Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2024 i The World of Cross Stitching

Are you ready for a bit of a challenge and a break from the usual? This issue offers up some absolutely stunning but also slightly trickier designs, whether it’s the beautiful lion cushion (p20), the 3D beach cabins worked on plastic canvas (p28) or a gorgeous soft-toy doll (p47). Stitching designs that aren’t just for the wall is a really exciting way to elevate your cross stitch and try something new. Full making-up instructions are included on the page, with extra help on our website gathered.how. Plenty to keep you busy this summer! But don’t worry, there are lots of easy and smaller makes too, starting with our fabulous hot air balloon hoop kit (p8), a trio of sunflower designs (p57), and a generous set of Delft pottery-inspired charts in…

Balloon Hoop key How to… make up the balloon 1 Before making up the hoop, using any leftover threads, cut four short lengths of two strands for the balloon ‘ropes’. Tie onto the outer hoop (we used a lark’s head knot), spacing them along the bottom edge. 2 Insert the stitching into the hoop, making sure the design is central, with the screw at the top. Turn the screw tightly, ensuring the fabric is taut. 3 At the back, sew running stitch around the edges of the fabric and gather together to secure. 4 Cut a square of coloured card for the ‘basket’. Decorate with threads across the card as pictured. 5 Use tape to stick the ends of the ‘ropes’ onto the back of the ‘basket’, so it hangs evenly,…

Beach beauties SEA, SHELLS AND SAND! The one thing that’s great about cross stitching is that you can take it anywhere, so why not indulge in CrocetteagogoShop’s* fun-inthe-sun design that you can take with you on your next getaway! ‘Cross Stitch on the Beach’ features an adorable mouse duo stitching by the sea with an oh-sew-cute crab and its trusty snips! This design is an instant PDF download from CrocetteagogoShop’s Etsy store. Why not browse their selection of other portable summer projects for the beach so you can sit back and relax on the sandy shores. BRING IT BACK Known for her illustrated animals in simple and sweet scenes, we’re excited to announce that there is a limited-edition reprint of our Margaret Sherry Cross Stitch Collection book. Packed full with 48…

Fiona Baker Senior Technical Editor Hannah Erskine Charting Assistant Vicki Atkinson Editor Stitching in circles Q I absolutely loved the moon phases hoop project, by Maria Diaz, in issue 345 (May 2024). Have you done any other projects like this where there’s a central hole between two hoops? I adore the effect! Lyndsey Birch, via Facebook A Hannah: We’re so pleased you enjoyed this special project, Lyndsey. That being said, you may also like to check out our beautiful blackwork double-hoop pattern that shows the flight cycle of a pretty pink and purple butterfly displayed between 9in and 3in size embroidery hoops. This design is available on our Etsy shop for just £5. When purchased, you'll receive a PDF digital download chart in both colour and black and white, plus instructions with…

PRIZES worth over £1,050! PRIZES WORTH £255 Oh-sew-cute dollies 15 UP FOR Did you enjoy stitching Marla the doll on page 47? If so, then we’re sure you’re going to love this one as you have the opportunity to win your very own copy of Susan Bates’ fab book, My Cross Stitch Doll from David & Charles*. Inside is a selection of 20 patterns ready to be turned into the most dashing dolls, full of character and whimsicalGRABS! personality (alongside some cute outfits, too!). Whether you’re looking for some company while you stitch, or want to get the little ones interested in crafting a doll they can call their minime, these dolls will be treasured forever over many generations. This is too cute an opportunity to miss! TO ENTER Visit our…

Andrea Ashley is a truck driver from Scunthorpe What time of day do you like to cross stitch? I usually get in from driving my truck, sort out my budgies then relax after tea and cross stitch. Currently I don’t have anyone else to stitch with, so the television is on in the background. Your fave WOXS stitch? I loved the ‘Trust the magic of new beginnings’ cushion from issue 341 (Jan 2024). It’s a positive way to look at something if, like me, you’re going through a tough time, and it spoke to me. What’s your best stitching tip? Never to rush, always take your time. Since I started early menopause, I’ve struggled a lot and because my concentration isn’t what it used to be, I needed help. Usually…

