Just CrossStitch February 2022

Hello stitching friends! Can you believe it’s time to welcome a new year once again? It’s a testament to the truth of the old familiar saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun!” With that in mind, let’s give 2022 an enthusiastic welcome as we look forward to another year filled with creative projects and exciting stitching adventures. Throughout the year ahead, our Sampler Sleuth, Deborah Fasano of Historic Handworkes, is going to take us on journey to explore the history of needle art from around the world. Her first stop takes us to Italy where we learn more about Assisi stitching. She’s even created an attractive Assisi-style bell pull design for you to enjoy stitching. It’s a lovely Italian keepsake to commemorate your virtual travels. We are also pleased to welcome back Nancy…

Series sponsored by SULLIVANS USA 2022 All-Stars Lineup! February: Cardinal April: Blue Jay June: Robin August: Goldfinch October: Bluebird December*: Chickadee *Wall hanging finishing instructions will be included in the December issue. Design by Shannon 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 six-part sampler. • Six 15” x 15” pieces 28-count antique white Jobelan from Wichelt Imports Inc. • Number of skeins as listed in color code for Sullivans® USA six-strand embroidery floss • Size 24 tapestry needle All-Stars Songbird Quilt Blocks: Cardinal Shaded portion indicates chart overlap. Backstitches/Straight Stitches 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. Visit AnniesCraftStore.com to purchase your complete All-Stars Songbird…

Design by Karen Bowen of KEB Studio Creations Skill Level: Intermediate Stitch Count: 171H x 117W Design Size: 9½” x 6¾” Materials • 17” x 14” piece 18-count Mystic Aida from Picture This Plus • Three skeins each Weeks Dye Works™ Hand Over Dyed Floss • Size 26 tapestry needle Instructions Cross stitch over one square using two strands of floss. Work Algerian eye stitch over two or four squares using one strand of floss. Backstitch over one square using one strand of floss. Finishing Materials & Instructions • 906F Pellon Fusible Sheerweight interfacing • Coordinating fabric for back • 10” (½"-diameter) wood dowel rod • Two wood finial dowel caps to fit dowel rod • White acrylic paint • Paintbrush • 18” length white 3mm macramé cord • Craft glue Glue dowel caps on dowel rod. Paint dowel rod and caps; set aside to dry completely. Press stitched piece from reverse…

Design by Jennifer J. Redmond Skill Level: Intermediate Stitch Count: 67H x 52W Design Size: 4¾” x 3⅝” Materials • 11” x 10” piece 14-count white/silver Star Aida from Zweigart® • One skein each DMC® or Sullivans® USA six-strand embroidery floss • One skein DMC® Light Effects six-strand embroidery floss • One skein Artiste™ Metallic floss • Size 24 tapestry needle Instructions Cross stitch over one square using two strands of floss. Where small symbols appear, work ¼ cross stitch using two strands of floss. For snowman eyes, work Smyrna cross stitch over one square using one strand of floss. For medium snowflakes, work Smyrna cross stitch over two squares using one strand of floss. For large snowflakes, work vertical star stitch over four squares using one strand of floss. Backstitch over one square or work straight stitch using one strand of floss. Work French knot…

Design by Nancy Woods of Blooming Grove Needleart Skill Level: Intermediate Stitch Count: 79H x 79W (each) Design Size: 4⅜” x 4⅜” (each) Materials • Two 11” x 11” pieces 36-count Dapple Edinburgh linen from Picture This Plus • One skein each Weeks Dye Works™ Hand Over Dyed Floss • Size 26 tapestry needle Instructions Note: Work each full cross stitch as you go. 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 using two strands of floss. Work straight stitch using two strands of floss. Stitch bird feet over branches that have already been stitched. Work French knot using two strands of floss and wrapping around needle twice. Finishing Materials & Instructions • Fiberfill • Two ½” four-hole buttons • Straight pins Press stitched pieces from reverse side, straightening…

Design by Lee Fisher of StitchyFish Designs Skill Level: Intermediate Stitch Count: 64H x 93W Design Size: 4⅝” x 6⅝” Materials • 11 x 13 piece 28-count star sapphire Jobelan from Wichelt Imports Inc. • One skein each DMC® or Sullivans® USA six-strand embroidery floss • Size 24 tapestry needle 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 two strands of floss. Winter Serenity…