Innholdsfortegnelse for Special 2022 i The World of Cross Stitching

Have you spotted our cover star this month? It’s Shaun the Sheep wearing a festive hat and carrying a beautifully wrapped Christmas pressie! We’re so excited to welcome Shaun to the magazine and we just know that you’ll love stitching him for your home. If you’ve got a long list of gifts, cards and decs to stitch and wondering how to get it all done in time – you’re in luck! We’ve got a big selection of quick-stitch designs for your last-minute stitching needs, from delectable gingerbread cards (p34) and Kawaii-style festive motifs (p47) to bright rainbow Christmas trees (p70) and a patchwork-style penguin (p76). Do you know a little one who would like to start stitching? Our Senior Technical Editor, Fiona Baker, has written an article on how to…

Lavender mouse Sally thought of a great way to turn Christmas mouse into a wonderful gift for neighbours LAVENDER MOUSE During lockdown I visited my neighbours, an elderly vulnerable couple, and took magazines and books for them to read. They have a lavender bush right outside their front door and I asked if I could take a few sprigs. I dried the lavender then stitched one of the Christmas mice (which came with the tags gift in issue 312) and sewed it to the front. I gave it to my neighbours and now they have a lovely smell of lavender indoors all through winter. Sally Tobyn, Hollandon-Sea, Essex Hannah E: What a nice neighbourly thing to do, Sally, I bet they were really touched. Patching the Christmas mouse onto a lavender bag…

We’ve got a treat of a reader offer for you this winter, courtesy of our friends at Foresight LED*. The World of Cross Stitching readers can enjoy 25% discount off the High Output Re-Chargeable Flexi-Arm Adjustable Light – giving you longer to stitch in the darker evenings! Normally £29.99, WOXS readers can buy the High Power Flexi-Light for £22.49 including free UK delivery. Look at this amazing lamp on www.foresight-led.co.uk and enter code 327HP25 at the checkout to get your discount. Offer available until 8 December 2022. SAVE 25%…

Q I am an avid cross stitcher and love your magazine but… there are never any ballroom/Latin dancers charts. Being a dancer as well as a stitcher, I would love it if you could create a chart on this theme. Here’s hoping! mill76, via email A Jenny: That’s a lovely theme to design for, and I hope you like the ballroom dancers I have created for you. I’ve used classic colours for the suit and dress, but feel free to adapt to any other threads that you may have as leftovers. Strictly ballroom This light-footed couple is for our stitching/dancing readers Ballroom Dancers key • Cross stitch in two strands • Backstitch in one strand STITCH COUNT 30 high x 28 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 5.5x5cm (2¼x2in) Please…

I’m having trouble making the angel tree decoration kit I got with issue 301 (Christmas 2020). I’ve cut it out but can’t get my head around how to fold the wings back. I’m probably just being a bit daft. Abby Planter, via Facebook Hannah E: The angel’s special folding back wings can be tricky to get your head around, but help is at hand as you’ll find a handy video tutorial over at www.gathered.how. Search for ‘angel tree decoration’ to watch how the wings slot together. Where and how can I order aperture cards for the designs in the kits included in your mags? Linda Martin, via Facebook Heather: We’re glad you like our exclusively designed cards with the kits, and although unable to obtain additional ones, you are permitted to…

TEACHING CHILDREN TO STITCH We all know how fun cross stitching can be, but did you know it can also help children improve their concentration, hand-eye coordination and maths skills? It’s a brilliant way to bond over a shared hobby and may even mean more stitching time for you as well – it’s a win-win all round! GET THE RIGHT MATERIALS Your usual fabric and accessories may not be suitable for tiny hands, so get larger count fabric such as 11 or even 8-count aida, or tapestry canvas which has the added benefit of being easier to hold. Although a tapestry needle is blunt it’s still a danger to young children, so a plastic needle is best. Tapestry wool may also be easier for them to handle than stranded cotton…

If there’s one thing more enjoyable than stitching it’s sharing your hobby with someone else – especially children! Kids can learn to love to stitch just as much as you do and they make excellent pupils, so why not get them involved with this set of classic puppets inspired by The Nutcracker ballet. With four characters to choose from, the whole family can join Clara on her midnight adventures with the soldier, Mouse King and Sugar Plum Fairy all making their grand entrances. Stitched on plastic canvas, these jointed dolls are easy to stitch as well as make – all you need are some mini brads to attach the different pieces together. Children will find holding the stiff canvas a little easier than floppy fabric too, making this a perfect…

ISSUE 328 ON SALE 24 NOV…

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…

Issue 326, December Sprinkle magic over the season with the dazzling Christmas Tree Flower Fairy – exclusive to The World of Cross Stitching! Treat yourself to Durene Jones’ polar pals stocking, peek inside the cutthrough toy-making workshop and bring the Nativity to life with a 3D scene. Stitch angels cards, make a Santa wreath and laugh out loud at the comedy Christmas Design Library! Your gift: Wrendale Designs 2023 calendar CALL THE HOTLINE TODAY 03330 162 137 Issue 325, Nov 3D Rudolph tree deco, Forever Friends bear, Advent calendar, festive blackwork cards, hot water bottle cover & mug hug, robin redbreast and Happy Hanukkah cards Issue 322, Aug Popcorn Bear card kit, Summer cottage and walled garden, monkey portrait, stitcher’s travel set, vintage motorbike, coastal birds cards, and beach huts…

