Table of contents for January 2019 in CrossStitcher

Designed by: Maria Diaz Stitch count: 38 high x 28 wide Design size: 7x5cm (2¾x2in) Stitch time: 6 hours (each) Using… your calendar CREATE Milly’s Year in stitches! For 2019 our special free gift features our calendar girl, Milly, in a different scene each month. Here we’re giving you the stitch details for each of the designs for the year, worked on 14 count aida, and a copy of the January chart and key to get you off to a flying start. If you’d like to stitch the complete calendar as a sampler, with the names of each month backstitched below the pictures, you can send for a project pack including a layout guide and a chart for the lettering – turn to page 15 to order. All the designs…

Vicky’s illustrations combine with the sewing and Photoshop skills of her sister Emma. This design was originally created as a Christmas card to sell at craft fairs. Vicky says “I love bold, contrasting colours and my inspiration comes from mid-20th century posters and everything Art Deco, but I can’t resist drawing cute creatures! I created Mr Reindeer as a pencil sketch before colouring him in Photoshop, then handing over to Emma to create a pattern to stitch.” www.etsy.com/uk/shop/vickysworld…

Hullo happy stitchers! Cross stitch gives back in so many ways, but one of the big ways it gives back to me, professionally, is by allowing me to set my own work schedule. Working 9-5 limited the amount of flexibility I had for each day but now, when the sun is shining, I don’t stay cooped up inside! I can take my hand shovel and my compost and while away a few happy hours in the garden–because the boss said I could! When I first became a freelance cross-stitch designer, my schedule felt so naughty: sleeping in (I’m not a morning person), starting work at 11am, taking long breaks… I felt like the slackest person in the world! But then I would put in hours after dinner each night when…

Designed by: Zoë Patching Stitch count: 42 high x 32 wide Design size: 7.5x5.5cm (3x2¼in) Stitch time: 4 hours This design was stitched on 28 count linen over two threads of fabric Materials Zweigart Natural 28 count Cashel, ref: 3281/0306; 18x18cm (7x7in) x 2 pieces Size 26 tapestry needle Toy stuffing String for hanger Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Project Inspiration We made our snowdrops into a hanging heart by cutting the stitched fabric and backing fabric into a heart shape. Once sewn together around the edge, right-sides facing, the heart is turned through the gap left on one side and stuffed with toy stuffing. The gap is then sewn up, and a string hanger sewn to the top with a few neat stitches. THE SNOWDROP Our first flower is one…

We love llamas, and we also love the new DMC Étoile thread, so we’ve used it to add a little bit of sparkle to these three fun snow globes. Our red flexi-hoop globe makes a quick finish, and features a cute llama with bobble hat and beaded leg trim. Our padded snow globe has 2018 stitched onto an Étoile base. Finally, our blue paper snow globe is also partly stitched in Étoile, and features a llama laden with gifts. So this Christmas, forget snowmen and reindeer, the llama is the face of the holiday season! MAKE A… FLEXI-HOOP SNOW GLOBE Flexi-hoops make the perfect way to quickly finish off a mini design. Step1 COMPLETE the stitching on a piece of navy 14 count alda. Place the inner ring of the…

Designed by: Rebecca Spencer Stitch count: 175 high x 119 wide Design size: 32x21.5cm (12½x8½in) Stitch time: 43 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric Materials Zweigart Ivory 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0264; 50x36cm (19½x14¼in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key DMC Light Effects as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 34x24cm (13½x9½in) aperture Mount board to fit frame Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Take the blended metallic backstitched letters slowly, ensuring each stitch is lying nice and flat before moving on to the next PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch ’Tis The Season, 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…

Designed by: Susan Bates Stitch count: 182 high x 118 wide Design size: 32x20.5cm (12½x8in) Stitch time: 37 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric Materials Zweigart Snow Glitter 28 count Brittney, ref: 3270/0011; 50x36cm (19½x14¼in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 34x24cm (13½x9½in) aperture Mount board to fit frame Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Merry Christmas to all our readers! Although the festive season is a time of giving, we wanted to include a project in this issue that is really a treat for yourself! Our sampler is such a fun stitch, as you can work on one motif or band at the time, adding to your sense of satisfaction as the design grows. It’s…

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…

YOUR FREE GIFT! You’ll love our Cross My Heart brooch with bead trim – your free kit contains everything you need to complete it… Inside this month ❤ Dream big with our bold & bright on-trend cushion ❤ Make our purrfect cat pincushion with felt tail ❤ Love that grows: plant puns Valentine’s cards! ❤ Get organised with our postage stamp pen pot Contents subject to change. Overseas gifts may vary. 82 BRAND NEW DESIGNS A NEW YEAR OF CROSS STITCHING! FRESH NEW LOOKS, MAKES & IDEAS FOR YOU Inside… CrossStitcher Packed with new ideas and designs for you Just stitch it! PLUS We show you three fun ideas for making super-cute snow globe designs MAGAZINE ORDERING SERVICE Did you know that most independent newsagents operate a ‘Shop Save’ service? They…

