Table of contents for July 2017 in CrossStitcher

Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count, design size, stitch time: var ious This design was stitched on 14 count plastic canvas. Use a small, sharp pair of embroidery scissors when trimming plastic canvas to help keep your cuts accurate Make an… ice-cream necklace or bracelet Step 1 STITCH your chosen motif or motifs onto plastic canvas, taking care to finish your thread ends by running them through the back of your stitching. You will need to leave at least three blank squares of plastic canvas between each motif. Step 2 CUT around the stitching, leaving one blank square of unstitched plastic canvas around the design. If you are making the ice-cream scoop necklace, thread split rings through the plastic canvas to hold each layer of stitching together. The…

Sara is designer and owner of Little Beach Hut. “When I started designing I thought there was a gap in the market for cute, natural designs which are quick to do. "I start by looking at photos of the animal I've chosen and making sketches, then I use these to hand-stitch the project. I create them as I go along and change the shape and shading until I am happy, then re-do the faces until they show the correct level of cuteness!” littlebeachhut.com  etsy.com/shop/littlebeachhut…

Have you ever been to ‘The West' in the USA? Anywhere from Colorado through rural California can evoke the imagery of lazy sagebrush, dry sand, suntanned cowboys, hovering mountains and an open fire. “Home, home on the range – where the deer and the antelope play.” Spoiler alert – ‘The West’ isn’t (always) like that. Don’t get me wrong, though, you can definitely find a cowboy if you go looking. But there is so much more to the Western United States than being ‘home on the range.’ When my family moved to Utah from New England many years ago, we were working with some fairly accurate expectations. Dry air – your hair and nails won’t thank you. Rocky Mountains – they’re bigger and more spectacular than you think! Sand and…

Your materials pack contains: • Zweigart Ice Blue 14 count aida OR 28 count Brittney evenweave • Skeins of DMC stranded cotton in blue, pink or peach depending on choice of colourway • Two gold-plated tapestry needles; size 24 and size 26 How to order: Go to www.willowfabrics.com to order your project pack at the CrossStitcher reader price of £31.50 (Brittney pack) or £29.95 (aida pack), plus P&P.…

KAREN L DUQUESNE I stitch pictures and have a computer programme that converts photos into cross stitch charts so I quite often make these rather than buy charts. That way I have unique pictures for my wall, plus many hours of memories stitching them. KATHRYN VANDAL-HALFORD Pictures are lovely, but I prefer stitching things I can make into something, be it a cushion, card or brooch. If I can make something out of my stitching it means they're not stuck in a draw unused and unseen. URŠKA SKALICKY I did and do a lot of 'domestic decorative linens', like big and small tablecloths. But later I make little framed pieces, too. ANGELA REYES I enjoy making larger pictures, especially scenic ones. Have given away many. I like that others are…

You summery ’ll find beautiful shades of gingham in different check sizes for different effects at www.hig gsandhig gs.com Step 1 WORK a series of double cross foundation stitches over the darkest check of your gingham. Make sure the gingham checks are truly square for this technique, as some gingham checks can be a little bit elongated. Step 2 WORK a series of straight stitches across a single gingham check, taking the thread down to meet the end of your foundation stitch. Work all foundation stitches in the same sequence of stitches. Step 3 LACE your straight stitches; bring your needle up at A, from beneath your straight stitch. With the eye of the needle pass the needle under the adjacent straight stitch. Pull the thread through. Step 4 CONTINUE…

“There’s nowhere I’d rather be than on top of a mountain or alongside the ocean” After taking countless photos of the scenery she loves to hike through, Brittney Muns discovered the perfect way to capture the atmosphere – through stitching. These days she never sets out without a selection of carefully sorted threads, ready to start embroidering as soon as she stops to camp for the night. She tells us the delights and challenges of blending her favourite pastimes… How did you first discover stitching? I’ve always loved painting and drawing but I’m always looking for new creative outlets. I loved the idea of giving my paintings more texture and dimension so decided to give embroidery a whirl. I taught myself through trial and error and a year later it’s…

You can pick out certain elements to stitch as motifs on a matching cushion if you like Designed by: Lesley Teare Stitch count: 168 high x 114 wide Design size: 30x21.5cm (11¾x8½in) Stitch time: 115 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials • Zweigart Black 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0720; 50x38cm (20x15in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Kreinik blending filament; colour 34 • Size 24 tapestry needle • Frame with a 34x24cm (13½x9½in) aperture • Mount board to fit frame For stockist details see page 89 TAKE A CLOSER LOOK Make sure you use a dark fabric as the backstitch and French knots are worked in a lighter thread so they stand out against the black aida background…

THE CHALLENGE • One piece of white 14 count aida • Five shades of stranded cotton (shown above) • One pencil button • One mystery ingredient of your own choice THE RULES • The design is to be used for a thank you teacher card • Only the materials above can be used • The design must be no larger than 56x50 stitches portrait • No fractional stitches allowed • Be creative as possible! The new school term is just around the corner and there’s nothing like a handmade card to show you care. We asked three designers to let their imaginations run wild to make a suitable card using one mystery ingredient as well as a cute mini pencil button. Read the challenge rules on the left to see exactly what they were given. We hope this will…

