Índex per June 2016 a CrossStitcher

Stitch count: 34 high x 42 wide Design size: 6.5x7.5cm (2½x3in) Stitch time: 3 hours each This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Sand down the top of the flag pole to create a curved top without any sharp edges Make a… flag Step 1 STITCH the design on 14 count aida using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch, and one strand for the backstitch. The blanket stitch and French knots are in two strands of stranded cotton. Use a 20cm length of 5mm diameter dowel to make a pole. Step 2 TRIM away the unstitched fabric leaving 2cm (¾in) at the top, bottom and one of the sides, and 4cm (1½in) on the side where the fabric will wrap around the pole. Step…

A regular designer for CrossStitcher , Emma Congdon enjoyed creating our pretty teacup thank you design on page 38 . “I’m always drawn to anything floral and really love vintage chintzy china, particularly when it’s all mismatched. It reminds me of afternoon teas with delicate little cakes and lashings of clotted cream and jam on warm scones. Turquoise, pink and cream make for a beautiful spring combination and I’m really happy with how it turned out.” www.emmacongdon.com…

FUN WITH STITCHABLES BY SUZY ULTMAN [Walter Foster Jr] We love anything that can help introduce cross stitch to a younger generation, and this collection of projects is packed with ideas for kids ages 5-10. A great gift for a budding stitcher, the book includes quick and easy cross stitch cards with punched holes and is spiral bound for ease of use. SEWING HAPPINESS BY SANAE ISHIDA [GMC publications] Diagnosed with a chronic illness and losing her corporate job, Sanae Ishida returned to sewing, a former passion, to save her sanity. She vowed to sew her daughter’s clothes and most of her own for a year and this book chronicles what happened next as well as offering 20 simple projects that are perfect for sewing beginners. An inspirational read. CROSS…

Choose your own colour combinations for the wings to use up any spare threads in your stash Stitch count: 50 high x 88 wide Design size: 9x15cm (3½x6in) Stitch time: 10 hours This design was stitched on 14 count perforated paper. Materials • 14 count white perforated paper; 14x20.5cm (5½x8in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle • Cream card; 12.5x29cm (5x11½in) For stockist details see page 86 Make a… butterfly card Step 1 STITCH the butterfly in two halves, leaving a block of 19x21 squares of unstitched perforated paper attached to each side of the butterfly’s body. Step 2 CUT around the design, one square outside the stitching, using small sharp scissors, leaving the block of unstitched perforated paper attached to…

Use our alphabet and numbers to personalise your case by adding a name or birth date to one of the pencils Stitch count: 72 high x 118 wide Design size: 12.5x20.5cm (5x8in) Stitch time: 22 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials • Zweigart 28 count white Brittney evenweave, ref: 3270/100; 17.5x23.5cm (7x9½in) • Cotton backing fabric; 17.5x23.5cm (7x9½in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 26 tapestry needle • Zipper; 20cm (8in) For stockist details see page 86 Make a… pencil case Step 1 POSITION your closed zipper (teeth side down) on the right side of the stitching, along the top edge of the design. Pin in place then sew with a zipper foot. Do…

“I love seeing the design emerge onto the fabric as you’re stitching it” Susan Bates is one in-demand designer. If you love cross stitch, you are sure to have spotted her gorgeous, colourful work everywhere – from books to DMC kits to Etsy. She took a short break in her busy stitching schedule to chat with us about how it all started with just some graph paper and a pencil… You’ve had an amazing career in stitching – where did it all begin? In the 1990s I lived in London and worked in a high-end tapestry kit shop in Chelsea. After that I worked for Rowan Yarns in department stores. During this time I was also designing my own needlepoint designs. I replied to a newspaper advert to work for…

Stitch count: 22 high x 69 wide Design size: 4x12cm (1½x4¾in) Stitch time: 3 hours These designs were stitched on 14 count aida panels. Materials • Baby bib with 14 count white aida panel • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle For stockist details see page 86 PERFECT PLANNING When planning the name you want to stitch on your baby bib, plot each letter on graph paper before you begin stitching. We have stitched a long name, so have left only one square between the letters. If your name is shorter, you may want to leave two squares to fill the space. MORE CUTE STUFF... Our beautiful collection of baby motifs came from Zweigart’s Baby chart book (no. 264 ) which is packed…

The red grid line on the chart marks the horizon line, where we split our fabric colours Stitch count: 90 high x 180 wide (total) 41 high x 180 wide (top) 49 high x 180 wide (bottom) Design size: 18x35.5cm (7¼x14in) Stitch time: 36 hours This design was stitched on 25 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials • Zweigart 25 count grey Lugana evenweave, ref: 3835/713; 18x46cm (7x18in) for top • Zweigart 25 count steel blue Lugana evenweave, ref: 3835/5116; 15x46cm (6x18in) for bottom • Cotton fabric cushion back; 30.5x46cm (12x18in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 26 tapestry needle • Cushion pad; 25.5x40.5cm (10x16in) For stockist details see page 86 If you prefer this can be stitched as one piece on pale…