NANNASRIBBONS Use this Colourful Presents Printed Cotton Christmas Ribbon to trim cards or attach to tags. 15mm wide, it comes in 2 or 5 metre lengths. BEAGLEANDHAREDESIGNS This set of 10 Wooden Present Shaped Buttons comes in a mixed set of colours with two holes in the centre of the button. HOLMFIRTHFABRIC We love this fabric featuring bold and bright gifts – buy Makower 1607 Wrap it Up Presents in White or Navy by the half metre.…

TINY STITCHES IREM YAZICI [Search Press] Instagram superstar (@_.baobap._) and embroidery designer Irem Yazici has compiled 20 mini accessories for you to embroider and wear with buttons, badges, brooches and more to glam up your wardrobe. Irem’s pieces are quirky and make gorgeous gifts too. No more than 10 stitches are used for the 20 projects throughout, and each project is explained with clear photography and easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions. Each are designed to be simple to stitch, make and finish. WOMEN WHO ROCK CROSS-STITCH ANNA FLEISS & LAUREN MANCUSO [Running Press Adult] Women Who Rock Cross-Stitch is a collection of patterns of female icons from music history. Celebrate their achievements in stitches with 20 designs to choose from – from Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks and soul legend Aretha Franklin, to…

Designed by: Amanda Butler Stitch count: 98 high x 98 wide Design size: 18x18cm (7x7in) Stitch time: 35 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric Materials Zweigart Snow Glitter 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0011; 36x36cm (14x14in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Mill Hiil beads as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Wooden embroidery hoop; 18cm (7in) diameter Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com If you use sparkly snow glitter fabric or any other sparkly fabric, you will find the shine will appear though the areas stitched in half cross stitch PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch Wonder of Winter, we have a materials pack with everything you need to get you stitching right away, and have it delivered straight to your door! Your…

Designed by: Cheryl McKinnon (Tiny Modernist) Stitch count: 51 high x 36 wide – gable ends; 33 high x 60 wide – front and back Design size: 8x6cm (3¾x23⁄8in); 5x10cm (2x4in) Stitch time: 30 hours This design was stitched on 32 count linen over two threads of fabric Materials Zweigart Natural Gold 32 count Belfast, ref: 3609/0018; 40x23cm (16x9in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle White felt; 10x9cm (4x3½in) x 2 pieces Cardboard Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com We used white felt for a snow-covered roof effect - you can use a different colour if you prefer Make a… Christmas house Step 1 STITCH two house sides and two gable ends. Leave at least 4cm (1½in) between each section. Use two strands of stranded cotton for…

MOYRA BANNISTER Say no to people who want something stitched and stitch something for myself for a change. Sounds nasty I know, but I never manage to get anything done for myself as I can’t say no to people. KELLY KINNAIRD To not worry if my stitching is untidy, slow or otherwise doesn’t compare to others. I am who I am and have my reasons that I go slow. With multiple diagnoses, I simply can’t stitch as neat as I want to. So it’s time to embrace and love what I can do, not despair over what I can’t. CINDY BENNETT My stitch resolution is reduce my stitch stash. I will finish my large King Arthur chart and intersperse it with smaller projects like bookmarks. My other stitch resolution is that I will…

FAIRYTALE FAVOURITES: BORDER FRAME “Hello everyone and welcome to our brand new stitch-a-long for 2019! When Susan asked me to come up with a new SAL based on favourite fairytale characters I was so excited! From Snow White to Cinderella, we have some beautiful, classic designs coming up, and it was such fun giving each and every one their individual details. Part of the fun is not knowing what will be coming up each month! This issue we are revealing the pretty border design, that creates an aperture for all the characters to fill. We’d love to see how you’re getting on each month so I’ll be setting up a Facebook group where you can share photos of your progress, simply visit www.facebook.com/groups/CrossStitcherSAL to join in!” 2018’S STITCH-A-LONG We really…

My mother, who died in 2013, loved cross stitch and made two patterns into cushions. These have now become very worn and I would like to remake them. Unfortunately, although she left us the cushions, she didn’t leave the charts. Can anyone help to identify the charts for this? There is this one and a similar style with a chestnut tree. Regards, Linda Rose Email: topazrose@icloud.com Email your ads to us at crossstitcher@dennis.co.uk or if you’re not online, drop us a note with your ad details and contact information to CrossStitcher magazine, PO Box 172, Northam, Devon EX39 9DY. We regret that we’re unable to print requests from readers who are under 16 years old.…

