Crafts
The World of Cross Stitching
December 2020Every 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
We’re bringing you a very special mag this month as we celebrate our 300th issue! That’s right, for over 20 years WOXS has been inspiring stitchers from around the world – that’s A LOT of projects to keep you busy! Join in the celebrations on page 58 as we chat to some of the designers and readers who’ve been with us from the early days, plus, we’ve got a big birthday competition for you to enter to win some rather fabulous stitchy prizes! Let’s get the festivities underway with our wonderful designs in this issue… Try making a cute Christmas stocking for a little one, we show you how on page 84, or put on your finest threads and stitch the glam 1950s ladies in our April Rose design (p72). You’ll…
meet our guests
Anne Nordheim is an author and freelance writer from Verdal, Norway Favourite subject to stitch? I get really happy when I find small animal or landscape projects that fit onto a card – they make great gifts! Last gift you stitched? I made ‘Tropical Sunset’ in WOXS 283 (Aug 2019) as a Christmas gift for my sister and brother-in-law because they like to travel. I put it in a black frame and was happy with the result. Best stitching tip you’ve heard? To stitch efficiently, you should thread several needles before you start stitching. Then, when you run out of thread, you just grab the next needle and continue, instead of having to stop to thread the needle again. Fave WOXS design? I really love the ‘Colourful Toucan’ in 295 (July 2020) because it’s so vibrant. I plan…
furry tales
Elf Mouse key STITCH COUNT 40 high x 32 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 7.5x6cm (3x2¼in) This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Missed a chart? ISSUE 299 Perfect for the knitters in your life, Lizzie would be a welcome craft companion. ISSUE 298 Ready to go trick or treating, Monty is looking fa-boo-lous dressed as a scary monster. ISSUE 297 Rock on, Lizzie! This design will be great fun to stitch and a surefire hit with music fans. For back issues, call 03330 162 137 or visit http://bit.ly/1NwX3Rv All decked out in a jingly hat and pointed shoes, Monty is really getting into the spirit of the season! Join in and spread some Christmas cheer to your loved ones by patching this jolly elf onto festive backing paper and then onto a single-fold coloured card.…
snowflakes & smiles
STITCH A CHRISTMAS CLASSIC The SnowmanTM © Snowman Enterprises Limited 2020 THE SNOWMAN™ Snowman Enterprises Limited The SnowmanTM has become such a staple of our annual seasonal highlights that it is hard to remember a time before it aired. This much-loved story of friendship and adventure animated so beautifully has been brought to life in many heartwarming cross stitch designs over the years, too. We’re thrilled to bring you this magical portrait of The SnowmanTM and James holding hands and dancing in the snow. The scene evokes a real sense of joy and happiness, and is sure to delight fans of all ages. Show off your stitching skills as this design uses quite a few fractional stitches and French knots for the characters’ expressions and to create the sketchy stars in the border framing the friends.…
your letters
Star Letter SAME, BUT DIFFERENT My partner and I both have daughters from previous relationships and we have a rule that they get treated the same, but different. As my daughter, Sabrina, is four and my partner’s daughter, Beth, is 12, we treat them the same in getting things for them, but obviously the age gap means things are very often different. When Beth’s room was recently decorated, I stitched a unicorn for her ‘new’ bedroom. Upon seeing this Sabrina announced she wanted her room like Beth’s with a unicorn picture too. So, here are the girls and their ‘same, but different’ unicorn cross stitched pictures. The frames have stars and moons on them which glow in the dark, suggested by my local framer. Sarah Ruscoe, via email Hannah: I can see you’ve…
merry stitchmas
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also one of the busiest. With all the people to see, food to eat and activities to do, you’ll quickly realise you’re running out of time! Well, fear not, for Fiona has got you covered for when you’re feeling the Christmas crunch with these 2-in-1 tree decoration cards. Fans of Fiona’s Assisi-style Easter designs featured in issue 279 (Feb 2019) are going to love these! Similar to her previous designs, these festive stitches have the added bonus of delicate backstitch detail. With the easy-to-follow patterns, beginners looking to stretch their skills will find this project has a gentle learning curve, whereas more experienced stitchers will enjoy the unique making-up idea to try. The beauty of these designs is that you don’t…
