Sommaire pour February 2019 de CrossStitcher

“My work space used to be a spare bedroom before Caterpillar Cross Stitch was born three years ago! It has evolved as the business has grown, from a handful of DMC threads in a storage box, a laptop and my WinStitch software to hundreds of thread cones and kits! I love the magnetic board where I keep important information, ideas, motivation, keepsake cards and lovely feedback from customers. I have a weekly planner of jobs and ideas, my trusty Carlos the caterpillar mug and a new addition – a custom made wooden thread cone storage system for the wall! My must-haves are Fiskars scissors and DMC rings for storing thread bobbins.” www.caterpillarcrossstitch.com “The white desk, shelves and rose gold bendy lamp are all from Ikea” “My style is clean, neat…

Kids love to mimic what we do (for better or worse!) and mimicking our hobbies is no exception. If your little one has ever shown interest in cross stitching, but you weren’t sure where to start, then look no further–we have you covered with this basic guide! Materials: For young children, plastic canvas and a large needle threaded with wool can be a great starting point. For older ones, use the lowest count aida you can find (perhaps 6 or 8) and three to four strands off loss in a large needle. Make sure you have a hoop available for them–it will keep their aida taut and avoid frustrations. Technique: No matter how you cross your crosses or thread your needles, we all finish with beautiful pieces we enjoyed making.…

Designed by: Zoë Patching Stitch count: 36 high x 25 wide Design size: 6.5x4.5cm (2½x1¾in) Stitch time: 3 hours This design was stitched on 28 count linen over two threads of fabric. Materials Zweigart Mushroom 28 count Cashel, ref: 3281/0309; 15x15cm (6x6in) White backing fabric; 15x15cm (6x6in) Circle of beige felt; 10cm (4in) diameter Size 26 tapestry needle Wooden embroidery hoop; 10cm (4in) diameter String for hanger Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Project Inspiration Trim your stitching and backing fabric into a circle just larger than your hoop. Place the backing fabric behind your work. With the inside hoop beneath your fabric, and outer hoop on top, centre, then press down on your fabric. Pull taut and tighten. Fold in any excess fabric and lace to secure. Place a felt circle…

Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 42 high x 119 wide (pen pot) Design size: 7.5x22.5cm (3x8¾in) Stitch time: 21 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Stitch count: 33 high x 27 wide (card only) Design size: 7x5cm (2¾x2in) Stitch time: 4 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0100; 15cm (6in) x distance around pot plus turnings Zweigart Black 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0720; 11.5x9cm (4½x3½in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Ric-rac braid Cardboard pot (large cocoa tub or similar) Card blank; 11.5x9cm (4½x3½in) Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com The card project could be stitched on a different shade of aida if you prefer, making it great for using up…

Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 25 high x 100 wide Design size: 17x68.5cm (6¾x27in) Stitch time: 9 hours This design was stitched on 3.5 count aida fabric using Anchor stranded cotton. Materials Zweigart Soft Grey 3.5 count Tu rkestan, ref: 4049/0705; 35x100xcm (13¾x39in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 22 tapestry needle Backing fabric; 35x100cm (13¾x39in) x 2 pieces Cushion pad or toy stuffing Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com *See ‘The Key’ on page 86. The very large count of this fabric makes this project perfect for beginner stitchers Make a… draught excluder Step 1 COMPLETE the stitching, then place the cushion front right-sides together with one piece of backing fabric, then on the wrong side of the stitching place the right side of the other piece of…

Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 53 high x 38 wide Design size: 10x7cm (4x2¾in) Stitch time: 7 hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials For each card Zweigart White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0100; 17.5x12.5cm (7x5in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Card blank with an 12.5x9cm (5x3½in) rectangular aperture Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Have fun thinking up your own puns and add a personalised backstitched greeting if you prefer Make an… aperture card Step 1 WORK using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch and one strand for the backstitch. Step 2 TRIM the stitched fabric to fit your card, with the design centrally placed behind the card’s aperture. Step 3 ATTACH double-sided tape to the…

Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 360 high x 100 wide Design size: 66x18cm (26x7¼in) Stitch time: 47 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart Pale Lemon 14 count aida, ref: 3706/2030; 81x25.5cm (32x10in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Backing fabric; 81x25.5cm (32x10in) 1cm (⅜in) diameter wooden dowel; 23cm (9in) x 2 lengths String or ribbon for hanging Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Use the alphabet provided to personalise your height chart. You'll find it helpful to plan out the name on graph paper first You could also use the alphabet plus one of the mice to make a name sign for a nursery Make a… height chart Step 1 COMPLETE the stitching, then add a name to the top…

