The World of Cross Stitching August 2021

Welcome to our August issue, packed with feelgood summer projects! Whether you’re new to the hobby or a seasoned stitcher, I hope you’ll find plenty of inspiration inside. Durene Jones’ vibrant retro ice cream van will have you reminiscing about happy childhood days (p10) and you’ll be packing up the picnic basket once you’ve stitched Jenny van de Wiele’s Polaroid-style country landscape (p20). I’ve fallen hard for Jenny Barton’s beautiful mermaid with her flowing hair and elegant tail (p66) – the design will keep me busy this summer! We’re celebrating wonderful wildlife in this issue with two fantastic projects – Carol Thornton’s savanna scene of a mother and baby elephant with their trunks lovingly entwined (p74), and Fiona Baker’s adorable cards featuring koalas hugging amongst the eucalyptus leaves (p36). Both projects are…

SUSAN BATES The Design Library this month (p47) is inspired by antique samplers of yesteryear but Susan has given the motifs a modern twist by using a fresh colour palette. HELZ CUPPLEDITCH Stitch and gift a sweet design that features Pepper the adorable pup and a huge pile of colourful presents to celebrate a special birthday (p60). HEATHER NUGENT Inspire children to pick up a book with Heather’s set of fab bookmarks (p84). With four themes to choose from, there’s a design to suit all little readers.…

How did you start cross stitching? I started to stitch during the first lockdown, in March 2020. I love manual work so as I was forced to stay home I decided to try something new. I had an old cross stitch kit given to me by a friend that I’ve never opened, so I started with that. What is your fave project? The Durene Jones ‘Beach Huts’ scene that came as a gift with issue 296 (August 2020). It took me three weeks to complete it and I loved the final result. Tell us about your worst stitching disaster? The very first project that I tried to stitch. I should have tried something easier. I started in a wrong place, I mixed up the colours because of bad light as well as lots of light…

Supermouse key STITCH COUNT 40 high x 38 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 7.5x7cm (2¾x2¾in) This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Missed a chart? ISSUE 308 Show someone that they’re out of this world with Monty in his space suit. ISSUE 307 Dressed as a cowgirl ready to rodeo, Flossie makes the perfect card to say ‘howdy’. ISSUE 306 Go surfing with Monty as he catches a wave in the sun in this action-packed chart. For back issues, call % 03330 162 137 or visit http://bit.ly/1NwX3Rv Stitch Flossie Supermouse for your favourite key worker. She makes a wonderful thank you card for one of your personal heroines or heroes and, though we think she’s pretty perfect in pink, you could make the stitch your own with your fave colours.…

Home Sweet Home key STITCH COUNT 48 high x 48 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 8.5x8.5cm (3½x3½in) DESIGNED BY Durene Jones STITCHED BY Laura Boyter This design was stitched using stranded cotton from your coverkit TOP TIP Instead of storing your needles in the fabric, use a magnetic needle minder to keep both your needles and fabric safe Whole stitches only Factbox • Stitching Time Approx. 6 hours• Type of Stitches Cross stitch, backstitch• Ease of Stitching Beginner Inside your kit… To help you sort your threads, here is a list of the colours and number of lengths inside your kit: Blue x1 Light green x2 Green x2 Dark pink x2 Pink x3 Dark green x1 Dark yellow x2 Yellow x2 Light yellow x2 Light pink x1 Brown x1 Dark brown x2 Total: 21 lengths…

A staple of many carefree childhood memories, the ice cream van (or truck if you’re American) holds special memories for many. No one knows the origin of this iconic vehicle – it’s rumoured to be the accidental creation of Thomas Carvellos who, in 1929, found himself forced to sell his rapidly-melting stock to passers-by because of a flat tyre. Whatever its beginning, it has a rich history in spreading delight, and this delicious design by Durene Jones allows us to indulge ourselves. It’s a brilliant piece for beginners, can be completed in around 40 hours, and makes use of a range of vibrant summery shades of thread. Inspired by her own childhood recollections, Durene’s design depicts an unmistakably traditional van, with gorgeous bunting detail and she’s added a sense of fun…