CrossStitcher November 2020

Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count: 48 high x 42 wide Design size: 8.5x7.5cm (33/8x3in) Stitch time: 4 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Make a… Christmas card Step 1 WORK the design on a 15x14cm (6x5½in) piece of 14 count aida, using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch and one strand for the backstitch. Step 2 ADD red seed beads using red stranded cotton, grouping them together and following the chart for where to place them. Step 3 DOWNLOAD and stitch on acard robin topper (see tip opposite) at the bottom of the design. Step 4 TRIM the stitched fabric so that it is larger than the white panel on the front of your card (see tip), leaving two or three blank squares around the design. Fray the aida edges by pulling away…

This second section uses beads the same as those used in part one – remember to save some more for the final section of the SAL in the December issue of CrossStitcher. You can use any spare dark grey stranded cotton from last month to outline the bird and pudding Make a… mini sampler Step 1 NOTE that Part 2 of this design needs to be stitched directly under part 1 and to the right, so that the outer border on the right-hand side matches up. Step 2 USE two strands for the cross stitch, one for the backstitch, and one for the French knots. Stitch the beads (you may have some saved from the last issue of CrossStitcher) on the star and the Christmas tree. More beads are used in the next issue of…

WHEN YOU THINK about it, most of our beloved Christmas images are hard to find in real life. What would a festive scene be without the snow, but how many of us actually experience a white Christmas? We would need to look back quite a few years in the UK. Nevertheless, we are always up for a good dose of artistic license – not to mention a touch of magic and sparkle! First of all we want to take you on a sleigh ride! Lucie Heaton’s cover design is such a treat, with the woodland animals making their way through the snow to their own version of Christmas. Climb on board on page 24. We’ve noticed that many of you like to create snow villages as part of your decorations. A stitched…

Mini merry makes We’re big fans of Stitchsperation here at CrossStitcher and designer Charlie has pulled out all the stops for the festive season with a host of new Christmas Mini Kits! Featuring simple greetings such as ‘Joy’, ‘Merry’, ‘Noël’, ‘Holly’, ‘Hope’, and ‘Peace’ – their new mini size makes them a super-quick stitch this year. Each kit includes a chart, one of a kind hand-painted fabric measuring approx. 24cm x 32cm, two needles, a tips and tricks card to help you get started and DMC stranded cotton. Choose from two colourways – Modern and Traditional. We’ve pictured the Traditional colourway here. www.stitchsperation.com LET IT SNOW CHRISTMAS SNOW Globe has been designed as a hanging decoration for the festive season. Available as a chart or kit, it includes instructions to make it as a…

Designer Sophie Allport is well-known for her beautiful fine bone china and kitchen fabrics, including her gorgeous brand-new Partridge fabric featured opposite. Sophie says, “I tend to work from home and usually it’ll be at the kitchen table with my favourite pens and watercolours ready and of course with my dogs at my feet. I find I’m most creative when I’m on my own at home, I prefer the peaceful environment with no interruptions where I can really concentrate on work.” www.sophieallport.com Drop us a line to crosssstitcher@warnersgroup.co.uk with images of your craft space and a few words about it and our favourites could be featured in a future issue!…

ROBINS INSPIRED BY our free card kitcomplete with robin button, we’re spreading our wings to include these festive fellows in our Christmas crafting too… WHO This cute robin magnetic needleminder is made from glossy hard enamel – he has two super strong magnets to keep your needle safe and he measures 3.3cm high. www.caterpillarcrossstitch.com WHAT Quick to stitch, this little robin cross stitch kit is the perfect size for a Christmas card. He comes as a kit and is surrounded with holly and tiny red berries. www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LittleBeachHut HOW Create Christmas stockings or cushions and more with this bright, modern 100% cotton robin fabric, available by the metre. www.lornasyson.co.uk…