The World of Cross Stitching November 2019
Every issue is packed with the very best cross stitch designs, expert advice and in depth technical features, as well as product news, reader letters and stories, competitions and giveaways.
in this issue
welcome
Who has already started stitching for Christmas? I have! I like to start my Christmas cards early and I’ve got my eye on the set of six Christmas tree designs on page 72. The beads add a touch of opulence that is sure to impress the recipients. For something completely unique, you’ll want to try Heather Nugent’s cute animal cards (p38) stitched with Madeira Lana wool, giving the animals’ fur a realistic fluffy effect! On page 84, you’ll find Heather’s essential guide to making cards and tags – it’s never been so easy to make and send personal greetings to loved ones. What better way to countdown to Christmas than with a handmade Advent calendar? Fiona Baker has created a fun gingerbread house design on page 56 and it’s really simple…
meet some of our designers…
JENNY BARTON With rich colours and stunning detail, Jenny’s elegant angel (p10) is an heirloom piece that you’ll want to hang pride of place in your home year after year. AMANDA GREGORY Amanda has created an evocative design of the Scottish moors in winter featuring a pair of Highland cows huddled together at the centre of the piece (p78). FIONA BAKER Fiona’s scrumptious gingerbread Advent calendar (p56) will be a big hit with your family, especially when you pop some treats into the numbered pockets!…
meet our guests
Samantha Whitehouse is a payroll and pension admin from Hertford How did you get into stitching? I started cross stitching as a child when I was given a craft kit with simple patterns to follow. I picked cross stitching back up again about three years ago after seeing a discounted kit in my local craft store and picking it up on a whim! Best stitching tip you’ve heard? I saw a post somewhere recently that explained that one end of the skein of thread is designed to not knot up when you pull it out, and the other end is designed for bobbin winding – that explained why I was having problems with knotted threads everywhere! Design you love? I’ve my eye on the three part Bird Quilt, the first of which is in WOXS 283.…
furry tales
Wizard Mouse key STITCH COUNT 40 high x 40 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 7.5x7.5cm (3x3in) This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Missed a chart? ISSUE 285 All nice and cosy in his warm sweater, Monty is enjoying the cool, crisp outdoors. ISSUE 284 Lizzie has a special present just for you – a stunning, bright yellow sunflower! ISSUE 283 Monty Mouse is keeping his cool this summer by zooming around on his skateboard. For back issues, call ☎ 03330 162 137 or visit http://bit.ly/1NwX3Rv Wearing his tall, crooked hat and deep purple robes with golden trim, Monty is sure to put you under his spell – all without the need of his magic wand! His sorcerer look wouldn’t be complete without his long, white wizard beard.…
realms of glory
Crowned with Christmas roses and accompanied by a pair of white doves, this angel is here to spread a musical message of peace and love. With its rich colours and stunning detail, this is a beautiful scene that will be a sheer delight to undertake this Christmas! Navy blue 28-count evenweave provides a wonderful counterpoint to the opulent thread colours, as well as instantly setting the scene of a cold and frosty winter’s night. This intricate portrait might look complex, but it actually only uses whole cross stitch, some fractionals, backstitch and a little bead detail. It’s a superb project for an intermediate stitcher who’s looking to stretch their skills this season and tackle a detailed design. While we’ve completed the project with a wooden frame and deep red mount that picks…
your letters
Star Letter OH SEW TRUE TO LIFE W hen I was having chemotherapy my aunt gave me your magazine from London. I live in Sri Lanka and I was 16 when I started this project from it. It’s called ‘Cute Kitten’ by Hazel Lincoln from issue 270. I removed the flower vase out of the design because I don’t like stitching flowers and I replaced the vase with a ‘Thank you’ message so I could give it to my school principal, who was very supportive during that period. It took me five months to finish and it was so fun doing it! I don’t have it with me anymore, but I don’t think I’ll ever forget it because my cat gave birth to a kitten who looked exactly like my stitched one!…
