Inhaltsverzeichnis für September 2018 in CrossStitcher

“I wanted to create a pattern that represented my 80s childhood. I spent some time sketching the icons of the era – including some of my prized childhood possessions; roller skates, my record player, plus the giant brick that was our TV on which we watched and memorised Michael Jackson music videos. A few design elements had to be abandoned to fit the hoop shape. Maybe the 80s will make a comeback in version two?” @fiddlesticks_au www.etsy.com/au/shop/fiddlesticksau “Fitting everything into a circular design fo r a hoop frame was challenging”…

Hello there! Have you ever wanted to take on a huge cross-stitching project–one that will challenge your skills set and test your understanding of what you can achieve–only to have that little voice in your head tell you that you could never manage it? We all have that little negative voice pop up now and again when we want to try something new or risky–asking someone on a date, looking for a new job, taking up sky diving. That little voice that tells us we’re no good or we’re too young/old/late or that success is for other people. That little voice is a jerk. Sometimes you can become caught up in the comfort of thinking ‘you can’t’, that you forget, once upon a time, you to tally thought you could.…

Designed by: Felicity Hall Stitch count: 120 high x 180 wide Design size: 22x33cm (8½x13in) Stitch time: 70 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Secure your thread ends neatly into your previous few stitches, so they don’t show through to the front Materials • Zweigart White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0100; 33x43cm (13x17in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle • Backing fabric; 33x43cm (13x17in) • Toy stuffing For stockist details see page 89 Make a… cushion Step 1 COMPLETE the stitching, then place the cushion front right-sides together with the backing fabric. Pin, then machine stitch around the edge, leaving three squares of unstitched fabric around the design and a gap for turning. Step 2 TURN to the right…

Make a… patched card Step 1 WORK using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch and one for the backstitch. When the stitching is complete, cut around the design leaving seven squares of unstitched aida fabric outside the design. Fray the fabric by removing the outer fabric square. Step 2 PLACE strips of double-sided tape carefully onto the card, in the blank area at the front. Place the stitching on top of the tape, and press firmly in place. Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 55 high x 40 wide Design size: 10x7.5cm (4x2¾in) Stitch time: 11 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. *See ‘The Key’ on page 86. Change the look by working this design on a different coloured aida of your choice…

Designed by: Maria Diaz Max. stitch count: 39 high x 39 wide Max. design size: 7x7cm (2¾x2¾in) Stitch time: 5 hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count perforated paper. For slightly sturdier bunting you may wish to stitch the boats on 14 count plastic canvas instead Visit www.willowfabrics.com to order perforated paper for this project Materials • White 14 count perforated paper; 10x9cm (4x3½in) each boat • Size 24 tapestry needle • Baker’s twine • Sticky foam pads • Card blank; 12.5x9cm (5x3½in) For stockist details see page 89 Make… boat bunting Step 1 STITCH your chosen boat onto perforated paper. Cut around the boat, leaving one blank square of paper around the edge of your stitching. If you are making bunting, leave a tab of unstitched paper…

Welcome to this month’s truly uplifting project – one that’s a bit bigger and more detailed than our usual designs, for anyone who’s looking for a challenge. Our beautiful balloon fiesta features hot air balloons floating over an elegant cityscape. With monochrome shading the historic cityscape contrasts beautifully with the bold, bright balloons above. Happy stitching! Designed by: Susan Bates Stitch count: 180 high x 120 wide Design size: 32x22cm (12½x8¾in) Stitch time: 45 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials • Zweigart White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0100; 55x50cm (21½x19½in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle • Frame with a 34x24cm (13½x9½in) aperture • Mount board to fit frame For stockist details see page 89 *See ‘The Key’…

ADVENTURE IS THE THEME of this issue. Courtesy of the lovely Belle & Boo we watch a little one’s first time at the beach (page 72), then take to the skies in a fabulous balloon fiesta (page 77) and even go on a safari with a design filled with wonderful wildlife (page 40). Perhaps the best thing about adventure is the way it makes us feel. Sometimes it’s about being brave – that’s the spirit we wanted to capture for our cover project. It would make a great gift for a youngster embarking on the next stage of life (our youngest daughter has finished primary school and is about to start at senior school, the biggest adventure of her 11 years on this planet), or even something to have on…

PINK BUTTON STUDIO Brighten a card or use to embellish a framed project like a sampler – these elegant bird cage wooden buttons are simply irresistible! LULUS CRAFT SHOP UK This linen fabric with a vintage style bird cage design is available to buy by the half metre – why not use it to back your cushion? KELISSA JEWELRY Attach one of these Bird Cage Charms finished in ‘Antique Silver’ to a zip pull on a stitched purse or add to your cushion from this issue!…

