Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2021 i The World of Cross Stitching

Spring is just around the corner and we’ve got the perfect selection of fresh, sunny ideas and inspiration for you to escape into. Nothing says spring quite like Susan Bates’ gorgeous garden (p56) – stitch blooms in watering cans, wellies and terracotta pots. Send a little sunshine with Durene Jones’ stained-glass window floral cards (p24). This versatile set can be used for any occasion but I think they’re perfect for Mother’s Day. And if you’ve got a stylish mama then the glamorous silhouetted beauty on page 74 would make a fab Mother’s Day gift, too. I’ve been slowly trying to get my niece into cross stitching. We started with some lace-up cards last year, but I think she’s ready to progress to 11-count fabric. Poppy Benner’s colourful collection of designs…

Inside your kit… Here are the colours and number of lengths of thread White x3 Lime green x2 Red x2 Peach x3 Brown x2 Light brown x2 Yellow x3 Orange x2 Light grey x2 Dark green x2 Green x3 Turquoise x3 Grey x3 Total: 32 lengths TOP TIP Be sure to complete all of the cross stitches before starting the backstitch, to make sure the outlines stand out Factbox Quick-tostitch gift Approx8hours Crossstitchfractnals, backstitch Beginne…

How did you begin working with Hannah Dale? A few years ago, I was at the Spring Fair trade exhibition in Birmingham and was delighted to see ‘The Wrendale Collection’. As soon as I spotted Hannah’s paintings, I loved them. They are full of energy and fun. Although they are life-like they are not posed or static. I knew that they’d work really well in cross stitch and couldn’t wait to try! I talked to Hannah about using her work for cross stitch designs and luckily, she agreed. How do you turn Hannah’s paintings into cross stitch? I have to say that they are not the easiest designs to chart! The colours that Hannah uses are very subtle. Obviously with paints you can dilute and blend but to recreate this…

Q Me and my fella love a game of darts in the pub, and we’ve even got a dartboard hanging up at home so we can practise. Can you design a dartboard, please? I’d like to decorate my darts case with one. Thanks! Tina Bailey, via Facebook A Jenny: What a nice idea, Tina. As you’d expect, I used fractional stitches to get the rounded shape of the different sections on the dartboard, especially the bullseye, which is made up of four fractionals. Enjoy! Hit the bullseye You’ll get a top score if you stitch this dartboard for a darts fan 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. Knots away Q…

Designs in hoops GREAT VALUE SMILE RAINBOW Small but perfectly formed, this adorable kit from Lucie Heaton* is packed with positivity – it would make a lovely mindful project for someone going through a tough time. You’ll use whole stitches only on 14-count white aida to stitch the rainbow, simple lettering and heart motifs, so it’s super-easy for beginners. The finished stitching is then framed in a simple 3in wooden hoop. Stitch count 30 wide x 30 high, 6x6cm (2¼x2¼in) on 14-count aida MODERN DESIGN DESERT ESCAPE You’ll love the bold colour blocks in this contemporary cross stitch kit from Hawthorn Handmade*. The design itself is quite large for a beginner’s kit, but the simple whole stitches make it achievable, as does the large chart in both full colour, and black…

There are many plus points to living in a global economy. It lets us try out exotic foods, we can visit far-off shores on our holidays, plus as stitchers we get to enjoy projects from the best designers across the globe. There’s something exciting about earlier times too, when places across the oceans were unknown, and nautical maps were marked with the spine-tingling phrase ‘Here be dragons’. This hanging brings together the best of both worlds, featuring the continents we’ve come to recognise as well as beautiful tall ships and mysterious aquatic beasties lurking in the watery depths. With its sepia hues this project uses six shades of cross stitch, with backstitch in one and two strands in four shades, mostly for the wording and map decorations. You’ll find fractionals…

We all need a dose of glitz and glamour in our lives now and again, and this gorgeous design brings us exactly that. Elegant and a touch mysterious, Maria’s portrait of a young woman in a dazzling gown has a red-carpet feel, and will make a show-stopping gift for somebody special. Amazingly, this stylish piece uses just three shades of thread – black and grey for the elegant silhouette and antique mauve for the intricate, swirly backstitch and bold patterns on the dress. If you’re a beginner looking for your first larger project, why not start here? There are just a few fractional stitches in this design, so it’s perfect for stretching your skills. The finished piece looks oh-so-stylish in a simple black and gold frame, and will make a…

One of the best things about cross stitch is that designs can be as large or small as you desire, and can focus on any subject you imagine. This makes it an especially good hobby for children to try out, as it is simple to create quick-to-stitch colourful charts that kids will enjoy recreating as they pick up the basics of this great activity. And that is exactly what Poppy Benner has done in this fun selection of mini motifs. With far-from-fearsome monsters, space rockets, toy trains and lovely llamas in the mix, as well as a whole host of other child-friendly themes, there’s a design here to appeal to your little one. Each motif is worked in ten colours or fewer, so kids are far less likely to get…

