Crafts
CrossStitcher
February 2021CrossStitcher is the UK’s best-selling crafts magazine. Each issue is packed with inspirational cross stitch designs and exciting new ideas that will help you make the most of this wonderfully relaxing and rewarding hobby. Please note: This digital version of the magazine does not currently include the covermount items or content you would find on printed newsstand copies.
in this issue
make of the month
Stitch count: 45 high x 46 wide Design size: 8.5x8.5cm (3⅜x3⅜in) Stitch time: 4 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Make a… card Step 1 STITCH on a 11x11cm (4¼x4¼in) piece of white 14 count aida, using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch, and one strand for the backstitch. Step 2 DOWNLOAD from www.willowfabrics.com the tags and card blank. Print on thin card, then separate out the four tags by cutting between them, and then make a hole for somebaker’s twine by pushing a sharp needle through the circle printed in the top left corner of each. Step 3 USE a needle very carefully, so not as to break the stitches or the fabric, to make a larger hole through an aida hole, on either side of the vase neck. Step 4 THREAD one of…
welcome
WHAT IS THE THING we notice most when we look around us? (Please don’t say things that need tidying up!) We reckon it is colour that makes the biggest impression. After all, think how long it takes to decide on the colours to decorate your house. Colour is often so important in our lives. With this in mind, we are very pleased to present another colour swatch design by Emma Congdon (page 18). This time she has brought together the best of winter in colour and patterns. Some will make you want to rush to the kitchen for a mug of hot chocolate, reach for your favourite winter jumper, or just smile because the swatch brings back a favourite memory of the season. What would you add to your set of…
out there
Kids-piration! If one of your New Year resolutions was to introduce your little ones to stitching then you’ll love Caterpillar Cross Stitch’s new Junior Stitch Kits range. Featuring Princess Wish, Sparkle Unicorn, Whippy Ice Cream, Ahoy Pirate and Splash Mermaid, the kits are easy to stitch on 8 count aida fabric. Each kit includes aida, needle, DMC stranded cotton (pre-sorted and pre-cut), a Carlos the Caterpillar card thread holder, a large colour chart and easy-to-understand instructions. You can also add to your kit a cotton canvas drawstring storage bag (perfect if giving as a gift) and a 6in Elbesee embroidery hoop. www.caterpillarcrossstitch.com/collections/childrens-cross-stitch-kits BUTTON UP DECORATE YOUR stitched cards and cushions with a fresh look for spring with these sweet buttons from Tilda Fabrics’ new Woodland range – their first collection for 2021. There…
my craft room: michelle yeoh
“I have two workspaces – one at home and one in my mum’s as I alternate between them. I do the framing and photography at home where the lighting is better and the stitching and packing at my mum’s. It’s easy on the eyes when the space is tidy but once a project is underway, it usually looks like a hurricane has struck! My favourite parts are my collection of flosses and the wall of framed stitching!” Portrait commissions: Facebook/Instagram @lilpinkfactory Malaysian cross-stitch designs: Facebook/Instagram @mirumakes 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!…
stitching with jess
Hullo! I am a huge fan of the Victorian penchant for hidden meanings in, well, almost everything! Like a romantic spymaster, you can say whatever you want and hide it in plain sight – if only you know how to say it (and the recipient knows how to read it!). In this series, we’re going to explore this with a collection of floriography patterns. Flowers have had meaning attributed to them for thousands of years, but the Victorians especially loved the 'Language of Flowers'. Our first pattern is of one of my favourite flowers – the ranunculus. It’s beautiful, boldly coloured and delicate, with numerous petals crowded together kind of like layers of pastry in a croissant… perhaps that why I like it so much. It’s also the name of a fantastic…
crafty bookshelf
THE GEEKY STITCHING CO'S LITTLE BOOK OF CROSS STITCH JESS PAYNE [Clink Street Publishing] The Geeky Stitching Company’s very own collection of over 30 bestselling designs are in this book as well as seven new patterns. It's available as an ebook or as a paperback. You’ll find cute, modern, designs from rainbows to fluffy animals and fun puns too. If you’d like to learn more of the type of project you’ll get to stitch, then turn straight to page 72 for our exclusive interview with author Jess Payne! SEWING FOR THE ABSOLUTE BEGINNER CAROLINE SMITH [Search Press] A new edition of a classic book, if you’ve ever wished you had the sewing skills to complete your projects as homestyle makes or gifts, this is for you. With 25 exciting projects, from pillows and curtains, to an apron,…
