Innholdsfortegnelse for Jun-22 i The World of Cross Stitching

Supermouse key Cross stitch in two strands STITCH COUNT 40 high x 38 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 7.5x7cm (2 x2 in) Kapow! Monty Mouse looks incredible as a superhero! The caped crusader is here to save the day, ready to swoop in and come to the rescue if you’re battling with French knot villains or tricky fractionals. Swap the initial to make a custom card for your hero. Missed a chart? ISSUE 319 Flossie looks enchanting as a mer-mouse with a tail that shimmers in the sea. ISSUE 318 Meet Charlie, a cheerful new addition to the delightful Furry Tales family. ISSUE 317 Flossie looks super serene as she starts 2022 with a healthy new hobby, yoga. For back issues, call % 03330 162 137 or…

Star Letter REACH FOR THE RAINBOW Here is one of my finishes – I always tell my children that everyone has a special ability and to reach for the rainbow and find yours. So I stitched this, got it framed, and here are my children with the picture. I hope you like it.Natasha Bell, via email Hannah F: What a fabulous picture to stitch and a wonderful thing to tell your children, Natasha. They look so happy in the photo, and more than a little bit proud of their mum and what you’ve achieved. It’s certainly an inspiring piece. The black frame you’ve chosen complements the silhouette-style of the design perfectly. Look out for more rainbows in future issues – we’ve got an exciting rainbow card kit coming up as the…

There’s nothing quite like spending a night under the stars, toasting marshmallows and soaking up the warming glow of a fire pit. Kate Spiridonova’s evocative outdoor scene captures the moment the sun sets behind the treetops as you enjoy the beautiful twilight in stitches. Camping can of course be so much fun, but if you’re not quite ready for a taste of the great outdoors, why not settle yourself down for a stitching session with this colourful hoop instead – it could even inspire a longing for a campsite adventure you never expected! With 16 shades worked on royal blue aida, Kate’s used the fabric as an extra colour within the scene by leaving areas unstitched, which adds extra depth. Try this technique today and enjoy a project without a…

Q Are there any patterns showing someone in a wheelchair that you can recommend? I saw your statement in a recent issue about stitching being for everyone (which is great, by the way!) and it occurred to me I’d never seen a pattern showing a wheelchair before. Have you featured one in the magazine or know of any kits? My sister-in-law uses a wheelchair so it would be a very personal thing to stitch for her. Abby, via email A Hannah F: What a great thing to stitch for your family, Abby. We actually featured a design recently in issue 319 (May 2022) which spread the message of body positivity and depicted a wheelchair, which you may like to stitch for your sister-in-law. You can buy back issues of our recent mags…

Q I can’t find a good way to change skin tones in my patterns. I want to stitch portraits of different people but is there a proper way to do this? I mostly have DMC threads but just can’t seem to get the colours right. Tasha, Louisiana, USA A Fiona: We’ve recently updated our ‘How to’ guide on page 97 to include brand new information on how to change thread colours for skin tone variations, it’s a really handy guide that you may find helpful. Using DMC threads, we’ve also come up with suggestions of shade families to try. Skin tone Feel confident stitching different skin tones with our new guide…

Waste knot, want knot Q When doing backstitch, how do you anchor a single strand of thread if there are no other stitches nearby? gillian.k19, via Instagram A Fiona: The neatest way to secure your thread in this instance would be to use what’s known as a waste knot. To start, tie a large knot in one end of the thread after you’ve threaded your needle. You may need to make the knot several times – make one knot on top of the other and so on – to ensure it’s large enough not to pass through the holes in the aida or evenweave fabric. Don’t worry about it looking unsightly as you’ll be cutting it off later. Pass your needle through the fabric from the front to back, to the side…

We could’ve predicted that these zodiac signs would be beautiful in cross stitch but, with their blackwork elements, they have a flair even Mystic Meg couldn’t have foreseen. Whatever their star sign, these stitches will please all mystical makers and astrology lovers. Zodiac symbols are created in a duo-tone, silhouette style, by keeping them backstitch-free and using just two shades of thread. But the most stunning feature of Fiona Baker’s design is the clever blackwork. Formed of simple backstitches, blackwork creates the beautiful background patterns. Intricate and elegant, you’ll catch the bug with these pretty stitches. Just be sure to use shorter lengths of thread to keep the blackwork sharp and pristine. For a professional finish, mount your stitches onto white card with rounded edges, leaving an attractive 5mm (in)…

