CrossStitcherの January 2017 の目次

Why not use our alphabet chart to also personalise your gifts with a stitched name attached as an aida patch? Max. stitch count: 17 high x 16 wide Max. design size: 3.5x3.5cm (1¼x1¼in) Stitch time: 30 mins (each) These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Make a… gift tag Step 1 PRINT your tags onto thin card and cut them out. Stitch your design on 14 count aida, then cut to fit the tag, leaving two blank fabric squares around the design. Step 2 ATTACH your stitched letter to the tag using double-sided tape. Cut out the hole at the top of the tag and loop through some baker’s twine to complete. It wont take you long to make tags for all your family as they only…

Jenny Barton designed our star signs picture on page 66. “I wanted my design to have more of a calendar than a horoscopes feel to it. To achieve this, I decided that my design would flow better as a single composition rather than separate blocks. I’m really happy with how it's turned out and I love the colours. I sketched the images separately then scanned them into my computer and sized them in Photoshop to get them looking spot on!” www.jbcrossstitch.com…

SEW SNAPPY RIET VAN DE WALLE & SANNE VANAUTGAERDEN [Meteoor Books] Both beginners and the more experienced will love the eclectic mix of projects found in this quirky collection by two expert seamstresses. They aim to not only show you how to make sweet accessories, from floral brooches to handbags, but share some sewing tips and tricks you may not have come across before. There’s even a pull-out section of full-size patterns to get you started. SEE KATE SEW KATE BLOCHER [Krause Publications] Create beautiful crafts for your home and everyone in it – no experience required! Released on 23 December, this gorgeous collection of sewing projects has been put together by blogger Kate Blocher. From pillows and homestyle makes to soft toys and stylish accessories, there is plenty to…

Designed by: Rico Max. stitch count: 120 high x 47 wide (each section) Max. design size: 20x8cm (8x3¼in) Stitch time: 8 hours This design was stitched on 30 count linen over two threads of fabric. Materials 30countnaturallinenband, 12cm (5in) wide x the length of your bow Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle For stockist details see page 89 This bow can be used anywhere – how about attaching it to a wreath or tying it to the end of your stair banisters? Make a… bow Step 1 COMPLETE all the stitching on your linen band, positioning the motifs at either end of the band, as shown in the picture. Step 2 MAKE points at both ends of your bow, by folding two…

I used your wonderful elf pattern from issue 311 and made a heart hanger using some of the free gift materials. Zhanna Litvjakova, Warwickshire This is a Christmas ornament I made with a part of the Home for Christmas’ chart from issue 310. I really like how it turned out! Wendy Willems, The Netherlands I stitched the free bookmark kit from issue 309 but using the owls from the sampler in the same issue instead! Hope you like it. Linda Porter, Hertfordshire I made this Rock’ cushion from issue 305 for my friend Alan. He is a very talented musician! I hope he will like it! Olga Calleja, Malta I’ve finished this cake stand from 266. I enjoyed the back stitching the most, just watching the treats come alive. Glora…

If you’re short on time, you could easily stitch the central scene on its own, without its wreath border  Stitch count: 136 high x 136 wide Design size: 24x24cm (9½x9½in) Stitch time: 42 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials ZweigartSnow28countBrittney, ref: 3270/0011; 43x43cm (18x18in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Backing fabric; 38x38cm (15x15in) Cushionpad355x35.5cm 14x14in For stockist details see page 89 Make a… cushion Step 1 CUT your stitched cushion front to the same size as your backing fabric. With the stitching right-side up, place the backing fabric on top. Pin, then machine stitch, the cushion front and the backing fabric together with a 1.25cm (½in) seam allowance, but leaving…

Grav Grav means Gravity is Gravity. It’s a serious name for some seriously fun and unusual wooden bags. Forget your leather handbag or trusty all-weather rucksack – these quirky accessories are our favourite new fashion must-have. Merve’s handbags, backpacks, purses and clutches are all cross stitched by hand in her own designs, from traditional roses to tropical fruits. We chatted to Merve about her work… Can you tell us a bit about your life before you started your bag business? I was born in 1986 in Istanbul. I did Performing Arts at university, where I studied dramatic writing and dramaturgy. After I graduated I wrote a few plays for some literary magazines but it was always about a hobby, not about a career. Now I live in Istanbul and my…

Count carefully when make position sure it on ’s in the the fabric correct Why not pick out an individual star sign to stitch for birthday a friend’s card? Stitch count: 152 high x 119 wide Design size: 24.5x18.5cm (9½x7¼in) Stitch time: 42 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials ZweigartPlatinum28countCashel, ref: 3281/0770; 46x40.5cm (18x16in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Frame with a 28x23cm (11x9in) aperture Mount board to fit frame…

