Indice dei contenuti per September 2015 in CrossStitcher

Stitch Count: 45 high x34 wide Design size: 6.5x8.5cm Stitch time: 2.5 hours How to… make your keyring Step 1 CUT two 10x10cm pieces of 28 count white evenweave. Complete your stitching on one piece then place the stitched front and the back piece right sides together. Step 2 SNIP a 10cm length of ribbon, fold in half and slip the loop between the two layers at the top of the birdcage. Step 3 STITCH together all the way around, a short distance away from the birdcage edge. Leave a small gap along one side for turning. Step 4 TURN the birdcage right sides out and slip stitch gap closed. Thread a 20mm split ring through the ribbon. NEXT MONTH CHRISTMAS BUMPER PACK! Three Christmashouse decoration designs PLUS a…

Faithful friends Who could resist these characterful pin cushion pals? Swedish illustrator and maker Eleonor Bostrom creates these doggy delights at her studio in San Francisco – and each ceramic hound is a unique work of art. A pin cushion and thread holder in one, these pretty pooches will keep your desk tidy while keeping you company all day. Even better, a passionate sewer herself, Eleonor throws in pins and thread with every purchase. Forget Crufts, head to shopbeyondmeasure.co.uk  to take home your own. TOTALLY TROPICAL FAN OF bright colours? Melodies, designer Sarah Campbell’s first collaboration with Michael Miller Fabrics, is a collection of quilting and crafting fabrics in two colourways: vibrant and flamboyant ‘Tropics’ and rich, succulent ‘Jewel’. Inspired by folk art, these lovely patterns are printed…

One of the nicest things I get to do as Mr X Stitch is go out and do workshops with people. I’ve started X Stitch Hangouts in London and Bedford – monthly sessions where people get together to learn cross stitch and enjoy the experience of crafting in company. It’s a great evening, not least because both venues sell cakes and fancy cocktails – so even if people don’t stitch a thing, they’re usually in good spirits! Having said that, stitching is still the main aim of the event. Once people are comfortable, I show them how to start stitching, how to finish off their thread and what to do in the middle, and the process takes care of itself. Thanks to cross stitch’s short learning curve, before long everyone…

Max. stitch count: 88 high x 43 wide Design size: 14x7cm Stitch time: 18 hours (all three) Material For each frame • 32 count pink, Belfast linen, 28x20cm • Wood frame with outside measurement of 20x13cm • White mount board • Staple gun • Double-sided tape For stockist details see page 84 Make a… stretched canvas frame Step 1 STARTING with a basic frame, cut a piece of mount board to exactly the same size as the outside edge of the frame. Attach using double-sided tape. Step 2 PLACE strips of double-sided tape on the back of the frame. Next, mark and match up the bottom corners on the frame and the fabric edges. Step 3 STRETCH the fabric to the reverse, folding neatly at each corner. Staple…

Stitch count: 53 high x 56 wide Design size: 10x11cm Stitch time: 7 hours Material 28 count pale grey linen; 25x25cm for the stitching; 50x75cm for rest of the box Lining fabric, 26x42cm Eyelets Mount board, 25x50cm Wadding For stockist details see page 84 Make a… thread box Step 1 TRIM your stitching to 15x16cm. Cut the rest of the linen fabric into five 15x16cm pieces. Cut six 13x14cm pieces of lining fabric. Step 2 SNIP a small hole at the end of the needle of your stitched sewing machine and punch an eyelet through it. Mark on the lining fabric where to put the eyelet and repeat. Step 3 CREATE your box sides. Cut the mount board into four pieces of 11x12cm (these are your back, front…

Stitch count: 22 high x 20 wide Design size: 4x4cm Stitch time: 1 hour Materials Toadstool charm 14 count colour plastic canvas, 8x8cm Two jump rings Chunky 10mm red crackle glass round beads Beading elastic, 25cm For stockist details see page 84 Make a… charm bracelet Step 1 TRIM your plastic canvas to one square outside the stitching all the way round, leaving extra squares at the top to add your jump rings. Add one jump ring and then add another jump ring to the first. Step 2 CUT a length of beading elastic slightly longer than your wrist to allow for knotting. Thread your beads and charm onto the elastic and knot securely. Start with a waste knot and once finished stitching, weave your thread into the…

