Breathtaking designs

60
NEWNS
G
D SFIOR
E
to fall in love with !
YOU!
 Make a… card
Step 1
WORK on a 9x9cm (3½x3x½in) piece of
white 14 count aida, using two strands
of stranded cotton for the cross stitch,
and one strand for the backstitch.

Step 2
TRIM the stitched fabric to fit your card
Say thanks in style with our fabulous front, leaving two blank aida squares
outside the stitching. Fray the fabric
fox card design and downloadable card blank… edges, removing one square of aida.

Step 3
ATTACH double-sided tape to the
back of the stitching, then place it on
the card front – press it down well to
attach to the card.

Head to our CrossStitcher Digital Designed by: Susan Penny

Downloads Facebook page to download Stitch count: 39 high x 39 wide

Design size: 7.5x7.5cm (27⁄8x27⁄8in)

and print out your exclusive luxury Stitch time: 7 hours

This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric.

card blank for this project

DMC Anchor Madeira
10 20 30 Cross stitch in two strands
t
155 1030 902
310 403 black
402 347 2307
434 310 2009
10 762 234 1804
775 1031 1001
915 1029 705
922 1003 310
t
t

20 3347 266 1408

3607 087 708
3865 002 2402
B5200 001 white
30 Backstitch in one strand

310 403 black

fur

915 1029 705

border

t 3347 266 1408

foliage
Susan Penny

2 www.crossstitchermag.com
NEXT MONTH
BOOKMARK PROJECT ISSUE 406
MARCH 2024
Use our Perch on the
Page chart to stitch this
cute blue tit bookmark On sale
on plastic aida – then 23 January
all you need to do is add a
clip for a quick finish!

www.crossstitchermag.com 3
 Would you like to develop your

Take our cross stitching techniques with

our imaginative tutorials?

cross Yes No

Would you like to use our simple

stitching
step-by-step instructions to make
thoughtful gifts for your friends
and family?

quiz! Yes No

Would you like to enjoy a unique

and complete stitching gift
ISSUE 405
FEBRUARY 2024
with every issue?
Yes No

Would you like to embark on a

world of inspiration and
Breathtaking designs
60 NEWNS
IG
DESFOR
!
to fall in love with !
cross stitching creations?
Yes No
YOU
TIME FLIES: MAKE
A CUCKOO CLOCK!
FEBRUARY 2024

Would you like to save a

MASSIVE 50% OFF the cover price?
PRINTED IN THE UK
£5.99

Yes No
HEART BEATS
Create a colourful
iPod/phone case

AnswЀs:
Mostly YES! A CrossStitcher
KEY TO THE CITY:
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subscription is the perfect solution
for you. Take advantage of this
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BOOKCASE BLISS
Roll up for romance! Circus Curl up with our
cosiest corner & cat!
cards for your Valentines
08/12/2023 10:06
Scan me!

bit.ly/CROSQuiz
Mostly NO! Hmm... maybe you have picked up the wrong magazine?

Do you live outside the UK? We have lots of great offers for you too!
bit.ly/CROSSUBOFFERS
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simply follow the relevant link or scan the QR codes to continue your cross stitching journey.
 Welcome
Cosy up with your cross stitch…
IT IS A MONTH to find yourself a
cosy corner. This could be as simple as
settling down with a mug of hot
chocolate or spending the weekend
painting your favourite room a
warming colour. We have been
renovating our home for some time
now and still have a way to go, but
knew that making a snug for the family
should be a priority. The choice of pink
walls did raise an eyebrow or two but
Our new snug is everyone now agrees that it is a lovely place to be. And,
super-cosy and
pretty in pink! of course, it is a great place to stitch – surely one of the
cosiest activities ever invented!
To keep you busy this month, we have a stunning
winter landscape. Emma Congdon’s frosty owl
captures the spirit of the season so well, we have made
it our cover star. You can get started on page 20. If
warmer thoughts are what you need, we have some
heart-felt projects in this Valentine’s month. You will
find some very novel cards on page 25 and a bold gift
to make your beloved on page 44.
Happy stitching!

P.S. Did you know we’re more than a magazine?

Sign up to our email newsletter for even more
‘stitchy’ content! Turn to page 7 to see how!

SUSAN & MARTIN PENNY Roll up, roll up for

EDITORS romantic cards!
P.S. Send your stitching letters and photos to
crossstitcher@warnersgroup.co.uk

Songs of spring
FOR ALL SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES
Telephone: UK +44 (0)1778 392080
Email: subscriptions@warnersgroup.co.uk
Stitch our beautiful blue tits
Follow us online!
cushion in our March issue,
facebook.com/CrossStitcherMag
on sale 23 January 2024. twitter.com/XStitchmagazine

www.crossstitchermag.com

Write to the editorial department at: CrossStitcher Magazine, PO Box 172, Northam, EX39 9DY
 Issue 405 February 2024 25
YOUR CHARTS
editor’s
pick!
20 17 Seasonal Houses SAL Complete your house sampler
20 Silent Night The second design in our seasonal series
25 Show Of Love Circus-themed Valentine’s cards
28 2024 Calendar SAL A new design for every month
30 Perfect Print Block print cushion in soft colours
38 Time Flies Create a working cuckoo clock
44 Heart Beats On-trend ‘Love’ iPod case
47 Letter Library Cacti & succulents
59 Adventures Unlocked City landmarks key fob set
62 Cat Amongst The Thistles Make a cute cat picture
65 Create A Classic: Cosy bookshelves
72 Ready, Steady, Stitch Designer challenge
82 Take A Tea Break Quick chart for break time!

EXTRAS
14 Reader Offer Exclusive reader bargains
76 Puzzles Prize crossword
77 CrossStitcher SAL Our new Mandala Stitch-A-Long

EVERY ISSUE
ON THE COVER 9 Out there The latest products
● Breathtaking designs page 20
● Snug cushion page 30
12 Stitching with Julian
● Roll up for romance page 25 36 Letters Show off what you’ve stitched
● Time flies page 38
● Heart beats page 44 43 In my hoop Jenny Minichino’s USA stitching life
● Key to the city page 59
● Bookcase bliss page 65 56 We interview Dawn Cook Ronningen
83 Next month in CrossStitcher

62 44

59
 38 30

47 65

46 SIGN UP
04 Would you like a
super 50% off saving? 08 20% off just for you... To our FREE
cross stitching emails
Check out our latest CrossStitcher In our book of
Magazine subscription offer the month offer
Indulge in exclusive cross stitching charts, (Sorry, UK only)
cross stitching kits and never miss an issue
ISSUE 405
FEBRUARY 2024

Cat Amongst
the Thistles
Breathtaking designs
60
This little cat is hiding in a clump of

to fall in love with !

oversized thistles, all stitched in muted,

75 Bright ideas for

neutral colours for a calming effect
NEWNS
DESIG

Christmas & New

FOR!
YOU

Year!
TIME FLIES: MAKE
A CUCKOO CLOCK! BRAND-NEW
DESIGNS
FEBRUARY 2024
PRINTED IN THE UK
£5.99

HEART BEATS
Create a colourful
iPod/phone case

KEY TO THE CITY:

FAB TRAVEL FOBS
/it.ly/CROSSIGNUP

www.crossstitchermag.com 7
 BOOK OF
THE MONTH!
RR
Indulge your passion for cross-stitching with our P
exquisite collection that spans the entire calendar year.
365 Cross-Stitch is your ultimate guide, offering an
£15.99
array of designs catering to every taste imaginable...
£14.39
What's Inside?
Seasonal Delights: Dive into
nature-inspired cross-stitch designs,
evolving with each passing month.

Wildlife: Stitch your favourite

animals, from majestic creatures to
adorable companions.

Letter Art: Personalize your creations with

elegant lettering and inspiring words.

Geometric Mastery: Challenge

yourself with intricate geometric and
abstract designs.

Festive Fun: Celebrate holidays with

specially curated cross-stitch motifs for
joyful occasions.

Blank Canvases: Unleash your creativity

with blank templates for unique
embroidery patterns.

Easy Instructions: Step-by-step

guidance, from design transfer to
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GET YOUR COPY!

bit.ly/365CrossStitch
This product is subject to availability and priced correctly at the time of publication. Geographic restrictions apply.
 Every month we showcase the latest high street trends, new ideas
and inspiring personalities for today’s stylish cross stitcher

Positive Vibes!
Bursting with vibrant energy and positivity come these
new mini cross-stitch kits from Hawthorn Handmade!
Whether you’re rocking the ‘vibe’, sharing some ‘love’
(perfect for Valentine’s!), or feeling ‘cute’, these kits bring
your favourite words to life in bold and bright colours.
Perfect for beginners or experienced stitchers looking
for a quick craft fix, each kit comes with all you need to
create your own piece of handmade happiness. Available
from February at www.hawthornhandmade.com.

www.crossstitchermag.com 9
 FIRM FAVOURITES: MEGAN CAINES
Designers share with us their
top stitching essentials
Below are my five stitching essentials
I love to use when designing or
stitching for melocadesigns.com

NEEDLEMINDER
Needleminders are my number one
stitching accessory! I absolutely love
using them and even designing them
– I have so many in my collection!
They’re so simple because you just
attach one to your work by putting the
decorative side on top of your fabric
and the loose magnet on the back,
then when you need to put your needle
down, you just place it on top and it
EMBROIDERY HOOP magnetically holds it down for you, so
Embroidery hoops are an absolute
must-have for me. Specifically a 7in
you don’t lose it! CRAFTY FOX
hoop, as I find this the optimal size for ‘CUNNING’ BY Rachel Froud is the next creature to feature
me to hold for the project sizes I tend in the Menagerie Collection by Bothy Threads. This
to stitch (8-10in). In my opinion, they beautifully detailed fox is worked on a contrasting printed
make stitching easier because they aida. Just look into those gorgeous eyes! The kit is worked
keep your fabric taut, which helps keep
on 14 count printed Zweigart aida with pre-sorted stranded
your stitches nice and neat.
cottons and uses cross stitch and backstitching. The kit also
includes a needle and a clear stitch diagram and instructions.
The finished design size is 26x26cm. For more info visit
www.bothythreads.com.

THE PERFECT SIZED NEEDLE

I primarily stitch on 14 count aida
because I just love it! To stitch on this
fabric I actually use a size 7 embroidery
needle rather than the recommended
size 24 tapestry needle. The reason for
this is so the needle doesn’t stretch the
PATTERN KEEPER fabric holes too much when it passes
Honestly, Pattern Keeper is life- through. Using a decent needle will
changing in the cross stitch world! also keep your stitches super-tidy – I’ve
It’s much easier to navigate a digital had many compliments!
pattern that you can mark off and
zoom in on, than to faff around with SCISSORS
a physical copy. Don’t get me wrong, A good, sharp pair of scissors or snips
I still love physical copies but it’s so are essential for cross stitching in
great to have the option to use either. my opinion. They will help keep the
You can even import paper patterns back of your project nice and tidy by
into the Pattern Keeper app! ensuring your cut ends don’t fray.
It also makes your overall stitching
experience much calmer and more
enjoyable by not having to battle with a
pair of scissors that don’t cut properly HEAVEN SENT
on the first try! ‘ANGEL WISHES’, Nia Rhind’s latest design, features
three sweet little angels, each with their wellness
messages. You can buy it as a kit to be worked on
Zweigart 14 count Light Grey aida, using DMC
stranded cotton threads and a gold metallic thread to
add some sparkle to those halos. The stitched size
measures approx. 26x14cm. The design is also
available to order as a chart, with both options
available from www.nia-crossstitch.com.

10 www.crossstitchermag.com
 TREND SPOTTING
LIFE’S A CATS
STITCH! IF YOU liked our cat picture and
bookshelves projects in this issue,
LOOKING FOR ways to keep your craft room we think you’ll love these fabulously
cosy this February? Give your home a little feline ways to keep creative…
stitchy love! We love this ‘Life’s A Stitch’ yellow
cushion, which is available in canvas style and
faux suede fabrics and 46x46cm and 61x61cm
sizes. It has a double-sided print, with a
zippered cover and fibre cushion insert. As a
bonus, all cushions are cut and sewn in the UK.
www.gailmyerscough.co.uk

On The Cards WHO

THIS BEAUTIFUL kit design is inspired by Megan Caines as featured opposite, is the
the tarot card ‘The Moon’ and is part of an creator of this cute and crafty Jigsaw Cat
ongoing collection by Innocent Bones. Cross Stitch Kit, which is purrfect for beginner
stitchers. The kit contains everything you
Each Tarot Kit comes with a fully need to complete it.
coordinated colour palette of DMC www.notonthehighstreet.com/melocadesigns
embroidery threads. This kit is packed
with a whole range of gorgeous
design elements, such as moons,
stars, clouds, and lots of pretty floral
elements, making it perfect for more
experienced stitchers looking for a
challenge. The kit includes a printed
design chart and guide to cross
stitching, full skeins of stranded cotton
embroidery floss, white 18 count aida,
backing fabric, 5in wooden embroidery WHAT
hoop and a round point tapestry needle. This monochrome ‘Catalmation’ cat
www.libertylondon.com needlepoint kit is stitched with an easy-to-
follow printed canvas, in the basic half cross
stitch. A must-stitch for any cat lover! It is to be
stitched with one strand of Appleton’s 4 ply
tapestry wool (& a little bit of Anchor wool)

C
FABRHI E
which gives a chunky, hand-crafted finish.
In each issue of CrossStitcher www.chloesavageembroidery.com
we’ll feature a special
OF T TH ‘Fabric of the Month’...
MON FOR FEBRUARY our fabric is called
Iced Coffee. Its background is just like
hot espresso coffee has been poured
over ice and then milk added – a
creamy effect with darker swirls of
coffee loveliness! Available as a FQ in
both 14 count aida and 28 count
evenweave (50x45cm (19x18in) each)
– it’s perfect for almost any design. HOW
Stitch Your Own Pet Portrait using this clever
kit. If you’re a fan of backstitch, you’ll love the
SUBSCRIBER DISCOUNT evenweave. If you’re a CrossStitcher nature of this outline design, made just for you
We’re giving CrossStitcher subscribers the subscriber, then sign up today to receive
emails and you will be sent a discount code from your own photos. You get two
chance to buy an FQ of this fabric at a
discount price. Subscribers who sign up to by email, and the chance to buy other great personalised stickers of the same sketch that
receive CrossStitcher emails will be sent a offers in the future including more ‘Fabrics of is sized to fit into a 5in hoop. Some stitch
discount code that they can then use at the Month’. Use the link below to get your experience is required, but do not let that put
www.willowfabrics.com to get this fab fabric discount code and receive more great offers. you off if you’re newer to embroidery
for just £9.60 for the aida and £10.40 for the https://bit.ly/CROSREGISTER www.bethanyduffyembroidery.com

www.crossstitchermag.com 11
CROSS STITCH CONNECTIONS

Julian Odessa gives words of wisdom on how to flourish when stitching

or in life, asking us to change our perceptions and allow ourselves happiness

H
ullo! As we forge a path into the In Japan, the crane is referred to as our perceptions are ultimately our
new year, I’ve been thinking the bird of happiness and not only are realities. So, stitch yourself some
about how I would like this year to origami cranes pretty to look at, but happiness in your favourite colour, or
feel. What do I even mean by that? they’re also fun to make! But I have a stitch it for a friend who needs a
Have I gone weird? Is this the beginning feeling many of you might prefer to pick-me-up. We might as well cram as
of my descent into madness? I hope not cross stitch than fold paper, so I’ve got much happiness and joy into our days
(though if it is to be, at least it should be you covered with this design. as possible, given we’re only here for a
a pleasant decent!). What I mean by this Being happy all the time isn’t the short time in the grand scheme of
is that we often see what we expect to goal – that’s impossible and unhealthy. things. You deserve so much happiness.
see and this year I want to approach life But taking an optimistic perspective Stitch boldly!
looking out for happiness. can really help life become brighter; Julian
Ever notice how when you’re
running late, you always get the red
lights? Or how when you’re trying to
concentrate on an important task, 10 20 30 40
t
that’s when people constantly need
to talk to you? It’s likely that you’re
getting the same number of red
lights and interruptions that you d
usually experience, it’s just that d dd
dd dddd
you’re noticing them more. Of dd dddd
10 ddd dHddd
course, the light is red – again! ddHd dHHdHd
Typical! But when you’re not in a ddHd dHHHdHd
dtdHd dHHHdHd
rush, the red lights probably don’t dtdHd dHHHdHHd
dtdHHd dHHHHdHHdd
make much of an impact on your day ddHHHd dHHHHHdHHdd d
– they’re just another part of the dtdHHd dHHHHHdHHHd d
dd dtdHHHddHHHHHHdHHHd ddd
journey between two places. dHdd dtdHHHdHHHHHHHdHHHd dtd
dHHHd dtdHHdHHHHHHHdHHHHd dttd
t
t

20
Thinking about times like these, dHHdd dtddHdHHHHHHHdHHHHdd dttd
dHHdtdddHHdHHHHHHHHdHHHHHd dttd
I’ve been playing with reframing my dHHdttddHHdHHHHHHHHHdHHHHHd ddtttd
perceptions. This is not a new idea, dHHddttdHddHHHHHHHHdHHHHHHddttttd
dHd dttdHdHHHHHHHHHdHHHHHHdtttttd
but it suggests that when you’re dd ddttddHHHHHHHHHdHHHHHHdttttd
d dttddHHHHHHHHHdHHHHHHdttttd
stressed sometimes negative feelings ddttdHHHHHHHHHdHHHHHHdtttd
dttdHHHHHHHHdHHHHHHHdtttd
can be alleviated or, at the very least, 30 dttdHHHHHHHHdHHHHHHHdttd
lessened by looking at things from a ddtdHHHHHHHHdHHHHHHHdttd
dtdHHHHHHHdddHHHHHHdtd
different angle. For example, yes, dddHHHdddd ddddHHddd
ddddd ddd
you’re running late and, yes, there’s
another red light. But getting angry
won’t fix anything; you’re late, it’s
already done. You won’t get there any 40
faster by getting worked up so you t
might as well relax, throw on some Julian Odessa
car karaoke, and roll with it.

12 www.crossstitchermag.com
 CRAFTY BOOKSHELF

Red lights meanetmsore

time for suns

CRAFTY BOOKSHELF
Read on to find out our favourite
new books for stitchers this month...
30 DAY CHALLENGE: EMBROIDERY
JESSICA ANDERSON
[Quarry Books] If your New Year’s
resolutions included expanding
your stitching horizons, this is the
book for you! Create 30 easy
projects using many of the new
stitches learned in this challenge.
Jessica Anderson walks you
through the basics and then shows
you how to create a new stitch
every day. The easy-to-follow
projects cover a variety of popular
contemporary themes such as
flowers, birds, plants and more.

500 NEEDLEPOINT PATTERNS

ANAÎS HERVÉ [David & Charles]
This compilation of 500
needlepoint designs gives a
contemporary approach to the
age-old art form. The Bargello
stitch, which has variants including
the Flame and Florentine stitches,
is the main stitch used in these
projects. The stunning designs can
be sewn into soft cushions, purses,
and cases, or framed for living
My collection of areas. Patterns in this collection
cranes range from straightforward designs
that can be replicated indefinitely and motivate the more experienced
to intricate patterns that will test stitchers among you.

DMC Anchor
Cross stitch in two strands
Madeira MY CROSS STITCH DOLL
SUSAN BATES [David & Charles]
310
3 403 black This new title includes doll projects
that are fun to stitch, easy to put
519
5 1038 1105 together and a joy to give as a gift.
747
7 158 1104 With full- colour diagrams and
Backstitch in one strand step-by-step instructions for dolls,
front and back, there are lots of
519 1038 1105 pretty details and personalisation
pattern and customisation options. First,
747 158 1104 choose your doll from one of the 20
pattern adorable patterns included, then
sew up your cross-stitched fabric
pieces! Even those with minimal
experience will find them a breeze!

www.crossstitchermag.com 13
READER OFFER

FABULOUS NEW YEAR OFFERS!

Sensational New Year deals for CrossStitcher readers...
Overseas readers, email enquiries@willowfabrics.com to TIMLIMITED
order. Take advantage of our exclusive offers today... E OFFER
This ! off
Get organised this new year with these 22 Jaenr, ends
fabulous craft bags, boxes and sewing machine earlier if or
covers. We are giving readers 20% off the runs ousttock
RRP, while stocks last. !
To hold all your stitching equipment we have
two craft bags. Firstly the ‘Birds’ bag made
from PVC. It measures 13x36x31cm with a zip,
double handles, front and side storage pockets
in a cute bird design.
Next, we have ‘Make, Sleep, Repeat’, a stylish
tote made from natural coloured linen with
leather handles. The bag size is 17x44x33cm.
This big, roomy bag is great for tidying your
stash and storing your stitching.
For those who prefer a more traditional basket we
have a medium-sized (17x24x14cm) sewing box
covered in 100% cotton in a Flutterby print. It has Make, Sleep, Repeat
a press stud fastening, a plastic handle and a
hard internal tray for sewing accessories.
Birds
Lastly a very useful sewing machine bag made from
100% cotton fabric, in a modern blue and white
daisy print. The bag measures 20x44x38cm and
has a reinforced handle, and a strong strap. The
bag has a front pocket and is handy for storing your
sewing machine keeping it clean and protected.
Craft Bag – Birds,
ref: MRB627 for £37.45 £29.95
Craft Bag – Make, Sleep, Repeat,
ref: MRL525 for £16.80 13.40
Sewing Box – Flutterby,
ref: HGM609 for £31 £24.80
Sewing Machine Bag – Denim Daisies, Denim Daisies Flutterby
ref: MR649 for £36 £28.80

Please mark your coupon with the bag or box you would like to receive.
MORE OFFERS FOR YOU! As we have limited numbers of these items, please order early to avoid disappointment.

We are once again sending overseas, so please email your order to enquiries@willowfabrics.com.

