Innehållsförteckning för October 2019 från CrossStitcher

To make the brooch you will need 8x6cm (3 ¼ x 2 ¼ in) 14 count plastic aida, (3 ¼ x 2¼ in) brown felt, stranded cotton as listed right, red beads and a brooch pin Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count: 27 high x 20 wide Design size: 5x4cm (2x1½in) Stitch time: 3 hours This design was stitched on 14 count plastic aida. Make a… reindeer brooch Step 1 START stitching in the centre of the plastic aida, using two strands for the cross stitch, one for the backstitch, and one for the French knots. Add the beads using matching sewing thread. Step 2 COMPLETE the stitching, then cut out the reindeer, one square outside the stitching, using small, sharp scissors. Step 3 PLACE the reindeer on the felt,…

Hullo! For the next instalment of our positivity mini samplers, let’s talk about acceptance–that is, accepting mistakes, things we can’t control, and accepting ourselves as we are. I don’t know about you, but when I jump on to online cross stitch groups or meet up with cross stitching friends, I often will compare their achievements to my own. It’s not a very good habit, but I think many of us compare ourselves to others, for better or worse. I see some truly awesome things that others are stitching, and I feel like I should be stitching awesome things too. Or I’ll read about someone who is doing really well in an area I’d like to be doing well in and I feel bad about my progress. Or I worry about…

Designed by: Zoë Patching Stitch count: 54 high x 41 wide Design size: 9.5x7cm (3¾x2¾in) Stitch time: 10 hours This design was stitched on 28 count linen over two threads of fabric. Make a… card Step 1 STITCH the design in the centre of the linen fabric, using two strands for the cross stitch and one for the backstitch, apart from the detail around the eye and the wording, which are done in two strands. If you would like to make a Turkey stitch tail, then do not stitch the cross stitch or backstitch in the tail area. Step 2 ONCE all the other stitching is complete, work Turkey stitch across the tail area in rows, leaving one thread between each row of stitches – if you are working on…

Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count: 36 high x 39 wide (part 1) Design size: 6.5x7cm (2½x2¾in) Stitch time: 3 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Make a… mini sampler Step 1 TAKE a 23x10cm (9x4in) piece of 14 count white aida. Part 2 (issue 350) and Part 3 (issue 351) of the design will need to fit onto your fabric, so leave room for them. Start stitching the pale blue border stitch in the top left-hand corner of the design, four squares down and four squares in from the top left-hand corner of the fabric. Step 2 USE two strands for the cross stitch, two for the backstitch, and one for the French knots. Add mini buttons below the black backstitched bows. Step 3 COMPLETE…

“I work from home whilst also raising our young family. So, to make these two elements fit together I have a Studio Nook – I renovated an old pine computer cabinet, with double doors, slide-out table and shelves for supplies. The table is large enough to use as a cutting and sewing bench, a computer and hand lettering desk and – thanks to the wash of white paint, it can quickly be transformed into a mini photography studio. My trusty Juki sewing machine is stowed on a shelf and can be pulled out when needed. Pens, tools and haberdashery items are stowed in mason jars and pots. Fabrics, threads, papers and yarns are stacked on shelves. I always have a notebook and pen handy too!” madepeachy.com…

THE MINDFUL MAKER CLARE YOUNGS [CICO Books] Out in paperback this month, Clare Youngs has come up with plenty of projects to help you experience the satisfaction of making with your hands. As you enjoy some mindful relaxation as you create, there are irresistible ideas to try, from coral reef embroidery hoops to pompoms and tassels. Techniques includes block printing, punch needling, shibori dyeing, weaving, macramé and quilting, all of which encourage a mindful approach. LOVE GROWS HERE EMBROIDERY KATHRYN CHIPINKA DALBY [Thunder Bay Press] If you’ve never tried your hand at embroidery, this book and kit in one makes a great way to start learning. It includes everything you need for two projects: 10 skeins of embroidery thread, two needles, two pieces of fabric, a 6 in embroidery hoop,…

CrossStitcher PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch Happy Haunting, 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 contains: Zweigart 14 count aida in Dirty Skeins of DMC stranded cotton Skeins of DMC Light Effects Skeins of DMC Étoile Pumpkin and Spider charm 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 £32.50, plus P&P. Your charms can be stitched anywhere on your sampler, and you could add a few backstitches above the spider for the drag lines' to make it look like it has descended from a tree How to… frame a picture…

