CrossStitcher的May 2016目录

Stitch count: 42 high x 29 wide Design size: 8x5.5cm (3¼x2¼in) Stitch time: 3 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Make a… needle case Step 1 STITCH the design using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch, and one strand for the backstitch. Step 2 FOLD a 10x15cm piece of peach felt in half lengthways, and cut the stitched design to fit the felt case front when folded – there should be at least three or four blank squares of aida outside the design once cut. Pin the stitching onto the case and then using two strands of stranded cotton, make a row of running stitches, as shown in our photo, one or two aida squares outside the stitching. Stitch through the aida…

SHEENAROGERSDESIGNS Pinkandblueseedbeadsaddlots oflovelytexturetothiscolourful LiquoriceAllsortsthemedmini cushioncrossstitchkit. KIMBERLYOUIMET This12pageembroiderypattern setisfilledwithdelicioussweets andcakemotifs.Hungryformore? TrytheirGingerbreadHousetoo! CAROLANCRAFTS Thesehandmadeshrimpand bananasweetcharmsmake fabulousembellishmentsforall sortsofretrocraftprojects.…

“One idea was the mash-up of Zentangle colouring and embroidery in the form of Zenbroidery” A couple of months ago I visited the Craft, Hobby & Stitch International Show at the Birmingham NEC to check out some of the new stitchy products that would be hitting the shelves in future months. Unlike some of the other shows where you can spend loads of money on goodies, this was slightly frustrating in that you couldn’t take any of the nice new things home with you! Nonetheless, I did my bit to scour the show for ideas and spoke to some favourite brands. I had a great chat with the team at Zweigart, learning more about how they make the embroidery fabrics that we all enjoy. It was great to see their…

Blue Tits kit This delightful design is one of the Little Darlings range of kits from Heritage Crafts by talented watercolour artist Peter Underhill. Converted to cross stitch in a ‘watercolour style’ with gentle shading and very little outlining, the kit comes with Zweigart 14 count aida fabric, DMC stranded cotton, a needle, chart and instructions. The finished size is 18x8.5cm and it’s available from hcrafts.com for £15. We have one kit to give away. Enter by post to the address below, labelling your entry ‘BLUE TITS GIVEAWAY 304’. Walking with Dragon kit Walking with Dragon features a little boy taking a stroll with a very friendly dragon! This charming design by Genny Haines is stitched on 14 count Confederate Grey aida and is approx. 20.3x16.5cm when finished. One lucky…

Take care with the backstitching! Some of the stitches don’t cross a whole square, and they are worked in one, two and three strands Stitch count: 138 high x 138 wide Design size: 22x22cm (8¾x8¾in) Stitch time: 72 hours This design was stitched on 32 count linen over two threads of fabric. Materials Zweigart 32 count antique white Belfast linen, ref: 3609/101; 43x43cm (17x17in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Frame with a 28x28cm (11x11in) aperture Mount board to fit frame  For stockist details see page 86…

Stitch the kite and the girl separately and you can frame each in different hoops, trailing a thread between them for the kite string Stitch count (girl): 52 high x 84 wide Stitch count (kite): 55 high x 29 wide Max. design size: 9.5x7cm (3¾x2¾in) Stitch time: 9 hours total This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials Zweigart 28 count ice blue Brittney evenweave, ref: 3270/550, 9x14.5cm (3½x5¾in) for girl; 10x5cm (4x2in) for kite Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Wooden embroidery hoop, 15cm (6in) diameter for girl; 12.5cm (5cm) diameter for kite  For stockist details see page 86 How to… frame your work in a hoop Step 1 TRIM your stitching and a fabric piece…

Last month we launched our design competition to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday this June. We’re asking readers of CrossStitcher or Cross Stitch Collection to design a bunting flag to commemorate this special event. Don’t worry if you missed it – the competition closes on 15 April, so if you get your skates on, you could still enter! The winner’s design will be published in the Summer issue of both magazines, plus they will receive this fabulous prize of collectible celebration china and matching tea towel from Emma Bridgewater. To take part in our competition, all you need to do is design, chart and stitch a bunting flag to fit inside the marked area on the chart opposite (max. 100 high x 80 wide). The stitching must be on a…

Prefer a fabric coaster? Layer your design with Vilene, fusible fleece and a felt back. Cut out, then edge with satin stitch Back your fabric with Vilene before cutting it to size and sliding it into your photomat, then use as a mouse mat! Stitch count: 31 high x 25 wide Design size: 6x6cm (2¼x2¼in) Stitch time: 2 hours These designs were stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. MATERIALS Coaster Zweigart 28 count white Brittney evenweave, ref: 3270/100; 12x12cm (5x5in) Fabric Flair plastic coaster, 8cm diameter (3¼in) Vilene, 12x12cm (5x5in) Mouse mat Zweigart 28 count white Brittney evenweave, ref: 3270/100; 30x25cm (12x10in) Photomat with sleeve for inserting cross stitch, 22.5x18.5cm (9x7¼in) Vilene, 30x25cm (12x10in) For both Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry…