WOODEN SLICES VALENTINE 8 CARD PACK CARD FINISHING PACK ZIP CASE SEWING SET
These round 100% birch slices come This 8 card pack with envelopes in soft Six cards with random apertures and This handy kit contains: ★ 30 thread
with a pre-drilled hole and twine for pastel colours is just right for stitching colours. Plus: ★ 40x52cm (14x20in) of spools ★ needle disc (30pcs) ★ 32 pearl
hanging. They can be used for garlands, or craft projects. The C6 cards come in white 14 count aida ★ roll of 12mm super- pins ★ needle threader ★ 5 buttons ★ 5
wreath making, gift tags and so much four colours – Pink, Turquoise, Cream sticky double-sided tape ★ 6 white safety pins ★ scissors ★ tape measure
more. The pack contains six wooden and Blue, and in a mix of shapes. C6 envelopes. Buy multiple packs for (64cm) ★ pencil ★ seam ripper ★ 5 snap
slices and twine. Each pack comes with quality white an extra discount! Mark your coupon fasteners ★ 4 clips ★ thimble ★ knitting
Turn to Tea Break on page 82 to use envelopes and includes a chart to stitch with how many packs you’d like. Card needles. The blue zipped cotton case is
with our robin design. a sweet heart design too! Valentine’s Finishing Pack for £7.40, buy two for 3.5x19.5x22.5cm. Zip Case Sewing Kit
Wooden Slices, pack of 6 for £2.50 8 Card Pack for £6.80, ref: VCP £14.20, three for £21.30, ref: CRD for £12.45, ref: ZIPSEW

14 www.crossstitchermag.com
 READER OFFER

Festive Magic

Gingerbread Lane Santa Street

Snowy Days

20% OFF DIMENSIONS KITS FESTIVE PACKS

We have two beautiful Dimensions cross stitch kits to help you capture the Your last chance to buy these lovely Christmas boxes full of sparkle.
essence of winter, both feature the detail and atmosphere we associate
Each of the four boxes available contain: a lovely selection of DMC thread
with Dimensions nature designs, bringing to life our favourite woodland
creatures. The Woodland Winter kit includes ★ 18 count white aida fabric and goodies: ★ 8 DMC Shiny Light Effects ★ 2 DMC Twinkling Satins
★ pre-sorted stranded cotton threads ★ needle ★ large-square charted ★ 1 DMC Christmas Coloris ★ 1 DMC Sparkly Étoile PLUS, each box contains
design ★ picture and instructions. Approximate finished size: 46x25cm or beads, bells or sequins, ribbon and a flexi hoop!
18 x 10in. The Wise Owl Kit includes ★ pre-sorted, stranded cotton threads
★ 14 count white aida fabric ★ needle ★ large-square charted design ★ Choose from: Santa Street, ref: FBSS1, Snowy Days, ref: FBSD,
picture and instructions. Approximate finished size: 35.5x28cm or 14x11in. Festive Magic, ref: FBFM, Gingerbread Lane, ref: FBGL
Please mark your coupon with which kit you would like to receive. Festive Box for £28.90
We are offering you 20% off the RRP!
Woodland Winter (D35130) £70.45 £56.30
Wise Owl (D70) £39 £31.20

FABRIC OF THE MONTH

Our ‘Fabric of the Month’ in the February issue is
a very useful fabric called Iced Coffee. When you
look at the background of this fabric it’s just like hot
espresso coffee has been poured over ice and then
milk added – a creamy effect with darker swirls of
coffee loveliness! Available as a FQ in both 14 count For all your cross stitch goodies!
aida and 28 count evenweave; 50x45cm (19x18in) – Any questions? enquiries@willowfabrics.com.
perfect for almost any design.
Place your order online using the discount
Please see the special offer for CrossStitcher code NEWYEAR24 to get the
subscribers on page 11 to get 20% off. lower postage cost that comes with
Fabric of the Month FQ for £12 aida, ref: FMFE24A this offer or call 01237 237171
and £13 for evenweave, ref: FMFE24E for telephone orders.
Offers available to UK readers only.

Post your orders to CrossStitcher/Willow Fabrics Offers,

PO Box 172, Northam, EX39 9DY
READER OFFER
DESCRIPTION PRICE QTY TOTAL
Title Initials Surname CRAFT BAGS/BOXES REF:
£
Address WOODEN SLICES, PACK OF 6 £2.50
Postcode VALENTINE 8 CARD PACK (VCP) £6.80
Tel Email CARD FINISHING PACK (CRD) QUANTITY:
£

I enclose a cheque for £ made payable to SEWING CASE (ZIPSEW) £12.45

Penny Creative Media Ltd with my name and DIMENSIONS KITS REF:
£
address on the back FESTIVE PACKS REF: £28.90
FABRIC OF THE MONTH (FMFE24A/E) £12/£13
Or charge my Visa ‫ ؂‬Mastercard ‫ ؂‬Maestro ‫؂‬ SILENT NIGHT (PPSN) HOOP/NO HOOP £35.40/£29.50
Card No ‫؂؂؂؂ ؂؂؂؂ ؂؂؂؂ ؂؂؂؂‬ ADVENTURES UNLOCKED MATERIALS PK £6.30
Expiry date ‫ ؂؂ ؂؂‬Card security code ‫؂؂؂‬
/ (last 3 digits on signature strip)
PERFECT PRINT (PPPP) £20.50
COSY BOOKSHELVES (PPCBS) £39.80
Signature Date SEASONAL HOUSES SAL (PPSHSE) £54.30

Terms and conditions: If ordering online, use NEWYEAR24 at checkout to get the lower postage cost.
CALENDAR SAL PACK (PPCALS) £27.00
Please note the contract for supply of goods is with Willow Fabrics, tel: 01237 237171. These offers close MANDALA SAL PACK (PPMANS) £57.00
on 22 January 2024, or before if stocks run out. All goods dispatched Royal Mail Tracked 48, please allow
28 days for delivery. Please supply an email address or telephone number in case we need to contact you UK ONLY POSTAGE £3.50 1 £3.50
about your order. For full terms and conditions see page 82.
GRAND TOTAL £

Feel free to photocopy this offer or write your order on paper if you don’t want to cut your magazine

www.crossstitchermag.com 15
 since 1877

Ski & Snow

For many, winter means: dreamlike snow-
covered landscapes, glittering frozen lakes
and icy cold winter air. With our large
selection of icy blue tones, everyone is
guaranteed to find the right color for the
next winter project to embroider. Get this
lovely design for free at www.zweigart.de/
embroidery. WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO
artist
TH E U K’S
BE ST-S ELL
I N G LE AR
N -TO - PAI NT M
AGA ZI N E
Try simpl
home printinge

AR TIS T
A BET TER
YO U BEC OM E
HE LPI NG NOVEMBER

WIN
2023 £5.25

Paint flora l OVER £19 ,000

of prizes
worth
2024
in our TALP n
LINE AND WASH
Easy boats
Painting wo
sportrait
Competitio
(pages 12-13)

with paintin ods

g
WATERCOLOUR
Buildings

y
How to simplif
figures in
watercolour r
Develop you
own style
r
Improve you
COLOUR MIXIN
for autumn G
landscape ls
Creative
WARNERS
The colour
Pantone 2607
CMYK Split
C: 81
M: 100
Y: 0
K: 7

painting skil
The logo can
Also white

of the

Logo use and

C

ideas to try
logo is

SOFT PAST
RGB Split
R: 75
G: 19
on dark backgrounds.

B: 114

GROUP PUBLICATI
be used in

Easy steps to EL
paint
black for specifi

a seascape
guidelines

in
c use.

ONS PLC

TRADITION
February 2024 11:22 How to simplAL OILS
17/11/2023
ify
£5.25
paint interiorsand
01 of 02

LP Cover Nov
2023 .indd
2

PREMIUM NEEDLEWORK FABRICS

100 % MADE IN GERMANY
www.zweigart.de

Download your FREE SAMPLE ISSUE today

For stockists contact:
Lakeside Needlecraft I lakesideneedlecraft.co.uk
Visit www.pocketmags.com
Willow Fabrics I www.willowfabrics.com
Heritage Crafts I Tel: 01889 575 256 Leave us a review: If you have enjoyed delving into this magazine, or indeed any of our
Woolwarehouse I woolwarehouse.co.uk Pocketmags.com magazines shown above, it would be great to hear your feedback!
Stitchtastic I www.stitchtastic.com ‫ ؂ ؂ ؂ ؂ ؂‬5/5 Thank you in advance!
 EASONAL HOUSES SAL
S

HOW TO… JOIN OUR STITCH-A-LONG stitching straight away, and have it delivered
We’ve unveiled a new seasonal straight to your door!
house in Britain from January 2023 Your materials pack contains:
to February 2024, and this issue we • Zweigart 14 count aida in Pewter Grey
give you details of how to personalise • Skeins of DMC stranded cotton
your sampler. • Two gold-plated tapestry needles;
size 24 and size 26
CROSSSTITCHER PROJECT PACK How to order:
If you would like to stitch our Seasonal Go to www.willowfabrics.com to order your
Houses of Britain, we have a materials pack project pack at the CrossStitcher reader
with everything you need to get you price of £54.30, plus P&P.

www.crossstitchermag.com 17
SEASONAL HOUSES SAL

Take a trip around the UK with us! We’ve brought you 14 classic houses
from different towns in Britain, to make up a complete sampler

DMC Anchor Madeira

Cross stitch in two strands
190 70 80 90 100 110
801 359 2007
t
3823 386 2512
Cross stitch blend in one strand of each

200 738 + 739

Backstitch in one strand

310 403 black

words
210 938 381 2005
brick detail
t

t
French knots in one strand

310 403 black

Amanda Butler
220 decoration

230
t
How to… stitch
your plaque
Step 1
STITCH the plaque using two strands for
Designed by: Amanda Butler Stitch time: 15 hours
the cross stitch, one for the backstitch and
Complete sampler stitch count: 234 high x 148 wide French knots. We have printed the bottom
Complete sampler design size: 42x27cm (163⁄4x101⁄2in) of Tobermory from issue 401 so you can
Plaque design size: 6.5x9cm (21⁄2x31⁄2in) place the house plaque correctly.
This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric.
Step 2
USE the alphabet and numbers chart
provided to personalise the plaque with
your own details. You may wish to use
graph paper to space the letters and
numbers centrally on the plaque.

Step 3
ONCE the stitching is complete, either
frame your work or make it into a wall
hanging by turning over the edges,
neatening, and then hanging from a pole.

• Zweiga
rt Pewter
ref: 3706/7 Grey 14 co
13; 65x55 unt aida,
• Strande cm (251⁄2x
d cotton a 211⁄2in)
• Size 24 s listed in
tapestry n the key
Materials eedle
available
from www
.willowfab
rics.com

18 www.crossstitchermag.com
 SEASONAL HOUSES SAL

www.crossstitchermag.com 19
SILENT NIGHT

PART 2

20 www.crossstitchermag.com
 GIFT IDEA

silent night
Shhh… don’t make a sound... our winter
woodland featuring a beautiful barn owl, is
magnificent to behold in all its stillness

PROJECT PACK
If you would like to stitch Silent Night, we
have a materials pack with everything you
need to get you stitching right away, and
have it delivered straight to your door!
Your materials pack contains:
• DMC 14 count aida in
Iridescent White
• Skeins of DMC stranded cotton
• Two gold-plated tapestry
needles; size 24 and size 26

How to order: Fill in the form on page 15 or go to www.willowfabrics.com

to order your project pack at the CrossStitcher reader price of £29.50, or
£35.40 including a 10in wooden embroidery hoop, all plus P&P.

www.crossstitchermag.com 21
SILENT NIGHT

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
t
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ddddddddiddddddiidddddddddddddddddddd~ddd~ddd dd d d
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didddddddddidddddHdHdddddiiiiiiddHddiiddddddxddddddidddxd~d~d
10 ddidddiiddddiiidddddddddddiddddddddddiddiiid~dddddiddidddddd~dd
idddiddiddddiidddiiidxdddddiiddddddiddiddddddddddddiddiddHddd~d~d
didddiddidiiiddddddddddddiiiddddddiidddiddiiiiiidddiiiiddddddddddd
ddiddidddiiddddididddddiiidddddddiiddddiiiiddddddiiiddddd~dddHddxdd
ddidddiddidddddddiddddiidddddddddiddddiiddddddddiddddiiidddddddddddd
cdddidddcdiiiiidddididdidddddiiiiiiiiiiidddiidddddddddddddddddiiddddii
didddcddiddidddddddddddiddddiiddddiidddddiiidddxddddddddiiiiiiidddiiidd
ddcddiddcddcddddiddidddidddiiddddddddiiiddddddddddddddiiiddddiddiiidddii
ddidddcdiddidddiidddidddiiiiddddddddiddddiddddiiiiiiiiidddidddddddddiiddd
dddcddiddcddciiiddddiddddiddddddddiiiddddddiiiididddidddddddiiddd~dddddiid
20 ddddcddcddiddciddddiidddiidiiidddiidddddxdddddddddidddiidddddddiddddddidddi
dcdddcdcdddcdciddddiddddidddddddiiddiidddddddddddddiddddddddd~dddiiddiiddddi
ddcdHdccdddcdccdddiiddddiddddddiiddddddd~ddHdidddddddiddddd~d~d~ddidiiddddddd
ddcddddcdddcddcidiidddddiddddiiiiddiiiiddddddiddddddddidddddddd~dddidddddxdddd
dddcdddcdddcddcciidddddciciiiidddiiidddddddddididdddddddiddddddddddddidddxdxd~d
cddcdddcdddcddccidddddciiddddddddddddiiiddiiddddddddHddxddiiiiiidddddddddddxdddd
ddcdcddcddddcddcidddddcidddiiidddidddddddiiddddddddddddddddddidddiiiddd~d~ddddddd
dddcdcdcddcddciccidddcciiiiidddiiiddiiiiidddddHddd~ddddddddddidiidddddddd~dddddddd
cd~ddccdcdcdddcicidddciiiiddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddxdidddidddddd~d~dddHdHd
cdddddcdcdcddcicciddciiddddddiiddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddidddiiiidddddddHHdHH
30 dcdddddcdcdcddciciddciidddiiiiddidHdddddddddHddddddddddddddddddddddddiddddddHddddHdd
ddcdddxdcdcdddcccidcicddiidddddddddddddddddHdHddddddddddddddddddddddddiidd~ddddHHdHH
dcccdddddccidddcciidicididdddddHddddcicdddiddHdddddHdddddddddddddddddddddidddddddHdHd
ccdddcddddccidddccicicididdddxddddddcdddiiiddddddxdddddddddddddddddddddddddddddidddddd
ddddddccdddciddccciccicidddddddddddcddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddididdddd
dddddddddcddciddcoccciciddidddxddddcicidddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddidddddd
d dccdd~ddcdciddcocciciddididddddddcdddcidddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
ddddddcddddDdcidccociciddddidddddddcddddddddddHdddddddxxxddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
cddddcccccdddDccicocccidddHddddddddccccdddddHddddddddxxHHHxxddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
dcdcddddddcddDccicocccidddddddddcccddddcidddddddddddxHHiiiHHxdddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
40 dCcdcCddd~dcdCdocDcocicidCdddCddcCdddCdddCcddCdddCddxHiiiiiiiHxddCdddCdddCdddCdddCdddCdddC
ddcCcddcddddcddocccccciCdddCdddcdddCdddCdddidddCdddCxHiiiiiiiHxddddCdddCdddCdddCdddCdddCdd
ccddcdddcdddCdcdocccocciCdddddddcdddddciddddddddddddxHiiiiiiiiiHxdddddddddddddddddddddddddd
dCcCcCdcdCdCdCcCcDcDccciCCdCdCdcccdCciddcCddddiCddddxHiiiiiiiiiHxCdddCdddCdddCdddCdddCdddCd
CdCccdCcCdCdcdCccDcDcciCCdCdCdcdCdccCdCdCiciciCdCdCdxHiiiiiiiiiHxdCdCdCdCdCdCdCdCdCdCdCdCdC
dCdCcCCCcCdCcCdocDcocciCdcdCdcdCdCdCdCdCdCcCCCdCdCdCdxHiiiiiiiHxdCdCdCdCdCdCdCdCdCdCdCdCdCd
ccccccdCdcdCdCcCocDcocciCcdCdcdCdCdCdCdCdCdCiiCCdCdCdCxHiiiiiiiHxCdCdCdCdCCCCCCCCCdCdCdCdCdC
CdCCCdccCdcCCdcCocococcCCcCCCcCCCdCCCdCCCdCCCdCCCdCCCdCxHHiiiHHxCdCCCdCCCCC CCCdCCCdCC
CCCdCCCdcCCcCCcdocococcdCCcdcCCdCCCdCCCdCCCdCCCdCCCdCCCdxxHHHxxdCCCdCCCdC iiXiXii CCCdCCCd
CCdCCCdCCCcccCdCoccoDcccCCdcCcdCCCdiCCdCCCdCCCdCCCdCCCdCCCdxxxdCCCdCCCCCC XXXXiXiXXXX CCCCdCC
50 CCCCCC~CCCCCCcCCococDcccCCCcCcCCCCiCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC XhhhhXiXhhhhX CCCCCC
dCCCdCCCd~CCdccCocococDcdCciiCCCdiCCdCCCiiCCdCCCdCCCdCCCdCCCdCCCdCCCdCC XhiiiihXhiiiihX dCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCccocococDCCciCCCCCiCCiCCCiCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC hiiiiiihiiiiiih CCCCC
CCC~CCCCiCCCC~CococDcDccDciCCCCCCcCiCCCcCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC hiiiiiiiXiiiiiii CCCCC
CC~C~CCCCiCCCCCococDcDcDDciCCCCCcCCcCCiciCCCiCCHCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC hiiiiiiiXiiiiiiii CCCC
CCC~CCCCCiCCCCCococDccDcccCCCcCCcCiCCCcCCciiCCHCHCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC ssiibbbiiXiibbbiii CCCC
CCCCCCCiCCiCCCCococDccDcciCCccCCccCCCcCCCCCCCCCHCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC siiibbibiiibbibiii CCCC
CCCCCCCCiCiCCCCoccDcccDcciCCCCcCcCCCCcCCCCCCHCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC siiiiXbbbiiibbbXiii CCCC
CCCCCCCCCcCcCCCCCococDcDciCCCCCCcCCCCCiCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC siiiiiXXhiiihXXiiii CCCC
CC~CCCCCCCcccCCCCocDcDcDiiCCCCCCcCCCCcCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC siiiiiiiihiiihiiiiii CCCC
60 CC~CCCxCCCxCCixCCooocDDciCxCCCxCcCCccCxCCCxCCCxCCCxCCCxCCCCCCCxCCCxCC siiiiiiiihiiihiiiii xCCCx
~~C~~CCCxCCCxCoCxooDcDDciCCCxCcCcccCxCCCxCCCxCCCxCCCxCCCxCCCxCCCxCCC Xiiiiiiiiiihihiiiiii CCxCC
CC~CCCCCCCCCCCoCCooDDDciiCCCCCCciCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCxCCCCCCCC XXXiiiihiiiiihiiiiiih CCCCC
Cx~xCxCiCxCxCxCoCooDDcccixCxCxCxcCCCxCCCxCCCxCCCxCCCxCCCxCCCxCCCxC XXXXXXiiihiiiihiiiiihixCCCxC
xCxCxCxCxCxCxCxoCoDoccocccxCxCxccCxCCCxCCCxCCCxCCCxCCCxCCCxCCCxCC XsXsXXXXXiihhiiiiihhhi CxCxCx
CxCxCxCxCoCxoooCoooccoooccCxCxciCxCxCxCxCxCxCxCxCxCxCxCxCxCxCxCx XsXsXshXsXXiiihhhhhiii CxCxCxC
xCxCxCxCxxooxCxooooccoooccxCxCcixCxCxCxCxCxCxCxCxCxCxCxCxCxCxCx hssssshXsXsXhiiiiiiiiii xCxCxCx
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CxxHCxxxCxxxHxxxCoDoccoccxxciixxCxxxCiixCxiiCxxxCxxxCxxxHxxxC hXsXshXXXsshsXsXiXiiiii xxCxxxCxx
70 xxxHxxxxxxxxHxxxxooocccccxciixxxxxxxxiixxxiixxxxxxxxxxxHHHxx hhhXXhhXsXshXXXXshiiiiii xxxHxxxxx
xxHHHxCxHxCxHHCxxooDccccccixxxxxxxCxxxixxixxxxCxxxCxxxCHHHxC shhhhhhhXXhhXsXshsXiiii xCxxHCxxxC
xxHHHxxxHxxHHHxxxoooDcccccixxxxx~~xxxxixxixxxxiixxxxxxxHHHx sgshhsshhhhhhhXXhgXiiiii HxxxHxxxxx
xxHHHxxxHxxHHHxxxooocccccix~~xx~~~~xxxixxixxxxiixxxxxxHHHH sgsshgsgshhsshhhhgXgXiiii HxxHHHxxxx
xHHHHxxHHHxHHHxHHoDocDcDci~~~~x~~~~xxxxixixxxixxxxxxxxHHHH hsshssgshsgsgghhgXgXiiiii HHxtHH~~~x
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80 HHHHiHHHiHiHiHHHoDoDDDiHHHtHtHiHH~~~~~i~xxxiiixxxxxHHHt hhXXhXshgghsshhhhhgiiiii tttt~~~~HiHHi
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DDDDoDDoDDcioDciiRR x x x x x cccccooooooooDoDDoDDoDDoDDccDDDDccc
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oDDoDDc R R R R x %% %%% %% C C C CC C C C oDoDoDo H HHH
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CC %% H H
t