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…

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF when you dream about a holiday? For us it has to be the bright colours of sunny climes. Maybe it’s the extra sunshine – or just the exuberance of our holiday wardrobe! – but everything is so much lighter and brighter than back at home. We thought it would be wonderful to capture this feeling in cross stitch – but where to pick for inspiration? We settled on the Greek islands – all those whitewashed buildings stacked up the hillsides, the many tiny chapels and of course the intense colour of the Mediterranean sea. This is what we had in mind when we invited Emma Congdon to create our cover project this month (page 14). We’re thrilled with the picture postcard view she has designed…

HANDMADEBYELAINE33 Making a cushion using our pig alphabet? Fasten it using these cute fabric-covered 28mm buttons in red and pink. MILACROSSSTITCH Cross stitch the most famous pig of all, Peppa, with this kit to make a hanging decoration that would make a cute bag charm. LEANNESCRAFTS Make your very own sock pig using this kit which includes beads, needle, polyfill, thread, buttons, socks and full colour instructions.…

RSN: RAISED EMBROIDERY KELLEY ALDRIDGE [Search Press] Part of a new series of RSN titles, here Kelley Aldridge, an expert teacher with the The Royal School of Needlework, showcases traditional raised embroidery techniques, with three projects to try. The book includes sumptuous photos to inspire you, as well as a full guide to how to achieve the stitches with photos and instructions for each technique. SEW BOHO: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO CREATE BOHO CHIC DESIGNS KELLY FLETCHER [Becker & Mayer] Designed as a follow-up title to Sew Cute, Sew Boho is actually a kit as well as a book that is great for beginner stitchers. It includes a collection of boho-style patterns and borders to embroider or stitch onto dresses, bags, pillows, and much more! Mix and match the motifs…

 Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 35 high x 35 wide Use fabric glue on the edges of the aida fabric to prevent fraying, before adding the blanket stitch Design size: 6.5x6.5cm (2½x2½in) Stitch time: 4 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials • Zweigart Antique White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0101; 10x10cm (4x4in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle • Teal felt; 10x10cm (4x4in) • Teal felt; 5x22cm (2x8¾in) x 2 pieces • Pearl cotton or stranded cotton for blanket stitch edging • Buttons x 2 for strap and watch winder • Cardboard circle; 7cm (2¾in) diameter • Toy stuffing Make a… watch pincushion Step 1 STITCH the watch design onto your aida fabric, then place face-up…

Frame your design in the normal way, or neaten the edges, making a channel at the top for a wooden dowel  Designed by: Jane Prutton Stitch count: 145 high x 80 wide Design size: 26x14cm (10¼x5½in) Stitch time: 82 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. • Zweigart Blue 28 count Brittney, ref: 3270/503; 40.5x25.5m (16x10in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 26 tapestry needle For stockist details see page 89 Materials TAKE A CLOSER LOOK It stitch 's important on a pale to blue evenweave as we have done as it completely forms the sky in our campervan scene – only the clouds are stitched!…

Why not use one or more of these designs to customise a gingham shirt by decorating the front or the yoke? Step 1 WORK your double cross foundation stitches over the darkest coloured check, taking care to finish with the horizontal stitch of your vertical cross, to keep everything looking the same. Step 2 WORK the lacing stitches; bring the needle up at A, angling the needle from beneath your central foundation stitch. Pass the needle eye under the opposite central vertical foundation stitch. Step 3 COMPLETE this lacing stitch by taking the needle down at B, under the vertical stitch of your central foundation stitch. This lacing stitch creates the individual petals of this daisy design. Step 4 CONTINUE to work a total of eight lacing stitches to complete…

Stitch count: 120 high x 90 wide Design size: 22x16.5cm (8¾x6½in) Stitch time: 37 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Picture • Zweigart White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0100; 35.5x30.5cm (14x12in) • 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 89 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…

Designed by: Becky Spencer Stitch count: 58 high x 38 wide Design size: 9x7cm (3½x2¾in) Stitch time: 9 hours each These designs were stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials For each card • Zweigart Antique White 28 count Brittney, ref: 3270/0101; 15x12.5cm (6x5in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 26 tapestry needle • Card blanks with a 10x7.5cm (3x4in) rectangular aperture For stockist details see page 89 Make an… aperture card Step 1 WORK all the cross stitch in two strands of stranded cotton, with one strand for the backstitch and French knots. Step 2 TRIM the stitched fabric to fit your card, with the design centrally placed behind the card’s aperture. Step 3 ATTACH double-sided tape to the…

MATERIALS Mug wrap (each) • Zweigart Flecked Oatmeal 14 count aida band, ref: 7107/53; 5cm (2in) x distance around mug plus turnings Cactus hoop • Zweigart Flecked Oatmeal 14 count rustico aida, ref: 3279/054; 25.5x25.5cm (10x10in) • Wooden embroidery hoop; 16cm (6in) diameter) For all • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle For stockist details see page 89 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 a piece of…

