NEWSERIES! Edwardian
Christmas
Christmas Create fun teddy cards rds
Part 1 INSIDE
MAKE IT!
Decorations dazzle with Light Effects s threads!!
The he most ost beautiful cross cr stitch designs
THE PERFECT PET
Love the detail Love detail of Lucy Heaton's lifelike kitten
Hot pink! Ho STARGAZER
LILIES by Lesley Escape to to the country with Maria M aria Diaz's Diaz' autumn retreat Di
ISSUE ISS UE 228
Teare
November Nove mber 2013
! s t r a h c e v i t s e f R E V E T S Celebrate with your BE R T S TA
Edwardian
C h r i s t m a s today PLUS
21 pages
of Christmas designs
60 24
Part one of our stunning Edwardian Christmas scene
47
56 4
Hot pink lilies you can enjoy all year round
14
In this issue… Designs to stitch 4 14 24
Stunning stargazers – Lesley Teare’s lily bouquet is a brilliant flash of colour
35
Treasurin reasuring g tradit tradition ion – An instant heirloom from The Historical Sampler Company
47
Festive Fes tive teds – Jenny Barton’s cute bear Christmas cards are simply adorable
Autumn escape – An idyllic Cumbrian cottage at sunset, by Maria Diaz
56
Edwardian Christmas – Part one of Sandy Littlejohns and Deb Lester’s incredible festive street scene
Dazzling doves – Stylish decorations to deck your halls, from Diane Machin
60
Pretty kitty – Lucie Heaton’s fluffy, blue-eyed kitten is impossible to resist
Every issue
2
An idyllic Cumbrian retreat in autumn
Essential inspira inspiration tion 31
Antique effects – Rhian Drinkwater presents her choice of gorgeous samplers in the traditional style
66
Mirror image – Perfect the beautiful Indian technique of shisha embroidery and create a pretty embellished needle case
70
Stitching success – Charting editor Abi Barker’s guide to everything you need to get started on this month’s projects
Great offers!
10
Write to us to win prizes!
42
23
12
Jane Greenoff Greenoff’s ’s page – Discover the fascinating origins of Hardanger
Back issues & binders – What do you need to complete your collection?
Great giveaways – Enter today for a chance to win an amazing stitching prize!
72
New ideas! – News, reviews and more
Next month – Enjoy a sneaky preview of next issue’s projects!
51
20
Classic kits – Your favourite Collection designs available in kit form
22
Becs’ crafty ideas – Be inspired by Rebecca Bradshaw’s stitching world
74
Relax and enjoy – Take a break with our crossword and win prizes from Zweigart
54
Direct to your door – Order fabric and threads packs for this issue’s projects
November 2013
60 24
Part one of our stunning Edwardian Christmas scene
47
56 4
Hot pink lilies you can enjoy all year round
14
In this issue… Designs to stitch 4 14 24
Stunning stargazers – Lesley Teare’s lily bouquet is a brilliant flash of colour
35
Treasurin reasuring g tradit tradition ion – An instant heirloom from The Historical Sampler Company
47
Festive Fes tive teds – Jenny Barton’s cute bear Christmas cards are simply adorable
Autumn escape – An idyllic Cumbrian cottage at sunset, by Maria Diaz
56
Edwardian Christmas – Part one of Sandy Littlejohns and Deb Lester’s incredible festive street scene
Dazzling doves – Stylish decorations to deck your halls, from Diane Machin
60
Pretty kitty – Lucie Heaton’s fluffy, blue-eyed kitten is impossible to resist
Every issue
2
An idyllic Cumbrian retreat in autumn
Essential inspira inspiration tion 31
Antique effects – Rhian Drinkwater presents her choice of gorgeous samplers in the traditional style
66
Mirror image – Perfect the beautiful Indian technique of shisha embroidery and create a pretty embellished needle case
70
Stitching success – Charting editor Abi Barker’s guide to everything you need to get started on this month’s projects
Great offers!