22 www.crossstitchermag.com
 GIFT IDEA

100 110 120 130

Designed by: Emma Congdon

Stitch count: 134 high x 133 wide
d
d d
Design size: 25x25cm (97⁄8x97⁄8in)
d d d
dddd d
dd d d d
Stitch time: 60 hours
dddddd d d This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric.
iddddHd d d
ddd~ddddddd d
diddxd~ddd d
iddddddd~dd d d
dddd~ddddd d d d
ddidddHdxdddddd
iiddd~dddd~ddidd d
ddddddddddddididd d
idxdxdddHddddidd d
dddxdddHdHd~ddddddd d DMC Anchor Madeira
ddxdxdddHdddddddd~dd d
ddddddddddHdxdd~d~d~d Cross stitch in two strands
dd~ddd~ddddddddd~~~ddd d
dddddddddddddd~~~d~~~dd
ddddddd~ddd~dddd~~~dddd d
dddddddddd~d~dd~d~d~dd d d
ddddddddddd~ddddd~ddddd d d
157
15 120 907
ddddddddddddddidddddd dd d d
dd~ddddddddddddddddxddddddd
d~d~dddddddddxddHddddd~d~dddd
310
3 403 black
dd~ddddddddddddHdHdiddd~dd d
xdddddddddddddddHddddd~d~dddd
dddd~ddddddddddddddddddddddx d
312
3 979 1005 (2)
dddddddHddddddddddddddddidddd
dddddHddddddddddxddd~dxdddid dd
dddddddddddddddddddddddddidddd d
322
3 178 1004 (2)
dddCdddCdddCdddCdd~CddiCdddCd dd
dCdddCddHCdddCdddCdddCddiCdidCd d
ddddddddddHddddddddddidddddddddd
413 401 1713
ddCdddCdddCdddCddiCiCdCdddCidiCdCd
dCdCdCdCdCdCdCdCdCdCiCd~didCdCdid
CdCdCdCdCdCdCdCdCiCdCiCdCxCdCiCd d
436 1045 2011
dCdCdCdCdCdCdCdCdCdCdCdCiCdiCidid d
CdCCCdCCCdCCCdCCCdCCidiCCdCCiiiCCdC
CCCdCCCdCCCdCCCdCCCdCdCdCdiiiCiiiC 437
4 362 2012
CdCCCdCCiiCCCiiCCiCCidCCCdCCiiiCCd C
CCCCCCCCiiCCCiiCCCCCCCiCiCCiCiCiC C
CCCdCCCCCCidCiCdCCCdCCCdCCCdCiCdCC C 640
6 903 1905
CCCCiiCCCCiCCiCCCCCCCCiCCCCCCCCCC C
CCCCiiCCCCiCCiCCCCCCCCCCCiCCCCxC C C
CCCCCCiCCCiCiCCCCCCCCCCCCCC~C~CCC C C 642
6 392 1906
CCCCCCCiCCiCiCCCCCCCCCC~CC~~C~~CCC C
CiiCCCCCiCiiCCCCCCCCCC~C~CCC~CCCiCC C
CiiCCCCCCiiCCCCCCCCCCCC~CC~~C~~CCCCC 648
6 900 1814
CCCiiiiiiiiCCCCCCCCiCCCCCCC~C~CCC CCC
CCCCCCCCiCCiCCCCCCCCCCCiC~CCCCCC C CC
CCCxCCiiCCCiCCCxCCCxCCCxCCCxiCCxC Cx C
CiiiiiCCCxCiCxCCCxCCCxCCixCCCxCCCxC C
775
7 1031 1001*
CiiCCCCCCCCCiCCCCCCCCCCCCCiCCCC CCCC C
CCxCCCxCCCxCiCxCCCxCCixCCCxCCCx CCxCC
CxCxCxCxCxCxixCxCxCxCxCxixC C C C C Cx
794
7 117 907
xCxCxCxCxCxCiCxCiCiCxCxCxCxC x x CxC
CxCxCxCxCxCxCiCxCiCxCxCxC~C
xCxxxCxxxCxxxixxiCixx~xixxxxxx
C C C
xxxxx
830
8 277 2114
t

xxxCxxxCxxxCxixCxxxC~x~Cxx x
xCxxxCxxxCxxxixxxHxxxCxxxCxxxC
xxxxxxxxxxxxxixxxHxxxHxxxxx x x
xxCxx
x
932 920 1710
xxxCxxxCxxxHxxiCxHxCxHiHixxC x x xxx
xxxxxxxxxxxHxxixHHHxHHxHxxx x x x x xx
xxxxxxxxxxHHHxixHHHHHHHHxixxxxx xxxxx
3755
3 939 909
xxxxxxxxxxHHHxixHHiHiHHHHxxxx x xxxx x
~xx~~~xxxxHHHxixHiiHiiHHHx xxxx xxx
~~~~~~xxxHHHHtixHHHiHHHHHx H xxxxxxx
3841 159 1001*
HH~~~~~xxHHHHtiHHiiHiiHH H xx x x
iHHH~~~~xHHtHtiHHHiHiHHH H H H x x x
HiHHHH~~xHHtttittHHHHHt HHH x x x blanc
b 001 white
HiHHiHH~Htttttitttttttt H H H x x (2) indicates more than one skein is required
HiHHHiHxHHHttHittttHt H H H x x
HiHHHiHHHHHHHittttH H HHH H
iHtHHiHtHHttti~~%%H H H H H H H H
ttttttitttt~~i~~% H H HHH H H
itttttittt~~~i%~% HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH *See ‘The Key’ on page 79.
tittt~i~~t~~%i~%% H H HHH H H
titt~~~i~~~i%i%~%%% H H H H H H H
ttit~~~i~~i~%i%%%% H HHH H
~~tit~~i~~i~%i%%%% H H H

A lot of blues are

