Table of contents for October 2019 in Cross Stitch Gold

Meet the designer JENNY BARTON’S 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! “These delightful cherubs remind me of traditional, ornately decorated Christmas cards. A gold-coloured frame is the perfect finishing touch.” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count ivory evenweave over two threads of the fabric in 31 shades of stranded cotton. Cross stitch is in two strands of thread, with fractional stitches for extra detail. Backstitch defines the design in one strand of cotton. This project is recommended…

Meet the designer Durene Jones 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. “This cheerful sign is a wonderful way to greet party guests, family – even carol singers! You could also turn the individual baubles and elves into cute cards.” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count white evenweave over two threads of the fabric in 22 shades of stranded cotton. The cross stitch and fractional stitches are worked in two strands of thread, while backstitch is in both one and two…

Meet the designer Lesley Teare Lesley is an experienced cross stitch designer with a degree in Printed and Woven Textiles, and many years of design experience. She creates 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. “Before Christmas stitching takes over, savour the last golden days of autumn with my rustic Alpine scene – a little snapshot of mountain life.” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count white evenweave over two threads of the fabric in 31 shades of stranded cotton. Cross stitch is in two strands of cotton, with fractionals for extra detail. Backstitch defines the design in one strand…

Meet the designer Durene Jones 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. “Look forward to the big day with the help of my advent calendar, starring Santa and Rudolph as they check their list for good little boys and girls!” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count white evenweave over two threads of the fabric in 26 shades of stranded cotton. Cross stitch and half cross stitch are in two strands of thread, while backstitch is in both one and two strands.…

Polar pals What could be cuter than a waddle of adorable penguins all huddled together for warmth? A waddle of penguins and a rogue polar bear, of course! This kit continues Peter Underhill's hilarious range of 'odd-one-out' animal designs that has captured stitchers' hearts – it would make a wonderful gift for a winter birthday, or simply to cheer someone up and make them smile. The Misfit (SHMF1527) measures 9x11.5cm (3¾x4½in) on 14-count aida and uses whole stitches and backstitch, with blended colours. You can buy the kit for £12.05. Visit www.hcrafts.com or call 01889 575256 to buy FEED THE SOUL Brighten up your home – and your soul – with these rainbow bobbins, stitched in a mesmerising circle around a fun phrase that we can all relate to. Stitched…

How to read our charts All our charts are printed in both colour and symbols. Each square on a cross stitch chart contains a symbol, and each symbol corresponds with one stitch. The key tells you what thread colour each symbol corresponds to, and how many strands to use for each cross stitch, backstitch or French knot. It also gives you the design's dimensions, to help you cut your fabric to size. The thread numbers listed in the first column of the key refer to the brand that we've used to stitch the design. Conversions for two other brands are given, but they're not always exact equivalents. Avoid mixing more than one brand in the same design. Sometimes you'll need more than one skein of a certain colour, but there…

Get in touch Email: zeena@cross-stitching.com Write to: Zeena Moolla, Cross Stitch Gold magazine, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST Join us at: facebook.com/crossstitchgold Tweet us: @CrossStitchGold Feathered friend This is my latest finish from Cross Stitch Gold issue 153. I loved the Lesley Teare project, Songbird of Spring, and it came out looking fantastic. I changed the fabric to 32-count Murano Grey evenweave so it made the colours look more intense. Awaiting every issue with anticipation for new projects to stitch! Helen Woudenberg, The Netherlands Zeena: Wow! This is just stunning, Helen. Thank you for sharing. Romantic gesture I started this cross stitch last December with the idea that in the not-too-distant future, my daughter Rebecca would be getting married. In April, she and her partner Colin went off…

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From cooking to crafting, decorating to gift buying, Simply Christmas is packed with ideas and inspiration to make sure you have a very happy holiday season! Free! 52-page festive food mag & moulds for cooking & crafts GET YOUR COPY TODAY! Only £5.99 (plus p&p) CALL 03330 162 138 and quote ‘SIMPLY XMAS 19 PRINT1’ ONLINE www.buysubscriptions.com/SimplyChristmas19 UK calls will cost the same as other standard fixed line numbers (starting 01 or 02) and are included as part of any inclusive or free minutes allowances (if offered by your phone tariff). Outside of free call packages call charges from mobile phones will cost between 3p and 55p per minute. Lines are open Mon to Fri 8am-6pm and Sat 9am-1pm. Overseas please call +44 (0)1604 973 746. *Prices including postage are…

