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QUICK STITCH
GREETINGS!
Make of the month Make our sweet Hetty Hedgehog pin cushion to make the perfect prickly pal for all your stitching projects!
Make a… pin cushion Step 1 TRACE the templates and cut them out. Place the side template centrally over the wrong side of one piece of stitched aida and draw round it, then cut it out 1cm outside the drawn line for a seam allowance. Repeat for the other side of the hedgehog but turning the template over. Cut out the base from green felt using the template.
Step 2 PUT the two hedgehog sides right sides together and stitch all the way round the drawn line and 1cm under the nose but leaving the bottom edges open.
Step 3 Designed by: Maria Diaz Design size: 7x12cm Stitch time: 6 hours
TURN the bottom edges of aida under by 1cm then oversew the felt over them using green thread, leaving a small gap for stuffing. Stuff your hedgehog firmly then slip stitch the gap closed.
Step 4 STITCH a bead nose on your hedgehog and she is ready to hold all your pins.
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Welcome To a comfy corner filled with cross stitch
“WHAT ON EARTH COULD BE MORE LUXURIOUS THAN A SOFA, A BOOK AND A CUP OF COFFEE?” AnthonyTrollope was
one of the most successful writers of the Victorian era but he missed something vital from his list of luxuries – his latest cross stitch project! Every stitcher knows you can conquer the world from the comfort of a cosy couch with sufficient stranded cotton to hand. This month you can even enjoy your finished projects on the sofa too.It’s all about cushions! Our favourite is canine cutie Harvey (1),the chunky design that you can quickly stitch to the size of a small terrier.If you’d prefer a feathered friend rather than a furry one,we have a crafty bird (2) pattern just for you.Next for stitching and plumping is the street to enjoy from your seat – three cheery houses (3) for quirky homestyle. Have fun and make sure there’s still room for you on the sofa – even if means pushing your husband off.(Men never understand the need for cushions anyway.) Happy stitching!
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JENNY DIXON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Best for baby! Don’t miss our brand new baby sampler and nursery gifts in your next issue. In shops 1 May.
Follow us online! facebook.com/CrossStitcherMag twitter.com/XStitchmagazine
www.crossstitchermag.com
Get lucky with your stitching!
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Issue 291 May 2015
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YOUR CHARTS 8
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Key To The Door A clever ‘new home’ keyring
15 Join Our Street Party Looking for colourful cushions for your home? These house designs will be right up your street! 21 Flight of Fancy Feather your nest with our adorable bird cushion – perfect for spring! 24 Your New Best Friend Cute canine cushion 32 Take Out A Tote Bags of style to stitch, with our on-trend flamingo tote project 38 Paisley Parade Give a room a retro pop of colour with our paisley cushion with pom-pom trim 44 Your Lucky Day A pair of charming button rings 48 Off The Shelf Sampler-style kitchen picture 53 Bonjour Paris All the city sights in one chic design 57 Pennies From Heaven Sweet cloud coin purse 60 Over The Hills & Far Away Treat yourself to a country scene that’ll stay sunny all year round 64 Paintbox Perfection Stitch on paper and use our free illustrations to send special greetings! 68 Party Time! Kids will go crackers for our adorable animals, complete with birthday numbers
ONTHECOVER O Streetparty page15 O Sewdarnsweetpage21 O Quickstitchgreetingspage64 O Saveinstyle page57 O Yournewbestfriend page24 O Birthdaycelebrationspage68 O Sunnyviewpage60
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EXTRAS
78 Back issues Missed an issue? Here’s how you can get your hands on it 90 Puzzles Fill in our crossword for the chance to win some fantastic Madeira prizes
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EVERY ISSUE 11
Out there Discover all the latest stitching products and craft trends
14 Inside the mind of Mr X Stitch
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30 An interview with Charlotte Lyons 37 Letters Show off what you’ve stitched 46 Subscribe to CrossStitcher and save over 34% on the shop price! 88 Market place Our free reader ads page where you can buy, lend and sell items 91 Next month in CrossStitcher
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Try something new every issue 73 Appliqué Quick, easy and thrifty too – learn what appliqué can do for your designs, with three fun projects to try.
THE SAVVY STITCHER APPLIQUÉ
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KEY TO THE DOOR
K y to Whip up a fun ‘new home’ gift! Add your friend’s moving-in date to customise this crafty keyring
Back your keyring with a circle of felt for a neat finish
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Make a… keyring
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Step 2 FOLD the cotton tape in half and loop through your split ring. Turn the short ends under then stitch to the back of your plastic keyring using small neat stitches.
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Emma Congdon
15cm đ 14 count plastic canvas, 15x m đ Red cotton tape, 15c đ Split ring e 84 For stockist details see pag
FOR YOUR HOME
Designed by: Emma Congdon Design size: 6x6cm Stitch time: 5 hours
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Outthere
Outthere
Other items: Hermia Bell light and A Table, John Lewis; Finnsdottir Snablebell vase, Heal’s; Slate II paint,Vanessa Arbuthnott.
Every month we showcase the latest high street trends, new ideas and inspiring personalities for today’s stylish cross stitcher
Teal appeal This month, we’re loving Scandi charm with an rustic English twist – like this cosy corner from designer Vanessa Arbuthnott. Her Up the Garden Path, Teal wall covering is just the right backdrop for some sunny stitches like our landscape picture project on page 60, while our sweet bird cushion RQSDJHZRXOG´WSHUIHFWO\QH[WWR9DQHVVD®V Scandi Stripe Cool cushion. www.vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk
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Contemporary Restyled, Flamingos 95/8048; £72 by Cole & Son
BRAVE HEART THIS SUPER stitched banner will give a little morning pick-me-up on difficult days. A quote from C S Lewis’ children’s classic The Chronicles of Narnia, it makes a lovely gift for any literary lover. www.etsy.com/shop/FishOutStore
FLAMINGO A GO-GO! FLAMINGOS ARE the new owls – when it comes to on-trend designs, that is! These leggy lovelies look cool on our tote bag on page 34 – and are perfect for the home too. We love this New Contemporary Flamingos collection wallpaper by Cole & Son, available in four fab colourways. www.cole-and-son.com
Rock ‘n’ reel This must-have phone case makes a great gift for stitchers! The retro sewing reels imagery is by photographer and collage artist Cassia Beck and the case fits both iPhones and Samsung Galaxies. www.et .com/shop/ CassiaBeck
TAG ALONG THESE LOVELY tags are ideal for handmade gifts. From The Smallprint Company, who use vintage letterpress machines for many of their designs, their Made with Love tags are printed on heavy card with twine ties. Gorgeous! folksy.com/shops/ TheSmallprintCompany
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SHARP STITCHES SPRUCE UP your sewing room with a pretty print! This amazing paper-cut design, by the appropriately named Charlotte Trimm, was Inspired by vintage sewing machines. Drawn and cut by hand, then printed on pearl paper, it comes in 22 colours and as a notebook too! folksy.com/shops/bycharlieshand/
Brace yourself NOW YOU can wear your love of cross stitch on your sleeve! This stylish customisable bracelet makes a quirky accessory for stitch fans. The faux-leather bracelet is pre-punched with holes for you to create your own cross stitch design. It’s also available in mint green, hot pink, gold and black – a colour for every outfit! www.cloudcraft. co.uk
Outthere TREND SPOTTING
DOGGY BAG
with writer and crafter
Katie Allen
HERE AT CrossStitcher HQ, we’re dippy about dogs (check out our cushion on page 24!) so this washbag from Susie Faulks caught our eye. It’s inspired by Susie’s walks in the Stroud countryside with her terriers and is created from oilcloth with a waterproof lining – making it perfect for sewing stashes, paintbrushes or other crafty bits and bobs. www.mimosastreet.com
SKY’S THE LIMIT
Bring me sunshine NO MATTER how gloomy the weather forecast, you can add a little sunshine to your day with this tea towel from Mary Fellows. The tea towel is designed, made and printed in England, and the jolly design is also available as matching apron and mug for the full kitchen kit. The little bird also reminds us of our cushion project on page 21. www.maryfellows.co.uk
IT’S FUN to prepare for a rainy day when the clouds are as cute as this! Try our silver lined selection below or stitch our cloud purse on page 57.