~~~i~~~i~~ii%i%% x H R R
~~~~i~~i~~i%i%RR x x x R HHH R
%%%%i%%iRRiRiR xxx H H H R R
i%R%RiR%iRiRi x H

used in this design, so

%i%R%i%RiRi x x x x x H C
%RiRRRiRiRiR x xxx x C C
RRRiRRiRii xxxxxxxxxxxxx d C
iiRRiRiiiic C x xxx x ddd

you can thread up several

iRiRiRiicc C x x x x x dd dd
iiiiiicccD CCC x ddd
RRiccccDD C C xxx H d
R cDDDDD CCCCC x x x H H H
ccccc
cDDcc
DDDD
C C
CCC
C C C
cccDD CC C CCC C CC %
CCC C CCC
x HHH
HHH HHH
HHH
H H H
needles in advance to
DDD
D C
CCCC C
CCCC C
CCCC C CCCC
C C C C C
CCC
CCC
C
C CCCC
CCC CCCCCCCC CCCCCCCC CCC
C CCCC
H

save you time later

H C C C C C C C
CCCC C CCCC
H R CCC C CCC C
H CC C CCC C CC
H C C C C C
HHHH CCC
H C CCCCC C
H d C C
H d d d CCC
ddd C
H ddd ddd C • DMC White
x ddd Iridescent 14
x d d d count aida;
x x d 46x46cm (18
x xx x18in)
x x • Stranded co
x tton as listed
x
• Size 24 tap in the key
estry needle
• Wooden e
mbroidery ho
25.5cm (10in op;
) diameter
Emma Congdon Materials availabl
e from www.w
illowfabrics.co
m

23
SILENT NIGHT

This is the second in our series of seasonal hoop designs. Our first
one, Autumn Fox, featured in issue 401. Don’t worry if you missed it
- simply head to www.crossstitchermag.co.uk to order a back issue
How to… frame your work in a hoop
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

TRIM your stitching and a fabric piece TURN your stitching to the reverse and USE a glue gun or double-sided tape
into a circle slightly larger than your cut a piece of felt to fit inside the inner to begin attaching the first layer of
hoop. Place the inside hoop beneath circle. Place the felt inside the hoop. You fabric, pulling taut as you go. Repeat for
the two pieces and the outer hoop on can use a bit of fabric glue to keep it in the second layer. Cut a second felt
top. Centre and press over your work. place. The felt will pad your stitching, layer to fit over the back of your hoop.
Pull taut and tighten the screw. and stop anything showing through. Secure with glue or small, neat stitches.

24 www.crossstitchermag.com
 VALENTINE’S CARDS

Show Of Love
Run away to the circus with us – you’ll love sending these
declarations of devotion to someone special this Valentine’s Day

www.crossstitchermag.com 25
SHOW OF LOVE

10 20 30
t
hhh hhh hhh hhh
hhmmm hhmmm hhmmm hhmmm
hhmmmhhmXXm hhmmmhmmXmm
bhhhmmmmXXmmbbboooobb~~bobhhmmmmmXXXmb
hhhmmmmXXmm ~~~ hhmmmmXXXmm
hhmmmXXmm bbo ~&~ hhmmmXXmm
hhhmmmmmh b&&&b dg hhhmmmmmm
hhhmmhh &&~&& &~ hhhmmhh
hhh &&~~~~& &~~ hhh
10 h b bb&bo b &~~ h
b b&~~~~o b&~~
bb &~~~~ bb&~~~
&&~~ &&&~~~
&&~~&x&~~~~~
&&~t&~~&~i~~~~&
&~~R&~~~~x~&&&
&&~~tx~~~~ii~
&~~~~Ri&~~Ox~
&&~~~~txxxOOxx
20 &~~&~~txiiiii
&~~&&&~RRttxOx
&~~~~~tttxxiii
&&~~~dg~iiixOx

t
t
&&& d&~txxxOi
~~txiiiOix~
RRRixxxOiO~~~~
tttxxtxiO~~~~~
RRiOxtRxx~&~~~
txxiitRt&&~~~~
30 RxOOx &~~~
tiiii &~~~
txOxx &~gg
DMC Anchor Madeira &~~~ dggg
&~~~ dg
Cross stitch in two strands &&~~ dg
&~~~ dgg
&&~~ dggg
&~~~ ddggg
304
3 1006 509

Maria Diaz
&~~~ %%%HHSSHH
40 &~gg ttxxxOOxx
310
3 403 black dggg
ddg
httxmxXOOxm
hhxmmmXXOmm
dg hhtxxmmXxOxmm
317
3 400 1714 dg htxxxxmOxOOxm
dggg tttxxxxxOxxOxxx
dgggg %%HHHHHSSHSSSHH
318 399 1802 t
350
3 011 213
352 009 303
415 398 1803
433 371 2008 10 20 30
t
435 1046 2010 hhh hhh
hhhhh hhmmm
726
7 305 109 hhhmmmh hhmmmmm
hhmmmmmhhmmmmmm
hhmmmmmmmmmXXmm
945
9 881 2313 hhmmmmmmmmXXXmm
hhhmmmXXmXXXXmm
972
9 298 107 hhmmmXXXXXXmm
hhhmmmXXXXmmm
10 hhhmmmmmmmh
995
9 410 1102 hhhmmmmmh
xxHHxx hhhhmhh
996
9 433* 1103* mxx%%H%tthmm hhh
xmmxxRRRRthtmmXXX RRR h hh
mxmhtRRRRRRhhtxmXXmCRRR
3078
3 292 102 mOxhRRRCCCRRhhmxOXXxCRR
CXOxhRRRRRCC%RRhhmOxmCRRR
SXOxhRRRRRCCRR%RRmmmRCCRR
3770 1009 978 RCXxxtRRRRRCRRRRRHRHRHRCRR
20 RSmmxtRRRRCCRRRRRRRRRRRCRR
3846
3 433* 1103* RRCmmttRRCCCRRRRbRRRRbRCR
RRHCmhtRRCCRRRRRRRRRRCRCR
CC RRRCChhRRCCRRRRRRRRRRRCCR
blanc
b 001 white CC RRRRHC%RRCCRRRRRRRRRRRCR
t

C RRRRRCCRRRCCRRRCCRRRRR
RRRRRCRRRCCCCCCiiRRRRRi
Backstitch in one strand RRRCRCCCCCRRRCCiiiRRRRiiRRR
RRRCRRRRRRRRRRRCiiiiRR RRRC
RRCRRRRRRRRRRRRCCRRRRC CCC
310 403 black 30 RRRCRRRRRRCRRCRRCCRRRCCCCRR
RRCRRRRRRCCRCRRR RRRRRCRR
words, outlines, details RRCRRRRRRCCRRRR RRRRR
CCCRRRRRRCRRRRR
350 011 213 RRCRRRRRRCRRRRR
RCCRRCCRCRCCR
words RCCRRRRRCRRRR
RRCRRRRRCRRRR
RRCRRRRRCRRRR
Maria Diaz

3772 1007 2311 RRCRRRRRCRRRR

outlines 40 oRoRoRoRoRoRo
%%%%%HHSSHHSSHH
ttttxxxOOxxOOxx
French knots in one strand ththtxxmOXxxOXOmx
hhhhmxmmXXmxmXXmm
tthhhxxxmXXxxxXXmxx
310 403 black ttthxxxxxXOxxxOXxxx
tttttxxxxxOOxxxOOOxxx
eyes %%%%HHHHHHSSHHHSSSHHH
t
*See ‘The Key’ on page 79.

26 www.crossstitchermag.com
 VALENTINE’S CARDS

10 20 30
t
Designed by: Maria Diaz
Stitch count: 48 high x 38 wide
mmhh&~h mmmXXXX
mm &~hm mm XX Design size: 9x7.5cm (31⁄2x3in)
mm & mm mm mm
mm & mm mm mm Stitch time: 61⁄2 hours each
m &~ mm mm h
mm &~ mmm ~~~
10 m &~ m &~~~~~~&&&& These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric.
m &~~ &~~&&&&& h
X &&~H H~~~ h
X &H&& &~H~ m
X Hxxxx &~~~H m
X xxOOxx&&~~~ m
mm
m
mm
xiiiii&&~~~~
xiOOxxx&~~~~~&&
xixOiiii~~~~~&&~ mm
mm
m Make an…
20
h xixxixxttt~~~~&~~~
%xixxixxt
%xHxiSxHt%
ddd&&~
dggg&~
mm
h
m
aperture card
hHtHStHtH ddggdg xxh
httt&~~ gdgdg ttxxh
hht&~~~~ gdgd t~~~h Step 1

t
t

h&&~~~~~ gd &~~hh
h&&~~~~~ gdd&&~~hm WORK using two strands of stranded cotton
&h&&~~~~~ d&&~~~hm
&&h&&&~~~~&&~~~hm for the cross stitch and one strand for the
&&&hh&&&~~&~~~mm
30 &~&&hhh&&~~~~mm backstitch and French knots.
&&~& hh&&&&m
&~~ hhh
&~~
&~~
h Step 2
&&~ TRIM the stitched fabric to fit your card,
&~~
&~~ with the design centrally placed behind
&&~
Maria Diaz

&~ the card’s aperture.

40 &~
&~
&~
&~ Step 3
&x
&x ATTACH double-sided tape to the inside of
&x
tx the card around the edge of the aperture.
t
t
Step 4
PLACE the stitching on the table
right-side up, and then place the card on
top, pressing down firmly on the tape.
10 20 30
t
hhh hhh
Step 5
hhhhh hhmmm
%%%%HHH %%HHHHH CHECK which flap will fold onto the back of the
hhhmmmmhhmmmmmm
tttHxxxxHxOOxHx stitching, then add strips of double-sided tape
%t%xxHxHxOSOSxx and press firmly down to secure.
t%%HxxHHHOOSSHx
t%tHxxHxSOOHx
%ttxxHxxOOHxx
10 hhhmmmXXmmm
%%%HHSHHH
hhhmh
hb
ooC
ooCCC
oCCCbCC
You could use red
oCCCCCCC
oCCCCCCC
ooCCCCCCC
metallic threads for
the hearts for a
20 hoCCCCCCC
hhmooCCCCXm
%hhmhmhmXmmXXm
t

%mh%mhmXXmmXXmH

sparkling touch
t

H%oHhHmXmHmSS
ooooHoHXSoHoo
ooCCooooSooooCC
ooCCCCCoooCCCCCC
ooCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
ooCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
30 oooCCCCCRCoCCCCRRCCC
ooCCCoCRRCoCCCCRRCCC
oooCCoCRRCCoCCCCRRCC
ooCooCCRRCooCCCRRRCC
oooCCCCRCooCCCCRRCC
CooCCCCCCoooCCCCRRCC
oCCoCoCoCCCooCCCCRRCC
oooCoCoCoCoCoooCCCCRCC
%%%%HHHSHHSSSHHooCCCCCC For each
card
Maria Diaz

tttxxxxOxxxOOxx ooCCCCCC
40 htttmxmxOxmxXOOxm oCCCCCC • Samped
hhtmmmmmOmmmXXOmm ooCCCCC ro White 14
hhttxmmmxOOmmmOOxmm ooCCCC 15x11cm (6 count aida
x41⁄4in) ;
httxxxmxxOOxmxOOOxm ooCCC CCo
ttttxxxxxxOOxxxxOOxxx oCCCCoo • Strande
%%%HHHHHHHSSHHHSSSHHH ooCC d cotton a
oooCC • Size 24 ta s listed in th
oooC pestry nee e key
t • Card bla
nk, with a
dle
(4x31⁄4in) re 10x8cm
ctangular
Materials av aperture
aila
ble from w
ww.willow
fabrics.com

27
 calendar SAL
Welcome to our new Calendar Stitch-A-Long! Make a date with us to
stitch a new month each issue until you have a whole year of designs

Every month we are giving you a FREE

calendar download to print out and
attach your stitching to display in
your home. Head to our CrossStitcher
Facebook Digital Downloads page...
28 www.crossstitchermag.com
 STITCH-A-LONG

Designed by: Emma Congdon 50 60 70

t 80 90 100

Stitch count: 46 high x 46 wide

Design size: 8.5x8.5cm (31⁄4x 31⁄4in)
Stitch time: 3 hours
This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric.

10

20

t
t
DMC Anchor Madeira
Cross stitch in two strands

209 109 803 30

435 1046 2010

604
6 055 614
606
6 335 209
3340
3 329 301 40

Backstitch in one strand

310 403 black t

words, outlines
Emma Congdon

Over the year we will be bringing you • Sampedro W

hite 14 count ai
12 months to make a Calendar Year. 14x14cm (51⁄2x5
• Stranded co
1⁄2in)
da;

Each month is filled with motifs • Size 24 tape

Materials avail
tton as listed in
stry needle
the key

appropriate for that season able from www.willowfa

brics.com

How to… join our

Stitch-A-Long
We’re unveiling a new monthly calender
which will run from January to December
Chart Positions
24. Over the year we will be bringing you We have left the right-hand side of
12 seasonal designs that can be used for January on the chart to help you position
birthday or anniversaries, one for each February correctly, if you are stitching the
month of the year. They can be stitched complete sampler. To make the complete
as individual designs as we have done, sampler, stitch on a 55x45cm (21x17in)
or if you prefer stitch them all together to piece of white 14 count aida, leaving
make a fun calendar. eight blank aida squares between the
MATERIALS PACK borders of each month and on all sides.
If you’d like a pack containing the white The top left corner of January should be
14 count aida and the skeins of stranded stitched 7.5cm (3in) down from the top
cotton needed to work the complete and in from the left side of the aida. Our
sampler, turn to page 15, and order for simulation shows where each month is
£27 plus P&P. due to go in the future.

www.crossstitchermag.com 29
PERFECT PRINT

30 www.crossstitchermag.com
 ON TREND

Perfect
Print
Our ‘block print’ cushion is
worked in soft colours, making it
a cosy option for your home

PROJECT PACK
If you would like to stitch our Perfect Print, we
have a materials pack with everything you
need to get you stitching right away, and have it
delivered straight to your door!
Your materials pack contains:
• Zweigart 14 count aida in Ivory
• Skeins of DMC stranded cotton
• Two gold-plated tapestry
needles; size 24 and size 26

PLEASE NOTE: The backing fabric and

cushion pad are not included in this pack.

How to order: Fill in the form on page 15 or go to www.willowfabrics.com to

order your project pack at the CrossStitcher reader price of £20.50, plus P&P.

www.crossstitchermag.com 31
PERFECT PRINT

10 20 30 40 50 60 70
t

10

20

30

40

50

60
t

70

80

90

100

32 www.crossstitchermag.com
 ON TREND

70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140

t

www.crossstitchermag.com 33
PERFECT PRINT

100

110

120

130

140
t

Designed by: Jane Prutton Stitch count: 140 high x 140 wide
Design size: 26x26cm (101⁄4x101⁄4in) Stitch time: 69 hours
unt aida,
• Zweigart Ivory 14 co
This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric.
m (18x18in)
ref: 3706/264; 46x46c
listed in the key
• Stranded cotton as
edle
• Size 24 tapestry ne

Complete one section of the

fabric; 40.5x 40.5cm (16x16in)
• Backing
40.5cm (16x16in)

pattern each evening – this will

• Cushion pad; 40.5x om
m www.willowfabrics.c
Materials available fro

help with counting – and you

should be able to complete the
cushion in a month!
DMC Anchor Madeira
Cross stitch in two strands

2
224 893 813 (2)
Make a… cushion
225
2 1020 814 (2) Step 1 fabric. Pin, then machine stitch
COMPLETE the stitching, then cut the around the edge, with a 1.25cm
503 875 1702 (2)
fabric to 40.5x40.5cm (16x16in), the (1⁄2in) seam allowance, and leaving
928 274 1709 (2) same size as your backing fabric, with a gap on one side for turning.
931
9 921 1711 (2) the design in the centre.
Step 3
3752 1033 1001 (3) Step 2 TURN to the right side, insert the
(2) indicates more than one skein is required
PLACE the cushion front right- cushion pad, and then sew up the
sides together with the backing gap with small, neat stitches.

34 www.crossstitchermag.com
 ON TREND

Jane Prutton
t

www.crossstitchermag.com 35
 Your stitching,
top tips, online
chat and more!

Purrfect
Partner
I
have a sewing buddy, his name is
Wispa, who was helping me with my
roof of the gingerbread house, which
is now complete. He has a thing with my
sewing machine and loves watching it!
Nicola Sycz, Banbury Oxfordshire

star
letter
Hoppy Days
D
ear CrossStitcher, here are my bunny tins I’ve made for
family and friends. The Beach bunny is from issue 399 and
Indoor bunny from issue 396. I’ve also done the Outdoor
bunny, which my great nephew loved. For each one, I’ve told them a
story about the Bunny to spark their imagination. For Christmas, cross
stitchers were getting ready to make cards, gift tags and so on, but
these tins are so loved and taken with my great nephew and niece
everywhere, so I wanted to make one for their Christmas Eve box
YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
Courtesy of Willow Fabrics, our
as a surprise. I used the template from the Indoor bunny, changed Star Letter writer will win a materials
the colours and used the Christmas tree pattern from issue 402’s pack of their choice from those on
Gingerbread house as a starting point for the interior. I’ve included offer for the projects in the current
stockings above the cosy fire, a view of the snow-covered garden and issue. Please note that packs for the
put a little robin redbreast on the doorstep. I would love to see more Calendar, Mandala and British Houses
designs for these tins, maybe a fitness or yoga one! SALs are not included in this prize
selection. PLUS! The writers of every
Jennifer Gillespie, by email
letter or tip featured each month will
also receive a mystery prize!
Our bunnies in tins have proved such a hit with so many readers!
You have done some clever customising to change the look of your
bunny for Christmas, Jennifer! Can’t wait to see what you stitch next!
Martin & Susan, CrossStitcher Editors

36 www.crossstitchermag.com
 OVER TO YOU…
Perfect We asked our fans on Facebook,
“What’s the most creative

Post way you’ve displayed or used

your stitching?”
URSULA MACLENNAN I made a card,

H
ello! I’ve just finished the cross stitching is set in a coaster
the adorable letter which is attached to the card with
velcro dots so it can be removed and
to Santa kit you used afterwards.
included in issue 404 and it
was such a delight to both NIFTY NEEDLE MINDERS I made
make and give to my niece. magnetic fridge notepads.
I deliberately kept the
name blank so she could PATTY RALRICK I made a tote bag
that I use to carry my WIP with me
put stickers there instead when travelling.
of her name as per her
request. Many thanks, LINDA DRYER Depending on a pattern
Carine Appleby, Dorset I like, I have been known to make cards or
put them on sweatshirts or T-shirts.

SHERRI MCMULLEN My daughter and I

made an Advent calendar and sewed the
squares onto fabric. Every Christmas it is
hung and filled with candy.
READER TIP JULIE MOORE I incorporate small cross
stitch motifs into aprons!

Take care with backstitched areas" SARAH ROSE I found cute little
unfinished shadow boxes at the local craft
store and I have been making various
When backstitching, keep your stitches small and even, especially when working arthropods to fill them with. One of my
around curves or corners. Keep your tension consistent throughout your work, as favourites is a firefly, I used glow-in-the-
loose stitches can cause your backstitch to pucker and tight stitches can cause dark thread for the end of the abdomen
your fabric to warp. so it lights up in the in dark.
Kristen Green, Portsmouth
CHONG CHOY YIN I stitched items
typically associated with Chinese New
Year onto 4R-sized pieces and used a
3-tier photo frame to display them.

Spooky CHRISTINE BEELEN My tree of life

picture contains a collection of my mother

Switches! and grandmother’s brooches. It has pride

of place in my home.

W
hen the Halloween LIZ DRAPER So many cards and frames!
I think my favourite way though, is as part
issue, October of a patchwork cushion cover.
2023, arrived
in the post, I just had to CHRISTINA MARIE I like finishing pieces
stitch the sampler. I could as cards, pillows, tote bags and shelf
decorations, but my favourite was using
not however resist a few decorative paper and paint to create a
amendments to avoid shaker ornament.
some ‘nasty’ insects…
I also changed the witch MERRI STEELE I put ‘Christmas Goodies’
for another skeleton. I am by The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery in an
actual cookie tin I found at Michael’s.
now planning my Christmas
stitches with your designs, SHIRLEY CASLICK Made a gift set of
so it's all go! bookmarks, keyring, and notepad block
Alison Smith, Gloucester for a gift.

‘Like’ our page on

crossstitcher@ @XStitchmagazine Facebook; facebook.com/
warnersgroup.co.uk CrossStitcherMag and
join the conversation!
CrossStitcher, PO Box 172, pinterest.com/
Northam, EX39 9DY xstitchmagazine
TIME FLIES

Time
Flies
You’ll go cuckoo for our clever
clock project! Our traditional
European design can be used
as a working clock

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK

The pendulum
and weights are
stitched on
plastic aida.
Take care when
trimming to leave
one aida square
all around!

38 www.crossstitchermag.com
 FOR YOUR HOME

www.crossstitchermag.com 39
TIME FLIES

10 20 30 t 40 50 60 70

mm
mmhhmm
mmhddhmm
mmmhdHHdhmmm
mmmhhdHHHHdhhmmm
mmhhhddHiiiiHddhhhmm
mmh%ddHHiooooiHHdd%hmm
mmmhd%%HHioxxxxoiHH%%dhmmm
mmhhdH%%%iooxxxxooi%%%Hdhhmm
10 mmhhddHH%%%ioodxxdooi%%%HHddhhmm
mmhhddHHHH%%%ioXxggxXoi%%%HHHHddhhmm
mmhhddHHHttH%%%ioXXxxXXoi%%%HHHHHHddhhmm
mmmhddHHmmmttH%%%ioXXxxXXoi%%%HHHmmmHHddhmmm
mmhhdHHHmmmmmHH%%%ioXXxxXXoi%%%HHmgggmHHHdhhmm
mmhhddHHHHg~~~gHH%%%iooxxxxooi%%%Hmg~~ggmHHHddhhmm
mmmhhdHHHHHHg~~~gHH%%%iiiiiiiiii%%%HHg~~~gHHHHHHdhhmmm
mmmhhddHHHHHHHH~~~HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHg~~~gHHHHHHHddhhmmm
mmhhddHHHTTTH~XXm~mXX~HHHHHHmmmhHHHHHH~XXm~mXX~HTTTHHHddhhmm
mmhddHHHHTTmTTHHHmmmHHHHHHHHmimmihHHHHHHHgmmmgHHTTmTTHHHHddhmm
20 mmhdHHHHHHTmmmTHHHmmmHHHHHHHHmmimhhHHHHHHggmmmggHTmmmTHHHHHHdhmm
mmmhdHHHttHHTTmTTHHHttCHHHHHmhHmmmhhhHmhHHHHxxXXHHHTTmTTHHttHHHdhmmm
mmhhdHHHHCCtHHTTTHHHHtCCHHHHmmihHHiiHHmmihHHxxXXXXHHHTTTHHtCCHHHHdhhmm
mhhddHHHHHHCCtHHHHHHHHtHCHHttmmhhHtiitHmmhhttxXXXXXXHHHHHHtCCHHHHHHddhhm
hddHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH~H~HttttiitttiitttiittttH~H~HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHddh
HHHHHHHHHHHTTTHHHHHHdHdtttttiitttiitttiitttttdHdHHHHHHTTTHHHHHHHHHHH
HHHHHHHCtHTTmTTHHxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxHHTTmTTHtCHHHHHHH
HHHHHHCttHTmmmTHHXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXHHTmmmTHttCHHHHHH
HHHHHCttHHTTmTTHHoooooooiioiioiioiioiioiioiioooooooHHTTmTTHHttCHHHHH
HHHHHCtHHHHTTTHHHHHHHHHHiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiHHHHHHHHHHTTTHHHHtCHHHHH
30 HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHiioiioiioiioiioiioiiHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
HHmhmoHHHiiiiioHHHmhmHHiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiHHmhmoHHHiiiiioHHHmhmHH
HHmhmhoHiddiddioHhmhmHHiioiioiioiioiioiioiiHHmhmhoHiddiddioHhmhmHH
HHmhmhmidddidddimhmhmHHooHooHooHooHooHooHooHHmhmhmidddidddimhmhmHH
HHmhmhmidddidddimhmhmHHHHHHHHH%%%%%%HHHHHHHHHmhmhmidddidddimhmhmHH
tHm%m%midddidddim%m%mHHHHHH%%%oooooo%%%HHHHHHm%m%midddidddim%m%mHt
ttm%%%miiiiiiiiim%%%mHHHHH%oooiiiiiiooo%HHHHHm%%%miiiiiiiiim%%%mtt
tttth%hmidddidddimh%hmHHHH%oiiiiiiiiiiiio%HHHHmh%hmidddidddimh%htttC
ttttChmhmidddidddimhmhmHHH%oiiiiiiiiiiiiiio%HHHmhmhmidddidddimhmhttCCC
ttCCCmhmidddidddimhmhmHH%oiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiio%HHmhmhmiddttdddimhmtttCC
t

t
40 tttCCCChmiiiiioooimhmhmH%oiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiio%HmhmhmimmttmiiimhtttCCCC
ttttCCCCCCoooooooooooooooH%oiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiio%HHooooommmmmooootttCCCCCCC
tttCHHHHHHoodoHHHHHHHHH%oiiiiiiiiHHiiiiiiiio%HHHHHHHH~~gHHHHHHHHttCC
tttCCCHHHHdooooHHHHHHHH%oiiiiiiiiHHHHiiiiiiiio%HHHHHHH~~gtHHHHHHtttCCC
tttCCCCCHHHHHHioHHHHHHHo%oiiiiiiiHH HHiiiiiiio%HHHHHHHHttTTHHHHtttCCCCC
tttCCCCCCCHHHHHioHHHHHHoo%oiiiiiiHH HHiiiiiio%HHHHHHHHtTTTCHHttttCCCCCC
tttCCCHHHHHHHiooooooooH%oiiiiiiHH HHiiiiiio%HHHHiiHH~TTCCHHHHtttCCC
tttCCCCCHHHHHHiooooioioH%oiiiiiiiHH HHiiiiiiio%HHHiii~~HtttCHHHtttCCCCC
tttCCCCCCoooHHHHiooooiooH%oiiiiiiiiHHHHiiiiiiiio%HHHiiHHHHHxXXHHtttCCCCCCC
ttttCCo%%oooHHoioioooHHH%oiiiiiiiiHHiiiiiiiio%HHHTggHHHHxXXXHHHHHtttCC
50 ttttCCCCCoodo%HoHoHoooHHH%oiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiio%HHHTggHHHHxXxXHHHHtttCCCC
tttCCoooooooooHoHoHHoooHH%oiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiio%HHoooooHHxXHxXXHHtttCCCCC
tttCCioooooooHHHoHoHHoHoHHH%oiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiio%HoHoooooHHxXHHxXHtttCCCCCCC
HdiooooHHoHHHoHoHHoHoHHHH%oiiiiiiiiiiiiiio%HHHooooooHHxXHHHxXHHHHHdH
HdHHooooHooHHdHdHHdHdHHHHH%oiiiiiiiiiiiio%HHHHHoooooHdddHHdddHHHHHdH
tttttttttttttttttttttttttttt%oooiiiiiiooo%tttttttttttttttttttttttttttt
ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt%%%oooooo%%%ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt
hmHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH%%%%%%HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHmh
hmHimiimmiiiii%iiiiiittCiiiiiiHHHHHHiiiiiiCttiiiiii%iiiiimmiimiHmh
hmHiiiimmii%ii%ii%iittCCi%%%iiiiiiiiii%%%iCCttii%ii%ii%iimmiiiiHmh
60 hmmHimmmmiii%i%i%iiitCCii%%i%iiiggiii%i%%iiCCtiii%i%i%iiimmmmiHmmh
hmmHmmmmiiii%%%iiiiiiiiiiiii%iiggii%iiiiiiiiiiiii%%%iiiimmmmHmmh
hmHiiiii%%%%g%%%%iimiiiTTii%iggggi%iiTTiiimii%%%%g%%%%iiiiiHmh
hmmmmiiiiii%%%iiiiiiiiTTTTiiiggggiiiTTTTiiiiiiii%%%iiiiiimmmmh
hhhmmHiii%i%%%iiiiiiTTTTTTiggggggiTTTTTTiiiiii%%%i%iiiHmmhhh
hmmHi%ii%ii%iiiiiiTiTTTTggggggTTTTiTiiiiii%ii%ii%iHmmh
hmHiiii%iiiiiiiiiiiTTTTggggggTTTTiiiiiiiiiii%iiiiHmh
hmmHiiiiiimmmHiiiiiTTTTggggggTTTTiiiiiHmmmiiiiiiHmmh
hmmHiiimmmhmmHiimiTTTTggggggTTTTimiiHmmhmmmiiiHmmh
hhmmmmmhh hmmHiiiiTTTTggggTTTTiiiiHmmh hhmmmmmhh
70 hhhhh hmmHiiiiTTTggggTTTiiiiHmmh hhhhh
hmmHiiiiTTTggTTTiiiiHmmh
hmmiiiiCCCCCCCCiiiimmh
hhmmiiiCCCCCCiiimmhh
hhmmiiiCCiiimmhh
hhmmiiiimmhh
hmmiimmh
hhmmhh
hh
t
Cheryl McKinnon

• Zweigart A
ntique White
ref: 3706/101; 14 count aida;
30.5x30.5cm
Make sure you use a • 14 count pla
• Stranded co
stic aida; 12x7
(12x12in)
.5cm (4¾x3in
)
contrasting colour for the • Size 24 tap
tton as listed
estry needle
in the key

clock hands to the clock • Wooden e

mbroidery ho
18cm (7in) dia
meter x 2
op;

face, so that they are easy to • Plastic clock

• Wooden co
movement

see and read – our black and • Cardboard

ffee stirrers x
circles;
3

red hands work perfectly 18cm (7in) dia

Materials avai
meter x 2
lable from ww
w.willowfabr
ics.com

40 www.crossstitchermag.com
 FOR YOUR HOME

Designed by: Cheryl McKinnon Stitch time: 32 hours

HHHHHHHHH%%%%%%HHHHHHHHH
Stitch count: 78 high x 74 wide clock; HHHHHH%%%oooooo%%%HHHHHH
HHHHH%oooiiiiiiooo%HHHHH
26 high x 18 wide max. pendulum and weights HHHH%oiiiiiiiiiiiio%HHHH
HHH%oiiiiiiiiiiiiiio%HHH
Design size: 14.5x13.5cm (53⁄4x51⁄4in); 5x3.5cm (2x11⁄4in) max. HH%oitiiiiiiiiiiiiiio%HH
H%oiiittiiiiiiiiiiiiio%H
This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric and 14 count plastic aida. H%oiiittiiiiiiiitiiiio%H
H%oiiiiitiiHHittiiiiio%H
%oiiiiiiitHHHHttiiiiiio%
%oiiiiiiiHtootHiiiiiiio%
%oiiiiiiHHottoHHiiiiiio%
%oiiiiiiHHooooHHiiiiiio%
%oiiiiiiiHHooHHiiiiiiio%
%oiiiiiiiiHHHHiiiiiiiio%
H%oiiiiiiiiHHiiiiiiiio%H
DMC Anchor Madeira DMC Anchor Madeira H%oiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiio%H
H%oiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiio%H
Cross stitch in two strands Cross stitch in two strands HH%oiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiio%Ho
HHH%oiiiiiiiiiiiiiio%HHH
HHHH%oiiiiiiiiiiiio%HHHH
321
3 019 510 988 243 1402 ttttt%oooiiiiiiooo%ttttt
tttttt%%%oooooo%%%tttttt
HHHHHHHHH%%%%%%HHHHHHHHH
712
7 926 2101 3761 928 1014
761 024 404 3766 167 1111
838
8 1088 1914 3801 1098 411
840
84 1084 1912 3820 306 2509 Use this design of
842
84 1080 1910 3822
Backstitch in one strand
295 2511
a stitched clock face
951
9
987
1010
244
2308
1403 838 1088 1914
if you'd prefer to make
outlines, details
a picture rather than
a working clock

TTTTTTTggg
TTTTTTTTTTTggg
TTTTTTTTTTTTTggg
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTgg
TTXXXXXXTTTTTTTggg
TTTXXXXXXXTTXXXXgg
TTTXXXxxxxXXXXdXTT
TXXXxxxxxxxxXXxxgg
TxxxxxxxxxxXXxxTgg
TTTTTTxxxxXXxxxTgg
TTTTTTTxxXXxxxxTgg
TTTTTTTXXXxxxxTTgg
TTTTTTXXXXxTTTTggg
gTTTTXXXXXTTTTTggg
gTTXXXXXTTTTTggg
ggTTXXXTTTTggggg
gggggggggggggg
gggggggggg

xxxxxxxXX mmmmmmhh
xxxxxxXXX mmmmmhhh
xxxxxxxxxXX mmmmmmmmhh
xxxxxxxxXXX mmmmmmmhhh
xxxxxXXXXXX mmmmhhhhhh
xxxxxxxXXXX mmmmmmhhhh
xXxxxxxxxXX hmmmmmmmhh
xxXXXXXXXXX mhhhhhhhhh
xXxxxxxxxXX hmmmmmmmhh
xxXxxxxxXXX mhmmmmmhhh
xxxXXXXXXXX mmhhhhhhhh
xxxxxxxxxXX mmmmmmmh
xxxxxxxxXXX mmmmmmhh
xxxxXXXXXXX mmhhhhhh
xxxxxxxxX mmmmmmmh
xxXXxXXXx mhhmhhhm
xxxXXXxxX mmhhhmmh
xxxxxxxXX mmmmmmhh
xxxxXXXXX mmmhhhhh
xXXXxxxXX hhmmmh
xxxxxxXXX mmmmhh
xxxxXXXXX mmhhhh
xxxxxXX mmmm
xxxXXXX mhhh
xxxxXXX mmhh
xXXXX hh

www.crossstitchermag.com 41
TIME FLIES

How to… Step 3 face. Push the clock shaft through this
MOUNT the stitching using the double- hole and tighten the nuts.
make a clock stacked hoops. If you are using a clock
movement, use small scissors to cut Step 5
Step 1 away the aida at the centre of the clock CUT out the pendulum and weights
STITCH the clock in the centre of the face, then paint the aida with fabric glue from the plastic aida. Use small, sharp
aida fabric, and the pendulum and to stop it from fraying. Once dry, push the scissors to snip away the excess aida
weights on the plastic aida. You can clock movement through the aida and around the designs, leaving one blank
either stitch the clock face with the check the fit. If the clock hands are aida square. Stick each of these to a
hands using the smaller chart, or stitch plastic you may want to trim them a bit wooden coffee stirrer, then cut the
without and use a plastic clock with sharp scissors to fit the clock face. stirrers to the correct length, and
movement to make the clock work. Remove the clock movement. attach them to the aida on the edge,
and at the back of the hoop with glue
Step 2 Step 4 and a few anchoring stitches.
USE strong glue to stick the two TRIM one cardboard circle to fit inside
smaller hoops together and the two the back of the hoop. Push in place. Step 6
outside hoops together by placing Neaten the aida at the edges by PLACE the second cardboard circle
them on top of one another with glue putting glue around the inside of the over the back of the hoop and then cut
between them. You may have to hold hoop and then folding the trimmed a square from the centre back to allow
them with clips until they dry. On the aida over onto it. Leave to dry. Make a you to adjust the clock movement.
outer rings make sure the screw hole through the cardboard to line up Glue the cardboard circle to the back
tighteners are in the same place. with the hole at the centre of the clock of the clock around the edges.

42 www.crossstitchermag.com
 YOUR STORIES

In My Hoop...
“Ifeellike
Ilearn
something
neweach
timeIstitch.”

All the way from Utah, USA, Jenny Minichino is

happy to be a new subscriber to CrossStitcher and
has won prizes at the State Fair for her work

J
enny has been stitching for eight Jenny’s been stitching since 2016, after
years, and has been subscribing to her mother taught her how. “I can also
CrossStitcher for the last year. In this draw and do beadwork. I love all the Jenny’s award-
time she’s learned to challenge herself patterns that are available for cross wining pieces at
when it comes to her work… stitching. When I stitch, I love to use a lot the State Fair
of colour, and see how the colours come
Jenny lives in Park City, Utah, USA, and together. I often stitch cards and small
her surroundings are stunning as well as framed projects as gifts and I like to think
cross-stitch friendly. “I’m a few miles away about the recipient while I’m stitching.
from the largest ski resort in the US. It’s so My family and friends absolutely love the
beautiful here. It’s a 30-minute drive down things I give to them. My mom hangs all
a beautiful canyon to get to my favourite of her cards up on her walls.
cross stitch store called, ‘Craft Center for “This year is my first year having a
Fine Stitchery’. The shop is full of all kinds subscription to CrossStitcher magazine.
of eye-catching floss, patterns, I have picked up only a few issues
fabric, beads, custom framing I love the in the past. It sells out quickly
supplies, and anything else variety of things in bookstores. I’m so excited
I could possibly need to
satisfy my stitching needs. I can do with my Iwhen it arrives in the mail.
look at all of the pictures
The owner and her staff are stitching and their patterns, I read the
very friendly and helpful. I’ll find articles, and look at the ads for
any excuse to drop in. new products. I especially like, ‘Stitching
“I can submit my framed pieces at the with Julian’. I show his pictures to my
Utah State Fair. It’s my absolute delight to family (husband and two teenagers) and
compete with other top stitchers from my tell them what he wrote about. They used
state. This year, I won two blue ribbons. to think that men don’t cross stitch. Julian
One ribbon was for a nature scene I stitched has set them straight.
that looks like an area in my home town. “I like any kind of project, from
The second ribbon was for a baby sampler making something as small as a gift tag,
I made to record the birth of my first to embroidering clothes, decorating my
granddaughter. I replaced the French knots pencil holder and making cards and
with beads and substituted the font with framed pictures. I love the variety of
one that would fit her long middle name things I can do with my stitching.”
(Maybelline). It was my first time centring Jenny is now excited to start her first
font on such an important piece. I was SAL; ‘Christmas Town’ from issues
worried that I didn’t get it exactly right. I 402-404 of CrossStitcher. “It looks like
had sketched it out first, trying a variety of Park City,” she enthuses. “I love the big
fonts, before settling on a font that also had Christmas tree and the church behind it,
large, decorative numbers for her birth the people shopping, carolling and ice
date and weight. skating. I’m going to make a custom
“At this year’s fair, I met a lady named license plate on the red car and put, Jenny is loving
Lynn Jones. She won Best in Show for her ‘Park City UT’. the challenge of
cross stitch picture. We started talking and “I have to first finish up the pictures more complex
designs, with
we’ve become friends. She meets me at the I’m stitching for my family and friends’ Christmas Town
Craft Center for Fine Stitchery and teaches birthday cards for 2024. I picked patterns next on her list.
me about fabrics and advanced embroidery that were more complicated than usual to
techniques. She’s invited me to join a cross celebrate my blue ribbon success and to
stitching group. I’m excited to do that.” continue challenging myself.”

Do you have a stitching story to share? Drop us a line at crossstitcher@warnersgroup.co.uk

or write to the postal address on page 5 and you and your projects could feature here!
HEART BEATS

44 www.crossstitchermag.com
 JUST FOR FUN

Heart Beats
Share your love of music with our colourful iPod
case – it makes a cute Valentine’s gift too!

10 20 30 40 50 60 70
t
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDggggggggggggggggggoooooooooooooooooooTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDggggggggggggggggggoooooooooooooooooooTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDggggggggggggggggggoooooooooooooooooooTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
DDoooooDDDDDDDDDDggggggxxxxggggggggoohDDhoooooDDhhooooTTDDDDDDDDDDTTTT
DDoooooxDDDDDDDDDggggxxxxxxxxggggggoohhDDxoooohDDhxoooTTDDDDDDDDDDoTTT
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDgggxxxxxxxxxxDggggooDhhDxxooohhDDxxooTTDDDDDDDDDDooTT
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDgggxxxxxxxxxxDDgggooDDhhxxoooDhhDxxooTTDDDDDDDDDDooTT
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxxhhxxxxxDgggoohDDhxxoooDDhhxxooTTDDDDooooooooTT
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxhhhhxxxxDDggoohhDDxxooohDDhxxooTTDDDDooooooooTT
10 DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxhhhgxxxxDDggooDhhDxxooohhDDxxooTTDDDDooTTTTTTTT
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxhhggxxxxDDggoooDhhDxooDDhhxxxooTTDDDDooTTTTTTTT
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxhhggxxxxDDggoooDDhhxoohDDhxxxooTTDDDDooTTTTTTTT
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxhhggxxxxDDggooohDDhxxohhDDxxoooTTDDDDooTTTTTTTT
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxhhggxxxxDDggooohhDDxxoDhhDxxoooTTDDDDooTTTTTTTT
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxhDggxxxxDDggoooDhhDxxoDDhhxxoooTTDDDDooTTTTTTTT
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxDhggxxxxDDggoooDDhhxxohDDhxxoooTTDDDDooTTTTTTTT
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxhDggxxxxDDggoooDDDhxxohhDDxxoooTTDDDDDDDDTTTTTT
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxDhggxxxxDDggoooohDDhxDDhhxxxoooTTDDDDDDDDoTTTTT
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxDDggxxxxDDggoooohhDDxhDDhxxxoooTThDhDhDhDooTTTT
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxDDggxxxxDDggooooDhhDxhhDDxxooooTTDhDhDhDhooTTTT
t

t
20
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxDDggxxxxDDggooooDDhhxDhhDxxooooTThhhhooooooTTTT
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxDDggxxxxDDggoooohDDhxDDhhxxooooTThhhhooooooTTTT
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxDDggxxxxDDggoooohhDDxhDDhxxooooTThhhhooTTTTTTTT
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxDDggxxxxDDggooooDhhDxhhDDxxooooTThhhhooTTTTTTTT
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxDDggxxxxDDggoooooDhhDDhhxxxooooTThhhhooTTTTTTTT
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxDDggxxxxDDggoooooDDhhDDhxxxooooTThhhhooTTTTTTTT
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxDDggxxxxDDggooooohDDhhDDxxoooooTThhhhooTTTTTTTT
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxDDggxxxxDDggooooohhDDhhDxxoooooTThhhhooTTTTTTTT
DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxDDggxxxxDDggoooooDhhDDhDxxoooooTThhhhooTTTTTTTT
30 DDooTooxxDDDDDDDDggxxxxDDggxxxxDDggoooooDDhhDDhxxoooooTThhhhooTTTTTTTT
DDooTooooooooDDDDgggxxxxDgxxxxxhDggooooooDDhhDxxxoooooTThhhhooTTTTTTTT
DDooTooooooooxDDDgggxxxxxxxxxxhDhggoooooohDDhhxxxoooooTThhhhhhhhhhTTTT
DDooTTTTTTTooxxDDgggxxxxxxxxxxDhDggoooooohhDDhxxooooooTThhhhhhhhhhoTTT
DDoooooooooooxxDDggggxxxxxxxxhhDgggooooooDhhDDxxooooooTThhhhhhhhhhooTT
DDoooooooooooxxDDggggghxxxxhhhDhgggooooooDDhhDxxooooooTThhhhhhhhhhooTT
DDDxxxxxxxxxxxxDDgggggghhhhhhhhggggoooooooxxxxxxooooooTTToooooooooooTT
DDDDxxxxxxxxxxxDDgggggggghhhhggggggooooooooxxxxxooooooTTTTooooooooooTT
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDggggggggggggggggggoooooooooooooooooooTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDggggggggggggggggggoooooooooooooooooooTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
40 DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDggggggggggggggggggoooooooooooooooooooTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
t
Emma Congdon

If you’d like to stitch this design to

hold something larger, like a phone,
just leave more blank aida squares DMC Anchor Madeira

around the stitching when assembling Cross stitch in two strands

352 009 303

581
5 280 1609
Designed by: Emma Congdon 604
6 055 614
Stitch count: 40 high x 70 wide 712
7 926 2101
Design size: 7.5x13cm (3x51⁄4in
924
9 851 1706
Stitch time: 16 hours
This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric.
3813
3 875 1111

www.crossstitchermag.com 45
HEART BEATS

Using only whole stitches and

no backstitch, this is a great
project for beginner stitchers
Make an… iPod case
Step 1 Step 2
• Sampe
COMPLETE your stitching, then place JOIN the remaining two pieces of dro Crea
18x11.5cm m 14 coun
one fabric rectangle on top of your fabric in the same way. Place right- (7x41⁄2in) t aida;
stitching, right-sides facing. Sew sides down on top of the partially • Strande
d cotton a
• Size 24 s listed in
across the top edge, leaving two assembled case. Sew around three tapestry the key
• Backing n e edle
blank aida squares above your sides, leaving two blank aida squares fabric; 18x
stitching. Fold the fabric over onto the outside the stitching, and leaving a Materials 11.5cm (7x
available 41⁄2in) x 3
from w ww.willow
reverse of your stitching and then run gap in the top seam. Trim off any extra fabrics.co
your nail across the fold to make sure seam allowance, then turn the case to m
it lays flat. Unfold and place right-side the right side. Sew up the gap and
up on the table. push the lining inside the case.

Would you like an exclusive 20% discount...

on a brand-new ‘Fabric of the Month’, every month,
chosen specially for you by Susan and Martin Penny?

Would you like a

FREE Botanical cross stitching chart?

It’s easy, just sign up to our

cross stitching emails today…
bit.ly/CROSSIGNUP
46 www.crossstitchermag.com
 CACTI & SUCCULENTS
It’s a prickly subject, but one we’re happy to cover in order to
give you our fabulous cacti & succulents alphabet!

Each month we
publish a new letter
and number set based
on a theme, designed
for you to cut out
and keep for when
you need it

www.crossstitchermag.com 47
LETTER LIBRARY

A re you prepared to
sharpen up your
stitching? Look no
further than our latest
alphabet! With cacti letters that can
be mixed and matched, these motifs
xxg
xxg
xxgg
xxg
xxg
xgg
xxg
xxxg
xxxxxg
xxxxxg
cccccd
HccHHccS TT
HHHHHHHS
xxgT
T
TC X
TC X
TTCX
TTC TCX
X
X
TT
T
TT
TC
TC
TC TCXtTCCXXC
xxg TC TCTCXtCXXXtt
xxxg TXXXXCXtXXttCtt
xxg XXttXXtXXtt CCt
xxgXXtCTtXtXXt CC
xxgXt CCTttXXt CC
xgXt CTTtXttCC
T

T
T

are bloomin’ handy for all occasions. xxg xgXtttCTTtXtCCCTT

xxxxxxxxxxXXttXtTTCXtCCTTT
xxxxxxxxxxXXXtXXtTCXtCTCCCC
Whether you’re creating a personal xxxgggggggXXtXXtXtTCXtCTC C
xxxg XtggXXttCCXtCCC C
gift for a friend or adding some xxgg Xxxg ~~~~~~~~%%%
xxg Xxxg~~~~~~~~~~%%%
succulent style to your home, enjoy! xxg
xxxg
Xxgg~~~~~~~~~~~%%
xgccccccccccccdd
xxgg xgHHccHHccHHccSSd
xxg gHHHHHHHHHHHHSSS
xxg g~~~~~~~~~~~~%%%
xxg g~~~~~~~~~~~~%%%
xxxg g~~~~~~~~~~~~%%%
xxxg gg~~~~~~~~~%%%%
Designed by: Fiona Crouch ccd d~~~~~~%%%%%%%
cdd dddddddddddd

