Innholdsfortegnelse for Christmas 2021 i The World of Cross Stitching

We’re so excited to welcome Wallace and Gromit back to The World of Cross Stitching. This lovable pair evoke happy childhood memories and what better time to have feelings of nostalgia than at Christmas (p10)? The robin is a garden favourite for many and brings a welcome splash of colour to the winter months. Fiona Baker has designed a beautiful scene featuring a pair of robins with pom-pom embellishments for the holly berries as a unique finishing touch (p24). If you’re looking to impress your guests this year, then you’ll love Amanda Gregory’s stunning poinsettia table runner (p58). We’ve included simple instructions on making it up ready to dress your table on the big day. Heather Nugent’s vibrant mosaic-style tree decorations will also catch a visitor’s eye (p36). This beginner-friendly…

Elf key STITCH COUNT 56 high x 56 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 10x10cm (4x4in) DESIGNED BY Heather Nugent STITCHED BY Angela Griffin This design was stitched using stranded cotton from your coverkit Inside your kit… To help you sort your threads, here is a list of the colours and number of lengths inside your free kit: White x3 Pink x2 Yellow x2 Red x2 Brown x3 Light brown x3 Dark green x4 Green x7 Light green x4 Beige x3 Black x3 Total: 36 lengths How to… make your elf decoration 1 Use a ruler to find the centre of the plastic aida and start stitching the centre of the design from there. 2 Once you’ve finished stitching, cut a border around the edge of the stitched design,…

It might be cold outside – in some parts of the world at least – but winter really is the most magical time of the year. The chill in the air means the hope of a snow day, the joy of Christmas and a fresh start with the coming new year. There are parties galore to look forward to and there’s absolutely no need to justify why you’re staying at home to stitch if the weather’s looking grim. We’re so thrilled to welcome winter with the final instalment of Nia Rhind’s sampler set, with stunning snowdrops, chilly icicles and a warming mug of hot chocolate. You’ll use 21 subtle shades, for whole or backstitch only, to create gorgeous detailing on stripey stockings, mittens adorned with hearts, a perfectly wrapped present…

Sparkling stitches Q Can you help with the ‘Christmas Tree’ design for Faby’s couching masterclass in issue 300 (December 2020)? I really want to stitch it but I don’t know where to start buying those fancy threads. Can I use standard metallic gold thread? I have DMC Light Effects if this is suitable. Gillian Hastings, via Facebook A Faby: I’m so pleased you want to give my tree a try! To create the same final look of the piece the decorative threads would be required, but they could be stitched with generic metallic or stranded cottons of your choice instead. In which case, I recommend following the lines on the chart with backstitch instead, rather than couching. Couching is best done with a non-divisible thread, such as the Kreinik Japan, to prevent…

The art of mosaics dates back many thousands of years and, while traditionally made of irregular pieces of coloured stone or ceramics, there’s absolutely no reason why mosaics can’t be enjoyed in stitches too! Take your pick from five wonderful festive shapes to adorn your tree, including a bell, stocking, tree, bauble and heart – they’re sure to brighten up any room with their bright decorative charm. Little ones are bound to especially appreciate the joyful contemporary colours, and you could keep them busy in the early part of the holiday by getting them to try and make the designs up in an alternative finish such as a gift tag. With simple whole stitches, you might even give older kids a go at helping you out as you stitch them.…

Stitch all year round with the help of Foresight-LED’s* Flexi-Arm Adjustable LED Lights. They clip easily onto your hoop, and with two adjustable arms with daylight-quality LEDs in each head you’ll be able to see each and every stitch you make. Foresight-LED is offering 20% off both its AAA battery model (RRP £19.99) and rechargeable battery versions (RRP £24.99). WOXS readers can head on over to www.foresight-LED.co.uk and use the discount code WOXS314 to snap up this great deal. Prices and info correct at time of printing SAVE 20 !…

Wow your guests year after year when they sit for Christmas dinner and admire this gorgeous table runner. Amanda Gregory has incorporated a variety of festive flowers such as pretty poinsettias, sprigs of berried holly and white hellebore in an arrangement that’s absolutely blooming lovely! As you stitch, enjoy the combination of bright reds, zingy greens and fresh whites popping off the ivory evenweave fabric. Containing mostly whole stitches and backstitch, you’ll also find dainty French knots in the centre of the hellebores for detail. Before you begin, turn to page 62 to see how to adjust the length of your table runner to suit your needs. Once your stitching is complete, follow our simple instructions to create your runner. Whether it’s adorning a full-on Christmas dinner or dressing up…