WHO
A Canadian husband-and-wife company made this cute cumulonimbus mug. www.beardbangs.ca
THREE OF THE BEST Hog the lot! ,QVSLUHG E\ WKLV PRQWKV SLQ FXVKLRQ NLW WKHVH (WV\ ³QGV DUH KRJJLQJ RXU DWWHQWLRQ :KDW FRXOG EH FXWHU WKDQ D KDSS\ KHGJLH"
WHAT
This Kumo needlepoint cushion kit is named after the Japanese word for ‘cloud’. pompomdesign.com
HOW
HANDMADEBYEVAROSE
Tidying up the toys (or clearing up crafty odds and ends) is so much easier with this appliqué cotton storage basket.
SHARONRUHMAN
We love this mini hedgehog pillow, which can be made to your chosen colours. Get one for a child or keep for yourself.
OTTERLYDESIGN
Pin this handmade hedgehog brooch on your collar or cardigan. Such a diddy design can’t fail to look adorable!
Shower all your love on someone special today! It’s easy with this super-sweet Cloud Love card from Sheffield’s Binky Design. www.etsy.com/ shop/ StudioBinkyShop
MAY 2015
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CRAFTY THOUGHTS
Photograph: Cat Lane
Inside the mind of
Our manbroider has set himself a design challenge for 2015. So how’s he doing so far?
H Adesignaweekhasignited mycreativity,big time!
i there, lovely cross stitch chums! Ain’t it great to see that spring has sprung and the trees are getting their blossom on. Despite being immersed in technology and happy to be a geek, I do my bit to remember that I’m a being of nature and to stay in tune with the seasons. Therefore, as the sap rises over here in the UK, I do my bit to grow and evolve. A few years ago I read the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey (at first I thought it was called the Habits of Seven Highly Effective People and wondered who they were) and the seventh habit is called Sharpen The Saw, wherein you do things to renew your energy and keep yourself in
is that the process is the process. Or, to put it another way – in order to develop your skills you have to make a thing, make another thing and then another thing. Eventually new ideas will start to come through, and maybe somewhere down the line you’ll make something meaningful. I’m sure there are many of you that have been stitching something and had another idea meander into your mind while doing so. That’s the ‘process’ and as far as I can tell, you just have to trust that the inspiration gnomes will turn up when you need them. So that’s what I’m trying to do with my 52 Week Challenge – a new pattern each week in the hope that as the weeks roll by, the
’s the challenge of doing ething new and interestin pushing at my boundarie
Td@OR=¸@YP@XQY\RXR idealforthis challenge Findmeonline: www.mrxstitch.com www.facebook.com/MrXStitch www.twitter.com/MrXStitch
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good shape. As 2015 got going and I celebrated my 40th (!) birthday, I decided to sharpen my cross stitch design saw by setting myself a challenge of designing and giving away a cross stitch pattern every week. The design process is an interesting one and I’m always fascinated to see the creative paths that people follow. We all learn how to draw an apple at school and from that point, some people end up making art quilts and others end up making dinosaur sculptures from car parts! Exactly how that process occurs is a thing of wonder and for each of us it’s different, but the one thing I’ve learned
ideas will keep coming and just get better and better. At the time of writing this column, I’m about eight weeks in to the challenge and so far, so good. I’ve made it much easier for myself by choosing to do 26 alphabet flash cards along the way, but there’s still the challenge of doing something new and interesting and pushing at my boundaries. I’ll check back in with you in future issues and let you know how I’m getting on, but if you want to download the patterns, just visit my website at www.mrxstitch.com and search for the 52 Challenge!
Come to our street party Stitch our trio of houses and you can get on the property ladder pronto – no deposit required!
Designed by: Lucie Heaton Design size: 30x13cm each Stitch time: 21 hours each
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FOR YOUR HOME
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FOR YOUR HOME
Choose a scrap of fabric for the chimney to complement your stitching Make a… house cushion Step 1 FOLD the chimney fabric in half widthways then sew together along the top and down the side. Turn right sides out and press.
Step 2 CUT your stitching to the same size as the backing fabric then pin the cushion back and front right sides together. Sandwich the chimney between the front and the back matching raw edges in the position you would like the chimney to be.
Step 3 STITCH together 1cm outside the stitching on the sides and bottom and along the edge of the stitching at the top leaving a gap along one of the sides for turning. Trim seams then turn right sides out and press.
Step 4 STUFF your cushion firmly then sew up the gap to finish.
For each house nweave, đ 20 count antique white eve 15x35cm ric, 34x18cm đ White cotton backing fab 6x8cm đ Print fabric for chimney, e 84 pag see ails det For stockist MAY 2015
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COME TO OUR STREET PARTY
Add a base to your cushion before sewing it up, and fill it with rice instead of stuffing, to create a fun doorstop!
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Flight
of fancy
So darn sweet! Give a corner a cosy touch with our feathered friend
Designed by: Lucie Heaton Design size: 16x22cm Stitch time: 20 hours
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n, 35x45cm đ 28 count light rustic line ric, two đ Cream cotton backing fab 20x35cm pieces đ Floral bias binding, 150cm đ Piping cord, 150cm de flowers đ Pink spot buttons to fit insi cm 40 đ Cushion pad, 30x e 84 For stockist details see pag
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FOR YOUR HOME
Make a… piped cushion Step 1
WRAP your bias binding around your piping cord and pin the long edges of the strip together.
Step 2
Stitch the buttons in the unstitched flower centres. Using the same thread that is in the bird’s needle, sew a stitch from the end of the thread to the button centre
SWITCH to a machine zipper foot which allows you to sew closer to the piping cord than a traditional foot. Make sure you sew up to the edge of the piping without sewing over it. The piping should look like the above image.
Step 3
TURN TO PAGE 42 TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE AN ENVELOPE CUSHION
TRIM your stitching to 29x35cm. Pin your piping cord in place on the cushion front, cutting notches in the excess fabric at the corners. Trim the piping away from the overlap end and nest the fabric over the other end.
