Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2019 i The World of Cross Stitching

How’s your 2019 stitching coming along? Are you trying new techniques? Giving different finishing ideas a go, or busy making gifts? If you’re looking for inspiration then this issue is guaranteed to please you. For starters, Amanda Butler’s vibrant floral bouquet on page 10 is sure to brighten any room in the house. And add a splash of colour to your kitchen with our cocktail recipe sampler by Emma Congdon (p26) – the colours really ‘jump’ off the black aida! We’ve got Father’s Day ideas covered, too. If the man in your life is an avid golfer or gardener then he’ll love the set of three golfing bear cards on page 84 or the green-fingered Cookie Bear card kit (your gift with this issue). You could also try your hand…

Star Letter BEWITCHING BEAUTY Dear The World of Cross Stitching, I wanted to share my latest finish with you – ‘Minerva’, designed by Nora Corbett. There were lots of firsts for me with this project. It was my first Mirabilia design, my first time stitching on evenweave, my first time beading and my first time using hand-dyed fabric. I’m super proud of it and my aunt loved it so much she wanted to buy it! But I’m going to get it professionally framed and keep it for myself. Hope you like it as much as I do! Kelly Owens, via email Hannah: Wow this is gorgeous, Kelly, I can see why you want to keep it for yourself! Well done on so many firsts, I really admire your motivation and stitching…

THE WORLD OF Cross Stitching PICK OF THE MONTH Country escape GREAT BRITISH COUNTRYSIDE Step right into nature with these stunning designs from British wildlife artist, Nigel Artingstall. The backgrounds are packed with rich detail – you’ll feel like you’re out in the grass with these beautiful creatures. These are the first four designs avaliable from Heritage Crafts*: a ‘Grebe‘ (NAGR1499) peacefully floating in a pond, an alert ‘Hare’ (NAHA1509) in the tall grass, a majestic ‘Kingfisher’ (NAKF1508) perched upon a branch, and a sweet ‘Wood Mouse’ (NAWM1498) nibbling juicy blackberries. Each kit contains Zweigart fabric (14-count aida or 27-count evenweave), sorted DMC stranded cottons, a needle, clear charts and instructions. Finished design measures 15x31cm (6x12in). SPRING RAIN Welcome the newest addition to the Faerie Enchantment Series, designed by the…

RICO® DESIGN Finding stockists Q You featured the book Jolly Christmas, by Rico Design, in the November issue of your magazine, but I am unable to find it in bookstores or online. I live in the USA and would love to find this, if you can tell me where it can be purchased please? Mary Louise Mallick, via email A Rico Design says: We offer a variety of products around creative hobbies, and Book 164 Jolly Christmas forms part of our beautiful embroidery collection. Unfortunately though, we don’t currently have any stockists in the USA, however, this title is available from our UK stockist SewandSo* for £9.87 (product code: 2007860) who ship internationally. If you also fancy more current seasonal stitching why not check out our latest publication, too: Book…

THE WORLD OF Cross Stitching KNOW-HOW To the point Q Could you explain the different types of needles? I normally buy embroidery and cross stitch kits, so I’ve been using the needles they provide for some needlework projects, but they started to break. Amanda McClain, via Facebook A Heather says: Different needles are intended for different purposes, so make sure you use the correct one for the type of work you’re completing. Embroidery (or crewel) needles have sharp points and slightly elongated eyes. They are used for stitching through fabric that has a tight weave, and also useful for breaking aida blocks for fractional stitches and backstitch on cross stitch projects, too. A chenille needle has a long eye and a sharp tip. It is a combination of a tapestry…

Join us on Facebook Chat 24/7 on our Facebook page – here’s what you’ve missed! OUR FAVOURITE POST 239 people like this Natalie Trenner says: “My share is my SAL from Lakeside Needlecraft. I got part six and am about a third of the way through! It’s called ‘Mythical Medieval Mansion’.” Such dedication, Natalie, we can’t wait to see the next part! YOU LIKED 254 people like this Karine Goddé says: “Just finished my first cross stitching project!” Congrats on finishing your first stitchy piece, Karine, you must feel a great sense of achievement! This sweet Mittens & Cyril project appeared in WOXS issue 259. And the winner is… We asked you on Facebook: one unlimited stash item, what would it be? It’s unanimous, unlimited threads in a rainbow of…

