The World of Cross Stitching Special 2020

With life not quite back to ‘normal’ just yet and the days getting shorter, I can’t think of a better place to be than in my favourite chair with my current cross stitch WIP. There’s plenty in this issue to entice you to the sofa during the winter months, too. You might recognise our cover stars this issue – it’s been several years since they’ve appeared in the magazine, and I’m thrilled to welcome back the adorable Country Companions duo, Ed and Edwina Hedgehog. Find them on page 10. We’ve included several projects that are perfect to decorate your home this holiday. Delve into Fiona Baker’s stunning nostalgic lamp post design (p36) or Jenny Van De Wiele’s cardinals hoop (p26) for statement wall art. Christmas dinner isn’t complete without a…

LISA REAKES Lisa’s set of Christmas Firsts cards on page 56 are perfect for celebrating milestone occasions such as weddings, moving home or a new baby. AMANDA GREGORY We think Amanda’s winter florals alphabet set (p69) will make stylish personalised napkin holders to impress guests at your Christmas table. LUCIE HEATON Start the festivities early as you stitch Lucie’s Scandi-inspired design (p18) to make a personalised Christmas Eve box filled with gifts for a loved one. 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: www.facebook.com/theworldofcrossstitching www.instagram.com/worldofcrossstitching We will try and answer your…

Fave WOXS design? It has to be the Faye Whittaker picture from issue 298 (Oct 2020). Autumn is my favourite time of year and the picture reminds me of a song called Forever Autumn, which I sing to my daughter. Who are your stitching buddies? The family dog, Abbey – she loves to curl up on my lap and she doesn’t grumble when I occasionally catch her on the head with my frame! What’s your current project? I am stitching ‘Portland Head Lighthouse’ by S Clarke, from Artecy Cross Stitch. It’s a real challenge as it has so many different colours, but I love lighthouses and it is one of my favourite places to visit. Describe cross stitch heaven… Having the house to myself when the family have gone out, there’s a…

Mitten Mouse key STITCH COUNT 38 high x 37 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 7x6.5cm (2_x2_in) This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Missed a chart? ISSUE 300 Spread some cheer with Monty, who’s getting into the festive spirit as a jolly elf. ISSUE 299 Perfect for the knitters in your life, Lizzie would be a welcome craft companion. ISSUE 298 Ready to go trick or treating, Monty is looking fa-boo-lous dressed as a scary monster. For back issues, call ☎ 03330 162 137 or visit http://bit.ly/1NwX3Rv…

Inside your kit… To help you sort your threads, here’s a list of the threads included in your kit: White x7 Pink x1 Black x2 Yellow x3 Blue x3 Grey x2 Peach x2 Light emerald x3 Emerald x2 Straw x1 Metallic gold x3 Total: 29 lengths Angel Decoration key STITCH COUNT 65 high x 67 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 12x12cm (4½x4¾in) DESIGNED BY Heather Nugent STITCHED BY Laura Boyter This design was stitched using stranded cotton and metallic thread from your cover kit How to… make your angel decoration 1 Use a ruler to find the centre of the plastic aida and start stitching the centre of the design from there. Stitch the angel’s body on one side of the aida, flip it over and stitch the…

The excitement of waking up on Christmas morning with the covers pulled off the bed by the weight of a full stocking is one of our favourite childhood memories! Ed and Edwina Hedgehog are smarter than that, though – hanging their stockings on the bed frame means they stay nice and cosy as they unwrap the treats Santa has left for them. With just three French knots and a few fractional stitches in the hedgehogs’ noses, there is nothing to put this design out of the reach of all levels of stitcher. There’s plenty of backstitch detail to depict this prickly pair, and the design is packed with detail so we recommend breaking it down into smaller sections to keep you motivated and to be sure of finishing it in…