THE EXPERTS JO BENNER Jo is an experienced stitcher and knitter, who writes for several craft magazines. She’s on hand to help with chart queries and stitching know-how, as well as product questions. FIONA BAKER Fiona is the Technical Editor for Cross Stitch Gold and our sister magazines. She is a talented cross stitch designer, too, and can answer any of your stitching queries. HEATHER NUGENT Heather is the Charting Editor for Cross Stitch Gold and our sister magazines. With a passion for stitching and sewing, she is here to help with charting and making-up questions. Stitching journal Q My 15-year-old daughter has just started cross stitching and it looks like it’s a craft she’s going to stick with! I wish that when I had started, I’d written down each…

Meet the designer Maria Diaz Maria has always had a passion for needlecraft, since learning to sew as a child on her great-grandmother’s Singer machine. After art college she landed a job as a printer, which led to her becoming DMC’s first in-house designer. She is now an independent designer and lives in the Midlands with her two sons, Lincoln and Hudson. “This is a nostalgic Christmas scene to display and enjoy all season long. I hope your own festivities will be filled with as much warmth and joy.” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count ecru evenweave over two threads of the fabric in 38 shades of stranded cotton and one of metallic thread. Cross stitch, half cross stitch and fractionals are in two strands of cotton, while backstitch…

UK STOCKISTS COATS CRAFTS UK For stockists, visit www.makeitcoats.com CRAFT CREATIONS Visit www.craftcreations.com Call 01992 781900 DMC CREATIVE WORLD For stockists, visit www.dmc.com Call 01924 231669 HOBBYCRAFT Visit www.hobbycraft.co.uk Call 0330 026 1400 LAKESIDE NEEDLECRAFT Visit www.lakesideneedlecraft.co.uk Call 0333 0501184 MADEIRA For stockists, visit www.eqsuk.com Call 0116 2710033 MILL HILL For stockists, visit www.hantex.co.uk/millhill Call 011754 820800 SEW IT ALL Visit www.sewitall.com Call 01280 821777 US STOCKISTS 123 STITCH Visit www.123stitch.com Call 1-800-996-1230 ABC STITCH THERAPY Visit www.abcstitch.com Call 1-281-205-7507 ARTS CRAFTS USA Visit www.artscraftsusa.com Call 1-866-621-7779 JULIE’S X STITCH Visit www.juliesxstitch.com…

Meet the designer Carol Thornton Watercolour artist Carol sketches and paints her gorgeous works of art before turning them into cross stitch designs. She creates charts for various magazines and has attracted legions of fans who love her distinctive style of artwork, which translates beautifully into cross stitch. “I just couldn’t resist the idea of a loving snow couple, sharing a moment in their own little winter wonderland. I hope you love them as much as I do!” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 14-count white aida in 28 shades of stranded cotton. The cross stitch and fractional stitches are both worked in two strands of thread, while the backstitch detail is worked in one strand. French knots in one strand of cotton add detail to this densely stitched scene,…

Meet the designer Amanda Gregory Based in the West Country, Amanda is a talented watercolour artist, cross stitch designer and dressmaker. Her work is suffused with gorgeous colour combinations and a great sense of detail, and her beautiful designs regularly appear in a range of popular cross stitching magazines. “Place this cushion on your favourite chair or nestle it in amongst other cosy cushions on the sofa, for an instant winter update that’s sure to be admired.” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count Indigo Blush evenweave over two threads of the fabric in 26 shades of stranded cotton. Cross stitch is in two strands of thread, and there are also fractional stitches for shaping and extra detail. Backstitch worked in one strand defines the design, which we recommend for…

Meet the designer Fiona Baker Fiona has always had a passion for art and design from an early age, and loves the creativity in her role as Technical Editor for Cross Stitch Gold, as well as our sister magazines, Cross Stitch Crazy and The World of Cross Stitching. “I enjoyed creating these poinsettia cards with their very classic festive palette of red and green. They would also make nice pictures to place around the home, for a splash of Christmas colour.” Stitcher’s guide These designs are worked on 28-count white evenweave over two threads of the fabric in 16 shades of stranded cotton. Cross stitch is in two strands of thread, while backstitch defines the designs in both one and two strands of cotton. This project uses whole stitches only with…