CALL THE HOTLINE TODAY ☎ 03330 162 137 ✖ Issue 280 Stitch folk art coasters, enjoy April Rose’s vintage-style sewing pattern, try an intricate geisha and turn a washing line design into a peg bag. We’ve got many designs to brighten your home, including a tulips draught excluder, a floral blackwork sampler and an adorable cycling duo. Plus expert advice, tips and prizes to win. YOUR EXCLUSIVE GIFT: Birdcage bookmark kit ✖ Issue 279 Bunny bauble kit + bee floral chart, egg hunt set, stumpwork garden, Assisi-style cards, floral table runner, choc hanging, retro Design Library ✖ Issue 278 Birdhouse card kit, beaded unicorn, hares bolster cushion, garden ABC, spring sampler, treasure map, perpetual calendar, window box cards ✖ Issue 277 Stitcher’s notebook & sticky pad, spring blooms, wedding 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. 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. 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). French knots Easy with practice – come…

Quarter The chart shows which corner has the fractional. Bring the needle up in that corner and down in the centre of the square, halfway across the diagonal (diagram 1). Three-quarters Work a quarter stitch, then a half stitch across the other diagonal arm of the square as in diagram 2. Like quarters, three-quarter stitches can face any direction. Two symbols When two symbols share a square, work a fractional in each colour. Decide on the quarter stitch for the background colour, then a three-quarters stitch for the main one (diagram 3). Back-to-back For a stronger outline, work a three-quarter stitch in each colour, stitching them back-to-back (diagram 4). Make sure that the two half stitch arms lie neatly parallel to each other.…

HEATHER NUGENT Try something new with Heather’s fab project (p56). Stitch on perforated paper and layer the designs to create two 3D scenes – we show you how. MARIA DIAZ You’ll find a card for all occasions in Maria’s set of six modern cake designs on page 38. You can customise each design with your own greeting. DIANE MACHIN Use Diane’s typographic alphabet set (p77) to create a speedy personalised gift for a loved one. You’ll love the funky colour palette used across the letters.…

This is one groom who will certainly sweep you off your feet! Monty Mouse is looking rather dapper in his black tux, complete with a classy top hat and a bright pink flower pinned to his lapel. Great as a wedding or anniversary stitchy gift. Groom Mouse key STITCH COUNT 40 high x 36 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 7.5x6.5cm (2¾x2½in) This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Missed a chart? ISSUE 280 All in elegant white and clutching a bouquet, Lizzie is all excited for her big day. ISSUE 279 Check out Monty and his freshly-baked hot cross buns – a classic Easter treat! ISSUE 278 Dressed in yellow and blowing dandelion seeds, Lizzie is all ready for spring! For back issues, call ☎ 03330…

Q I am a keen golfer and cannot find a lady golfer cross stitch chart or kit anywhere. Would you design one for me please? Marie Jacobs A Jenny says: I hope this swinging action shot is just what you wanted, Marie. This simple design allows you to easily customise the hair and skin tone, as well as giving you the opportunity to use up some of the thread colours in your stash for the clothes. This would make a charming accessory for your golf bag. Golfer key STITCH COUNT 30 high x 20 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 5.5x3.5cm (2¼x1½in) 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…

I want to do a project on evenweave for which I was going to just zigzag stitch the edges, but I read a tip that recommended hemming – any tips? Ursula Richards, Skegness Katriel says: If you’re not confident with sewing, I’d suggest zigzagging (or overlocking) the edges as intended – it will do the same job as hemming, which is to protect the fabric from fraying. As you gain confidence, try hemming a few pieces of scrap fabric to practise, rather than your expensive evenweave. Simply fold over 1cm (¼in) of the edges all the way around, and sew in place with a running stitch on a sewing I am in the process of stitching a tiger, but I have now got to work half cross stitch in one strand.…

PET OF THE MONTH No.1 pet Design my pet! Q I love The World of Cross Stitching mag and can’t wait to receive it every month. I especially like the pet that is featured each month. I‘ve been waiting for a mini schnauzer, like my Bear, but so far it’s not happened. I wonder if possibly you could design my pet? We call him Bear because he is a lovely shade of brown and tan. He’s my companion puppy and I adore him! Thank you so much! Sonia Thomas, via Facebook A Durene says: Thanks for your request, Sonia. I know that schnauzers have a personality twice as big as they are, and you can really see that spunky attitude in Bear! Schnauzers have a very distinctive look which sets…

How did you become a cross stitch designer? I started to work for The World of Cross Stitching, Cross Stitch Crazy and Cross Stitch Gold magazines in 2009 as a Charting Assistant and after a number of years of seeing how all the talented designers could turn a simple idea into something so beautiful to stitch, I really wanted to try myself. I started experimenting with a few small patterns, not really expecting them to go any further than my own personal collection. To my surprise however, a Nativity set was picked to feature in Crazy! I was super excited when the issue came out. Everything just grew from there, including having more of my designs featured in WOXS and Gold, too! Favourite subjects? Nature is a favourite design subject…