Tell us your recent fave WOXS design? Maria Diaz’s wizard from issue 323 (Sep 2022). It’s a big stitch for me but love the colours and I do like the fantastical realm! What has been your favourite cross stitch project? I stitched all the Newton’s Law bears. I loved the crazy background stitches and zigzags, which set the scene off. What are you stitching now? I’m stitching Durene Jones’ ‘Autumn sampler’. I adore autumn. It’s taken most of the year to get a quarter of the way through it and will probably be completed next year! Any stitching buddies? I love to stitch alone, it really relaxes me. I go into my own world and can spend hours there. If I sat with people, then I’d just talk and would…

The British stop-motion classic Shaun the Sheep is all set for the holidays with his paper crown and brightly wrapped gifts to share. This one is even covered in special tractor themed paper from Mossy Bottom Farm, where the rest of the flock is waiting to join in the celebrations too. Make him into a hanging to display next to your Christmas tree this year and he’s sure to be adored by all the family. Pre-sort your 21 thread colours before you begin and it’ll help you get this famous character stitched up in no time. With six different backstitch shades to keep track of, it’ll also help avoid mistakes too. Remember not every backstitch line on the chart will be the same shade as it’s stitched in, as we’ve…

Say hello to winter as you stay warm and stitch this fourth and final instalment of Doodlecraft Design’s intricate tree project from the comfort of your home. Just like the other seasonal parts, there are so many charming elements to enjoy as you add the last tips of the tree branches above the snow-covered earth below. With bright red berries just beginning to appear, it’s of course important to give nature a helping hand this season with hanging bird feeders attracting all manner of wildlife to this frosty scene – and who could resist building a cheerful snowman at this time of year too! While each part of our seasonal series makes a lovely standalone scene to frame and enjoy, they also join together to make a full life cycle…

• Michelle Smith: I tend to unpick and redo the backstitch until the face looks happy. I also use pale pinks and light greys instead of black, charcoal or red. • Delene Kerr: If the colours of the skin tone don’t look right to me when I’m stitching, then I usually change the colours to suit my taste. I do this with the eyes and hair as well. It all depends on your personal choice of skin tone colours. • Linn Langefors: Pay attention to detail, don’t be afraid to redo if it doesn’t look right, and don’t underestimate a blank face! • Kelly Thorley: For fine detailed work such as faces, I use a thin needle with a very sharp point for the backstitch. This gives a cleaner, more…

NEXT ISSUE: NEW 12-PART CAKE STITCH-A-LONG! “Thank you for entrusting your precious pet pictures to me to design – I’ve enjoyed ‘meeting’ every single one of them! Since the first – a cockapoo in issue 224 (Jan 2015) – I’ve designed more than 100, with many dogs and cats, even a ferret and sugar glider! Next issue, don’t miss the first part of my exciting new SAL! You’ll enjoy every bite of the 12-month cake-themed Stitch-A-Long – here’s a sneak peek. To subscribe so you don’t miss an issue, turn to page 44.” Design my pet! Q Please will you design a chart of my pet hamster? Hannah Bishop, via email A Durene says: Certainly, Hannah, here is your hamster! How could anyone resist this sweetie, enjoying a cuppa? Have…

The perfect start to your Christmas stitch countdown Only £4.99 (inc P&P) Don’t miss it! Get stitch-ready for the best Christmas ever with 263 quick and easy charts! Find all the cards, gifts and decorations you need for friends and family. Seasonal goodies include a classic elf stocking, Santa sign, fun cards, and gifts they’ll love! Get stitching: ❃ Cute gift card holders ❃ Advent calendar treats ❃ Cheeky elves alphabet ❃ Vintage cards and gifts ❃ Winter mittens garland ❃ Sweet cards by Durene Jones Plus over 28 card ideas for all the family – Christmas jumpers, polar pals, snow globes, festive sloths and more… And lastminute pressie ideas, stocking fillers and one nighters to stitch! ON SALE FRIDAY 26 AUGUST 2022 – ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY! ONLINE www.buysubscriptions.com/FavouritesXmas22…

Whether you’re having a cosy Christmas for two or a big family celebration, the sentiment behind this stitch holds true, ‘The best part of Christmas is sharing it with those we love’. A pair of owls only have eyes for each other as they sit in their love nest, keeping warm in winter woollies. Shining gold stars and a cute little house accompany the owls and the design has a heart-shaped border, which’ll make a really interesting stitch. Look closer and you’ll see ohso delicate buds and fronds entwined. Such elegance may look tricky to pull off with needle and thread, but it’s actually made up of whole stitches only, along with carefully placed backstitches and beads for added texture. Beads in cream and red add festive colour and a…