MATERIALS Blue Gown Girl Zweigart Pale Cream 28 count Cashel, ref: 3281/099; 23x23cm (9x9in) White lining fabric; 23x37cm (9x14½in) Cotton fabric; 23x25.5cm (9x10in) A6 notebook Red Gown Girl Zweigart Pale Cream 28 count Cashel, ref: 3281/099; 23x18cm (9x7in) Frame with a 14x9cm (5½x9in) aperture Mount board to fit frame Grey Gown Girl Zweigart Pale Cream 28 count Cashel, ref: 3281/099; 17.5x17.5cm (7x7in) Wooden hoop with a 10cm (4in) diameter For all Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Make a… book cover Step 1 COMPLETE the stitching, then place the evenweave and the cotton fabric right sides together, with a 1.2cm (½in) seam allowance – take care that you are stitching the fabric on the correct side of the design. The join should be just…

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…

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…

WE OFTEN TALK about how much we love Christmas traditions but this month we want to be bold and break with one of them… If you look on the front cover of this magazine, you’ll see it’s called the January edition. (Don’t ask, it’s just the way the crazy world of magazines does things – they are always named a month ahead of when they are published.) In previous years we’ve been true to the month and presented a whole heap of ideas for the new year. Well, it seems like time to break the myth that we’re all so organised that we have our cards, gifts and stockings stitched and finished by now. So we’ve filled this issue with a generous helping of last-minute ideas. We have Christmas stockings…

THEPAPERSANDBOX If you’re stitching a thank you present or card, use this ¾in wide Thank You Cotton Ribbon to help gift wrap your item in style. COOKIESCROSSSTITCH Need a fun way to show you care? Look no further than this Thanks A Bunch Cross Stitch Kit, which includes a 4in hoop to frame it in. YUNUIWORKSHOP Embellish a hand stitched card with a readymade message by using these Flag Shape Swallowtail Tags made with a leather style finish.…

“You can move the letters around to suit different occasions and the possibilities really are endless” Hello dear readers. I hope you’re well as we cruise towards the end of the year. Inside this issue of CrossStitcher are some of the coolest things I’ve seen in a long time – the wooden bags by Grav Grav (page 58). They’re such a great idea, hitting that balance between timeless classic and hyper-modern design. It’s always great to see when someone thinks outside the hoop and decides to stitch on something other than fabric. In my forthcoming book – The Mr X Stitch Guide to Cross Stitch – I’ve a section looking at different materials and here’s a project that didn’t make it but that’s worth a go! While searching through my…

Designed by: Gail Bussi Stitch count: 60 high x 96 wide Design size: 15x24cm (6x9½in) Stitch time: 16 hours This design was stitched on 20 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials ZweigartCream20countBellana, ref: 3256/99; 33cm (13in) x the width of the apron plus 2.5cm (1in) turnings Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Readymade apron For stockist details see page 89 This design could also be framed as a sweet sampler for your kitchen wall this Christmas! Make an… apron pocket Step 1 MEASURE the width of your apron, adding 2.5cm (1in) turnings to all sides of the fabric. Fold the fabric to find the centre and start stitching here, using three strands for the cross stitch and two for the…

There’s something so nostalgic about cotton reels and spools, whether they’re the lovely wooden ones, or the plastic, Sylko bobbins we remember from our mum’s sewing box. Inspired by these childhood memories, we’ve come up with three ways to make something a little bit special from the humble cotton reel. We’ve a cute toadstool pin cushion on an oversized bobbin, and who could resist our adorable little bunny with a pom-pom tail? Plus, if you want to brighten someone’s day then this potted flower is a must! MAKE A… PADDED PIN CUSHION The toadstool top is easy to make and doubles as a pin cushion. Step 1 DRAW around the base of your chosen cotton reel and cut the circular shape out from a piece of mount card. This piece…

SEVERIJA Lithuanian artist Severija turns traditional cross stitch on its head, with her kitschy, oversized stitches on hard, metal, masculine surfaces like buckets, spades, ladles and even car doors. This year, Banksy invited her to exhibit at his theme park, Dismaland. www.severija.lt RAQUEL RODRIGO Raquel Rodrigo is a set designer and artist who uses giant cross stitch to illustrate buildings around Madrid. She stitches flowers onto wire mesh which is then attached to walls, doors and even children’s playground equipment. arquicostura.com URBAN CROSS STITCH Get ready for next summer now with Urban Cross Stitch’s deck chair kits. Stitch your own garden chair with Space Invader, sugar skull and tattoo patterns (or design your own). www.urban-cross-stitch.com DAVEY GRAVEY Artist Davey Gravey mixes his love of rap and hip hop with classic…