PLAYING CARDS LIKE OUR playing cards greetings on page 67? Then play your cards right with this new deck of designs… WHO Alice in Wonderland is the name and inspiration for this colourful cotton fabric that is sold in precut fat quarters. www.myfabrichouse.co.uk WHAT This Playing Cards Theme Fabric Ribbon comes in Dice and Card Game and Poker Soldiers designs in 2m or 10m lengths. www.etsy.com/uk/shop/YunuiWorkshop HOW Jot down stitching notes and ideas using this gorgeous A6 ‘Suits’ fabric covered notebook in a mustard design with grey accents placed against a white background . www.graceandfavourhome.com…

 Designed by: Emma Congdon A small tester pot of paint will contain enough paint for you to coordinate your frame with your project Stitch count: 180 high x 180 wide Design size: 34x34cm (13½x13½in) Stitch time: 128 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials • Zweigart Ice Blue 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0550; 55x55cm (21¾x21¾in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle • Frame with a 34x34cm (13½x13½in) aperture • Mount board to fit frame Turn the page to pick your palette summer '. We colourways have two more to stitch exciting !…

What better way to celebrate summer than with a few gingham accessories? Ours are stitched using the ‘chicken scratch’ technique. Using a series of foundation and lacing stitches worked onto gingham fabric, it’s very pretty and simple to do. To start, we’ve a sweet heart sachet – the perfect gift for a summer baby or wedding. Next, we have a sunglasses case with a delicate daisy design. Our coaster is our final chicken scratch design – it would make the perfect addition to any summer occasion!…

Gingham checks come in a variety of sizes – our gingham fabric works out to around 5 checks per inch. Each check measures just under 5mm Step 1 WORK foundation stitches over the darkest coloured check, followed by lacing stitch. Bring your needle up at A, angling your needle as you do so to prevent snagging your foundation stitch. Step 2 WORK your lacing stitches as shown on the chart, by passing the eye of the needle under your foundation stitches. Each petal is made up of four lacing stitches. Step 3 COMPLETE the laced petal shape by taking the needle down at B, again angling the needle and taking the thread down through the fabric, under your foundation stitch. Step 4 FINISH the four petals of your flower in…

Crazy Cat Lady kits ‘On Holiday with Crazy Cat Lady’ from Peter Underhill is the latest in the ‘Crazy Cat Lady’ series from Heritage Crafts. Here she is sitting in her beach hut surrounded by her cats. Worked on 28 count evenweave, the detail and colour in this design make it a joy to stitch. The design size is 18x30.5cm (7x12in) and the RRP is £35. The kit is available to order from www.hcrafts.com. We have two kits to give away! Enter by post to the address below, labelling your entry ‘CRAZY CAT LADY GIVEAWAY XST320’. Stitched Sewing Organisers books This book by Aneela Hoey contains 15 sewing organisers to choose from and in a neat twist, some of the smaller projects will fit inside the larger ones. The perfect…

Double stitching -check in the that correct you’ll be easy position to accidentally on your fabric stitch – it the ’s design on the back cover! Materials • Zweigart Antique White 28 count Quaker cloth, ref: 3993/101; 25.5x46cm (10x18in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 26 tapestry needle • Lining fabric; 19x38.5cm (7½x15½in) • Notebook; 15.5x11cm (6x4¼in) For stockist details see page 89 Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 84 high x 60 wide Design size: 15x10cm (6x4in) Stitch time: 25 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. It cover ’seasy using to the personalise alphabet your provided book Make a… notebook cover Step 1 WAIT before you begin stitching and wrap your evenweave fabric around the notebook…

Designed by: Maria Diaz Stitch count: 54 high x 33 wide Design size: 10x6cm (4x2¼in) Stitch time: 4 hours This design was stitched on 14 count plastic canvas. Materials • White 14 count plastic canvas; 11.5x9cm (4½x3½in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle • Felt; 11.5x9cm (4½x3½in) • Split ring; 2.5cm (1in) diameter For stockist details see page 89 Make a… feather keyring Step 1 COMPLETE the stitching then cut out your plastic canvas using small, sharp scissors, leaving one blank square outside the stitching. Step 2 CUT felt to fit the back of your feather, using fabric glue to hold it in place. Using a sharp needle, pierce the plastic canvas, making two holes at the top of the feather.…

Desperately seeking Does anyone possibly have, or know where I can obtain, a copy of CrossStitcher magazine 2011 with the cover titled The Best of Margaret Sherry, as shown above. Any assistance you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Connie Bower, 24278 Elmhurst Dr., Elkhart, IN 46517, USA Email: CBower5018@aol.com I saved some landscape designs from the November 1998 issue but appear to have lost the last page which contains the thread key for one of the designs. The four designs were Woodland Walk, Cornfield, Forest Pool and Babbling Brook. All the keys except Forest Pool are on the page with the chart but it appears that the chart for Forest Pool must have been on the following page. I wonder whether it is possible to get a copy…

Your projects 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…