Índex per September 2016 a CrossStitcher

Wny not use some spare threads to make a tassel for your bookmark? Stitch count: 52 high x 34 wide Design size: 9.5x6cm (3¾x2½in) Stitch time: 7 hours This design was stitched on 14 count plastic canvas. Make a… bookmark Step 1 TAKE a 20x7.5cm (8x3in) piece of plastic canvas and trim the edges with sharp scissors, to make sure you have a complete row of threads on all sides. Stitch the cross stitch using two strands of stranded cotton, and the backstitch in one strand. Start stitching so that the top of the owl is five squares down from the top, and centrally placed widthways on the canvas. Step 2 TRIM the felt to the same size as the plastic canvas. Glue the felt to the back of…

Maria designed our cake alphabet on page 49 . “I grab inspiration from all over the place, so I love my iPhone as I can take pictures and save them straight to my PC. So I often sketch from my computer screen then scan in my sketches and import them into the charting software. I use my shade card to select the colour theme I want – they often change as I am working. I then establish the size I need the all the cake motifs to be. Finally, I simply layer all the elements, cakes and doilies, together.”…

ROMANTIC MOTIFS CARINA ENVOLDSEN-HARRIS [Search Press] This book contains 64 romantic motifs, including hearts, flowers and butterflies and is split into four sections: the key stitches and techniques, the samplers, 12 projects for using your motifs and the cut-out transfers – so you can enjoy plenty of inspiration here. CUTE SEWN GIFTS FOR BABIES AYDA ALGIN [Tuva Publishing] Got a new arrival in the family? We think the projects in these book are just too cute to resist! Celebrate a newborn with a gorgeous handmade gift – with bibs, blankets, nappy bags, stuffed toys and more to choose from, you’re sure to find something adorable to sew – plus many of the 20 items can easily be embroidered with a cross stitch motif or two, to make your gift even…

 Stitch count: 68 high x 43 wide When stitching on black evenweave or aida, pop some white fabric or a sheet of white paper on your lap as you stitch – it will be much easier to see the holes in the fabric Design size: 13x7.5cm (5x3in) Stitch time: 9 hours This design was stitched on 27 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials Zweigart27countblackLinda evenweave, ref: 1235/720; 20x15cm (8x6in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Card with an aperture to fit the design For stockist details see page 86 Make an… aperture card Step 1 STITCH your design and then trim your stitching to fit your card when centrally placed behind the aperture. Step 2 ATTACH double-sided tape to the inside…

Drop us a line to pin your projects into our album! Email your photos to crossstitcher@dennis.co.uk or write to us at CrossStitcher, PO Box 172, Northam, EX39 9DY Stay in touch...   crossstitchermag.com facebook.com/  CrossStitcherMag @XStitchmagazine pinterest.com/  xstitchmagazine…

Stitch count: 188 high x 159 wide Design size: 29x25.5cm (11½x10in) Stitch time: 70 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials Zweigart28countlightblue Brittney evenweave, ref: 3270/503; 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…

THE CHALLENGE THE RULES Welcome to this issue’s stash-busting challenge. We aim to inspire you with this feature to get creating something amazing from just a few items that you probably have already in your workbox. To get you started, we’ve asked some of our favourite designers to take the challenge themselves and be as creative as they can with a strict limit on what they can use in their projects. Read the challenge rules on the left to see what they were given. We hope this will inspire you to join in too – turn the page to take part in an upcoming challenge and your idea could feature on our Pinterest board! FIONA CROUCH… SUMMER OF LOVE CARD I…

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…

Get started For stitching fabric, threads and all the basic supplies you need, try one of these top stockists… WILLOW FABRICS  www.willowfabrics.com For Zweigart evenweave, aida and all kinds of stitching fabrics BARNYARNS  www.barnyarns.co.uk 0176 569 0069 For Anchor, DMC and Madeira threads and all kinds of haberdashery supplies COTTON PATCH  www.cottonpatch.co.uk 0121 702 2840 For stuffing, wadding, interfacing, Bondaweb, scissors and all kinds of haberdashery supplies JOHN JAMES NEEDLES  www.jjneedles.com 0152 783 0941 For all kinds of needles and needle packs 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 of colours JOSY ROSE  www.josyrose.com For buttons, beads and all kinds of embellishments SEAMSTAR  www.seamstar.co.uk 0182 977 0733 For plain and patterned fabrics and all kinds of…

