Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2019 i The World of Cross Stitching

The countdown to Christmas is well and truly on! And we’ve got a fantastic selection of projects to keep you busy this season. Add festive sparkle to your home with our décor ideas – make Scandi-style bunting by Faby Reilly (p18), discover Jane Henderson’s exquisite Nativity scene (p26) and try a set of beaded baubles by Becky Spencer (p78) that are sure to take pride of place on your tree. There’s a wealth of card and gift projects that you’ll be able to whip up in a weekend, from Maria Diaz’s city snow globe cards (p56) to Rhona Norrie’s cute gift card holders (p84). And your exclusive kit this month is a set of three sweet greeting cards to stitch and send to friends and family right away (p7)! Little…

A jolly Santa, a friendly snowman and an adorable puppy, all wrapped up in warm scarves amid the falling snow – this might be one of the cutest scenes ever to appear in our mag! Helz’s vibrant design will certainly put a big smile on your face and is sure to get you into the festive spirit this year. French knots are key to this seasonal scene, as they’re used to create the polka-dot effect on the snowman’s scarf and his coal-black eyes, as well as Santa’s twinkling pair of peepers. If you’ve not yet mastered this stitch, this is the ideal project to help you conquer the technique. A crisp white frame and bright red mount provide the perfect finish for this merry design, complementing the style and colours…

PICK OF THE MONTH Festive cuties CHRISTMAS GREETINGS This cute Margaret Sherry Christmas Greetings Cards collection from Bothy Threads* will kick off your festive stitching in style. In whole cross stitches and backstitch, each card kit comes with 16-count white Zweigart aida, stranded cottons, metallic gold thread, sequins, a needle, stitch diagrams and instructions. Choose from ‘First Christmas’ (XMAS19), ‘Counting Snowflakes’ (XMAS18), ‘Star Gazing’ (XMAS20) and ‘Apres Ski’ (XMAS21). The last three designs also include Lana, a wool thread, for extra fluffiness. Each design measures 10x10cm (4x4in) and comes with a triple-fold card and envelope, so you can send your card off before the Christmas post rush! ORDER UP! Full of holiday spirit, a family stop by a bustling diner to warm up after picking out the large Christmas tree…

Fiona Baker Fiona is our Technical Editor so she’s all ready to answer your questions 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 might 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…

Lane Line: I always use acid-free double-sided tape for my designs rather than using a glue as you have more control of the mount. Debbie Webb: I prefer tri-fold aperture cards. I love embellishing with stickers and other bits that I’ve picked up around the place – anything sparkly, usually! Vikki Climpson: I like to use aperture cards, but do use single-fold cards too, especially for unusual sizes. Samantha Campion: Gorilla mounting tape holds amazingly well. If I’m using a tri-fold aperture card, I’ll also cut some wadding slightly smaller than the aperture and stick that to the backing – it just makes your stitching pop a little more. Louise Mackin: I used to use aperture cards, but these days I prefer to mount on the front of a card…

There’s something so thoughtful about stitching a personalised design for someone special, and we think Christmas is the right time to try it if you’ve never done it before! Jenny Van De Wiele has created this pretty winter monogram alphabet, which will certainly come in really handy this festive season – and for winter birthdays and anniversaries too. Combining iconic Christmas holly and berry motifs with a minimal festive colour palette complemented by cool teal, this is an elegant and versatile ABC that’s also easy to stitch with just a bit of know-how. Jenny has designed two simple circular borders that fit every letter inside, so you can mix and match them easily for your friends and family. Make cards and tiny gifts to treasure with these quick-stitch designs in…

Writing a letter to Santa is a Christmas highlight – every little boy and girl has been working hard to be good and stay on his nice list. Make this year extra-special by stitching and making your own addressed and stamped envelope for the jolly man himself. Stitched on 14-count antique white aida, the envelope has a border of festive red and green stripes, a smattering of icy blue snowflakes and the all-important Christmas tree stamp. Marked ‘Express Delivery’, this letter is sure to reach old St Nick before the special day. The design also includes a full upper- and lower-case alphabet so you can personalise the envelope with your address or child’s name. Turn to page 66 to transform your stitching into a fabric envelope that’s just the right…

