Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2020 i The World of Cross Stitching

We’re transporting you to the golden days of autumn this month with a fantastic selection of projects to evoke crisp leaves and All Hallows’ Eve! First up, we welcome back Faye Whittaker with her distinct All Our Yesterday’s style in a sweet scene of children playing amongst the leaves (p10). Enjoy Carol Thornton’s intricate woodland scene (p56), stitch and send Jenny Van De Wiele’s seasonal cards (p68), decorate your home with a spook-tacular wreath by Heather Nugent (p76) and make Rhona Norrie’s fun Halloween mug cosies to keep your brew warm (p38). Have you been struggling to find the right pattern to make a card or gift for the man in your life? Look no further than our Design Library by Durene Jones (p47)! You’ll find 39 ‘manly’ motifs covering…

Costume Mouse key STITCH COUNT 40 high x 30 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 7.5x5.5cm (2¾x2¼in) This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Ready to go trick or treating, Monty is looking absolutely fa-boo-lous dressed up as Frankenstein’s monster. Make up as a fun card, or add some ribbon to create a hanging decoration for a frightful costume party. Missed a chart? For back issues, call ☎ 03330 162 137 or visit http://bit.ly/1NwX3Rv…

Star Letter X MARKS THE SPOT Here’s a photo of my latest completed cross stitch project. We have great fun attending a ‘Piratemania’ geocaching camping event each summer, walking footpaths whilst dressed as pirates and searching for ‘treasure’! As soon as I saw Jenny Barton’s super pirate ‘Treasure Map’ design in WOXS issue 278 (March 2019) I ordered the materials right away. It was a very enjoyable project with the vintage cream aida to work on and many individual motifs in the picture, which gave great satisfaction as each was completed. Mounting the finished piece on canvas would not have been much use for camping, so I decided to sew a cushion and had the good luck to find two off cuts of a palm tree motif fabric in my…

Friendly faces LOVE NATURE Thanks to a partnership between Stitched with love (by us)* and watercolour artist Jane Bannon (Field and Fur*), we’re delighted to show you these beautiful animal cross stitch kits. Currently, there are nine large designs in a range of sizes (approx. 35.5x35.5cm/14x14in), all using full cross stitches only, with cute characters such as ‘Stan and Ollie’ (cheeky donkeys), ‘Neighbourhood Watch’ (inquisitive highland cows) and ‘Pammy’ (a curious cow). Each kit comes with a B&W chart (colour on request), DMC threads on a pre-sorted thread holder, needle, your choice of fabric and comes in a matching organic cotton bag as a lovely keepsake once the project is finished. Collect them all! GOOD TIMES After a trying start to the year, we think it’s important to focus on…

King of the road Q I’m trying to find a truck kit or chart that is not Eddie Stobart. Can you help please? My husband makes model trucks and I would like to stitch one for his tablecloth when he shows. Catherine Early, via Facebook A Helene: What a great hobby and idea to stitch a project in-keeping with his passion! There are not too many non-branded truck patterns on the market, but here at Skye Stitching & Photos* we created this realistic ‘Red Cartoon Truck’ (TT001) that could fit the bill. It measures 20x15cm (8x6in) and comes as a kit with 14-count white aida, pre-sorted Anchor threads and a needle for £8.99. Alternative colours are available on request, too. We also have our ‘Stitch a Photo Design Service’ where…

Tackling special stitches Q I really like the Quick Challenge project in your magazine by Faby Reilly, but I’m new to stitching and not sure I can do those special stitches. Is there a way to simplify them so that I can still stitch the great designs please? Thank you for your help. Joan Hibbot, Lancaster A Fiona: The great thing about this new section is that stitchers of all abilities can try their hand at some new stitches and skills using the clear step-by-step tutorial photos as a guide. Faby also has many handy video tutorials on her website – www.fabyreilly.com. I’d encourage you to give it a go, as you may find them simpler than you think – even if you’re a beginner! Try them out on scrap…

39 COOL IDEAS Young or old, any man would be delighted by the contents of Durene Jones’ chart collection x 39 quick-and-easy motifs x Durene Jones’ design inspiration x Stitches for every skill level x Helpful tips and advice x Unique present ideas for your special someone TOP TIP Swap out shades to use your recipient’s favourite colour, or to use up the threads you already have in your stash My inspiration It can often be hard to find just the right thing to stitch for men, but hopefully this charming collection will solve that problem. I’ve tried to include a range of hobbies and motifs I think that guys of all ages will like. Of course, ladies can enjoy these too. DURENE JONES, DESIGNER TOP TIP Pair one of…