The last part of this impressive 3D Christmas village is a schoolhouse that’s finished with a little bell, a church to welcome jubilant villagers and a cosy cabin. Each building forms an important part of the village scene, and concludes our special SAL (Stitch-A-Long) series. Throughout the part-work, Fiona Baker has brought each structure to life with pretty pastel colours and unique charm – and let’s not forget those hidden black cats to be found! The instructions include how many of each piece you’ll need to stitch, then use our easy-to-follow how-to for making up. If you don’t wish to include the bell in the schoolhouse, there are alternative charts to stitch one instead. If this is your first issue, check out the previous parts on page 77 and download…

SAMPLE THE MAGIC A long with a yummy glass of mulled wine, top of our list of things to get us in the mood for Christmas on these chilly winter nights is having a gorgeous yuletide sampler on the go. Luckily for us there’s a new design from Historical Sampler Company* to get stuck into. ‘Ho Ho Ho’ will tick all your festive boxes and then some. We are delighted to have eight of the kits (RRP £35.25) to give away. They contain 16-count Zweigart aida, DMC presorted stranded cotton thread, clear instructions, the chart and a needle. Check out the Historical Sampler Company’s other charming holiday designs on its website. 8 UP FOR GRABS! TO ENTER Visit our website www.gathered.how/woxs…

CALL THE HOTLINE TODAY 03330 162 137 Issue 313, December You’ll adore Santa and his little helpers! Find plenty of quick-stitch projects, from Lucie Heaton’s playful dalmatian cards and Heather Nugent’s cheerful bicycle greetings to Rhona Norrie’s cute teddy bear Design Library. Plus try Diane Machin’s retro baubles, Mollie Johanson’s sweet Nativity felt board for kids, Jenny Barton’s festive fairy and Fiona Baker’s snowpal stocking. EXCLUSIVE GIFT: Forever FriendsTM calendar Issue 312, Nov Merry mice gift tags, Margaret Sherry snowpal, a festive manor house, part 1 of our 3D village SAL, clever advent calendar, Diwali cards and Thanksgiving ABC Issue 311, Oct Rockin’ robins card kit, enchanting woodland fawn, harvest basket, autumn sampler, nesting hedgehog, boho cards, spook-tacular bunting and constellation ABC Issue 310, Sept Afternoon tea card kit, Country CompanionsTM pals, herbal…

Ruth Dews is a quality assurer from Derbyshire How did you start stitching? In my late teens, a weekly cross stitch chart book came out. It gave me the bug and I kept going from there. Can you tell us about your latest stitch? I’m currently stitching ‘Let’s Sew’ by Ursula Michael for my sister-in-law. I’ve done a few of Ursula’s designs before, including a Christmas tree, snowman, dog, cat and cup of coffee. Let’s talk about your proudest stitchy moment? I completed a large dragon stitch, accompanied by a verse and chorus of the Welsh national anthem, surrounded by a beautiful Celtic border. I’d found it tricky, but I’m very proud of it and it has had pride of place in the dining room for 21 years. Fave WOXS…

Our favourite inventor and his loyal canine pal look like they’ve been busy shopping this year as they pose for this festive portrait – you can almost hear Wallace instruct Gromit to “say cheese”. No doubt Wallace had a fantastic contraption up his sleeve to help out with the wrapping of all of these brightly coloured gifts. Just look at the assortment of colours and luxury bows! At least one of them is bound to contain a prized Wensleydale and it looks as if there’s a doggy treat too! With a rich palette of deep festive reds, dark greens, royal blues and golden yellows, plus metallic highlights for added glitz on some of the ribbons, this beginner-friendly scene of the famous duo contains whole stitches and backstitch only. It’s a…

Q I would love for you to design a chart of a 1997 Mazda MX5 please, as my 12-year-old grandson has asked me to stitch one for him. He loves cars, and I tried to do a Bugatti last year for him, but it didn’t turn out as I’d hoped. Bless him, he said he loved it, but I would love to make a better job of the Mazda for his birthday! Christine Corry, Dorset A Jenny: I’d be happy to, Christine. I’ve designed it in bright red but you can swap this for colours of your choice! Car key STITCH COUNT 17 high x 31 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 3x5.5cm (1¼x2¼in) This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Please note: Jenny can only fit…