10
Write to us to win prizes!
42
23
12
Jane Greenoff Greenoff’s ’s page – Discover the fascinating origins of Hardanger
Back issues & binders – What do you need to complete your collection?
Great giveaways – Enter today for a chance to win an amazing stitching prize!
72
New ideas! – News, reviews and more
Next month – Enjoy a sneaky preview of next issue’s projects!
51
20
Classic kits – Your favourite Collection designs available in kit form
22
Becs’ crafty ideas – Be inspired by Rebecca Bradshaw’s stitching world
74
Relax and enjoy – Take a break with our crossword and win prizes from Zweigart
54
Direct to your door – Order fabric and threads packs for this issue’s projects
November 2013
IN EVERY ISSUE!
CHART OF THE MONTH
Celebrate Christmas with The Historical Sampler Company’s ‘Treasuring tradition’ on page 35 C H AR T o f t th h
e M o n e t t h ! !
LIMITED EDITION
The Ultimate
Forest Friends Cross Stitch Collection
JoanElliottexclusives
We love it! Beautifulscenes
Charts for 55 designs
Quick-to-stitchgifts
Prettyhomewares
£ P 2 6 R 0 . I 1 N 3 9 9 T E I D S S I N U T E H E U K
GIANT
132 PAGES
chart
OF ENCHANTING CROSS STITCH DESIGNS
Jam-packed with magical charts of fairies, woodland creatures and forest scenes by all your favourite designers, new one-off publication The Ultimate Forest Friends Cross Stitch Collection is is sure to enchant you. Priced £6.99, it’s available from WHSmith and all good newsagents. Find out more on page 55.
Welcome… One of our favourite times of year, Christmas is fast approaching – as always, we have so many designs we want to stitch for it! Set to become a family heirloom, The Historical Sampler Company’s ‘Treasuring tradition’ is on page 35, while our stunning new three-part Edwardian Christmas scene starts on page 24 – find parts two and three in issues 229 and 230. After a smaller project? Then see page 47 for the cutest teddy cards and page 56 for super-stylish tree decorations. And if you want a break from the festivities, you’re you’re sure to love Lesley Teare’s fabulous stargazer lilies (page 4) and Maria Diaz’s pretty pretty Cumbrian cottage (page 14). Happy stitching!
Catherine Hood PS Get all the latest news and lots of inspiring ideas from the w.facebook.com/CSCMagazine acebook.com/CSCMagazine Collection team team at ww at www.f
November 2013
3
Home inspiration
Stunning
stargazers
Meet the designer...
Lesley Teare “I don’t think anyone could tire of looking at stargazer lilies. Known for their striking white, red and pink petals and heavenly scent, they are a favourite flower choice for many occasions. “My design favours a simple colour scheme and by stitching the chart on to a pale rustic linen fabric, the white and lighter colours on the petals and vase show clearly against the background.”
Enjoy a splash of floral colour in your home all year by stitching up Lesley Teare’s vibrant lily cushion
T
here’s something about stargazers that fills us with energy and enthusiasm. Perhaps
it’s their vivid petals, or the fact they face joyfully up to the sky. We love having a vase of them standing in the hallway or on the dining table, but all too soon their freshness fades and they have to go. Now, thanks to Lesley Teare, we can enjoy their beauty all year. A riot of hot pink and lime green, the flowers in the design are so skillfully depicted they seem almost real, and it’s not hard to imagine their sweet fragrance filling the air.
A neutral background helps the flowers’ pinks and greens to stand out
4
November 2013
Make it easy! Fabric and threads pack direct to you for just £20 GO TO PAGE 54 TO ORDER
Home inspiration
Stitching the design
Fold the linen in half both ways to find the centre and start stitching at this point. All of the cross stitch is worked in two strands of stranded cotton over two threads of the linen fabric.
