Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2016 i The World of Cross Stitching

This month’s issue is truly bursting with stitching treats for you! It’s what we always strive for, of course… gorgeous ideas that you won’t be able to resist adding to your must-stitch list, but I’m especially proud of the inspiration in store! Whatever the style you prefer, whatever size and complexity of project you have time for, we’ve the answer for you. In fact, I’ve added up all the hours of stitching pleasure you could get if you made every single chart, and it’s over 663… Wow! If you’re an animal-lover (who isn’t?), you’ll want to start on our sweet kitten – see page 10 – or perhaps our fast-make Pet of the Month, friendly guinea pigs (p76). As soon as I’ve finished a quick birthday gift, Monty Bear on…

Meet the designer Claire Comerford “There’s nothing cuter than seeing a kitten fast asleep, especially since cats seem to find their way into the most unusual of places. I’ve seen them snoozing in suitcases, laptops and more!” Create realistic shading Factbox Stitching Time Approx. 50 hours Type of Stitches Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch, longstitch Ease of Stitching Advanced beginner/intermediate When you’re oh-so-little, life is full of exciting sights, sounds and places to explore, such as this beautifully set table with its array of eye-catching china. After making his way up the patterned tablecloth, this cute cat couldn’t resist turning his attention to the fresh flowers, as we can see from the evidence on the table! All that play must have been very tiring though, and what better way to rest…

Meet the designer Jenny Barton “Spring is my favourite time of year, and this is so reminiscent of this season. With flowers bursting into bloom and wildlife fluttering about under the sun, it certainly makes for a warm welcome!” Use coloured aida Factbox Stitching Time Approx. 40 hours Type of Stitches Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch, French knots Ease of Stitching Beginner/ intermediate When you’ve had a long day at work, or you’re trudging home in all weathers, there’s usually one thing that keeps you going – the thought of the cosy sanctuary waiting for you behind your front door. So, why not make coming home even more special with this sunny greeting? Decorated with birds, bees and butterflies, as well as colourful flowers and other cute motifs, this jolly sign…

Ruth Southorn Ruth, our Editor, has been a cross stitcher since she was tiny and is ready to share everything she knows Fiona Baker Fiona B is our Technical Editor so she’s all ready to answer your problems on all things stitch and chart related Jenny Barton Design pro, Jenny has been creating projects for us for years and is ready to take on your design challenges Fiona Smith With her ears to the ground for the hottest stitching merchandise, Fiona’s all set to search out the stash you need Katriel Costello Stitching guru Katriel has worked in the industry for years, so has ample knowledge to answer any queries Very vintage Q I’ve been given some vintage stranded cottons by my mother-in-law, and the name on them is Peri-lusta…

ISSUE 239 ON SALE 2 FEBRUARY Exclusive – stitch sweet Belle & Boo! Be charmed by this adorable duo, from a world of nostalgic ‘storybook’ style PLUS MUCH MORE Bountiful blooms Design Library! 40+ spring florals Your cross stitching queries answered by our experts Pet of the month – a friendly German shepherd is the star! Bunting ABC: oh-so-simple to customise for personal gifts Your stories, inspiration & letters… plus much more 5-IN-1 STITCH KIT – APRIL ROSE GIFT TAGS! Everything you need to stitch all FIVE easy-make gift tag ideas! Your 5-in-1 free gift includes: • 14-count aida • 18 lengths of stranded cotton • Tapestry needle • Illustrated tags • Pretty twine YOUR FAB FREE GIFT! TO SUBSCRIBE ☎ 0844 826 7341 CAN’T WAIT FOR NEXT ISSUE?…

Recently I’ve come across a lovely tradition… I couldn’t wait to tell my stitchy pals here, and we agreed I should share it with you too. February 8 is known in Japan as Hari-Kuyo, the Festival of Broken Needles. (I usually prefer my festivals to be a little more cheery, I hear you say?) But this Buddist celebration is quite moving, I think… Ladies (mostly, I gather) who have any needle, or pin, breakages when sewing throughout the year, save them to be brought forward and honoured at the temple or shrine, on this Festival day. It’s a kind of tribute and thankfulness for their needle’s loyal service. It’s also a chance to pray for improving one’s sewing skills. Hari is the word for ‘needle’, and -kuyou means ‘memorial’. I…