Bouncy buddy Ferret lovers rejoice, thanks to Jann Designs*. For £19.95 you can get the ‘Ferret Portrait – Fer 3’ kit, which includes a B&W chart, 14-count aida, needle and presorted Anchor threads. This 21.5x21.5cm (8½x8½in), design is a delight to stitch, using whole cross stitches only. Tabby-tastic! Who says Halloween is just for black cats? This pumpkin orange feline is just as fun and festive. You can instantly download this ‘Exotic shorthair cross stitch pattern’ (PDF) from Ringcat* for £3.05. Using just eight colours, when stitched on 14-count fabric this little fella comes to 4x5.5cm (1½x2¼in) – the perfect sized stitchy treat. Cuddle companion Settle down in your favourite chair and get stuck into this sweet project. Aptly named ‘Soft Spot’ (70-35329), this Dimensions kit from Black Sheep Wools*…

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…

CAROL THORNTON Carol has created an incredible photorealistic woodland scene featuring orange hues and two curious badgers at the heart of the design (p56). KAY WIDDOWSON Celebrate the autumn season with Kay's playful family of squirrels in this stylised design packed with fun details to get your needle stuck into (p24). SOSAE & DENNIS Keep your food fresh, be eco-friendly and brighten up your kitchen with Sosae and Dennis' fantastic Kawaii-style reusable pot covers (p62). STITCHING HELP! Don’t forget to send all your stitchy questions and design requests in to us! Email us at: theworldofxstitching@immediate.co.uk Write to: Ask the Experts, The World of Cross Stitching, Immediate Media Co, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST Send in queries via social media: We will try and answer your questions as soon…

Share your stitches Enjoy a round-up of our fave makes from across our social community Websites you’ll love Next time you log on, check out these amazing stitchy sites Class of the month The Royal School of Needlework has launched a new self-paced online course suitable for confident beginners or intermediate level students in the art of hand embroidery. In this class, you’ll create a beautiful goldwork silk shading turquoise butterfly with the provided kit, sent directly to your home. Each course uses video instruction, online step-by-step written and photographic guides, and offers the ability to interact with other students. MORE Visit www.rsnonlinecourses.com Free download JB Cross Stitch (www.jbcrossstitch.com) is the online home of cross stitch designer Jenny Barton. Just visit the ‘Free Charts’ section, add the chart you like…

Q I wonder if Jenny might be able to design an award for my granddaughter who is about to achieve Scouting’s/Guiding’s highest honour – Queen’s Badge. She was lucky enough to have her Gold DofE badge actually presented by the Duke of Edinburgh at his very last presentation ceremony last year. Many thanks! Cherry Sloane, via email A Jenny: Congratulations are definitely in order! I hope this design is exactly what you’re looking for. Queen’s Badge key STITCH COUNT 30 high x 31 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 5.5x5.5cm (2_x2_in) 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. Searching Q Please…

When he’s not cooking up a storm in the kitchen or playing with his four children, CJ Long loves to stitch. He’s a big fan of the mindful benefits of stitching, and it’s played a big part in changing his life for the better. When CJ was 23 years old, a serious accident left him with two broken arms and a lot of problems with his thumbs. CJ recalls: “I was having trouble grabbing things or controlling my hands. I started to get frustrated with the fact that I couldn’t write very well. I couldn’t draw or play video games.” ROAD TO RECOVERY CJ’s mum saw how much he was struggling and, as a stitcher herself, she suggested cross stitching as a way to help his hands and also to…

CALL THE HOTLINE TODAY ☎ 03330 162 137 x Issue 297 Sept Our latest issue is bursting with stitchy treats, including an Anne Stokes exclusive – a fair maiden and unicorn! We also have a stylised allotment scene, six new home cards, sweet sunflower bear, commemorative Mayflower ship, whimsical dreamcatcher and so much more. Plus, don’t miss the fabric count rulers! YOUR EXCLUSIVE GIFT: a summery Furry Tales Festival Mouse card kit designed by Lucie Heaton! x Issue 296 Aug Beach huts chart, samurai, Forever Friends bear, lazy daisy ABC, milestone birthday cards, Furry Tales Wedding sampler, blackwork jellyfish, hedgehog cushion, mini pot holders x Issue 295 July Summer shed chart, toucan, Hampton Court Palace, summer ABC, geisha, baby teddy, sweetpea glasses case, carnival cards, floral placemats, airborne DL, positive…

