Índex per January 2018 a CrossStitcher

Mila Koira is owner/designer at Velvet Pony Designs. “This cat pattern is part of my favourite geometric animals line. All my patterns start with sketches in Vector Graphic Editor software which are transferred to cross stitch software to make the chart. The most exciting part of my work is the process of choosing the colours. In this design I used my favourite pastel palette in combination with some bright details.” www.etsy.com/shop/  VelvetPonyDesign…

The new year is upon us. What an electric time of year! The air is chilly, the sun sets early, and a feeling of change is in the air. I am a sucker for times of change. I always feel that old familiar buzzing feeling in the air around the beginning of summer – traditionally when school lets out – as well as in the autumn, when school traditionally begins. Of course, the coup de grâce of change and renewal comes at the start of a new year. Something that has always interested Spencer, my husband, and I, about Stitch People is that our sales often pick up in January! This is really unusual. Typically, retail-oriented businesses can expect to see a drop in sales after the holiday season. People…

 Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 54 high x 40 wide Design size: 10x7cm (4x2¾in) Stitch time: 4 hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials For each card   Zweigart Antique White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0101; 15x12.5cm (6x5in)   Stranded cotton as listed in the key   Size 24 tapestry needle   Card blank with an 11x8cm (4¼x3¼in) rectangular aperture For stockist details see page 89 Make an… aperture card Step 1 STITCH the design using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch and one for the backstitch, apart from the details on the clothing which are in two strands. The French knots are in one strand. Step 2…

Glue or stitch a brooch back onto the back of the button to turn it into a cute Christmas badge! Christmas Badge Pack! We’ve put together a materials pack for anyone wanting to make our buttons as badges, with everything you need to start stitching right away! Designed by: Maria Diaz Max. stitch count: 21 high x 21 wide (each) Design size: 4x4cm (1⁵/ ₈ x1⁵/ ₈ in) Stitch time: 1½ hours (each) These designs were stitched on 25 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials For each button • Zweigart Bright Aqua 25 count Luganda, ref: 3835/5142; 7.5x7.5cm (3x3in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Self-cover button blanks; 38mm diameter For stockist details see page 89 Make a… covered button Step 1 CUT around…

Designed by: Emma Congdon Chalkboard-style home décor and furnishings remain such a popular trend that we knew it was time to give you a whole alphabet in this style. Emma Congdon has come up trumps with a gorgeous set of numbers and letters which are deceptively simple to stitch. All you need is some dark fabric plus white and grey stranded cotton and you’re all set to stitch a host of stunning projects… Keep pieces of leftover black aida or evenweave from other projects to use up with these letters and numbers Thread up several needles of white & grey stranded cotton before you start to save time later on Our pretty chalkboard-style letters were stitched on Zweigart Black 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0720, and each letter is approximately…

 Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 159 high x 160 wide Design size: 30x30cm (11¾x11¾in) Stitch time: 69 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials • Zweigart White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0100; 50x50cm (19½x19½in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle • Wooden hoop; 30.5cm (12in) diameter For stockist details see page 89 Thread up several thread shades before you start so you can move between motifs more quickly…

Make a… coaster Step 1 CUT a 12cm (4¾in) circle from the green felt, then repeat with the stitched aida, making sure the pudding is in the centre – or draw around a clear glass bowl, roughly the same size, to make sure you get the design central. Step 2 PLACE the stitched aida and the felt together, then using two strands of brown stranded cotton, work running stitches around the edge of the coaster to hold the two layers together. Designed by: Sarah Cookland Stitch count: 50 high x 50 wide Design size: 9.5x9.5cm (3¾x3¾in) Stitch time: 9 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials • Zweigart Cream/Gold 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0118; 15x15cm (6x6in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key…

LOVELYJUBBLYFABRICS Use this Galaxy Planets on Midnight Space Solar System Cotton Fabric to line projects or appliqué individual planets. FRESHCSDESIGNS Reach for the stars and stay down to earth at the same time with this Earth Cross Stitch Pattern available as a digital download. BUBBLESCRAFTSHACK This Astronomy Ribbon features a whole solar system of celestial bodies! It’s available in ⅞in grosgrain ribbon.…