MATERIALS Pencil case 28 count light rustic Cashel linen, one 19x19cm for cross stitching; one 13x12.5cm for the bag back 21cm zip Cotton patterned fabric front and back, two pieces 13x12.5cm Lining fabric, two pieces 13x23cm Knitting bag 28 count light rustic Cashel linen, two pieces; one 41x46cm for cross stitching; one 35x39cm for the bag back Cotton lining fabric, two pieces 35x39cm Knitting bag handles For stockist details see page 84 Make a… pencil case Step 1 CUT the stitched linen to 13x12.5cm. The bag back and cotton fronts are the same size. Place the stitched fabric and a piece of cotton fabric right sides together. Sew down right hand edge to make centre front seam. Repeat to make the back. Step 2 LAY one lining piece…

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. EMBROIDERY SCISSORS 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. STRANDED COTTON 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…

IN EARLY 1992, WITH QUEEN’S Bohemian Rhapsody at the top of the charts, and programmes like Ab Fab and Heartbeat on the television, thoughts of starting a new cross stitch magazine were born. The previous year Martin and I had started Needlecraft, the first dedicated stitching magazine here in the UK, and it soon became apparent that we could not include enough cross stitch to satisfy our readers. In April of 1992, the first issue of Cross Stitch Collection appeared, and close on its heels in September of that year, CrossStitcher magazine. It seems a long time since those first fledgling thoughts, and in the two decades since we left the magazines, we have written and edited numerous books and raised a family. We are both passionate about cross stitch…

HEARTHANDHARROW Makethemsmilewiththishandprintedgreetingscard.Madeusing alinocutprintingblock,itcomes completewithakraftenvelope. MELONYPATCH Thischirpyprintfabricfrom Makowerisperfectforsomecute crafting.Wethinkitwouldbeideal forliningaprettypurseortotebag! MONYART Flyfreewiththisbeautifulbirdand cagesterlingsilvernecklace. There’stheoptiontopersonalise withyourinitialsifyoulike!…

Stitch count: 114 high x 112 wide Design size: 28x28cm Stitch time: 45 hours Materials 20 count white Bellana evenweave, 45x45cm for the stitching 20 count white Bellana evenweave, two pieces 38x24cm for the backs 20 count white Bellana evenweave, off-cuts for the piping White cotton lining fabric, 38x38cm White bias binding, 160cm Piping cord, 160cm Cushion pad, 40x40cm For stockist details see page 84 Make a… piped cushion Step 1 CUT strips from the extra Bellana fabric and sew into one length, long enough to fit around cushion edge. Step 2 WRAP the fabric around the bias binding, and with a machine zipper foot, sew close to the piping cord to encase it. Make sure you sew up to the edge of the piping without sewing over…

Stitch People create custom cross stitch portraits –surely the ultimate handmade heirloom. They also sell customisable patterns so you can stitch your own nearest and dearest. We caught up with founder Lizzy Dabczynski-Bean, who told us how she went from music school to making memories – all with her needle, plus a little help from her own family… Tell us about your creative life so far… I grew up in Rochester, New York but went to high school in Provo, Utah. I’m primarily a musician – it’s what I did in high school, and I majored in music and business at Brigham Young University. I still enjoy performing at our local community theatre. My grandparents on my dad’s side were musicians and music teachers. My parents met at the Eastman…

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Max stitch count: 69 high x 68 wide Design size: 12.5x12.5cm each Stitch time: 52 hours (all four) Materials For each flower 28 count white evenweave, 25x25cm White backing fabric, 25x25cm 15cm wooden embroidery hoop Glue gun or double-sided tape For stockist details see page 84 Stitch all four flowers on one piece of evenweave to make a bloomin’ lovely cushion cover! How to… frame in a hoop Step 1 TRIM your stitching and backing fabric into a circle slightly larger than your hoop. Centre over the inner hoop and press the outer hoop down over your fabric. Step 2 PULL your fabric taut and tighten the screw as much as you can. Secure the fabric edges with double-sided tape or hot glue.…

Stitch count: 180 high x 120 wide Design size: 33x22cm Stitch time: 75 hours Materials 28 count off white Brittney evenweave, 47x38cm Wooden frame Mount board 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 positioning of your design, then turn over to the reverse. Use double-sided tape to secure the fabric excess around all four sides. Step 3 SECURE the fabric edges with masking tape and remove the pins. Position…

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…

Max stitch count: 36 high x 27 wide Design size: 6.5x5cm each Stitch time: 7 hours each Materials For each tag 28 count cream evenweave, 13x9cm Backing fabric, 13x9cm Eyelet Cream beading cord, 24cm For stockist details see page 84 Make a… gift tag Step 1 PLACE stitched fabric and backing fabric right sides together and stitch all the way round just outside the stitching, to create a tag shape. Leave a gap for turning on the bottom edge. Step 2 TURN right sides out, press and slip stitch the gap closed. Step 3 SNIP a hole in the unstitched part of the tag and punch an eyelet through it. Loop the cord through the eyelet to tie to your gift. Personalise your tag by using backstitch to…