We are surrounded by the most beautiful colours in autumn. Our three projects in this issue will bring golden shades to your clothing, table and sewing box. Our beautiful brooch sparkles with the addition of copper Diamant (DMC) thread, wrapped around the backstitch. Our napkin holders are great last-minute makes, giving your table a seasonal finish. Finally, make a simple pincushion, using any fabric or thread from your stash to make a useful addition to your workbox. MAKE A… LEAF BROOCH Stitch on paper with a copper thread for a sparkling finish. Step1 Step 2 Step3 Step 4 MAKE A… PINCUSHION Finish off your pincushion with a shimmering copper thread border. WILLOW FABRICS www.willowfabrics.com Visit this popular online haberdashery for all the stitching fabric, thread and accessories you’ll ever need,…

CrossStitcher PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch our Tuned In cushion, 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 contains: Zweigart 14 count aida in Pewter Skeins of DMC stranded cotton Two gold-plated tapestry needles; size 24 and size 26 NOTE: Cushion back and cushion pad are not included in the pack. How to order: Go to www.willowfabrics.com to order your project pack at the CrossStitcher reader price of £22.50, plus P&P. Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 129 high x 178 wide Design size: 23.5x32.5cm (9¼x12¾in) Stitch time: 80 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Make a… cushion Step 1 COMPLETE the stitching, then cut…

We asked our fans on Facebook, “Have you ever had to finish stitching to a tight deadline?” BECKIE HANDSLEY I started the little house keyring free gift from one of the issues the night before Mother’s Day to give to my mum as a gift. I finished it at 3am! KERRY PICKERING An anniversary card for my husband. I was convinced I’d brought one, went to write it the night before and realised I hadn’t gotten one. I stitched late into the evening and got up early to make it into a card. CHICK MITCHELL I was confident and relaxed about having a year to stitch a special ‘Big 0’ birthday gift for my father-in-law. I then learned I had only a month! It was ready and framed in time…

We attached a pumpkin and spider charm to our house for an even spookier finish, available from www.willowfabrics.com Designed by: Cheryl McKinnon Stitch count: 66 high x 60 wide house front/back; 37 high x 36 wide house sides Design size: 10x9.5cm (4x3¾in); 6x6cm (2¼x2¼in) Stitch time: 36 hours This design was stitched on 32 count linen, working over two threads of fabric. Make a… haunted house Step 1 STITCH the house front and back and sides, using two strands for the cross stitch and one for the backstitch. Step 2 CUT one 7x15cm (2¾x6in) piece of cardboard for the roof; then a front and back, both 11x9.5cm (4¼x 3¾in); plus two 6x6cm (2¼x2¼in) pieces for the house sides. Trim the house front and back down at the top to create…

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK Backstitch has been used delicately throughout the designs to create the look of a watercolour illustration Designed by: Durene Jones Max. stitch count: 62 high x 63 wide Max. design size: 11.5x11.5cm (4½x4½in) Stitch time: 11 hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Why not add sparkle to the leaves by using metallics to create them? Materials Zweigart Antique White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/101; 25x25cm (10x10in) x 3 pieces Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Wooden embroidery hoop; 13cm (5in) diameter x 3 Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com How to… frame your work in a hoop Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 You could paint your hoops with a co-ordinating emulsion paint before mounting your work –…

Your great deal Start making savings today with our special subscription deals! Get a free gift in every issue Delivery direct to your door at no extra charge Get 3 issues for £1, then continue at £22.39 every 6 months OR £27.39 every 6 months for the Print +Digital Package* (saving 25% on the shop price). Visit mymagazinesub.co.uk/cross-stitcher or call 01778 392080 quoting offer code Overseas readers see page 87 *Available on iPad and iPhone…

FAIRYTALE STITCH-A-LONG We this issue have the tenth of our fairy tale characters, The Snow Queen, who fits into the left-hand position on the fourth row of your grid. Over the year we have twelve designs that together will become a complete design, finishing with the December 2019 issue. Designed by: Shannon Wasilieff Stitch count: 41 high x 25 wide Design size: 7.5x4.5cm (3x2in) Stitch time: 4 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. 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.…