Be on the panel! Allana Vincent is a costume maker from Kippax, West Yorkshire How did you start stitching? I learnt to cross stitch at the knee of my granny who is fantastic at all types of needlework. What has been your worst stitching disaster? I decided to create a design as I went along – it was a complete disaster! What is your idea of cross stitch heaven? A roaring fire, big squashy armchair and a whole day of no interruptions. Fave WOXS design? As a costume maker, I regularly sew vintage style dresses so I absolutely adore the retro ladies in issue 300. What drives you mad about cross stitching? Running out of a particular colour thread part way through a project! Do I stop and buy more or…

Bedecked in plush plumage and ready to crow, this elegant cockerel is a magnificent stitch you’ll want to savour – but at just 26 by 15 centimetres, it is a small-sized project that is sure to leave you wanting more. So it’s lucky that Hannah’s designs are part of the Bothy Threads range, isn’t it! We’re big fans of her painterly, illustrative style, which is shown off perfectly in this beautiful project. From the cockerel’s characterful expression to the luscious sheen on his colourful feathers, this realistic design makes us feel like we have just stepped out of the farmhouse door. Despite the detailed appearance, just a few fractional stitches are used to bring the quizzical look to his golden eyes. Backstitch in six shades defines the overall shape of…

Star Letter SUPER TROOPER I stitched ‘The Trooper’ for my stepson – an Iron Maiden fan – I made the first stitch on 22 June 2018 at 4.30pm and the last stitch at 4pm on 8 February 2020. During this time I created a total of 245,520 stitches, used goodness knows how many skeins of thread and bent quite a few needles! My husband loves his sport, so while he watches, I stitch. I just wonder how many football matches, horse races, and snooker tournaments I have cross stitched through. My next project is a picture of the Northern Lights, which I started during the Cheltenham Festival. My husband bought it for me about two years ago, and it seems so small in comparison to ‘The Trooper’. ‘The Trooper’ measures…

Fiona Baker Our Technical Editor Fiona is ready to solve any stitching dilemma and answer all your technique questions Heather Nugent Heather is a cross stitch designer and multi-crafter – she’ll 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 Sunflower pick Q Please can you tell me which issue the sunflower needle book pattern was in? I’d like to buy it from your back issues department. Liz Kyle, via…

× Danni Maughan: Let the thread hang down every so often to keep the strands loose. To stop metallic threads from fraying, put them in the fridge for a few hours before using. × Carolyn Brickley: I twirl the needle every 10 or 15 stitches, it becomes a habit and the thread stays smooth, with no knots – and you don’t need to drop your needle to untwirl. × Jon Anne Marie: Since I learnt the ‘railway’, the method of putting the needle between the two strands of thread, the number of knots has reduced considerably. × Billie Cope: Knots appear whenever I try to rush something so I would say take it steady and you can catch them before they form. If you do get a knot rest your…

Whether you worship there or admire them purely for their beautiful architecture and feeling of calm, cathedral buildings are defining sights on the skylines of many of the world’s cities. The epic structures convey a feeling of permanence to a place, and their impressive colonnades and decorative pinnacles make a brilliant centrepiece for a cross stitch sampler. While the twin spires make us think of London’s Westminster Abbey and the beautiful rose window is like the one you encounter in Sainte Chapelle in Paris, this detailed design celebrates the beautiful features of cathedral buildings rather than being an exact replica of a particular church. The lettering brings the look of ancient illuminated manuscripts, too, and is the only part of this design where you’ll find fractional stitches. Reflecting the spiritual…

After the bare earth of winter, there’s joy in the sight of new bulbs bursting into life. Keep that anticipation in mind while you work on this gorgeous design, packed with vibrant blooms – spring will be here soon. If you haven’t got any bare earth to hand, that’s no reason to miss out – plant in terracotta pots, watering cans or even your old wellies to give bulbs the space to launch into life in the next few months! Despite the detailed feel, Susan Bates hasn’t used any fractional stitches. Instead she’s built up depth with clever shading, capturing the areas of light and shadow with 32 stranded cottons. When you’re working a project with lots of colours, it’s helpful to organise your threads before you begin, cutting lengths…