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PLACE your stitching right sides together with two hemmed pieces of backing fabric and pin. Machine sew as close to the edges of the piping as possible. Turn and insert the cushion pad to finish.
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YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND
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FOR YOUR HOME
yoUr new Best FrienD Our canine companion needs a new home. No muddy paws guaranteed!
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FOR YOUR HOME
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Designed by: Maria Diaz Design size: 43x28cm Stitch time: 40 hours
Make a… s aped cushion p1 đ 20 count antique white evenweave, 65x50cm đ White cotton backing fab ric, 50x34cm đ Soft toy stuffing For stockist details see pag e 84
To keep the fou s while you are stitching, run hem through your wet fingers before you thread your needle
CE tracing paper over your ng and draw your shape 1cm away from the edge of tching. Keep the edges ded and curving gently.
p2 out the shape and draw it on the back of your eave. Pin the cushion back ront right sides together.
tep 3 STITCH together along the drawn line, leaving a gap along one of the sides for turning. Trim seams then turn right sides out and press.
Step 4 STUFF your cushion firmly then sew up the gap to finish.
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INSPIRING PEOPLE Order adorable designs like this from Charlotte’s Etsy shop
The roof on this sweet house is a sampler of basic stitches to try
An interview with...
Charlotte Lyons
We caught up with multi-talented Charlotte Lyons, whose cosy ‘mixy-matchy’ stitching style has won her admirers around the world Interview by Katie Allen
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How big an influence has your family been?
harlotte Lyons is one busy lady! Self-taught, she has published craft books, created fabric and embroidery kits, runs sell-out craft retreats and has a successful Etsy shop to boot! Check out her blog, House Wren Studio, to take a peek at her eclectic mix of makes. We chatted to Charlotte about her craft career and her personal passions…
You live on the beautiful Hudson River in the United States – do your surroundings often influence your work?
Absolutely – I’m always influenced by what’s right around me. I grew up in the country with a lot of time to myself. It was long before the internet and malls, I never had a craft store nearby – I always found something around the house to make with. It was a great way to grow up.
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House Wren Studio – the name of my blog – came from looking out of the window and seeing some wrens on the lilac bush. I really liked the idea of being like a wren, making a little house. I still like the name – so it was a lucky accident.
My mother inspired me hugely, she was super-creative and still is at 85. She had a bag making business and had me cutting out flowers for the designs – it was a really important colour lesson for me. I’m not the greatest stitcher, but I have a good sense of colour! My first book was Mothers and Daughters At Home, it was a story of making things with my children and of mothers and daughters making. Each of my daughters loves to make things. For my 60th birthday, my three girls took me away to a cabin and recreated their childhood – they made a playlist and a menu and we all made a quilt for my daughter Maggie’s baby. Did you study art?
I did an art programme at high school, then I was an English major and became a teacher but it was something
INSPIRING PEOPLE
Above: Craftingwithacuppa:Charlotte’s craftretreats haveprovedarealhit Below: Totallyhooked! Charlottecaught thecraftingbugwhenworkingonherrugs Watercolour sketches reveal a love of colour and homespun charm
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sewing because it e, it’s meditative, quiet tactile experience I always had in me. I stayed home with the kids and began doing art and craft designing for publications. Country Living magazine featured my hooked rugs in 1986 and that gave me credentials! Who inspired you?
Mary Engelbreit, an American illustrator, designer and businesswoman. We have known each other since we worked together in a shop selling handmade quilts and toys – we loved the same things. I worked on her magazine Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion with photographer Barbara Martin, as well as the Home Companion series and other craft books. We had a lot of fun and met a lot of exciting people. I’ve never had an office job! Before I met Mary, it never occurred to me that you could work in art and make it a career. What do you love about sewing?
It transports me, it’s meditative and quiet, and it’s such a tactile experience.
I use a lot of Pearl Cotton and Cosmo Floss – such a big burst of colour. I also like that it’s a fairly small craft – you can put it in a basket and take it in the car, on the train. I like the small work – I started out hooking rugs and that takes up a lot of space! I like that you can experiment with things, try different stitches. Not everybody has to be an expert: just get started, you’ll get better at it. Find the one stitch for you. Describe a typical day for you
I do most of my work in the morning. I get up pretty early and have the biggest pot of coffee. I draw and stitch, just seeing what takes my fancy. I am typical of a lot of makers, I can be really scattered. The Etsy shop helps. I’m concentrating on making embroidery samplers for it.
some come year after year. Pammy, who has a farm nearby, brings fresh eggs and pies and muffins, and we go on local adventures to yard sales. We often end up staying up late crafting in our pyjamas. It’s a little bit of work but it works out, it’s really fun when a random group of women get really close. Have you been given any good crafting advice?
Tell us about the retreats you run
Keep going – I think that’s good creative advice. It’s hard to do, but try and focus more on one thing and get really good at it. This life of making has been a really wonderful way to entertain myself. I still get huge pleasure from stitching. It is a creative life – it makes me happy, it fills me up.
I hold them in the autumn and spring in Vermont, co-hosting with my friend Meleen. People come from all over,
charlottelyons.etsy.com http://housewrenstudio.typepad.com
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TAKE OUT A TOTE
Take out a tote Shopaholics will be tickled pink ZLWKWKHVH¶DPER\DQW¶DPLQJRV
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ON TREND
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TAKE OUT A TOTE
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Designed by: Durene Jones Design size: 21x22cm Stitch time: 11 hours
Durene Jones
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Make a… tote bag Step 1 TRIM your stitching to the size of your backing fabric.
Step 2 PIN and machine sew your stitched piece and one lining piece together along the top edge. Open out the fabric and press. Repeat this step with the remaining backing and lining pieces.
Step 3 PLACE the two sewn pieces right sides together, lining up the seams at the middle and pin. Sew all the way around, leaving an opening for turning in the lining. Clip the corners and turn right sides out.
Step 4 PRESS under the raw edges in the lining and sew the remaining opening closed. Push the lining to the inside then topstitch all round the top edge. To make the bag handles, stitch the ends of webbing to the inside of the front and back, turning the short ends under.
Aid If yoa swatc st u h use aitching prefer 14 on a aida count wida, inste hite ad
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For a fun finish, use a bright pink cotton lining for your bag
đ 28 count white evenweav e, 50x50cm đ White backing and lining fabric, three 43x33cm pieces đ White webbing, two 4x8 0cm pieces For stockist details see pag e 84
Your stitching Drop us a line to pin your projects into our album! Email your photos to
[email protected]
making From issue 287. Rather than and made our col the a sachet I changed fella. my for gift a as a cushion cover il ema via r, Amanda Bar
I have just taken out a subscr iption and will send my stitches from Tur key. I hope you like them. Happy days fro m Istanbul. Merih Gulen, Istanbul
My New Year’s resolution was to finish all my part-stitched pieces. Thi s was the first completed, I love the bri ght colours. Gillian Hodgson, via Facebook
de from This funky bottle-card was ma league col mer for issue 187. I sent it to a ay. to celebrate his birthd Sara Lugnani, Switzerland
d every I love Belle & Boo, so I enjoye . It is ign des le Bel stitch of this sweet at. gre ks loo now framed and Justyna Flos, Poland
I did the cat from issue 282, but as a picture rather than a cushio n cover. I’ve now put it in a frame. Suzanne Evans, via email
Stay in touch... crossstitchermag.com facebook.com/ CrossStitcherMag @XStitchmagazine e 289. This was the free gift from issu kit for the I decided to switch the aida in a cloudy blue colour. ire Vickie Ramage, West Yorksh
This was the ‘In a Prickle’ cac ti project from issue 228. It is my firs t ever cross stitch project! Sarah Crudgington, West Sussex
pinterest.com/ xstitchmagazine
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LOVE STITCHING
Paisley Parade Bold colours plus a perky pattern will give your home a little paisley pizzazz!
