Innehållsförteckning för April 2019 från CrossStitcher

“In our studio, everything, from thread to hoops and boxes, is stored neatly into its own cubby hole. We also have a couple of shelves for storing fabric and boxes – we store everything in colour groups which makes it easier to find the thread and materials that we need. One of our most important tools in the office is the thread jig, this is clamped down to the centre working station and used to make cutting large quantities of thread much easier and quicker, we’d be lost without it! Upstairs is where the desks are and also a coffee/tea station, plus an area to chill out! Plus, all the different thread cones make it a really fun place for me and colleagues to work in.” www.thegeekystitchingco.com…

Hullo! Another month has gone by and I’ve been hard at work as a (self-described) international cross-stitch woman of mystery! Being on the go all the time means I rely heavily on technology, which is where this month’s amazing historical woman comes into play. Hedy Lamarr was an Austrian-born actress, best known for movies such as White Cargo, Lady of the Tropics, and Sampson and Delilah. But she was also an inventor who designed a technology now used by billions–you’re probably using it right now! Together with her friend George Antheil, she developed a radio guidance system to stop the jamming of missiles during the second World War. Today, that same technology is used as the basis of Bluetooth and WiFi systems world wide. This woman is inspiring for two…

Designed by: Zoë Patching Stitch count: 34 high x 29 wide Design size: 6x5cm (2¼x2in) Stitch time: 4 hours This design was stitched on 28 count linen over two threads of fabric. Materials Zweigart Natural 28 count Cashel, ref: 3281/309; 23x16.5cm (9x6½in) x 2 pieces Lining fabric; 23x16.5cm (9x6½in) x 2 pieces Size 26 tapestry needle Baker’s twine; 46cm (18in) x 2 lengths Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Project Inspiration Stitch the back fabric piece and your stitched fabric together, right-sides facing, leaving a gap either side at the bag top for the string. Repeat with the lining fabric, then slip inside. Fold in the lining’s top edge and the bag front, then sew the seam together. Stitch two rows on the bag front and back, between the gaps left in…

Spring is in the air! Our projects make sweet spring gifts, and include a traditional technique, blackwork, used in a modern way. Our spring hare decoration would look great on an Easter tree. The blackwork mirror pouch mixes cross stitch with blackwork, with a simple backstitch pattern around the rose. Finally, our pretty bookmark uses a repeat pattern that you can extend to create the length you want. Whatever you decide to make you’ll find these mini makes a great introduction to blackwork. MAKE A… HARE DECORATION Use blackwork stitches to decorate your cross stitched hare. Step1 COMPLETE the stitching, adding the broken blackwork pattern to the hare’s fur. Cut a cardboard oval and a piece of wadding the same size as your stitching. To do this, make a template…

Designed by: Jenny Barton Stitch count: 23 high x 79 wide Design size: 4x14cm (1½x5½in) Stitch time: 7 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials Zweigart White 28 count Brittney, ref: 3270/0100; 20x25.5cm (8x10in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key DMC Light Effects as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Zipper; 17.5cm (7in) Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com If you prefer, use small, neat hand stitching to attach the zip to the fabric when making your bag Make a… make-up bag Step 1 POSITION the top of your stitching 6cm (2⅜in) down from the short edge of your fabric, and centrally between the sides. Step 2 COMPLETE the stitching, then fold your fabric in half so that the nail varnish…

Designed by: Cheryl Mckinnon Stitch count: 55 high x 40 wide Design size: 10x7.5cm (4x3in) Stitch time: 7 hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials For each card Zweigart Ivory 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0264; 17.5x12.5cm (7x5in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Card blank with a 12x9cm (4¾x3½in) rectangular aperture Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Give your fairy card extra sparkle by stitching the yellow areas using gold metallic thread if you prefer Make an… aperture card Step 1 WORK using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch, one strand for the backstitch and two strands for the words. Step 2 TRIM the stitched fabric to fit your card, with the design centrally placed behind the card’s aperture.…

Designed by: Maria Diaz Stitch count: 38 high x 106 wide Design size: 7x19.5cm (2¾x7¾in) Stitch time: 8 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart Flecked Oatmeal 14 count Rustico aida, ref: 3279/0054; 25.5x25.5cm (10x10in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Zipper; 20cm (8in) Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Make a handy key holder instead! Simply frame and hang, adding hooks to hang your keys from Make a… pencil case Step 1 START stitching 4cm (1½in) down from the top of the fabric. Once the stitching is complete, trim the fabric down both sides leaving 2cm (¾in) of unstitched fabric either side of the stitching. The top and bottom edges do not need to be trimmed. Fold the fabric in half…