SCENTED STITCHES Poppies, foxgloves, grasses, daisies, and wheat tips burst from a vase in the fragrant ‘Bouquet for June’ by Luca-S from Stitcher*. This abundant arrangement of flowers has a few different varieties of butterfly flitting among the blooms in a stitch that dazzles. Worked on 16-count, the design is aimed at intermediate stitchers, and what perfect time to stitch it but in the month of June? The kit contains white aida fabric, Luca-S stranded cottons, needle, chart and instructions. The finished size is 30x36cm (11 x14 in).…

Sarah READER PANEL “I can see this wreath hanging up in my sister-in-law’s home. She really loves to take long beach holidays in the summer and enjoys things that symbolise this happiness, so this design really suits her.” Seaside ABC key Cross stitch in two strands MAXIMUM STITCH COUNT 68 high x 65 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 12.5x12cm (4 x4 in) STITCHED BY Rachael Moore These designs were stitched using DMC stranded cotton Shopping list × Zweigart* 14-count white aida measuring 20x20cm (8x8in)× Stranded cotton as listed in the key× Size 24 tapestry needle× Toiletry bag, medium-weight iron-on interfacing and acid-free double-sided tape of your choice from local stores Thread & fabric cost Approximately £37 *For stockists see page 90 Pretty & practical Factbox × Stitching…

We all love a good wedding and one ring size certainly does not fit all, so what to do if you want a special card to suit the happy couple in your life on their big day? Enter Megan Caines’ ‘Inclusive Wedding Cards’, a set of charts you’ll want to hold onto forever because you’ll use them again and again. If you have Black or Asian friends, there’s a beautiful card here featuring a beaming bride and groom. An Indian couple wear traditional dress, while a Scottish groom sports a kilt. There’s a card for a same sex couple too, with Mr & Mr, and you could easily swap and stitch two brides to make a Mrs & Mrs card. Plus, if you want to alter skin tones, turn to…

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 Event of the month Did you know that the robe worn by Queen Elizabeth after her coronation in 1953 was designed and embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework? So, to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee year, RSN is running exclusive coronation-themed online classes where stitchers can learn the Coronation Goldwork technique used to create the royal robe. MORE Tel 020 3166 6938, or visit www.royal-needlework.org.uk Free download Sunflowers are Ukraine’s national flower and they have become a symbol for solidarity. DMC has released a free pattern so you can stitch and show your support by placing the completed hoop in your window.…

Our Media Ltd, London, W6 7BT and Mespil House, Dublin, DO4 T4A6 Wooden Thread Sorter Thread sorter made from responsible sources: FSC C138978. Batch Number: PW35795/060821. Made in China. Manufactured by Premium World Ltd, GU7 1HZ, United Kingdom and Premium World France, Lichardié Basse, 81640, France. For more information about our gifts, please send an email to gifts@ourmedia.co.uk Follow our useful tips below for how to get the most out of your thread organiser… • Taking a moment to arrange your threads onto a sorter before starting a project can save you lots of time and stress down the line – for one thing, your threads will be orderly, ready and waiting for you when you need them (rather than hiding somewhere at the bottom of a bag or box).…

I thought I would share some of the cards I’ve made during the lockdown. Emma Congdon designed the anniversary ones – I thought they were lovely and a bit different. Durene Jones and Heather Nugent designed some of the cards, they’re all very talented and I look forward to opening your magazine each month to see which cards I will be stitching next. Thanks for the lovely charts.Marion Kinsman, via email Sue: That’s a lovely range of cards you’ve chosen, Marion, and they look great in their cream card apertures, the embellishments add a decorative touch. We hope you like the wedding cards on page 76. There are summer cards coming in issue 321 (July 2022) on sale 12 May, and anniversary cards in issue 323.…

I thought I would share with you a photo showing how I have been filling my time during lockdown. I stitched Rod Stewart, Cliff Richard and Elvis Presley to give to three friends, none of whom do any stitching so have found the last few months rather tedious. I’m thankful I always have plenty of stitching to fill my days. Shirley Peel, via email Emily: You chose to spend lockdown getting up close and personal with three classic celebs, Shirley – respect! Your friends are going to love you for gifting these pin-ups.…

Each month we randomly select three subscribers to win a prize as a thank you This month’s winners are: > Patricia Chao, Northampton> Claire Keelty, Stockton-on-Tees> Audrey Prithard, Caterham The lucky winners will each be receiving this Riolis ‘Wreath With Fireweed’ kit. Our Media Ltd, publishers of The World of Cross Stitching, Subs Stars giveaway Terms and Conditions: Prizes were dispatched before the on-sale date of this issue. There are no cash alternatives. Winning entries will be chosen at random from all current subscribers. The draw is final and no correspondence will be entered into. To subscribe turn to page 44…

