CrossStitcher March 2022

Download your card and tags from our Facebook group at bit.ly/3HTh6ZJ Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count: 44 high x 38 wide Design size: 8.5x7cm (33∕8x23∕4in) Stitch time: 6 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Make a… card Step 1 WORK the design using the chart and key in the centre of a 10x10cm piece of white 14 count aida. Download the card blank and tags from the CrossStitcher Digital Downloads Facebook group’s Files and print out on thin card. Step 2 TRIM the stitched fabric to fit your card front, then fray the fabric edges, removing one square of fabric. Step 3 ATTACH double-sided tape to the back of the stitching, then place it centrally on the card front – press it down well to attach to the card. Step 4 CUT out your chosen printed greetings…

AS WE LOOK out of the window of the home office that is CrossStitcher HQ, we can’t wait for the skies to brighten and the winds to die down and stop breaking branches. (We have enough firewood for the whole year already!) Most of all, we’d like to see some spring flowers. It will be our first spring in our new home after our move, so we are waiting impatiently to see what will actually pop up. We may have got a little carried away with the thought of spring this issue with one of our largest-ever designs. What you see on the cover is just a portion of the lovely study you will find on page 65 – the best of the season’s blooms simply arranged in little pots and…

Loud & proud We’re loving the new range of bright, bold and chunky stitch kits from Stitchsperation! The range includes Chunky Cross Stitch Coaster Kits available in a set of four kits, or as a single coaster kit, available in two colourways; ‘Lights’ and ‘Brights’. There are also Chunky Cross Stitch Kits available in three different designs, each also with colourways of ‘Lights’ and ‘Brights’ – Grid, Wow, and Ampersand. Each kit is perfect for beginners, as they are quick to stitch using UK-made Appleton’s tapestry wool in the most gorgeous colours. The coaster kits come with a full alphabet, plus additional designs for you to choose from. To find out more, visit www.stitchsperation.com. GET GROWING THE LATEST STITCH-A-LONG ‘How Does Your Garden Grow’ from Caterpillar Cross Stitch has just been launched. This…

“After working from my couch and balancing a laptop or cross stitch on my knee for years, I’ve now converted what was formerly known as the snug into my office. It gets plenty of light in the afternoon and has a comfy pink chair for stitching in! I’ve chosen to use clear containers for my supplies wherever possible, so I can always see what fabric or thread I have on hand, and nothing ever gets forgotten at the bottom of a box or drawer. Plus all those pretty, bright fabrics and thread are decorative and should be seen!” www.fiddlesticksau.com Drop us a line to crosssstitcher@warnersgroup.co.uk with images of your craft space and a few words about it and our favourites could be featured in a future issue!…

Hullo! We’ve been discussing noticing the little things in this series and one of the most important ‘little things’ to me (which doesn’t feel so little at all!) is slow and authentic connection with other people. I don’t know if you also feel this way, but I very much prefer to share little moments with others, than to experience them alone. Sure, those little personal moments are often precious, but – at least, my own personal preference is – being able to connect with others over a beautiful moment really heightens that experience! But sometimes if I’m caught up in my own daily stresses, I don’t pay attention in the moment and can miss those little things. We all get that way sometimes – I mean, life is hectic! But an…

WHERE MEADOWS & GARDENS GROW: THE EMBROIDERY OF JO BUTCHER INSPIRATION STUDIOS Just looking at the expertise of another stitcher can infuse inspiration into our own projects. In this book, embroidery artist Jo Butcher shares her layering technique, with a simple watercolour wash and a handful of embroidery stitches worked in a pretty palette. 12 scenes are showcased in all their glory, including a sun-kissed meadow, a woodland walk and a tranquil garden. A great choice for those looking to push the boundaries of their stitching. SISTERS GONNA STITCH: A FEMINIST EMBROIDERY GUIDE COTTON CLARA [HarperCollins] Cotton Clara is spreading the stitching word with a new collection of ‘funny, sassy and uplifting’ embroidery patterns. Packed with 50 engaging designs, the book includes embroidery hints and tips. Choose from lively designs such as Women Who Lead,…