Índex per October 2015 a CrossStitcher

Max. stitch count: 33 high x 38 wide Max. design size: 6x7cm (2½x2¾in) Stitch time: 2 hours each How to… make your little house decoration Step 1 CUT a 10x10cm piece of 28 count evenweave fabric and stitch your chosen house using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch, one and two for the backstitch and two for the French knots over two threads of evenweave. Step 2 SNIP a 10cm length of white ric-rac trim and place on the front of the stitching just under the design. Sew it in place by machine or hand. Step 3 PLACE the front and a 10x10cm piece of white felt right sides together. With a length of cord for hanging between the layers, and the ends pointing out, sew…

Harvest festival Autumn’s such a magical time of year. Christmas is just around the corner, Halloween’s nearly here – but right now we’re dreaming of cosy country cottages (like our festive houses on page 2 ) and all the lovely fruits and colours of autumn (see our folk art apple tree picture on page 16 ). We’re also loving this owl kit from DMC – New Dawn (BK1468). Each kit measures 20x20cm (8x12in) and is worked on 14 count aida, so it’s perfect to stitch as the nights draw in. www.dmccreative.co.uk INTO THE WOODS THIS MONTH the countryside is rapidly changing colour. The remaining bright hues of late summer have turned into the lovely browns and golds of autumn. Fox and deer break cover in their hunt…

A couple of months ago I did a presentation and workshop at Sew Sociable, a great stitch-based monthly get-together in Leicester. (Find them on Facebook to get involved!) It was the usual combination of my ‘View from the Cutting (& Stitching) Edge’ presentation, which is a dazzling showcase of fantastic embroidery from around the world, and then a fast and furious cross stitch workshop. At the end of the session, a young lady called Lucy Hayward presented me with a cross stitched card featuring one of her designs, a stag. It’s a good design, but the thing that struck me about it was how cleverly Lucy had used backstitch to enhance the design. It got me thinking… Backstitch is the common partner for cross stitch, being used to provide outline…

Stitch count: 115 high x 114 wide Design size: 21x21cm (8¼x8¼in) Stitch time: 30 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials Zweigart 28 count Brittney evenweave, white, ref: 3270/100, 33x33cm (13x13in) White backing fabric, 33x33cm (13x13in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle 25cm (10in) wooden embroidery hoop For stockist details see page 84 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 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…

Whether or not you’re a fully-paid-up Cumberperson, there’s no denying that a certain actor has caught the imagination of the nation. In fact Colleen Carrington’s love for Benedict Cumberbatch is so great that she has dedicated an entire book to cross stitching her favourite star. We caught up with Colleen to talk Sherlock, stitching and what it was like to meet the man himself… How did this amazing stitching book come about? It was completely out of the blue. One Monday morning I opened my emails and there was one from Kyle Books editor, Tara O’Sullivan, saying, “I’ve got an idea for a book.” She’d seen a blog post I’d written about my love for Benedict Cumberbatch. We met up the same week, discussed designs and I dropped everything and…

First revealed at the Earls Court Motor Show, London, on 20th September 1948, the Morris Minor was designed under the leadership of Alec Issigonis, later responsible for the more famous Mini. More than 1.3 million Minors were manufactured between 1948 and 1972, and it was the UK’s first million seller. Initially available as a two-door saloon and convertible, the range was expanded to include a four-door saloon in 1950, and the famous wood-framed estate (the Traveller), a van and pickup were added in 1953. Our Traveller is a Minor 1000 from the 60s, when British ars were in their eyday. Production of this iconic Morris ended before the decline of the UK motor industry.…

Max. stitch count: 120 high x 78 wide Max. design size: 21.5x14cm (8½x5½in) Stitch time: 10 hours These designs were stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Make an extra set of settings for everyday use using a different colour fabric for the mats Make a… placemat Step 1 TURN over the edges of the stitched fabric on to the wrong side, twice. Press. Step 2 FOLD the fabric at each corner to form a mitre. Press, then machine stitch around the edges of the placemat. Step 3 USE a needle and thread to catch stitch the mitres between the placemat points and the machine stitching. Press. Materials Zweigart 28 count Trento red eveneave, ref: 3453/9036, 35x51cm (14x20in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key…