HEN DO WE’VE GOT our eye on pretty peacocks this month. Try these buys or peek at our stitched projects on page 32. WHO  Shake yourtail feather with this fancy peacock mug, just one design in a tableware set handmade by Bristol maker Hannah Turner. www.hannahturner.co.uk WHAT  Add some glamour to your walls with this sumptuous wallpaper designed by fashion star Matthew Williamson. www. osborneandlittle. com HOW Jotdownallyourcraftyplansandprojectsin thislovelypeacocknotebook. www.lucyalicedesigns.co.uk…

Stitch count: 45 high x 39 wide Design size: 9x7cm Stitch time: 8 hours Material • 14 count plastic canvas, 20x20cm For stockist details see page 84 Make a… cup character TRIM your plastic canvas to one square outside the stitching all the way round. Your monkey is ready to use. If you like, you can back your stitching with felt cut to the monkey’s shape. Just remember to remove him when you pour in a drink! You could easily stitch this design on aida for a fun children’s birthday card…

Stitch count: 120 high x 90 wide Design size: 21x16cm Stitch time: 23 hours Materials Picture 28 count blue Cashel linen, 41x36cm Wood frame with outside measurement of 25x20cm White mount board Staple gun Double-sided tape For stockist details see page 84 The single feather can easily be used on other projects. How about a beautiful bookmark? Stitch count: 50 high x 25 wide Design size: 9x5cmStitch time: 5 hours Materials Phone case • 28 count blue Cashel linen, 23x20cm • Blue felt, 23x20cm For stockist details see page 84 Make a… phone case Step 1 DRAW around your phone on paper to create a template, adding 2cm at the sides and bottom. Step 2 PLACE stitched piece and felt right sides together. Cut out using template.…

Stitch count: 170 high x 120 wide Design size: 44x33cm Stitch time: 32 hours Don’t want to bag up y delicates? Frame up this fun design instead to hang up in your laundry room! our Material Laundry bag 20 count white Bellana evenweave, two pieces 73x51.5cm White lining fabric, two pieces 73x51.5cm Thick piping cord, 1 metre For stockist details see page 84 Stitch count: 42 high x 58 wide Design size: 44x33cm Stitch time: 7 hours Material Smalls bag • 28 count white Cashel linen, two pieces 24x20cm • White lining fabric, two pieces 24x20cm • Thin piping cord, 50cm For stockist details see page 84 STRAND COUNT INFO LAUNDRY BAG: stitched on 20 count Bellana evenweave over two threads • Cross stitch in three strands • Backstitch in…

Max. stitch count: 55 high x 40 wide Design size: 10x7cm Stitch time: 22 hours (all four) Make a quick gift by attaching one of these designs as a patch to decorate the front of a recipe book! Materials For each card 28 count white evenweave, 18x15cm White card, 14.5x21cm For stockist details see page 84 Make a… patch card Step 1 FOLD your card in half widthways then open out so you can stitch the design on to the front. Step 2 TRIM your stitching to 11.5x9cm then stitch to the centre of the front of your card by machine. Remove a few fabric threads for a frayed effect.…

Personalising your stitching isn’t new – just think of those beautiful antique alphabet samplers. However, this month we bring this idea bang up-to-date. To start, why not make mini bunting to spell out your name and ‘sign’ it on the reverse of your stitched cushion or bag? Or how about backstitching your name on to the backing fabric of a handmade tote bag or purse? Finally, we show you how to carve your own rubber stamp. This is a fabulous idea for all your cross stitched cards, and adds the perfect finishing flourish! MAKE A… SIGNATURE RUBBER STAMP Carve your own stamp design, complete with your initials or monogram Step 1 DECIDE what motif you’d like to create then draw it on to a piece of tracing paper, using a…

Desperately seeking Does anyone have any charts of John Clayton’s ‘International’ series that they’ve finished with? I’d love any of his designs in this series, but particularly Big Ben and Tulip Fields! I have an illness which limits me going out, I’d like to use my time stitching to take my mind off it and to cheer me up. I also wanted to sew The Wedding by Lavender & Lace but haven’t been able to find it. I’d appreciate help in obtaining this as my close friend is getting married next year and I’d love to stitch it for them as a keepsake. Here’s hoping someone can help. Grace Willetts, 228 Long Lane, Halesowen, West Mids, B62 9JT I’m trying to get hold of the chart of the Copy Cats…