CrossStitcher Summer 2022

Download your exclusive printable card blank from our CrossStitcher Digital Downloads group on Facebook at bit.ly/3HTh6ZJ Stitch count: 44 high x 44 wide Design size: 8.5x8.5cm (31¼x31¼in) Stitch time: 10 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Make a… card Step 1 WORK the design, following the chart and key, in the centre of an 11x11cm (4½x4½in) piece of white 14 count aida. Step 2 DOWNLOAD and print out your card blank (see tip). Trim the stitched fabric to fit your card front, then fray the fabric edges, removing one square of fabric all around. Step 3 ATTACH double-sided tape to the back of the stitching, then place it on the card front – press it down well to attach to the card. *See ‘The Key’ on page 80. PLUS! This month enjoy stitching six exclusive coastal designs with…

WHAT DOES SUMMER mean to you? For us it is getting to grips with our rather large new garden. While we might dream of the kind of flowers stitched on our Language of Flowers bookmarks (page 35), the reality so far has been a lot of wrestling the very vigorous ivy off the old stone walls. We did manage one afternoon at the beach by way of a break. We were only able to spot common seagulls but were on the look-out for more of the species of coastal birds that Susan Bates has captured for us in our cover design (page 24). Enjoy stitching the picture in full or pick out favourites for a weekend project. Of course, it may not be summer in your part of the world at all,…

Stitchers start here! Caterpillar Cross Stitch founder and designer Sally Wilson has branched out into craft writing with her very first book, Jump Into Cross Stitch: For Beginners; 6 Happy Projects; From First Stitch To Finishing. Cross stitch newbies will learn everything they need to know to get started, then dive into six fun projects to practise their new skills. Sally Wilson has compiled a host of must-stitch creative motifs with ideas for handmade gifts you’ll want to display everywhere around the house. The perfect gift for a friend you’d love to get hooked on stitching! Jump Into Cross Stitch is published by C&T Publishing on 31 July 2022. MY CRAFT ROOM: VICTORIA MATTHEWSON We get to see a glimpse of a designer’s own craft space… “In 2015 I bought an inexpensive summerhouse. Over…

Hullo! There’s something about sparklers that can light up even the dourest of people. Maybe it’s the dancing sparks, the trails of light they create as you wave them around, or that familiar noise. It always transports me to my childhood, where sparklers were the best thing on special occasions, and I had such certainty in myself and my capacity. The confidence of children isn’t arrogance, it’s self-belief. But as we try things and maybe don’t do so well, or as people around us put us down, we can lose that innate confidence in ourselves. It’s never good to be arrogant, but there’s a big difference between arrogance and knowing where you excel. I used to downplay my skills and strengths because I didn’t want to come off as egotistical or overbearing.…

CROSS STITCH FOR THE HEART EMMA CONGDON [David & Charles] Emma Congdon has collated 20 designs that celebrate love in all its forms, for you to ‘heal your heart, one stitch at a time’. Sentiments include, ‘Together is my favourite place to be’, ‘Be the reason someone smiles today’ and ‘In a world where you can be anything, be kind’. All are worked in Emma’s distinctive modern style, which has a retro twist. Emma also shares her thoughts and inspirations for each design that’s included here. SEASONAL FLOWER EMBROIDERY KAZUKO AOKI [Roost Books] This book asks you to stitch your way through the seasons. Textile artist Kazuko Aoki welcomes you to Gente Flower Shop in Tokyo, with over 25 motifs, including meadow flowers, garden baskets, berries, a violet-covered armchair and more. You are…

Take advantage of our exclusive offers to UK readers and receive special discount prices… DMC SUMMER COLOUR AIDA FAT QUARTERS These DMC 14 count aida colours that are bursting with pretty summery tones! We can offer you a fat quarter 50x55cm for a special price of £7! DMC are well known for their beautiful stranded cotton, and the same quality can be found in their three summery 14 count aida colours. The aida is 100% cotton, and the perfectly square weave makes it easy to create neat and regular stitches. The range includes Sandstorm (peach), Morning Dew (blue), and Sunset (pink). Due to dyeing techniques the prints may vary slightly. Please mark your coupon with the colour you would like to receive. Fat Quarter (50x55cm) of DMC Summer Printed 14 Count Aida for £7;…