BETHLEHEM CARDS ALL CARDS COME WITH MATERIALS, INSTRUCTIONS AND ENVELOPES THREE CHILLY POLAR BEAR CARDS STAINED GLASS CARDS 3D GINGERBREAD CHAPEL Just one of the Gingerbread Collection which can be found online or in our catalogue (if you haven’t received a copy, please get in touch and we’ll get one to you immediately). JOY CARDS THREE HAPPY PENGUINS CARDS These stunning beaded kits make lovely decorations or gifts. Kits include 5” hoop, coloured linen, beads, thread, needle, instructions and template of the design. Beautifully packaged with coloured ribbon to hang the finished product, all presented in an organza bag. Lots More Online TRADITIONAL CARDS £9.20 each or buy any three for £26.00 Online over 40 designs to choose from All on 16ct Aida 13.3x9cm oval 76 Highdown Worcester Park KT4…

There’s no wonder why so many of us opt to give gift cards at Christmas – the recipient can buy whatever they like best from the shops, ensuring the gift is always just right for them! But sometimes, these presents could use a personal touch – which is why these fabulous gift card holders by Rhona are the ideal way to give this type of present some pizazz! These four cute critters become a simple pocket into which you can tuck your gift card. Choose from a grinning reindeer, happy pup, cuddly teddy or sweet little mouse, or just stitch the whole set if you can’t decide who’s your favourite from the bunch! It’s then very simple to turn them into finished holders using a wooden hoop – turn over…

ISSUE 288 ON SALE 1NOV PLUS MUCH MORE Get swept away with our whimsical Nutcracker ABC Encourage your little one to read with a fun book cushion Design Library featuring last-minute Nordic makes Your cross stitching queries answered by our experts Your stories, inspiration & letters… plus much more! EXCLUSIVE! 3D SANTA TREE DECORATION KIT Get creative this season and stitch a unique ornament for your Christmas tree. This is a special make that you can keep once the festivities have ended and bring out year after year to enjoy. Your 3D Santa kit includes: 14-count plastic aida 41 lengths of cotton thread Red baker’s twine Clear illustrated chart & key Simple step-by-step instructions TO SUBSCRIBE 03330 162 147 CAN’T WAIT FOR NEXT ISSUE?…

HELZ CUPPLEDITCH This jolly scene from Helz (p10) features Santa, his snowman pal and a cute pup. All three are wrapped up warm and ready to brighten up your home. MARIA DIAZ Friends and family will be thrilled to receive a vibrant city snow globe card from you this festive season. Choose from six designs packed with detail (p56). JENNY VAN DE WIELE Part of a series of monogram alphabet sets designed by Jenny, this winter addition – complete with wreath frames – is perfect for cards and gifts (p38).…

This fantastically festive kit includes everything you need to stitch a super-sweet and wintry scene, based on an original illustration by Margaret Sherry. Have it ready to hang in your home this Christmas or give as a special gift! What's inside your complete cross stitch kit: × Full-size colour chart & key × 45 thread skeins (4m) – including metallics! × 14-count aida & needle × BONUS mini card kit & chart Stitch count 159 high x 110 wide • Design area on 14-count aida 29x20cm (11¼x7¾in) • Frame not included Order your kit today! ORDER ONLINE www.buysubscriptions.com/craftspecial or CALL 03330 162 138 and quote ‘Margaret Sherry Christmas Kit Print 1’ *UK calls will cost the same as other standard fixed line numbers (starting 01 or 02) and are included…

It’s described as the greatest story ever told, and for many, the Nativity is at the heart of the Yuletide festivities. Here, Jane’s beautiful version is stitched on rich navy blue 14-count aida across three panels, appropriately evoking the feel of a religious triptych. Mary and Joseph are in the centre panel with Jesus, the wise men are on the right side panel, the shepherds and angel are on the left and the Star of Bethlehem is blazing its heavenly light over everyone. Keep a close eye on the key to check the number of strands needed, as the design calls for three strands for the whole cross stitches, and a mixture of one and two strands for the backstitch. Using three strands helps the colours stand out against the…

To the point Q Are there any Christmas-themed needle minders? I use a different one for each season but don’t have one just for Christmas! I know lots of people probably don’t stitch over Christmas but it would be nice to find something to use. Heidi Olson, via Facebook A Sally: Check out our range of handy needle minders at Caterpillar Cross Stitch*. We currently have two festive-themed minders: a Stitchmas Pear from the 12 Days of Christmas and a Gingerbread Man. These handy little minders are approx. 3.5cm high and made from glossy, thick enamel. They have two super-strong magnets to hold them in place on your fabric while keeping your needles safe and to hand. Each costs £8.35 on its own or £10 with a mini drawstring pouch,…