Be on the panel! Get a sneak preview Appear in the magazine Receive a stitchy gift Debbie Sewter is a travel adviser from Exmouth How did you start stitching? My eldest daughter Amy taught me. Favourite cross stitch project? 'Sorrento Hotel' by Dimensions (pictured). My husband had it framed for my birthday, and it has now taken pride of place in our sitting room. What’s been your worst stitching disaster? A carousel horse with beading. I hadn’t realised until I’d almost finished that it was one row out. Which three words describe you best? Studious, loving and patient. What’s your idea of cross stitching heaven? Sitting down to stitch all day, without having to worry about housework! “I love watching a project come to life as I stitch” Ellie Green…

HAWKWOOD COLLEGE Learn the skill of exquisite Japanese Embroidery, held four times a year. Hawkwood College, Stroud, Gloucestershire runs a wide variety of courses in arts, crafts and more in beautiful, tranquil surroundings or come to the July Creative Arts Summer School! www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk 01453 759034 // info@hawkwoodcollege.co.uk PATCHFINDERS Patchfinders have moved their extensive array of fabrics and notions to delightful new premises in Poynton, Cheshire. The new shop offers one level easy access for browsing and there are two well lit classrooms. A wide range of workshops are held for all levels of experience, year-round. www.patchfinders.co.uk 01652 262518 ROYAL SCHOOL OF NEEDLEWORK We offer an exciting programme of hand embroidery classes. If you’re a complete beginner or looking to develop existing skills, join us for a day of creative stitching…

CLUB OF THE MONTH CHESTNUT CRAFT GUILD, GRAYS THURROCK, ESSEX Affectionately known as ‘The Conker Club’, with members as ‘The Nuts’, this club has been going for 22 years and has stitchers, papercrafters and lacemakers meeting weekly. If you’re interested in joining, contact Lynne by sending an email to lynne.death@blueyonder.co.uk for more details. WIN! :Tell us about your club, and win a crafting parcel if you’re featured! Email to letters@cross-stitching.com WHERE AM I? Here’s a picture of me with my copy of issue 232 of The World of Cross Stitching, taken when I was on a trip that I organised for my husband as a surprise to celebrate his 40th birthday. In the photo, I’m standing outside a famous landmark of this city, which also inspired a film of the…

Meet the designer Rhona Norrie “I’ve used the Assisi technique in my ABC, where the main focus of the design – here it’s the letter – is left unstitched, and the background is worked to define the shape. It’s striking and makes for a fast finish!” Stitch one in an evening Factbox Stitching Time Approx. 2 hours each Type of Stitches Cross stitch, backstitch Ease of Stitching Beginner We never fail to be won over by romance, be it a classic love story such as Pride and Prejudice, or something closer to home such as a best friend’s wedding. And, if you’re anything like us, you’ll adore stitching keepsakes to commemorate each and every significant moment, too. From anniversaries to the approaching Valentine’s Day, or just to say ‘I love…

TOP TIP Add some lightweight wadding under your stitching, so that the lid of the box is nicely padded out Design my pet! Q I have two guinea pigs that are our very first pets. My two kids adore them, and I thought it would be neat to be able to stitch a cute little stitched version of them! Our two piggies, Sugar and Pumpkin, have added something special to our home that I didn’t know was missing – the love of pets! Sugar is all white with a brown face and Pumpkin is a mixture of white, brown and a butterscotch color with a white stripe going up from her nose to between her ears. They are so cute! Danielle Klaiss, via email A Durene says: Happy to oblige,…

Meet the designer Gill Cooper “Whether you stitch Cookie Bear for Valentine’s Day, a birthday or any other occasion, I’m sure the sentiment will be appreciated! It’s such a pretty card, with a little bow for the perfect finishing touch.“ 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 x2 Black x1 Dark brown x1 Brown x4 Light brown x4 Very light brown x2 Cream x1 Light pink x1 Pink x1 Dark pink x1 Total: 18 lengths STITCH COUNT 40 high x 27 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 7.5x5cm (2_x2in) This design was stitched using stranded cotton from your coverkit How to... mount your design into the card 1 Make sure…

Star Letter SUNNY THANK YOU Your sunflower cards in issue 232 came at just the right time. In August, my husband started chemotherapy at the Sunflower Suite of our local hospital, so I put the cards together, with a few tweaks, to make a picture. It’s one way of thanking all the staff for the wonderful care and attention they give to all patients. Ruth Smith, Essex Ruth: What a fantastic way of showing your gratitude to the hospital, Ruth. I’m really pleased that our designs came in so handy for you. Thanks for sharing! Win! Our Star letter writer wins both these April Rose Illustration kits, ‘Song Bird’ & ‘Dream Bird’, worth £24.99 each from Bothy Threads! MORE: For stockists or to buy, email info@bothythreads.com or call ☎ 0844…

