The World of Cross Stitching Apr-22

This month we celebrate springtime – we hope you’ll find that the fresh, sunny ideas and inspiration are your perfect escape from anything else that might be going on. Why not fill your home with gorgeous blooms like Amanda Gregory’s wildflowers on page 18 or check out Kay Widdowson’s beautiful blue tit framed by vibrant flowers on page 24. I reckon I love cake almost as much as I love stitching, so the sweet saying and tempting treats in Gail Bussi’s uplifting sampler design (p56) has moved this project right to the top of my stitch list. Do you have a sweet-toothed friend who will love it too? Easter will be here soon – Good Friday is 15 April, so start stitching now to celebrate. New WOXS designer, Kate Spiridonova, has created…

Katie Walker is a teaching assistant from Witney How did you start stitching? I’ve been cross stitching for as long as I can remember. My mum taught me, and the first project I remember completing was a sampler. What’s your favourite style? Until recently I would have said detailed pieces but more recently I have been drawn to more cute stitches. I like to stitch words and have never minded backstitch. WOXS design you love? I loved the three-part 3D ‘Christmas Village’ SAL by Fiona Baker that featured in issues 312 (Nov 2021), 313 (Dec 2021) and 314 (Special 2021). The last gift you stitched? I stitched a piece for my mum (the only person I stitch for) of a Pride and Prejudice ball scene. What do you love most about cross stitching? I cross stitch to relax, and I love…

Charlie Mouse key STITCH COUNT 38 high x 31 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 7x5.5cm (2¾x2¼in) This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton We’re delighted to introduce a new member of the squad, Charlie Mouse. This chap looks so cheerful in red overalls wearing his wheelchair proud. A champion of inclusivity through body positivity, add this new Furry Tales character to your collection! Missed a chart? ISSUE 317 Flossie looks super serene as she starts 2022 with a healthy new hobby, yoga. ISSUE 316 Monty’s been cooking up a storm in his smart chef’s whites. Roast anyone? ISSUE 315 Lizzie will be there to collect little ones’ teeth with a wave of her wand. For back issues, call % 03330 162 137 or visit http://bit.ly/1NwX3Rv…

Materials × Blue 14-count aida measuring 10x10cm (4x4in)× Stranded cotton as listed in the key× Square gatefold card and handy envelope Inside your kit… Here are the colours and number of lengths of thread White x1 Purple x2 Lilac x2 Light lilac x2 Black x2 Brown x2 Light brown x3 Green x2 Light green x2 Pink x2 Dark apricot x1 Apricot x1 Yellow x2 TOTAL: 24 lengths Spring Window key STITCH COUNT 38 high x 40 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 7x7.5cm (23/4x23/4in) DESIGNED BY Fiona Baker STITCHED BY Laura Boyter This design was stitched using stranded cotton from your coverkit Stitch for any occasion Factbox × Stitching Time Approx. 6 hours × Type of Stitches Cross stitch, backstitch ×Ease of Stitching Beginner TOP TIP Cut around each panel leaving a two square aida border then fray one square. Attach to the front card flaps with double-sided tape…

Adorned with a matching flower crown and garland, this loving pair look like they’ve walked straight out of the pages of a children’s book. Feel your heart melt as the little girl reaches up to give the unicorn a kiss on the cheek as if she just gifted the creature the pretty floral accessory! It’s a superb scene to display on nursery walls for little ones and you could even turn it into a sampler for a new addition to the family by adding a name and date using a backstitch alphabet. Worked in just 18 thread shades, this cute Belle & Boo artwork will be a joy to stitch with solid blocks of colour to speed through, before adding the intricate outlines. If you’re stitching on aida be sure to…

Star Letter A BIG BIRTHDAY My mother-in-law Ruby has been staying with us since the pandemic began. To celebrate her 101st birthday – her second with us – I stitched Margaret Sherry’s ‘Birthday Cat’ from issue 294 (June 2020) to bring some extra joy to her Zoom birthday party. As a cross stitcher herself until a few years ago, she appreciated all the work that went into this design. Ruby currently spends much of her time through lockdown knitting – a number of blankets have been completed for grandchildren. I inherited the remains of her cross stitch stash a couple of years ago and it’s been a very useful addition to my thread stock. I’m Looking forward to stitching some more designs from the magazine. Robert Neil, Glasgow Hannah F: Happy 101st birthday, Ruby!…