Hugs with Hygge… To keep your spirits up over the chilly winter the Danish suggest the art of Hygge – creating a cosy atmosphere to keep you feeling well and content. In this vein Rico have brought out their Hygge range of fabrics – with floral and graphical designs in Fresh Green, Mint and Berry shades with metallic effects. Choose from 15 classical cotton fabrics, seven PVC coated options and five Jersey fabrics. Plus, there are four brand-new light muslin fabrics with a shiny Hot Foil finish and the fabrics have matching piping and binding ribbons to select from. www.rico-design.de/de/home WINTER WONDERLAND RENOWNED DESIGNER Jan Constantine has brought back her Classic Christmas Collection of stockings, cushions, decorations and wall hangings appliquéd with Christmas trees, reindeers, snowflakes, robins and stars. Each…

SAUSAGE DOGS DACHSHUND THROUGH the snow… Our cute sausage dog alphabet (page 49) is part of a bigger trend for these pint-sized pups… WHO This little fella is a cute felt sausage dog hanging decoration that’s ready for your tree. www.idyllhome.co.uk WHAT We love these Sausage Dog Crackers that are perfect for New Year celebrations–don’t forget to add a stitched initial as a tag to personalise them. www.insidestoreldn.com HOW For a fabric that's perfect to use with your alphabet makes, look no further than this 100% cotton fabric featuring the Longhaired Dachshund and the Wirehaired Dachshund on a subtle teal background. www.sophieallport.com…

Designed by: Faye Walsh (Little Dove Designs) Stitch count: 177 high x 121 wide Design size: 32.5x22cm (12¾x8¾in) Stitch time: 35 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric Materials Zweigart Confederate Grey 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0718; 55x36cm (22x14¼in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key DMC Light Effects as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 34x24cm (13½x9½in) aperture Mount board to fit frame Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com When you’re working with metallic threads use shorter lengths and let your needle hang every so often, to help avoid any tangles or knotting 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…

Designed by: Maria Diaz Stitch count: 137 high x 137 wide Design size: 25.5x25.5cm (10x10in) Stitch time: 38 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric Materials Zw eigart Antique White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0101; 46x46cm (18x18in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key DMC Light Effects as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Wooden embroidery hoop; 25.5cm (10in) diameter Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Why not stitch Rudolph on his own for a quick Christmas card idea? You could give Rudolph’s nose extra glow by stitching it in metallic red instead 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…

Designed by: Durene Jones Max. stitch count: 53 high x 36 wide Max. design size: 10x7cm (4x2¾in) Stitch time: 7 hours each These designs were stitched on 27 count evenweave, over two threads of the fabric Materials For each card Zweigart Antique White 27 count Linda, ref: 1235/0101; 17.5x12.5cm (7x5in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Card blank with an 12.5x9cm (5x3½in) rectangular aperture Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Any coordinating colour combinations would work for the presents, so this card set is ideal for using up left over threads in your stash Make an… aperture card Step 1 WORK using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch and one and two strands for the backstitch. Step 2 TRIM the stitched fabric to fit…

Designed by: Durene Jones Max. stitch count: 80 high x 77 wide Max. design size: 14.5x14cm (5¾x5½in) Stitch time: 12 hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric Materials For each hoop Zweigart Vintage Ice Blue 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0550; 25.5x25.5cm (10x10in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Wooden hoop; 15cm (6in) diameter Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Paint your hoop to coordinate with your design with two coats of an emulsion match test paint pot TAKE A CLOSER LOOK By stitching on a pale blue fabric, the areas of snow-covered ground are easier to pick out in white and mid-blue TURN TO PAGE 43 TO LEARN HOW TO FRAME YOUR WORK IN A HOOP…

Welcome to this month’s challenge! There’s just a few days until December 25th so we asked our three designers to put their thinking caps on and come up with an amazing Christmas card featuring a special Believe charm. Besides the materials given to them on the left, they were allowed a mystery item of their own choice. Take a look at their festive 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 March – we’ve listed everything you need to take part. MARIA DIAZ… POLAR BEAR “I didn’t want a traditional Christmas scene. I thought that a polar bear would be just…

Designed by: Shannon Wasilieff Stitch count: 207 high x 131 wide Design size: 38x24cm (15¼x9½in) Stitch time: 28 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida 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 (PAGE 84) EACH square on the chart represents a single cross stitch. Start from the centre of the…