Crafts
The World of Cross Stitching
March 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 stepping into spring with our March issue! The brighter days make the light so much better for stitching. And we’re bringing you a stunning selection of designs to get your needle stuck into. Bring a splash of seasonal colour to your dining table with Amanda Gregory’s pretty pansies table runner (p58) or brighten your home with a spring sampler embellished with charms by Maria Diaz (p18). Give your home some love and feel a sense of wellbeing with 51 clever spring clean ideas in Lisa Reakes’ Design Library (p47). I think some motivational messages around my home will give me the boost I need to declutter! Get ready for Mother’s Day by stitching the heartfelt sentiments on Emma Congdon’s sweet card and tag set (p70). I plan to stitch the ‘Mothers…
meet our guests
Be on the panel! x Get a sneak previewx Appear in the magazinex Receive a stitchy gift Irmtraud Liu is a retired principal from Regesbostel, Germany How’d you start stitching? I started as a child, then took a break for more than 30 years. When I retired in 2000, I was looking for a hobby and remembered how much I’d liked cross stitching. It’s like bike riding – you never forget how it’s done! Favourite WOXS design? As a peacock fan I loved the ‘Peacock in Peonies’ design by Amanda Gregory in issue 245 (Sept 2016). Stitchy designer you admire? Thea Gouverneur – she has the most gorgeous flower patterns. Morris also has beautiful Art Nouveau patterns. Who’re your stitching buddies? Two years ago I founded a ‘stitching club’ for ladies from my village and friends. We meet once a…
furry tales
Wheelbarrow 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 290 Lovely Flossie, in her fancy green party outfit, is ready to dance and have a good time! ISSUE 289 In this sweet design, little Baby Mouse is cosy on his adorable heart blanket. ISSUE 288 Monty Mouse is hanging his red stocking on a Christmas mantel with care. For back issues, call ☎ 03330 162 137 or visit http://bit.ly/1NwX3Rv Well, what a busy little lady we have here! Spring has sprung for the Furry Tales family, and they are active outside in the garden, harvesting sweet spring blooms. We know you’ll enjoy getting on with this colourful, quick stitch.…
your exclusive gift!
TOP TIP This adorable bear would also look just as great framed in a hoop and hung up on a nursery wall Factbox x Stitching Time Approx. 5 hoursx Type of Stitches Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch, French knotsx Ease of Stitching Advanced beginner/intermediate Packed with cute detail Inside your kit… To help you sort your threads, here’s a list of the threads in your kit: White x1 Yellow x3 Light yellow x3 Dark brown x1 Brown x2 Light brown x2 Pink x1 Blue x1 Grey x2 Light blue x1 Total: 17 lengths Baby Bear key STITCH COUNT 38 high x 38 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 7x7cm (2¾x2¾in) DESIGNED BY Ian Hallows STITCHED BY Angela Griffin This design was stitched using stranded cotton from your coverkit…
enchanting wildflower
Known as ‘Star-of-Bethlehem’ and ‘wedding cake’, stitchworts can be found tucked in hedgerows and scattered across woodlands – and if you look closely, you may be lucky enough to see a fairy peeping out from their starry-shaped, five-petalled flowers… Cicely Mary Barker’s Flower Fairies™ have had an enduring appeal to both children and adults since their first appearance in 1923, and it’s not hard to see why. Her portrait of the Stitchwort Fairy is full of delicate details to enjoy bringing to life. Pale blue 14-count aida creates the perfect sky, while over 30 thread shades cleverly recreate the pen-and-ink details of the original illustration. Meet the author Cicely Mary Barker The talented Cicely Mary Barker was born in West Croydon, Surrey, in 1895. She was aged just 16 when she had her first…
your letters
Star Letter DON’T STOP BELIEVING Greetings WOXS! For years I have started and not finished cross stitch projects. I always seem to lose count and mess it up and give up. I decided to go back to basics and not be too ambitious and see if I could actually complete a cross stitch whilst I was recovering from an operation. After much frustration and persuasion from my daughter to carry on, I did complete this little fella (I am a bit of a gnome nut). He is not perfect, but my friend assures me most people aren’t so I am happy with him and he is on display in my craft room. Since then I still struggle but have completed a couple of easy designs – I am determined to get a more…