MOST OF THE NOVELS we read are on a Kindle these days but we can’t deny there is still something rather exciting about a brand-new paperback. It’s even more special with a handmade bookmark to go with it! Our wise owl bookmark design on page 2 will get you making just what you need to mark your place in any bestseller. Don’t you think starting a new book almost – but not quite – rivals the feeling of sorting your threads as you begin a brand-new cross stitch project? We love it when you write in to tell us what you want. It seems we haven’t been doing enough for boys of late. We know how you love to stitch for your children and grandchildren, so we’ve had a word…

GORGEOUS GATEAUX WITH OUR yummy cake alphabet on page 49, we’re looking to whip up some more tasty treats with these stitching ideas… WHO Little Dove Designs have created this gorgeous Fairy Cakes Cross Stitch Kit, which works as a sampler, or why not stitch individual cakes as cards? www.sewandso.co.uk WHAT Making a cake themedhanger? Add a loop of this pretty Great British Bakerribbon for a delicious finishing touch. www.oakroomshop.co.uk HOW Add asweetfragrance to your workbox with these Scented Cake Pin Cushions–pinch them to release a cinnamon scent –they look and smell goodenoughto eat! www.notonthehighstreet.com/mollycupcakes…

“If you’re into making your own designs, it’s definitely worth taking the time to explore the micro-design concept” Hello dear readers! It’s great to see the interview with Makoto Oozu in this issue – he’s a manbroidery phenomenon from Japan and I love his enthusiasm and creative output. He’s the Asian version of Mr X Stitch but with less tattoos and more cross stitch design books! I’ve got a few of his books, the Japanese original editions, and they’re an important part of my travelling library for my workshops. Whenever I do workshops, I tend to have a few designs that I use as learning tools. For the more experienced stitchers at my workshops, Makoto’s books are brilliant as he has created cross stitched versions of pretty much everything you…

Stitch count: 130 high x 66 wide Design size: 18.5x9cm (7¼x3½in) Stitch time: 25 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart14countoliveaida, ref: 3793/611; 40.5x35.5cm (16x14in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 23.5x19cm (9¼x7½in) aperture Mount board to fit frame For stockist details see page 86 SHIPSHAPE STITCHING IDEAS Our picture is based on an original design by Belle & Boo creator Mandy Sutcliffe. Visit belleandboo.com  to find out about the complete range of Belle & Boo items available, including cross stitch patterns, stationery and craft products. See page 12 for two haberdashery must-haves in their range that would work perfectly with our pirate design if stitched as a cushion, or how about getting a…

With the launch of DMC’s delicious multi-coloured Coloris threads, we thought it was time to put them to the test and create a trio of fresh, fun projects for you to try. We have a gorgeous geometric necklace, a hoop picture and cloud pouch for you to get stuck into. Each project has been designed to show off the multicoloured threads at their best and display their colour changes to perfection. If you’re ready for a rainbow of fun, simply follow our steps to see what you can create! Working each cross stitch individually helps to create a more gradual colour change MAKE A… MULTI-COLOUR FLORAL HOOP Give the variegated treatment to both the design and the hoop with this sweet idea Step 1 START by stitching the centre of…

Got some spare aida band? Make a bookmark by stitching the motifs vertically on the band and finish the top and bottom edges with a fringe. A great back to school’ gift! Stitch count: 26 high x 111 wide Design size: 4.5x18cm (1¾x7in) Stitch time: 6 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida band. Materials Zweigart14countwhitegold edged aida band, ref: 7107/181; 5cm (2in) x length around cake Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle  For stockist details see page 86 Make a… cake band Step 1 MEASURE the circumference of your cake, adding on enough for an overlap. Cut your aida band to this length. If you are just going to stitch the complete design once, fold the band in half to…

I feel I can communicate through cross stitch because it is such a simple stitch – even though I don’t speak English Self-professed “rookie” Makoto Oozu turns the world of traditional stitch upside down. His digital-influenced designs appear on handkerchiefs, watches and iPhone cases through his shop The Mint House and are printed on his own porcelain collection as well as in popular cross stitch books. His latest, Mega Mini Cross Stitch, is packed with 900 “super awesome” motifs, from sports kit to ice creams to – of course – cassette tapes and computers. Game on!… How did you first get into cross stitch? I was nearly 22 years old when I first tried it. I am 36 at present, so I have been involved in this craft for over…

There are lots of backstitch details on these designs, so a 28 count evenweave fabric is the best choice, as you don’t have to pierce the fabric MATERIALS Lady under street lamp • Zweigart 28 count Snow Cashel, ref: 3281/1111; 40.5x33cm (16inx13in) • Frame with a 21x16cm (8¼x6¼in) oval aperture Lady with fan • Zweigart 28 count Snow Cashel, ref: 3281/1111; 30.5x28cm (12inx11in) • Frame with a 19.5x14.5cm (7¾x5¾in) aperture Parisian lady • Zweigart 28 count Snow Cashel, ref: 3281/1111; 25.5x30.5cm (10x12in) • Frame with a 12x17cm (4¾x6¾in) aperture For all • Stranded cotton and DMC Light Effects as listed in the key • Size 26 tapestry needle For stockist details see page 86 More to make... Our fifties ladies make great glamorous motifs for all sorts of stitching…

