The World of Cross Stitching

It’s a very special issue this month as we’re celebrating our 25th birthday! I’m so proud to be the editor during this big milestone for the magazine. I want to say thank you to all our talented contributors and to you – our lovely readers – who make it possible. Turn to page 74 for our celebration feature where we chat to some of the team and readers who’ve been with us since the early days, plus we’ve got a big birthday competition for you to enter to win some fab stitchy prizes! If you’ve not subscribed to the magazine before, now is the perfect time to try it out. There is a special offer on page 44 where you’ll pay the price from our launch in 1997 – just…

HEATHER NUGENT You’ll be hanging this jolly party wreath at all the birthday celebrations for friends and family, old and young, for many years to come (p76). EMMA CONGDON Have a ball as you stitch Emma’s modern disco kitchen design (p18)! The Paintbox Crafts threads used for the typography really pop on the navy fabric. JENNY VAN DE WIELE Grow Jenny’s spring flowers with your needle and thread to enjoy all year round (p64). You’ll love stitching the pattern on spotty linen fabric.…

Natalie Ahmed works in communications and lives in Nottingham Tell us your recent fave WOXS design? I’m on track to finish Durene Jones’ ‘Christmas Countdown’ from issue 325 (Nov 2022) in time for the start of December. I can’t wait to see my little boys’ faces when they see it. How did you start stitching? I started in 2013 to take my mind off wedding planning. I have two young children now, but I still find pockets of time to stitch – it’s my treat to myself! What are you stitching? I’m feverishly trying to finish personalised Christmas cards using the snowman ABC from issue 326. Your idea of stitchy heaven? Feet up, hot tea (preferably made for me), cross stitch in hand, podcast playing and no-one shouting ‘Mummy’ for…

Birdwatching Mouse key STITCH COUNT 36 high x 39 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 6.5x7cm (2½x2¾in) Charlie’s taken up a new pastime – he’s got a pair of shiny new binoculars to help spot and appreciate bird-life. Charlie listens out for tweets and twitterings, and the rustle of leaves as a bird lands on a nearby branch. Stitch as a card to celebrate the hobby of a twitcher pal. Missed a chart? ISSUE 329 Shimmy and shake with Lizzie as she strikes a pose on the dance floor. ISSUE 328 Stitch Monty as a reminder to water and mist the houseplants in your home. ISSUE 327 Join Flossie singing her heart out as she enjoys her favourite festive carols. For back issues, call 03330 162 137 or…

TOP TIP Choose from four greetings and attach with glue, foam pads or double-sided tape Inside your kit… Here are the colours and number of lengths of thread Cream x1 Brown x3 Light brown x5 Dark orange x2 Orange x3 Yellow x1 Light yellow x2 Dark brown x2 Grey x1 Total: 20 lengths Gifts available with print edition only. Overseas gift may vary. Popcorn Bear key STITCH COUNT 50 high x 35 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 9x6.5cm (3½x2½in) STITCHED BY Laura Boyter ILLUSTRATION CONVERTED BY Fiona Baker This design was stitched using stranded cotton from your coverkit Quick-to-stitch gift Factbox Approx6hours Crossstitchfractionals backstitch Advancedbeginner Materials 14-countwhiteaida measuring 13x12cm (5x4¾in) Strandedcotton Size 24tapestry needle Cardpieces with x4 printed greetings PLUS… Refresh a corner of your…

A mid the colours of a glorious flower garden, you’ll likely spot a little creature or two hiding in the blooms – and who’s to say fairies don’t pay a visit too! Gazing out across the flower heads and camouflaged in a matching pink petal dress with pale yellow wings and bonnet, this beauty sitting among the tulips has the best seat in the house to happily watch the world go by. Based on an original Cicely Mary Barker illustration, The Tulip Fairy is sure to go to the top of every fantasy-lover’s must-stitch list. You’ll work this charming scene using 36 thread colours to create the gorgeous shading and transitions, replicating the original painted effect. Using simple stitches of whole cross stitch and backstitch only, beginners should have no…