0 0 1
There are only a few fractional stitches in this design, so the realistic appearance of the flowers and vase are achieved by using close shades of the same colour. Take care to select
0 9
the correct one each time – you may find it helps to sort your threads on to a labelled card before you begin.
Adding the details
0 8
When you have finished working the cross stitch you can add the backstitch details. These are all worked using one strand of stranded cotton over two threads of the linen fabric.
0 7
Use dark grey for the vase; light green for the leaves and stems; and plum for the lilies.
Stunning stargazers DMC
Anchor Madeira
Colour t
Cross stitch in two strands 00
White
002
2402
White (2)
~~
153
095
0801
Lilac
&&
210
108
0802
Purple
FF
318
235
1801
Medium grey
xx
415
398
1802
Light grey
hh
498
1005
0511
Red
mm
561
212
1205
Holly green
dd
600
063
0704
Dark pink
ff
602
054
0702
Light pink
TT
772
259
1604
Pale green
tt
905
257
1412
Dark green
SS
907
255
1410
Light green
ss
917
089
0706
Dark magenta
ee
3607
087
0708
Medium magenta
HH
3608
086
0709
Light magenta
KK
3819
278
2703
Lime green
317
0 4
0 3
400
1714
Dark grey
255
1410
Light green
vase
*907
0 1
leaves and stems
3835
0 5
0 2
Backstitch in one strand
0 6
098
0712
Plum
lilies
Stitched using DMC threads on 32HPI linen over two threads Stitch count 127x107 Design area 8x6¾in (20.5x17cm) *indicates colour is listed earlier in the key (2) indicates more than one skein required
6
November 2013
0 0
0 1
0 2
0 3
0 4
Home inspiration
t
e r a e T y e l s e L ©
t
0 5
0 6
t
0 7
0 8
0 9
0 0 1
0 1 1
0 2 1
November 2013
7
Home inspiration Shopping list... 32HPI
linen (or 16HPI aida), light rustic, Zweigart Belfast Ref: 3609/52, 16x16in (41x41cm) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Piping cord 60in (152cm) Zip 14in (36cm), natural Cushion pad 14x14in (36x36cm) Sewing kit – usual essentials including matching thread Items marked are included in materials pack, items marked are not included Fabric for the stitched piece supplied by Willow Fabrics – visit www. willowfabrics.com or call 0800 0567811 Go to page 70 for hints and help!
Making up the cushion
When you have finished the stitching, you can complete the cushion cover. Follow these steps:
1. Trim your linen to 15x15in (38x38cm), with the stitching placed centrally.
2. Cut the linen fabric into the following pieces: Two rectangles, each measuring 8x15in (20x38cm), for the cushion back. Two strips, each 1½x30in (4x76cm), for
the gap between the two seams.
6. Place the cushion front and back right sides together, making sure the piping strip is pushed to the inside, and stitch all the way round, as close to the piping cord as you can.
7. Turn the cushion cover right sides out, press, and put the cushion pad inside to complete.
the piping strip.
3. Join the short ends of the piping strip pieces right sides together to make one length. Fold the strip in half lengthways with wrong sides together. Place the piping cord inside and tack the strip together close to the piping cord.
4. Place the covered cord right sides together around the edge of the stitched linen, matching raw edges. Start and finish at the centre of the lower edge and tack it into place. You will have to cut and join the two short ends of the fabric and cord to fit exactly when you have tacked it all the way round.