Trees look their best in summer, with thick green foliage in a multitude of shades that shimmer and dance in the sunshine. Flowering trees, especially, take centre stage in the sunny season bearing showy florals with pride, on display for us to enjoy. Summer’s a busy time for wildlife, bees are buzzing, borders are blooming and butterflies flit among the petals enjoying the floral scent and the sun’s rays. Debbie Harding has captured the best of this season perfectly in the second of her four-part stitch. Following on from spring, which featured in issue 317 (March 2022), the floral border and the tree branches all continue to grow here. There are a few ways that you can display all four parts of the tree: stitch and frame each season separately,…

Q What’s the best way to stitch, the English or Danish method? I’ve tried both and just can’t decide. Matthew, Sunderland A Hannah E: It’s simply down to personal taste as to which method you prefer. We do recommend using one method within the same project, to keep your work looking its best. Saying that, there may be times when it is handy to mix the different techniques around; for example, the Danish method is useful for large areas of a single colour, as you work a complete row of half stitches then go back over them with the top arm. The English method is best for more confetti or intricate stitch patterns, where you complete each stitch fully before moving onto the next. So, keep in mind the type of…

Q Have you ever featured a police car and or policeman in your magazine? Elaine Smith, via email A Hannah F: You’ll find these emergency service heroes ready to save the day in issue 200 (March 2013) in a brilliant alphabet and numbers set. The motifs feature police cars, bikes and a police officer. If you don’t want to include the letters or numbers that make up part of the chart, most of the motifs are stitchable individually too. Download the back issue via our Apple or Android app.…

I completed a lovely design by Lucie Heaton and turned it into a wall hanging. However, I’m not sure what to do with the back to protect the stitching. Should I use iron-on interfacing or a piece of self-adhesive felt? Donna Hiscock, via email Heather: A wall hanging is a great way to display your completed stitches but the back does need an extra finish. I’d suggest backing the fabric with a piece of medium-weight iron-on interfacing to protect the stitches on the reverse and create a professional touch. What’s best for improving my cross-stitching skills? Lots of people stitch huge designs but they look so daunting to me. Jemima B, via Facebook Hannah F: Every stitcher is different and if you’re not into big designs then stick to smaller, more beginner-friendly…

PICK OF THE MONTH Snoopy is back …SMELLING THE FLOWERS The coolest beagle on the planet, Snoopy, is back in cross stitch with a new collection of designs from Stitch & Story*, ‘The Snoopy Floral Cross Stitch Collection’. The pretty floral theme adds a splash of colour to the beloved comic strip character, and each chart is designed with beginners in mind. Known for his unstoppable imagination and his love of napping, each Snoopy stitch showcases the things he does best – ‘Observing’, ‘Resting’, ‘Dancing’ and ‘Dreaming’. Available as kits, each comes with a hoop, aida, thread, needle and chart, as well as a basic ‘how to cross stitch’ guide to help new stitchers.…

Take the trip of a lifetime by land, sea or air with Mollie Johanson’s cute stitchy explorers collection ⨯ 30 quick-and-easy motifs ⨯ Mollie Johanson’s design inspiration ⨯ Stitches for every skill level ⨯ Helpful tips and advice ⨯ Unique present ideas for your special someone NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH Climbers will appreciate these charismatic little mountains (4). Once your stitch is complete you’ll want to carefully fray it and patch onto a pale blue card tag. FIND PARADISE Bring a little sunshine into every day. Stitch the palm tree (8) and cut out. Fray outer block all around using tweezers and use acid-free double-sided tape to affix. OUT OF THIS WORLD An ideal gift to delight budding astronomers or those off on an adventure, mount the ‘Universe is Calling’…

Hop on that hay bale or ride across the countryside atop a tractor with a fun set of Zweigart motifs. In this exclusive from their Kids XXL Little Farm creative ideas book (No. 104/322), each different combination of motifs will inspire a brand new farmyard landscape – use the trees and bushes to fence in the animals, and there’s even some simple weather designs to help set the scene too. You could use this charming project to inspire kids to have a go at stitching for themselves on the chunky 8-count aida. The stitches are large enough for even little hands to give it a try. Using a plastic needle for safety, thread it with three strands of cotton and then start counting sheep – or stitches, of course –…