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…

YOUR FREE GIFT! Meet Frankie – our fabulous sausage dog pincushion – stitch and finish her off with felt ears and a bead nose! Inside this month ♥ Our hot choc chalkboard has all the right ingredients ♥ Stitch your mum a sweet box of chocolates card ♥ Create purrfect motifs with our cute cat alphabet ♥ Game on: stitch up a noughts & crosses set Contents subject to change. Overseas gifts may vary. 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…

IN THE EARLY MONTHS OF A new year, we always have a feeling of anticipation. There are all the possibilities of a fresh start and it’s time to make plans that don’t just relate to eating more healthily or vowing to keep your stranded cottons under control. We think it’s really important to have some positive things to think about and look forward to. As a reminder, we asked Felicity Hall to create something very special for our cover. We considered lots of optimistic phrases and in the end it all came down to one word – dream! Whether your dreams for 2019 are large or small, this is a great way to get more than your stitching year off to a good start. Turn to page 18 to start…

CIRCUS LETTERING ROLL UP, ROLL UP… For big time big top fun, stitch our 'Dream' cushion on page 18 with its circus-style lettering, then try these on-trend typographical treats… WHO Book illustrator Jenny Maizels came up with the idea of creating her own range of iron-on patches–we think they’re super-stylish! www.jenniemaizels.com WHAT We love the stunning typography on this love themed poster by one of our favourite CrossStitcher designers, Emma Congdon. www.emmacongdon.com HOW Turn a single circus-style letter into amini work of art, with this cross stitch kit that includes the wooden hoop for framing. www.hobbycraft.co.uk…

MARY THOMAS’S DICTIONARY OF EMBROIDERY STITCHES MARY THOMAS/JAN EATON [Search Press] Widen your stitching repertoire with some embroidery stitches – this classic reference library has everything you need to know. First published in 1934, there are over 400 fully illustrated stitches to learn, from simple border stitches, to filling, canvas and pulled fabric stitches. This new edition includes renowned embroiderer Jan Eaton’s revisions to the original text. THREADS OF LIFE CLARE HUNTER [Septre] A book on the language of sewing! Read stories of poignant protests such as the mothers of the disappeared in 1970s Argentina. They marched in front of government buildings wearing headscarves embroidered with the names of their lost children. These combine with interesting historic facts such as when Mary, Queen of Scots was under house arrest, she…

Designed by: Felicity Hall Stitch count: 180 high x 180 wide Design size: 33x33cm (13x13in) Stitch time: 74 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart White/Silver 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0017; 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 Why not add a multicoloured trim to your cushion? Pom-pom trim would work really well with the style and colours of this design 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…

This February we thought it would be nice to give you three projects that although all have a heart theme, are not just for Valentine’s Day. Each would make a lovely gift for a birthday or special event, whatever time of the year. Our perforated paper needle case is really quick to stitch – give it as a gift loaded with needles and pretty pins. Our miniature padded love heart has a heart charm added, as well as a beaded hanger. Finally, our mirror cover has a heart shaped window with a stitched design showing through. MAKE A… LOVE HEART HANGER Simple to stitch, complete this heart with a beaded hanger and hanging charm. Step1 PLACE your stitching and a piece of backing fabric right-sides together, and then pin and…

Designed by: Kerry Morgan Stitch count: 46 high x 56 wide Design size: 8.5x10cm (3½x4in) Stitch time: 11 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart Snow Glitter 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0011; 25.5x25.5cm (10x10in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key DMC Light Effects as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Wooden embroidery hoop; 15cm (6in) diameter Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com When using metallics, it’s easier to not use the cut end of your thread to thread your needle, but to fold the thread first and thread that through instead 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…

Merry-go-rounds make such a fun scene to stitch – from the beauty of the carousel horses to the pretty details and decorations. You’ll enjoy bringing these elements to life in stitches using several techniques such as metallics, beading and half stitches. The finishing touches are set off by the pink iridescent aida this design is worked on, making this project a real treat to complete! Designed by: Susan Bates Stitch count: 179 high x 140 wide Design size: 33x26cm (13x10¼in) Stitch time: 98 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aid fabric. Materials DMC Pink Iridescent 14 count aida, ref: 222C818; 55x50cm (21½x19½in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key DMC Light Effects as listed in the key Gold seed beads Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 33.5x26cm…