JOYFUL DAILY STITCHING - SEAM BY SEAM VALERIE BOTHELL [C&T Publishing] If you’d like to expand your stitching repertoire, this could be the book for you! Designed for quilters, you can learn 61 basic embroidery stitches, including silk ribbon and beaded stitches, with photos to guide you. There are also crazy-quilt block piecing instructions and a guide to tools, supplies and how to put it all together in an intricate sampler. THE EMBROIDERY STITCH BIBLE BETTY BARNDEN [Search Press] This is a new and up-to-date edition of over 200 essential stitches for embroidery, from basic chain worked into fabric through to Florentine work on a canvas. Each one is explained with written step-by-step instructions and how-to techniques to get you started, making this truly a bible for every stitcher! The…

Keep your work in progress on a hoop or frame covered with a pillow case between stitching sessions to keep it clean and free of marks Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 140 high x 140 wide Design size: 26x26cm (10¼x10¼in) Stitch time: 34 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials   ZweigartWhite14countaida, ref: 3706/0100; 30.5x30.5cm (12x12in)   Stranded cotton as listed in the key   Size 24 tapestry needle   Backing fabric; 30.5x30.5cm (12x12in)   Cushion pad; 25.5x25.5cm (10x10in) For stockist details see page 89 TAKE A CLOSER LOOK Separate stitches are used to create a cross hatch effect that’s simple to do but adds interest and texture Make a… cushion…

 Designed by: Lesley Teare Use the park and stitch method when working on a project like this with lots of colour changes Stitch count: 80 high x 80 wide Design size: 15x15cm (6x6in) Stitch time: 22 hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials For each hoop • Zweigart Platinum 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0770; 25.5x25.5cm (10x10in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle • Wooden hoop; 15cm (6in) diameter For stockist details see page 89 Cross Stitcher PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch all four seasons, we have a materials pack with everything you need to get you stitching straight away, and have it delivered straight to your door! Your materials pack contains enough for all four…

We have a spectacular project for the new year, which as always is just that little bit more challenging for any of you looking for a longer piece of stitching to enjoy. This time our solar system scene is worked entirely on black fabric to create the night sky – as you will see this makes a perfect backdrop for beading and beautiful backstitch lettering worked in metallics for a sparkling finish. See page 18 for how to frame your picture or use two wooden dowels to turn it into a wall hanging Designed by: Shannon Wasilieff Stitch count: 180 high x 120 wide Design size: 33x20.5cm (13x8¼in) Stitch time: 35 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Use up stray a bead beads nabber and ’…

If you would like to stitch Perfect Balance, we have a materials pack with everything you need to get you stitching straight away, and have it delivered straight to your door! Your materials pack contains: • Zweigart 14 count aida in white • 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 £33.50, or order the pack complete with a 12 inch wooden hoop for £38.25, both plus P&P.…

THE CHALLENGE         THE RULES         Christmas is just around the corner! To help you show what can be stitched at the last-minute in time for the big day using just what’s in your stash, we asked three top designers to create some padded hanging Christmas decorations but only using the supplies we gave them. They each also had to incorporate two colours of ric-rac into their design for a decorative effect. We hope this will inspire you to join in too – turn the page to see what our challenge will be for March – we’ve listed everything you need to take part. SUSAN BATES… DALA HORSE When I was asked to design a Christmas decoration, the bright red colour of one of…

New year, new shades Want to give your stash an upgrade? DMC’s first new shades in over 20 years are the result of research into current stitching trends. The colours use themes such as urban architecture and zen gardens as inspiration, and range from soft pastels to rich jewel-like shades. Why not splurge out on the limited edition Matte Gold Coloured Metal Thread Box? Embossed with the DMC logo, it contains all 35 new colours, plus two free charts, ref: 117ZB. www.dmc.com/uk Turn to page 4 of this issue to order your new thread colours! RESOLVE TO SPRING CLEAN YOUR STASH! WANT TO be more organised in the new year? Treat yourself to one of the brand-new sewing baskets available from Hobbycraft – we’re loving this Retro Notions…

 Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 178 high x 120 wide Design size: 31x20.5cm (12¼x8¼in) Stitch time: 61 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials   ZweigartNavyBlue28count Brittney, ref: 3270/0589; 50x41cm (19½x16in)   Stranded cotton as listed in the key   Size 26 tapestry needle   Kreinik no. 8 braid   Mill Hill beads   Frame with a 34x24cm (13½x9½in) aperture   Mount board to fit frame  For stockist details see page 89 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…