Ready, set, shop! Getting tarted Where to buy your start-up kit – turn to page 96 to see exactly what you’ll need × ANCHOR www.lovecrafts.com For Anchor threads www.blacksheepwools.com % 01925 764231 For Anchor cross stitch kits × DMC www.dmc.com % 01924 371501 For kits, fabrics, threads & more × JOHN JAMES NEEDLES www.jjneedles.com % 01527 830941 For needles & sewing essentials × LAKESIDE NEEDLECRAFT www.lakesideneedlecraft.co.uk % 0161 505 1910 For kits, accessories, cards & more × MADEIRA www.barnyarns.co.uk % 01765 690069 For fabrics, threads & accessories × MARIES CROSS STITCH www.mariescrossstitch.co.uk % 01376 777017 For kits, fabrics, threads & accessories × SEW-IT-ALL www.sewitall.com 01280 821777 × THE WORLD OF CROSS STITCHING SUBSCRIPTIONS www.buysubscriptions.com/world % 0333 016 2137 × ZWEIGART www.zweigart.de For fabrics, buy in the UK from Lakeside Needlecraft, as listed…

Solve the clues then rearrange the letters in the shaded squares to spell the name of a sport (6) ACROSS 1 Puffed maize snack (7) 4 Impersonate (5) 7 Make bigger (7) 8 Ballroom dance (5) 10 Second-hand (4) 11 Educated guess (10) 12 Item found in a wardrobe (10) 13 Ready money (4) 17 Fondant that tops a cake (5) 18 Not sweet (7) 19 Recorded in writing (5) 20 Part of a brush (7) DOWN 1 Citrus rind (4) 2 Garden bird with a bluish top to the head (9) 3 Immediately (5,4) 4 Good friend (4) 5 Below zero (5) 6 More grey and overcast (8) 9 Item of furniture used by a small child at mealtimes (4,5) 10 Fully in agreement (9) 11 Voting process (8)…

Cucumber sandwiches and bunting at the ready for the extended bank holiday weekend on 2 June 2022 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II becoming the first British Monarch to ever celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking an historical 70 years on the throne. We can’t think of a better way to honour this extraordinary year of Her Majesty’s life devoted to service and duty than with Faby Reilly’s regal sampler. It even includes all four national emblems representing the nations of the British Isles alongside the official Platinum Jubilee emblem. Resplendent throughout with glittering beads and metallics, a special occasion also calls for some special stitches – you’ll work couching stitch for the swirling line on the emblem and turkey work on the Queen’s Guards’ fun furry hats. If you’ve not come…

I thought I would send you a couple of pictures of stitched cards I finished recently using Lesley Teare’s* beautiful floral designs. This trio is from a Stitch-A-Long on Lesley’s blog. I always enjoy Lesley’s designs and I have many larger ones in our home, on the walls and as cushions. But these smaller ones have been such fun to stitch and I’ve loved putting them together with the card stock, being careful not to overwhelm the design. Now to decide who to send them to! Andrea Andres, Exmoor Lynne: We can see why you picked these florals, Andrea, the three stitches work beautifully as a set. We love the purple and lilac cards you’ve chosen, they complement the thread colours well and the circular apertures soften the flowers. We’re sure…

Q I find it hard to find frames for my stitching as a lot of patterns aren’t standard sizes like A4 or photo size. I don’t have the money to buy custom frames. Can you tell me where you get yours from please? I’m not sure how to display my work if I can’t find suitable frames. M Deacon, via email A Hannah E: We do get a lot of our frames custom made to fit the designs, and we appreciate that this can increase the finishing costs for some projects. However, a more budget-friendly option could be to try magnetic poster hangers. We’ve used these on a few projects, like the vintage map from issue 304 (March 2021), designed by Fiona Baker. These hangers work by inserting the fabric…

Q My wonderful go-to company for a vast range of aperture cards has closed and I’ve been unable to find a replacement source. I mainly stitch greetings cards and I’ve a ton of birthdays coming up. Please can you help? Jen Langman, via email A Heather: Individual aperture cards that stitchers use to mount their stitching in can be tricky to produce due to the amount of cost and wasted materials involved in the manufacturing process, and these are some of the reasons why a lot of stockists are going out of production, sadly. Check out the range on offer at PDA Card and Craft* though, this company has a great selection of aperture cards of various sizes and shapes and in a huge array of colours. So you should find cards…