ISSUE 305 ON SALE 22 FEB A TASTE OF MEXICO Take a peek inside this vibrant Mexican kitchen filled with culinary delights BLESSED EID Stitch and send Ramadan and Eid greetings with our six card designs ART DECO SURPRISE Combine bold colours, intricate patterns and elegant felines in this stylish pattern by Lisa Reakes GREEN FINGERS Mark your kitchen herbs in cross stitch with 12 rustic label charts SEASONAL DÉCOR Bring the joy of the season into your home with this pretty Easter wreath PLUS MUCH MORE Createa colourful William Morris inspired kitchen set Kidswill love our roarsome dinosaur alphabet collection Relaxwith a cuppa and cake in our café Design Library Yourcross stitching queries answered by our experts Yourstories, inspiration & letters… plus much more Peter RabbitTM is ready for…

Missed a chart? ISSUE 303 Wearing a rainbow cardigan, Flossie Mouse wants to make sure everyone stays safe. ISSUE 302 Monty Mouse is getting the New Year’s Eve party started with balloons and streamers. ISSUE 301 Flossie Mouse can’t resist cuddling up in this cosy Christmas mitten. For back issues, call 03330 162 137 or visit http://bit.ly/1NwX3Rv Stitch Monty Mouse the Medic for a key worker you know. He’ll make a great thank you card for doctors, nurses and care workers, who work so hard to look after us. Smiling Monty will make a cheerful get well card too.…

Needle and thread The World of Cross Stitching PICK OF THE MONTH Needle and thread Show off your needlework skills with these exquisite samplers FINE ARTS This trio of delightful designs by Perrette Samouiloff from Creative Poppy Patterns* is a tribute to the skillful arts of millinery, bobbin lacemaking and dressmaking, animated with sweet characters, borders and patterns. You may have spotted them before, but while they were formerly available in French only, the beautiful cursive lettering has now been newly translated into English. The three designs – ‘The Milliner’, ‘The Seamstress’ and ‘The Lacemaker’ are available as instant PDF chart downloads. A solid red cotton brings each scene to life in whole stitches and backstitch, but the charming simplicity of these designs means you can use any thread shade…

Crazy and Gold Q Will you be printing the patterns that were due to appear in the next issues of Cross Stitch Crazy and Cross Stitch Gold? Susan Sprigg, via Facebook A Hannah: You may have seen previews of designs from our, sadly, now closed sister magazines on their ‘coming next issue’ pages, and we’re delighted to say we’re looking at ways to bring a selection of their planned content to our magazine throughout 2021. Both Crazy and Gold had so many wonderful designs in the pipeline and we’re excited to share these with our readers. This also means that we’ll be welcoming some talented new designers and different techniques and styles to try, which we’re very much looking forward to trying out ourselves, too. However, with space restrictions, as…

Fun facts about African pygmy • African pygmy hedgehogs or four-toed hedgehogs are the smallest of the hedgehog species and the ones most often kept as pets. • A hedgehog has between 5,000-7,000 smooth spines on its coat, similar to the bristles of a brush. • The ancient Romans are thought to have celebrated Hedgehog Day, and used a hedgehog to predict the coming of spring. • Hedgehogs are quite vocal and can make various sounds including hisses, growls, squeals and chirps. Design my pet! Q I see so many hedgehog designs, but none look quite like my Francis. Can you turn the photo of him into a chart that I can stitch? Having a stitched piece that looks like my African pygmy hedgehog, aka Little Dude, would be great…

JUST £9.99 INCLUDING UK P&P* WHAT’S INSIDE × Home decor & gift projects × Easy-to-follow charts × Complete alphabet sets × Interview with Lucie Heaton × Get ahead with seasonal charts ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY! ORDER ONLINE www.buysubscriptions.com/lucieheaton or CALL 03330 162 138 and quote ‘Lucie Heaton Special PRINT 1’ UK calls will cost the same as other standard fixed line numbers (starting 01 or 02) and are included as part of any inclusive or free minutes allowances (if offered by your phone tariff). Lines open weekdays 9am to 5pm. Overseas please call +44 (0) 3330 162 139. EUR price £12.99, ROW price £13.99. *UK prices include P&P. Please allow up to 28 days for delivery. Offer subject to availability.…

× Issue 303,Feb Feel the love with our February issue! You’ll fall head over heels with our romantic sampler and Margaret Sherry’s adorable duo will cheer anyone’s heart. Stitch Assisi-style Valentine’s cards for your loved one and make bookmark gifts for all the family. We also have a nostalgic 1920s scene, a Steampunk clock, and a chalkboard-style sentiment for the home, plus much more! EXCLUSIVE GIFT: The Joy of Kindness chart book Back issue order form – online at www.buysubscriptions.com/worldbackissues or call 03330 162 137† × Issue 302, Jan Forever Friends card kit, winter fairy, Northern Lights scene, hot air balloons height chart, 3D animals cards, playful cats, all-occasions champagne picture, fireworks ABC × Issue 299, Nov Birds & teacup card kit, traditional Santa, Advent calendar, festive feline cards, hygge…

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…