Metallic matters Q I’m getting ready to use the Madeira metallic threads that I received with my magazine subscription. Are these to be divided into single strands, and if so, do you use two for cross stitches? Thanks so much – I do enjoy your magazine! Linda Wells, Illinois, USA A Fiona: I love this subscription gift, Linda, and it’s great you’re looking at putting them to good use already. Available in 24 colours in Madeira Spiral Packs, Metallic No.4 is a four-stranded floss (instead of the usual six) and is made with 40% metallised polyester and 60% viscose. The metallic strands are the same thickness as the non-metallic stranded cottons by DMC, Anchor and Madeira, making them easy to work into your projects, no matter what thread brand you…

Send a smile this holiday season with Durene Jones’ collection of quick-stitch fun-filled designs 39 quick-and-easy motifs Durene Jones’ design inspiration Stitches for every skill level Helpful tips and advice Unique present ideas for your special someone SANTA PAWS For the cat lovers in your life! Sew some fabric to the back of your stitching (12) with a loop of twine in the seam. Turn through and stuff for a padded hanging. SWEET TREAT Save trees with reusable gift wrap ideas like this cute drawstring bag. Make your own or buy readymade and stitch your design (18) to the front. Fill with goodies! DING DONG MERRILY Nothing says Christmas quite like a festive llama! Fray and patch your stitching (34) onto a single-fold card. Finish with a sparkly ribbon embellishment.…

Wandering along the frozen river, a deer pauses to take in the wintry landscape, its hooves sinking deep into the snow. A rabbit shelters from the icy wind by tucking into the roots of a great tree, while the sun sets behind the snowcapped mountains in a frosty sky that’s tinted pink, mauve and lilac… Amanda has once again revisited the woodland where she set her summer and autumn scenes in issues 255 and 272, creating a beautiful winter landscape that’s rich in colour and emotion. There’s so much to enjoy in this piece, from the sprigs of holly to the snow-laden tree branches – as well as everyone’s favourite winter bird, the cheeky robin! If you’re looking for a project to challenge you this season, this is it! The…

Part of the magic of Christmas is setting up the tree and bringing out the decorations, those special ornaments that really mark the start of the festive excitement! And this opulent set of baubles, in gorgeously rich shades of purple, red, teal and gold, are sure to become a treasured part of your collection and bring you joy year after year. Stitched on delicate 28-count evenweave, these ornaments use shading to create the illusion of curves, giving these flat baubles a more 3D feel. All five have pretty metallic thread detailing, while some also include dainty seed beads. Each bauble is edged with gold cord for a fabulously festive finishing touch! Turn to page 82 to find out how to turn your stitching into a stylish holiday bauble collection, ready…

Issue 286 Our November issue will start to get you into the festive spirit with a scrumptious gingerbread Advent calendar, fun tomte bookmarks and beaded Christmas tree cards. You’ll find plenty of non-festive designs, too, such as a floral swan and Highland cows. Plus, don’t miss our world celebrations Design Library! YOUR EXCLUSIVE GIFT: Tatty Teddy calendar! Issue 285 Accessory case, Henry VIII, bird quilt (part 3), pumpkin pile, autumn fairy garden, 3D tissue box, craft ABC, pet Design Library, kids’ birthday cards Issue 282 Enchanting fairy card kit, cocker spaniel puppy, tropical postcard set, floral bunting, sunny meadow, nostalgic seaside scene, book cover trio Issue 284 Floral wreaths chart book, bird quilt (part 2), lighthouse, fruity lunch bag, Art Deco DL, Delft ABC, animal matching game, Scandi chicken placemat…

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. The most common fabric is 14-count aida. 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…

Hayley Marks is a veterinary nurse from Dorset, UK Three words to describe you? Patient, creative, determined. What has been your favourite cross stitch project? My mum bought me a gorgeous cross stitch kit featuring two giraffe faces. It took me a whopping 80 hours to stitch, but it is stunning. I have it framed in my lounge. What do you love the most about cross stitching? The best thing about cross stitching is that it’s ‘my time’. I can switch off completely and immerse myself in it, which helps me to relax. Your cross stitch heaven? I would love to own a craft shop where I could run cross stitch classes. Fave recent WOXS design? The ‘Picture Perfect’ 3D designs by Heather Nugent in issue 281 are brilliant. I don’t think…