Hi everyone, I bought some bird charts on eBay out of an old CrossStitcher magazine in 1997. (Bird Series designed by Debra Page). Now I’m looking for the missing parts released in issue 60 to 62 in 1997. (Bird Series Nr. 1, Nr. 2 and Nr. 3). Can you help me? Is it possible to get the issues or just the charts from anyone? King regards, Sabine Dilling, Email: sdilling@gmx.net 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…

Spring has sprung! We might be a few weeks away from the true start of spring – but there’s nothing stopping you blowing away the cobwebs in readiness with some fresh, fancy fabrics and trimmings. The new Apple Butter range from Tilda may prove just too irresistible to resist. It’s inspired by the dressing room of the designer’s grandmother, with vintage florals the basis for its prints and look. The overall feel has a 1940s vibe, and did you know that Apple Butter is 1940s slang for ‘sweet talk’ or ‘flattery’ – the perfect name for this collection! tildafabrics.com KEEP IT PERSONAL THE TEAM at CrossStitcher HQ are going mad for these brilliant new bags for stitchers. Not only are they practical and stylish but you can order them personalised…

FABRICSANDFANCIES For a unique finish to your projects, look no further than this on-trend Tattoo Style Soul & Hearts on Black 100% Cotton Fabric! EMILYPEACOCKTAPESTRY Emily Peacock has an Etsy shop where you can buy this stunning Love Tattoo kit worked in crewel wools on 10 count canvas. SAPH1RE Get crafting a 3D Valentine’s card using these Tattoo Love Hearts – Red Felt Valentine’s Kitsch Retro Dress It Up Craft Buttons.…

Designed by: Lesley Teare Stitch count: 90 high x 130 wide – one pattern repeat Design size: 16x23cm (6¼x9in) – one pattern repeat Stitch time: 26 hours – one pattern repeat This design was stitched on 28 count linen over two threads of fabric. Materials Zweigart Cream 28 count Cashel linen, ref: 3281/0222; 25x55cm (10x21½in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle 15cm drum lampshade kit Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com There's no need to do anything special to make the repeat pattern work - simply start the chart again from left to right once you finish the first repeat Make a… lampshade Step 1 MEASURE the height and circumference of your lampshade carefully before starting – this will give you the size that your stitching needs…

The First World War was the worst conflict the world had ever seen. What not many know is that a lot of the young men fighting in the trenches one hundred years ago took solace in stitching: not just to mend clothes but help with their rehabilitation, and even to send embroidered messages back home. Two embroidery projects have used the romantic symbol of the heart to remember those involved… A STITCH IN MY HEART Run by textile artist Helen M Stevens How did you come up with the idea for A Stitch in My Heart? I was approached by Karen Thomas from armed forces charity SSAFA to see if I would take part in a project coinciding with the centenary of the end of the First World War in…

KI ES My 10-year-old niece. We went to a craft fair a couple of years ago, and I was telling her that if she thought something was ugly, she should be quiet. Her response was to lecture me about how people put themselves into what they make and saying something bad about something handmade was the same as saying something bad about the maker. SHERRY DISE I stitch all my Christmas cards. I started doing this the year my husband died suddenly of a heart attack. People have started framing them each year and use them as decoration. It was great therapy for me and everyone looks forward to them. NATALIE MORTON I love to stitch things for my baby girl. I hope she will love them as she gets…

Welcome to this month’s challenge! Love is in the air with Valentine’s Day this month, so we asked three designers to come up with a suitable card, featuring three pretty pink heart buttons. Besides the materials given to them on the left, they were allowed a mystery item of their own choice. Take a look at their beautiful results below – we’ve featured a chart for each one so you can stitch your favourite! We hope this will inspire you to join in too – turn the page to see what our challenge will be for April – we’ve listed everything you need if you’d like to take part. CHERYL MCKINNON… HOT AIR BALLOON “I was inspired by the idea of love taking flight with hearts streaming out and fluttering…

Designed by: Shannon Wasilieff Stitch count: 40 high x 30 wide Design size: 7.5x5cm (3x2in) Stitch time: 4 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. THE CHART EACH square on the chart represents a single cross stitch. Start from the centre of the design and your fabric. The centre of our charts are indicated by arrows at the designs’ edges. To find your fabric’s centre, fold it in half and into quarters. Note: the greyed out stitches are to position the design within the border THE KEY ALL THE symbols that appear on the chart are listed in the key with their corresponding thread codes beside them. The key also tells you the different stitches used in the design. The closest column of thread codes listed next…