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PAISLEY PARADE
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PAISLEY PARADE
Designed by: Felicity Hall Design size: 26x37cm Stitch time: 56 hours
We chose a ‘Climbing’ bobble trim from Deckchair Stripes to decorate our cushion. To attach the trim, sandwich the cotton tape between the cushion front and back, tacking it into place first
x55cm evenweave, 45 đ 19 count blue o cking fabric, tw đ Blue cotton ba m pieces, 40x20c cm 60 e, ng fri đ Bobble 0cm x4 30 d, pa đ Cushion 84 tails see page For stockist de
Make an… envelope cushion
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TRIM your stitching, leaving a 1.5cm seam allowance. Hem one long edge on each backing piece. Right sides in, lay one hemmed piece over your stitching.
LAY your second hemmed piece on top so the two pieces overlap in the centre. Pin along the hem to hold in place. Pin around the edges of your cushion cover.
STITCH all the way around the outside edge of your cushion cover. Trim excess fabric at the corners then turn right sides out and press.
MAY 2015
LOVE STITCHING
lf you don’t want to use bobble trim, you could finish off your cushion by adding a colourful tassel to each corner instead
YOUR LUCKY DAY
Your l cky day Looking for luck? Our button rings will work like a charm!
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JUST FOR FUN
Designed by: Diane Machin Design size: 2x2cm each Stitch time: 1 hour each
Diane Machin
The buttons would also make lovely brooches or your could attach one to a chain to make a pendant
Make a… button ring Step 1 COVER the buttons with your stitching following the pack instructions and glue the back in place to hold securely.
Step 2 SNIP off the button shank with pliers then glue the ring finding on the back.
10x10cm đ 36 count off white linen, ton but er đ 29mm self cov đ Ring finding đ Glue e 84 For stockist details see pag MAY 2015
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Digital Edition
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OFF THE SHELF
Off the shelf Cupboard love! Our pantry picture has all the right ingredients to brighten up your kitchen wall
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FOR YOUR HOME
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FOR YOUR HOME
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OFF THE SHELF
Designed by: Lesley Teare Design size: 32x21cm Stitch time: 59 hours
Use the designs individually for cards, gift tags or pretty storage jar bands
đ 28 count whi te evenweave, 55x40cm đ Wooden fram e đ Mount board For stockist de tails see page 84
How to… frame a picture
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Step 1
Step 2
St
CUT a piece of white mount board to fit inside your frame. Place your design centrally over the mount board and pin the fabric around the board to secure, starting at the centre of each side and working outward.
PIN around the entire perimeter and check you are happy with the positioning of your design, then turn over to the reverse. Use double-sided tape to secure the fabric excess around all four sides.
SECURE the fabric edges with masking tape and remove the pins. Position your stitching in the frame and back with a second piece of mount board. Seal the edges with more masking tape to finish off.
MAY 2015
3
FOR YOUR HOME
Bonjo r Paris Oh la la! Create a postcard from Paris by stitching this chic picture of the city sights
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BONJOUR PARIS Designed by: Maria Diaz Design size: 26x18cm Stitch time: 57 hours
Keep the tension of your long stitches even so they don’t sag across the fabric. Work a small stitch at the back of your work to secure them if they do
e, 50x40cm đ 28 count white evenweav e sid đ Wood frame with out measurement of 29x21cm đ White mount board đ Staple gun đ Double-sided tape e 84 For stockist details see pag
Make a… stretched canvas frame
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Step 1
Step 2
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STARTING with a basic frame, cut a piece of mount board to exactly the same size as the outside edge of the frame. Attach using double-sided tape.
PLACE double-sided tape on the back of the frame. Next, mark and match up the bottom corners on the frame and the fabric edges.
STRETCH the fabric to the reverse, folding neatly at each corner. Staple the fabric to the back of the frame. Secure the raw edges with tape.
MAY 2015
JUST FOR FUN
Pennies from Heaven Drip, drip, drop! Save up for a rainy day in style with our adorable coin purse design
MAY 2015
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PENNIES FROM HEAVEN
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000000000 000000000000 0000 0000 00000000000000000000 000000000000000000000000000 000000000000000000000000000 000000000000000000000000000 00000000000000000000000000 00000000000000000000000 00000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000 00000000000000000000000000000 00000000000000000000000000000 00000000000000000000000000000 00000000 0000000000 0000000 000000 00000000 0000 00000 ~ ~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~ ~~
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Designed by: Diane Machin Design size: 6x6cm Stitch time: 2½ hours
f f ff fff fff f ff
S S SS SSS SSS S SS
f f ff fff fff f ff
~ ~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~ ~~
S S SS SSS SSS S SS
f f ff fff fff f ff
Diane Machin
Make a… clasp purse Step 1 CUT the stitching to 13x13cm with the design central. Use the template to cut the lower corners into curves. Cut the purse back to the same size.
Step 2 PLACE the purse back and front right sides together and stitch down the side along the bottom and up the other side, starting and finishing (5cm) from the top edge, then turn right sides out.
Step 3 TURN the unstitched top and side edges under by 1.5cm.
Step 4 SPREAD glue inside the purse frame and push the turned-over top into the purse frame then push the piping cord into the purse frame to secure.
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JUST FOR FUN
PREFER TO DOWNLOAD YOUR TEMPLATE? FIND IT AT WWW . CROSSSTITC HER MAG.COM
Template
lf your purse is a gift, remember it’s lucky to put a coin inside before you give it! Or fill it with chocolate coins as a tasty alternative (that’s what we did - yum!)
đ 25 count pewter evenw eave, 20x20cm đ Backing fabric, 13x13cm đ Purse frame, 8cm width đ Piping cord No.3, 15cm đ Glue For stockist details see pag e 84
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OVER THE HILLS & FAR AWAY
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OVER THE HILLS & FAR AWAY
Stitch our country scene to create a sunny view, whatever the weather!
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FOR YOUR HOME
Designed by: Maria Diaz Design size: 33x22cm Stitch time: 96 hours
TURN TO PAGE 56
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Maria Diaz
đ 28 count off white evenw eave, 55x45cm đ Wood frame with outsid e measurement of 33x22cm đ White mount board đ Staple gun đ Double-sided tape For stockist details see pag e 84
PAINTBOX PERFECTION
Paintbox perfection Add a paper-stitched motif to one of our free printable designs to make sending best wishes a breeze!