Welcome to this month’s challenge! It’s nice to get creative with cross stitch, so we asked three designers to come up with a mini masterpiece – a design based on a famous artwork to fit a card frame. Take a look at their stunning results below – we’ve featured a chart for each one so you can stitch your favourite one! We hope this will inspire you to join in too – turn the page to see what our challenge will be for June – we’ve listed everything you need to take part. CHERYL MCKINNON… GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING “The Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer has always been a favourite of mine. The contrast of light against the background is striking, and her expression as she…

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…

MUCH AS WE LOVE being cosy indoors with our stitching, we’ve been here quite long enough and need to see some flower buds and signs of spring! In this spirit we asked Rebecca Spencer to think of as many springtime motifs as she possibly could and to put them all into one glorious design. Tulips, forget-menots, birds, butterflies and mini birdhouses all have their place in a cover project that really makes us smile. (Start on page 18.) Birds are such a wonderful symbol of spring that we have even more, with three lovely folk-style designs by Felicity Hall (page 33). If only they would pop indoors to perch on our teacups! We also thought it would be fun to focus on some things to stitch for the little ones…

LILACSPRIG Use these sweet felt daisies to embellish your cards and gifts – sew or glue them together to make the triple layered daisy effect. BUTTONSHEDUK A great embellishment for cards or use on cushions – these white daisy-shaped buttons measure 14mm and come in packs of 10. THEFABRICSQUIRREL We love this grey fabric with white and yellow daisies and leaves. One of five fabrics from Debbie Shore’s A Cottage Garden Collection.…

BEAD EMBROIDERY CHINESE STYLE HAN YU [Shanghai Press] Bead embroidery was popular among the aristocrats in China's imperial courts and this traditional technique endures as a decoration for modern haute couture, wedding dresses and accessories. This beautiful book is a step-by-step guide to 25 unique embroidery designs, featuring traditional Chinese design elements such as landscape paintings, bird and flower motifs and famous poems. MY BIGBOOK OF SEWING [Cico Books] Do you know a young stitcher who wants to expand their sewing skills? This bumper book contains over 60 creative projects to inspire budding young sewers. The projects are designed with children in mind – with clothes, bags, accessories and cute toys and gifts included. Every project includes a photo and clear step-by-step instructions, as well as a skill level so…

Designed by: Rebecca Spencer Stitch count: 180 high x 180 wide Design size: 32.5x32.5cm (12¾x12¾in) Stitch time: 49 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart Teal 14 count aida, ref: 3706/5146; 50x50cm (19½x19½in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Backing fabric; 46x46cm (18x18in) Cushion pad; 38x38cm (15x15in) Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com *See ‘The Key’ on page 86. Pick out small motifs or sections to stitch separately to make Easter cards 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 4cm (1½in) of unstitched fabric around the design, and a gap on one side for turning. Step 2 TURN to the right side,…

Designed by: Durene Jones Max. stitch count: 42 high x 42 wide Max. design size: 11.5x11.5cm (4½x4½in) Stitch time: 8 hours each (large motif); 4 hours each (small motif) These designs were stitched on 18 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials Zweigart White 18 count Cotton-Anne cloth, ref: 7588/0100-145; 72.5x115cm (28½x45in) – Half Panel Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Please note, our key covers the threads needed for the complete afghan We have chosen a neutral colour scheme to make this blanket suitable for a boy or a girl Stitching your… afghan Step 1 TAKE a look at your half panel of Cotton-Anne cloth. It will have 28 small panels – seven high and four wide, and just…

Whether you’re a keen gardener or just love seeing your garden come to life in spring, we know there are so many of you who will be eager to tackle this gorgeous design. Much of its detail and watercolour-style look is created using simple techniques (see page 82). This makes it a great longer project if you’re keen to get started on something more challenging, yet relaxing, to work on! Designed by: Susan Bates Stitch count: 175 high x 138 wide Design size: 32x25.5cm (12½x10in) Stitch time: 84 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart Pewter 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0713; 55x50cm (21½x19½in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 35x27cm (13¾x10¾in) aperture Mount board to fit frame…

