Sommaire pour September 2019 de CrossStitcher

Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count: 58 high x 56 wide Design size: 10x10cm (4x4in) Stitch time: 6 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Customise your pennant further by using your own left over threads to match the fur patterns of your own pets! Make a… pet pennant Step 1 START stitching on a 16x12cm (6¼x4¾in) piece of white 14 count aida. Ensure the lower green flag is at the bottom of the design, which should be centrally placed on the fabric, with the stitch at the point in the seventh hole up from the bottom of the fabric. Step 2 COMPLETE the stitching, then fold the sides of the aida fabric onto the reverse of the stitching, so that the ends of the stitched string,…

Hullo! This month marks the beginning ofa new series. I’ll be bringing you a set of ‘mini sampler’ pieces to help keep your mind(and stitching)positive! This theme is close to my heart and, hopefully, will offer you some Zen in this busy world. I’ve always been a ‘non-stop’ kind of person–someone who is always busy and slightly stressed, unable to wind downfully. Can you re late? It’s as if I have to add‘breathe’ tomy'ToDo' list! And because stitching is meant to be my downtime, when I make mistakes and have to rip stitches out, I gets overy frustrated! In the past, I’ve let that pent-up stress fuel me to Get It Done. Remove those stitches, work that extrashift, get over whel med with stress and eat my negative feelings rather…

MORNING GLORY Project Inspiration We made our morning glory into a drawstring bag, which we lined with cotton fabric. We left a gap at the top in both side seams, then created a channel between them with two rows of machine stitching, for the baker’s twine to pass through. Once threaded through, the baker’s twine can be pulled up to close the bag Materials • Zweigart White 28 count Cashel, ref: 3281/100; 20x16cm (8x6¼in) • Size 26 tapestry needle • Lining fabric; 20x16cm (8x6¼in) • Baker’s twine Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com MORNING GLORY Morning glory flowers bloom and die within a single day – blossoming in the morning and then dying by nightfall. Due to their fleeting nature, in the language of flowers they can often represent unrequited love, but…

September is harvest time, when our gardens are filled with delicious produce. Our three projects in this issue feature fruit and vegetables, and make great gifts or can be used to add colour to your own kitchen. Our napkins are quick to stitch, plus our pretty and very useful pot holder can be coordinated with your kitchen, and will made a great house warming gift for a friend. Finally, our apple coaster is perfect for adding colour and fun to your drinks party. Have fun creating seasonal projects for your kitchen table… MAKE AN… APPLE COASTER Use a felt backing to make this fruity coaster with ease. Step1 Step 2 Step3 Step 4 MAKE A… NAPKIN Each napkin is created using a simple mitred border. The coaster and pot holder…

Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 55 high x 40 wide Design size: 8x6cm (3¼x2¼in) Stitch time: 7 hours each These designs were stitched on 32 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Make an… aperture card Step 1 WORK using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch, one strand for the backstitch and two for the lettering. 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 inside of the card around the edge of the aperture. Step 4 PLACE the stitching on the table right-side up, and then place the card on top, pressing down firmly on the tape. Step 5 CHECK which flap will fold onto the back of…

We asked our fans on Facebook, “How organised are you when stitching?” YULA OLIEL I keep my DMC threads on clothes pins, sorted by number. It makes it very easy to prepare for each new project. I use biscuit tins to hold the threads for a project. JENNY DONNELLY-THOMPSON Start off with good intentions… always descends into lost threads and lots of stress. CHRIS MATTHEWS I always mark my chart with highlighters in several colours. I keep my threads on bobbins in numerical order in a cabinet, and transfer them to a compartmented box during the project, so I can cut the length required at the time. GINGER VASSAR AVERY It depends on how complicated or large the chart is. The smaller charts I don’t mark. Larger ones I mark…

Designed by: Zoë Patching Stitch count: 49 high x 47 wide Design size: 9x9cm (3½x3½in) Stitch time: 20 hours This design was stitched on 28 count linen over two threads of fabric. How to… stitch the hair Step 1 STITCH using two strands for the cross stitch and one for the backstitch. Use the numbers chart to add a date, and the alphabet chart to add a saying, school name or name. If you are going to create hair using special stitches, complete the cross stitch for the girl, but the boy should be worked in Turkey stitch shown below. Step 2 WORK rows of Turkey stitch where the cross stitched boy’s hair would be. Make each stitch, leaving a loop. Use sharp scissors to cut through the loops, and…