5. Put the two backing pieces of fabric right sides together and stitch a 2in (5cm) seam at each
Make it easy!
end of one of the long sides. Insert the zip in
h ... t n o t m x N e
r pliqué-s t yle flo we Angela Poole’s ap ue iss as in our Chris tm cushion fea tures 3! ore on pages 72–7 (229). Find ou t m
Fabric and threads pack direct to you for just £20 GO TO PAGE 54 TO ORDER
We love how the flowers look made up into a big cushion, but they would also look great in a neutral wooden frame if you would like to hang them up
Download and stitch your FREE flower! To download, visit:
crossstitcher. themakingspot. com 8
November 2013
Every letter we print wins a great thread prize from
Your letters
Write to Cross Stitch Collection Letters, 30 Monmouth Street, Bath BA1 2BW. Or email us at
[email protected] with your stitching stories
Animal magic I would like to share my Out of Africa
Twoo perfect to resist
project, which I made in celebration of
I think we have all seen a parrot rot
Linda Marshall, by email
on someone’s shoulder, but
Collection says: You must be a speedy
here I am with my little cross
stitcher, Linda! This is fantastic and
stitch Ollie Owl – one of the
makes a lovely gift – we’re sure JoJo
Woodland Folk.
will treasure it.
my son’s girlfriend’s 21st birthday. After four months of stitching in every spare moment I’ve had, I am hoping JoJo will be pleased with her birthday sampler.
I worked it for my husband
Linda stitched this as a 21st birthday present
John’s cousin Peter and his wife, Rita, who have recently moved into a lovely house a short distance away called Little Owl Cottage. I couldn’t resist making this for them after our recent visit. Rora Rudge, Stroud, Gloucestershire
Rora with Ollie Owl, which she stitched as a new-home gift
Collection says: What a great present
for their new home, Rora. We think Ollie Owl is pretty irresistible, too!
I’ve missed! Is anyone able to send me the third part of the Great Britain map from issue 79 (June 2002) of Collection? I am willing to pay costs. Mandy Dinneen, 023 9264 9024,
[email protected] I only need issue 97 to complete my entire set of Cross Stitch Collection – would anyone be happy to send me their copy? Willing to pay costs. Michelle Strait,
[email protected]
Missed an issue? Can’t find that elusive design? Can’t get a back issue? Try our reader noticeboard…
I am looking for issue 223 (June 2013), which contains the middle portion of the Edwardian Garden Party, as well as several other designs I would like to stitch. Willing to pay costs. Marlene Mullett, 51 Levington Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 0NH Could anyone send me the King of the Jungle chart from issue 160 (August 2008)? Happy to pay costs. Suzanne Langer,
[email protected]
Is anyone able to send me issue 222 (May 2013)? I would like to stitch the Edwardian Garden Party but am missing the first section. Happy to pay costs. Michelle Mueller
[email protected]
I am looking for issues 187, 188 and 189 (September to November 2010), as I would like to stitch Sandy Littlejohns and Deb Lester’s Age of Steam. Happy to pay costs. J Evans, 9 Belle Vue Terrace, Aberaeron SA46 0BB
Emailor write to...
[email protected] – ‘I’ve missed!’, Cross Stitch Collection, 30 Monmouth Street, Bath BA1 2BW
It’s so easy to get in touch! Email us at
[email protected] . . or write to 10
November 2013
Write to us
“My Lilliput Lane map took three years to finish and now hangs in pride of place in my daughter’s morning room ” A marvellous match
Spring feeling
In the spring I had my comfy chairs
Well, it may be the wrong season, but
reupholstered and I decided to stitch
I recently finished
headrest covers for them. I was sure I’d
an Easter pinkeep
seen a suitable pattern in Cross
made from the
Collection , so
Stitch
I looked through my stash
card design in the
until I came to issue 180. The blooms of
March 2013 issue..
both patterns are almost identical. I went through my DMC threads until
ready for next year, as this time
friend kindly gave me the 32HPI linen.
round I was too busy usy
Each cover took about a month to stitch.
at work to stitch before
Joan Aschmeyer, by email
Easter. I was so tempted by the design
Collection says: This a lovely, novel
that I had to stitch it as soon as possible.
way to display your stitching, Joan.
I just love those long legs!
Anna’s early Easter stitching
Anna Szwedzinska, Poland Collection says: We agree with you,
Anna – this design is super-cute!