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CHEERFUL CARDS
MAY 2015
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Lesley Teare
PAINTBOX PERFECTION
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For each card er, 10x10cm đ 14 count perforated pap from đ Illustrations, printed free our website đ White card đ Sticky foam pads e 84 For stockist details see pag
CHEERFUL CARDS
Designed by: Lesley Teare Design size: 6x6cm max Stitch time: 3 hours each
How to… make a card Step 1
TRIM the perforated paper one square outside the stitching all the way round.
Step 2
PRINT your illustration – it’s free from our website. Cut a piece of white card to 17.5x25cm, fold in half, then stick the paper to the right-hand side.
Step 3
STICK your stitched perforated paper in place using sticky foam pads to give it a raised look. Follow the photograph to get the positioning right.
Perforated paper is fairly robust to stitch on, but don’t pull the thread too tightly or it may tear
DOWNLOAD & PRINT YOUR FREE HAND-DRAWN ILLUSTRATIONS FROM WWW. CROSSSTITCHER MAG.COM
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Let’s get
inspired
paRty tImE!
Want to make your child’s birthday party extra-special? Our collection of cute creatures will guarantee it’s a roaring success Designed by: Durene Jones
MATERIALS Cake band đ 25 count yellow evenweave, see step-by-step for sizing đ Yellow backing fabric, see step-by-step for sizing Patch card đ 25 count yellow evenweave, 15x15cm đ Orange card, 12.5x25cm đ Double-sided tape For stockist details see page 84
Make a… patch card Step 1
ing your h c it t s d n a h y r T rd for a fabric to the ca look! sweet homespun
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TRIM your fabric 2cm outside the edge of the stitching all the way round and fray the outer row. Back your fabric with white paper.
Step 2 FOLD the card in half widthways and stick your fabric to the centre of the front. Machine stitch in place all the way round, close to the edge.
LET’S GET INSPIRED
Make a… cake band Step 1 MEASURE the circumference of your cake. Cut a strip of backing fabric and your stitching 20cm longer than your measurement and 9cm tall. Layer the two strips right sides together.
Step 2 SEW along the two long edges and turn right sides out. Press the raw ends under and topstitch. Wrap a piece of baking parchment around your cake then pin your band in place, overlapping the ends.
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Durene Jones
LET’S GET INSPIRED
What to make These animals are brilliant for oodles of different projects! Here are just a few ideas…
1
String up bunting at your little one’s party decorated with an animal on each flag.
2
Use waste canvas to add a motif to a t-shirt for the birthday boy or girl to wear!
3
Arrange the animals in a line, horizontally or vertically, in numerical order, to make a super-cute wall frieze.
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Always wanted to try out a new technique or trend? Every month The Savvy Stitcher shows you just how it’s done! by Zoë Patching
Yes you can !
Appliqué Add gorgeous appliqué details to your projects. It’s so easy, you’ll be patch perfect in next to no time…
CUSHION COVER
Stitched stems and fabric flowers make a bloomin’ lovely cushion cover
BABY GROW Transform a baby grow with an oh-so-cute duck motif!
******
A
ppliqué is a wonderfully quick and simple way of adding a crafty look and feel to your design, but in a fraction of the time! Extremely versatile, you can use it alongside your cross stitch, or let it take centre stage, with just a few stitches. It’s a super-thrifty technique too – ideal for using up fabric scraps. Sew our trio of makes to see how easy appliqué is – the baby grow makes a great gift and the others are perfect for treating yourself!
******
NEEDLECASE
A striped beach hut adds seaside charm to a case for all your needles
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MAKE A… FLOWER CUSHION
Grow your own garden design using fabric shapes, running stitch and buttons Step 4 Step 3 Step 1 Step 2
BACK your fabric with Bondaweb, and iron in place. Remember to place the adhesive side face down. Now trace the flower template on page 77 on to the Bondaweb backing paper and cut out.
REMOVE the paper backing and position the flower motif on to your white linen fabric, and iron in place. We’ve used seven flowers for this cushion, positioning each one by eye to create a more natural look.
ADD a simple running stitch edge around each petal, worked in a single strand of thread. Using black thread creates a modern feel, plus it will stand out well against the busy patterned fabric underneath.
SEW your flower stems using a simple running stitch, also worked in a single strand. Add a few appliquéd leaves to help finish off the stems, and stitch on a small button centre to each of the flowers to complete.
MAKE A… BABY GROW
Customise a baby grow by adding a pretty appliquéd patch Step 3 Step 1 Step 2
Step 4
START by cutting the Bondaweb to fit the reverse of your polka dot fabric. Next, place the adhesive side of the Bondaweb to the back of your fabric, and iron in place, making sure the iron is set without steam.
POSITION the fabric motif on to the baby grow, and iron in place, again without steam. Finish by edging the appliqué with a simple buttonhole stitch, plus we’ve added a backstitched wing and a French knot eye to finish.
MAKE a template with a duck or chick cookie cutter (we’ve also provided a template on page 77, if you prefer). Use a pencil to draw around the shape on to the Bondaweb backing paper, and cut out with scissors.
PEEL off the Bondaweb backing carefully. If you find that the paper is a little tricky to peel away, you’ll find it helps to use a pin to slowly and carefully tease the paper away from the along the edge to start you off.
IF YOU LIKED THESE, YOU’LL LOVE...
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CAROLINE ZOOB
CAKES, COOKIES & CRAFTS
www.carolinezoob.co.uk Caroline’s gorgeously muted appliquéd and embroidered designs are so stunningly beautiful, they’ll have you itching to start on your own appliqué makes.
www.cakescookiesand craftsshop.co.uk Cookiecutters make the perfecttemplates for appliqué –andhereboats, bunnies and bearsarejusta few of the fab selectionofcutters available.
MAKE A… BEACH HUT NEEDLECASE
Smarten up your craft bag, with a bright and breezy case for your needles Step 4 Step 3 Step 1 Step 2
START by cross stitching the beach hut roof, using the chart below. (We stitched ours on to 28 count linen, using two strands of cotton). Now iron on some Bondaweb to the reverse of your striped beach hut fabric.
TRACE the angle of the stitched roof on to tracing paper and transfer this to the reverse of your striped fabric (we found narrow striped fabric was ideal for a beach hut) to make sure your appliqué shape will fit.
FINISH drawing the beach hut outline on to the reverse of your striped fabric, and cut it out, before removing the paper backing. Position the beach hut to fit below the stitched roof and then iron in place.
ADD the beach hut door. Back some red fabric with Bondaweb, matching the width of the door with the fabric’s central stripes. Cut out and iron in position. Add a running stitched edge around the door and a button handle.
Templates
FRUMBLE
OUR PINTEREST BOARD
www.frumble.co.uk This delicious selection of fabrics is a real feast for the eyes, plus their pretty trimmings would make some lovely ideas for appliquéd borders and stripes!
www.pinterest.com/ xstitchmagazine Visit our Pinterest board to find a special board dedicated to The Savvy Stitcher. You can pin all these designs and find inspiration for more!
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basics TOOLS OF THE TRADE NEEDLES
STRANDED COTTON
AIDA
For basic stitching you’ll need a tapestry needle that has a blunt tip and large eye. Use a size 24 needle for most aidas, and a size 26 for evenweaves and linens. Use a sharp embroidery needle for finer details such as backstitch and French knots.
