CrossStitcher May 2022

Visit the CrossStitcher Digital Downloads group on Facebook at bit.ly/3HTh6ZJ to download your card blank and button from the Files section Make a… card Step 1 TAKE a piece of 10x10cm (4x4in) white 14 count aida and stitch your design in the centre, following the chart and key. Download the card blank and button (see tip) then print them out onto card. Step 2 TRIM the stitched fabric to fit your card front, then fray the fabric edges, removing one square of fabric. Step 3 STITCH the bicycle to the bottom of the aida on the left-hand side. Step 4 ATTACH double-sided tape to the back of the stitching and the bicycle, then place it on the card front – press it down well to attach to the card. Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count: 47 high x 42 wide Design size:…

WE HAVE SEEN some memorable stitched quotations over the years, but one stands out: ‘Cross stitch forever, housework whenever’. It certainly hits the spot with us right now as we are having work done at CrossStitcher HQ and some rooms don’t even have a floor to hoover! Spring cleaning is not for us this year, so we are looking for lovelier signs of the season. The star of our cover is a real favourite floral – fantastic frilly peonies! Maria Diaz has teamed these blooms with classic patt erns to create a cushion design that will refresh any room. Turn to page 18 to get started. Zoe’s regular Nature Diary (page 16) is a brilliant seasonal library. And we have some fun gardening-themed cards on page 29. With time in mind, we…

Magnetic magic… We are loving the gorgeous range of needleminders coming out of Paraffle Embroidery right now. Each made in Britain, they are constructed from enamel with gold highlights for a really luxury look. These latest designs include a flamingo, hare, elephant and llama – check out their website for the full details and more in the range. They’d all make a beautiful birthday gift for a stitching friend and the magnets are strong enough that they could be used as a fridge magnet or pin instead. Find out more at paraffle-embroidery.com. MY CRAFT ROOM: ANGELA PRESSLEY We get to see a glimpse of a designer’s own craft space… “My studio is in an arts community hub and is bathed in light with a big window and high ceilings giving a sense of space.…

Hullo! One of my favourite things in the whole world is a sleep in. I am a total night owl and a lazy start to my day is an absolute joy – slowly waking up on your own terms (without the shriek of an alarm), the weight of your blankets cocooning you, the sheets soft against your skin, knowing you have nowhere immediately to be and nothing to do. Bliss. One of the ‘Little Things’ of life that I have found hardest to do is rest. Society often assigns our value based on what we produce without acknowledging that we have inherent value by just existing. Because of this expectation I have had times where I was trying to relax, crossstitch in hand, but that nagging voice in my head was…

SIMPLY STITCHED WITH PUNCH NEEDLE YUMIKO HIGUCHI Have you discovered punch needle yet? Yumiko Higuchi showcases 11 little projects here to show how to achieve 3D textures and finish all using a punch needle pen and stranded cotton. Get making brooches, pouches, coasters, samplers, pillows and hoop art, with designs featuring fruit, flowers, leaves, gemstones and animals. Modern makers are going to love what’s on offer here, as punch needle is known for being addictive! CROSS STITCH ALPHABETS HÉLÈNE LE BERRE [Search Press] Published this month in paperback, Hélène Le Berre brings you 14 beautiful alphabets to stitch. Each alphabet has been inspired by themes from nature, such as birds, animals and flowers. Follow the detailed instructions, charts for each alphabet and ideas from Hélène on how to use your letters in projects. Project suggestions…

Bead storage and accessories to help organise your craft desk… BEAD STORAGE BUNDLES If you are like most stitchers and your beads are in a mess, then this storage bundle is a great way to get organised. With over 60 screw-top jars in different sizes you will be able to organise your beads and buttons, and get them safely put away betwen projects. In the bundle you will also get three packs of Trimits seed beads in handy colours, and two packs of beading needles. Each bundle contains: 🌼 a six section stacker jar box with 28 screw-top lidded jars 🌼 a box containing smaller jars for fine beads, and a jar stack containing 6 clear jars, which can be extended in height by adding more jars to the bottom of the stack…