The World of Cross Stitching November 2020
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
We know it’s only September but we’re planning our Christmas stitching already! And I know you guys are an organised bunch so this month I’ve got a fab range of festive projects for you to make a head start on. You’ll definitely want to stitch Helz Cuppleditch’s sparkly fairy (p64) now so that it’s framed on the mantel for all your visitors to see in the run up to the big day. Start building your card stash with Lesley Teare’s pun-tastic cat designs (p20) and Durene Jones’ super-simple Advent calendar (p82) will appeal to young and old alike. I’m really excited to try Faby Reilly’s biscobourse (p56) – it’s like a big biscornu and creates a fun pouch to store your favourite sweet treats. I know it’ll get my guests…
meet our guests
Gwendolyn Douglas is a rural mail carrier from Mount Washington, USA Your proudest stitchy moment? When I gave my sister Pam ‘The Rose Goddess’ in a big crowded room of our family for her 60th surprise birthday party. She cried for a long time and kept saying thank you. Your worst stitching disaster? I was halfway finished with Stoney Creek’s ‘Insect Sampler’ and spilled tea on it and ruined the white fabric – it was a big stain I couldn’t remove. [Editor’s note: We’ve all been there!] WOXS design you love? I just finished the orange ‘Lion Cushion’ from issue 264 (Feb 2018) by Durene Jones. I’m going to enter it into the Kentucky State Fair. It was a joy to stitch and I absolutely love the colours. It turned out beautifully. Who’s your fave designer? Joan Elliott…
furry tales
Knitting Mouse key STITCH COUNT 38 high x 32 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 7x6cm (2¾x2¼in) This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Armed with knitting needles and yarn, Lizzie is ready to tackle her next big project – I wonder what she’s making? Perfect for the knitters in your life, Lizzie would be a welcome craft room companion hung up in a hoop on the wall. Missed a chart? ISSUE 298 Ready to go trick or treating, Monty is looking fa-boo-lous dressed as a scary monster. ISSUE 297 Rock on, Lizzie! This design will be great fun to stitch and a surefire hit with music fans. ISSUE 296 Monty Mouse is trying his hand at fishing – perfect to stitch for angling fans! For back issues, call 03330 162 137 or visit http://bit.ly/1NwX3Rv…
your exclusive gift!
TOP TIP There are some very similar thread shades used in this design, so take the time to sort all your threads in good lighting before you start Inside your kit… To help you sort your threads, here’s a list of the threads in your kit: White x2 Light pink x2 Black x1 Dark brown x2 Brown x2 Light brown x2 Cream x2 Light cream x2 Dark green x2 Green x2 Very dark pink x2 Dark pink x2 Pink x2 Light blue x2 Blue x2 Grey x1 Total: 30 lengths Birds and Teacups key STITCH COUNT 40 high x 54 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 7.5x10cm (2¾x3¾in) DESIGNED BY Helz Cuppleditch ILLUSTRATION CONVERTED BY Fiona Baker STITCHED BY Angela Griffin This design was stitched using stranded cotton from your coverkit Factbox ✖ Stitching Time Approx. 6 hours ✖ Type of Stitches Cross stitch, backstitch, French knots ✖ Ease of Stitching Advanced beginner/intermediate Pretty shading & detail…
jolly old saint nick
Wrap up warm – it looks like a cold and clear Christmas Eve, with snow gathering on the branches of the fir trees in the forest and crisping under the hooves and paws of the creatures which live there. But there’s a new visitor to the woodlands this evening, whose thick brown boots make barely a sound as he passes along its tracks and paths – because he has centuries of experience visiting homes unheard! The glowing lantern and warm, pure heart of Santa Claus draws all the animals towards him to accompany him and his sack full of presents for the children of the world. Jenny Barton’s epic portrait celebrates the beauty of nature’s kingdom alongside one of our Christmas heroes, who, from his beaming expression, is delighted with his…
your letters
Star Letter TACKLING CHALLENGES Hello WOXS Team, I thought you might like to see my finished project. It is the most difficult work I have finished yet with cross stitch, satin stitch, French knots, backstitch and lazy daisies on 18-count aida and it has been a great challenge. Cross stitching has been part of my life since I was little and your magazine has inspired me to do more complex projects, what to do with them when they are finished and given me the confidence to display my work. I have been suffering from severe depression and this project has helped me through two very tough weeks. It is now framed and displayed in my bedroom and reminds me every morning that I can do it. Thank you so much. Jacky Bouck-Standen, via…