WELCOME TO THE MOST glorious month in the British calendar! May brings colour to the garden with blossom and bluebells and more! Just as this month brings us fresh things to enjoy outdoors, we’ve packed this issue with fresh ideas for your stitching. Our cover project is a wonderful royal sampler to celebrate the 90th birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth II next month. We love the choice of colours, the yummy cupcakes at the bottom and the cute birds holding the bunting – a real celebration for an amazing lady. Don’t forget that you still have until 15 April to join our royal bunting competition (see page 68), and win some Emma Bridgewater china, so get stitching! Our cover also shows our elegant ‘prima ballerina’ (see page 14). A brilliant…

ROYAL TREATMENT THE QUEEN’S birthday this year has us in the mood for some majestic stitching… WHO AngelaIrelanddesignedthispostagestamp chart youcandownloadfromherEtsyshoptheonlyRoyalMailyoucanstitch! www.etsy.com/shop/fiddlesticksau WHAT We’relovingthiseasy-stitchdesignofthe Queen’sGuard–completewithredtunics andbearskinhats. www.stitchkitslondon.co.uk HOW Keepyourpinssafeandsoundwitha prettypincushionthatwillsurelybethe crowninggloryofyourworkbox! www.culturevulturedirect.co.uk…

Using an opalescent fabric adds depth and shine to this design Stitch count: 138 high x 100 wide Design size: 24x18cm (9½x7in) Stitch time: 30 hours This design was stitched on 28 count linen over two threads of the fabric. Materials Polstitches 28 count tudor rose opalescent linen, 51x40.5cm (20x16in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Mill Hill glass seed beads, ref: 02010 Frame with a 34x24cm (13½x9½in) aperture Mount board to fit frame For stockist details see page 86…

You could also add a row of three pink sequins to the top of the tutu for an extra sparkling touch! There’s nothing more satisfying than finding away to perfect your projects without having to spend a thing! Zoë has raided her kitchen cupboards and used some baking essentials to create a trio of fab ways to mix them in with your stitching. Zoë’s cute little cupcake card has a mini birthday candle couched on top. A cookie cutter makes a sweet frame for a backstitched message, which would make a great little gift, plus what could be more adorable than her little ballet dancer with a gorgeous cupcake case tutu? MAKE A… CUPCAKE CASE TUTU This little ballerina has the sweetest outfit, thanks to a humble cupcake case! Step…

Hi! This is my picture of the Four Seasons design from your January issue (300). I stitched it on 14 count aida. It’s for a friend’s 75th birthday! Hope you like it. Frances Miller, Glasgow I’ve been working on this on and off since it appeared in issue 256. The names are Mum’s, her two daughters and their two daughters. Lizzie Billingham, Northamptonshire I made the Animal Antics’ cushion (issue 288) for my granddaughter’s 4th birthday, using a bright yellow backing fabric. Zena Massey, Hampshire Here are my houses from issue 291. While stitching them I thought they would look nice with the addition of Home Sweet Home’. Linda West, Isle of Man I couldn’t wait to stitch this terrarium design from issue 302. Pretty plants to look at and…

We’ve stitched the border at the bottom of this design as two rows onto a towel with an aida panel inserted Stitch count: 63 high x 55 wide Design size: 11x9.5cm (4½x3¾in) Stitch time: 10 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials Zweigart 28 count white Cashel linen, 17.5x14cm (7x5½in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle For stockist details see page 86…

NEW! Join in our stitch-along. Start any time to create our mystery design. 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,…

Desperately seeking I am looking for a back issue of CrossStitcher.In particular, I am looking for a project called Patchwork Winter. There was an entire series, with Patchwork Spring in the February 2009 issue, Patchwork Summer in the June 2009 issue and Patchwork Autumn in the September 2009 issue. That issue indicated that Patchwork Winter was coming soon – however I don’t have the issue with Patchwork Winter in. If anyone can help me with this, I’d love to get hold of this chart. Thanks. Paula Mansfield Email: pjmansfield@netscape.net I wondered if anyone can help me? Many years ago I completed a cross stitch pattern from CrossStitchermagazine – it was a mouse design entitled Eat, Drink and Be Merry. I think it was in a December issue. Does anyone remember…