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…

WITH SIX CHILDREN living at home, Father’s Day – 19 June this year – does turn into a bit of an event in our family. We don’t like all the pressure to buy presents, so we always say to the children that we’re happy to have gifts but they must be homemade. This results in a flurry of activity and squeals when one of us walks into the room in the midst of any ‘secret’ crafting activity. Receiving something handmade is always rather special. So far, not many of our Father’s Day offerings have been stitched but our favourite is a cross stitch picture we keep on display that reads, ‘Dad, a son’s first hero, a daughter’s first love’. We thought long and hard about what the modern dad would…

BLUEZINNIAVINTAGE Idealforliningbags,thispretty vintagefabricfromthe1960s featuresblueberriesgrowingon strawberryplantsinfullflower. MUMMYMADEITME Designedwithkids’playtimein mind,wethinktheseplumpfelt strawberrieswouldmakethe sweetestpincushionstoo! KNICKNACKNOOK Alsoavailableinsilverorgoldtones, thesebronzetonecharmswould makeadelicious,delicatefinishing touchtoasamplerorcard.…

“Craftivism is a way that people can make a difference to the world around them” Craftivism, a term coined by Betsy Greer, explores the notion that people can use craft as a method for political engagement. Whether people use their craft skills to make blankets for refugees, use yarn bombing to brighten up their environment or use cross stitch to produce mini protest banners, craftivism is a way that people can make a difference to the world around them. I’ve been involved in a few difference causes in my time – I started a farmer’s market that’s been going for over a decade (I’m not kidding!) – and craftivism is a great way for me to remain involved in issues. Sarah Corbett is the Founder of the Craftivist Collective, and…

Memories kit The Shell Collector is part of the Memories Collection from Heritage Crafts. This lovely design, from a painting by Leslie Stones, shows a small child enjoying the beach while collecting shells. The kit includes Zweigart aida, DMC stranded cotton, needle and full instructions. The finished size is 13.5x19cm and it’s available for £25.75 from www.hcrafts.com. We have one kit to give away. Enter by post to the address below, labelling your entry ‘MEMORIES GIVEAWAY 305’. Quiet Moorings kit This delightful design is one of the Painted Harbour range from Heritage Crafts by Karen Carter. The ‘watercolour style’ harbour scene is taken from one of Karen’s paintings, and shows a quayside of softly coloured waterfront cottages. The kit comes with Zweigart evenweave, DMC stranded cotton, a needle, chart and…

It’s easy to extract one of the sampler’s sections to stitch as a pretty card instead Stitch count: 143 high x 143 wide Design size: 25.5x25.5cm (10x10in) Stitch time: 40 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials Sampler • Zweigart 28 count white Cashel linen, ref: 3281/100; 46x46cm (18x18in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 26 tapestry needle • Frame with a 30.5x30.5cm (12x12in) aperture • Mount board to fit frame For stockist details see page 86 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 at the…

Each of the bird circles would make a lovely card design – simply mount in a circular aperture card for a quick finish! Stitch count: 100 high x 100 wide; 45 high x 45 wide each circle Design size: 18x18cm (7x7in); 8x8cm (3¼x3¼in) each circle Stitch time: 31 hours; 7 hours each circle This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials • Zweigart 14 count white aida, ref: 3706/100; 35.5x35.5cm (14x14in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle • Frame with a 26x26cm (10¼x10¼in) aperture • Mount board to fit frame For stockist details see page 86 TURN TO PAGE 34 TO LEARN HOW TO FRAME YOUR PICTURE…

A frame like ours, bought ready-made and used for displaying LP covers, is perfect for this design! Stitch count: 120 high x 123 wide Design size: 21.5x21.5cm (8½x8½in) Stitch time: 50 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Record cover sampler • Zweigart 14 count white aida, ref: 3706/100; 40.5x40.5cm (16x16in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle • Frame with a 30.5x30.5cm (12x12in) aperture • Mount board to fit frame For stockist details see page 86 Stitch count: 37 high x 56 wide Design size: 7x10cm (2¾x4in) Stitch time: 9 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Cassette gadget holder • Zweigart 14 count black aida, ref 3706/95; 10x15cm (4x6in) x 2 pieces •…

Desperately seeking Hi there. I have been looking for the Anchor Titanic kit or pattern, (see photo below) but sadly it has been discontinued. I would really love to stitch this colourful design and wondered if any of my fellow stitchers could help? Please contact me via my email address below, many thanks. D Shepherd Email: daniela_jasper@hotmail.com Does anyone remember which issue the pinky Butterflies and Blossom covergift came with? I believe there’s a chart inside the magazine itself and that is what I’m after. Can anyone help, as I want to stitch this for my mum? Matthew Durlac Email: matthewdurlac@yahoo.co.uk Get in touch Hi, my name is Georgina, I am aged 20, soon to be 21. I want to find a penpal to write to. My hobbies include cross…

