The World of Cross Stitching May-22

In an ideal world, we’d all have a calm, creative space to stitch – a little hideaway with our stash around us, perfect light, and no interruptions! But alas, our daily responsibilities and home set-ups don’t necessarily allow for this. Wherever you stitch in your home, I think Cheryl McKinnon’s stitcher’s clock should hang nearby to help you track those precious stitching hours (p70)! Before the pandemic, I loved to travel and would be jet-setting off on adventures whenever I could. Travel restrictions might have grounded me for a while, but I can be inspired for my next trip with Susan Bates’ collection of iconic landmarks from around the world (p47). I’m excited to introduce you to a new designer this month – Megan Caines of Meloca Designs. Megan is known for…

Tammy Nguyen is a pharmacist from the US How did you start stitching? I started to cross stitch when I was nine. I went to the craft store with my mum and she bought me a little kit – I’ve been hooked ever since. What’s your favourite ever cross stitch project? I stitched a series of autumnal projects from patterns by Jenny Van De Wiele that I found in issue 298 (October 2020) of The World of Cross Stitching. I get the most compliments from my friends and family for these. What’s your recent fave WOXS design? I loved the little ‘Modern Florals’ designs from Susan Bates in issue 316 (February 2022). Who are your stitchy buddies? My mum will forever be my favourite stitching buddy. Unfortunately, she lives on the other side of the US, but when we…

Mer-mouse key STITCH COUNT 39 high x 35 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 7x6.5cm (2 x2 in) This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Flossie looks like she’s just swam out of a fairy tale with her sparkling green and purple tail and coordinating bikini. She really does make an enchanting mer-mouse don’t you think? Stitch this to make a special all-occasion card for someone important to you. Missed a chart? ISSUE 318 Meet Charlie, a cheerful new addition to the delightful Furry Tales family. 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? For back issues, call ☎ 03330 162 137 or visit http://bit.ly/1NwX3Rv…

Margaret Sherry’s cats are notorious for their cute-factor and this fluffy creature is no exception! Sat on the lush green spring grass surrounded by pretty daisies, friendship truly blossoms between this moggy and sweet mouse as they enjoy the outdoors. With a clear blue sky and butterflies dancing above, what’s not to love about this sunny stitchy scene? Even beginners can give this project a go with just whole cross stitches and backstitch bringing the design to life. Just watch out for the grey French knots on the butterfly antennae and the cat’s whiskered cheeks – if this is totally daunting as a newbie though, our top tip would be to use similar coloured seed beads here instead of the French knots. We just love to see all your kitty creations…

Star Letter A HUNDRED HAPPY YEARS This is Marion who celebrated her 100th birthday in early June. My mum wanted to create a unique card for the occasion and she asked me to help. Marion was in The Wrens (Women’s Royal Naval Service) during World War II so mum stitched The Wrens logo (from Elite Designs*) for the front of the card, and I stitched a portrait of Marion in uniform for the inside, using a photo taken in 1944. Marion was thrilled with our efforts, so much so that she showed off our stitched card more than the telegram from the Queen! Once the celebrations were over the card was cut in half so that each piece could be framed. They both now proudly sit on Marion’s mantlepiece. Elizabeth Field, Southampton Hannah F:…

I thought you would like to see my version of this design from issue 305 (April 2021) for the birthday of a friend who shines like the sun. The main reason for the adaptation is that I had no seed beads of the right colour and couldn’t just pop to our local craft shop to get some. They may have taken too long to arrive if I’d bought online, but I thought it was worth giving it a go with the beads I did have. I also thought it would be effective on the dark blue aida. I hope you like it – hopefully my friend will too! Thanks for all your wonderful designs. They’re so useful for making birthday presents. I’m looking forward to stitching the ‘Herb Planters’ motifs…