Hanging Around kit Karen Carter for Heritage Crafts has come up with this super-cute owl design that’s packed with colour. Hanging Around, ref: BFHA136, makes the perfect winter stitch and one lucky reader will soon be receiving it in the post as our winner! The kit comes with 27 count evenweave or 14 count aida, DMC stranded cotton, needle and instructions. The finished design measures 12x19cm (4¾x7½in), and is available from www.hcrafts.com (RRP £22.50). Enter by post to the address below, labelling your entry ‘HANGING AROUND GIVEAWAY XST313’. Half Yard Kids books Sew over 20 colourful toys and accessories using just leftover pieces of fabric! Debbie Shore has put together projects for kids of all ages to play with, with ideas ranging from spooky Halloween bunting to a cuddly pirate…

Desperately seeking I’m wondering if anyone can help me? About 25 years ago I bought two Craft Collection Cottage Garden kits. One I completed at the time but the other I have just started doing. The kit consists of six sections of chart but unfortunately, I have two copies of the top right-hand section and no copy of the bottom left. The reference is CSKCG No. 73211 and it has flowers around the border. I would be very grateful if someone could supply the missing section. Thank you. Dorothy Pavey, The Stables, Trinity Street, Tewkesbury, Gloucester GL20 5LH Email: chuck70@btinternet.com Looking for any magazines, charts, kits and so on, to help our disabled ladies cross stitch group. If anyone has anything it will be appreciated. Thanks. Gillian Carruthers, 221a Glasgow…

ART NOUVEAU THE SHEER elegance of the Art Nouveau era is all yours with our artistic alphabet on page 49, and these stylish ideas too… WHO Diane Machin, one of CrossStitcher’s very own designers, is the creator of this stunning Proud Peacock design, available to buy as an instant PDF download. www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GreenGingerDesigns WHAT This pretty MacIntosh Rose Lavender Sachet kit has been created by Textile Heritage to emulate the work of Scottish artist and architect Charles Rennie MacIntosh. www.scottishgiftcompany.com HOW Back your Art Nouveau projects or line your purses and bags for a classic look with this luxurious Mauverina Tana Lawn Cotton fabric. www.libertylondon.com…

Want to line your stockings too? Simply make another stocking from matching fabric, then insert it into the stitched stocking, before neatening the top edge Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 57 high x 37 wide each Design size: 10x6.5cm (4x2½in) each Stitch time: 7 hours each These designs were stitched on 27 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials For each stocking Zweigart Antique White 27 count Linda, ref: 1235/101; 14x10cm (6x4in) x 2 pieces Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle  For stockist details see page 89 Make a… mini stocking Step 1  COMPLETE all the stitching, then lay the stocking face down on another piece of Linda fabric – you can use a cotton fabric or felt if you prefer. Machine…

You can stiffen the holder by inserting a rectangle of cardboard into the tube at the back before sewing up the top Stitch count: 59 high x 30 wide Design size: 10x6cm (4x2in) Stitch time: 8 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials ZweigartWhite28countBrittney ref:3270/100; 46x18.5cm (18x7¼in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size26tapestry needle For stockist details see page 89 Make a… cutlery holder Step 1 START stitching the top of Santa’s trousers, centrally and 7cm (2¾in) down from the short edge of your fabric – this might seems like it is the wrong place on your fabric, but once the holder is folded, the top of the trousers will be at the top of the…

You don’t have to stick to our colour scheme – just use the threads that you have spare in your stash! Stitch up these letters in advance so you’ll always have mix and match monograms to hand We’re feeling a little artistic this month, so here’s an alphabet and full set of numbers completely created in the Art Nouveau style. Popular from 1890 to 1910, this artistic movement was inspired by natural forms, particularly plants and flowers. It has become a much-loved classic style and Maria Diaz has captured its elegance here, so you can use it in your stitching! ‘Art Nouveau’ was stitched on Zweigart Antique White 27 count Linda, ref: 1235/101, and each letter is approximately 28 high x 34 wide. The design size for each…

THE CHALLENGE THE RULES Welcome to our first stitching challenge for 2017! We wanted to set a task to mark the chance for new beginnings. So we’ve asked our three designers to design a blackboard-style motivational saying to add to a mini paper calendar. As usual their thread choices were strictly limited, but they were allowed one mystery ingredient each. Read the challenge rules on the left to see exactly what they were given. We hope this will inspire you to join in too – turn the page to see what our challenge will be for March – we’ve listed everything you need to take part. EMMA CONGDON… DON’T COUNT THE DAYS “Blackboard typography can be incredibly beautiful, so I knew…