Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2021 i The World of Cross Stitching

We’re thrilled to welcome back Peter Rabbit as the cover star this month! I know you are fans of the lovable bunny too, so I hope you enjoy stitching this fab spring scene (p10). We’ve got plenty more seasonal patterns to keep you busy – celebrate Easter with Heather Nugent’s fun wreath (p84), enjoy Nia Rhind’s delightful spring sampler (p62) and make handy labels for your indoor plant pots with Jenny van de Wiele’s 12 delicate herb designs (p18). I’m a big fan of William Morris and so I asked Amanda Butler to create a set of charts inspired by the 19th century designer. She’s truly captured the bold repeating patterns William Morris was known for in the stylish dining set on page 56 – sure to impress guests! At…

Be on the panel! × Get a sneak preview × Appear in the magazine × Receive a stitchy gift Dawn Paget is an Early Years practitioner from Oxfordshire What is your fave project? My mum bought me ‘Creative Dog’ by Joan Elliott. It says, ‘I’m creative, don’t expect me to be neat too’. What has been your worst stitching disaster? A card for a friend I stitched when I was 13 years old, not long after I became visually impaired. It has taken me years to relearn cross stitching, now I mostly cross stitch by touch rather than by sight. What is your idea of cross stitch heaven? At home with my latest project, rock music playing in the background and a box of chocolates next to me. Fave WOXS…

Ah, Peter! If you’ve ever read the classic Beatrix Potter story, you’ll know that this mischievous bunny drove his mother, Mrs Rabbit, to distraction with his antics, but she loved him so very much. It’s a story that will ring true with parents and grandparents to this day, we’re sure! This cross stitch portrait shows Peter looking clean and smart in his signature blue coat and black plimsolls – but with those potted flowers in his hands, we can’t imagine he’s going to stay that way for very long. Stitch this to decorate the bedrooms and nurseries of your own cheeky little ones, or as a treat to remind you of the charm and joy of Beatrix Potter’s timeless stories. We’d love to finish this design as a drawstring bag…

1st birthday offer! £81.87 You pay just £32.49! Get 13 issues for just £32.49!* * 20+ inspirational projects, step-by-step stitch guides and expert-led tutorials in every issue * Exclusive embroidery gifts, including iron-on reusable pattern transfers and hoop kits 2 easy ways to subscribe ORDER ONLINE AT WWW.BUYSUBSCRIPTIONS.COM/LVEMHA1 CALL NOW ON 03330 165 408† AND QUOTE LVEMHA1 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). Outside of free call packages call charges from mobile phones will cost between 3p and 55p per minute. Lines are open weekdays 9am-5pm for orders and enquiries.*60% saving is only available to UK Direct Debit orders and is subject…

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 multicrafter – 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 College congrats Q I need to find a pattern for an adult graduation card suitable for a mature student – have you featured any suitable patterns or do you know where…

× Sarah Faulkner: I have degenerative disc disease and nerve damage. My hubby bought me a Lowery stand and that, and my new clip frames, are the best thing ever. I have an electric heat pad to help with the pain. × Shari J Sinclair-Forbis: I suffer from accelerated psoriatic arthritis, so I stitch with my feet up and wear compression gloves. I also use a CBD ointment on my hands prior to putting on the gloves. × Ruth Houghton: I have fibromyalgia, so it’s a case of making sure I’m sitting as comfortably as possible – a pillow for my back, a footstool for my feet and a floorstand for my stitching. × Fiona Christie: Support gloves and splints are wonderful for my carpal tunnel (in both wrists) and…

SUBSCRIBE TODAY: VISIT www.buysubscriptions.com/SCHA21 PHONE 03330 162 146 (quote code SCHA21) † UK calls will cost the same as other standard "xed line numbers (starting 01 or 02) and are included as part of any inclusive or free minutes allowances (if offered by your phone tari!). Outside of free call packages call charges from mobile phones will cost between 3p and 55p per minute. Lines are open Mon to Fri 9am – 5pm for orders and enquiries. Terms and Conditions: *This trial offer is for new print subscribers only subscribing by Direct Debit. You will receive 3 issues for £5 and then continue on a 6 issue Direct Debit of £29.99 thereafter. All savings are calculated as a percentage of Basic Annual Rate. The UK Basic annual rate is £92.87…

LESLEY TEARE Escape to a vibrant Mexican kitchen featuring succulents, tropical fruit, colourful crockery and a woman at the heart of Lesley’s stunning design (p36). LISA REAKES Lisa has created a kaleidoscope of pattern and colour with her abstract cats chart (p68). This eye-catching design will keep you mesmerised for hours! HEATHER NUGENT Bring the joy of the season into your home with Heather’s brilliant Easter wreath (p84). Stitch as many motifs as you like to create your own unique design.…