Can you recommend a cross stitch pattern design software for personal use? catissimo8makes, via Instagram Hannah E: We use Cross Stitch Professional Platinum by DP Software* – it’s a versatile package that offers three version levels: Standard, Plus and Publisher. Check out its website for the full details of the tools included in each package, so you can make the right decision for your needs. We also have a handy software reviews feature upcoming in a future issue too, so keep your eyes peeled! I would like to stitch the ‘Fantasy Dragon’ from issue 308 (July 2021). The material is named Mocha Beige but when I looked it up it is very dark. There’s one called Medium Mocha Beige. Which should I use please? Lynne Norton, via Facebook Fiona: I’ve checked and ‘Mocha…

THE WORLD OF Cross Stitching PICK OF THE MONTH Cheery critters CARDS TO CHERISH Check out the new range of Wrendale Designs card kits from Bothy Threads* for magical Christmas stitches packed with personality. ‘Warm Wishes’, ‘Christmas Quackers’, ‘Ho! Ho! Ho!’ and ‘Merry Christmouse’ are all worked on exclusive speckle-printed aida and they’re set to be a huge hit for Christmas 2021. At a finished size of 10x16cm (4x6in) the kits come with the printed 16-count Zweigart aida, pre-sorted stranded cottons, a needle, stitch diagram and instructions, as well as a cream triple fold card and handy envelope for sending out your special wishes to your favourite people this year. SMELLS LIKE CHRISTMAS If you’re searching for the perfect stocking filler for a fellow stitcher, then look no further. For…

35 SWEET IDEAS Emma Congdon gives The Nutcracker a cute contemporary twist with this darling collection for you to stitch ✗ 35 quick-and-easy motifs ✗ Emma Congdon’s design inspiration ✗ Stitches for every skill level ✗ Helpful tips and advice ✗ Unique present ideas for your special someone HIT THE NOTE Mounted on canvas and presented on a precious mini easel, this violin stitch (21) makes a perfect present for a music lover. Or try the drums (15) and French horn (17). MOUSE KING Stitch a majestic mouse (1) in pretty pastels to create a charming gift tag. Fray the outermost block of your finished stitch and affix to a soft-hued card cut to size. FAIRY TALES A sugar plum fairy stitch (30) is an adorable accent for a little ballerina’s bedroom.…

The first Christmas card is thought to have been sent in 1843 by V&A founding director Henry Cole – the museum, in fact, holds a collection of more than 30,000 greetings cards, of which more than half celebrate this most joyous of seasons. Devised as the solution to dealing with a pile of post, Cole commissioned an illustration from his friend John Callcott Horsley and so the pastime was born. Receiving and sending season’s greetings remains a Christmas highlight for many of us to this day, and with this in mind Jenny has created seven fresh designs with a nod to tradition for us to delight in. Will you stitch the set, or perhaps you plan to send everyone on your list wishes for a ‘Merry and Bright’ time? Whatever…

One of the most important Yule traditions, the tree brings joy to us all. It even became a symbol of hope last year when some households got decorations out as early as November to uplift spirits after a difficult 2020. Many homes then left their trees and lights up well into the new year too. The tree is so well-loved that it features in songs and comes in a variety of formats – artificial for those who can’t stand dropping needles and real for the scent lovers, while alternative wooden and metal options are growing in popularity for anyone after a tasteful Scandi vibe. So in celebration of this decorative pastime, Durene Jones has designed a set of stunning tree hangings in varying sizes, each of which feature a different…

Star Letter LEARNT FROM THE BEST I thought you would like to see my lovely ‘Jolly Robin’ by Wrendale Designs from Bothy Threads*. My nan taught me how to cross stitch when I was pregnant with my first daughter Madeleine who is now 13 years old. Nan had started this project but had only managed to complete a few stitches before she sadly passed away in March 2019, and she’d asked if I would finish it off as it was a present. I finally finished it in March 2020 and I’m really pleased with it. It’s now ready to be posted to its rightful owner. I’m sure Nan would be very pleased with it – I learnt from the best! I’m thankful that I have found my stitching bug again…

Fiona Baker Our Senior Technical Editor Fiona is ready to solve stitching dilemmas and answer 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 Feline frolics Q I have two naughty cats who like to attack our Christmas tree every year. It really is so funny, although I have now learnt not to buy expensive decorations. I wonder…

