Table of contents for July 2016 in CrossStitcher

Our materials list includes everything you need to make three pin cushions Stitch count: 39 high x 39 wide Design size: 7x7cm (2¾x2¾in) Stitch time: 4 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave fabric over two threads of fabric. Materials 28countwhiteevenweave 11x11cm (4¼x 4¼n) Bright green felt; 10x10cm (4x4in) Green spotted cotton fabric; 15x15cm (6x6in) Pink checked cotton fabric; 15x15cm (6x6in) Pink buttons; 15mm (5/8in) x 2 White lace; 18mm (¾in) wide x 13cm (5in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Make a… cherry pin cushion Step 1 STITCH the cross stitch using two strands of stranded cotton. It may help to wash and press the evenweave dry before you start stitching, as this will remove some of the stiffening, and…

Fiona Crouch designed our row of flowers on page 42 … 'I spend a little while browsing pictures on the Internet to get a feel for the subject. I sit down and sketch lightly in pencil directly onto graph paper. Next I get out a black fineliner pen and create the backstitch. I draw over the sketches, deciding exactly where each line is going to go, then I copy the backstitch from the paper into my cross stitch software before filling in all the colours.” www.etsy.com/uk/shop/  thehappymushroom…

EMBROIDERY FOR THE ABSOLUTE BEGINNER BY SUSIE JOHNS & CAROLINE SMITH [Search Press] Featuring many stitch techniques, from cross stitch to pulled threadwork, this small book is wire-bound for ease of use. With projects to embellish home makes and garments, a sewing machine section also shows how machine embroidery can achieve amazing results in minutes! BEAUTIFUL STITCHES BY SUSAN BATES [Tuva Publishing] Susan Bates is one of our favourite cross stitch designers! Her latest book features over 100 freestyle embroidery motifs, and so is packed with pretty ideas to complement your cross stitch projects. Covering a wide range of subjects, from birds and flowers to travel and gardens, the book uses simple stitches, all clearly explained, so is great for both beginners and more experienced stitchers. STITCHES FROM THE GARDEN…

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Dabbling with fabric dyeing and colouring may not have crossed your mind before, but we’ve a trio of ideas to tempt you, using just a couple of ingredients found at home. Our flower stamping technique turns a plain fabric into something super-pretty! Then raid your kitchen cupboards for a couple of ingredients to create our delicious tie-dyed fabric. Finally, get the watercolours out and start creating our painted ombre fabric. The hand dyed effects you can create with these three ideas are endless… Designs in silhouette, such as our bird, are perfect for an ombre background, as they don’t distract too much from it MAKE A… WATERCOLOUR OMBRE BACKGROUND Break out your watercolours to make a striking ‘sky at night’ effect. Step 1 SOAK the fabric in water as this…

You can make this picture as long or as short as you like - simply select one or two vases or more - it’s up to you! Stitch count: 60 high x 180 wide Design size: 10.5x32cm (4¼x12½in) Stitch time: 40 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart14countwhiteaida, ref: 3706/100; 33x51cm (13x20in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Frame with a 20.5x36cm (8x14in) aperture Mount board to fit frame frame For stockist details see page 86 TURN TO PAGE 18 TO LEARN HOW TO FRAME YOUR PICTURE…

Double-check that you’ll be stitching in the correct position on your fabric – it’s easy to accidentally stitch the design on the back cover! Stitch count: 75 high x 53 wide Design size: 13.5x9.5cm (5¼x3¾in) Stitch time: 7 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials Zweigart28countpaleblue evenweave, ref: 3281/5139; 20x33cm (8x13in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Lining fabric; 18x30cm (7x11¾in) A6 notebook; 15x10.5cm (6x4¼in)  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 opposite onto the fabric with pins. Make sure you’ve left 1.25cm (½in) at the top and bottom of…

Stitch count: 60 high x 180 wide Design size: 11x33cm (4¼x13in) Stitch time: 22 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart14countpalelemon aida, ref: 3706/2030; 63x41cm (25x16in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Backing fabric; 53x38cm (21x13in) Cushion pad; 30.5x51cm 1220in For stockist details see page 86 Make a… cushion Step 1 CUT your stitched cushion front to the same size as your backing fabric. With the stitching right-side up, place the backing fabric on top. Pin, then machine stitch, the cushion front and the backing fabric together with a 1.25cm (½in) seam allowance, but leaving a gap at the bottom for turning. Step 2 TURN to the right side. Insert the cushion pad, and then sew up…