SIMPLY STITCHED YUMIKO HIGUCHI [World Book Media] Yumiko Higuchi has used a combination of wool and cotton thread to reinvent traditional embroidery for modern stitchers. Simply Stitched features 20 contemporary embroidery motifs, which can be used to create accessories, clothing and home décor items. PIRATES & POMPOMS STELLA BEE & JEMMA BELL [Laurence King] Crafty parents and creative carers looking for ways to keep little ones busy need look no further! Projects are divided into three sections: pirates, circus and woodland animals, with illustrated step-by-step instructions to introduce kids to the world of cutting, sticking and sewing. THE CROSS-STITCH GARDEN KAZUKO AOKI [Search Press] This beautiful collection of cross stitch projects features over 70 individual motifs inspired by Kazuko Aoki’s love of wild flowers. As well as counted cross-stitch charts,…

Why not stitch these letters onto finer fabric, and then mount your stitching in a plastic drinks coaster? Stitch count: 60 high x 60 wide Design size: 11x11cm (4½x4½in) Stitch time: 19 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart 14 count white aida, ref: 3706/100, 25.5x25.5cm (10x10in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Wooden embroidery hoop,15cm (6in) diameter For stockist details see page 86…

Our jelly bean design would also make a great card – simply fray the edges of your stitching and attach to a card as a patch Stitch count: 48 high x 38 wide Design size: 9x7cm (3½x2¾in) Stitch time: 3 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart 14 count white aida, ref: 3706/100, 12.5x10cm (5x4in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Glass jar For stockist details see page 86 Make a… sweet jar label Step 1 WORK the cross stitch and half cross stitch in two strands of stranded cotton and the backstitch in one and two strands. Step 2 CUT around the stitching so that it fits the front of your jar, and has three or four…

It’s easy to extract one of the pandas to stitch separately as a card! Stitch count: 182 high x 44 wide Design size: 36x9cm (14x3½in) Stitch time: 26 hours This design was stitched on 25 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials Zweigart 25 count green Lugana evenweave, ref: 3835/6065, 46x30.5cm (18x12in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Wooden dowels, 20mm (¾in) diameter x 14cm (5½in) x 2 Green buttons x 4 For stockist details see page 86 Make a… wall hanger Step 1 FOLD your completed ‘pile of pandas’ lengthways, bringing the long edges of the fabric together, with the reverse side of the stitching on the outside. Machine stitch down the seam and then turn to the right side.…

Cut out and keep your letter library, ready for the next time you might need it! Plan out the words you want to make on graph paper before you start stitching Here’s the second alphabet in our new design library series. Designed to be collected each month so you have a set of letters ready to stitch for any occasion, this month we’re showcasing our gorgeous circus alphabet. Bright and bold and totally on-trend, you can use these letters and numbers to transform your home décor or for quick and easy projects such as cards and tags. Enjoy! More to make... Mix and match your letters to create heaps more stylish projects. Here are some ideas to get you started... 1 Stitch the words Roll up! Roll up! in two…

Our dove design would also make a lovely card for an early summer wedding Stitch count: 50 high x 50 wide Design size: 9.5x9.5cm (3¾x3¾in) Stitch time: 7 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart 14 count pewter aida, ref: 3706/713, 22.5x22.5cm (9x9in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Mill Hill glass seed beads, ref: 02010 Frame with a 12x12cm (4¾x4¾in) aperture Mount board to fit frame  For stockist details see page 86…

We’ve stitched these cards on aida, but as they contain fractional stitches, you may prefer to use evenweave instead Max. stitch count: 51 high x 38 wide Max. design size: 9.5x7cm (3¾x2¾in) Stitch time: 5 hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials For each card Zweigart 14 count white aida, ref: 3706/100, 12.5x10cm (5x4in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Card to fit the design For stockist details see page 86 Make a… patch card Step 1 WORK all the cross stitch in two strands of stranded cotton and the backstitch in one strand. Step 2 CUT around the stitching, and depending on the size of your card, leave between six and eight blank aida squares outside the…

WHAT WOULD YOU NEED TO DO? To be a correspondent, we’d like you to give us the low-down on the stitching scene in your local area. Have you visited a great show, discovered designs traditional to your area, joined a stitching group or started a group project that has a connection to your hometown? Whatever you’re up to, share your view of the cross stitch world with us! Simply send us 200 words or more with your news and a hi-res photo (or three!) that we can publish in the magazine. We’d love to share a small photo of you too, so other readers can enjoy ‘meeting’ you. Please email us at crossstitcher@dennis.co.uk heading your email ‘Our Correspondent’, if you’d like to join in with this brand-new part of the…