MATERIALS Pumpkin cake toppers Plastic canvas pieces; one 9x7.5cm (3½x3in); one 6.5x6.5cm (2¼x2¼in) Two wooden skewers Orange ribbon Trick or treat bag • 14 count black aida, ref: 3706/720, two pieces 17.5x15cm (6¾x6in), one for the bag back and one for the front; two pieces 28x5cm (11x2in), for the handles • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 26 tapestry needle For stockist details see page 84 Make a… pumpkin cake topper Step 1 STITCH the pumpkin shape on to plastic canvas. Carefully cut around the design one square outside the stitching. Step 2 SEW the wooden skewer on to the back of the plastic stitched pumpkin, then make a ribbon bow and attach to the skewer just under the pumpkin. Make a… trick or…

TOOLS OF THE TRADE 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 for stitchers and can be picked up for just a few pounds. Keep yours sharp by only using them to cut threads – that way a decent pair should last you a lifetime. STRANDEDCOTTON Embroidery thread is also commonly referred to as stranded cotton. Each thread length is made up of six strands of cotton twisted together. The chart key will indicate how many strands you’ll need to stitch your design with.…

“WELCOME TO CrossStitcher’s exclusive calendar for 2016. We’re delighted to be featuring a whole year of fabulous fairy designs from Lili of the Valley! With a different fairy for every month, these cute designs will see you through every stitching occasion, from Valentine’s to Easter and from Halloween to Christmas – you’ll never be short of a quick-stitch idea again. Mount as cards, stitch on cushions or simply hang as pictures as we’ve done – the choice is yours. We love that this bumper chart collection also doubles as a handy calendar – we’ve already earmarked a spot in the kitchen where ours will hang – ready to jot down important dates in the coming year.” Happy stitching! Your stitched piece will fit into a 15cm hoop. Maximum stitch count:…

OCTOBER IS ONE of our favourite months. With Bonfire Night just around the corner, close on the heels of Halloween, the air is full of aromatic smells; from pumpkin carving, to jam making and baking. The weather can be unpredictable but any extra time spent indoors is a bonus for stitchers, as it just means more time for WIPs! This month we reflect the season in our selection of projects, with our cute woodland animals, a folksy apple tree and colourful Halloween cake toppers, to name just a few. However, the main focus of this issue has to be our festive projects, and boy do we have lots to get you stitching, from our stunning cutlery placemat to our iconic Morris Minor carrying the Christmas tree home. We must also…

DREAMZZZZZ Make every dinner a fruity feast with this lovely apple-print table cloth. Dreamzz also make napkins, runners and curtains in this fabric. RETROMAMA Use up scraps with Retromama’s sweet apple pincushion project. There’s another pattern size for making an ornament if you prefer. ANETTEERIKSSON Try some Scandi style with this burlap needlepoint cushion kit. Made using chunky half cross stitch, it’s also available just as a chart.…

Stitch count: 122 high x 115 wide Design size: 22x21cm (8¾x8¼in) Stitch time: 28 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials Zweigart 28 count Brittney evenweave in white, ref: 3270/100, 33x33cm (13x13in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle White backing fabric, 33x33cm (13x13in) 25cm (10in) wooden embroidery hoop  For stockist details see page 84 TURN TO PAGE 28 TO LEARN HOW TO FRAME IN A HOOP…

The cupcake Kit with issue 295 was a must -make for me. I made a hanging ornament with it, then thread it through the card! Barbara McCauley, Australia I made the free swallow brooch kit (issue 292) into an ornament and added a bead to the eye. I’m very pleased with the result! Pamela Rae Tarasiewicz, USA The free biscuit coaster kit from issue 293 brought back memories of happy times at birthday parties; they were the best treat! Sandra Spinks, Hertfordshire I made this from issue 288 as a gift for my cousin. I added an anchor and coral to go with the wedding’s nautical theme and colour! Lauren McGonigal, by email For the opening of ny niece’s cake boutique I stitched an inlay for a tray for her…