Country cottages My daughter, Tracey, who lives in the USA, is a keen collector of Lilliput Lane Cottages. In the past, I have cross stitched some of the individual cottages but when I saw this map in issue 140 of
Write to us… We love to hear about your stitching projects and to see the end results!
If you’d like to inspire other readers with your story, please send us a letter by post or email, along with a photo of your project to: CROSS STITCH COLLECTION LETTERS
30 Monmouth Street Bath BA1 2BW
[email protected] Please make sure that your photo is well-lit and a reasonable size (ideally 1mb or larger) so that we can show off your stitching to its full glory! Happy stitching!
The Collection Team
Willow Fabrics are your one-stop shop for top b rands like Zweigart, Anchor and Kreinik, with a constantly updated range of products and offers. Call Willow Fabrics on 0800 0567811 or visit www.willowfabrics.com to sample the huge range of quality materials available.
What’s happening on Facebook and Twitter?
2 You inspired us with updates and pictures of your latest stitching projects.
I’m getting
Collection ,
FIVE LUCKY WINNERS receive a fabulous Willow £10 gift voucher from Fabrics
1 We posted about a magical new limited edition bookazine – The Ultimate Forest Friends Cross Stitch Collection – which is out now and packed with 55 fairy- and woodland-themed designs!
I matched the colours perfectly and a
One of Joan’s stunning covers
Your say…
I had to stitch it.
It took more than three years to finish as I had a break after each cottage, but I’m so pleased with it and took great care transporting it to her. It now hangs in
3 We shared the link to a pretty orchid chart by Lesley Teare downloadable from The Making Spot. 4 You told us how you like to display your finished work – from getting it framed to making cards and calendars.
We asked… do you prefer to stitch on linen, evenweave or aida? “Evenweave or linen for me – they are both soft, easily handled and look good when the work is finished. The only problem is the counting!” Penny Hughes “Aida definitely, because I can see where to put my needle!” Teri Morgan “I stitch on lots of different fabrics, however I think evenweave and aida are my favourites – the finished pieces look neater.” Debbie Hier “Aida, as it is quick to stitch on. I’m getting used to evenweave, which is good, as it gives a cleaner look. I haven’t attempted to stitch on linen yet as I get quite confused with it.” Becky Foss “All – I just love stitching!” Carolyn Shifflett Hensley
pride of place in Tracey’s morning room. Pauline O’Neill, by email Collection says: This is a real stitching
achievement, Pauline!
Offer your stitching tips at our Facebook page
Tracey with her map
http://on.fb.me/CSCollection
Everyone’s a WINNER!
will receive rece ve THE WRITER OF OUR STAR LETTER w a pack of gorgeous threads from Anchor worth £20! The writers of every other letter we print will receive threads from Anchor worth£10. Visit Anchor’s website at: www.coatscrafts.co.uk for FREE crafting projects every month.
Cross Stitch Collection Letters,, 30 Monmouth Street,, Bath BA1 2BW November 2013
11
J ane’s
Stitching essentials
A-Z of Cross Stitch Each month Jane takes us from A-Z covering all things cross stitch related! This month, learn about Hardanger
This month… In the UK, when we say ‘cross stitch’, we mean counted cross stitch (and possibly some backstitch), but in other countries, the term also refers to any type of counted embroidery. So in this month’s column, I am going to use this to my advantage and talk about Hardanger embroidery. There is nowhere near enough space on this page to tell you about the techniques in detail, so instead, I will look at the origins and traditions of this beautiful embroidery. I am sure you will agree that they are fascinating, and I hope you will be inspired to dig out your needle and learn how to do it for yourself...
