CrossStitcher -julkaisun October 2018 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

Stitch your designs then attach to leaf-shaped tags – available as a printable download from www.willowfabrics.com Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count: 29 high x 17 wide (each) Design size: 5.5x3cm (2¼x1¼in) Stitch time: 1.5 hours (each) These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Make a… gift tag Step 1 TAKE a 7x12.5cm (2½x5in) piece of 14 count white aida and space the stitching of the three designs out on the fabric, leaving four squares between each tag. Step 2 STITCH the cross stitch in two strands, apart from the trees which are stitched in one strand, and the blue sky which is stitched in half stitch using one strand – this will make the trees and sky look like they are behind the picture. The backstitch is…

TEXTILE LANDSCAPE CAS HOLMES [Pavilion Books] We featured textile artist Cas Holmes recently in CrossStitcher as she explained to us her creative process. Now you can buy her new book which shows how to develop approaches to landscapes in textile art with a focus on using found objects, paint and stitch on cloth and paper. There are beautiful photos of Cas’ artworks inside as well as some by other internationally renowned textile artists. PEANUTS CROSS-STITCH CHARLES M. SCHULZ & ANNA FLEISS [Running Press] Fans of Charles M. Schulz’s famous comics and characters will find this new book a must-buy. There are over 15 stitchable designs inside — including portraits of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and Woodstock, as well as classic quotes from Charles M. Schulz’s comic strips. With full-colour…

Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: Base 35 high x 35 wide; Petals 35 high x 38 wide Design size: Base 6.5x6.5cm (2½x2½in); Petals 6.5x6.5cm (2½x2½in) Stitch time: 32 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Use a strong sewing thread to thread through each petal, stranded cotton won’t be tough enough Make a… petal pincushion Step 1 COMPLETE the stitching and cut around the base and petals to separate them, leaving a 1.25cm (½in) seam allowance. Place the stitched base and the petals on the backing fabric right-sides together. Stitch around the base and each petal on the edge of the stitching, leaving a gap on the edge of the base and the bottom of each petal for turning. Trim away some of the seam allowance,…

The turn of the seasons is so inspiring for stitchers – and autumn is no exception. From colourful leaves on a crisp day to longer evenings at home, it’s the perfect time to start the projects we’ve been dreaming of all summer. We chatted to four very different stitchers about what’s on their hoops. SUSAN BATES Cross stitch and embroidery designer www.susanbates.co.uk What’s on your to-do list at the moment? At the moment I’m working on a set of cross stitch designs for the Turkish publisher, Tuva Publishing. The designs will fit inside a variety of different-sized embroidery hoops and will be sold as kits. The designs focus on different themes, such as flowers, birds, gardens, cakes and sewing-related imagery. Then I’ll start working on a new book with Tuva.…

BRENDA ALLAN Gifts, especially for my granddaughter. This year I’m going to stitch the Mr Men alphabet by Bothy Threads, knit some Mr Men toys and buy her the books. FIONA CHRISTIE All of the above! I like to make at least one new decoration each year for my tree. I take turns for cards – one year everyone will get a stitched one, the next will be a papercraft card. ALYSSA FELLER I love making Christmas ornaments for the tree! I try to make one for each of my family members each year. PETER THOMAS I love making cards and labels especially with Norwegian designs. I also make lots of bookmarks. CASSIE RUTH I absolutely love making cross stitch Christmas cards, it’s such a beautiful way to build up…

THE CHALLENGE THE RULES Welcome to this month’s challenge! Halloween is just around the corner, so we asked our designers to this time create a fun mini treat bag for trick or treating. Besides the materials given to them on the left, which included a pumpkin button, they were allowed a mystery item of their own choice. Take a look at their fab results below – we’ve provided a chart for each so you can stitch your favourite! We hope this will inspire you to join in too – turn the page to see what our challenge will be for December – we’ve listed everything you need to take part. FIONA CROUCH… LITTLE MONSTER “Halloween is absolutely my favourite celebration of…