Grace Peters: I like ort jars. Basically, you get a jar and arrange scrap bits and bobs inside. Some people use baubles instead of jars. Alice Palazon: I recently set up a business to sell items I make from my stash. That’s how I intend to downsize it. Samantha Spivey: I use spare fabric and threads to stitch patterns then donate them to local dog rescue centres. They’re auctioned online to make money. I love being able to help dogs. Adele Lawson: I donate mine to the primary school where my daughter works, they are always so grateful for any craft items for their kids. Rachel L Carey: I donate any spare stash to my local hospice craft shop. They sell all sorts of things and the money goes to…

These Norsemen (commonly known as Vikings) have set out on a seafaring expedition aboard their iconic longship through the stunning Scandinavian fjords. While typically thought of as a warship, these vessels were also used for exploration and commerce, and their recognisable design influenced shipbuilding for centuries to come. Now you can sail through the history books with a striking scene that exudes majesty and power. Stitched on grey evenweave using 33 shades of thread, you’ll soon be absorbed in this magnificent scene with its half stitch rippled waters, distant hills and clouded sky, which cut down on stitching time. There’s also longstitch to create the rigging, securely holding the sail up at full mast as the crew navigate the icy waters. Display in a frame with coordinating mount to set…

Raise awareness for World Ocean Day, held on 8 June every year, and help protect our earth’s crucial underwater ecosystem. More than three-quarters of the world’s biodiversity can be found in our oceans, which cover a massive 70% of the planet, making the crisis they face with overfishing, pollution and climate change even more challenging. Now you can get involved and promote the cause, as well as reduce plastic waste ending up in our seas, by making your stitch into a handy reusable fabric tote bag to take out and about with you. Amanda Gregory’s mesmerising underwater design is sure to attract attention with the beautiful marine life swimming in their watery world. Do your bit while you stitch too, by making sure your snipped thread ends don’t end up…

× BAKER ROSS www.bakerross.co.uk × BELLE & BOO www.belleandboo.com % 0117 374 6700 × BOTHY THREADS www.bothythreads.com % 01900 828844 × CATERPILLAR CROSS STITCH www.caterpillarcrossstitch.com % 01676 530000 × COWBELL CROSS STITCH www.cowbellcrossstitch.etsy.com × CREATIVE POPPY www.creativepoppy.com × DMC www.dmc.com % 01924 371501 × DERWENTWATER DESIGNS Available from Bothy Threads, as listed × DURENE J CROSS STITCH www.DureneJCrossStitch.etsy.com × ELITE DESIGNS www.elite-designs.co.uk % 01536 721231 × EMMA LOUISE ART STITCH www.emmalouiseartstitch.co.uk × GOLDLEAF NEEDLEWORK www.goldleafneedlework.co.uk % 01482 571120 × HELEN PHILIPPS DESIGNS www.HelenPhilippsDesigns.etsy.com × HERITAGE CRAFTS www.hcrafts.com × HOBBYCRAFT www.hobbycraft.co.uk % 0330 026 1400 × LAKESIDE NEEDLECRAFT www.lakesideneedlecraft.co.uk % 0161 505 1910 × LESLEY TEARE www.lesleyteare.com × LUNA RIVER CRAFTS www.LunaRiverCrafts.etsy.com × MARIES CROSS STITCH www.mariescrossstitch.co.uk % 01376 777017 × MILL HILL Available from Lakeside Needlecraft, as listed × MOUSELOFT www.mouseloft.co.uk × NIA CROSS STITCH www.nia-crossstitch.com % 01792 897695 × PDA CARD & CRAFT www.pdacardandcraft.co.uk % 01773 712266 × RIOLIS Find UK stockists via…

CHARTS Made up of coloured squares containing symbols that represent squares to be stitched on the fabric. A tiny symbol denotes a fractional stitch in the corner of the square in which it’s to be worked. The centres of our charts are marked with arrows on the edge of each side. To find the corresponding centre of your fabric, fold it in half horizontally and then vertically – the point where the creases cross marks the centre. Start stitching here to ensure the design is positioned in the middle of the fabric. SHOPPING LIST Contains type and size of fabric, recommended needle, and details of other products to frame or finish your project in the same way we have. Using another fabric with different HPI will alter the finished size…

Cross stitch Each coloured square on the chart represents a whole cross stitch. Bring the needle up at the bottom left corner of a square and down at the top right corner. Then, bring the needle up at the bottom right corner and down at the top left to complete a stitch (starting corner positions can be reversed if preferred). Half cross stitch Half cross stitch is identified with a different symbol on the chart and key to the cross stitches, and consists of one arm of the stitch only. Work each half cross stitch in the same direction as you would the top arm of your full cross stitches for a neat and consistent look to your project. Fractional stitches To make a quarter stitch, bring the needle up…