Stitch count: 35 high x 37 wide Design size: 6x6cm (2½x2½in) Stitch time: 2 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the 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 the design. Similar colour matches are listed alongside it. Where no close match can be found, you may have to use a different brand of thread for that shade. THE CHART EACH square on the chart represents a single cross stitch. Start from the centre of the design…

Desperately seeking I’m wondering if anyone can help me? My name is Megan, I live in Australia and I am looking for copies of the Margaret Sherry Sketchbookcross stitch charts, thatappearedin CrossStitcher, some time back. I’m unsure which copies of the magazine they were in, hence my request. It looks like there would have been more than one magazine, possibly several issues containing one chart each? The charts I am looking for are Birthday Princess, Your Cat Loves You When No One Else Does, I’m So Easy To Please, Caught Catnapping!, Catch A Falling Star, Clever Clogs, Bee Good and the three dogs standing on each others’ shoulders (no caption). I would so appreciate your help in either locating these charts, or the issue numbers I will need to keep…

Inside this month Be ‘Home for Christmas’ with our seasonal sampler Meet our forest friends in our cute woodland card set Trick or treat! Spooktacular makes for Halloween Pop art style for your sofa with our cool car cushion YOUR CHRISTMAS BUMPER PACK! Holly Heart thread organiser & festive threads Bonus chart booklet ISSUE 310 OCTOBER 2016 On sale 16 September Contents subject to change. Overseas gifts may vary.…

Box of delights Based in Massachusetts, USA, Susan Fitzgerald has been running her Etsy store, Red Gate Stitchery, for coming up to five years now. Packed with delightful and delicate designs, we’re loving Susan’s pretty wood box kit which showcases your stitches in a frame on the lid. The black painted wood box measures 3x3x2in and is lined with black velvet and the design is stitched on aida. Available to order from www.etsy.com/uk/shop/RedGateStitchery . PICK YOUR OWN! REMEMBER LONG summer days, when the first fruits of the season were ready for picking? Amanda Butler recalls a rosy, ripe apple being an extra-special treat on a childhood picnic and has designed this delightful pair of autumn apples for Cross Stitch Collection magazine. Available in issue 266 of the…

PRETTYSUPPLIESSHOP Addasplashofcolourwiththese OwlCabochons,madefromresin andflatbacked,theycanbeadded tocardsorusedascharms. NCFELTSUPPLIES Stitchacharmingpieceofowl jewellery –theseWoodOwl Pendantsaresuper-quicktostitch –thenaddribbonorcordtofinish. BIZZYANDBOOFABRICS Alovelymodernprintinbright colours,HootenanyAnyaPoplinby Monaluna,isperfectforliningbags orcoveringbooksinstyle.…

Pick out individual motifs and sections to stitch as sweet cards for foodie friends and autumn birthdays! Stitch count: 155 high x 155 wide Design size: 22x22cm (8¾x8¾in) Stitch time: 38 hours This design was stitched 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials Zweigart28countSpringCactus Belfast linen, ref: 3606/633; 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 centre of each side and working outwards. Step…

Before you start stitching, double-check that the design will be positioned on the front cover of the book when assembled Stitch count: 90 high x 70 wide Design size: 16.5x12.5cm (6½x5in) Stitch time: 28 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials Zweigart28countwhiteBrittney evenweave, ref: 3270/100; 20x33cm (8x13in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Lining fabric; 18x30cm (7x11¾in) A6 notebook; 15x10.5cm 6x4in For stockist details see page 86 Make a… notebook Step 1 WRAP your evenweave fabric around the notebook to check the position of the front cover, then mark the design area given below onto the fabric using pins. Make sure you have left 1.25cm (½in) at the top and bottom of the fabric for…

This month our mouths are positively watering at all the scrumptious cakes Maria Diaz has designed for our alphabet. Perfect to stitch up for all sorts of occasions, these lovely letters are sure to be a sweet treat for whoever you make them for. And as for the cherry on top – we’ve included a set of numbers for you too – birthday cards will be a breeze with these delicious designs!      If you're short on time, simply stitch each cake without the daily behind it There's always time for cake; so cut out and keep this alphabet ready for future projects Cut your fabric a bit larger than the hoop, press it over your work, pull taut, tighten, and then back with felt ‘My Cake’ was stitched on…