The World of Cross Stitching Mar-22

This month, we’re offering a fabulous selection of projects to stitch and display when the flowers start to bloom in the spring months. Our new four-part Stitch-A-Long (p22) is just perfect for this – you’ll capture the best of nature during the changing seasons in each design. In this issue, you’ll also find a chart for those who love books as much as stitching (p26), world celebration cards (p66), a boho dreamcatcher (84), motifs for Mother’s Day (p47) and more. One of the best things about cross stitching is that it’s for everyone. We are all connected by our love of cross stitch and our shared desire to learn new skills and create designs that bring joy to us and those who receive our work as gifts. This month, you’ll…

LISA REAKES Lisa’s designed a tote-ally awesome typographic design especially for bookworms to enjoy in honour of 25 years of World Book Day (p26). LESLEY TEARE Stitch Lesley’s charming cat on page 56. With all the detail you’d expect from Lesley’s signature style this colourful design is packed full of the joys of spring. POPPY BENNER Bring back memories of your fave childhood toys as you try your hand at Poppy’s vibrant retro sampler-style cushion that’s perfect for kids’ bedrooms (p36).…

Annemarie van Beek is an airline pilot from Hong Kong How did you start stitching? My grandfather has cross stitched for as long as I can remember, and when I wanted to find a new hobby seven years ago I tried cross stitching. I was hooked from day one. The last gift you stitched? A woodland animals height chart as a new baby gift for my best friends in the Netherlands. Little did I know it would match the woodland wallpaper in the baby’s room. What do family and friends think of your hobby? They love it and always enjoy getting stitched gifts. I still have items my grandpa stitched for me when I was young. Fave WOXS design? The ‘Woodland Fawn’ in issue 311 (October 2021). I have to stitch it,…

Yoga Mouse key Cross stitch in two strands STITCH COUNT 35 high x 32 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 6.5x6cm (2 x2 in) This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Flossie Mouse has started 2022 as she means to go on. Here she is living her best life and enjoying a little yoga. Doesn’t she look serene? Why not practise some mindfulness yourself and stitch yoga Flossie for a yogi you know. She’ll make a relaxing stitch! Missed a chart? 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 magic wand. ISSUE 314 Lizzie’s delighted with a giant cheese gift that’s almost as big…

Plant-tastic Bookmark key STITCH COUNT 86 high x 28 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 15.5x5cm (6 x2in) DESIGNED BY Lucie Heaton STITCHED BY Laura Boyter This design was stitched using stranded cotton from your coverkit Inside your kit… Here are the number of thread lengths White x1 Forest green x3 Light green x2 Lime green x2 Dark green x2 Mint green x3 Light mint green x1 Grey x3 Dark mauve x2 Mauve x2 Light mauve x2 Blue x1 Light blue x1 Copper x2 Light copper x2 Yellow x2 Total: 31 lengths Materials × White 14-count aida measuring 19.5x8cm (7 x3in)× Stranded cotton as listed in the key× Aperture card Pretty & practical Factbox × Stitching Time Approx. 8 hours× Type of Stitches Cross stitch, backstitch× Ease of…

Star Letter GREAT WALL OF STITCHES I’ve just finished my biggest project yet, ‘The Great Wall of China’. It measures six feet by four feet and is made up of 399,200 stitches. After starting it in August 2019 I completed it 20 months later. In normal times it would have taken me a lot longer but as we were indoors a lot more I had plenty of time. I don’t think I’ll be doing another one this size again!  Patricia Bradshaw, via email Hannah F: This has got to be one of the most impressive stitches I’ve ever seen, Patricia. Wow! There’s just so much detail. I can’t get over the size of the finished piece. Completing it in just 20 months is amazing too – you must have enjoyed some…