Cross Stitch Guild News If you are keen to find out more about Hardanger embroidery, we have reviewed the video content of my Hardanger for the Horrified ebook to make it better than ever! A perfect introduction to the technique, it contains projects for the novice plus more challenging ones for when you have cracked it.. Priced £16, it is available from www.vive books.co.uk
H is for… Hardanger This time, we are looking at Hardanger. It is thought this technique has its roots in ancient Persia and Asia, where a similar technique was worked on fine gauze netting using silk and metallic threads. As you can imagine, this was not the costume of the majority. Traders, travellers and conquerors spread the technique, as linen used for clothing grew in popularity. Later, pattern books from Germany and Italy became available. The best known of these was Munsterbuchlein by Peter Quentell, published in around 1528. An evolving technique No one can be sure of the origins of Hardanger, which has evolved through the centuries and is still developing. While visiting a specialist shop in Bergen, Norway, I heard one of the experts refer to American Hardanger. She explained that many of the intricate filling stitches used in modern decorative Hardanger embroidery have little to do with traditional costume but have been developed to please embroiderers.
Below: costumes at the Hardanger museum. A traditional outfit can cost thousands of pounds
About
Jane Greenoff As founder of the Cross Stitch Guild and a prolific designer, author and business woman an for almost 30 years, Jane is in constant demand. In addition to running classes, events nts and stitching holidays, Jane appears twice a month on Create and Craft TV.
To find out more, visit the website or call for details: www.thecrossstitchguild.com Freephone (UK callers): 0800 328 9750 (from outside UK): +44 (0)1285 713678
12
November 2013
Above: ove: girls rs in traditional Hardanger dress
Left and below: producinglace-like embroideryfor clothing and the home, Hardanger is traditionallyworked in white thread on white linen or cotton
Worked on evenweave, usually linen or cotton, using linen or pearl cotton threads, Hardanger is a technique that enables anyone to produce lace-like embroidery for costume or home decor. It is associated with the mountainous area of Norway called Hardanger, where there are distinctive patterns within the different communities. But it is also seen in Cyprus, Italy and the Orkneys. The traditional form of white thread on white linen is exquisite, but it is also pretty in coloured and space-dyed threads.
Prized costumes On my visits to Norway, I’ve been impressed by the number of local people who have stitched their own Bunad (clothing designed in the early 20th century that’s based on traditional costumes). I have also been amazed at the cost of buying a traditional costume. On my last visit, in 2010, I went to Husfliden, a state-owned shop that sells outfits for men, women and children. At that time, a full costume for a woman cost the eqivalent of about £3,970 and a man’s costume, £5,700.
Country scene
escape
Autumn Meet the designer...
Maria Diaz ”This is the third cottage in my seasonal series. Whereas the designs for spring and summer were inspired by the houses I see while travelling to visit my parents’ house in Essex, this one was inspired by a very different part of the country – Cumbria. “When I was a child, my grandparents lived in Carlisle and my sister and I used to go up on a coach from London for a week every summer. Dad put us on the bus at Victoria and our grandfather met us at the other end. “To stay entertained on the journey, as well as having food fights with my sister, I liked to gaze out of the window and daydream about damsels in distress, knights and dragons.”
14
November 2013
Revel in quiet, cosy evenings by the fireside, a hot drink to hand, as you stitch this pretty Cumbrian retreat by Maria Diaz
T
he passing of summer is not something to lament – from flame-hued landscapes to
bracing countryside walks, there is much to enjoy in the coming season. Not least, of course, cosy nights stitching in front of a log fire, with a mug of something hot by our side and a blanket over our legs. And what better project to fill those hours than this pretty stone cottage under a glorious sunset? Full of intricate detail, there’s plenty to challenge you in the design, so put on the kettle, pull out your needle and prepare for an evening’s stitching...