Tell us how Modern Folk Embroidery came about I was visiting my family in the Netherlands, and I saw an antique design my mum had in her collection. I wanted to stitch it, so made a little chart of the design. This was fun, so I started making a few more original designs to stitch for myself. Seeing them stitched, some friends recommended opening a shop. Talk us through your inspiration and design process Inspiration can come from anywhere, not least the amazing stitching that has been produced by the generations of stitchers before us. Sometimes I’m inspired by a song I hear or a story I read or see something in a movie that gives me an idea. Sometimes it’s a funny looking gable stone in an old house…

THE WORLD OF Cross Stitching EXCLUSIVE PLUS MUCH MORE • Stitch-A-Long with Durene Jones’ new cake sampler • Don’t miss your chance to stitch a braille alphabet set • Tech & gadget motifs new and old in our Design Library • Your cross stitching queries answered by our experts • Your stories, inspiration & letters… plus much more SEW GRATEFUL CARD KIT! Stitch and send your thanks with a kit that has everything you need to stitch this pretty card, designed by Emma Congdon of Stitchrovia. Your gift includes: 14-count aida 20 lengths of stranded cotton Illustrated card Enve l o p e Full colour chart & key EXCLUSIVE STITCHROVIA DESIGN TO SUBSCRIBE 03330 162 147 CAN’T WAIT FOR NEXT ISSUE?…

Special delivery PICK OF THE MONTH SANTA CARD KIT SET Just how does Santa get to every child on Christmas Eve? Perhaps he uses different modes of transport while the reindeers take the sleigh back for a re-fuel. Dale Simpson’s Christmas card kits for Bothy Threads* show Father Christmas on wheels, wearing skis and taking to the skies. ‘Delivery by Bike’, ‘Delivery by Sledge’, ‘Delivery by Skis’ and ‘Delivery by Balloon’ are stitched on winter blue 16-count aida. Each kit in the set contains a cream triple-fold card and envelope, as well as stranded cottons, needle, stitch diagram and instructions so you can stitch and send! FATHER CHRISTMAS & FRIENDS We all know and love Father Christmas and admire the work he and his reindeer do on Christmas Eve delivering…

Celebrating Jewish holidays Q I know that you have many Christmas projects in your magazines but I have not come across many Jewish holiday cross stitch projects. I did find one of a Passover Seder plate but were there any other designs that I missed? Judith Bernstein, Las Vegas A Fiona: Check out our issues 323 (Sep 2022) for a special Shana Tova New Year hoop, designed by Claire McElfatrick, and a set of Hanukkah cards, designed by Emma Congdon, in issue 325 (Nov 2022). Available as digital editions via our app if out of print. Oh Christmas tree! Q Any suggestions for my need of a big, beautiful Christmas tree pattern? bry85olivia, via Instagram A Hannah F: How about this ‘Village Christmas Tree’ design from Paine Free Crafts*? Full of wonderful festive details,…

Q Having recently read that you can do a loop start from the fabric front instead of the back, can you give a brief explanation on how to do this please? Lisa Carlile, via email A Fiona: The loop start method is the neatest way to start stitching but can only be done with an even number of strands. To start, cut a piece of thread double the length that you normally would, separate one single strand and fold it in half, then thread the needle with both ends. To do a traditional loop start, you would bring the needle up through the fabric from the back to the front, leaving a small loop of thread at the back. Then take your needle down again through both the fabric and the loop,…

A set of cards that look good enough to eat, now that’s what we call a treat of a stitch at Christmastime! Whip up your best backstitch, stir in some chunky whole stitches and dot with French knots to create festive greetings on a tastylooking gingerbread theme. Each biscuity stitch has a delightful snowy setting, starting with an earmuff-wearing penguin skating in front of an igloo, candy canes close by to grab if it gets too slippy. A polar bear ambles about in a Christmas jumper, past a yummy-looking gingerbread house in the background decorated with brightly coloured sweets. Santa walks through the snow with his sack of presents and Rudolph reindeer is prancing along, warming up for the big night! Thick icing sugar in white backstitch makes a brilliant finishing…

This set of six modern Christmas trees are standing tall in their bold rainbow shades. Your lucky recipients are sure to display these bright and cheerful greetings in pride of place in their homes – and for good reason, with each and every stitch filled with the joy of the season. They look ever so striking on a black fabric background, letting the colours dance and shine for all to see. Once you’ve stitched up your rainbow-style trees, don’t forget to add your own sentiments underneath using backstitch and a colour from the key of your choice. You’ll find a handy backstitch alphabet chart on page 75, which you can use to personalise your cards, or you could use the style of alphabet that comes with our Design Library projects…

CHOOSE YOUR ESSENTIALS… Start with these must-have items FABRICS Most stitchers start off using aida – a block-weave fabric, which is divided into squares by a grid of holes, making it an ideal fabric for beginners. Each cross stitch is worked over one square. Or you may prefer evenweave, which is also woven in a grid but in a finer count. Each cross stitch is usually worked over two threads of the fabric (shown below), making it the equivalent size to stitching on aida (eg. 28-count evenweave would produce the same size finish as 14-count aida). Fractional stitches are easier to work on evenweave, as there’s a central hole spare so you don’t need to split a block as you do for aida. THREADS You’ll need stranded cotton – this…