Table of contents for July 2018 in CrossStitcher

Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count: 52 high x 35 wide Design size: 9.5x6.5cm (3¾x2½in) Stitch time: 5 hours Make a… bee needle case Step 1 TAKE a 11.5x16.5cm (4½2x6½in) piece of 14 count white aida. Position your stitching on it to make into a needle case – first fold the aida fabric in half widthways to create the needle case cover. Press along the spine of the case to make a clear fold in the fabric. Unfold the aida, and leaving two blank squares between the spine and the stitching, centre your design between the top and bottom of the fabric to the right of the spine, to form the front of your case. Step 2 COMPLETE the stitching, then fold the excess aida at the edges of the needle case,…

“I sketched this when my little boy was completely obsessed with ice cream. I like to colour my sketches and decide on threads before I make them digital as I find it better to use my physical thread chart for true colours. I love using a lot of colour in my patterns so I went for a three-scoop ice cream instead of a traditional ‘Mr. Whippy’. And this was a great excuse to mix up a pastel palette with a bright rainbow one; something that rarely works in other patterns.” www.hannahhandmakes.com…

While the sun is hopefully shining in the northern hemisphere, I’m sheltering from the storms and winds lashing outside my window. Winter has come to Australia and the sun and beaches have been replaced by rain and blankets. My go-to winter wear is this super cosy teddy bear fur onesie! In this instalment of literary Stitch People, we find ourselves in company with Captain Ahab and that dastardly White Whale. Many of us have our own ‘white whales’–those things that we just can’t let go of. Captain Ahab was probably most angry about the fact that his fluffy onesie would no longer fit properly after the whale took his leg. I hear you, Ahab! My cross stitch ‘white whale’ focuses around a perfectly stitched piece. How many of us have…

Change the light blue aida for pale blue or grey to give your scene and sky a subtly different look Minimum backstitch is used in this design to help create a pretty watercolour effect Designed by: Maria Diaz Stitch count: 166 high x 165 wide Design size: 30.5x30.5cm (12x12in) Stitch time: 63 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart Light Blue 14 count aida, ref: 3706/503; 46x46cm (18x18in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Wooden quilting hoop; 34cm (13½in) diameter 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…

You can buy the bright pink pom-pom trim we used for our cushion from www.willowfabrics.com Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 140 high x 140 wide Design size: 26x26cm (10¼x10¼in) Stitch time: 54 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart Black 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0720; 50x50cm (19½x19½in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Backing fabric; 35.5x35.5cm (14x 14in) Cushion pad; 33x33cm (13x13in) Cerise Pink 20mm (¾in) pom-pom trim; 1.5m (60in) For stockist details see page 89 Make a… cushion Step 1 COMPLETE the stitching, then cut the evenweave to 35.5x35.5cm (14x14in), with the design in the centre. Step 2 WORK on the right side and place the pom-pom trim around the edge of the stitched cushion front, with the pom-poms facing…

Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 74 high x 43 wide Design size: 13.5x7.5cm (5¼x3in) Stitch time: 4 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Glasses case Zweigart Antique White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0101; 18x11.5cm (7x4½in) Size 24 tapestry needle Backing fabric; 18x11.5cm (7x4½in) x 3 pieces For stockist details see page 89 Make a… glasses case Step1 PLACE one fabric rectangle on top of your stitching, right-sides facing. Sew across the top edge with a 1.25cm (½in) seam allowance. Fold the fabric over onto the reverse of your stitching and then run your nail across the fold to make sure it lays flat. Unfold and place right-side up on the table. Step 2 JOIN the remaining two pieces of fabric in the same way.…

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…

EARTHGLAZEUK Decorated in a turquoise crackle glaze, these porcelain fish buttons are created by hand in Devon and turn out differently every time. CRAFTYLICIOUSRIBBON Perk up projects with this unusual Pink Fish Scale 75mm Grosgrain Ribbon which can be ordered by the metre as a continuous length. FABRICANDRIBBON Part of Makower’s Marina collection, this Silver Fishes cotton fabric shows a pattern of white fish on a silver or blue/grey background.…

THE ROYAL SCHOOL OF NEEDLEWORK BOOK OF EMBROIDERY VARIOUS [Search Press] This book is a comprehensive source of embroidery techniques, stitches and projects. There are eight key subjects: crewelwork, bead embroidery, stumpwork, canvas-work, goldwork, whitework, blackwork and silk shading. Compiled from the RSN Essential Stitch Guide series, there’s also a new section on mounting your work, plus everything is presented in this easy-to-follow larger format. STITCH AND PATTERN JEAN DRAPER [Batsford] Jean Draper is a textile artist and tutor and in this book she explores how to get creative with pattern in textile art. She uses patterns from around the world as inspiration, from West African Kente Cloth to the Gee’s Bend quilts of Alabama as well as the patterns found in nature, plants and flowers. The book is also…

Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 50 high x 50 wide (each) Design size: 9x9cm (3½x3½in) Stitch time: 8 hours (each) These designs were stitched on 28 count linen working each stitch over two threads of fabric. Materials Zweigart 28 count Cashel in Antique White, ref: 3281/0101, Cream, ref: 3281/0222 and Pale Blue, ref: 3281/0562; 20x20cm (8x8in) of each colour Backing fabric; 20x20cm (8x8in) x 3 pieces Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle For stockist details see page 89 For sturdier trays you could iron on Vilene to the back of your stitching before making up Make a… tray Step 1 COMPLETE the stitching, then place the stitching and the backing fabric right-sides together. Step 2 PIN, then machine stitch, around the edge with a…