~~~~% D cccc
~~~~~~~% DDh cccccccc
~~%%%~~~% hhC D cccddcccd
~~% %~~% TTC TDh cccdd dcdd
~~% ~~HS TCC TThh ccdd dd T
~~% HHS XXXt TTC ccd TT X
~~% HHR XXXXt TTC ccdd TC X
~~% HOR XXXXXt XtCC ccd X TCC XXt
~~% HOOR XXXXXt XXXXt ccd X TCTC XXt
~~% HOOOh XXXXXt XXXXXt Dcd Xt TTTCXXXt
~~HHHOOOh XXXttCCtXXXtt Dcd XXtCTTCXXXt
~HHHOOOh ttttCTTCtXtt Dcd TT XXtTTTTCtXt T
HHHOOOhh XXtCCCTCCCttCTC ccR TTTCttTTTTCtt TT
HHOOODDD%% XXXXtCCCTTCCTTTTC ccR TTCttTTCTCtTTTC
HOO DD~~%%XXXXXXtCTCTCTTTTTTC ccR TCTCtTTCTCTTTC X
OOO ~~~%XXXXXXtCCTCCTTTTTTC ccd CCCtTTCCCTTCCtX
OOD ~~%XXXXXttCCCCCTTTTTTC DDd XXXXCCCtTTCCTTCCtXt
ODD ~%%tXXttdddddddTTTCCC DDd XXXXXXXXXtCCTTCCtXt
DDD ~~%dtttddccccccCCCCdd DDd ttXXtXXttTTTTCtt
DD% ~%cddddcccccccdddddd ccd ttXXttTTTTCCC
D~% ~%cccccccccccccccccd ccd hXttSCCCCCCS
~~% ~%cccccccddddddddddd cOR XtSSSSSSSSSS
~~% ~%% dddSSSRRRhhhdd cOR hhHHHHHHHHRR
~~% ~~~% ccHHHOOODDDcdd cOR c HHHHDDDHHHRR
~~% ~~~% HHHOOODDDccd cccd ccc HHHHDDDHHHRR
~~% ~~~%% HHOOODDDcccd cccd cccddHHHHDDDHHHSS
~~% ~~~~~% HOOODDDcccdd ccccc ccccd OOOHHHHHHHSS
~~~~~~~~~~%% OODDDccccd cccccccccccdd OOOHHHHDDhSS
~~~~~~~%%%% ODDDccccdd ccccccccddd OOOHHHShhhSS
%%%%%%%% DDcddddd ddddddd HHHHSSShhhSS

HH DDh ccHHccHHccHHd ~ ~
HHHHS h HccHHccHHccHS ~~ ~~
HHHHHSS TTT Dh OORRRRRRRRRRR ~ ~
HHSSHHHS D TTTC XX OOR ~ ~
HHS HHHHS Dh TTTC Xt OOR ~~ ~~
HHS HHHHS XX TTTC tt OOR ~ ~
HHS HHHS Xt TTCC TTT OOR ~ ~
HHS HHHS tt TCCC TTC OOR ~~ ~~
HHS HHS TTC XXXt TTTC OOR ~ ~
HHS HHHS TTTCXXXXXtTTC OOR ~ ~
HHS HHS TTTCtXXXXtCCC OOR ~~ ~~
HHS HHS CCTCtXXXXXt OOR ~ T ~
HHS HHS CCtXXXXXXt OOR T ~ X T X ~
HHS HHS tXXXXXXXt OOOOOOOOOR ~~ T ~~
HHS SOS XXXXXXXXt OOOOOOOOOR X ~ X X ~
HHS SOS XXXXXXXXt OORRRRRRRR T xxxxxxxxXxTgg
HHS OOR XXXXXXtt OOR T X xxXxxxTgxgg Xt
HHS SOR OOXXXXttRR OOR TCggxxxggXgTCtt
HHS HSOR OROttttORR OOO OOR TC Xt CCXtdcHSdXtCC
HHS HSOR OOORRORRRORRRRO OOR CC tt ttScdTCtt T
HHS SOOOROOOOOOOOOOOR O OOR TC TCgxxgCCg X
H~% %OORROOOOOOOOOOORR O OOR X CC X CCgxxxgXt
H~% %OOROOOOOOOOOOOORR O OOR xxggtt T
~~% ~%OOOOO~~OO~~OO~~RR O OOR T T X ggg
~~% ~%ROOOO~~OO~~OO~~RROR OOR X X X X T
~xg xxggRR~~~~~~~~~~~~%%R OOR T T X
xxg xxxxg RR~~~~~~~~~~%%RR OOR T T X
xxxxxxxxxgg ~xx~~xx~~gg%RR OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO T T
xxxxxxgggg xxxggggg ccHHccHHccHHccS X X
ggggggg gggggggg SddSSddSSddSSdd

48 www.crossstitchermag.com
 LETTER LIBRARY

xxxxxxxxxxxxxg XXTT ~~~~ T

xxxxxxxxxxxxxg TTXXtTCtX ~~~~~~~% T XXt TT
xxgggggggggggg XtCXXXtTTCtCC ~~~%%%%~~% XtTTC Xt
xxg XtTCXXXtTTCtXC ~~%% %~% TC XXtTC X
xxg XXtCXXXXtTTCtXCC ~~%% % XXtTTCXXt TC
xxg XtTCXXXXtTTCtXXC ~~% XtTTCXXtTTCXXt
xxg XtTCXXXXtTTTCtXC ~%% XTC XtTTCXXtTTC
xxg XtTCXXXXtTTTCtXC ~~% X TTXt TCXXtTCCXXt
xxg XtTCXXXXtTTTCtXC ~~% TT XtTTCXtTTCttTTTC
xxg XtTCXXXXtTTTCtXC HHS XXtTtXXtTCXXtTCXXt
xxg XtTCXXXXtTTCCtXC HHS TTCtTTTCXtTCCXtTCCT
xxg XtTCXXXttTTCCtXC DDh XXtTXTCtCCtttTCttXXt
xxg tTTCXXttTTCCtCC DDh TTCCCXtCCTCCXXXtCTTC
xxxxxxxxxg tTTCXXttTCCtXC DDS XXtTTCttXttTTTCXXXt
xxxxxxxxxg XtTTCtttTCCtCC HHS TTCXXXtCTCTXXXtTTTC
xxgggggggg ~~~~~~~cccccc HH% XXtTTTCXXXtTTTCXXXt
xxg ~~~~~~~~cccccc ~~% TTCXXXtTTTCXXXtTTTCd
xxg ~~~~~~~~~~cccc ~~% XtTTCCXXXtTTCCXXttdc
xxg ~~~~~~~~~~~~cccc HHS CCXtttTCCCXtttTCC dcd
xxg DDD~~~~~~~~~~SSS HHS cccccccccccccccc cd
~~% DDDD~~~~~~~SSSSS DDh c~~~~~~%cccccccd cd
~~% DDDD~~~~SSSSSS DDh H~~~~~~%SHHHcccS cd
~~% DDDD%%%SSSSSSS HDh H%%~~%%%SHHHHcHS cd
~~% DDD%%%%%SSSSSS HH% hh~~%ShhDDHHcSSddd
D~% DDD%%%%%SSSSS HH% D~~~%SDDDDHHcSdd
DDd DD%%%%%%SSSS ~~~% ~~~~%SHDDHHcdddd
DDd D%%%%%%%SSSS ~~~~ ~~~~~%dHHHHcdd dd
DHS D%%%%%%%%SS ~~~~~~~~~~%~~%dcHHcddd
HHS D%%%%%%%%SS ~~~~~~~%%%~~%dcccddd
SSS %%%%%%%%% %%%%%% c%%%dddddddd

Our Cacti & Su

cculents alph
letters were m abet
ounted in a ca
flexi-hoop an rd ,
d a bound em
hoop. Each w br oi dery
as stitched on
White 14 coun A nt ique
t aida, and ea
is approximat ch letter
ely 30 high x
The design si 30 wide.
ze for each le
approx. 6x6c tte r is
m (2¼x2¼in),
it took our stitc and
her three hour
stitch each on s to
e.

49
LETTER LIBRARY

ccd ccd XXC DDDDDDDDh Dh

ccd ccd XTTC HxxHxxHxg Dht
ccd ccd XTCTC HHHHHSSSS XXX
ccd ccd CTCTC XT HHS X
ccd ccd TXCXC XC HHS X
ccd ccd XXT CXCXC XTC HHS X
ccd ccd XTXC CTCXTTTCC HHS DDDh X DD
ccd ccd TCXC CTCXTTCC HHS Dhh X X DDh
ccd ccd TCXC CTCXCCC HHS Xht XXX XXhh
ccd ccd TCXC TXCXC HHS Xt X Xtt
ccd ccd TCTTCTXTXC HHS XX X X XX
ccd ccd TXCTTTXCXC XX HHS XXt X XX
OOD DOR TTTCTCXCTC XTC HHS X X XX
OOODDOOOODDOOR CTXTCTCTC TCC HHS X X XtX
DDOOOODDOOOODh CCCCCTCXTTTCCC HHS X X X
ccdddddddddccd CCTCXTTCTCC HHS TC X XXtXt TT
ccd ccd TXCXTTTCCC HHS TTTCXXXtXXt TTC
ccd ccd TXCTXCCC HHS XX TTCCTCXttXttt TTCC
ccd ccd CTCTCC HHS Xt TC TTTTCXTTTTCCC
ccd ccd TTCCC HHS XXtCC TTTCCTCCCCCC
ccd ccd TCCCC HHS XXXXtTCCCCCCCTTTT
ccd ccd DOODOODOODOODOR HHS TTtttTCCCCXXXTTCCTT
ccd ccd ODDOOOODDOOOODh HHS TCCCXXXCCXXtXXCCCCTT
ccd ccd OOOODDOOOODDOOR HHS TCC XXttXXXtCXXtCCCCT
ccd ccd SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS HHS TChXXthDDDhCChXthDDhh
ccd ccd HHHHHHHHHHHHHSS HHS TCgXtgOxxORTCgXtgxOggC
ccd ccd HHHHHHHHHHHHS HHS TCRXtROOORTCRRXtOOORRC
ccd ccd HHHHHHHHHHHSS HHHHHHHHS XXtRORTTCRRXXtOOR CC
ccd ccd SSHHHHHHSSS HHHHHHHHS RttROTTCROORXXtRR TC
ddd ddd SSSSSSS SSSSSSSSS ORROOTCCROORtttRR CC

OOOOOOOOR XXt TTC xxg

OOOOOOOOR XXXt TCC xxg
OOOOORRRR TC XXXt TCCC xxg
OOR TTC XXtt CC xxg
OOR XXt TTTC XXXt xxg xx X
OOR XXt TTTC XXXXt xxg xxxg X
OOR XXXtTTTC XXXXXt DDh DDDhh XtT
OOR XXXtTTCC XXXXXt HHS HHHHS T ttT
OOR XXtTCC XXXXXt HHS HHHHS TCXtTTX
OOR ttCC XXXXtt DDh DDDhh XTCXtTCXX
OOR XXtt XXXXt TTT xxg xxxgg XTTCtTC X
OOR XXXXtt XXttTTTC xxgxxxgg XXTTCtTC Xt
OOR XXXXXXt XXtTTTCC xxxxxgg XtTTCXCCCXt
OOR XXXXXXtt ttTTCC xxxxgg XtTCCXtCCtT
OOR XXXXXXtt TTCCC xxxxg TCtCXXtCXtT
OOR XXXXXXtt TTTTC xxxxxg XXTCtCXXXtXtTC
OOR XXXXXXttTTTTCC xxxxxxg XtTTCtXXXttTTCX
OOR XXXXXXttTTTTCC xxgxxxg XtTTCCXXXttTTCt
OOR XXXXtttTTTTCC xxg xxxg XtTTTCXXXttTTCt
OOR XXXttt TTTCCC xxg xxxg XXtTTCXXXtTTCCt
OOR tttt TCC DDh DDh XtTTCXXttTTCtt
OOR ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~% HHS HHHS XXtTCCttTTCCt
OOR ~cc~~cc~~cc~~cc% HHS HHHS DDDDDDDDDDhh
OOR ccccccdddddddddd DDh DDh HHHHHHHHHHHHSS
DOD gggggggggggggg xxg xxxg HHHHHHHHHHHHSS
OO OOR DxDxDxDxDxDxDg xxg xxxg DDDDDDDDDDDDhh
~~~~ ~~%% xxxxxxxxxxxxgg xxg xxg ~~~~~~~~~~~~%%
~cc~~cc% xxxxxxxxxxxggg xxg TT xxxg ~~~~~~~~~~%%
cccccddd xxxxxxxxxggg xxg TTCxxggCC~~~~~~~~~%%%
RRRR xxgggggggggg ggg CCggCC %%%%%%%%