Mouse and Reindeer 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 Here, Lizzie Mouse embodies the goodwill spirit of the festive holiday alongside her favourite red-nosed reindeer. Send this sweet, cuddly duo as a Christmas card to let a loved one know that you’re thinking of them this December. Missed a chart? ISSUE 286 Wearing his crooked hat and purple robes, Monty is sure to put you under his spell. ISSUE 285 All nice and cosy in his warm sweater, Monty is enjoying the cool, crisp outdoors. ISSUE 284 Lizzie has a special present just for you – a stunning, bright yellow sunflower! For back issues, call % 03330 162 137 or visit…

Now you can decorate your house with flowers all year round! Enjoy beautiful blooms even in cold weather with pretty pink hellebore, traditional red poinsettia, yellow winter jasmine and pale cream winter honeysuckle, all stitched on white 28-count evenweave. The simple yet stylish colour scheme creates a Scandi feel that will add a homely touch to any room. In this project, Faby used swirly flourishes of backstitch to outline the petals and all the leaves of the holly and mistletoe. The design is also worked in whole cross stitch, with a scattering of ornate gold and wild plum Mill Hill seed beads to add a touch of decadence and texture. Here, we’ve made these fancy florals into triangular-shaped bunting (see page 23 for instructions), finished off with a teardrop pearl…

Q Hi Jenny, I love the American buffalo and would love it if you could create one for me. Thank you so much. Stacey Mitchell, Indiana, USA A Jenny: Before I created your design, I did some research about the American buffalo to get an idea of its size. It’s a huge beast, up to 200cm in height and weighing more than 900kg, but can run at speeds of 60km per hour! I tried to capture some of its powerful magnificence here. American Buffalo key STITCH COUNT 24 high x 30 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 4.5x5.5cm (1¾x2¼in) 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…

ADD AN EMBELLISHMENT CHRISTMAS DOOR If embellishments and speciality threads are your thing, then ‘Christmas Door’ is the perfect choice. Filled with ribbon, beads and metallic threads, this card kit by Derwentwater Designs is available from Bothy Threads*. It’s a luxurious card to stitch and gift. The bright red oval-aperture card is a splendid border for the design and, with an envelope and thread sorter included, this kit has everything you FOR DOG LOVERS GEORGE’S JUMPER George’s jumper keeps him cosy as he enjoys a walk in the snow. This adorable dachshund may be long, but he fits neatly into the 5cm (2in) diameter aperture card provided in this kit from Mouseloft*. Worked on pale blue aida, vibrant thread colours are used for his stripy jumper and scarf, with just…

Snow globes are so simple, yet so fascinating. It’s a joy to shake them up and watch a flurry of ‘snow’ settle over a picturesque scene. And with these pretty designs, you can stitch a snowdome version of your own favourite city, complete with iconic landmarks like London’s Big Ben, New York City’s Statue of Liberty, Sydney’s Opera House and Moscow’s St Basil’s Cathedral. This set of six circular snow globe designs by Maria uses just 14 colours to create all six different cities – and all in whole cross stitch and backstitch only! The intense oranges, pinks and greens stand out against the navy blue aida, creating a striking scene, complete with a dusting of snow. Underneath each aperture, we’ve added a piece of shaped card to create the…

Design my pet! Q Hello! I was hoping you could make a pattern of a German shorthaired pointer, please? I haven’t seen a pattern of one and would love to stitch one. Thank you. Shallynn Peay, via email A Durene says: Thanks so much for your design request, Shallynn. I have to admit that I wasn’t familiar with the German shorthaired pointer before now, but what a gorgeous breed they are! I love their knowing expressions, kind eyes and soft, floppy ears – they look so calm and composed – and I tried to capture that gentle temperament in the design. But I also found out that they love to be outside, for hours on end, so that’s why I designed our German shorthaired pointer sitting in the long grass!…

The perfect Christmas gift from only £29.99 A unique Christmas present they’ll continue to enjoy all year round* Delivered direct to their door Over 30 magazines to choose from – gardening, cooking, crafting, cars, music, wildlife and much more Remember ordering online is safe and secure, choose from any of these payment options This offer closes on the 31st December 2019 and is valid for UK delivery addresses only. The discounts shown are savings calculated as a percentage of the full shop price, excluding Radio Times and Match of the Day which are calculated as a percentage of the Basic Annual Rate. For overseas rates visit www.buysubscriptions.com. All Christmas gift subscriptions will start with the first issue available in January 2020. Should the magazine change in frequency, we will honour…