Table of contents for May 2018 in Cross Stitch Gold

stitch tip Hang this beaded piece in a sun-filled room where she can sparkle and glisten in the light Meet the designer Canadian designer Shannon has always been passionate about creative pursuits, but it was when she started designing cross stitch that she truly found her calling. Her talent is evident in her beautiful designs, and her great eye for colour and detail helps to make her unique creations into true masterpieces like this one. “If you know somebody who’s growing and finding their true colours in life, this gorgeous butterfly fairy would make a special gift” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count white evenweave in 26 shades of stranded cotton and two of metallic thread. Cross stitch and fractionals are in two strands, and backstitch is worked…

stitch tip Use a large quilting frame to hold your evenweave taut and keep it stable as you stitch Meet the designer Jenny has been passionate about the creative arts since she was a small child, and went on to study graphic design at university. Soon after, she landed a job as a needlework designer for DMC Creative World, and became a freelance designer a couple of years later. She loves being able to work with cross stitch every day! “Although this design is large, there’s lots of white space. You should be able to complete one animal in a couple of evenings, so it will grow quickly!” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count white evenweave using 24 shades of stranded cotton. It is worked in cross stitch…

stitch tip Be careful not to trail your threads across the fabric in between the motifs. Finish off neatly each time Meet the designer Prolific designer Durene Jones creates cross stitch charts for a range of stitching magazines. Her work is well loved for its modern and colourful tone, but she is a versatile designer and can turn her hand to any theme or style. Before starting on her creative cross stitch career, Durene worked as a graphic designer. “Roll on the summer, and all the excitement of jetting off to warmer climes! This design really makes me smile and will look fab in my sun room. Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count white evenweave in 21 shades of stranded cotton. Cross stitch is worked in two strands…

Meet the designer Cross stitch designer Joanne has a degree in Fashion and Textiles from The University of Central England. She has worked as design manager at Coats Crafts and is now a freelance designer, taking on commissions for a range of projects. “I’ve drawn inspiration from my memories of idyllic holidays on the Cornish coast, but this scene may well remind you of your own summer haunt. Sun, sea and icecream – they’re universal! Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count white evenweave in 35 shades of stranded cotton. Cross stitch and half cross stitch are worked in both one and two strands of cotton. The backstitch detail is in both one and two strands, with French knots in one strand. This is a detailed design that also…

stitch tip Rub a tumble dryer sheet over your metallic thread to prevent friction as you stitch Meet the designer Prolific designer Durene Jones creates cross stitch charts for a range of stitching magazines. Her work is well loved for its modern and colourful tone, but she is a versatile designer and can turn her hand to any theme or style. Before starting on her creative cross stitch career, Durene worked as a graphic designer. “Do you love the combination of pink and turquoise shades as much as I do? It’s so pretty, especially with touches of metallic silver sparkle” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count white evenweave in 23 shades of stranded cotton and four of metallic thread. Cross stitch is worked in both one and two…

Win! Solve the clues, then rearrange the letters in the shaded squares to spell a Mediterranean island (7) ACROSS 1 Intentional (10) 6 Desire (4) 8 Male duck (5) 9 Sound made by a lion (4) 10 US state with the capital Little Rock (8) 11 Happening quickly (5) 12 Reflected sound (4) 14 Harrison Ford character in Star Wars (3,4) 17 Trumpet used to signal reveille (5) 18 Exclude (4) 19 Gnawing mammals (7) 23 Layer of paint (4) 24 Run off to marry (5) 26 Tendency to do nothing (7) 27 Bean used to make milk (4) 29 Tree used to make syrup (5) 30 Merry-go-round (8) 33 Slightly open (4) 34 Precise (5) 36 Action (4) 37 Continuing despite opposition (10) DOWN 1 Father (3) 2 Principal…

stitch tip Use a laplight or a white pillowcase on your lap to help show up the holes in the black fabric Meet the designer Award-winning artist Marilyn shares her rural Nova Scotia home with a menagerie of rescued pets. She was considered an artistic prodigy at a young age and her work is recognised for its photo-realistic quality. Marilyn’s artwork encompasses wildlife and domestic animals rendered in her favourite mediums of pen-and-ink, pastels and acrylics. “This tiger portrait, which I titled ‘Emerald Regard’, looks amazing in cross stitch and makes a very striking cushion.” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count black evenweave in 14 shades of stranded cotton. Cross stitch is worked in three strands of cotton for better coverage, while the backstitch is worked in both…

stitch tip Use bright red backing fabric to make a striking floral cushion instead! Meet the designer Lesley is an experienced cross stitch designer with a degree in Printed and Woven Textiles, and many years of design experience. She is renowned for creating designs for a wide range of stitching magazines, and has a range of cross stitch books to her name, too. Lesley lives and works in rural Suffolk, where she enjoys gardening and country walks with her labrador. “Floral designs are a lovely way to add year-round colour to your home, and you can’t get more colourful than bright red poppies – so cheerful” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count white evenweave in 29 shades of stranded cotton. Cross stitch is worked in two strands of…

Alluring beauty SWAN (M211), RTO, £28.11 WHAT’S IN THE KIT • Black-and-white chart • 14-count black aida • DMC stranded cotton • Tapestry needle SIZE OF FINISHED DESIGN 40x35cm (15¾x13¾in) STITCHING THIS KIT Here’s yet another wonderful kit from Russian brand, RTO, which comes with comprehensive instructions in English. This swan perfectly encapsulates the style and grace of the British water bird. It’s stitched on black aida, which is the ideal choice for designs worked in shades of white thread, as it provides a good contrast, creating real drama. Even some experienced stitchers find working on dark fabric a challenge, but there are some techniques you can employ to help. Always work in very good light, and consider lighting your work from below to illuminate the holes in the fabric.…

stitch tip Enlarge your chart on a photocopier or use a magnifier to see the intricate details more clearly Meet the designer Angela, who has a degree in Textiles and Surface Pattern, was previously the Commissioning Editor of Papercraft Inspirations magazine. She’s also a talented cross stitch designer and sells her patterns through her online Etsy shop, Angela Poole Design “From lotus flowers to birds of paradise, these tropical flowers make a striking display. Perfect cards for your warm wishes this summer!” Stitcher’s guide These designs are worked on 28-count cream evenweave in 43 shades of stranded cotton. Cross stitch and fractional stitches are worked in two strands of cotton. Backstitch is worked in one strand, and in ten different shades. There are also French knots in one strand of…