Designed by: Helen Philipps Stitch count: 55 high x 45 wide Design size: 10x8.5cm (4x3¼in) Stitch time: 6 hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials For each card Zweigart Antique White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0100; 15x12.5cm (6x5in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Card blank with an 11x9.5cm (4¼x3¾in) rectangular aperture For stockist details see page 89 Wash your hands before each stitching session to avoid marking the white aida you are working on Make an… aperture card Step 1 WORK using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch and one strand for both the backstitch and the French knot. Step 2 TRIM the stitched fabric to fit your card, with the design centrally placed behind the…

SUSAN BRENNAN Most of what I hate is something I need to practise. But my number one hate with kits is poor quality threads. It is so annoying if a kit comes with dodgy thread and you have to go and buy more that doesn’t snap or fray. CONCEPTA GRENNAN MURPHY Not a big fan of French knots but mainly my only problem is not enough time to stitch. HELEN YOUNG Losing my needles. Although I recently bought a magnetic needle holder, and that has solved that problem. SHEILA DONNELLAN JONES Calling a piece of work ‘a stitch’ drives me mad. I had never heard it until recently and now it’s everywhere. It’s infuriating. EMELIE CARLSSON I just can’t do backstitching. I know it makes a great difference but I…

Welcome to the Great British stitch off! Show off all the sights and fabulous fayre of a country flower show in style. Our charming sampler includes all those traditional treats that are an important part of these annual events – from scones and jam to strawberries and cream. This is the perfect project for anyone who’s relatively new to stitching, looking for a slightly bigger challenge. Designed by: Susan Bates Stitch count: 180 high x 120 wide Design size: 33x22cm (13x8¾in) Stitch time: 65 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart Antique White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0101; 55x50cm (21½ x19½in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 34x24cm (13½x9½in) aperture Mount board to fit frame For stockist…

FAB FLAMINGOS INSPIRED BY our flamingo cushion on page 26, you’ll be tickled pink by these pretty products… WHO Renowned artist Hannah Dale’s work is the basis for this gorgeous cotton linen blend fabric that’s perfect for craft projects. It is available by the metre and has a vertical pattern repeat of 45cm. www.wrendaledesigns.co.uk WHAT Keep note of what’s in your stash, current WIPs and birthday stitching wish lists with this oh-so-pretty Flamingo Lake Lined Notebook. www.papier.com HOW Declutter your sewing table with this canvas flamingo storage basket that’s perfect for skeins of thread, thread sorters and other stitching bits and bobs. www.tch.net…

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 Summer Aida FQ for £5.30, ref: FQSUM01 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…

If you’d like your fishes to be sparkly, stitch some of the scales or patterns using metallic threads that coordinate with the colour scheme Designed by: Sarah Cookland Stitch count: 25 high x 70 wide (each) Design size: 13x4.5cm (5¼x1¾in) Stitch time: 6 hours (each) This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials For each fish Zweigart Ice Blue 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0550; 7.5x18cm (3x7in) x 2 pieces Toy stuffing Size 24 tapestry needle String For stockist details see page 89 Make a… padded fish Step 1 STITCH one or both sides of each fish. Once the stitching is complete, place your stitching and backing fabric, or second stitched fish, right-sides together. Sew around the fish shape with two blank squares of fabric outside the stitching, leaving the tail…

Whatever your favourite ice cream, we have a freezer-full of yummy flavours for you to stitch on aida band. The pretty card is great for a summer birthday with its cute perforated paper cone which looks almost good enough to eat. Our easy keyfob is quick to stitch and great for keeping keys safe or attaching to a teenager’s bag. Finally, with festival season in full swing, it will take no time to stitch up a whole batch of these pretty bracelets for daughters, nieces or anyone enjoying a music event this summer. MAKE AN… ICE CREAM SUNDAE KEYRING Using aida band means this design can be quickly converted to a keyring. Step1 FOLD your aida band in half, making sure your stitching is equally positioned on both sides. Bring…

Designed by: Lucie Heaton Max. stitch count: 45 high x 45 wide Max. design size: 12.5x12.5cm (5x5in) Stitch time: 3 hours each (large motif); 1½ hours each (small motif) These designs were stitched on 18 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials Zweigart White 18 count Cotton-Anne cloth, ref: 7588/0100-145; 72.5x115cm (28½x45in) – Half Panel Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle For stockist details see page 89 Part 1 of our baby afghan was in CrossStitcher issue 331 (June) and part 2 in issue 332 (Summer). Don’t worry if you missed them – both back issues are available to order from www.willowfabrics.com Stitching your… afghan Step1 TAKE a look at the half panel of Cotton-Anne cloth. It will have 28 small panels – seven…

This hoop matches our stationery set featured in issue 331–if you’d like to stitch the set, you can order a back issue from www.willowfabrics.com Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 77 high x 80 wide Design size: 14.5x14.5cm (5¾x5¾in) Stitch time: 9 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart Antique White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0101; 25.5x25.5cm (10x10in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Wooden embroidery hoop; 15cm (6in) diameter For stockist details see page 89 TURN TO PAGE 21 FOR HOW TO FRAME IN A HOOP…

Welcome to this month’s challenge! It’s summertime and to celebrate we asked our three top designers to get busy crafting a fun birthday card for the season using only the supplies we allowed them. They had to include a mini glass bottle in their design, plus they were allowed a mystery ingredient of their own choice to go in it. Each rose to the challenge beautifully and their results are below. We hope this will inspire you to join in too – turn the page to see what our challenge will be for September – we’ve listed everything you need to take part. SHANNON WASILIEFF… MERMAID KISSES “The colours chosen for this design were fun and tropical and made me think of this quote. My secret item to fill the…

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…