Backstitch gives definition to the many different elements in this busy design
Make it easy! Fabric and threads pack direct to you for just £21.50 GO TO PAGE 54 TO ORDER
Country scene
0 0
10
Autumn escape DMC
Anchor Madeira
Colour
Cross stitch in two strands **
White
//
Ecru
xx
151
EE
315
KK
002
20
2402
White
387
2404
Ecru
023
0502
Pink
1019
0810
Plum
320
215
1311
Mint
tt
321
047
0510
Dark red
==
340
118
0902
Purple
HH
349
013
0212
Light red
CC
413
236
1713
Blue grey
II
437
363
2012
Tan
pp
471
265
1501
Light leaf green
DD
554
095
0711
Lilac
dd
580
924
1608
Dark leaf green
kk
581
281
1609
Med leaf green
FF
642
392
1903
Dark stone
00
644
391
1902
Light stone
@@
646
1040
1812
Dark green grey
55
647
900
1813
Light green grey
SS
648
231
1814
Silver grey
~~
743
305
0113
Yellow
qq
793
176
0906
Bluebell
bb
844
1041
1809
Grey
ss
919
340
0314
Dark russet
ff
921
1004
0312
Medium russet
\\
922
1003
0310
Light russet
mm
938
381
2005
Brown
hh
986
246
1404
Dark green
%%
988
243
1402
Medium green
TT
989
242
1401
Light green
$$
3052
84 4
1509
Dark sage
nn
3053
843
1510
Light sage
BB
3340
329
0301
Orange
UU
3835
098
0712
Violet
gg
3862
358
1912
Dark sepia
&&
3864
376
1910
Light sepia
30
40
50
t
60
70
80
90
Backstitch in one strand B5200 001
2401
Bright white
cottage windowpanes
*938
381
2005
Brown
100
all other outlines and details
Stitched using DMC threads on 28HPI evenweave over two threads Stitch count 112x140 Design area 8x10in (20.5x25.5cm) *indicates colour is listed earlier in the key
16
November 2013
110
10
20
30
40
Country scene
50
60
t 70
80
90
100
110
120
130
140
t
t © Maria Diaz
November 2013
17
Country scene Shopping list... 28HPI
evenweave (or 14HPI aida), off white, Zweigart Brittney (Lugana) Ref: 3270/101, 16x18in (41x46cm) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Frame with an 8x10in (20x25cm) aperture, pine Items marked are included in materials pack, items marked are not included Fabric for the stitched piece supplied by Willow Fabrics – visit www. willowfabrics.com or call 0800 0567811 Go to page 70 for hints and help!
Before you start
Adding the details
This is a densely stitched design and you will
When you have finished the cross stitch, you
find it easier to stitch if you mount your fabric
can add the backstitch details. The cottage
into an embroidery frame before you start. This
windowpanes are worked in bright white and
will avoid flattening the stitches – which happens
the remainder is in brown.
when you use a hoop – and will help keep your tension even and the fabric straight. A stretcher frame would be ideal. You can buy them in a variety of sizes from good needlework
You will probably find the backstitch on the gate the trickiest to do, as there is quite a lot to outline, so check the chart often and cross off the stitches as you go.
shops or online.
Stitching the design Fold your fabric in half both ways to find the centre and start stitching at this point. All of the cross stitch is worked in two strands over two threads of the evenweave. Before you begin stitching, decide on the order in which you are going to work. You will find counting simpler if you concentrate on one area at a time. Working the main features such as the cottage, wall and fence first will help you find
Make it easy! Fabric and threads pack direct to you for just £21.50 GO TO PAGE 54 TO ORDER
your place on the chart after you’ve had a break. This design has easily identifiable ‘pockets’ of colour, so you shouldn’t have much trouble with the counting. Refer frequently to the chart to check you are stitching correctly, though, as many different colours are used.
Display this beautiful design in your sitting room or hallway for a daily reminder of how much nature gives us to appreciate at this time of year
18
November 2013
h ... t n o t m x N e
in ter robin fea tures Lesle y Teare’s win e or m t ue (229).Find ou our Chris tmas iss on pages 72–73!
New ideas
Be inspired by new kits, great ideas and more from the vibrant stitching world
Crafty cabaret
We love it!