I am interested in having a cross stitching penpal. I owned a shop for 11 years, I love counted embroidery and I would like to share with others the joys of our stitching projects. Please contact me at the addresses below, thank you. Jan Gillette, Email: mimisattic@gmail.com 18040 Midway Rd, Apt 193, Dallas, TX 75287, USA BROCKENHURST NEEDLEWORK FIESTA 2019 A popular and unique event for all needlework and textiles enthusiasts held in the heart of the New Forest national park. Proceeds support local charities and textiles groups. Saturday 27 April 2019 (10am-5pm) and Sunday 28 April 2019 (10am-3.30pm). Tickets £3 at the door. For more information call 01590 622580 or visit www.brockenhurstfiesta.co.uk Email your ads to us at crossstitcher@dennis.co.uk or if you’re not online, drop us a note with…

Scandi style for spring Last month craft writer Christiane Bellstedt Myers shared with us her craft room and now here’s a peek inside her latest book Seasonal Scandi Crafts, which shows how to make decorative projects using rustic fabrics and natural materials. The four chapters – Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter – cover a wide range of crafts, including collage, embroidery, painting and sewing, and take inspiration from Scandinavian seasonal traditions 'to bring magic to your year'. Try out some simple embroidery on the lavender cushions, which would make great gifts, or stitch this cute bunny design for Easter. The projects here are designed to see you through a complete 12 months of making. Seasonal Scandi Crafts by Christiane Bellstedt Myers is published by CICO Books for RRP £12.99. DESIGNER…

EASTER TREATS WITH EASTER falling in April this year, we're on the hunt for beautiful makes and projects to celebrate. How about these cute ideas? WHO Celebrate the season with this Bunny Rabbit cross stitch kit by Hannah Hand Makes, framed in a 4in hoop with pom-pom trim. www.notonthehighstreet.com/hannahhandmakes WHAT No time to stitch your own Easter decorations this year? We think you’ll love the felt stitched hearts on offer at Gisel Graham, including these Bunny, Duck and Bee Hive Decorations. www.giselagraham.co.uk HOW Make a little one’s Easter by presenting them a little bunny made using fabrics from the Tilda Apple Butter collection of vintage florals, with the Tilda Apple Butter Easter Bunnies Mini Kit. tildafabrics.com…

Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 56 high x 55 wide Design size: 10x10cm (4x4in) Stitch time: 8 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart Pale Lemon 14 count aida, ref: 3706/2030; 23x23cm (9x9in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Wooden embroidery hoop; 13cm (5in) diameter Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com 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 reverse and cut a piece of felt to fit inside the inner…

Materials For each hoop Zweigart Antique White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0101; 25x25cm (10x 10in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Wooden embroidery hoop; 15cm (6in) diameter Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Designed by: Felicity Hall Stitch count: 74 high x 70 wide Design size: 13.5x13cm (5⅜x5in) Stitch time: 12 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Why not add a few French knots to the flower centres for extra texture? Designed by: Felicity Hall Stitch count: 74 high x 63 wide Design size: 13.5x11cm (5⅜x4⅜in) Stitch time: 10 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Designed by: Felicity Hall Stitch count: 62 high x 68 wide Design size: 11.5x12cm (4½x4¾in) Stitch time: 8 hours This design was stitched on…

Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 180 high x 150 wide Design size: 31.5x28cm (12⅜x11in) Stitch time: 89 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart Ice Blue 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0550; 55x50cm (21½x19½in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 35x32cm (13¼x12½in) aperture Mount board to fit frame Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com *See ‘The Key’ on page 86. It’s important to use a pale blue aida to stitch on as it forms the colour of the sky in the background 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…

We asked our fans on Facebook, “What makes you want to stitch a project?” NANCY WOOTEN COOMER Something in the picture grabs at me and I put it on my list. That simple. MICHELLE MUNN In the winter it’s the colours. Winter is so drab and the bright colours are a pick-me-up! I seem to do my stitching in the winter months as it’s too cold in Canada to go out half the time. LYNETTE ELDER HULSE I have only ever stitched gifts, weddings, births, anniversaries. I just decided to stitch for myself so now it is more about subject and design. PAM FORSYTH The design every time. Sometimes I’ll see something and think that reminds me of something or a place I’ve been to, stirring fond memories that I…

In your May Decorative homestyle ideas you’ll love… YOUR FREE GIFT! Send a friend a special New Home gift with our Rose Cottage keyring card kit… Inside this month ♥ What a doll! Pretty Russian doll cushion for your home ♥ Cheer up friends with our under the weather cards ♥ Have fun with our fruity sewing accessories ♥ Our bunnies alphabet will make you so hoppy! MAGAZINE ORDERING SERVICE Did you know that most independent newsagents operate a ‘Shop Save’ service? They will order and reserve your own copy for you to collect and buy, and you are not obliged to purchase. So there’s no problem if you are away, don’t need that issue or simply buy it somewhere else. So don’t miss out – reserve your copy today…