Design size: 7x9.5cm (2¾x3¾in) Stitch time: 3.5 hours This design was stitched on 28 count linen over two threads of the fabric. Materials Zweigart 28 count Cashel cream linen, ref: 3281/222, 33x35.5cm (13x14in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Cotton fabric for lining, 33x35.5cm (13x14in) Iron-on interfacing Felt for holding needles, 8x11cm (3¼x4¼in) Button For stockist details see page 84 Make a… needlecase Step 1 COMPLETE all the cross stitch, making sure the design is in the centre of your fabric. Make a copy of the needlecase template, enlarging it on a photocopier by 200%. Place this centrally on top of your stitching, then pin. Cut, adding on a 1cm (›in) seam allowance outside the outer template line. Step 2 USING the template…

Stitch count (top): 134 high x 89 wide Stitch count (pocket): 46 high x 83 wide Design size (top): 24x16.5cm (9½x6½in) Design size (pocket): 8.5x15cm (3¼x6in) Total stitch time: 41 hours These designs were stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. If you would prefer to make the mummy penguin without the pocket, just stitch the two parts of the chart as one Make a… mummy penguin cushion Step 1 FOLD the stitched mummy penguin pocket in half, so that the top of the design is right on the fold. Press. Step 2 POSITION the folded mummy penguin pocket on top of the mummy penguin top, so that you have a complete penguin. Tack down both side seams to hold the pocket in place. Step…

Now you’ve enjoyed our exclusive calendar, you’ll be pleased to know that Lili of the Valley have plenty of other crafting treats to offer. From papercrafting products, such as the fun Art Pads filled with card toppers for you to colour and get creating with, to fairy stamps which match our ‘calendar girls’ – we know you’ll love what’s available, including several pretty cross stitch charts… Buy the Art Pads for £6 each – each pad contains 30 excellent quality toppers. The rubber stamps are £4.50 each. All Lili of the Valley designs are only available at www.liliofthevalley.co.uk MORE TO CHOOSE FROM…

Lace has had a bit of a revival recently; there are plenty of pretty lace edgings in most fabric shops as well as vintage lace on specialist websites. But how can we use it to complement our stitching? Here we have three projects that show off the use of lace, plus you can learn a new stitch too! Choose from a pretty pincushion using vintage lace and lacy cross stitch. Try our fun mini bunting with a woven picot edging. Or have a go at our sweet makeup bag with its lace ‘shelf’ and little lace zip pull. MAKE… LACE PANELS Cross stitch a lace-effect panel and create another using a real lace scrap Step 1 WORK all the cross stitch using the chart on page 78 and two strands…

Get started  For stitching fabric, threads and all the basic supplies you need, try one of these top stockists… WILLOW FABRICS  www.willowfabrics.co.uk 0800 056 7811 For 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…

Our friends at Lili of the Valley have put together some exclusive, luxury materials packs for each fairy, to get your stitching off to a flying start. Each pack costs just £4 and this includes a pre-sorted thread card with DMC threads, 14 count white Zweigart aida, a gold-plated needle and a picture of the finished design. PLUS: You can buy all 12 packs together for the special price of £40, saving you £8! All Lili of the Valley designs are only available at www.liliofthevalley.co.uk. To order your packs, simply visit the website; if you order all 12 packs your saving will be automatically deducted from your order.…

Materials Zweigart 28 count Brittney navy evenweave, ref: 3270/589, 18x18cm (7x7in) for the pocket Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Toy stuffing Fabric for the pillow, two pieces 25.5x30.5cm (10x12in) For stockist details see page 84 Stitch count: 56 high x 56 wide Design size: 10x10cm (4x4in) Stitch time: 6 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Make a… pocket pillow Step 1 TURN over top edge of stitched fabric twice to wrong side. Press, then machine stitch or catch stitch the turning in place. Step 2 FOLD under bottom and sides of stitched fabric so it measures 12x14cm (5½x4¾in), to make pocket front. Press. Step 3 PLACE stitched pocket face out in centre of…

ICE, ICE, BABY NOTHING’S AS cute as a little penguin! Pppick up one of these finds or make your own perfect pair to cuddle on page 50. WHO Thislittlechapjustcan’twaitforit to snow!He’stheperfectchoice for a tree with homespun style. www.etsy.com/shop/SandhraLee WHAT  We think this lovely tote’s just right for Christmas shopping – we love the penguin’s festive knit! https://folksy.com/shops/minifelts HOW Make your very own penguin pet with this oh-so-cute feltie kit from Threadfollower. http://threadfollower.com…