Want to mix crafting with live entertainment? Then head to The Library pub in Islington, London, where Crafternoon Cabaret host afternoons of stitching, papercraft and other crafty endeavours along with live performances. Events take place on the second Saturday of the month, with each one combining a different craft and act. For example, in August, audience members made quirky wine charms while Mary Beth Morossa told twisted tales, Madame Magenta (Lindsay Sharman) performed character comedy and Maya Levy shared music and comedy. “Crafternoon Cabaret Club is about fun and giving a new skill or technique a try,” says founder Hannah Cox. “Our activities are simple enough for a first-time crafter and open enough for more confident makers to develop further.” The Library is at 235 Upper Street, Islington N1 1RU. Upcoming dates are 12 October and 9 November. Tickets cost £10 and include two or three acts and all materials. Visit www.wegottickets.com You can find out more about it at www.facebook.com/crafternoon cabaretclub
Terrifying trims Embellish Halloween projects with these eerie ribbon designs from Berisfords’ Natural Charms Collections. The funky motifs include witches’ hats and skull and cross bones in a range of colourways. From 70p per metre at www.berisfordsribbons.co.uk; 01453 883581. 20
November 2013
3 of the best Halloween charts Black Cat in a Pumpkin, Celtic Rose Needlecraft, from £3.50 (chart only) This little black kitty looks like she’s playing hide and seek – and what better place to hide at Halloween than in a carved-out jacko’-lantern? www.celtic roseneedlecraft.com; 01246 620107.
Scary Halloween, SoCreaStitch, £17.50 (chart only) This intricate design by Madame La Fée is a real work of art. We love the haunted house detail – just the thing to bring some spookiness to your own home. www.socreastitch. co.uk Ghost Mouse, StitchNotions on Etsy, about £2.31 (chart only) We’re certain this fun design will have you giggling as you stitch! Once you’ve finished, why not hang it in your hallway to welcome any trick or treaters? www. stitchnotions.etsy.com
New ideas
Meet… Mr X Stitch
Jamie’s designs explore typography
Cross stitcher, designer, blogger and role model Jamie Chalmers tells us about his work. What got you into stitching? I got into it 10 years ago, when I wanted something to do on a plane. A casual decision to try cross stitch led to a long-lasting love affair that it’s fair to say has changed my life. How would you describe the style of your designs? I’m interested in fonts and phrases, and create designs that explore typography. It’s always interesting to see what ideas emerge as I reach the end of creating a pattern. Nine times out of 10, another idea will meander up and push me further down my creative path. What inspires your creations? I’m fortunate that people contact me to share their work, and in the five years that the website www.mrxstitch.com has been running I’ve seen so much amazing artwork. The difficulty is trying to create my own original work that isn’t too influenced by others. How did you come to set up www.mrxstitch.com? I started the blog to add narrative to the patterns I was selling on Etsy. After a while, I began featuring the work of others and, with the help of a lot of fantastic people, the site has grown into an online exhibition of stitched excellence. What are you up to now? We’re redesigning the website so it will take us forward and enhance the visual enjoyment of the stitched form. I’ve taken up the role of Acting Vice Chair of Young Embroiderers and am looking forward to seeing how I can engage with younger stitchers. www.mrxstitch.com
“A long-lasting love affair with cross stitch has changed my life”
Stitchy witch pin Add a hint of Halloween to your outfit with this funky cross stitch witch brooch. It’s made using Kreinik’s fluorescent thread so will even glow in the dark! Priced riced £1.98 1.98 from www.irenes renes memorystitches. tches. etsy.com om
Love & let die We adore this ghoulish mini cushion cross stitch kit from Sheena Rogers. Named Love Never Dies, it makes us think of the Mexican festival of the Day of the Dead, which takes place the day after Halloween, and it’s a great gift for a couple planning to marry in a goth-style wedding! The kit costs £12.99 and contains 14HPI white aida, pre-sorted DMC threads, black velvet backing fabric, needle, chart and instructions. The cushion filler is not included. For more information, visit www. sheenarogersdesigns.co.uk November 2013
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