Just CrossStitch December 2022

Hello stitching friends! Autumn is coming to a close with a final burst of color in anticipation of the winter chill ahead. We, too, begin our preparation for the changing seasons. It is hard to believe, but another year will soon be behind us. This issue of Just CrossStitch might be just what you need to slow down the pace, enjoy some creative time, and reflect on the approaching holidays and all the joy that they bring. We say farewell to autumn with a heartfelt design from Rhona Norrie. The Beauty of Change features blackwork-style stitching in vibrant seasonal colors. The sentiment reminds us that change can reveal unexpected splendor. We transition into Thanksgiving with projects that bring reminiscing thoughts of times spent with family and friends gathered ‘round the table. This is…

Design by Barbie Laux of Twisted Willow Designs Skill Level: Easy Stitch Count: 86H x 97W Design Size: 6⅛” x 6⅞” Materials • 12” x 13” piece 14-count white Aida from Zweigart® • One skein each DMC® or Sullivans® USA six-strand embroidery floss • Size 24 tapestry needle Instructions Cross stitch over one square using two strands of floss. Backstitch over one square or work straight stitch using one strand of floss. Where two colors are bracketed together, use one strand of each floss. Work French knot using one strand of floss and wrapping around needle twice. Finishing Materials & Instructions • The Spring Shop Paddle Wood Recipe Book Holder #5635651 from Hobby Lobby • Fusible interfacing • Double-stick tape Press stitched piece from reverse side, straightening as much as possible. Trim edges of stitched piece to eight squares away from stitching on all sides. Remove two…

Design by Karen Bowen of KEB Studio Creations Skill Level: Easy Stitch Count: 75H x 75W Design Size: 3¾” x 3¾” Materials • 10” x 10” piece 40-count sandstone/ tea dyed linen from Wichelt Imports Inc. • One skein each DMC® or Sullivans® USA six-strand embroidery floss • One skein each The Gentle Art Sampler Threads • One skein each The Gentle Art Simply Shaker Sampler Threads • One skein each Weeks Dye Works™ Hand Over Dyed Floss • Size 28 tapestry needle Instructions Cross stitch over two threads using two strands of floss. Finishing Materials & Instructions • La Charcuterie Paddle Board from Scarlet Sky Designs TX Etsy shop • Glue • Two contrasting colors burlap ribbon • 1” fabric flower • ⅜” button Model was finished using Flat-Ornament Finishing Instructions. Glue finished piece to paddle board as shown. Make two bows with ribbon and glue to board as…

Design by L.S. Porter of Hot House Petunia Designs Skill Level: Easy Stitch Count: 68H x 68W Design Size: 4¼” x 4¼” Materials • 10” x 10” piece 32-count raw linen (variegated) Belfast linen from Wichelt Imports Inc. • One skein each DMC® or Sullivans® USA six-strand embroidery floss • One skein each Classic Colorworks Hand-Dyed Cotton Thread • One skein The Gentle Art Simply Shaker Sampler Threads • Size 26 tapestry needle Instructions Cross stitch over two threads using two strands of floss or thread. Where small symbols appear, work ¼ cross stitch using two strands of floss or thread. Backstitch over two threads or work straight stitch using one strand of floss.…

Design by Shannan Grierson of Bobbin and Fred Skill Level: Intermediate Stitch Count: 121H x 121W Design Size: 8⅝” x 8⅝” Materials Note: Materials given are for the entire sampler. • Six 15” x 15” pieces 28-count antique white Jobelan from Wichelt Imports Inc. • Number of skeins listed in color code Sullivans® USA six-strand embroidery floss • Size 24 tapestry needle Shaded portion indicates chart overlap. Instructions Cross stitch over two threads using two strands of floss. Where small symbols appear, work ¼ cross stitch using two strands of floss. Backstitch over two threads or work straight stitch using one strand of floss. Finishing Materials & Instructions • Six stitched songbird blocks • 2 yards admiral blue Bella Solids fabric from Moda Fabrics • 33” x 44” piece low-loft cotton batting • Basic sewing tools and quilting supplies With designs centered, trim each stitched block to measure…

We return to England in this issue. Our stitcher, Mary Noah, was born in the city of Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey. The island was originally used as a fortress by Henry VIII; then, in 1665, docks were built there to facilitate trade and it became one of England’s busiest. It continued that function through Mary’s time, the Victorian Era, and into the present day. Mary was only 9 years old in 1860 when she stitched her sampler. We know little else of Mary except that her mother was named Eliza, her employment is listed as laundress, and that Mary had one brother named Alfred, born in 1859. Sampler art during the reign of Queen Victoria (1819-1901), was inspired by the introduction of new Christmas practices that would become traditions,…