Star Letter HERE BE DRAGONS Here is my current WIP. It’s called ‘Kindred Spirits’, from Heaven and Earth Designs. I really like dragons and I fell in love with it when I saw it. I never believed I’d be able to handle and finish such a big project, but I wanted to try. The photo shows you the size, it’s 65x85cm (25_x33_in) and 525 by 679 stitches – incredible! I started to stitch the piece in January 2016 and, at the time the photo was taken, I’d stitched 54 pages out of 81 in 603 days. I’m so happy that I didn’t lose patience or motivation. I often work on other cross stitch projects as well so it’ll probably take another year until it’s finished, but I’m looking forward to…

No.1 pet Fun facts about dachshunds Victoriasfavourite pooch, and also that of John Wayne, Clark Gable, Pablo Picasso and Clint Eastwood. dachshundsareRockyRusty, Elvis, Diesel and Chance. Girl dachshunds are called Lola, Peanut and Roxy. typicallyreachingnohigherthan 23cm (9in), but the dachshund was originally bred to hunt rabbits and mice. Design my pet! Q I’d love a chart of my mini long-hair dachshund. My dog is black and I don’t know how to show long hair in cross stitch, so I’d be most grateful if you could help me. Here’s a picture of Chloe, she visits a nursing home every week and brings many smiles while there. Thank you so much. Carol Potvin, via email A Durene says: With the help of some carefully placed single stitches around the…

Eager for spring Q I’m looking for a nice set of designs for spring cards. It doesn’t seem a popular thing to stitch for, but I really like the autumn harvest designs in issue 298 and I’d like a similar set to send this year. Rebecca Wiest, via Facebook A Jenny says: I’m so pleased you enjoyed my harvest card set! I love your idea of sending springtime wishes cards – I like to send cards for all sorts of eventless occasions, too. As you liked the harvest set so much, you may be interested in some of my other designs, like these ‘Spring Blossom’ (£4.73) and ‘Signs of Spring’ (£3.71) patterns available to buy as PDF downloads on my Etsy store, www.homestitchness.etsy.com. They’re both part of seasonal sets and,…

New adventures THE WORLD Cross Stitching PICK OF THE MONTH £29.50 £29.50 £23.50 HERITAGE STITCHES With their refreshingly modern take on the traditional sampler, you can always rely on Historical Sampler Company* for exciting designs and their bundle of new releases doesn’t disappoint. We’ve picked just three, on the theme of new beginnings – new baby, new home and a new adventure. From their Of the Moment range, ‘And so the Adventure Begins’ promises fun and freedom, while ‘Windmill Home Sweet Home’ is a unique twist on the new home sampler. ‘Bee Birth Sampler’ is the largest, at 29x22cm (11.5x8.5in) and each design is available as a kit (£23.50-£29.50) or a chart pack (£9). Choose 16-count aida or 32-count linen fabric. £39.70 PETAL POWER Enjoying a flowering season from May…

Lavish flowers, lush backgrounds and a sense of harmony are trademark William Morris, a designer whose style, though it first evolved in the 1860s, is just as popular in the 21st century. At the time, textile designs of Morris & Co influenced not only British interiors but also the Art Nouveau movement in Europe and the US. And today, his designs are never far from the high street. Inspired by the natural world, this naturalistic style is present in Amanda’s gorgeous dining set. Birds, tulips and acanthus leaves have all appeared separately in Morris designs and here they are combined to make a sumptuous pattern. Keeping to colours popular with William Morris – greens, reds and blues – this placemat, napkin and coaster set is a real homage to the…

We could look at our cats all day, whether they’re curled up asleep, batting a fly with their paw or having a stretch, moggies are relaxing and fun to have around. They really are the heartbeat of the home, and that’s celebrated in Lisa’s mesmerising picture, with its patchwork of designs, bold palette of threads and different cat characters strolling, sleeping and playing in a stunning design composition. You’ll find this a totally absorbing project. It’s detailed, but you’ll be able to complete one section at a time to keep your stitching mojo going. Strong thread colours clash and complement each other and will keep you on your toes as you work, while you immerse yourself in the chintzy, ever-changing patterns. Pick your favourite kitty and restitch as a card…

PRIZES WORTH £252 Birds of a feather Go on, tweet yourself – or a friend – to a design featuring four of our favourite feathered friends. We’re big fans of the ‘4 Seasonal Birds’ stitch, designed by Durene Jones in her trademark cute and colourful style and available from Lakeside Needlecraft*. This stitch will take you right through the year with a bird for every season. There’s a blue tit for spring, goldcrest for summer, in the autumn there’s a goldfinch and a chaffinch for winter. When finished, this eye-catching design measures 38.5x58cm (15¼x22¾in). Courtesy of Lakeside Needlecraft, we have 23 bird charts (£10.99) to give away. TO ENTER Visit our website www.gathered.how/woxs PRIZES WORTH £251 Busy as a bee We love Karen Carter’s fun-to-stitch designs, so we’re thrilled to…