Repeat to make as many trees as you need for a longer bunting length - or stitch and hang the trees as separate decorations if you prefer Designed by: Sarah Cookland Max. stitch count: 49 high x 40 wide Max. design size: 7.5x6.5cm (3x2½in) Stitch time: 3 hours each These designs were stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials For each tree shape • Zweigart Platinum 28 count Cashel, ref: 3281/0770; 12.5x12.5cm (5x5in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 26 tapestry needle • Backing fabric; 12.5x12.5cm (5x5in) • Toy stuffing • Bobble trim; 9cm (3½in) • Baker’s twine • Ribbon; 1.5cm (⅝in) wide x 10cm (4in) For stockist details see page 89 Make a… bunting tree Step 1 PLACE the…

HELEN FRAZIER Something for myself – I have threads to stitch a kitchen sampler. Hopefully will be a project to keep me away from all the chocolates left over. THERESA JACKSON Every Christmas, Santa leaves a small kit or the makings for a project in my stocking, and a few new sewing notions, even though my children are adults. JENNIFER POWELL I do projects for family. My nan gets most of my cross stitch gifts. I love making her things because I know she loves them. NICHOLE STEADMAN I usually try and get motivated to finish an unfinished project. Mostly the temptation to stitch whatever goodies I got for Christmas is just too strong. JOSEPH BORDELON JR. I have an overdue dragon project due for my hubby! Hopefully, I will…

Fairy Cakes kits These fairy cakes look good enough to eat! This is a great kit from Faye Walsh at Little Dove Designs – if you love just whole stitches and working on aida then this is the perfect project for you. Its finished size is 15.25x23cm (6x9in), and it’s worked on 14 count dark ecru fabric. The kit is available from www.littledovedesigns.co.uk, RRP £18. We have two kits to give away. Enter by post to the address below, labelling your entry ‘FAIRY CAKES GIVEAWAY XST326’. Among The Foxgloves kits This wonderful Fox design from Hannah Dale of Wrendale Designs is just the perfect new year project. It’s one of a delightful range worked on speckled 14 count aida. Its finished size is 26x26cm (10x10in), and it’s available to order…

BACKSTITCH IN KREINIK BRAID: The delicate names of the planets are worked in backstitch using sparkling Kreiik braid. The border is also metallic – use shorter thread lengths when working with metallics. SEED BEADS FOR TEXTURE: There's a large sprinkling of seed beads all over this design! Use a half cross stitch to secure them, working the same way for each so they all lie in the same direction. STITCHING ON BLACK AIDA: If you've never worked on black fabric before, try using white fabic under your work to make the holes easier to see. You'll find the stranded cotton shades look even brighter against it.…

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 circle. Place the felt inside the hoop. You can use a bit of fabric glue to keep it in place. The felt will pad your stitching, and stop anything showing through. Step 3 USE a glue gun or double-sided tape to begin attaching the first layer of fabric, pulling taut as you go. Repeat for the second layer. Cut a second felt layer to fit over the back…

Hang your needle from your thread regularly to let it unwind to avoid any tangles when stitching with metallics Make a… patch card Step 1 WORK all the cross stitch in two strands of stranded cotton, and the backstitch in one strand, with gold used to highlight the edge of the shaker, glass and lemon. Step 2 CUT around the stitching so that it fits the front of your card, with the design centrally placed on the fabric. Step 3 FRAY two blocks of threads on all sides of the fabric – carefully peeling away the threads one at a time. Step 4 USE double-sided tape to attach the fabric firmly to the front of the card. Materials   ZweigartWhite14countref: 3706/0100; 15x15cm (6x6in)   Stranded…

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…

Your projects For all the basic supplies you need to make the projects in this issue… WILLOW FABRICS  www.willowfabrics.com For Zweigart evenweave, aida, linen, Cashel, wooden embroidery hoops and all kinds of stitching fabrics COTTON PATCH  www.cottonpatch.co.uk 0121 702 2840 For stuffing, wadding, interfacing, Bondaweb, scissors and a range of haberdashery supplies FRED ALDOUS  www.fredaldous.co.uk 0161 236 4224 For general craf t and haberdasher y supplies as well as mount board for framing your work JOHN JAMES NEEDLES  www.jjneedles.com 0152 783 0941 For all kinds of needles and needle packs JOHN LEWIS  www.johnlewis.com 03456 049 049 For a wide range of stitching and sewing supplies, including cotton printed fabrics SIESTA FRAMES  www.siestaframes.com 0120 281 3363 For stitching frames, hoops and lamps CLOUD CRAFT  www.cloudcraft.co.uk For 100% wool felt in lots…