~~% cxxd ccxg X

~~% D cDDcd cccDh T
~~% DDh cDDccd ccccDh Xt
~~% Dhhh Dh cxxcccd cccccxg TC
~~% XTCtt DDhh cxgccccd cccddcxg Xt TTT
~~% XtTTt DDhhhDDh cDh ccccdcccdd cDh TC XXXt
~~% XXTCXt DDDhDhhh cDh ccccccdd cDh XXtTTTC
~~% XXTCXt DDhhhhDDh cxg ccccdd cxg TTCXXt
~~% XTCCCXDDDDhDhh cxg ccdd cxXX XttTCC
~~% tTTCXXtChhhhtt cDh dd cDhTTCCXXt
~~% TTCXXtTTttCCttt cDh cDh XXtTTC
~~% TTCXXtTCXtTTCtt cxg cxg TTCXXt T
~~% TTCXXtTTCXXtTCttt cxg cxg XXXtTC XX
~~% TTCXXtTTCXXtTTCtt cDh cDh TTTCXt TT
~~% TTCXXtTTCXXtTTCtt cDh cTTT XXtTC Xt
~~% TTCXXtTTCXXtTTCtt cxg cgXX TTCXtTTC
~~% TTCXXtTTCXXtTTCtt cxg cxgTCXXtCCXt TT
~~% TTCXXtTTCXXtTTCtt cDh cDhXtTTCttTCtt
~~% TTCXXtTTCXXtTTCtt cDh cDhTCXXtCXXtCC
~~% TTCXXtTTCXXtTCCtt cxg cggXtTCCtTCCt
~~% TTCCXXtTCXttTCttt cxg cHHHHHHxxHHHHHS
~~% TTCCXtTCXtTCCtt cDh cHHHHHHDDHHHHHS
~~% CCCCttCCttCCttt cDh cHHHHHHDDHHHHHS
~~% OOOcHHHcOOOcHHHcOOOdS cxg cHHHHHHxxHHHHHS
~~% OHOcHOHcOHOcHOHcOHOdS cxg cHHHHHHxxHHHHSS
~~% OOOcHHHcOOOcHHHcOOOdS cDh chHHHHHDDHHHHS
~~% cccccccccccccccccccdd cDh chHHHHHDDHHHSS
OOO~HHH~Rccccccccccccccccccddd cxg cgHHHHHxxHHSSS
OHO~HOH~OSccccccccccccccddddd cxg cggHHHHxxSSSS
RRR%SSS%RRcccdddddddddddddddd dhh chhHSSShhSSSS

50 www.crossstitchermag.com
 LETTER LIBRARY

HHS HHS XXt XX OOOOOO

HHHS HHS XtXX XXX XX DOOOOOOOOR
HHHS HHS XXtXXtXXtXXt ~DORRRRROOOR TT
x~~% ~xg XXXtXXtXXtXXt OORR OOOR TTTC
~~cc% ~~% XXXtXXtXXtXXt D~DR OOOR TCCC
~~cc% ~~% XXXtXXtXttXXt D~hR OOOR TCC
~cccd c~% XXXXXXttttXtt D~h OOR TC
~cccd c~% XXXXXXttttXt OOR OOR TCTT
ccxxcd ccd XXXXXtttttt D~h OOR TT TTC XX
HHSHHS HHS XXXXttttt D~h OOR TC TCC XtXX
HHSHHHS HHS Xttttt D~h OORTTC TCTT XX t Xt
HHS HHS HHS tttt OOR OORTTC T TC Xt t
HHS HHS HHS XXXt TT D~h OORTC CT C t Xt
HHS HHHS HHS XXXt TC D~h OORTC TCCC tX XX
HHS HHS HHS XXXt TC D~h OOR CC T TC XX X Xt
HHS HHS HHS TTT XXXtt TCC OOR OOR CT TC XXtt tt
HHS HHHS HHS TTC XXXXXt TC D~h OOR TT TTC tXtXt
HHS HHS HHS TCC XXttttTCC D~h OOR TTCTC tttt
HHS HHS HHS OOOOOOOOOOORRRR D~h OOR CCC X
HHS HHHSHHS OOOOOOOOOOOORRR OOR ORTTT C TT XXt XXX
HHS HHSHHSOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRR D~h ORTTC CTTC XXt XXt
HHS HHHHHSOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRR D~h ORTTTCCTCCC XtttXtt
HHS HHHHHSOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRR D~h OOR CCCCC ttt
HHS HHHHS~~~~xx~~~~xx%%%%% OOR OORxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxg
HHS HHHHS~cc~~~~cc~~~%dd%% D~DO OOORDDDxDDDxDDDxDDDg
HHS HHHHS cc~~~~cc~~~%dd%% D~DO OORR~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~g
HHS HHHS ccc~~cccc~~dddd ~DOO OOOR DDDxDDDxDDDxDDhg
HHS HHHS xc~~cccc~%ddd OOOOOOOOOORR xxxxxxxxxxxxxggg
HHS HHHS ccccxxcdddg DOOOOOORRR xxxxxxxxxxgggg
SSS SSS RRRRRRRRR RRRRRR gggggggggggggg

HHHHHHHH ~~HHHR X
xxHHxxHHxxH ~~~HHHOOOh XXTT
xxggggggxxxxg ~~~SSSOOODDh TCXXt
xxg gxxxg ~~SS DDD% XtTTC
xxg xxxg ~~SS D~~% TTCXttTT
xxg xxg DDDh ~HS ~~% TTXXtTCCXt
xxg xxg DDDDDh HHS ~~% XtTCXXttTC T
xxg xxg Dhhhhh HHR ~~% TCXtTTCXXtXX
xxg xxg XXXXhh HOR ~~% XXtTCXXtTTCTT
xxg xxg XXXXXX OOR ~~% TTCXtTTCXXtXXt
xxg xxg XXXXXXt OOh ~~% XttTCXXtTCTTTC
xxg gDDg XXXXXXt ODh ~~% TCXttTTCXtTXXt
xxg xgDDDh XXXXXXXt DDh ~~% XtTCCXXtCXXtTC
xxxxxxxxgDDhhh XXXXXXXt DD% ~~% TCXttTTCtTTCXt
xxxxxxxggDhhTT XXXXXXXt D~% ~~% XtTTCXXtCXXtTC
xxgggggg TTTC XXXXXXXt ~~% ~~% TCXXtTTCtTTCXt
xxg TTTTC XXXXXXXt ~~% ~~% XtTTCXttCXXtCC
xxg TTTTC XXXtXXXt DD ~~% ~~% TCXXttCCtTCCtt
xxg TTTTCCXXXtXXXt Dhh ~~% ~~%ccdttCCtttCCtCC
xxg TTTTTCXXXtXXXt TTTh ~~% ~~%cddccccHHHOOODh
xxg TTTTCXXXtXXttTTTC ~~% ~~%c cccHHHOOODDh
xxg TTTTCXXXttXt TTTC ~~% ~~%cc ccHHHOOODDDd
xxg TTTTCXXtttttTTTTC ~~% ~~% cccHHHOOODDDcd
xxg TTCCXXtttttTTTCC ~~% ~~% cdHHHOOODDDccd
xxg TCCCXttttttTCCC ~~% ~~~~ddHHOOODDDcccd
xxg HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHSS ~~~% ~~~~~~ HOOODDDcccdd
xxg ~HH~~HH~~HH~~HH~%S ~~~~ ~~~%~~~~ OODDDcccdd
xxg ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~%%% ~~~~~~~~~~%%%~~~%ODDDcccddd
xxg ~~~~~~~~~~~~~%%% ~~~~~~~%%% %%%% DDcccddd
ddg ~%dd%%dd%%dd%%dd %%%%%% % cddddddd

cccccccc
cccccccccc
ccdddddccccd
ccd ddcccd XXXX
ccd cccd XXXt
ccd cccd XXtt
ccd ccd Xttt
ccd ccd TTCC
ccd ccd TTTTC TTTT
ccd ccd TTTTTTC TTTC
ccd ccddTTT TTTTTTC TTCC
ccd cccd TTC TTTTTTC TCCC
ccd ccccdd TCXXTTTTTTCXXXCC
OOOOOOOOOORR XXtTTTTTCCXXXt
~~OO~~OO%%R XXXtTTTTTCXXXXXt
OOOOOORRR XXXtTTTTTCXXXXXt
ccddccc XXXtTTTTTCXXXXXt
ccd dccc XXXXtTTTTCXXXXtt
ccd dccc XXttTTTCCtXXtt
ccd dcc ttttTCCCCttt
ccd dccc HHHHHHHSSSS
ccd dccc HHHHHHHHHSS
ccd dcc HHHHHHHHHHHSS
ccd dccc OOOOOOOOOOORR
ccd dccc O~~OO~~OO~~RR
ccd dcc OOOOOOOOOOORR
ccd dccc HHHHHHHHHHHSS
ccd dccc HHHHHHHHHHSSS
ccd dcc HHHHHHHHSSS
ddd d HHHSSSSSSSS

www.crossstitchermag.com 51
LETTER LIBRARY

xx~~xx OOOOOOOOOOOOOOR
HH~~HH~~HH OOOOOOOOOOOOOOR
HH~~SS~~HH% RRRRRROORRRRRRR
HHHSS SSSSS OOR
HHSS SS ~~R DD
HHS T ~~R hD
HHS TC ~~R Dh D TTTh
HHS TTC OOR Dhhh TTTT
HHS TTTTTC OOd DXXXX TTCTC DDh
HHHS TCTTTCT OOd XXXXt TTCTTC h
HHHHH TTTCCCCT OOd XXtXt TTCTCC XXX
HHHHH XTTTCXCTTC OOd XXXXXt TTTTC XXt
SHHHHHH XXXTCCXtTTC OOR XXtXt TTCTCC XXXt
SSSHHHHH XXXCCXXtCTCX D DOR XtXt TTTCC XXtt
SSSHHHHS XXXtCXXtCCCXt DDTTTTT XtXt TTCC XXt
SSSHHHSS XXXtCXXXtCXXt DhTTTTCTC XXXt TTC Xtt
HHHHS XXXtXXXtCXXt hCCCTTCTC XXt TTC XXt
HHHHS XtttXXXtXXtt h RRTTCTC XXt TTC XXt
HHHS TTTTtXXXtttt OORTTTC XXt TTC XXt
HHSTTTTTTCXttttt OHS TCTC XXt TC XXt
HHS TCCCCCttTTTC OHS TTC Xt TC Xtt
HHS CRRRXXtRCCCC OHS TTCC Xt CCC Xtt
HHS TCORXXttRRR OOR CCC tt CC ttt
HHHSTCCOXXttROOR OOR xxxxxxxccccxxxxxxx%%
H HHSS OtttROOOR OOR x~~~xxxccccxxxxxxx%%
HHH HHHS ORRROOOOR OOR ~~~xxxxxxxxxxxxxgg
HHHHHH HHHSS OOOOOOOOR OOR ~~~xxxxxxxxHHHxxgg
~HH~~HH~~HH~% O~~OO~~OR OOR xxxxxxxxxxxHHHxggg
H~~HH~~HS%% O~~OO~~OR OOR xxxxxxxxxxHHHggg
g%%gg%% ~gg%%gg%% RRR gghhhhgggggg

xxg xxg ~~% ~~% D DD

cHd HcS ~~% ~~% DD DDD
HcS cHd ~~~% ~%% TTC D
xxg xxg ~~% ~~% DD TTXC TT
xxg xxg ~~% ~~% XTDD XTXC TXT
xxg xxg ~~% ~~% XC XXTC TXT
xxg xxg ~~% ~~% XC XXTC TXC
xxg xxg ~~~% ~~%% TC XXTC TXC
xxg xxg ~~% ~~% TTC TXXTC TXC
xxg xxg ~~% ~~% TTCTXXTC TXC
xxg xxg ~~% ~~% CTTTTXTC TTTt
xxg xxg ~~% ~~% ttTTXTC TXTt
xxg xxg TTTXXXt ~~~% ~~%% tTXXTTXTCt
xxg xxg TTCXXXtttXXXX ~~% ~~% TT TTXTTTTC
xxg xxg TTCXXtCC XXXX ~~% ~~% XC TTXCTCCt
xxg xxg TTCXXt CCXXttXt ~~% ~~% XC TXXCCC
xxg xxg TC Xt Xt Xt ~~% ~~% XC TXTCC
xxg XXXX xxgTCTTTTTT Xt Xt ~~~% ~~%% TTC TXTC
xxg XXtttxxgTCTCCCCTCCtt Xt ~~% ~~% TC TTCt
xxg txxgtTCCtt TTCC Xt ~~% ~~% TTtTTCtt
xxg xxgtTC Xt TTC XXt ~~% ~~% cccccccccccd
xxg xxgtXC XXt CC Xtt ~~% ~~% ccccccccccdd
xxg xxgttC tTTTTT XXt ~~~%~~%% ccccccccccdd
xxg xxgttCC TTCCCCCCtt ~~%~~% ccccccccccccdd
xxg xgHcHcHTTCScHcHcHdS OOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOORR
xxxg xxgcHcHcTCScHcHcHcSd HHHOHS OHHHOHHHOHHHOSSS
xxxx xxxg~~~~~TC%~~~~~~%%% HOHOHR OHOHOHOHOHOHOHRS
cHcHcHcHcHdS ~~~~TC%~~~~~%%% OOHORR OOOHOOOHOOOHORRS
cHcHcHcHdS ~~~~CC%~~~%%%%% HHHS HHHHHHHHHHHSSS
gggggg ~%%%%%%%%%%%% %%%% dddddddddddd

ccd
OOR
~~%
ccd
OOR
~~%
DD
D
D D
DD
D
More to make...
ccd ccd D D
ccd ccd D D
ccd ccd DD DD
ccd ccd D D Mix and match your letters to create
ccd ccd D D
ccd ccd D D a great selection of prickly projects.
ccd ccd D D
ccd ccd DD DD Here’s some ideas to start you off…
ccd ccd D D
ccd ccd D D
ccd
ccd
ccd
ccd
ccd
ccd D
ccd DTTC
ccdDDTCCCXXttDD
ccdD XXXtCC
ccdDTTXttTTX
XXD
D

D
D
1 Stitch the name of a cactus
variety to make a wrap for a pot
of cactus you are giving as a gift.
ccd cdTTHHTTSXXXXSS
ccd TTCHHHTCSXtSXXS
ccd
ccd
ccd
ccd
cc
OOOR
~~~~~%
XTCdOOOTCOttOXtO
XtdT~~%CC%%t%Xt%
ttdTCHHXXSTSStt
cccccccd TCdTCHHXtSTSTTHT
ccd cccdddcccdCCdCCXtttSSSCCTC
2 Make personalised bunting for
your kitchen or even a potting
shed or greenhouse.
ccdcccdd cccccdXX Xt T XX CC
cccccdd cccccXt Xt TTCXX C
OOOORR
~~~%%
dddd
OORXtR tt
~%tt% TC
dddd CC
CC Xt X
tt X
t
3 Spell out CACTUS QUEEN or
another phrase, using waste
canvas to decorate a plain tote bag.