✗ Liva Ulmane: I use a size 26 needle for all of my projects. I store the spares in an empty mechanical pencil lead tube. I change them when it feels like I need to. ✗ Malvina Tan: My favourite is size 26 for two strands because these are sharp enough to pierce the middle of a square for a neat pin-stitch finish but don’t enlarge the holes in 14-count aida. However, when working with three strands or more, I use size 24 or larger for easier threading and smoother stitching. I use lots of needles for each project because I keep them loaded and ready on a thread organiser. ✗ Nic Steinvoorte: Typically I use small(er) needles, often size 26. Some can be more difficult to thread because they have a…

Christmas food A HUG IN A MUG HOT COCOA This sweet stitch from Shannon Christine Designs* gives us a warm feeling inside. Perfect for intermediate stitchers, it uses just a handful of rich Christmassy colours in whole stitch and backstitch to great effect. There are two examples of fabric on the website too and whichever you choose, we think this piece will look great in a chunky wooden frame to complete the homespun look. Stitch count: 120 wide x 90 high, 21.5x16.5cm (8 x6 in) on 14-count aida THE GREAT FEAST CHRISTMAS DINNER Fans of the main meal won’t be able to resist this beautiful spread, showcasing some of our fave festive foods, from turkey and cranberry sauce to a bottle of bubbly. Designed by Karen Carter for Heritage Crafts*, this…

Created especially for those stitchers who are eager to master some new techniques and set themselves fun new challenges regularly, welcome to this month’s workshop, which focuses on rice stitch – a pretty stitch worked in a diamond shape to create a layered look that adds texture to designs. It’s a joy to try! I aim to cover a wide variety of styles and themes each issue and every pattern is designed to be small enough to be stitched over a weekend or in between larger projects. My patterns are simple to follow, and I’ll always be sure to give you lots of clear step-by-step instructions for any special stitches. I hope you’ll enjoy this cheerful snowpal scene, which features decorative threads. FABY’S MASTERCLASS NEW SKILLS Snowman key STITCH COUNT…

PET OF THE MONTH No.1 pet Fun facts about umbrella cockatoos • Also known as white-crested or white cockatoos, these tropical birds are native to Australasia and, incredibly, can live for up to 60 years.• It can be difficult to identify the gender of cockatoos because unlike other species males and females are dimorphic (nearly identical).• Though normally affectionate, when feeling threatened an umbrella cockatoo is known to glare at its attacker or ruffle all of its feathers. Design my pet! Q I would love for you to design my pet, an umbrella cockatoo. He’s a well-loved pet who’s very affectionate and really likes to snuggle. Many thanks in advance! Maureen Jackson, via email A Durene says: Thank you so much for getting in touch with this request, Maureen. What a wonderful…

PRIZES worth £1,119! PRIZES WORTH £288 All the trimmings Make sure your Christmas tree turns heads this year by adorning it with some pretty handcrafted ornaments. Durene J Cross Stitch* has just the thing: her superb ‘Santa Pendibules’ will have everyone talking. Quick to stitch and simple to make up, the set of three ornaments designed by The World of Cross Stitching favourite will give you (and your tree) a warm glow all Christmas long – they could also make great gifts for your friends. We have 20 bundles of all three pendibule PDF charts (RRP £4.80 each) to give away. Check out Durene’s other seasonal delights including stockings and cards on her website. 20 UP FOR GRABS! TO ENTER Visit our website www.gathered.how/woxs PRIZES WORTH £250 On the cards Santa is…

ISSUE ON SALE 30 NOV Vintage romance Get excited for the release of Downton Abbey 2 with Maria Diaz’s elegant 1930s-inspired stitch THE WORLD OF Cross Stitching EXCLUSIVE PLUS MUCH MORE ✗ Send huge thank yous with gorgeous cards by Nia Rhind✗ Update your décor with Heather Nugent’s stylish ABC✗ Stitch your fave animals using darling Design Library motifs✗ Our experts answer all of your cross stitching queries✗ Your stories, inspiration & letters… plus much more YOUR PETER RABBITTM APERTURE CARD We’re hopping mad about this adorable Peter RabbitTM card kit. Stitch it for a new arrival to your tribe, a little one’s birthday or just because… Your card kit includes: • 14-count aida• 19 lengths of stranded cotton• Aperture card and envelope• Full-colour chart and key PERFECT WEEKEND STITCH…