Meet the designer Amanda Gregory “I love so many fabric crafts, including dressmaking, and often gather bits-andbobs and must-have fabric pieces on my and noticeboards. Any sewing fans will ‘recognise’ this moodboard and be inspired too, I hope!” Layered design style Factbox Stitching Time Approx. 65 hours Type of Stitches Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch Ease of Stitching Intermediate Most of us dream of having a perfect craft room, complete with neatly arranged drawers brimming with fabric and threads, a stylish desk for a sewing machine. Plus of course an endless amount of hours to while away inside! For most of us though – even those with their own dedicated space – a tidy, organised area of our own is more of an aspiration than a reality! Start stitching this beautiful…

Meet the designer Durene Jones “If you follow my designs, you’ll know how much I adore cat themes when I create! I also love experimenting with styles, and think that these graphic-style shapes are a fresh take on a classic, but much-loved, subject matter.” Whole stitches only! Factbox Stitching Time Approx. 26 hours Type of Stitches Cross stitch, backstitch Ease of Stitching Beginner Strong, striking but also sweet, designer Durene’s charts, worked in cool colours, are sure to appeal! While we love stitching large detailed designs, it’s also nice to mix up your latest work-in-progress with something that’ll come together quickly and easily, especially when it’s as eye-catching as this trio. We love the way Durene takes the most charming of subjects, and adds an abstract twist with her skilled…

42 ROMANTIC IDEAS You’ll find ideas for all your loved ones with this collection of charts by Debra Page ✖ 42 quick-and-easy motifs ✖ Debra Page’s design inspiration ✖ Stitches for every skill level ✖ Helpful tips and advice ✖ Unique present ideas for your special someone HEARTFELT Personalise these hearts (15) with initials (38) – perfect for wedding or anniversary makes. Layer the patch onto patterned paper then a gift bag, from high street shops. DOVE FROM ABOVE This sweet birdie (41) is lovely for a Valentine card. Fray as a patch then stick onto spotty paper, and attach to a white oblong card blank (SF04U) from Craft Creations*. A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME What’s more classically romantic than a red rose (21)? Keep it simple by using…

Find us online www.cross-stitching.com www.facebook.com/theworldofcrossstitching www.twitter.com/woxscrossstitch www.pinterest.com/worldofxs www.youtube.com/crossstitchtv Join us on Facebook Chat 24/7 on our Facebook page – here’s what you’ve missed! OUR FAVOURITE POST Kristi Hiles “This project took me 17 months to complete. I am super happy with the outcome – so many people thought it was a sketch.” 27 people like this YOU LIKED Over 2,700 of you liked Linda West’s version of sweet cross stitching rabbit, Bebunni, from our chart in issue 233! Linda adapted the design by changing some of the colours, and plans to hang this little cutie on her craft room wall. Stunning! 2700 people like this And the winner is… We asked you: What was the trickiest technique that you had to master? The French knot can be tricky for cross…

Meet the designer Adam Pescott “I love drawing Monty, as he’s such a fun character to bring to life. It’s great how he can convey so much emotion in just thread and fabric. This little bear is guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face!” Great for new stitchers! Factbox Stitching Time Approx. 25 hours Type of Stitches Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch Ease of Stitching Beginner Buying someone a bunch of flowers and a balloon is always a lovely gesture, but we think making them a stitched version is even better! They’ll definitely last a lot longer. And when these thoughtful gifts are being held by adorable Monty, well, we think that’s just the icing on the cake! Created using pretty pastel shades, Monty and his gifts are beautifully detailed…

Meet the designer Durene Jones “Most of us love cross stitching cards for friends and family, and this set is perfect for adding to your stash. Get a head-start on next year’s birthdays and anniversaries, or keep the ideas handy for last-minute makes!” Cut-outand-keep designs Factbox Stitching Time Approx. 10 hours per design Type of Stitches Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch Ease of Stitching Advanced beginner Whether it’s a sweet sixteen or celebrating a diamond anniversary, everyone’s special occasion deserves to be commemorated in stitchy style. So we asked Durene to put together this clever set of charts that’s sure to become your ‘go-to’ for any and every celebration! From little ones who love to blow out their candles to older relatives with more traditional tastes and even tricky teenagers, we’ve…

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. 14-count aida is the most common. 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 size…