52 www.crossstitchermag.com
 LETTER LIBRARY

xg xx DDDDh OO OO
xxHS HHxg Dhh OOOR OOOR
HHS HHS XTTC OOR OORR
HHHS HHSS XTTTC OOOR OOR
HHS HHS XCTXt OOR OORR
HHHS HHSS XCTXTC OOOR OOR
HHS HHS TCXTTC OOR OORR
HHHS HHSS TCXTTC OOOR OOR Dh DDDh
HHS HHS TtTCTt OOR OORR Dh hh
HHHS HHSS TtXCTC OOOR OOR DX X XX
HHS HHS XtXCXC OOOROORR XXX X
HHHSHHSS XtTtXC H~~~~HS X XX
~~~~~% XCTCXC ~HH~%% X X X
~DDDD% XCXCTC OOOOR Dh X XXX
DDDh XtXCTC OORR DX X X X
DDDh XtXCTC OOR XX XXX X
H~DD~S XtXCCC OORR XX X X X
HH~~HS TCXCCt OOR XX XX XXX
HHSSHHHS TTTCCt OORR X XX t X
HHS HHS x TTTCCt OOR tTT T X
HHSS HHHS xx TTXCtt OORR T T tTT T TTt
HHS HHS xg TTXCtt OOR T TT TTTTTTTT TTTT
HHSS HHHS gROOCCttRR OORRTTCTTT TTTTTCTT TCTCT
HHS HHS ORROOOOOOORxxx OOR TTCTCCT TCTTCCTC TTCTCC
HHSS HHHSOROOO~~~~OORgx OORR TTCTCCC TCTTCTCC TCCTCC
HHS HHSOROO~DDDD~OR x OOR CCCCCC CCCCCC CCCCC
HHSS HHSOROO~DDDD~ORxg OORR ~~~~HH~~~~HH~~~~HH~~~%S
HHS HHS OO~DDDD~RRgg OOR ~HH~~~~HH~~~~HH~~~~HS%%
xxgS Hxgg OO~DD~RR OORR xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxgggg
gg gg RR~~RR RR xxxxggggggggggggggggg

HHHcHHHcHHHcS DDD
HcHHHcHHHcHHS TT
SSSdSSSdSSHcSX TC DDD
ORRXtTC XX
xxg ttC Xt TT
xgg tXt XtTTC
xxg XXt tTC
xgg XXXt TTCC
xxg XXXt TTT DMC Anchor Madeira
xgg XXt TTC
xxg ttTTT TTC D Cross stitch in two strands
xgg TTTC TCCXX
xxg TTTTC CCtXt
xgg TTTTC XXttt
xxg TTCC Xtt 1152 969 404
xgg TCCCtttt
xxg ~~~~~~~% 223
2 895 812
xgg ~~~~~%%%
xxg ~~~~~~~~~%%%
xgg
xxg
~~~~~~~~~~%%
~~~~~~~~~~~%%%
420
4 375 2104
xgg OOOOOOOOOOORRR
xxg HHHcHHHcHHHdSS 702
7 239 1306
xgg HcHHHcHHHcHSSd
xxg HHHcHHHcHHHdSS 703
7 238 1307
xgg OOOOOOOOOOORRR
OOR ~~~~~~~~~~%%%%
HHHcHHHcHHHcHHHd ~~~~~~~~%%%%
HcHHHcHHHcHHHcHS ~~~~~~%%%%%%
721
7 324 308
SSSdSSSdSSSdSSSd %%%%%%%%
722
7 323 307
726
7 305 109
727 293 102
813
8 161 1013
Even with small motifs like 827
8 160 1014

these, it’s best to use a hoop 959

95
964
9
186
1092
1113
1112
to keep your fabric taut and 3347
3 266 1408
prevent it from puckering 3348
3
3828
3
264
373
1409
2104
Backstitch in one strand

The backstitch is a crucial 310 403 black

step for making your work
outlines, details

pop, so take care with it

www.crossstitchermag.com 53
LETTER LIBRARY

cxxccxg ~~~%
cccccccccdd ~~~~%
cxxddggccxg ~~~~~%
xxxgg xxxxg O~~~~R T
xxgg xxxg DDDD DHHHDh Xt XX
xxg xxg DD %%OO~% TC X TT
xxgg xxxg TTCC ~~% Xt T Xt
xxg xxg TTTTC ~~% TC X XTC
xxg xxg TTTTTTC ~~% Xt T TXt
xxg xxg TTTCTTC DD ~~% XX TCXt XTC
xxg xxg TTTTTTC DDDD ~~% TTCXtTC TCt XX
xxg xxg TTTTTCTC XtD ~~% XtTCXt TTC XtCT
xxg xxg TCTTTTTCXXXXt ~~% TCXXC XXt TCXt
xxg xxg TTTTCTTCXtXXXt ~~% XtCXt TTCXtTCXX
xxg xxg TTTTTTCCXXXtXt ~~% XXX CtTC X XtCttTT
xxg xxg TTCTTTCXtXXXXt ~~% TTCCCXt TT TCtTCXX
xxg xxgDTTTTTTCXXXtXXt ~~% XXttTC Xt XtCXtCC
xxg xgDDtTTTTCCXXXXXXt ~~% TCCXt TC TCtTCX
xxg xxgXtTTCTCCXXtXXtt ~~% XXtTCXt XtCXtC TT
xxg xxgXtTTTTCCtXXXtt ~~% TCXtTC TCtTCtXt
xxg xxg ttCTCCCXXXttt ~~% XtTCXt XtCXtCC
xxg xxg tCCCCCttttt ~~% TCXtTCtX TCtTCXt
xxg xxg ~~~~~~~~~%% ~~% XtTCXtCC XttXtCC
xxxg xxgg c~~cc~~cc~~dd ~~% TCXtTCtt TCTCt
xxg xxg ccccccccccccddd ~~% XtTCXtC XtXtC
xxxx xxxg ~~cc~~cc~~cc%%d ~~% ccccccccccccccccdd
xxxxx xxxgg ~~~~~~~~~~~~%%% ~~% cccOOccccOOccccOOcdd
xHHxxHHxxHS HH~~HH~~HH~%SS% ~~OO~~~~R HHHDDDHHHDDDHHHDDDHH
HHHHHHHHSSS HHHHHHHHHHSSS HHDDDHHHh OOccccOOccccOOccddRR
gSSggSS SS%%SS%%SS% R%%%%RR%% dddddddddddddddddd

ccccd DD HDHHHS
cccccccxxg DD HHHDHHHHSS
ccdddxxxxxg XXXhhD HHHhSSHH~% DDD
ccdd xx~~% XXXtt HSh HH~c% DDh
cdd ~~% DD XXtXXt S H~~% hh DD D
d ~OOR Dh XtXXtt HHS X hD Dh
OOR hTCC XXXtt ccd XX Th
Ocd TTC XXttt c~d XXXtTT T X
ccd TTTTC XXXtt Hccd XXt TT T XX X
ccd TTCTC XXXt HHSS tXt CTC XXt XXt
ccd TTTTTC XtXt HH~% tX CTTC ttXttt
ccd TTTCC XXXt D HHH%d X TCC tXt
ccdd TTTTC XXtt Dh HHHS% XtXX TCC X
ccd TTTTC XXt TTTT DHHSS XX Xtt TC X
ccdd TTTC XXt TTTC hHHHH XX Xt TT TT X XX
cdd TTC XXtCTTTC HHHHS XtXt T TC X Xt
ccd TTC XXtCTTCC HHHHSttX TTCX XXt
ccdd TCTCXXtCTCC HH~~%tXXX TT TC Xt Xt
cdd TTCXXtCCC H~c% XXt TC T TtttXt
ccd TCCXttCC ~~% Xtt CCCTCC tX
ccdd HHHHHHHHHSSS HSX Xt CTC X
cdd HHHxxxxxxxSS cXXXt TT TC XX X
ccd HHxxxxxxxxxxgS ~dtX XTCCT XXX X
ccdd Hxxx~~~~~~~xgg cdtXtttt CT XtX
ccd Hx~~~~~~~~~~%g HSOcccO~~~OcccO~~~R
Ocdd xx~~~OOOOO~~%% HH ~~%Oc~cO~c~Oc~cO~c%R
~OOd x~~OOOOOOOOO%% HHHHH H~c%OcccO~~~OcccO~%%R
~OOcccccccccccd x~~OOOHHHHORR% HHHHDHHHH~%% OOOOOOOOOORRRRR
~~OOccccccccccd ~OOOHHHHHSRR HHHHDHHHSSS OOOOOORRRRRRRRR
g%%RRRddddddddd ~OOHHSSSSSSR SShSSSS hhhhhhhhhhh

OOR ~~~% xxHHccDDxxg

OOOR ~~~~~~~~~~% xxHHccDDxxg
OOOR ~~~~~~~%~%% xxSSddhhggg X
OOOOR ~~~~~~%%%%% xxS XXtXt
OOOOR ~~%%%%%%% xxS X XttXt
OOROOR %%%%%%% xxS XtTCXXXt
ORROOR XXTTXTCCC xxS XXtTTCXtt
OOR OOR XXXTXXTXTTCCC xxS TCXtTTCCttT
ORR OOR XTTXXTXTTXTCt xxS TCtTTCXtCTTC
OOR OOR XXTXXTXXTCTTCC xxS TTTCTCCXttTTC
ORR OOR XTTXTTXTTCTTTCC xxS TTTCTCXXtTTTTC
OOR OOR XTCXTCTTTCXTTCC xxS TTTCCCXXtTTCTC
ORR OOR TTCTTCTTTCTTTCt xxHHccD TCTCCXXXtTTCTC
OOR OOR TTCTTCCTTCTTTCt xxHHccDDxg TTTTCXXXtTTCTC
ORR OOR TTtTTCCTTCTTTCt xxSSddDDxxg TCTCXtXtTTCTC
OOR OOR TTtTXCCTTCTTCCt hhxxxg TCTCXtXtTTTCC
ORR OOR TCCTCCTTCCtCtt xxxg TCCCXXttTTCC
OOR OOR TTCTTCttCtttt xxxg CCCXttttCCC
ORR OOR TtCCtttttCtt xxxg ~~~~~~~~~~~%
OOR OOR xxxxxxxxxxxgg xxg ~~~~~~~~~~%%
DDHHDDHHDDHHDDHSxxxxxxxxxxxgg xxg HHHHHHHHHS
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHSgxxxxxxxxxggg xxg HHHHHHHHHHSS
SSSSSSSSSSHHSSSSSxxxxxxggggg xg xxg ccccccccccdd
DDS xxxxxxxxggg xxg xxg cccccccccccddd
OOR DHHDDHHhh xxxg xxgg DDDDDDDDDDDhhh
OOR HHHHHHHSS xxg xxg DDDDDDDDDDDhhh
OOR HHHHHHHSS xxxH xxxg ~~~~~~~~~~~%%%
OOR HDDHHDhSS xxHHccDDxxgg ~~~~~~~~~~%%%%
OOR xxxgggg ggHHccDhggg ~~~~~~~%%%%%
RRR ggggggg SSddhh %%%%%%%%%%

54 www.crossstitchermag.com
 LETTER LIBRARY

~~ ODO~ODO~ODO~ODR
~~~~% OOO~OOO~OOO~OOR
~~~~%% DDh %%%d%%%d%%%c~%%
~~%%% D Dh ccd
~~%% h TTT ccdd
~~%% D D TT TTC ccd
~~% D Dhh TT X TTC ccdd
~~%% Dh XXX TCXt TTC ccd TTT
~~% hTTCXt Ct TCC ccdd TTTT TTTC
~%% TTCXt TTT TC ccd TTTTTC CCTTC
~~% TTTCt TTT CC ccddTTTCCCC CTC
H~% TTCt TTTT XX ccdCTTC XXXXt TC
~~% CC TTTCXXt ccddCTC XXXXXXXtt TC
O~% Xt TTTCXXt ccdCCC XXttttXXt TC
OO%% XXXt TCCXtt TccddCTC XXtt XXXtTCC
O~% ~~~~~~ XXXt TCCXt TCccdCTTCCXXt XXtCCC
H~~~~~~~~~~~~% XXXt CCtt TCdcddCTTTCXtt TTTCtXtCC
HH~~~%%%%%~~~% XXXt Xtt TTCdd CCTCCtTTTTCCCttCC
HH~%%% %~~~% XXtt XXXt CCCdd CCCCCtTTCCCCCCXXX
H~~% ~TT% tt XXXXt ddd CXXXXXTCtttCXXttXt
O~%% TC% TTCC T XXXXt ccdd XXXtttXttttTTTCC ttt
OO% ~C% TTTC TTXXXXt ccd XtttCCttttTTCCXXt tt
OO% XX% TTTTC TCXXXXt ccdd HXttSCCCSHHTTCSHXXtSSt
O~% XXt TTTTC CXXXXt ccd HXtSHHTCSHHTCSHHXXtSSt
H~% XXt TTTCC XXXtt ccdd HHXtSHHTCSHHTCSHHXttSSS
HH~~ ~%XXtTTCCC Xtt ccd HHXXtSHTCSHHTTCSXXtSHSS
H~~~ ~~%%XttCCCC ttt ccdd HHXXtSTCSSHHTTCSXttSSSS
~~~~~~~~~~%ccccccccccccccccdd ccd H~~tt%CCS~~~CTCCS%%~S%%
~~~~~~~~%%%cOOccHHccOOccHSd ccdd OOR%ORR%OOO~CCC%OOO%R
%%%%%%% RRRSSSSRRRRSSS dd DR%RDR%RDR%CCR%RDR%

HHHHHH DDh OOOOOOR

HHHHHHHHHH XC OOOOOOOOORR
HHHSSSSSHHHS XTC XT OOORRRRRROOOS
HHSS HHHS XXTC XC OORR OO~S
HHSS HHHS XTTC TC OORR O~O% T
HHS HHS Dh XTTC TC OOR ~H% T
HHS HHS CC TtTC Tt OOR OHR XX TT
HHS HHS XTt TtTTTC OOR ~H% Xt XXTC
HHS HHS TTC TtTTCC Dh OOR ~O% Xt XXTC
HHS HHS TTC TtTCt XXC OOR ~H% Xt XXCC T
HHHS HHSS TXTt TCTC XTC OOOR OOHR Xt XtCC T
~~cc~ c~~cd TXTTTTCXC TTC OOOO OOO~H% Xt XtCX TT
~~cc~~cc~~dd CXXXTCXC TTC OOOOOOOOOOO~O% TXXtTXtCXXT
c~~cc~~cc% tCCXTCXC TXC OOOOOOOORR~H% TXXtTXtCXXCX
c~~dd~~cc% CTtXC TTCt RRRRRRR OSRTXXttTXtCXtCX T
~~cd% c~~cd TtXTTXCt %XRTXXtTTXtCXtCXXT
c~~dd ~~cc% TtXTCCtt %XRCXXtTCXtCXtCXtT
HHSS HHHS TTTCC %XtCXXtTCXtCXtCXtC
HHHS HHHS TXTC RXtCXttTCXtCXtCXtC
HHSS HHHS TXXTt O%XtCXttTCXtCXtCXtC
HHS HHS XXTCtt O~RtCXttCCXtCXtCttC
HHS HHS XTCttt O~SXtCXtCCXtXtCXtC
HHS HHS~~cc~~cc~~cd%% OOR tXttCTtttCttC
HHS HHS~~cc~~cc~~cd%% OOR% xxxxxxxxxxxxxxg
HHS HHScc~~cc~~cc~%dd OOOR ~x~~~x~~~x~~~x%
HHHH HHHS c~~cc~~cc~%d OORRR HHHxHHHxHHHxHHS
HHHHH HHHSS OOOOOOOOORRR OOORR ~x~~~x~~~x~~~g%
HHHHHHHHHHHHHS OOOOOOOORRRR OOOORRR xxxxxxxxxxggg
HHHHHHHHHHHSSS OOOORRRRRR OOOORRR xxxxxxxxggggg
SSSSSSSSSS RRRRRRRRRR RRR ggggggggg

Fiona Crouch

Don’t forget to NEXT MONTH...

cut out and keep In the March issue 406 we have
a complete Little Piggies
your alphabet on Alphabet designed by Fiona
Crouch – so you can hog the
file so you can lot! Get to the shops on 23
January 2024 to pick up

build up a your copy of issue 406, or

subscribe and the issue will be
delivered to your door. Head
collection! over to page 4 for our latest
subscription offer.

www.crossstitchermag.com 55
INSPIRING PEOPLE
“I consider myself a
temporary custodian of
my antiques. I use
archival acid-free
storage for most of my
collection. The acid-free
tissue protects the
textiles. The boxes are
kept in a climate-
controlled room.”

“This 19th century medallion quilt was the source for our Fig Leaf and Flowers
appliqué quilt pattern. The maker was a genius with scale and balance.”

An interview with...

Dawn CookRonningen
We sat down to chat with Dawn Cook Ronningen about all things antique
when it comes to stitching tools – from vintage hoops to archival storage

Interview by Julian Odessa

T
he women behind the history Who was Elsa Williams and what
of needlecraft are often makes her so special to you?
undocumented. This month Elsa Williams (1928-2011) was a
we talk with Dawn Cook legendary American needlework
Ronningen, needlework entrepreneur. She was an author,
historian and collector of antique teacher, designer, business owner and
needlecraft tools, about the rich television personality. I first discovered
history of needlework paraphernalia her in the 1980s through her television
and her fascinating books that series on embroidery. She opened a
celebrate women as innovators of world of historic needlework to me. I
needlework technology… bought her books and aspired to make
a crewel embroidery chair cover –
What is the story of your which I never did, but still think about!
relationship with needlework?
Was your passion for the history of You’re a well-known collector of
needlework born at the beginning of American needlework tools – what
your stitching journey or did that is it about collecting vintage fibre art
come later? As a student, I loved my school library tools that fuels your fire?
When I was seven, my grandmother where I poured over Elsa Williams and I enjoy researching the histories of
taught me to embroider, buying me my textile history books. Those seeds tools, especially finding the women
own embroidery hoop, threads, and a stayed with me as life took me along behind the object. Whether it’s an
pre-marked dresser scarf. I was different paths. Later in life, I had more improvement to an embroidery hoop
fascinated by the beautiful things a time and resources to pursue or a cutting tool for fibre, often women
simple needle and thread could make. needlework and history. were involved. Unfortunately, because

56 www.crossstitchermag.com
 INSPIRING PEOPLE
“This pin ball is hand “Some stitchers in centuries past had
knit from fine silk access to extravagant supplies. These
thread. The needles silver keys pull apart and the center
were as fine as pins. shaft holds needles. Some even have
It is dated 1763 and precious and semi-precious jewels.”
includes the letter M
along with four
animals.”

“This small case is only 21/4in

wide. It contains needle packages,
an emery bag, mending tape,
thimble and needle pages.”

“This 19th century sewing

roll is right at home with
the tension wool lined
embroidery hoop, darning
egg, scissors, darning
threads, thimbles and a
heart-shaped pin keep.”

of certain legalities they sometimes not only in how live but also in the You’ve written many books detailing
couldn’t have a patent or business. needlework supplies we have to choose antique needlework tools. Your
from. There’s magic in using what you latest book Sewing Rolls, Needle
What differentiates American have to hand as a challenge, just as they Rolls and Huswifs is a unique and
needlework tools from tools from would have had to do in the past. visually beautiful walk through the
other locations? history of antique needlework
As a ‘melting pot’ country of cultures, Tell us about your needleworking storage and sewing kits from the
American makers tend to bring a lot of tools collection! How extensive is late 18th through to the 19th
variety to tools. Whether it’s folk art or it and how has it developed over century. What is a huswif and what
mass-produced patented items, the the years? drew you to write a book on them?
roots of American tools can be traced My collection houses American and A huswif is a small fabric sewing kit
to immigrants or regional styles. folk-art one-of-a-kind examples. I’m containing scissors, thread, needles
drawn to handmade items where the and other tools. These pieces of history
Historically, fibre arts were part of a maker took creative licence to make a were very personal hand-made objects
girl’s education – how does finding functional object beautiful. I suppose – I’ve yet to find two identical huswifs,
out more about the history of the my collection might be considered unless they are reproductions. There
girls and women who created the large by some standards. However, are a variety of designs but very few
pieces you work with, and items you needlework tools are generally small, published patterns until the 19th
collect, influence you? so space isn’t an issue. I have floor to century. Even then, the instructions
To know the past is to understand and ceiling shelving as well as archival were more suggestions and left much
honour the people who got us where boxes in climate-controlled rooms to the maker’s creativity. I was inspired
we are today. It isn’t always romantic or with no direct sunlight. I rotate what’s to write the book when I was looking
pleasant, but it’s important to know. I on display so I can enjoy the collection for information on my collection and
appreciate the choices we have today, as well as preserve it. found very little written history.

www.crossstitchermag.com 57
INSPIRING PEOPLE
“Embroidery hoops have a long history of innovative styles.” “A few of my silver capped berry emeries on display. The
emeries were used on pins and needle to keep the metal point
smooth. Some berry emery styles have embroidered tops and
hang from pincushions. The sterling examples are sometimes
found on chatelaines.”

“Embroidery was used on 19th century quilts as embellishment and for

marking. This 19th century example includes chain stitch, buttonhole
stitch, hand quilting, needle turn appliqué and hand piecing.”

“For centuries pincushions have been given as gifts and enjoyed for their
beauty as well as practicality. Often one of a kind and embellished with
embroidery they are made from a variety of materials.”

What exciting things are coming up

next for you that you’d like to share
To know the past is to with us?
understand and honour the people I have several more virtual programs
scheduled over the next two years, as
who got us where we are today well as another book in the works. Of
course, I always have new patterns on
the horizon too. I have two in-person
programs in 2024, so there’s lots
Many of your books are self- locally, make all creative decisions, and happening! It’s so much fun to look
published, which is an amazing feat! control distribution to independent forward to.
What made you decide to self- re-sellers, supporting small family-
publish your work? owned businesses. collectorwithaneedle.blogspot.com
My first book, Antique American
“My books are sold
Needlework Tools, is published by Giving people a chance to interact in shops around the
Schiffer Publishing. I’m grateful for the with historical items allows the past world and are
available direct
opportunity they provided in bringing to come to life. How do others react from myself too.”
such a specialised title so beautifully to to your collection?
print. My next book, Mary Withereax, a People are often surprised by what
quilt pattern book with a full-colour they see and touch in person. For
gallery section, was our first self- example, the tiny scale of a child’s
published title. Its enthusiastic embroidery, the weight and feel of a
reception gave us the courage to woman’s waist pocket, or how much a
publish Sewing Rolls, Needle Rolls and skein of flax looks like human hair.
Huswifs. Part of why we decided to They often comment they didn’t realise
self-publish was the ability to print how interesting textile history is!

58 www.crossstitchermag.com
 JUST FOR FUN

Adventures Unlocked
Here’s the key to happy travels across the globe – our city landmark fobs
make a fabulous way to keep your keys safe and luggage looking luxurious!

www.crossstitchermag.com 59
ADVENTURES UNLOCKED

Make a… key fob

Step 1
STITCH the key fob design onto
the aida, using two strands of
stranded cotton for the cross
stitch and one for the backstitch,
and working from the middle of
the fabric outwards towards the
end. Repeat the design on the
other end of the fabric if you
would like it on both sides.

Step 2
FOLD the long sides of the
stitching, over and onto the
reverse side of the design,
leaving two blank aida squares
showing at the front on either
side. Press into place.

Step 3
CUT the felt to fit the back of the
stitching. With the felt held on the
back, sew down the two long
edges of the stitching, one aida
square inside the folded edge, by
machine or by hand.

Step 4
FOLD the stitching in half so the
bottom of the design is just above
the fold. Cut both short ends of the
fabric, leaving 1.5cm (5⁄8in) of Amanda Butler
unstitched aida above the design.

Step 5
WITH the short ends together,
place them into the finding, and DMC Anchor Madeira DMC Anchor Madeira
using long-nosed pliers, pinch the Cross stitch in two strands Cross stitch in two strands
finding together so that the
stitching is tightly held in place – to 310 403 black 3813 875 1111
stop the pliers marking the finding, 318 399 1802 3821 305 2510
wrap the metal plier ends with
waste fabric.
436 1045 2011 B5200 001 white
437 362 2012 Cross stitch blend in one strand of each

We have a handyor
502 876 1703 445 + 704
738 361 2013 Backstitch in one strand

materials packilfable 739 366 2014 310 403 black

this project avilalow

746 275 101 outlines

906 256 1411 500 683 1705

from www.w urn
outlines, details
907 255 1410

fabrics.com – rtder
777 065 513
961 076 610 flowers

to page 15 to o ack
962 075 609 3371 382 2004
outlines, details
963 023 608

your key fob p 3755 939 909 3821 305

big ben details
2510

60 www.crossstitchermag.com
 JUST FOR FUN

Designed by: Amanda Butler

Stitch count: 55 high x 12 wide Big Ben;
56 high x 12 wide Eiffel Tower;
54 high x 12 wide Statue of Liberty
Max. design size: 10x2.2cm (4x7⁄8in)
Stitch time: 4 hours each
These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric.

For each key fo

b:
• Zwiegart Vin
tage Blue 14 co
ref: 3706/5139; unt aida;
5x28cm (2x11in
• Stranded co )
tton as listed in
• Size 24 tape th e key
stry needle
• Off white felt;
3x24cm (11⁄4x9
• Rose Gold Ke 1⁄2in)
y fob finding; 2.
Materials avail 5cm (1in)
able from www.
willowfabrics.co
m

Don’t let the cold wintery months get

you down, stay in the warm and dive
into a stitcher’s paradise with
ONDLOSS STITCHING DOLIGHTS: Explore a universe of cross-stitch designs,
from elegant florals to charming animals – discover your cross-stitch haven!
MASTOR YOUR CRAFT: Elevate your skills with expert tips, step-by-step tutorials,
and insider secrets. Create stunning masterpieces with the guidance of seasoned
stitchers.
PORFOCT FOR ALL SKILL LOVOLS: Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting,
CrossStitcher Magazine caters to all. Find projects that match your skill and style
in your stitching paradise.

Why should I choose digital?

A digi/al subscrip/ion is a super money-saving, infla/ion-bus/ing op/ion!
The ideal choice if you’re looking for even more exclusive cross s/i/ching con/en/. SCAN ME!
Indulge in your s/i/ching passion wherever you are.

Take a look at all the great

offers we have waiting for you… bi/.ly/CROSPM
 Cat Amongst
the Thistles
This little cat is hiding in a clump of
oversized thistles, all stitched in muted,
neutral colours for a calming effect

62 www.crossstitchermag.com
 JUST FOR FUN

10 20 30 40 50 60
t

10

20

30

t
t

40

50

60

t
Kyoko Maruoka

Designed by: Kyoko Maruoka Stitch count: 68 high x 69 wide

Design size: 12.5x13cm (5x51⁄8in Stitch time: 53 hours
This design was stitched on 28 count linen over two threads of fabric.

DMC Anchor Madeira DMC Anchor Madeira DMC Anchor Madeira

Cross stitch in two strands Cross stitch in two strands Cross stitch in two strands

0
014 259 1604 647 1040 1813 3849 1070 1202
032
0 178 911 823 127 1008 Backstitch in two strands

1156 118 902 926 850 1707 168 274 1803

whiskers
1168 274 1803 3713 1021 501
500
5 683 1705 3756 1037 886

www.crossstitchermag.com 63
CAT AMONGST THE THISTLES

This charming picture

could be housed in a
stand frame that sits
on a table, or it can
be hung on a wall

a rk Grey 28
count lin
en;
MORE TO STITCH…
Our cute cat project was taken from
• DM C D )
(10x10in Happy Days Cross Stitch by Kyoko
5x25cm e key
ref: 318; 2 n a s listed in th Maruoka, which is packed with more
ed c otto charming designs to stitch. Kyoko is the
• Strand needle ign
4 tapestry t the des designer behind the ‘Gera!’ cross stitch
