours, metallic threads and beads. You’ll find the A3 chart easy to read as it’s mainly in black and white symbols, with just the French knots and backstitch…

PRIZES worth £1,021! PRIZES WORTH OVER £270 Stylish stitch Enter for your chance to win the sophisticated ‘Harriet’ from the Elegance range by John Clayton. Heritage Crafts* is offering seven of our readers the chance to win a complete cross stitch kit with 14-count aida fabric or 27-count evenweave (14-count aida supplied with prizes unless otherwise specified), priced at £38.60. Each kit comes with everything you need to get started right away: Zweigart fabric, DMC stranded cottons sorted on to cards, a needle, and clear charts and instructions. TO ENTER To enter visit our website www.cross-stitching.com or label a postcard ‘Heritage Craft giveaway (WOXS 278)’ PRIZES WORTH OVER £249 An old favourite If you’re a fan of antique designs, you’ll love that the Historical Sampler Company* is offering five of…

CHARITY OF THE MONTH KNITTING FOR KITTENS At the Spring Knitting & Stitching Show (28 February-3 March, London’s Olympia), Cats Protection will be launching its 2019 knitting bee challenge. Cat-loving knitters can come up with their own designs or follow a pattern for a knitted mouse designed by Lauren O’Farrell, which will be available to pick up at the show. Donations of knitted blankets or mice can be brought along to the charity’s stand at the event, or dropped into any of its branches, shops or adoption centres across the UK (there is no deadline). MORE Visit www.cats.org.uk for more information WHERE AM I? Hello The World of Cross Stitching! This is a picture of me at what was considered the navel (belly button) of the world! All those who…

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…

AMANDA BUTLER Take time out to stitch Amanda’s picturesque landscape, complete with classic car (p84). This large and detailed design will certainly keep you busy in 2019. JENNY VAN DE WIELE Use needle and thread to bring Jenny’s springtime flowers into bloom (p38) – they’re sure to cheer up your stitching hours and then your home! DURENE JONES Enjoy stitching three fab designs from Durene this month – the pretty birdhouse project (p20), Pet of the Month (p26) and the perpetual calendar (p56).…

Dandelion Mouse key This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Lizzie Mouse is all ready for spring in her sunny yellow dress. Here she is playing a favourite childhood game of blowing the fluffy seeds of the dandelion, making them appear like downy, white parachutes in the sky. Spread joy to a friend with this lovely stitch! Missed a chart? ISSUE 277 Monty Mouse in his sweet red jumper will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside! ISSUE 276 Lizzie’s ready to help make your New Year go off with a bang! ISSUE 275 Surprise a special someone with Monty and his spotty gift! For back issues, call ☎ 03330 162 137 or visit http://bit.ly/1NwX3Rv…

Bunnies! Get ready for spring with this adorable ‘Spring Scissor Fob’ cross stitch pattern by Barbara Ana Designs from Creative Poppy*. Available for instant download, this includes finishing instructions for making the scissor fob, all for £4.95. Beauty & serenity ‘Mini Koi Pond Tapestry Kit’ (D07214) by Dimensions is 13x13cm (5x5in) in size and can be found at Sew Essential* for only £12.20. This tranquil kit contains cotton thread, full colour print on 14 mesh canvas, needle and easy instructions. Close ties This beautiful design by Lanarte features a young lady with her faithful grey horse. The ‘My Best Friend Cross Stitch Kit’, approx. finished size of 33x40cm, comes with 27-count white aida, presorted cotton threads, needle, large-square charted design, front sheet picture and instructions (£40.34 from Sewandso*).…

Confetti stitch Q I’m new to cross stitching and this is the first time I have purchased your magazine. I’m loving it all so far, but I’m curious about something called a confetti stitch – could you explain what it is please? Hilary Wiles, Somerset A Fiona says: Welcome to The World of Cross Stitching, Hilary! As the Technical Editor of the magazine I actually come across this question quite a lot. Actually a very simple technique, a confetti stitch is basically a scattering of stitches in a single colour, creating a ‘confetti’ effect. It can look a bit random close up, but it’s a technique often used for large photo-realistic designs; when viewed from a distance this gives them a much more lifelike effect. A lot of stitchers don’t…

Envelope-style cushion Q I need to make a cushion for a gift, but I’m having a couple of problems. Firstly, I want to make it with the envelope-style back, but I’m stuck as how to complete it. My stitched fabric will be cut to 13½in high by 15in wide, allowing for a ½in seam allowance, but I’m unsure what size to cut my two back panels. Secondly, I’m planning on making my own cushion pad, but I’m unsure what size to make it to fit my cushion cover. Any advice? Ann Ridding, via Facebook A Heather: Fear not, making a cushion cover is actually very simple, and the guidance below can be applied to all sizes of cover, so if you want to make more you can easily work out…

Tell us about Sew-it-All and digital printing We have been involved in needlework fabrics for over 27 years, exhibiting worldwide. Around 2005 we noticed a downturn in the cross stitch market causing the needlecraft fabric suppliers to limit their ranges. The end users, however, were demanding new and fresh ideas and we saw digital printing as the only way forward – where small quantities but limitless ranges were possible to inspire stitchers and revive the market. Although textile printing as a whole is a very old industry, Sew-it-All Ltd. was the instigator for digitally printing needlework fabrics and today remains to be the only company that does it in our scale, choice and prices. Can you tell us about the types of fabrics you offer? We commission weavers to produce…