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO HOME SEWING GLORIA NICOL [CICO Books] Add a stunning handmade touch to your home with this handy, bumper guide for making fabric projects to decorate or brighten up every room in your house. This book has been written completely with beginner sewers in mind and has 50 ideas for you to try, including curtains, bed linens and cushion covers – and all are simple and quick to put together, so what are you waiting for? DIARY IN STITCHES MINKI KIM [C&T Publishing] Artist Minki Kim has transformed drawings from her own daily sketchbook into 65 stitchable drawings to mix and match. There are six projects to use the drawings with, including a patchwork pouch, a statement pillow, and a wall hanging. There’s also an extra gallery…

Our seagull design would make a perfect quick card or mini picture, if you prefer! Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count: 57 high x 56 wide Design size: 10x10cm (4x4in) Stitch time: 16 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Make a… pincushion Step 1 COMPLETE the stitching, then place the pincushion front right-sides together with the backing fabric. Pin, then machine stitch, around the edge just outside the row of blue cross stitches, leaving a gap for turning. Step 2 TURN to the right side, fill with toy stuffing then sew up the gap with small, neat stitches. Materials • Zweigart White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0100; 15x15cm (6x6in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle • Cotton backing fabric;…

Giveaways open 14 August – 10 September 2018 £51 of prizes Paw Prints kits This fun new feline design ‘Cats Leave Paw Prints On Your Heart’ is one of several new creations in the Peter Underhill Collection for Heritage Crafts. With a design size of 22x8.5cm (8¾x3½in), the kit contains Zweigart fabric, DMC stranded cottons sorted onto numbered cards, a needle, clear charts and instructions. It’s available to buy for RRP: £17.05 from hcrafts.com. We have three kits to give away. Enter by post to the address below, labelling your entry ‘PAW PRINTS GIVEAWAY XST335’. £39 of prizes Creative Thread books In this book there’s a chance to tap into your creative side through these 20 abstract projects by embroiderer Jo Dixey, inspired by the faces and forms we see…

Designed by: Rebecca Spencer Stitch count: 140 high x 140 wide Design size: 26x26cm (10¼x10¼in) Stitch time: 34 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. We used a pale blue aida fabric to stitch on, but a very pale green could work just as well Materials • Zweigar t Vintage Sky Blue 14 count aida, ref: 3706/5139; 50x50cm (19½x19½in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle • Backing fabric; 39x39cm (15½x15½in) • Cushion pad; 35.5x35.5cm (14x 14in) For stockist details see page 89 Make a… cushion Step 1 COMPLETE the stitching, then trim the aida to 39x39cm (15½x15½in), with the design in the centre. Step 2 PLACE the cushion front right-sides together with the backing fabric. Pin, then machine stitch, around…

Designed by: Maria Diaz Max. stitch count: 55 high x 45 wide Max. design size: 10x7.5cm (4x3in) Stitch time: 4 hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Stitch all four designs together to make a mini circus sampler! Make an… aperture card Step 1 WORK using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch and one or two strands for the backstitch. Step 2 TRIM the stitched fabric to fit your card, with the design centrally placed behind the card’s aperture. Step 3 ATTACH double-sided tape to the inside of the card around the edge of the aperture. Step 4 PLACE the stitching on the table right-side up, and then place the card on top, pressing down firmly on the tape. Step 5 CHECK which…

Welcome to this month’s challenge! We asked our designers to create a pretty wedding card with a modern theme and they had to include at gold key charm in their design to complete it. They were also each allowed a mystery item. Their results are below – we’ve provided a chart for each so you can celebrate a summer wedding with your favourite! We hope this will inspire you to join in too – turn the page to see what our challenge will be for November – we’ve listed everything you need to take part. THE CHALLENGE • One piece of 14 count cream aida fabric • Six shades of stranded cotton (shown above) • A key charm • One mystery ingredient of your own choice THE RULES • Create…

THE ESSENTIAL KIT YOU’LL NEED TO START STITCHING NEEDLES For basic stitching you’ll need a tapestry needle that has a blunt tip and large eye. Use a size 24 needle for most aidas, and a size 26 for evenweaves and linens. Use a sharp embroidery needle for finer details such as backstitch and French knots. EMBROIDERY SCISSORS Embroidery scissors are an absolute must-have. Keep yours sharp by only using them to cut threads. STRANDED COTTON Embroidery thread is also called stranded cotton. Each thread length is made up of six strands of cotton twisted together. The chart key will tell you how many strands you’ll need to stitch with. HOOPS AND FRAMES Though not absolutely essential, we do recommend using an embroidery hoop or frame to keep an even stitching…

