The World of Cross Stitching
May 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
As the days begin to stretch out and spring creeps in, we welcome the chance to refresh and brighten our homes by stitching the super selection of sunny projects on offer this month. It’s been difficult to go on holiday during the past year, so we’re bringing you the delights of travel in cross stitch form instead! Michael Powell’s vibrant city scene (p18) will transport you to the bustling streets of Amsterdam and Susan Bates’ set of four seaside hoops (p84) inspired by Tenby will evoke happy beach memories. I travelled around Mexico in 2006, and since then, I’ve been fascinated by the culture. So, I’m particularly excited to share Poppy Benner’s Mexican folk art motifs in our Design Library on page 47. The brilliant collection includes sugar skulls, Frida Kahlo and…
meet our guests
Deborah White is a marriage registrar from Cheshire What is your fave project? A huge Victorian dolls’ house. I’d only just learned to stitch but I loved it. My mum paid to have it framed and it remains one of my most treasured possessions to this day. What was the last thing you stitched for someone? An Easter card for a good friend, which I designed myself. Do you stitch alone or have stitching buddies? I’ve tried a craft group, but I couldn’t stitch and talk at the same time! I do belong to a few Facebook groups, which has been great. Fave WOXS design? The Assisi cards from 303 (Feb 2021) – they’re so striking, and the colours complement the unstitched areas Best stitching tip? Start a new thread with a loop knot – it’s such an easy way to…
furry tales
Surfing Mouse key STITCH COUNT 40 high x 40 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 7.5x7.5cm (2¾x2¾in) This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Missed a chart? ISSUE 305 Brighten someone’s day with rollerskating Flossie Mouse and her polka dot brights. ISSUE 304 Stitch Monty Mouse the Medic to say thanks to a key worker for all their care. ISSUE 303 Wearing a rainbow cardigan, Flossie Mouse wants to make sure everyone stays safe. For back issues, call 03330 162 137 or visit http://bit.ly/1NwX3Rv Surf’s up! Monty wears floral shorts and catches a wave on his sun-yellow surfboard in a design that shouts having fun in the sun. Capture the design in a white card with a circular aperture for a summery action-packed finish.…
your exclusive gift!
TOP TIP When wrapping thread around the needle for the French knot, if you’re right-handed hold the thread with your left hand and vice versa if you’re left-handed Fabulous Fox key STITCH COUNT 52 high x 43 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 9.5x8cm (3¾x3in) ILLUSTRATION CONVERTED BY Fiona Baker STITCHED BY Laura Boyter This design was stitched using stranded cotton from your coverkit Inside your kit… Here are the colours and number of lengths of thread Purple x1 Brown x2 Light brown x1 Cream x2 Orange x3 Light orange x4 Yellow x2 Light green x2 Pink x1 Blue x3 Black x1 Grey x1 Dark orange x1 Dark brown x1 Green x1 Total: 26 lengths Factbox Perfect weekend stitch × Stitching TimeApprox. 8 hours × Type of StitchesCross stitch, fractionals, half cross stitch, backstitch, French knots × Ease of StitchingIntermediate…
spring is coming
Surrounded by her favourite flowers, Margaret Tarrant’s fairy jumps for joy at long-awaited spring, here at last. Arms raised in glee, she welcomes in the new season and, with this design, we invite you to do the same. As in our parks and gardens at this time of year, purple and yellow colours steal the show but be prepared to work with multiple shades, including a glorious array of yellows from light yellow to old gold and many pinks, from mauve to rosewood, to give life to this project. You’ll enjoy the subtle shading that’s needed to recreate the delicate touches, from the folds on the fairy’s frock to the pink-tipped daisy petals. The coloured aida fabric means there’s no need for background stitching and, since it’s quite a small design,…
your letters
Star Letter DOCTOR CROSS STITCH Here’s the cross stitch quilt I made for my daughter, Lauren, who has been awarded a PhD. Lauren appeared in The World of Cross Stitching as a reader story in issue 291 (March 2020) when she raised awareness of her research on parasites through cross stitch. I used some of Lauren’s own designs for this quilt. Initially, I really struggled with 14-count aida so I switched to 11-count, which I enjoyed much more. The finished quilt is Lauren’s PhD in stitches and it was worth the hundreds of hours of stitching and sewing to see the look of surprise and joy on her face when I gave it to her. I’m glad to say she was thrilled and loved seeing her finished designs. Gillian Carruthers, via email Hannah: We…