22 FEBRUARY ON SALE: THE WORLD OF CROSS STITCHING Our April issue, 279, brings you an idyllic cottage scene, a matching floral table runner & coaster set, retro motifs and a yummy chocolate sampler. There’s plenty of Easter inspiration, like an Easter ornament kit as your gift. See page 94 for details. 14-17 MARCH THE CREATIVE CRAFT SHOW NEC, BIRMINGHAM A haven for knitting, cross stitch, paper crafting, jewellery, dressmaking and stitching enthusiasts! You’ll find everything from kits, charts and patterns to fabrics, yarns and threads, plus opportunities to glean advice from industry experts. Day tickets start at £14. Visit www.stitchandhobby.co.uk now. 23-24 MARCH CRAFTING LIVE MALVERN Stock up on all your craft essentials and get inspired by a host of celebrity crafters, new products and demos. New for 2019,…

Tamara Bowen is a virtual executive assistant from Maryland, USA Fave thing about stitching? I love the ability to create a work of art from needle and thread. I mostly keep the pattern the same but enjoy taking ‘creative artistic license’ and change colours to make it my own. What do your family and friends think of your hobby? Stitching, or doing crafts in general, is a commonality within my family and friends. If someone isn’t a stitcher, they usually strongly hint about something they would love to have stitched for their home. Fave recent WOXS design? I’m gathering supplies to stitch ‘A Star is Born’ by Lesley Teare (issue 275). Planning to use the new DMC sparkly threads and give a few as gifts. Memorable stitching moment? My 7-year-old grandson…

PICK OF THE MONTH Gentle creatures WONDERFUL WRENDALE We’re excited to meet the adorable animals in the newest cross stitch kits by Wrendale Designs, from Bothy Threads*. Each kit is a sizeable 26x25cm (10x9¾in). Say hello to ‘Daisy Coo’ (XHD42) the highland cow, the adorable ‘Ewe and Me’ (XHD47) sheep and ‘Feathers’ (XHD43) the horse. Cuddle on up with the foxes in ‘Afternoon Nap’ (XHD45), or maybe you’re quackers for ‘Sunshine’ (XHD44)? Each kit comes with 14-count Zweigart aida with a printed speckled background, pre-sorted cottons, needle, stitch diagram and instructions. The fabulous ‘Believe in Magic’ (XHD46) comes with metallic silver and sparkle threads. THE FAR EAST Join the new 2019 Lakeside Needlecraft* ‘East Asian Inspirations Stitch-A-Long’ exclusively designed by Lucie Heaton. A whole year of stitching broken down into…

Q Can you please design a surveyor with a professional GPS or a theodolite? One of my colleagues is retiring later this year after 46 years as a surveyor, and I’d love to stitch a card for him. Anne Berg Gjølberg, via email A Jenny: What a lovely way to commemorate your colleague’s retirement – this will definitely be a great memento of his career that he can look back on and treasure. We wish him well as he starts on his next great adventure! This surveyor design uses seven different thread shades and includes a theodolite made up of backstitch. Surveyor 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…

Q I can never find a Victorian Bulldog pattern – can you help? Deby Young, via Facebook Jenny: I managed to find this mini ‘Victorian Bulldog’ (MVB18) pattern from Lucie Heaton*. For just £1 you’ll receive the downloadable chart, which uses just six DMC shades to bring this classic breed to life. Measuring approx. 6.5x7cm (2½x2¾in) this sweet boy is just perfect for a greetings card or mini frame, and the shades are easily adaptable to suit your desired colouring. Q I’ve been asked to stitch a 21st birthday gift for a friend’s son. He requested a realistic Old West Gunfighter. I tried finding a chart online, but without luck! I’m getting desperate to find something, please help!? Brenda Potter, Horley Fiona: Wow, what a request, Brenda! Unfortunately, I’ve hit a bit…

Join us on Facebook Chat 24/7 on our Facebook page – here’s what you’ve missed! OUR FAVOURITE POST Julee Jaquays-Rodriguez says: “Many months ago I posted I was going to do this from WOXS issue 224. A lot happened (a breast cancer diagnosis) and it took me a while to complete, but I finished it tonight.” Such perseverance, Julee! YOU LIKED Nicola Smith says: “Working on the Connie Gee’s Diamond SAL from 2016 – late to the party!” Better late than never, Nicola! We love the intricate, detailed blackwork and the bright pops of colour. Keep us updated on your progress! And the winner is… We asked you on Facebook: Best theme to stitch for Mother’s Day? Well, it’s clear to see here that most of you like to stitch…

ISSUE 275 ON SALE 22 FEB EGG-CELLENT Join us on an egghunt with these sweet Easter egg-themed stitches SEASONAL GREETINGS Enjoy making six assisi-style Easter cards using mixed embellishments COSY COTTAGE Stumped by stumpwork? We’ll show you how in this idyllic project SWEET TREAT This chocolate sampler is perfect for the kitchen GET CRAFTY Learn how to make these funky pencil cases – sure to be a hit with kids! PRETTY FLORALS Create a matching table runner and coaster set for your home EXCLUSIVE Special delivery! First class postbox friends This adorable furry foursome will make sure your mail is delivered on time! A charming design by Helen Brindley. PLUS MUCH MORE Welcome the new season with our fresh spring sampler Go back in time with our retro Design Library…