Embroidery thread is also commonly referred to as stranded cotton. Each thread length is made up of six strands of cotton twisted together. The chart key will indicate how many strands you’ll need to stitch your design with.
Aida is an ideal choice for cross stitch beginners. 14 count is the most common, although it’s available in a huge variety of colours and counts. Each cross stitch is worked over a single aida block, making counting and keeping your place a cinch.
EMBROIDERY SCISSORS
HOOPS AND FRAMES
EVENWEAVE
Embroidery scissors are an absolute must-have for stitchers and can be picked up for just a few pounds. Keep yours sharp by only using them to cut threads – that way a decent pair should last you a lifetime.
Though not absolutely essential, we do recommend using an embroidery hoop or frame to keep an even stitching tension. Just make sure it’s big enough to fit your entire design.
Evenweave is much simpler to work with than you might think. Start with a 25 or 28 count evenweave, such as Zweigart Lugana. Once you’re confident, try your hand at a linen version.
THE CHART
THE KEY
START stitching from the centre of the design and your fabric. The centre of our charts are indicated by dotted lines. To find the centre of your fabric, fold it in half and then into quarters.
ALL THE symbols that appear on the chart are listed in the key with their corresponding thread codes beside them. The key also tells you the different stitches used in the design.
Colour match IN THE key, the closest column of thread codes listed next to the chart symbols is the thread brand that’s used in the design. Similar colour matches are listed alongside it.
Reading the chart EACH square on the chart represents a single cross stitch. Fractionals are half filled squares or squares filled with two different colours.
Start stitching… on aida Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
CUT a 40cm thread length, and thread your needle with two of the six strands. Knot one end and start with a waste knot (opposite). Make a diagonal half cross stitch across a single aida block.
MAKE a second diagonal stitch to complete your first cross. Alternatively, you can work a row of half cross stitches first, then work back on yourself to complete the stitches.
THE direction of your diagonals is up to you, just be sure all your stitches cross in the same direction. Otherwise, your design will look uneven. Continue working from the centre outward.
Start stitching… on evenweave
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Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
INSTEAD of taking your needle diagonally across a single aida block, take your needle diagonally across two evenweave threads, creating a half cross stitch as before.
MAKE a second diagonal stitch to complete your first cross stitch. Work each stitch individually or work a row of half cross stitches, then work back on yourself to complete the stitches.
CONTINUE working from the centre of your design outward. If you find the extra counting a bit daunting at first, don’t give up. We promise it’ll become second nature in no time.
MAY 2015
BACKSTITCH
Use this easy stitch to give a neat outline and add details Step 1 Step 2
Step 3
WORK your backstitch using a sharp needle, once you’ve finished the cross stitch. To secure your thread, weave it through the back of your stitches, then bring your needle up to the surface.
FOR each additional stitch, bring your needle up 1-3 chart squares away from your previous stitch. Then pass it back through the fabric at the same point as your previous stitch.
WORK your backstitch over about 1-3 chart squares at a time, making sure to closely follow the chart. Any longer and your stitches could end up becoming loose and pulling out.
WASTE KNOT A simple way to get started stitching Step 1 Step 2
Step 3
Reverse of fabric
KNOT one end of your thread and take it down through the front of your fabric, about 2cm from your starting point. Then bring it back up to the front of your fabric to make your first stitch.
BEGIN stitching your design, making sure you’re stitching over your starting thread with each stitch. You can work whole stitches or work half stitches then come back on yourself.
ONCE you’re happy that your starting thread is secure, snip off the knot. To secure your thread when you’ve finished stitching, weave it through the back of your stitches as shown here.
LOOP KNOT
This easy start to your cross stitch is brilliantly neat Step 1 Step 2
Reverse of fabric
IF YOU’RE working in two strands, a loop knot is the easiest and neatest method. Cut a single length of thread, twice as long as normal. Fold it in half to create a loop at one end.
THREAD your needle with the two tail ends, just as you normally would. Bring your needle up to the front of your fabric, leaving a small loop of thread on the reverse.
Step 3
Reverse of fabric
MAKE a half cross stitch, passing your needle through the loop on the reverse as shown here. Pull all the way to secure the thread. Now continue with your stitching as normal.
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FRENCH KNOTS
Go dotty with this simple way to add neat knots to your designs Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
USE a sharp embroidery needle to help pierce the fabric. Bring your needle up at your starting point and wrap your thread once or twice around the needle. Use one strand for a small knot and two for a slightly chunkier knot.
HOLD your thread end firmly and take your needle down, ever so slightly over from where you came up. Slide the twisted thread down the needle, so it rests on the fabric’s surface, and gently feed the needle through the fabric.
KEEP your thread as taut as possible to prevent the knot becoming loose. Gently pull your thread through to tighten the knot, so that it sits neatly on the surface. And remember, if you don’t get it right away, keep practising!
FRACTIONALS
These little stitches are great for adding a bit more detail to your work Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
START with a quarter stitch, working from one corner into the centre. For evenweave, there is already a hole in the centre to stitch into. With aida, you’ll need to pierce the centre of the block.
MAKE your next quarter stitch in your second colour, coming up from the opposite corner and back down through the centre. You’ve now created a half cross stitch.
FINISH your stitch by making a half cross stitch. Fractionals are shown in the chart either as two symbols opposite one another in a chart square, or by a symbol opposite an empty space.
BEADING
HALF CROSS STITCH
WASTE AND SOLUBLE CANVAS
HALF cross stitches are exactly what they sound like – half of a cross stitch. Each diagonal stitch is worked across two evenweave threads or one aida block. They’re most often used to create a subtle background in a design.
WASTE and soluble canvases are used when stitching on plain fabrics and felts. Tack onto your fabric and stitch as normal. Soluble canvas dissolves in water. For waste canvas, soak in water then remove each thread individually.
TO ATTACH beads, you’ll need a thin, flexible beading needle. Thread with one strand of cotton. Bring your needle to the front of your design, thread on a bead and make a diagonal stitch to secure the bead. If you like, stitch through again for added security.
SOLUBLE CANVAS
WASTE CANVAS
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shopping
Seen something that’s inspired you? Here’s where you can buy it...