CALL THE HOTLINE TODAY 03330 162 137 × Issue 304 March Prove that stitchers rule the roost with a colourful cockerel from Hannah Dale of Wrendale Designs and look forward to spring with a delightful garden scene. Be inspired by an epic cathedral and let stained glass-style cards light up your stitching. Stitch a silhouette lady in a glamorous dress and enjoy a vintage florals and bluebirds ABC. Plus, designs to teach kids how to stitch. EXCLUSIVE GIFT: 2-in-1 bookmark and card kit × Issue 303, Feb Joy of Kindness charts, Margaret Sherry cuties, Assisi-style Valentine’s cards, bookmark gifts, 1920s scene, a Steampunk clock and chalkboard-style sentiment × Issue 302, Jan Forever Friends card kit, winter fairy, Northern Lights scene, hot air balloons height chart, 3D animals cards, playful cats,…

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 questions as soon as we can, but if you’re working to a specific deadline then do let us know!…

Like cross stitching, growing your own is good for the soul, even if it doesn’t extend any further than the herbs gracing your windowsill. Make them look even more beautiful by stitching each of your culinary superstars its own label, to complement its colours and stems and create a really special display. There are 12 different designs in this set, from everyday favourites like parsley to the more exotic lavender and fennel, so you are sure to find the motif to suit your own potted patch. Each of these rustic labels sits within a frame of 22 by 27 stitches, so you could easily stitch them in a three by four design grid to work your very own herbal sampler or cushion. We love the idea of these stitched herbs…

Q I would love a chart of a blonde German Shepherd dog, please can you create a design for me? Melissa Martinez, via Facebook A Jenny: With pleasure, Melissa! It was lovely to pick the threads to convey the honey tones of this fine breed, just stitch in shades of tan and cream to get the same effect. I used grey and black stranded cotton for the dog’s features, and a brown thread to outline him. At 30 by 26 stitches, it’s a quick-to-stitch mini portrait. STITCH COUNT 30 high x 26 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 5.5x4.5cm (2¼x1¾in) 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,…

Religious designs LUXURY KIT JESUS WITH ANIMALS Test your stitching skills with this beautiful portrait from Janlynn at Stitcher*. Filling the entire design area on 14-count white aida, the bucolic scene is brought to life with cross stitch, backstitch and half cross stitch. Animals including lambs, bunnies and little birds make it a perfect celebration of Easter. Includes a clear chart and full instructions to guide you every step of the way. Stitch count: 126 wide x 168 high, 23x30cm (9x12in) on 14-count aida £29.69 SPECIAL GIFT ISAIAH 40:8 This kit from Stitch with Susie* on Etsy has cream aida, thread, needles, a chart and instructions, and you get a few fab extras – a 5in bamboo hoop, felt for finishing off the back, a ‘Handmade with love’ label, and twine…

A pretty and fun selection of Lucie Heaton’s favourite cross stitch designs, including Furry Tales! Don’t miss this 132-page collection of fantastic charts to treasure forever. Order today for FREE UK delivery direct to your door. 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)1604…

Like the diamond kite fluttering in this design, a special spring project will bring a breath of fresh air to your stitching. Nia Rhind has created this whimsical stitch to help lighten things up after the pressures of Christmas cross stitch, and it will remind you of the best things about the season as we move through the year. This is the first in a collection of four projects that we’ll showcase through the year, each serving as a mindful reminder to be grateful for the highlights and treats the changing seasons bring. Keeping things on the stitching front calm, only whole cross stitch and backstitch are used here, so there are no fractionals or French knots, and minimal backstitch to add, too. We’ve finished our design in a simple…

We chat to Perry, the talented designer behind this issue’s fabulous card collection Can you tell us a bit about your home life? I’m originally from Egypt, but I’ve been living in the United Arab Emirates for the last 13 years and now I think of this country as my home. I am a mother of two children who are going through adolescence – you know the challenges that can present. Sometimes, my design work is what gets me through the day! How did you first discover cross stitching? I entered the world of cross stitching purely by coincidence – or perhaps we should call it fate. One evening, when I was watching television I saw a report all about cross stitching. I remember my fascination and awe at the…

Who says wreaths are just for Christmas? We are head over heels for this brilliant Easter wreath, featuring baby chicks, bunnies and the flowers that herald the arrival of spring. We’ve stitched our motifs separately, cut them out and backed them with iron-on interfacing and felt to stabilise the fabric and frame every design. We’ve then arranged them along with sweet eggs cut from sugary coloured felt. The centre of the wreath is the perfect shape to display a celebratory stitched Easter greeting, too. We’ve used a shop-bought rattan wreath as the basis for our project, but you could always try making your own using young, pliable growth from plants in your garden, or even use a circle of card as a basis for your design. Just make sure it…

Welcome to the latest in my series of stitching workshops, where you’ll have the chance to learn a new skill each month. Use the stitches mastered here to enhance and embellish your projects. This month we’re looking at chipwork, which is a goldwork embroidery technique used to add sparkling detail to a design. It uses Bright Check Purl embroidery metals, which you simply snip into tiny chips to make your filling. Here, we’ve added the cut pieces to the centre of the sun design by using a sharp needle and threading through the centre of each chip, as you would a bead. Follow the step-by-step instructions to perfect your technique. I’m sure you’ll agree, the results are lustrous! MASTERCLASS FABY’S MASTERCLASS NEW SKILLS STITCH COUNT 54 high x 54 wide…

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…