The World of Cross Stitching Special 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
Are you busy stitching for the big day? If you’re stuck for ideas, then don’t worry – we’ve packed this issue with cheery festive makes to inspire you. We’ve got two innovative ways to display presents this year with Sally Wilson’s fun stocking sign (p24) and Lucie Heaton’s charming Santa sack (p72) – both projects are sure to delight little ones. Fans of classic Yuletide designs will want to bookmark The Nutcracker ABC set on page 67, the three Christmas carol hangings on page 20 and the Victorian-inspired 3D cards on page 60. And if you’re not that into Christmas stitching, you’ll still find lots of projects you can enjoy – including an adorable West Highland terrier (p78) and a blooming bouquet of sparkling poinsettias (p56). Earlier this year, we shared the sad…
meet our guests
Jenny Sampson is a website, SEO and social media content assistant from Norwich Your intro to cross stitch? When I was little, my mum gave me a scrap of fabric, a blunt needle and some coloured thread to experiment with because I was ill and bored. When I got better, we then progressed to basic cross stitch and I haven’t stopped since! Fave WOXS design? ‘All the Fun of the Fair’ by Fiona Baker from issue 281. I love the use of the coloured fabric to evoke the sunset. It’s something I’ve always wanted to work with, so this project is ideal. Memorable stitching moment? At my cousin’s wedding, as everyone was finishing the meal and just before the speeches, I presented the wedding sampler I had made to the happy couple. The looks on their…
furry tales
Stocking Mouse key Cross stitch in two strands Backstitch in one strand STITCH COUNT 40 high x 40 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 7.5x7.5cm (2 3/4x2 3/4in) This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Missed a chart? ISSUE 287 In this sweet design, Lizzie Mouse cuddles up to her favourite red-nosed reindeer. ISSUE 286 Wearing his crooked hat and purple robes, Monty is sure to put you under his spell. ISSUE 285 All nice and cosy in his warm sweater, Monty is enjoying the cool, crisp outdoors. For back issues, call 03330 162 137 or visit http://bit.ly/1NwX3Rv Monty’s feeling excited on Christmas Eve as he stands in front of a roaring fire with a beautiful holly surround, filling a stocking with a surprise gift. Stitch this delightful design for a friend who loves the night before Christmas.…
your exclusive gift!
Inside your kit… To help you sort your threads, here is a list of the colours and number of lengths inside your kit: Pink x2 Black x6 Red x9 Grey x2 Dark red x8 Green x2 Cream x2 Peach x1 Blue x4 White x5 Total: 41 lengths Factbox ▪ Stitching Time Approx. 15 hours▪ Type of Stitches Cross stitch, backstitch▪ Ease of Stitching Beginner Fun making up idea Santa Decoration key Cross stitch in two strands Backstitch in one strand STITCH COUNT 61 high x 61 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 11x11cm (4 1/4x4 1/4in) STITCHED BY Angela Griffin DESIGNED BY Heather Nugent This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton TOP TIP Before you begin, use a ruler to find the centre of your plastic aida, then start stitching from the middle How to… make up your decoration 1 Create a loop with your baker’s twine and tie the ends together with a double…
wreathed in smiles
We know that for many of you, Christmas isn’t Christmas without one of Margaret Sherry’s cute animals to stitch, so we’re delighted to be able to continue this festive tradition even after the sad news of Margaret’s passing. This fluffy feline has all the elements of Margaret’s instantly recognisable whimsical style, from his oversized whiskers beautifully created in backstitch to the comedic position this kitty has got himself in! The design is stitched on Sew-it-All’s gorgeous dark cloud 14-count aida in beautiful shades of blue, on which you’ll use whole stitches, fractionals and backstitch, plus half cross stitch for the shadows in the background. Finished in a natural wooden frame so the intricate stitching details of this design really shine, stitch this cheeky kitty for yourself as a fun holiday decoration, or…
margaret sherry
How did Margaret begin her career as an artist? For as long as she could remember Margaret had a pencil in her hand creating her own fun characters! When Margaret left school, she studied illustration, believing she would pursue a career in medical illustration. But, as photography advanced, she realised this wouldn’t be possible. As a young woman with a family, Margaret taught art at a local school. I was a baby, so she was able to take me with her. I would lie under her desk during class, distracting pupils by blowing raspberries. In addition to teaching, she also illustrated children’s books, greetings cards and adverts. For the last 20 years, Margaret’s career was dominated by designing for cross stitchers and crafters. What did you think of Margaret’s work? As a child,…