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 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 trims…

LOVELY JUBBLY DESIGNS   For a stunning fabric with European style,we just love this Vintage Travel City Landmarks cotton fabric by Deborah Edwards. SATSUMASTREET Brighten your wall with a sweet cityscape that’s full of colour, like this Pretty Little London design available as an instant download. TOMACRAFTPLACE Finish off a padded hanger perfectly with a special ribbon–this Ivory & Black Paris Ribbon features a wired edge for a luxury finish.…

“You’ll save yourself a lot of time and potential headaches if you stitch in well-lit conditions” Big news, dear readers! I’m working on a book! It’ll be out in the middle of 2017, published by Search Press, and it’s going to be The Mr X Stitch Guide to Cross Stitch. Yes indeed, I’ve got 128 pages in which to share my perspective on the world of cross stitch and impart the three or four strands of wisdom I’ve picked up along the way. I’m really excited and I hope that when it comes out you’ll enjoy it and use it as a tool for pushing your personal boundaries with this humble stitch. Writing about cross stitch, there’s a lot of ground to cover. Not only do you need to know…

Why not stitch this design on 16 count aida to make a sweet summer greetings card? Stitch count: 66 high x 57 wide Design size: 13.5x11.5cm (5¼x4½in) Stitch time: 15 hours This design was stitched on 25 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials Zweigart25countlavenderLugana evenweave, ref: 3835/501; 28x28cm (11x11in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 19x19cm (7½x 7½in) aperture Mount board to fit frame  For stockist details see page 86 TURN TO PAGE 18 TO LEARN HOW TO FRAME YOUR PICTURE…

These designs feature only a few fractional stitches but it’s still best to stitch them on evenweave and not aida, as they’ll be easier to make into gnome shapes Max. stitch count: 69 high x 34 wide Design size: 12x6cm (4¾x2½in) Stitch time: 12 hours (both) These designs were stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials For each gnome Zweigart 28 count white Brittney evenweave, ref: 3270/0100; 18x10cm (7x4in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Backing fabric; 18x10cm (7x4in) Toy stuffing String for hanger For stockist details see page 86 Use a loop of natural twine to hang your gnomes to complete the garden theme! Make a… gnome Step 1 TAKE your stitching and backing fabric and pin them…

THE CHALLENGE THE RULES We stitchers are a pretty resourceful bunch and we like a challenge. And most of us have more in our workboxes than we would admit to. So we thought it would be fun to take up the stash-busting challenge and inspire you to create something gorgeous from just a few bits and bobs that you have already. We’ve invited some of our favourite designers to take part and asked them what they would do with a set of very limited supplies. You can see just what we gave them. And you can join in too – turn the page to take part and your idea could feature on our Pinterest board! AMANDA BUTLER… HOLIDAY TREASURES BAG “The stranded…

This design is also ideal to stitch as a special anniversary card for a couple you know Stitch count: 56 high x 38 wide Design size: 10x6.5cm (4x2½in) Stitch time: 8 hours This design were stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Make a… gift bag Step 1 STITCH your design in the centre of your fabric. Turn over the top edge of the fabric twice onto the wrong side, iron, then machine stitch in place. Step 2 PLACE your stitching down, with right side facing and sew up the centre back seam, then neaten on the inside. Iron the bag so that the design is at the centre front and the seam centre back. Step 3 STITCH across the bottom of the bag then neaten…

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…

Custom fit Worried about using waste canvas? The new Custom By Me range from DMC takes the guesswork out of stitching on other fabrics and garments by providing ‘magic patches’ which have the cross stitch design already printed on them. They are easy to attach to your project and you can wash away the excess canvas sheet in seconds! Each kit contains everything you need; an A5 magical sheet, needle and thread, making them perfect even for beginners. www.dmccreative.co.uk HIGH STREET STYLE OUR SISTER magazine Cross Stitch Collection has a very special design from Heritage in their current issue. Craft Shop is exclusive to Collection, and is designed by Peter Underhill to complement his popular shop series. Peter’s original painting, from which the design was created, is also being…