What a lovely day for a mice wedding! Artist Margaret Sherry’s illustration perfectly encapsulates that magical moment when a newly married couple hears those long-awaited words… ‘you may now kiss the bride’! This pattern has been stitched on over-dyed aida which features a subtle blend of pink and yellow – this enhances the beautiful blooming arch under which the furry bride and groom are saying their ‘I dos’. To bring this romantic scene to life, you’ll work whole stitches and backstitch, as well as some half stitches for the shadows of the mice and floral archway to add depth. French knots worked in grey thread are used sparingly, but if you find them tricky, we’ve linked to a handy video to help you on your way. We think it’d be…

Known by many as ‘the king of the jungle’, this breathtaking beauty is captured in its prime with a luscious golden mane and strikingly bold features that look like he’s glinting in the savannah sunlight. Jenny Barton’s latest design is ever-so realistic that you can almost hear this lion roar loud and proud… Stitched on ice blue evenweave to contrast with the golden hues of his fur, this impressive project comes uses thread colours, including a lot of similar shades. We suggest using several needles to increase stitching speed, just remember to label them so you can keep track. We turned our finished stitching into a cushion with large handmade tassels that you can very easily make yourself – just turn to p25 to find out how! If you’re in…

Hello everyone and welcome to part 8 of my SAL! Now, what’s a cross stitch project without the things we need to actually bring our project to life – our trusted stash of threads! While I know this doesn’t reflect how many we have in our kit (and it’s definitely a lot!), these pastel threads are what make our designs flourish from start to finish. Find all the information you need to stitch the eigth part of the SAL on these pages. If you missed parts 1-7, don’t worry, visit ourmediashop.com to order back issues of the mag. Digital issues are also available via The World of Cross Stitching app, available on both Apple and Android devices. Guide to stitching your Stitch-A-Long (SAL) To start stitching your SAL, make the…

Poppies make their stunning red carpet debut in UK fields between June to September, so start stitching these crimson beauties today and you’ll have your very own joyous hand-stitched crop of wildflowers to admire as the season goes on. To replicate the tissue-like petals, Amanda’s used different shades of red to stunningly imitate the delicate, natural shapes. The elongated chart is simple to adapt to fit your own table – just leave more space in between the two floral end designs. You might find it helpful to plot out the design on 10x10 graph paper to get the correct sizing and remember to adjust fabric length as required. If you’re feeling green-fingered, why not ‘sow’ a few extra poppies, daisies, or cornflowers in the middle section? Once you’ve placed the…

We’re dreaming of summer holidays here and Fiona’s beach set is the perfect way to keep the excitement going! This sweet trio of cabins is worked on plastic canvas – if you haven’t used this before, it has grid holes to follow, like aida, but is both flexible and sturdy (visit www.gathered.how for the low-down). You’ll stitch each piece separately before joining together to build the cabins. Whipstitch is used to join each piece and any exposed edges are covered by overstitching them. You’ll love the beach bar’s thatched roof too. This fun and fluffy texture is made with turkey stitch and there’s a full step-by-step on page 35. Or, if that’s too tricky, just fill the panels of the roof with similar coloured stitches instead. Have fun stitching the…

There’s a lot to admire when it comes to these yellow beauties. Sunflowers grow roots deep and wide, so they stand in bloom all summer long; they’re vibrant and bright, and they never stop looking upwards and onwards. It sounds like a pretty good mantra to live our own lives by, don’t you think? The trio of cheerful charts is suitable for beginners, and you’ll find you can upskill as you progress through each of the sizes. A delightful palette of 19 summery thread colours is used across the set, however with many similar hues, especially the oranges and yellows, we recommend pre-sorting your threads before you begin stitching to avoid confusion. We’ve mounted the stitching on canvases readily available from craft shops and art stores. Not only is it…

ISSUE 349 ON SALE 10 JULY PLUS MUCH MORE ⨯ Send good luck vibes using a back-to-school Design Library⨯ Stitch a sweet James doll designed by Susan Bates⨯ It’s time for part 9 of your Stitcher’s Paradise SAL⨯ Your cross stitching queries answered by our experts⨯ Your stories, inspiration & letters… plus much more The Smurfs are back in stitches One for all and all for one! Stitch up this colourful trio for a Smurfs fan MARGARET SHERRY PICTURE KIT Set your needle sailing through this adorable holiday kitty scene! Your gift includes: • 14-count aida• 21 lengths of stranded cotton• Illustrated aperture card mount• Full-colour chart and key YOUR EXCLUSIVE GIFT! TO SUBSCRIBE ☎ 03330 162 147 CAN’T WAIT FOR NEXT ISSUE?…