The World of Cross Stitching
September 2021Every issue is packed with the very best cross stitch designs, expert advice and in depth technical features, as well as product news, reader letters and stories, competitions and giveaways.
in this issue
welcome
The recent pandemic ensured the iconic World War II phrase ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ is as motivational today as it was back then. So, Siobhan Harrison of April Rose has put a modern twist on the vintage posters with four uplifting designs to encourage you to keep calm and enjoy your hobby whether it be gardening, stitching or spending time with your pets (p62). Green-fingered folk will love Katie Crumpton’s design of a modern-day witch practising her magic on a sunflower (p78) and Fiona Baker’s tranquil garden filled with sunny blooms and birds (p84). I recommend spending the long summer days stitching these designs in a shady spot in your own garden! If you’re after something quick and small to stitch, one of those projects you can pop in your bag…
meet our guests
Be on the panel! × Get a sneak preview× Appear in the magazine× Receive a stitchy gift Roxy Opas is a global mobility manager from Dorset What is your idea of cross stitch heaven? I would have to be sat by a roaring fire with my stitching and a mug of coffee on a winter’s afternoon – it makes me feel cosy just thinking about it. Tell us about your favourite stitchy project? I really love all of my Wrendale projects by Bothy Threads, so it’s really difficult to pick just one but if I have to it would be ‘The Diet Starts Tomorrow’. I frame all of my projects and rotate them throughout the year. Recent fave WOXS design? I love the Wallace and Gromit design in issue 307 (June 2021), it reminds me of my childhood and…
furry tales
Teacher Mouse key STITCH COUNT 39 high x 39 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 7x7cm (2¾x2¾in) This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Missed a chart? ISSUE 309 Stitch Flossie supermouse to say thanks to one of the superhumans in your life. ISSUE 308 Show someone that they’re out of this world with Monty in his space suit. ISSUE 307 Dressed as a cowgirl ready to rodeo, Flossie makes the perfect card to say ‘howdy’. For back issues, call ☎ 03330 162 137 or visit http://bit.ly/1NwX3Rv Summer holidays are finally in sight, so why not help a young person in your life stitch their way to the top of the class? Monty’s dressed in a smart shirt and tie and ready to teach. He’ll make an excellent thank you card for a hard working teacher at the end…
your exclusive gift!
TOP TIP If you struggle with French knots, you could try using similar colour beads in their place Tea key STITCH COUNT 50 high x 39 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 9x7cm (3½x2¾in) DESIGNED BY Lynn Horrabin ILLUSTRATION CONVERTED BY Fiona Baker STITCHED BY Laura Boyter This design was stitched using stranded cotton from your cover kit Inside your kit… Here are the colours and number of lengths of thread in your kit White x1 Dark brown x1 Brown x2 Light brown x1 Turquoise x3 Light turquoise x3 Green x1 Dark pink x2 Light pink x2 Pink x2 Grey x2 Blue x2 Light blue x2 Total: 24 lengths Stitch in no time Factbox × Stitching Time Approx. 6 hours× Type of Stitches Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch, French knots× Ease of Stitching Intermediate…
best of friends
Mischievous pair Ed Hedgehog and Tom Mouse are all set for some adventures, and don’t they just look as happy as can be in this scene. What have they been up to today, do you reckon? The look of delight on both their faces speaks volumes and even the little ladybird looks keen to join in the fun. Presented in a poster-style finish, these best pals make for an easy stitch using blocks of solid colour and a simple backstitch outline, meaning you won’t need to worry about changing thread colour too often and can really sink your teeth into this rewarding project. You’ll find just a few fractionals to help create extra precise details such as eyes or the ladybird. Display on a stretched canvas like us, or mount in…
your letters
Star Letter UPCYCLE ODD THREADS I’ve been stitching for many years and have ended up with lots – and I mean lots – of odd lengths of threads. About 15 months ago, I decided to use some of them up, and the result was this table runner. I made the patterns up as I went along, and I was so pleased with the result. The trouble is that I stitched this between other projects and have now got lots more odd threads, which I hope to use to make cushion covers. I hope this will inspire other readers. Joan Pain, Devon Hannah E: Wow, Joan, what a brilliant idea for using up odds and ends. We really love ideas for creative ways to reduce waste and I think there are a few of us on…