Get started
For stitching fabric, threads and all the basic supplies you need, try one of these top stockists… WILLOW FABRICS www.willowfabrics.co.uk 0800 056 7811 For evenweave, aida and all kinds of stitching fabrics BARNYARNS www.barnyarns.co.uk 0176 569 0069 For Anchor, DMC and Madeira threads and all kinds of haberdashery supplies COTTON PATCH www.cottonpatch.co.uk 0121 702 2840 For stuffing, wadding, interfacing, Bondaweb, scissors and all kinds of haberdashery supplies
JOHN JAMES NEEDLES www.jjneedles.com 0152 783 0941 For all kinds of needles and needle packs SIESTA FRAMES www.siestaframes.com 0120 281 3363 For stitching frames, hoops and lamps CLOUD CRAFT www.cloudcraft.co.uk For 100% wool felt in lots of colours JOSY ROSE www.josyrose.com For buttons, beads and all kinds of embellishments
SEAMSTAR www.seamstar.co.uk 0182 977 0733 For plain and patterned fabrics and all kinds of trims EFRAME www.eframe.co.uk For picture frames for displaying your stitching HOBBYCRAFT www.hobbycraft.co.uk 0330 026 1400 For cardstock, paper, paint, glue and general crafting supplies
Your projects
You can make our projects using any materials you like, but if you need help tracking down specific items here are a few hints. Contact details for the suppliers are above or on the opposite page. KEY TO THE DOOR 14 count plastic canvas: Willow Fabrics Cotton tape: Seamstar Mount Board: Fred Aldous PENNIES FROM HEAVEN 28 count Zweigart Brittney white evenweave, ref 3270/100: Willow Fabrics Cotton backing fabric: Seamstar White felt: Wool Felt Company YOUR LUCKY DAY 36 count Zweigart Edinburgh off white linen, ref 3217/101: Willow Fabrics 29mm self cover button: Seamstar Ring finding: Hobbycraft PAINTBOX PERFECTION 14 count white perforated paper: The Nutmeg Company White card: Craft Creations 3D foam pads: Fred Aldous OFF THE SHELF 28 count Zweigart Brittney white evenweave, ref 3270/100: Willow Fabrics Wooden frame: eFrame Mount Board: Fred Aldous
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PARTY TIME! 25 count Zweigart Lugana yellow evenweave, ref 3835/205: Willow Fabrics Cotton backing fabric: Seamstar Orange Card Ref: COL157CA4: Craft Creations TAKE OUT A TOTE 28 count Zweigart Brittney white evenweave, ref 3270/100: Willow Fabrics Cotton backing fabric: Seamstar Cotton webbing tape: Seamstar YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND 20 count Zweigart Bellana evenweave, off white, ref 3256/101: Willow Fabrics Cotton backing fabric: Seamstar Soft toy filling: Hobbycraft FLIGHT OF FANCY 28 count Zweigart Cashel light rustic linen, ref 3281/52: Willow Fabrics Cotton backing fabric: Seamstar Bias Binding: Similar from The Makery Piping cord: Gone to Earth Cushion pad, 30x40cm ref 64913003: John Lewis
PAISLEY PARADE 19 count Zweigart Ariosa blue evenweave, ref 3711/5091: Willow Fabrics Blue cotton fabric: Seamstar Bobble Fringe (Climbing): Deckchair Stripes Cushion pad, 30x40cm ref 64913101: John Lewis OVER THE HILLS & FAR AWAY 28 count Zweigart Brittney off white evenweave, ref 3270/101: Willow Fabrics Wooden frame: eFrame Mount Board: Fred Aldous BONJOUR PARIS 28 count Zweigart Brittney white evenweave, ref 3270/100: Willow Fabrics Wooden frame: eFrame Mount Board: Fred Aldous JOIN OUR STREET PARTY 20 count off white Zweigart Bellana evenweave, ref 3256/101: Willow Fabrics Cotton backing fabric: Seamstar
Email us at
[email protected] Editor-in-Chief Jenny Dixon Technical Editor Rebecca Reid Art Editor Lucille Randall Deputy Art Editor Claire Gerrey Charting Editor Abigail Barker Photography Neil Godwin, Jesse Wild Locations Good Spaces Stylist Tricia Ball Contributors Tom Burnett, Lucy Evans ADVERTISING Advertisement Sales +44 (0) 20 7907 6633 Advertising Director Steve Nicolaou
er far v e n e r a s Sunny day retro tea towel this away with ary Fellows! from M
Contact details for all the suppliers quoted in this issue, plus a few of our favourite places for extra inspiration!
BIJOUX BEADS www.bijouxbeads.co.uk BY CHARLIE’S HAND www.folksy.com/shops/bycharlieshand/ CASSIA BECK www.etsy.com/shop/CassiaBeck CLOUD CRAFT www.cloudcraft.co.uk COLE & SON www.cole-and-son.com COUNTRY THREADS www.countrythreadspatchwork.co.uk CRABTREE LANE www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ CrabtreeLaneShop
HANDMADE BY EVA ROSE www.etsy.com/shop/ HandmadeByEvaRose
Follow us online! facebook.com/CrossStitcherMag twitter.com/XStitchmagazine
ONWARD RESALE This publication may not be resold or otherwise distributed, whether at, below or above face value. Nor can this publication be advertised for sale, transfer or distribution. PERMISSIONS Material may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. Please address such requests to John Garewal, Dennis Publishing, 30 Cleveland Street, London W1T 4JD
MARY FELLOWS www.maryfellows.co.uk
LIABILITY While every care was taken preparing this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information or any consequence arising from it. All judgments are based on equipment available to CrossStitcher at the time of review. CrossStitcher takes no responsibility for the content of external websites whose addresses are published in the magazine.
MIMOSA STREET www.mimosastreet.com
A DENNIS PUBLICATION CrossStitcher is published every four weeks by Dennis Publishing Ltd, 30 Cleveland Street, London W1T 4JD. Company registered in England. Material may not be reproduced in whole or part without the consent of the publishers. ISSN 1461-6211
NOT ON THE HIGH STREET www.notonthehighstreet.com OTTERLY www.etsy.com/shop/otterlydesign THE MAKERY www.themakery.co.uk
DECKCHAIR STRIPES www.deckchairstripes.com
POM POM www.pompomdesign.com
EFRAME www.eframe.co.uk
THE SMALLPRINT COMPANY www.folksy.com/shops/ TheSmallprintCompany
GONE TO EARTH www.gonetoearth.co.uk
Next issue on sale Friday 1 May Printed and bound by William Gibbons Distributed by Seymour Distribution Ltd, 2 East Poultry Avenue, London EC1A 9PT Call: 0207 429 4000
JOHN LEWIS www.johnlewis.com
The NUTMEG COMPANY www.3dcrossstitch.co.uk
FRED ALDOUS www.fredaldous.co.uk
MANAGEMENT Managing Director John Garewal MD of Advertising Julian Lloyd-Evans Newstrade Director David Barker Group Managing Director Ian Westwood COO Brett Reynolds Group Finance Director Ian Leggett Chief Executive James Tye Company Founder Felix Dennis
www.crossstitchermag.com
HANDMADE BY SHARON RUHMAN www.etsy.com/shop/sharonruhman
CRAFT CREATIONS www.craftcreations.com
FISHOUT STORE www.etsy.com/shop/FishOutStore
PRODUCTION Group Production Manager Stephen Catherall
BRAND USAGE LICENSING AND REPRINTS CrossStitcher is available for reprint, syndication & licensing. Contact Nicole Adams at
[email protected] or +44 (0)20 7907 6134
Shopping guide BEARDBANGS www.beardbangs.ca
MARKETING AND CIRCULATION Subscriptions Manager Sarah Aldridge Senior Direct Marketing Executive Rachel Evans For subscription enquiries call 01604 828734 or subscribe online at craft.buysubscriptions.com
STUDIO BINKY www.etsy.com/shop/StudioBinkyShop VANESSA ARBUTHNOTT www.vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk WOOL FELT COMPANY www.woolfeltcompany.co.uk
© Copyright Dennis Publishing Limited
Competition rules By taking part in one of our Competitions, you agree to be bound by these Competition Rules. Late or incomplete entries will be disqualified. Proof of posting (if relevant) shall not be deemed proof of delivery. Entries must be submitted by an individual (not via any agency or similar) and, unless otherwise stated, are limited to one per household. The Company reserves the right in its sole discretion to substitute any prize with cash or a prize of comparable value. Unless otherwise stated, the Competition is open to all GB residents of 18 years and over, except employees of Dennis Publishing Ltd and any party involved in the competition or their households. By entering a Competition you give permission to use your name, likeness and personal information in connection with the Competition and for promotional purposes. All entries will become the property of the Company upon receipt and will not be returned. You warrant that the Competition entry is entirely your own work and not copied or adapted from any other source. If you are a winner, you may have to provide additional information. Details of winners will be available on request within three months of the closing date. If you are a winner, receipt by you of any prize is conditional upon you complying with (among other things) the Competition Rules. You acknowledge and agree that neither the Company nor any associated third parties shall have any liability to you in connection with your use and/or possession of your prize. Competitions in issue 291 are open 2 April – 1 May 2015.