Max. stitch count: 13 high x 13 wide Max. design size: 2.5x2.5cm (1x1in) Stitch time: 1 hour each These designs were stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials For each button Zweigart 28 count Brittney beige evenweave, ref: 3270/264, 10x10cm (4x4in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle 30mm self-covered button For stockist details see page 84 Make a… covered button Step 1 USE the template provided with your self-covered button packaging to cut your fabric into a circle, with your stitching in the middle. Alternatively, you can simply cut your fabric into a 4cm circle. Step 2 CHOOSE either metal or white plastic self-covered buttons, it’s up to you. Pull your fabric around the button front as tight…

Make a lampshade mobile; attach the animals by punching holes in the edge. Thread each hanging ribbon end through a hole before tying in a knot Max. stitch count: 36 high x 34 wide Max. design size: 6.5x6.5cm (2½x2½in) Stitch time: 6 hours each (front and back) These designs were stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials Zweigart 28 count Brittney white evenweave, ref: 3270/100; two 10x11.5cm (4x4½in) pieces for each animal Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Toy stuffing Ribbon or string for hanging For stockist details see page 84 Make a… cute mobile Step 1 STITCH a front and back for each animal. Place the two parts right sides together, matching the stitched outlines. It will…

Stitch count: 96 high x 106 wide Design size: 18x19.5cm (7x7¾in) Stitch time: 57 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials Zweigart 28 count Brittney white evenweave, ref: 3270/100, 33x 35.5cm (13x14in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle 25x28.5cm (9¼x11¼in) wooden frame Mount board to fit your frame For stockist details see page 84 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 2 PIN around the entire perimeter and check you are happy with the…

Materials Zweigart 32 count blue Belfast linen, ref: 3609/578, 12.5x17.5cm (5x7in) Stranded cotton as listed on the key Gold thread – divisible Pearl white seed beads Pale blue card with a 8x10cm (3¼x4in) oval aperture For stockist details see page 84 Stitch count: 29 high x 42 wide Design size: 5.5x7cm (2¼x2¾in) Stitch time: 7 hours This design was stitched on 32 count linen over two threads of the fabric. Make an… aperture card Step 1 WORK all the cross stitch in two strands of stranded cotton over two threads of the linen, and the backstitch and gold backstitch in one strand. Step 2 TRIM the stitched linen to fit your card with the design placed centrally behind the aperture. Step 3 ATTACH double-sided tape to the inside…

POCKET & PIN www.pocketandpin.co.uk Thereisawonderfulselectionof lacetrimstobefoundonthis haberdasherysite,inavarietyof colours.Checkoutthetraditional andmoremodernlaceand crochetlacesavailable. THE VINTAGE FABRIC MARKET www.vintagefabricmarket.co.uk Visitthiswebsiteforawidevariety ofvintagefabric,haberdashery andantiqueaccessoriesand collectables.You’resuretodiscover aninterestingpieceofantiquelace here,too! THE BUTTON COMPANY buttoncompany.co.uk We love the fantastic rangeof buttons including shell,fancy buttons and flowers,hearts and other shapes to be found here.Visit to pick up the perfect button to finish off your patchwork pincushion. OUR PINTEREST BOARD www.pinterest.com/ xstitchmagazine Visit our Pinterest board to find a special board dedicated to The Savvy Stitcher. You can pin all these designs and find inspiration for more!…

Desperately seeking Hi, My name is Bex, and I enjoy stitching the Anchor Tatty Teddy, and Forever Friends kits. I wish to eventually stitch and frame them all, so I’m looking for someone who also loves stitching them to swap charts. Thanks! Rebecca Kimber Email: beckykimber@yahoo.com Hello, my name is Adelaide. I am looking for issue no. 247 that has the charts for the Christmas tags in it. If any one is willing to let me have that issue or the chart I need, I am willing to pay all costs. Adelaide Bunker, 86 Deepfield Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 2NX Email: a.bunker@btinternet.com Up for grabs! I have various cross stitch pattern booklets and due to a house move they have to go! I’ve had them for ages so I only…