Bursting with stitchy fun, Cross Stitch Crazy is full of easy-to-follow, quick-to-stitch charts from all of your favourite designers! Discover great stories, fun competitions and a fab bonus gift with every single issue – you’d be mad to miss out! Plus, with our special offer, you can subscribe today and try three issues for just £5! GREAT REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE ♥ JUST £5 for your first three issues!* ♥ FREE UK delivery – never miss an issue ♥ FAB BONUS gift with every issue 3 EASY WAYS TO ORDER Order online at www.buysubscriptions.com/CZHA19 ☎ Call now on 03330 162 133† †Call charges from mobile phones are included in free call packages. Outside of free call packages call charges from mobile phones will cost between 3p and 55p per minute. Calls…

ISSUE 282 ON SALE 17 MAY Britain's No 1 THE WORLD OF Cross Stitching SUGAR & SPICE Add a dash of colour to your kitchen with this pretty pantry sampler SUMMER LOVIN’ Brighten up a friend’s day with one of these six fab tropical postcard designs A WHOLE NEW WORLD Discover the delights of this dreamy meadow by stepping through the floral archway FUN IN THE SUN This nostalgic seaside scene will bring back memories of trips to the beach THE WORLD OF Cross Stitching EXCLUSIVE This gorgeous pup will melt your heart! You won’t be able to resist stitching this cute cocker spaniel with those big brown eyes and strokable fur SUCH A DEER Make your loved one smile with this charming woodland duo from Makiko GOT IT COVERED…

Jennifer Brown is a homekeeper in Florida What’s your idea of cross stitch heaven? My cross stitch heaven has no distractions or interruptions and all necessary supplies. Who’s your favourite cross stitch designer and why? So very many to choose from! My newest favourite I would have to say is Durene Jones. I can really feel happiness coming from her patterns. Fave recent WOXS design? I love ‘Birds of a Feather’ by Durene Jones – I just love her style and how her designs always make me smile. What has been your best compliment for one of your cross stitch pieces, and who was it from? My brother – when he opened a stitching that my mum started and I finished. His comment was: “Wow, Jen, I can’t tell where…

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 Sweet treat Q I’m looking for a chocolate alphabet and can’t seem to find one. Have you featured one in your magazine or know of…

✖ Lorna Smith: My top tip would be to just go for it! Sometimes over thinking what colour or pattern aida to use leaves you disheartened and sticking to white, when something else could have looked beautiful! ✖ Jenny Wells: When I worked with black I put a white pillowcase on my lap. The holes just popped out at me. So much easier. Also, a comfortable chair – I can stitch all day long in a comfortable chair. ✖ Cassie Ruth: If at all possible, place a light box or small light behind your dark fabrics and always take your time, mistakes show up more! ✖ Jennifer Davis: I use colours all the time… except black or navy, those two are impossible! If I can’t find a colour I need,…

Mermaids WORK WITH BEADS THE DANCING MERMAID To recreate this underwater scene, Joan Elliott has used vibrant turquoise and jade threads, which work so well with Big Bang 28-count Lugana – a hand-dyed fabric available from Polstitches*. Glass beads in sea breeze, ice and royal pearl add a breathtaking texture to this absorbing design. Stitch count: 120 wide by 181 high, 22x33cm (8½x13in) on 28-count lugana MINIMAL FRACTIONAL STITCHES MERMAID LAGOON Amermaid and patterned tropical fish swim about in this design from Satsuma Street*. A small amount of fractionals and backstitch makes this a great project for a beginner to tackle. It’s stitched on grey, an effective background for this vibrant design. Make for a bathroom, or a little girl who is mad about mermaids. Stitch count: 99 wide by 184 high,…

Nothing but a hound dog Loyal and courageous, this adorable pooch from Panna* will warm your heart. Great for intermediates, this ‘Beagle’ (J-1761) full cross stitch kit retails at €19.64 (approx. £16.74). The size of the finished design is 21.5x26.5cm (8½x10½in) – perfect for framing! This little piggy Beginners will love stitching this cute little munchkin designed by La Selva Design*. The finished size of this small ‘Guinea Pig Cross Stitch Pattern’ will be approx. 5x5cm (2x2in) when stitched on 14-count aida. Get this PDF chart instantly for only £2.81. Girl gang Here come ‘The Girls’ (SHTG1502) by Peter Underhill from Heritage Crafts*. This sassy trio from the Simply Heritage range is 9x10cm (3½x4in) and only uses whole stitch and backstitch – a fun quick stitch! The £9.50 kit contains…

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…

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…