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 stitching…

Our well-known trademark is the "Orange Line" - an orange-coloured thread in the selvedge of all ZWEIGART® fabrics. This is the sign for best quality, i.e. state-of-the-art fabrics that are colour-fast, easy-care, absolutely precise in the weaving and "Made in Germany". 3835 / 4023 LUGANA Beautiful premium needlework fabric in a bright pink. (25 ct. 52 % cotton · 48 % viscose) 3835 / 5142 LUGANA Hight quality embroidery fabric in a shining turquoise. (25 ct. 52 % cotton · 48 % viscose) 3706 / 4023 STERN-AIDA Luxurious needlework fabric in a modern pink. (14 ct. 100 % cotton) 3706 / 5142 STERN-AIDA Lovely fabric for embroidery in a nice turquoise blue. (14 ct. 100 % cotton) FOR STOCKISTS CONTACT: Sewandso I www.sewandso.co.uk Willow Fabrics I www.willowfabrics.com Heritage Crafts I…

COWBOYS INSPIRED BY our cowboy cards on page 57, it’s time to saddle up and set off into the sunset with these cute crafty finds… WHO Personalise your stitched cowboy cards by enclosing one of these Cowboy Wooden Sheriff Party Name Badges–they’re perfect for kids’ birthdays! www.notonthehighstreet.com/postboxparty WHAT This Cowboys & Indians bunting is ideal for a kid’s bedroom, and includes blank bunting flags that could be embellished with your stitching. www.tch.net HOW Back cushions and line bags with this gorgeous retro Rancho toile in old red tea from Alexander Henry’s Santa Ferange. www.fabric-yard.co.uk…

Each of these beautiful Zweigart colours can be used for cards or samplers or put in your stash for future projects. You will receive one FQ in the colour of your choice, (please mark the colour on your coupon or in the margin. If you are ordering more than one colour attach a separate piece of paper). The size of a FQ is 50x55cm (19½x21½in). 14 Count Autumn Aida FQ for £5.60, ref: FQAUT01 MORE OFFERS FOR YOU! Pick up more stitching goodies at great prices and with UK postage of just £1.90… NEW DMC THREAD SHADES DMC have added 35 new colours to their range for the first time in 20 years – receive all 35 8M skeins of DMC stranded cotton, numbered 1 to 35, plus 35 cardboard…

Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 88 high x 140 wide Design size: 16.5x26cm (6½x10¼in) Stitch time: 60 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Save time later on and sort all the thread colours for this design onto organisers before you start Materials Zweigart White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0100; 30.5x36cm (12x14¼in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Cotton fabric; 23x35.5cm (9x14in) Quilt wadding; 23x35.5cm (9x14in) Cotton backing fabric; 23x35.5cm (9x14in) Frame with a 34x28cm (13½x11in) aperture Mount board to fit frame For stockist details see page 89 Make a… quilted picture Step 1 SANDWICH the wadding between the two layers of cotton fabric, with the right side of the fabric facing out. Pin, then tack the layers together. Using a…

Autumn is such a rich season, with ripe berries, plump orange pumpkins and orange leaves in our field and hedgerows, making it a celebration of colour before the winter starts. Our pumpkin pincushion, complete with a cinnamon stick stalk and felt leaves, makes a great gift for a stitchy friend. Our cute little spider, sitting on his sparkly web, really does celebrate the season. Finally, our colourful wrapped hoop is a great design for Halloween. Why not use glow-in-the-dark threads for a really spooky finish… MAKE A… PUMPKIN PINCUSHION Stitch on orange evenweave to create this 3D sewing accessory. Step1 CUT a 12.5x21.5cm (5x8½in) piece of of orange evenweave. Stitch five pattern repeats leaving 2.5cm (1in) above and below the stitching. With back seams together and right sides facing, sew…

Designed by: Rebecca Spencer Stitch count: 178 high x 117 wide Design size: 32.5x22cm (12¾x8¾in) Stitch time: 40 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Make sure, when using blended threads, that each stitch lies flat before moving on to the next one Materials For stockist details see page 89 TURN TO PAGE 30 TO LEARN HOW TO FRAME YOUR PICTURE PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch Cosy Comforts, 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: How to order: Go to www.willowfabrics.com to order your project pack at the CrossStitcher reader price of £29.50, plus…

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. Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count: 40 high x 55 wide Design size: 7x10cm (2¾x4in) Stitch time: 6 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. THE CHART EACH square on the chart represents a single cross stitch. Start from the centre of the design and…