BEAUTIFUL BALLOONS OUR BALLOON picture on page 20 had us seeking out other designs to help launch us up, up and away this summer… WHO ThiscutetedisthestaroftheBearBallooncross stitchcushionkit–theperfectgifttostitchfora nurseryorlittleone’sbedroom. www.casacenina.com WHAT Looking for a nursery gift for a new born? How about these adorable Hot Air Balloon Wall Hangings from DMC's Ready To Stitch range? www.dmccreative.co.uk HOW Line your summer bags and backyour cushions in style with this bright and breezy Hot Air Balloon fabric. www.lovelyjubblyfabrics.co.uk…

Stitching this as a gift but pushed for time? The house without its flower border still makes a super-sweet design to frame up Stitch count: 117 high x 120 wide Design size: 21.5x22cm (8½x8¾in) Stitch time: 35 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart14countlightblue aida, ref: 3706/503; 46x46cm (18x18in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 26x26cm (10¼x10¼in) 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.…

Stitch count: 141 high x 100 wide Design size: 25.5x18.5cm (10x7¼in) Stitch time: 25 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart14countwhiteaida, ref: 3706/100; 35.5x28cm (14x11in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 29.5x23cm (9x8¾in) aperture Mount board to fit frame  For stockist details see page 86 VERSATILE DESIGN This charming baby sampler was designed so that it could be stitched for a boy or a girl. With its soft, neutral pastel colours, it would make a beautiful addition to any nursery. Each panel could also easily be stitched separately and used on the front of a birth card or a baby journal to make a sweet gift. You can easily add the baby’s name using the alphabet…

This month we’re heading to the haberdashery to find the supplies and tools we need to make our alphabet – one we know every sewing addict will be itching to stitch! From unpickers to thread skeins and from tape measures to needles – every letter and number has been sew carefully crafted! All you have to do is spell out your favourite phrases and start stitching! ‘Just Sew Happy’ was stitched on Zweigart 32 count Vintage Lavender Belfast Linen, ref: 3609/5059, and is 71 high x 202 wide. The design size is 12x31cm (4¾x12¼in), and it took our stitcher 40 hours to complete. Use up spare colours when stitching the skeins and spools as they can be whichever shade you like Spell out your name on an aida patch and…

Sarah Watson’s embroidery and fabric design, not to mention her gorgeous illustrations, have inspired us for ages, so we were super-excited to see her new book, Pen to Thread. We caught up with Sarah – who now lives on a mountain farm in Sao Paulo state – jealous, us? – to chat all things creative… Have you always wanted to have a creative life? I went into college not sure what I would study! I don’t remember ever being strictly pushed down one path or another, but the creative option was always open. Unknowingly, when I was very young they jump -started me with painting lessons after some family members noticed a creative spark. My mum taught me how to sew, and I’ve always liked creating and working with my…

Customise your design by choosing your own thread colours - you could even go for a monochrome look by choosing different shades of just one colour Stitch time: Various These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. MATERIALS Moscow or London hoop • Zweigart 14 count white aida, ref: 3706/100; 28x28cm (11x11in) • Wooden hoop; 15cm (6in) diameter Paris picture • Zweigart 14 count white aida, ref: 3706/100; 25.5x33cm (10x13in) • Wooden frame with a 20x14cm (8x5½in) aperture For both • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle For stockist details see page 86 More to make... Our cityscapes are great for all sorts of projects. Here are some more ideas you could make... 1 Make a ‘Bon Voyage’ card for someone going…

Stitch count: 31 high x 33 wide Design size: 5.5x6cm (2¼x2¼in) Stitch time: 3 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 Hi, I am I am looking for a copy of Cross Stitch Collectionissue 198, from July 2001. There is a pattern in there of Jeremy Fisher from Beatrix Potter that I want to stitch. Please let me know if anyone has it; you get in touch by email. Thank you so much. Salliejoe Tyson Email: salliejoe2000@yahoo.com Get in touch My name is Gillian and I am a housewife. I would love to hear from people around the world. My hobbies include cross stitch and using my sewing machine to make items. I also make cards using cross stitch. I enjoy reading, cooking, penpaling and shopping. I am currently learning how to patchwork as well. I look forward to hearing from you all by email or snail mail. Gillian…