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…

STITCHING IS SOMETHING most of us do on our own. We are often surrounded by family or housemates, not to mention pets, but there’s rarely another stitcher in the room. No problem, it’s our escape and way of relaxing but it would be nice sometimes to see how another stitcher is getting on, or have someone who can really sympathise when you have to unpick that whole block of stitches! The internet can help – it takes seconds to find an answer to a query or just to chat with a fellow stitcher. But best of all is the stitch-a-long, or SAL. One project worked by lots of us, all waiting for the next instalment and a chance to confer. We know how much you like a SAL, so we’re…

HALLOWEEN WELL IT'S NEARLY that terrifying time of year! From ghosts and ghouls to witches and pumpkins, these Halloween-themed treats are sure to put a spell on you … WHO NiaRhind has designed a Halloween banner, full of seasonal motifs to stitch with in the colourfullettering. It’s designed to be worked on as and coloured 14 count aida or 28 count linen fabric with some Kreinikg littery thread in small are as to add sparkle. www.nia-crossstitch.com WHAT If you like dour Halloween house on page 57, you’ll love this new Spooky! kit which features full cross stitches, back stitch and two French knots to bring the bold and bright design to life. www.bothythreads.com HOW Get in the spirit with this Halloween CatCross Stitch Kit which is perfect to use as…

The flower motifs could also be extracted to be used on mini pictures, quick cards and accessories Designed by: Amanda Butler Stitch time: 31 hours Stitch count: 52 high x 52 wide (top); 35 high x 187 wide (side) Design size: 10.5x10.5cm (4x4in); 6.5x 33.5cm (2½x13¼in) This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Make a… pincushion Step 1 STITCH the sunflower on the smaller piece of aida, with the flower in the centre. Use two strands for the cross stitch, one for the backstitch and two strands for the French knots. Stitch the side of the pincushion in the centre of the larger piece of aida. Step 2 COMPLETE all the other stitching, then cut a 12.5cm (5in) circle from the aida, with the sunflower in the centre.…

Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 55 high x 40 wide Design size: 10x7cm (4x2¾in) Stitch time: 4 hours each These designs were stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Make an… aperture card Step 1 WORK using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch and one strand for the backstitch. 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 inside of the card around the edge of the aperture. Step 4 PLACE the stitching on the table right-side up, and then place the card on top, pressing down firmly on the tape. Step 5 CHECK which flap will fold onto the back of the stitching, then add…

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK To contrast against the navy aida the owl has been brought to life using subtle mid-toned brown backstitch details Stitch the motifs onto plastic aida, and then cut out each one carefully, one square outside the stitching. Thread onto lengths of invisible thread by sewing through the stitches on the back, and then secure the thread to the back of the hoop once assembled Stitch count: 62 high x 64 wide (plus motifs) Design size: 11.5x11.5cm (4½x4½in) Stitch time: 15 hours These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric and 14 count plastic aida. TURN TO PAGE 70 TO LEARN HOW TO MOUNT YOUR WORK IN A HOOP Materials Day mobile Zweigart Palest Blue 14 count aida, ref: 3706/5130; 23x23cm (9x9in) White 14 count plastic…

THE CHALLENGE Bobbin thread organiser Six shades of stranded cotton (shown above) THE RULES Create a design to fit a thread organiser The design area is 11 x 11 stitches Only the materials above can be used Be creative as possible! Welcome to this month’s challenge! These days thread organisers come in all shapes and sizes, and with some you can even add your own stitched design. We asked our three designers this month to come up with a design for a pair of cotton reel shaped organisers, but they could only use the materials listed on the left. Take a look at their results below – we’ve featured a chart for each one so you can stitch your favourite! We hope this will inspire you to join in too…

Welcome to our special Stitch-A-Long! Over the next four issues, from October to January, you will be able to stitch your own Christmas street, with a deli, bakery, haberdashery, florist, café and toy shop. To join the SAL you will need to buy a 40x120cm (16x47in) piece of 14 count white aida, and the stranded cotton colours listed in the key. The complete design will be 116 stitches high x 540 stitches wide, which gives you a finished size of 21x100cm (8¼x39in). This is the complete key for the whole row of shops, for you to buy all the stranded cotton colours needed for the entire design at one time Designed by: Susan Bates Stitch count: 113 high x 90 wide Design size: 21x16.5cm (8¼x6½in) Stitch time: 42 hours This…