Designer decor As the season changes, it’s time to look indoors at how to spruce up your home decor. Anyone with an interest in craft and sewing should take a look at new title Handmade Living by Willow Crossley, published by CICO Books (£12.99). It includes heaps of projects to update your home, from bunting and book covers to ribbon pinboards and grain sack pillows. Other ideas include lavender bags and button pictures, so you’ll find lots of great ways to use up leftover stash with practical and pretty results. SUNNY DELIGHTS CAPTURE THE heat and colours of summer in stitches while you can with Tilda’s new Sunkiss collection. The full range includes ribbons, fabrics, seaside-themed sewing kits, buttons, labels and even a quilt pattern. For more details and to…

Each of these beautiful Zweigart colours can be used for cards or samplers or put in your stash for future projects. You will receive one FQ in the colour of your choice, (please mark the colour on your coupon or in the margin. If you are ordering more than one colour attach a separate piece of paper). The size of a FQ is 50x55cm (19½x21½in). 14 Count Autumn Aida FQ for £5.60, ref: FQAUT01 MORE OFFERS FOR YOU! Pick up more stitching goodies at great prices and with UK postage of just £1.90… NEW DMC THREAD SHADES DMC have added 35 new colours to their range for the first time in 20 years – receive all 35 8M skeins of DMC stranded cotton, numbered 1 to 35, plus 35 cardboard…

*See ‘The Key’ on page 86. Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 128 high x 154 wide Design size: 24x29cm (9½x11¼in) Stitch time: 51 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials • Zweigart Antique White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/010; 50x50cm (19½x19½in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle • Wooden quilting hoop; 34cm (13½in) diameter For stockist details see page 89 How to… frame your work in a hoop Step 1 TRIM your stitching and a fabric piece into a circle slightly larger than your hoop. Place the inside hoop beneath the two pieces and the outer hoop on top. Centre and press over your work. Pull taut and tighten the screw. Step 2 TURN your stitching to the…

This trio of bookmarks is a great way to get you stitching for the Christmas season, as all make great presents. ‘Play, Pause, Stop’ stitched on black plastic aida is a fun stocking filler for a teenager who is difficult to buy for. For the ladies in the family you could stitch this pretty One More Chapter bookmark, and give it with a romantic novel. Plus, our lovely Scandi 2018 linen bookmark is useful as a last-minute gift for an aunt who is tricky to buy for… so that’s your Christmas presents list sorted for this year! MAKE A… TASSEL BOOKMARK Add a stitched patch and gold tassel for a decorative finish. Step1 STITCH the design on a 14x7cm (5½x2¾in) piece of 14 count aida. Start at the top of…

Designed by: Belle & Boo Stitch count: 100 high x 100 wide Design size: 18.5x18.5cm (7¼x7¼in) Stitch time: 29 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Work your half stitches in the sky in rows, crossing them off on your chart as you complete each row Materials • Zweigart White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0100; 36x36cm (14x14in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle • Frame with a 23x23cm (9x9in) aperture • Mount board to fit frame For stockist details see page 89 How to… frame a picture Step 1 CUT a piece of white mount board to fit inside your frame. Place your design centrally over the mount board and pin the fabric around the board to secure, starting at…

Your projects For all the basic supplies you need to make the projects in this issue… WILLOW FABRICS www.willowfabrics.com For Zweigart evenweave, aida, linen, Cashel, wooden embroidery hoops and all kinds of stitching fabrics COTTON PATCH www.cottonpatch.co.uk 0121 702 2840 For stuffing, wadding, interfacing, Bondaweb, scissors and a range of haberdashery supplies FRED ALDOUS www.fredaldous.co.uk 0161 236 4224 For general craft and haberdashery supplies as well as mount board for framing your work JOHN JAMES NEEDLES www.jjneedles.com 0152 783 0941 For all kinds of needles and needle packs JOHN LEWIS www.johnlewis.com 03456 049 049 For a wide range of stitching and sewing supplies, including cotton printed fabrics SIESTA FRAMES www.siestaframes.com 0120 281 3363 For stitching frames, hoops and lamps CLOUD CRAFT www.cloudcraft.co.uk For 100% wool felt in lots of colours…