The World of Cross Stitching July 2021

The warmer weather outdoors is inspiring our stitching indoors in this, our July issue, where you’ll find heaps of gorgeous summery patterns that you and your needle won’t be able to resist. First up is the summer sampler on page 20 – part two of our four-part series, this fun design shows off all the joy of the season. Get beach ready and try Jenny Barton’s tropical fruits as practical accessories on page 72, or dive into a deep sea adventure with Belle & Boo and their ocean pals on page 58. For a real taste of summer, Maria Diaz will transport you to a sunny Greek taverna in stitches on page 64. I love the realistic detail in this inviting scene, from the yellow and white check tablecloths to the…

Be on the panel! Get a sneak preview Appear in the magazine Receive a stitchy gift Kate Douglas is a crime scene examiner from Ayr, Scotland Do you have stitchy friends? I’m a regular at a stitching retreat where I’ve made some truly wonderful lifelong friends. What is it that you love most about stitching? Cross stitching is my zen place. One of my favourite ‘jobs’ is bobbinating, I could honestly sit and do it for hours. Is there a technique you’ve been unable to master? French knots – I’ve tried but just cannot do them. I’ve looked at many guides and videos but to no avail. Fave WOXS design? The ‘Cat Motto’ pattern, issue 302 (Jan 2021). I’m a crazy cat lady. What do family and friends think of your hobby? They think it’s hilarious that I always carry a WIP in my handbag. Proudest…

Space Mouse key STITCH COUNT 39 high x 34 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 7x6cm (2 x2 in) This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Missed a chart? ISSUE 307 Yee-ha! Cowgirl Flossie practises her lassoing technique and says howdy. ISSUE 306 Go surfing with Monty as he catches a wave in the sun in this action-packed chart. ISSUE 305 Brighten someone’s day with rollerskating Flossie Mouse and her polka dot brights. For back issues, call 03330 162 137 or visit http://bit.ly/1NwX3Rv Ground control to Major Monty… our space mouse is trying to catch a falling star in this super galactic design! Defying gravity in his stylish space suit, stitch Monty Mouse and send as a card to show someone special that you think they’re out of this world!…

Quick to stitch Factbox ✕ Stitching Time Approx. 2-4 hours each ✕Type of Stitches Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch ✕Ease of Stitching Advanced beginner Gift Tags key STITCH COUNT 22 high x 16 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 4x3cm (1 x1 in) DESIGNED BY Fiona Baker STITCHED BY Laura Boyter These designs were stitched using stranded cotton from your coverkit TOP TIP You can still use a hoop when stitching small designs, work on a decent-sized piece of fabric and cut out your tag afterwards Inside your kit… To help you sort your threads, here’s a list of the threads in your kit: Dark purple x3 Purple x2 Black x2 Red x3 Green x2 Straw x3 Light straw x3 Total: 18 lengths…

PACKED WITH DETAIL This decadent dragon design is stitched using 20 different shades of stranded cotton – and 19 of them are green! We almost ran out of different green descriptions to name the colours in the key, but looking at the finished cross stitch, you’d never guess this creation was anything other than a beautifully shaded portrait. From the thick armour plates of his neck and belly down to the elegant sweep of his oak-leaf tail, he is perfect! There’s no background to draw attention away from the dragon, which makes the attention to detail even more compelling. This piece is reminiscent of a naturalistic illustration and it pays tribute to Anne Stokes’ brilliant imagination. When fantasy is this realistic, it is hard to believe it’s not really drawn from life.…

Star Letter IT’S IN THE JEANS I’ve been cross stitching and crafting for more than 30 years and I’m always trying to invent new ways of displaying my completed work and designs. Recently, the kids and I created these unique, eye-catching upcycled pencil cases. They chose their preferred charts and together we stitched them onto plastic canvas. Even dad was involved in this project, not because he’s a stitcher – we used his old jeans! I chopped the jeans up to re-fashion them into pencil cases. Hand-sewing each image to the denim with clear nylon thread took a while, but we are all so impressed with the finished product. And it’s given a new lease of life to an old pair of jeans. I thoroughly enjoy my monthly dose of The World of…