Note to readers The charts in this magazine are protected by copyright belonging to Dennis Publishing Ltd or its designers and contributors. Please don’t re-sell, reproduce or distribute the charts without permission from the copyright owner. Copyright law protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. However making a single copy for the purposes of personal use is allowed.
Chart software supplied by Ilsoft
MAY 2015
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Welcome to the CrossStitcher reader ads page. Here you can post pleas for help, find a home for your spare stash, or track down pen pals and clubs in your area – all absolutely free!
Desperately seeking I found on Pinterest a beautiful little squirrel chart and, after a little research, found out that it comes from the Cross Stitch Collection issue 175. I’m also interested in other animal and flower charts if anyone can help. Ingrid Anglard Email:
[email protected] I was recently given some old issues of CrossStitcher and want to stitch a four-part mystery series from those old magazines. However, I am missing the last issue for the series, from August 2006. The patterns are of birds in wreaths. Becky Riden Email:
[email protected] A few weeks ago one of my friends asked me if I could stitch a ‘Henry’ from Thomas the Tank Engine, to give to one of her neighbours who had just had a baby boy – named Henry. Does anyone know if there is a chart available for a ‘Henry’ that I can purchase from somewhere? Mrs J Sawyer, 25 Grove Road, Martham, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR29 4PW I have come across a kit called Winter Wonderland, and has a bear with a light on a pole, and fits into an aperture card.
I have the package with the aida, threads, needle, mount, needle and sequins, but not the chart. I had been saving all the card kits for a snowy day, and have been going through them all, only to be left with this one. Does anyone have the chart, thank you. Raymond Skogland Email:
[email protected]
stitch being the main one. I have had penpals in the past and think there is nothing better than getting a letter from a friend to lighten your mood. I also enjoy sports and consider myself quite active. Kelly Etherington, 4D Robson Crescent, Bowburn, Durham DH6 5DU
I am looking for a copy of the ‘Love’ wedding sampler which was in issue 278, May 2014. It is shown as the main cover photo. I would be very grateful if someone could help as I would love to make this for a friend’s wedding. Jill Knowles Email:
[email protected]
Hi, my name is Gina , I’m 46 years old, my hubby is Brian and I have two kids. I’ve been cross stitching for about 28 years and have found I absolutely adore Joan Elliott. My pet peave is that some companies don’t just sell charts on their own – I have lots of thread and fabric so like buying charts! Gina McVeigh, 11 Newbury Ave, Sale, Manchester, M33 4QW Email: ginamcveigh1@virginmedia. com
Up for grabs! I have two packs of Disney threads, colours CT1 to CT13, excluding 7 and 11, plus CT23. I no longer need them so if anyone wants them please get in touch. Kim Upex Email:
[email protected]
Get in touch
I’m Tilley, I’m 31 years old and I’ve many interests besides cross stitching and love corresponding with people across the globe. I’d love to hear from fellow stitchers by email about their patterns and plans. I live in Ibiza, Spain. Leanne Tilley Email:
[email protected]
My name is Kelly, I’m a married 34-year-old mam of two kids. My oldest is 14 and at the minute being home schooled and my youngest is six and diagnosed with ASD two years ago. I like to do most crafts, with cross
EMAIL YOUR ADS to us at
[email protected] If you’re not online, drop us a note with your ad details and contact information to CrossStitcher, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN We regret that we’re unable to print requests from readers who are under 16 years old
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JUST FOR FUN Prize crossword Across 1 Isle of ---, South Coast resort (5) 4 Part payment on a house (7) 8 Hair colourant (3) 9 Space explorer (9) 10 Edition (5) 12 Umpire (7) 15 French cake? (6) 17 Decorative form of surface embroidery (6) 20 Squander little by little (7) 23 Earth’s path around the sun (5) 25 Seam ---, area between the edge and stitching line (9) 26 Debtor’s note (1,1,1) 27 Release (3,4) 28 Bird of prey (5)
Down 1 Material used to pad cross stitch designs (7) 2 Estimate (5) 3 Make fun of (5) 4 Prevent or discourage (5) 5 Evidence (5) 6 Small grey and brown bird (7) 7 Name of a book (5) 11 Employ (3) 13 Carve (4) 14 The ---, Phillip Schofield gameshow (4) 16 One of three children born at the same time (7) 18 Make a mistake (3) 19 Leafy salad vegetable (7) 20 Imperfections (5) 21 Eiffel or Blackpool, eg? (5) 22 Wash through (5) 23 Very overweight (5) 24 --- Me Sunshine, Morecambe & Wise song (5)
Winning word clue: Spear one of these seasonal vegetables and wrap it in bacon? (9)
HOW TO ENTER
13
17
SUDOKU USING logic and a process of elimination, fill the blank boxes with numbers so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 only once.
Win!
COMPLETE the crossword and rearrange the letters in the shaded boxes to make up a winning word. Then go to www.crossstitchermag.com to enter online. Postal entries will not be accepted. Competition open 2 April – 1 May 2015 For full terms and conditions, see page 85.
YOUR PRIZE Five winners will receive goodies from Madeira worth approximately £30. For stockist details, contact EQS on 0116 271 0033 or visit www.eqsuk.com
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Issue 289’s winning word GUINNESS
FO R
In your June
No TR .1 E
N DS
Homewear and gifts for friends ISSUE 292
JUNE 2015
On1 May sale a
Inside this month * Celebrate a new arrival with the cutest baby sampler * Tailor-made shirt cards he’ll love for Father’s Day * Best in show shelves with our sausage dog bookends
A stylish swallow brooch, complete with wooden shape and button charm
Contents subject to change. Overseas gifts may vary.
* Ahoy there! Bright and breezy nautical picture
1. NDS o E R NT
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R O F
BRAND NEW PROJECTS
IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME & GIFTS GALORE WE’VE GOT ALL YOUR STITCHING COVERED!
Inside... Packed with new ideas and designs for you
PLUS Patch perfect: easy ways to add appliqué to your projects