Stitch count: 58 high x 13 wide Design size: 9.5x2cm (3¾x¾in) Stitch time: 1¾ hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Make a… key fob THREAD the stitched aida band through the split ring. Bring the ends together, and cut the aida band to the required length for your key fob. On the wrong side, stitch the ends of the aida band together. Fold over twice, then slip stitch together to neaten. If you prefer, you could not attach the key fob, adding a tassel, to create a cute cat bookmark instead! Materials For the key fob • White edged aida band; 2.5cm (1in) x 30cm (12in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle • Split ring; 3.5cm (1½in) Materials available…

FAIRYTALE STITCH-A-LONG Here is the ninth of our characters, Gretel, from Hansel & Gretel, who fits into the right-hand position on the third row of your stitched grid. Over the year we’ll bring you twelve designs that together will become a complete design, finishing with the December 2019 issue. Designed by: Shannon Wasilieff Stitch count: 40 high x 26 wide Design size: 7.5x4.5cm (3x2in) Stitch time: 4 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. 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 to the chart symbols is the thread brand that’s used in…

WE ARE HANGING OUT the flags this issue – literally! We are old enough (and hope you are too) to remember how you used to be able to buy a souvenir pennant from UK holiday resorts. It was a travelling game to spot the caravans with the most flags in their windows to see who was most well-travelled. A funny thought in these times of jumping on a plane so easily. Our little flags are more for home and to declare your allegiance as a cat or dog lover. Your ‘make of the month’ (page 2) features two charts so you will able to select the design for you – and join in an age old debate! We still can’t decide which side to take… We’re coming into autumn now…

MARK-MAKING THROUGH THE SEASONS HELEN PARROTT [Batsford] A creative guide to using seasons and local surroundings as inspiration in textile art. Learn how to look, for example, for the first signs of spring then record its qualities in textiles. This guide is filled with projects and step-bystep instructions to share the basics of hand and machine-stitch techniques, working with free-form stitching, chain stitch and corded quilting, as well as appliqué, blackwork and dyeing. FIRST TIME EMBROIDERY LINDA WYSZYNSKI [Quarry Books] If you’re at the start of your stitching journey, this book may well be worth investing in. This beginner’s guide teaches everything you need to know about techniques and includes detailed descriptions of materials and tools. The simple step-by-step instructions include instructions for classic embroidery, crewel and cross stitch –…

CrossStitcher PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch Puffin Lovin’, we have a materials pack with everything you need to get you stitching right away, and have it delivered straight to your door! Your materials pack contains: • Zweigart 14 count aida in Royal Blue • Skeins of DMC stranded cotton • Two gold-plated tapestry needles; size 24 and size 26 NOTE: the edging strips, cushion back and cushion pad are not included in the pack. How to order: Go to www.willowfabrics.com to order your project pack at the CrossStitcher reader price of £19, plus P&P. Designed by: Rebecca Spencer Stitch count: 141 high x 141 wide Design size: 26x26cm (10¼x10¼in) Stitch time: 27 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials • Zweigart Royal Blue…

CrossStitcher PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch Time To Time, we have a materials pack with everything you need to get you stitching right away, and have it delivered straight to your door! Your materials pack contains: • Zweigart 14 count aida in Turquoise with Splash • Skeins of DMC stranded cotton • Two gold-plated tapestry needles; size 24 and size 26 How to order: Go to www.willowfabrics.com to order your project pack at the CrossStitcher reader price of £25.50, plus P&P. Designed by: Maria Diaz Stitch count: 173 high x 116 wide Design size: 27x18.5cm (10½x7¼in) Stitch time: 56 hours This design was stitched on 32 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. How to… frame a picture Step 1 CUT a piece of white mount board…

Whether it’s rainbows, watermelons or retro cassette tapes, The Make Arcade’s fun cross stitch designs are just the thing for an intro to the craft – or a satisfying make for seasoned crafters to try. With her devotion to cake and ‘Feel Good Crafting’, we loved chatting to designer Ruth about all things stitch… You describe yourself as a “lifelong crafter” – what is the first thing you remember sewing? When I was about eight I remember being able to use my mum’s sewing machine (she made her wedding dress on it). I made some hair scrunchies: it was the 90s after all! Can you tell us a bit about your career path so far? My study path was creative, I loved artistic subjects at school and studied Art and…

