Cross Stitch Gold December 2019

Happy New Year! Brush off the winter blues with our spring issue, which is packed with new ideas and beautiful charts to keep your needle busy. Fresh flowers – what a joy at this time of year. I'm loving the colourful blooms in Lesley Teare's blue tit cushion (p50), Jenny Barton's stunning unicorn project (p28) and the adorable labrador puppy design (p4). Plus we have a pretty pansy draught excluder on page 34, which is the perfect way to bring both colour and warmth to your home. If you're expecting a new family member in 2020, then don't miss our baby keepsake on page 44 to welcome them in style. We also have some stunning Art Deco cards for Valentine's Day on page 60. All this, plus lots of great ideas…

Meet the designer Jenny Barton Jenny has been passionate about the creative arts since she was a small child, and went on to study graphic design at university. Soon after, she landed a job as a needlework designer for DMC Creative World, and became a freelance designer a couple of years later. She loves being able to work with cross stitch every day! “Labradors are well loved because they’re such loyal. cute and playful animals. I hope my design manages to capture some of those special qualities.” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count white evenweave over two threads of the fabric in 33 shades of stranded cotton. Cross stitch is in both one and two strands of cotton, with fractionals for detail. Half cross stitch is in two strands for the sky. Backstitch…

Get in touch Email: zeena@cross-stitching.com Write to: Zeena Moolla, Cross Stitch Gold magazine, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST Join us at: facebook.com/crossstitchgold Tweet us: @CrossStitchGold Make a wish This is my latest finish. It’s called Magical Dragon, designed by Joan Elliott, and the chart was free with some fabric I bought ages ago. My friend asked if I could stitch something special for her little adoptive granddaughter to celebrate her adoption, and chose this. I added her name in variegated thread in a darker shade, so it would stand out, but still blend in with the colours of the dragon. The fabric is a hand-dyed one from Chromatic Alchemy and has glitter through it, although you can’t see it too well in the photo! Sue Craig, Fife Zeena: What a delightful design to welcome a special…

Meet the designer Carol Thornton Watercolour artist Carol sketches and paints her gorgeous works of art before turning them into cross stitch designs. She creates charts for various magazines and has attracted legions of fans who love her distinctive style of artwork, which translates beautifully into cross stitch. “If you like to rise early, you’ll appreciate the stillness of this scene. What a perfect tranquil spot to see the sunrise, right by the water’s edge.” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 14-count white aida in 24 shades of stranded cotton. The cross stitch is worked in two strands of cotton, and there are fractional stitches for extra detail. Backstitch defines the design in one strand of black cotton. This densely stitched project is recommended for experienced stitchers. How to stitch the design 1 Find the centre…

Meet the designer Maria Diaz Maria has always had a passion for needlecraft, since learning to sew as a child on her great-grandmother’s Singer machine. After art college she landed a job as a printer, which led to her becoming DMC’s first in-house designer. She is now an independent designer and lives in the Midlands with her two sons, Lincoln and Hudson. “All dressed up for afternoon tea on the terrace, this Victorian lady and her surroundings make an exquisite stitch if you love delicate detail.” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count white evenweave over two threads of the fabric in 36 shades of stranded cotton and one shade of metallic thread. Cross stitch, fractionals and half cross stitch are worked in two strands and backstitch is in one strand of cotton or…

GREAT REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE • Save 20% on the shop price when you subscribe • JUST £14.35 for 3 issues plus your tiger kit • 8 large projects in every issue from the UK’s best designers • Convenient UK home delivery at no extra cost! Finished size: 22x8.5cm (8¾x3¼in). This kit uses whole cross stitches & backstitch only. Frame not included. WORTH £25! Dear reader, Take a stitch on the wild side this month with our fantastic subscription offer! Get this majestic tiger stitch kit and save 20% on the shop price, paying just £14.35 every 3 issues. Don’t miss out on this great offer – treat yourself today, or delight a fellow stitcher with a gift subscription. Zeena, Editor, Cross Stitch Gold In every issue of Gold: 8 large designs in every issue The world’s best designers Expert stitching advice and…