THE HOTTEST SUMMER we can remember – in the UK – has brought on autumn rather sooner than usual. There was no shortage of beautiful coloured leaves for us to collect for our cover photo shoot. A little surprising given that we usually find ourselves working way ahead of the real seasons. Although it’s goodbye to the summer, we can’t wait to say hello to the season that brings us pumpkins, toadstools and Halloween. Never mind Tricks, all we have are Treats, starting with our cover sampler (page 18). A modern offering, very much in a traditional style so you can work a satisfying band of motifs at each stitching session. Can you spot the little fox? He’s our favourite mini motif. Dare we mention that it’s time to have…

Hullo again! I’ve been working as a full-time designer for a few months now and I love it! Not having to juggle two very contrasting jobs(or battle peak hour traffic!) has been a huge relief. But, since taking the plunge, I’ve had so many people ask me how I manage my time with no one looking over my shoulder. “Surely it must be hard to work when the couch is so tempting!” they cry. Trust me, I know exactly what they mean. Luckily, the design work I do for Stitch People is varied and fun! To help people to create cross-stitch portraits that really embody the people being represented, I get to research and create patterns showing all kinds of things, such as hobbies, religion, culture, holidays and sports, to…

Designed by: Faye Walsh (Little Dove Designs) Stitch count: 179 high x 121 wide Design size: 33x22cm (13x8¾in) Stitch time: 45 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. If you missed our spring (issue 329) and summer (issue 332) samplers, you can buy a back issue from www.willowfabrics.com Materials Zweigart Nougat 14 count aida, ref: 3706/3021; 55x36cm (22x14¼in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key DMC Light Effects as listed in the key Mill Hill beads as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 34x24cm (13½x9½in) aperture Mount board to fit frame For stockist details see page 89 PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch our Autumn Sampler, we have a materials pack with everything you need to get you stitching right…

Designed by: Maria Diaz Max. stitch count: 18 high x 18 wide (each) Max. design size: 3x3cm (1¼x1¼in) Stitch time: 30 mins These designs were stitched on 32 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. How to… assemble your buttons Step 1 CUT around the stitching, using the template provided on the button packaging so that your stitching is in the centre of a 5cm (2in) circle. Step 2 PULL your fabric around the button front as tight as you can. If you like, use a small piece of double-sided tape to hold your fabric in place. Step 3 USE your fingernail to tighten and smooth any lumpy areas around the perimeter of your button. Once you’re happy with it, pop the backing into place. Step 4 GLUE or stitch…

Pro Tip Top designers share their favourite stitching tips "Leave plenty of room around the edges of your work" “When preparing your fabric for stitching make sure that you leave plenty of room around where the design will be stitched. Leaving 10cm around the design area will ensure that you have enough fabric left to frame or finish off your work. Taking time to do this at the beginning of your project can save you a lot of heartache down the line as this is a mistake you will usually only notice after hours of stitching.” facebook.com/appletreestitch FIRST PAST THE POST! Caroline Bates was the first to send us a pic of her finished flip-flop earrings from issue 335 – she wins a selection of DMC stranded cotton skeins in…

Designed by: Cheryl McKinnon (Tiny Modernist) Stitch count: 120 high x 90 wide Design size: 22x16.5cm (8½x6½in) Stitch time: 26 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. You’ll need to use a coloured aida – we’ve used an oatmeal shade – in order for all the stitching to stand out Materials Sampler For stockist details see page 89 Designed by: Cheryl McKinnon (Tiny Modernist) Stitch count: 55 high x 40 wide Design size: 10x7.5cm (4x3in) Stitch time: 6 hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials For each card For stockist details see page 89 Trim your designs, fray around the edges by a few threads, and attach to the front of your card…

Welcome to our latest design in a series of slightly more challenging projects for anyone looking for a longer, more detailed stitch. This time we’ve a fabulous fairytale design for you that incorporates beading and metallic threads for a magical result. The silhouette style gives a timeless quality and makes the main part of the design quicker to stitch than you’d think! Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count: 167 high x 211 wide Design size: 27x33cm (10¾x13in) Stitch time: 94 hours This design was stitched on 32 count linen over two threads of fabric. Allow your needle and thread to hang and unwind regularly to avoid your Light Effects metallic threads getting tangled or knotted HOW TO… TAKE YOUR STITCHING TO THE NEXT LEVEL We have included some more advanced…

Yourprojects 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 craft and haberdashery 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 of colours CRAFT…