DIY diva… Looking for some cool and quirky crafting inspiration? We think you’ll love My Poppet Makes, the brainchild of Cintia Gonzalez-Pell, a blogger who loves to share her ideas for upcycling, sewing and all manner of creative projects. Visit her website and you’ll not only find her step-by-step guide to adding cross stitch to jazz up an old chair, but plenty more DIY treats to try. Cintiq’s fun approach will have you inspired to pick up a needle and thread in no time. mypoppet.com.au/makes HOUSE OF CRAFT GIVE YOUR crafting bits and bobs a new home, all under one roof! This Haberdashery House can be hung on the wall or stood on your sewing desk – it’s the perfect place for ribbons, trims, threads and more! quinceliving.co.uk JUST…

BISCUIT BITES OUR ALPHABET on page 49 had us searching in the biscuit tin for more tasty treats we can stitch or sew… WHO JacquiPearcedesignedthisvibrantCaramel BiscuitCrossStitchTapestryKit soyoucan makethemost deliciouscushionforyourhome. www.jacquip.com WHAT TheseInTheCookieJarembellishmentswill makeacardlookgoodenoughtoeat!Adda simplebackstitchmessageforaquickfinish. www.dressitup.com HOW Stitchthiskitandyoucanstoreyourstash andstitchingtoolsintheyummiestcraftbag fromAnchorwe’veeverseen! www.sewandso.co.uk…

Back your design with red, white and blue patterned fabric and stuff to make a Mini cushion to park on your sofa instead! Stitch count: 86 high x 116 wide Design size: 15x20cm (6x8in) Stitch time: 30 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials • Fabric Flair 28 count cloud blue evenweave; 33x38cm (13x15in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 26 tapestry needle • Frame with a 20x25.5cm (8x10in) aperture • Mount board to fit frame For stockist details see page 86 MINI MAGIC The original Mini turned the small car world upside down in 1959. With its transverse mounted engine driving the front wheels, it set a new trend that evolved into a design standard,…

Pattern darning is a wonderfully versatile technique that uses rows of straight running stitches of various lengths to create patterns. It’s worked by weaving the thread across the entire width of the evenweave fabric or design. Used in the past as elaborate ways to repair fabric types, such as twills, plaids and silks, today we can use pattern darning creatively. Try our trio of beautiful designs; a simple small heart motif, a patterned background combined with cross stitch and a border for a notebook. MAKE A… BORDER DECORATED NOTEBOOK Simple yet effective, this border with metallic heart could be used for lots of other projects too. Step 1 BEGIN by stitching the heart motif in a metallic thread onto your linen fabric. We covered an A6 notebook here and used…

We’ve mounted our teacup as a mini picture but this design would make a lovely, luxury thank you card too! Stitch count: 40 high x 55 wide Design size: 7.5x10cm (3x4in) Stitch time: 9 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials • Zweigart 14 count white aida, ref: 3706/100; 20x20cm (8x8in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle • Frame with a 11.5x11.5cm (4½x4½in) aperture • Mount board to fit frame For stockist details see page 86 TURN TO PAGE 34 TO LEARN HOW TO FRAME YOUR PICTURE…

Cut out and keep your letter library, ready for the next time you might need it! Crumbs! This month’s alphabet really does look good enough to eat! Featuring a selection of classic favourite biscuits, from jammy dodgers to chocolate fingers, you can use these letters and numbers on any project you please. We’ve put them in action to create a clever ‘Crunch Time!’ design – so follow our idea or come up with some delicious designs of your own. Have fun! More to make... Hungry to try even more biscuit projects? Why not start by making these tasty treats... 1 Stitch an individual letter to create a personalised card for a biscuit loving friend. 2 Stitch the letters to spell out ‘Biscuits’ on aida band and put it around a…

Just finished stitching this pattern from the July 2014 issue. I have framed it to go up in my utility room! Charlotte Derby, West Midlands I loved the Four Seasons charts from issue 300 but decided to stitch them together to make a cushion for my conservatory. Marilyn Mudd, by email I’ve finished the pancake sampler from issue 301. It took me a while but I love it and can’t wait to put it up in my own place. Sophie Sykes, York This is the Japanese kokeshi card kit that came with Issue 263. It took me a while but it looks quite good now it is done. Caron Small, Stockport I love your magazine! Sometimes I buy two issues just for the free kits. These are some pieces I’ve…

Choose thread colours that will coordinate with your chosen wedding theme Stitch time: Various These designs were stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric, and 14 count perforated paper. MATERIALS Bridesmaid and pageboy badges • Zweigart 28 count white Cashel linen, ref: 3281/100; 13cm (5¼in) diameter • Zweigart 28 count pale blue Cashel linen, ref: 3281/562; 13cm (5¼in) diameter • Wadding • Ribbon • Brooch back • Jar lid • Felt His and hers photo booth signs • 14 count perforated brown paper; 7.5x7.5cm (3x3in) x 2 pieces • Wooden lolly sticks Bride and groom flags • 14 count perforated white paper; 25x9cm (1x3½in) x 2 pieces • Cocktail sticks Just married bunting • 14 count perforated white paper; 5x3cm (2x 1¼in) for each flag • White…