CrossStitcher

makes of the month

You can make several of these for your Christmas tree, or omit the cord to use them as table decorations Make a… Christmas tree Step 1 TAKE a 12x12cm (4¾x4¾in) piece of white 14 count aida. Work the cross stitch in two strands and your backstitch in one, and where possible use individual backstitches rather than trailing across the aida, as this will give a better finish when the tree is rolled and assembled. Step 2 WHEN the stitching is complete, roll the aida into a cone shape, folding in the fabric edges, so that the back seam matches. Step 3 LEAVE 6mm (¼in) of unstitched fabric below the stitching at the bottom of the tree, and carefully cutting away any excess fabric. Fold the unstitched fabric up and inside the cone, and then press with your…

exclusive christmas stitch-a-long!

Make a… mini sampler Step 1 NOTE that part 2 of this design fits directly under part 1 (which was stitched at the top of a 3x10cm (9x4in) piece of 14 count white aida) – the chart for part 1 was in issue 349 and part 3 will be in the December issue. Step 2 USE two strands for the cross stitch, two for the backstitch, and one for the French knots. Add seed beads to the trees and house, in the positions shown on the chart by a round orange symbol. Step 3 REMEMBER the remainder of the design, and finishing instructions will be in the next issue (December) of CrossStitcher magazine. The finished size of your complete mini sampler will be 19x7cm (7½x2¾in), and the stitch count 103x39 stitches. If you missed part 1 –…

welcome

PEOPLE TEND TO moan about the unseasonal appearance of Christmas catalogues and the boxes of crackers stacked in our supermarket aisles – everyone claims it happens earlier each year! For we stitchers, it generally can’t happen early enough as it’s a sign that we can thread up our sparkly metallics and get down to things to craft for our festive homes and to create as handmade gifts. We are here to oblige with heaps of ideas to inspire your Christmas! We’re starting with a positive message – Durene Jones has created a very special angel for us to bring a bit of joy and peace on page 18. Plus, back by popular demand, our mini printer’s tray! Last year, there was a festive scene for each section, this time the tray…

outthere

’Tis the season… Get set for Christmas in style with Rico’s new embroidery book No. 168 Nostalgic Christmas which is packed with ideas for festive home accessories. The book includes templates for cross stitch motifs as well as some embroidery designs in stem, satin and straight stitch. Featured are charts for pillows, blankets, table runners, doilies with lace, place mats, wall hangings, eight pictures in different sizes and embroidered and punched pendants. There are all sorts of styles included from modern to classic with three colour themes; Classical Colours in green and earthy shades with red accents and metallic effects, Black/White/Gold and Nostalgic Colours with pastel shades and coordinated metallic effect yarns. www.rico-design.de/en/home SEASONAL DELIGHTS WE’RE BIG fans here at CrossStitcher HQ of Jody Rice, the mastermind behind the popular Satsuma Street brand of…

my craft room: clare youngs

“When we first moved into our house nine years ago, one of the first things we did was build the studio at the bottom of the garden. I have always wanted a studio that was separate from the house. I usually head up the path, first thing in the morning, with a big cup of tea and often with Otis, our little mini dachshund, for company. “One wall is made up of storage space with plywood doors. I am not a very tidy person so it is nice to be able to put things away to try and keep some order to my space. All my sewing projects start off by designing on paper, so I have shelves for pens, paints and papers and other shelves for sewing equipment. “I used an…

trend spotting

CHRISTMAS TREES FOR FINE festive pines, such as our free gift this month, look no further than these ideas for branching out this Christmas… WHO Nancy & Betty are the makers of this Christmas Tree Portrait Christmas Sticky Tape which is perfect for decorating the Christmas card blanks you’re mounting your stitching in. www.nancyandbetty.com WHAT Brighten up your home in style with this Christmas Tree Cross Stitch Bauble Craft Kit by The Make Arcade which includes a mini 3in embroidery hoop and pom-pom trim for mounting. www.themakearcade.co.uk HOW Embellish cards, cushions, wall hangings and samplers with these super-cute Wooden Small Christmas Tree Buttons, available in Silver, Gold or Mixed Colours with 50 buttons in a pack. www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ButtonCraftUK1…