THE CHALLENGE • 14 count plastic canvas • Six shades of stranded cotton (shown above) • Brooch back • One mystery ingredient of your own choice THE RULES • Create a brooch with an autumn feel • The design area is 45 x 45 stitches • Only the materials above can be used • Be creative as possible! Welcome to this month’s challenge! Autumn’s just around the corner and we wanted our designers to celebrate the season with a wearable item. We asked them to create a brooch stitched on plastic canvas, but they could only use the materials listed on the left, as well as a mystery item of their own choice. Take a look at their results below – we’ve featured a chart for each one so you…

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. EMBROIDERYSCISSORS Embroidery scissors are an absolute must-have. Keep yours sharp by only using them to cut threads. STRANDEDCOTTON 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 tension. FABRICS…

Back to black Hawthorn Handmade have added six new embroidery kits to their range, with another six due out this summer. All are wild animal-themed – and there’s even a fantasy element with the unicorn too! We particularly love the puffin design as it’s a great companion to our cushion on page 18. Each kit retails at £20 and comes with everything you need including pre-printed cotton, 7in embroidery hoop, needle, DMC thread and detailed instructions. www.hawthornhandmade.com MY CRAFT ROOM: KATEGOLBY We get to see a glimpse of a designer’s own sewing space… “Over the last few years I have been increasingly working from home and have finally got my very own craft room! I love it because it overlooks the garden and is warm and cosy and even better,…

Designed by: Cheryl McKinnon Stitch count: 56 high x 35 wide Design size: 10x6.5cm (4x2½in) Stitch time: 8 hours (each) These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials • Zweigart Vintage Sky Blue 14 count aida, ref: 3706/5139; 15x10cm (6x4in) x 4 pieces • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle • Backing fabric; 15x10cm (6x4 in) x 4 pieces • String for tags Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com If you prefer you can get some card tags and attach the designs as a patch – just ensure each tag is big enough for the design Make a… tag Step 1 COMPLETE your stitching, then make a template using the tag shape supplied below. Place the template on the wrong side of the stitching,…

Designed by: Rico Stitch count: 143 high x 85 wide Design size: 26x15.5cm (10¼x6in) Stitch time: 35 hours This design was stitched on 28 count linen over two threads of fabric. Rico poster hangers are available from www.willowfabrics.com Make a… pennant Step 1 COMPLETE your stitching, then place your design right-sides together with your backing fabric. Mark your stitching line on the reverse side of the fabric, 2.5cm (1in) in from the edge of the fabric. At the bottom, draw a point – start tapering down from just below the stitched word Flowers, and ending at the centre bottom, 2.5cm (1in) from the edge of the fabric. Step 2 MACHINE stitch the layers together, leaving the top edge open. Turn in the raw edges at the top, press, then machine…

Pro Tip Top designers share their favourite stitching tips “Use a bigger needle for metallics” “When stitching with metallic thread use a needle one size bigger than usual, for example a size 26 cross stitch needle is usually used on 14 count fabric – go up to a size 24 needle for metallic thread, this will help to make a slightly bigger hole for the thread to slide through.” www.lucieheaton.com FIRST PAST THE POST! Kim Crossley was the first to send us a pic of her finished balloon card from issue 347 – she wins a selection of DMC stranded cotton skeins in 20 colours of her choice from Willow Fabrics. The first person to stitch and send us a pic of their pet banner from this issue to crossstitcher@dennis.co.uk…

CrossStitcher PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch Autumn's In The Air, we have a materials pack with everything you need to get you stitching right away, and have it delivered straight to your door! Your materials pack contains: • Zweigart 32 count Murano in Sage Green • Skeins of DMC stranded cotton • Two gold-plated tapestry needles; size 24 and size 26 How to order: Go to www.willowfabrics.com to order your project pack at the CrossStitcher reader price of £39, plus P&P. If you’re in the USA or Canada, you could leave the two outer bunting flags blank and then stitch FALL across the central flags instead of autumn TURN TO PAGE 36 TO LEARN HOW TO FRAME YOUR PICTURE Designed by: Faye Walsh Stitch count: 180 high…

Certain projects always create excitement, and we know that unicorn designs are always very popular! We like to think that this time our unicorn design truly is the ultimate chart you can find – with a floral flourish and a shimmering gold horn – our handsome unicorn is sure to be a real talking point once up in your home. As it’s a longer project you can enjoy taking your time working every stitch as you bring him to life. Designed by: Amanda Butler Stitch count: 182 high x 138 wide Design size: 31.5x24cm (12¼x9½in) Stitch time: 68 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. HOW TO… TAKE YOUR STITCHING TO THE NEXT LEVEL We have included some more advanced stitching techniques in…