Sara Bustamante is a paralegal from Houston, Texas, USA Stitching project you love best? My favourite style is cards. I feel like mailing cards is not done as often anymore, but there’s nothing like a thoughtful card in the mail. What’s the best stitching tip you’ve ever heard? French knots are not as scary as they look. It takes a bit of practice and patience, but they are feasible. Do you have a stitching technique you’d like to master? I’d love to learn how to stitch beads into a piece. I think the beads add a lovely texture and shine to the work that even metallic thread can’t rival. Fave WOXS design? I loved the ‘Tea With Friends’ pattern in issue 290 (February 2020). Tea is a part of my daily life.…

Fiona Baker Our Technical Editor Fiona is ready to solve any stitching dilemma and answer all your technique questions Heather Nugent Heather is our talented Charting Editor and is on hand to help you transform your stitching into finished items Hannah Erskine A lifelong stitcher, our Charting Assistant Hannah can answer any chart or stitching related questions Jenny Barton Design pro Jenny has been creating projects for us for years and is ready to take on your design challenges Hannah Fletcher All set to hunt down those elusive charts and products, Hannah’s here to find shopping answers that you need Sew charming Q I am trying to track down a chart from your magazine – it featured an old Singer sewing machine, a patchwork quilt, teddy and a pink dress…

x Jacky Bouck-Standen: I stitch using good light sitting at my desk. I’m sitting rather upright in my office chair which has good back support, so no aches and pains for me! I try and take a break every 1 to 1.5 hours. x Stephanie Mulder: I find switching between different style holders and sizes helps keep my hands from becoming sore! When my hand starts to hurt from holding my Q Snap, I move to a hoop. x Lorna Smith: I use a computer lap tray on my lap for my chart. As it’s angled slightly towards me, I don’t have to hunch over a chart on my lap, meaning my back stays straighter and doesn’t end up aching. x Julie Reynolds: Handeze compression gloves are amazing for wrists…

Fun facts about rough collies • The much-loved Lassie character, of novel, TV and film fame, is a rough collie. • Did you know that Queen Victoria and Miley Cyrus have both owned a rough collie? • Nine-month-old rough collie Duncan won the 2020 Puppy Bowl – an annual TV show that runs alongside the Super Bowl where the puppies play in a mini American football stadium and are all up for adoption. Design my pet! Q Dear Durene, my boyfriend and I live in Hong Kong with my two lovely rough collies (Lassie dogs). I’d love it if you could turn them into a small pattern! Shadow, our 11-year-old boy, is a dark mahogany sable. Blue, our three-year-old girl, is a sable and white. Shadow flew all the way…

This series has been designed especially for those of you who are keen to learn new stitches and treat yourself to a fun monthly challenge. The designs will cover a variety of styles and themes each issue and every pattern is small enough that it can be stitched over a weekend or in between larger projects, as well as finished in a manner of your choice, exercising your creativity! Although they may look intricate, my patterns are simple to follow, and I’ll give you clear step-bystep tutorials for any special stitches. I do recommend practising the new stitches on a piece of scrap fabric before you start your main design. I hope you enjoy learning these new techniques! TOP TIP Running stitch is worked by passing the needle in and…

ISSUE 299 ON SALE 4 SEPT Santa Claus and friends Jenny Barton’s traditional Saint Nick, accompanied by his forest pals, will have you bringing in the season with good cheer PLUS MUCH MORE Get cosy with our hygge-inspired Design Library Bring Amanda Gregory’s watercolour poppies to life Challenge yourself with assisi poinsettia and beads Our experts answer your cross stitching queries Your stories, inspiration & letters… plus much more VINTAGE BIRD & TEACUP CARD KIT STITCH & SEND Includes everything you need to create this classy and elegant bird and teacup scene. Your card kit includes: • 14-count aida • 30 lengths of stranded cotton • Illustrated card • Handy envelope TO SUBSCRIBE ☎ 3330 162 137 CAN’T WAIT FOR NEXT ISSUE? Contents subject to change. Gift(s) only with print…