• Size 2
oun t b oard to fi .com brand and has been selling her patterns
with m owfabric
s
• Frame from www.will all over the world for nearly two decades.
available This book will give you enough projects to
Materials
fill a whole year. Happy Days Cross Stitch
by Kyoko Maruoka is published by Tuva
Publishing, RRP £14.99, and is available
online and from all good bookshops.

How to… frame a picture

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

CUT a piece of white mount board PIN around the entire perimeter SECURE the fabric edges with
to fit inside your frame. Place your and check you are happy with the masking tape and remove the pins.
design centrally over the mount positioning of your design, then turn Position your stitching in the frame
board and pin the fabric around the over to the reverse. Use double-sided and back with a second piece of
board to secure, starting at the centre tape to secure the fabric excess mount board. Seal the edges with
of each side and working outwards. around all four sides. more masking tape to finish off.

64 www.crossstitchermag.com
CREATE A CLASSIC:
Cosy Bookshelves
Get set for a rewarding challenge with our bookshelves
featuring a curled-up cat, using a variety of techniques

www.crossstitchermag.com 65
COSY BOOKSHELVES

O ur cosy bookshelves
design is perfect for
stitchers who want to
tackle a larger, detailed
design. The chart features
intricate backstitching and half-
stitched areas that add depth and
texture to the finished piece. The soft
mocha mottled aida fabric provides a
brilliantly subtle background to work
on too – there’s no better project to
work on through the winter weeks!

66 www.crossstitchermag.com
 CREATE A CLASSIC

www.crossstitchermag.com 67
COSY BOOKSHELVES

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
t

10

20

30

40

50

60

70
t

80

90

100

110

120

68 www.crossstitchermag.com
 CREATE A CLASSIC

90 100 110 120 130

Designed by: Maria Diaz

Stitch count: 154 high x 135 wide
Design size: 28x25cm (11x9¾in)
Stitch time: 53 hours
This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric.

DMC Anchor Madeira

Cross stitch in two strands

002 398 1803

164 240 1209
310 403 black (2)
312 979 1005
317 400 1714
334 977 1003
413 401 1713
436 1045 2011
437 362 2012*
498 1005 511
597 1064 1110
712 926 2101
739 366 2014
762 234 1804
775 1031 1001
838 1088 1914
895 1044 1405
924 851 1706
987 244 1403
t

989 241 1401

3325 129 1002
3776 1048 310
3809 1066 2506
3827 363 2012*
3832 028 506
3833 1023 609
3862 358 1913
blanc 001 white
Half cross stitch in two strands

3862 358 1913

Backstitch in one strand

310 403 black

outlines, words

712 926 2101

words, details
(2) indicates more than one skein is required

*See ‘The Key’ on page 79.

www.crossstitchermag.com 69
COSY BOOKSHELVES

120

130

140

150

How to…
frame a picture
Step 1
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 outwards.

Step 2
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.

Step 3
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.

• Zweigart
Vintage Co
14 count aid untry Moch
a, ref: 3706 a
50x46cm (1 /3009;
9x18in)
• Stranded
cotton as lis
• Size 24 ta ted in the ke
pestry nee y
• Frame w dle
ith a 33.5x2
(131⁄4x101⁄4in 6cm
) aperture
• Mount bo
ard to fit fra
Materia me
ls available
from www
.willowfabric
s.com

70 www.crossstitchermag.com
 CREATE A CLASSIC

PROJECT PACK
If you would like to stitch
Cosy Bookshelves we
have a materials pack with
everything you need to get you
stitching right away, and have it
delivered straight to your door!

Maria Diaz

If this is your first larger project,

divide the design into smaller sections Your materials pack contains:

and then tackle them one at a time • Zweigart 14 count aida in

Vintage Mocha
• Skeins of DMC stranded cotton
Mark the direction of your • Two gold-plated tapestry
needles; size 24 and size 26
half stitches on your chart to How to order: Fill in the form on page 15 or
go to www.willowfabrics.com to order your
keep track as you stitch project pack at the CrossStitcher reader
price of £39.80, plus P&P.

HOW TO… TAKE YOUR STITCHING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

We have included some more advanced stitching techniques in this project to
help you to develop your stitching skills, ready for your next challenge…

BACKSTITCHING FOR DETAIL: HALF STITCHES FOR SOFTNESS: COLOURED AIDA FOR INTEREST:
Take a look at all the outlines and areas of detail, The shadows on the floor are all worked in half We’ve chosen a mocha fabric to stitch on,
including the white backstitch pattern on the stitches using a soft shade of brown. This is very so in any unstitched areas this mottled colour
plant pot. These are worked in a single strand of effective at giving these areas an almost comes through and acts as part of the design.
backstitch in order to capture the detail. translucent quality, appropriate for shadows. This adds an extra colour, plus more texture.

www.crossstitchermag.com 71
 We’ve challenged three designers to use
only the materials given to them to create
a pretty brooch for Valentine’s Day… Read
on to see how they got on…

V
alentine’s Day is ultimately a celebration of love, and
what better way to wear your ‘love of love’ with pride
than a special brooch? We asked our three designers
THE CHALLENGE this month to come up with a brooch for Valentine’s
• 14 count white plastic aida Day. Our designers could only use the seven shades of
• 7 shades of DMC stranded cotton (shown above) stranded cotton stipulated and make sure that their design
• Brooch back, 25mm
THE RULES
was worked on plastic aida, to be fitted with a brooch back.
• Create a Valentine’s brooch Take a look at their sweet results below – we’ve featured a
• The design should be no larger chart for each one so you can stitch your favourite! We hope
than 45 x 45 stitches
this will inspire you to join in too – turn the page to see
• Only
ly the materials above can be used
• Be creative as possible! what our challenge will be for April – we’ve listed
everything you need to take part.

MARIA DIAZ… HEART TATTOO

Personally I love tattoo art

and when you think Valentine’s,
you think Hearts! (Well, I think
chocolates but they weren’t in
this colour palette!) So I have
gone for a very pretty version of
an Old School’ heart I could wear.
Happy stitching!”

72 www.crossstitchermag.com
CHERYL MCKINNON… BEAR HUG

This sweet little bear has a

Valentine’s wish for you or your
loved ones. He can work as a brooch
or a greeting card, and if you want
a quicker stitch, try omitting the
heart background.”

AMANDA BUTLER… I LOVE YOU

I must have started this design

four times before I was happy
with it – sometimes small designs
can be a little more tricky to do
than the larger ones. Hopefully, I
have managed to achieve a balance
between the traditional Valentine's
theme and a modern style.”

www.crossstitchermag.com 73
 10 20 30 40
t
hhhhhggghhhggghhhggghhhggghhhhh
hhhhhhhhghhhhhghhhhhghhhhhghhhhhhhh
hhghghhDDDDDDhhhhghghhhhDDDDDDhhghghh
hhhggghDDDDDDDDhhhggghhhDDDDDDDDhggghhh
hhhhhghDDDgggDDDDhDDDDDhDDDDgggDDDhghhhhh
hhghghhhDDgggggDDDDDDDDDDDDDgggggDDhhhghghh
hhggghhhDDgggggDDDDDDDDDDDDDgggggDDhhhggghh
hhhhghhhhDDggggDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDggggDDhhhhghhhh
ghghhhghgDDgggDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDgggDDghghhhghg
10 ggghhhgggDDDgDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDgDDDggghhhggg
hghhhhhghhDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDhhghhhhhgh
hhhghghhhghDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDhghhhghghhh
hhhggghhhggDDDDDDoTDDDDDDDoTDDDDDDgghhhggghhh
hhhhghhhhhgDDDDDooooDDDDDooooDDDDDghhhhhghhhh
Make a… brooch
ghghhhghghhDDDDDDDDgggggggDDDDDDDDhhghghhhghg
ggghhhggghhDDDDDDDggoooooggDDDDDDDhhggghhhggg
hghhhhhghhhDDDDDDggggoooggggDDDDDDhhhghhhhhgh
Step 1
hhhDDDDDhghgDDDDDgggggggggggDDDDDghghDDDDDhhh
hxxxxDDDDgggDDDDDgggggggggggDDDDDgggxxxxxxxxh STITCH your chosen design on
20 hxttxDDDDDghhDDDDgggggggggggDDDDhhgDxttttttxh
hxttxDDDDDDhhhDDDgggggggggggDDDhhhDDxttttttxh white 14 count plastic aida, using
hxttxDDDDDDDDDDDDDgggggggggDDDDDDDDDxttxxxxxh
two strands of stranded cotton for

t
t

hxttxDDDDDDDDDDDDDDgggggggDDDDDDDDDDxttxDDDhh
gxttxDDDDDDDDDxxxxDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDxttxxxxhg the cross stitch and one and two
gxttxDDDDDDDxxttttxxDDxxxxDDDDDxxxxDxttxxxxgg
gxttxDDDDDDxtttxxtttxDxttxDDDDDxttxDxttxDDhgh for the backstitch, stitching from
hxttxxxxxDDxttxDDxttxDxtttxDDDxtttxDxttxxxxxh
hxttttttxDxttxDDDgxttxgxttxDDDxttxDhxttttttxh the centre out.
hxttttttxhxtxDDDgggxtxgxttxDDDxttxDhxttttttxh
30 hxxxxxxxxhxtxDDDgggxtxggxttxDxttxDhhxxxxxxxxh
ghghhhghghxttxDgggxttxggxttxDxttxDhhghghhhghg
ggghDDDDDhhxttxggxttxggggxttxttxDhhhDDDDDhggg Step 2
hghDDgggDDDxtttxxtttxggggxtttttxDhDDDgggDDhgh
hhDDgTTgggDDxxttttxxggggggxtttxDDDDgggTTgDDhh CUT around your design with
hhDggTTgTTgDDDxxxxggggggggxxxxxDDDgTTgTTggDhh
hhDgggggTTgDDDDgggggggggggggggDDDDgTTgggggDhg small, neat scissors, leaving one
ghDgTTgggggDDDDgggggggggggggggDDDDgggggTTgDgg
ggDgTTggTTgDDDDgggggggggggggggDDDDgTTggTTgDgh blank square of aida on all sides.
gDggggTTTgDDDDDgggggggggggggDDDDDgTTTggggDh
40 hDDggTTTTgDDDDDDgggggggggggDDDDDDgTTTTggDDh Back the design with felt using
hDDgTTTggDDDDDDDgggggggggDDDDDDDggTTTgDDh
hDDggggDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDggggDDh either glue or small stitches to
hDDDDDDDDDDDDDhhhghghhhDDDDDDDDDDDDDh
hhhggghhhggghhhhggghhhhggghhhggghhh hold it in place. Stitch a brooch
hhghhhhhghhhhhhghhhhhhghhhhhghh
t back on the back in the centre.

Cheryl McKinnon

10 20 30 40
t
TTTTTTTTT
TTTToooooooTTTT t
ttxxTTToooooooooooooTTT tttt
txxxTooooooooooooooooTTT tttt
DMC Anchor Madeira ttxxxoooooooooooooooDDDDDDDDtxxxxx
xxxxxxxxtttxxoooooooooxxxxxxDDDDDDDDDDxxx
Cross stitch in two strands xxtxxxxxttxxooooooooooxxxxDDDDgDDDDDDxxx
xtttxxDDDDDDDDDDDooooxxDDDDDgDDgDDDDxxx
xxttDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDoxxDDgDDDhDgDDDD
xxttDDDgDDDDDggDDDDDDoDDDDgDDDDDDDDD
1157 120 907* 10
xxtDDggDDDDDDDgDDgDDoDDDDDgDDggDDDDD
TTxxDDDDDDggDDDDgDggDDDDgDDDDDDDDgDDD
317
3 400 1714 ToooDDDDgDgDDhgDgDggDDDDgDDDDDDDDgDDD
TToooDDDggDgDDDgDgDDgDDDDDgDDgggDgDDDDT
TooooDDDgDDDDDDDDgDDgDDooDDDDDDDDDDDDoT
794
7 117 907* TooDDDDDgDhhhhhhDDDDDDohhhhhhDDDDDDDDxT
ToooDgDDDDhhhhhhhhhDDDhhhhgggghtttDDDDxTT
ToooDDgDDhhhhggggghhDhhhggggggghtttxxxxoT
3716 025
3 606 ToooDDgDDhhhggggggghhhggggDDggghtttxxxxoT
20 TooooDDghhhhgggggggghggggDDDDggghttoooxoT
3831 1006 507 ToooxtDDhhhggggggggggggggDgDDggghttoooooT
t

TooxxtDDhhhgggggggggggggggggDggghtooooooT
ToxxtttDhhhggggggggggggggggggggghoooooooT
3832 028
3 506 ToottttthhhhgggggggggggggggggggghoooooooT
xxxxxxtthhhhggggggggggggggggxxxxxxoooooTT
xxxxxttthhhhgggggggggggxxxxxxxxxxxooooT
E168 Light Effects TxxxtxxxhhhhhgggggggxxxxxxxxTxxxxxooooT
TxxxttxxxhhhhhgggxxxxxxxxxxxTxxxxxoooTT
Backstitch in two strands xxxttxtttthhhhxxxxxxTxxxxxxxhxxxxxoooT
30 xxxtttxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxTxxxxxxhxxxxxoooT
TooxxxxxxxxxxTxxxxxhxxxxxxxxxxxxtxxxxx
TToxxxxTxxxxTxxxxxxxhxxxxxxxxxxxtxxxx
E168 Light Effects ToxxxxTxxxxhxxxxxxxxxxxhotttttxtxxx
outlines, details TTxxxxhxxxxxhxxxxxxggghoottxxxtttxx
Txxxxhxxxxxxxxxggggghoootttxxxttxxx
Backstitch in one strand xxxxxxxxxxxhhhgggghooooxxtttttxxxxx
xxxxxxxooohhhhgghooooooooTT
TToooooooohhhhhooooooooTT
TTTooooooohhhoooooooTTT
317 400 1714 40 TTToooooohooooooTTT
TTTToooooooTTTT
outlines, details TTTTTTTTT
t
3831 1006 507
flowers

Maria Diaz
*See ‘The Key’ on page 79.

74 www.crossstitchermag.com
 10 20 30 40
t
DDDDDDDDD
DDDDtttttttttDDD
DDtttttttxtxxtttttDDD
DDttttttttxxxxxxtttttttDD
DttxxxtttttxDxxDxtttttttttD
DtxxxxxxttttxDDDDxttxxxxxxxxD
DtxxxxxxxxttttDDDDtxxxxxxxxxxxD
DttxxxxxxxxxxttxDDxxxxxxxxxxxxxtD
DtxxxxxxxxxxxxxttDDtxxxxxxxxxxxxxtD
10 DttxxxxxxxxxxxxxxtDDxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxtD
DttxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxDDxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxttD
DttxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxttD
DttxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxttD
DttxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxttD
DttxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxtttD
DttxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxDxxxxxxxxxxxxtttD
DttxxxxxxxxDDxDDDxxxxxxxDDDDDxxxxxxxxxxxttD
DttxxxxxxxxDxDDDxDDxDDDxDDDxDDDDxxxxxxxxxxttD
DttxxxxxxxDDxDDDxDDDDDDDDxDxDxxDDxxxxxxxxxttD
20 DttxxxxxxxDDxDDDxDDDggggDxDxDxDxDxxxxxxxxxttD
DttxxxxxxxDDxDDDxDDDghhgDxDxDxxDDDxxxxxxxxttD
DttxxxxxxxDDxDDDxDDDghhgDxDxDxDDDDxxxxxxxxttD

t
t

DttxxxxxxxDDxDDxxxxDDggDDxxDDxxxxDxxxxxxxxttD
DttxxxxxxxxDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDxDDDxxxxxxxxxttD
DttxxxxxxxxxxxDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDxxxxxxxxxtttD
DttxxxxxxxxxxxxDxDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDxxxxxxxxxtttD
DtttxxxxxxxxxxxDxDxDggggDxDDxDDxxxxxxxxxxtttD
DtttxxxxxxxxxxxDxDxDghhgDxDDxDDxxxxxxxxxxtttD
DtttxxxxxxxxxDDxxxDghhgDxDDxDxxxxxxxxxxttttD
The brooch back
30 DttttxxxxxxxxxDDDxDDggDDxxxxDxxxxxxxxxxtttD
DttttxxxxxxxxxDxDxDDDDDDDDDDxxxxxxxxxtttttD
DttttxxxxxxxxDDxxDxDDDDDDDxxxxxxxxxtttttD
DtttttxxxxxxxxDDDDxxDDDxxxxxxxxxxxttttttD
and plastic aida
DtttttxxxxxxxxDDxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxttttttD
DtttttttxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxtttttttD
DtttttttxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxtttttttD
DttttttttxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxttttttttD
our designers used
40
DttttttttxxxxxxxxxxxxxxtttttttttD
DttttttttxxxxxxxxxxxttttttttttD
DtttttttttxxxxxxttttttttttttD
in these projects
DttttttttttxxtttttttttttttD
DDtttttttttxxttttttttttDD
DDtttttttxxttttttttDD
DDDttttxxtttttDDD
are both available
DDDDDDDDDDD
t from www.
Amanda Butler
willowfabrics.com

SEE YOUR WORK HERE!

If you would like to take the challenge, post
your stitching on our Facebook page and
we will then pin it on our Stitching Challenge
board on Pinterest... so get designing!
April issue 407 challenge:
Please create a design for a leatherette style
black stitchable bracelet/cuff as available to buy
from www.willowfabrics.com. The stitchable
area of this bracelet is 46 x 9 stitches.

Materials and rules:

• Black stitchable bracelet
• Max. stitch count: 46 x 9 stitches
• Seven shades of DMC stranded cotton:
Snow White (B5200), Medium Melon (703),
Waterfall Blue (3811), Medium Turquoise (597),
Medium Burnt Orange (946), Medium Apricot
(606) & Black (310)

Although this challenge is just for fun, please

make sure the design is your own work.

www.crossstitchermag.com 75
Prize crossword
Across Down
1 Fertile spot in the desert (5) 1 Complex rule in football (7)
8 Latin motto meaning ‘seize 2 Dessert of thin pastry rolled
the day’ (5,4) up round a fruit filling (7)
9 Shocked (7) 3 Baked treat, part of a Cream
10 Cooker (5) Tea (5)
11 Profound (4) 4 --- Pitt, Hollywood actor (4)
12 Variety of French mustard (5) 5 Tightness of a stitch (7)
17 Romantic partner (5) 6 Aviator (5)
18 Cross stitch fabric (4) 7 Traffic light colour (5)
22 Warning sound (5) 13 Dancing on ---, TV show (3)
23 Type of cheese (7) 14 Violent column of whirling
24 Stitch usually used in making air (7)
flower patterns (4,5) 15 High bridge with series of
25 Silky fabric (5) arches (7)
16 Continue (5,2)
19 Sacred song (5)
20 Reward (5)
21 Samuel ---, 17th century
diarist (5)
23 Stylish (4)

Winning word clue: A sweet and

sticky term of endearment? (5) SUDOKU
USING logic and a process of elimination, fill the blank
boxes with numbers so that each row, column and 3x3

Win!
box contains the digits 1 to 9 only once.

HOW TO ENTER
COMPLETE the crossword
and rearrange the letters in
the shaded boxes to make up
a winning word. Write your
winning word and ‘Crossword
405’ on the back of a postcard
or stuck-down envelope,
adding your name, address
and email address and post it
to: CrossStitcher, PO Box 172,
Northam, EX39 9DY
Competition open:
28 December 2023
– 22 January 2024
For full terms andconditions, see page 82.

YOUR PRIZE If you are loving our owl on page 20, this beautiful
picture ‘Spirit Guide’ is the fourth of Elaine Serenum’s designs for
Heritage Crafts. With a design size of 21x31cm the kit contains
Zweigart fabric, DMC stranded cottons sorted onto numbered
cards, a needle, clear charts and instructions. It’s available to
order for RRP: £44.95 from hcrafts.com. Issue 403’s winning word: SNOWBALL

76 www.crossstitchermag.com
 STITCH-A-LONG
MINDFULNESS
MANDALA – PART 2

Welcome to our new Stitch-A-Long for 2024. Designer Amanda Butler has created an
amazing ‘Mandala’ SAL – which you can turn into a cushion or use as a wall hanging.
The design is packed with wonderful mindful sayings, which will help you to achieve a
sense of calm by focusing your awareness on the present moment as you make each stitch!

www.crossstitchermag.com 77
STITCH-A-LONG

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
70

80

90

100

110
t

120

130

140

Amanda Butler
150

160

MANDALA SAL THE CHART

EACH square on the chart represents a
In the January issue (404) we gave you single cross stitch. Start from the centre of
the first part of the Mandala, the centre. the design and your fabric. The centre of
This should be stitched in the middle of our charts are indicated by arrows at the
your fabric using the arrows for position. designs’ edges. To find your fabric’s
In this issue, the numbers above and centre, fold it in half and into quarters.
down the left-hand side of the chart have
changed and show the middle left section
of the design. We have also left a small This is the complete key
part of the middle section to help with
the position. Over the coming months the
for the sampler, for you to
numbers will change as we move around buy all the stranded cotton
the design expanding and contracting as
we change position. The complete chart
colours needed for the
is 230 squares wide and deep. entire design at one time

78 www.crossstitchermag.com
 STITCH-A-LONG

THE KEY
ALL THE symbols that appear on the listed next to the chart symbols is the
chart are listed in the key with their thread brand that’s used in the design.
corresponding thread codes beside Similar colour matches are listed
DMC Anchor Madeira them. The key also tells you the alongside it. Where no close match can
Cross stitch in two strands different stitches used in the design. be found, you may have to use a
The closest column of thread codes different brand of thread for that shade.
208 111
2 804 (2)
209 109 803
210
2 108 802 (2)
304 1006
3 509 (2)
307
3 289 104 (3)
310
3 403 black (5)
312 979 1005
334
3 977 1003
445 288
4 103
608 332
6 206 (2)
666 046
6 210 (2)
741
7 304 201 (2)
742
7 303 114 (2)
895 1044
8 1405
899 052
8 505
906 256
9 1411
907
9 255 1410
958 187
95 1114
963 023 608
964 1092
9 1112 (2)
3325 129
3 1002
3326 036 504
B5200 001 white Designed by: Amanda Butler Complete stitch count: 230 high x 230 wide
Backstitch in one strand Complete design size: 42x42cm (161⁄2x161⁄2in) Stitch time: 200 hours (total)
This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric.
310 403 black
outlines, details

801 359 2007

outlines, details HOW TO JOIN OUR STITCH-A-LONG
3865 002 2402 WELCOME TO our stitch-a-long for CROSSSTITCHER PROJECT PACK
outlines, details 2024. To join our Mandala SAL you will If you would like to stitch our Mandala SAL,
need to buy a 60x60cm (24x24in) piece we have a materials pack with everything you
B5200 001 white of 14 count white aida, plus DMC need to get you stitching straight away, and
details
stranded cotton and seed beads in the have it delivered straight to your door!
E3821 Light Effects following quantities – Black (3), Yellow Your materials pack contains:
details
(89), White (287) and Gold (300). The • Sampedro 14 count aida in White
Attach beads with cotton complete design size will be 230 • Skeins of DMC stranded cotton
stitches high x 230 stitches wide, • Skein of DMC Light Effects
black which gives you a finished size of • Seed beads in Black, Yellow, White and Gold
yellow 42x42cm (161⁄2x161⁄2in). • Two gold-plated tapestry needles;
KEEP US POSTED! Why not join size 24 and size 26
white in our special SAL Facebook group at How to order:
gold www.facebook.com/groups/ Go to www.willowfabrics.com to order your
(2) indicates more than one skein is required CrossStitcherSAL to get regular posts project pack at the CrossStitcher reader
and updates from fellow SAL stitchers. price of £57, plus P&P.

www.crossstitchermag.com 79
 BEGINNERS START HERE…
New to cross stitch? Our handy guide will take you through all
the basic techniques and stitches you need to get you started

THE ESSENTIAL KIT YOU’LL NEED TO START STITCHING

FABRICS NEEDLES EMBROIDERY SCISSORS
Aida is the ideal choice for cross stitch For cross stitch you will need a tapestry Embroidery scissors with small sharp points
beginners – it is a block-weave fabric, which needle that has a blunt tip and a large eye. are important for cutting stranded cotton
is divided into squares with a grid of holes. Use size 24 for 14 count or 28 count and unpicking. Use these scissors just for
Each cross stitch is worked over one square. evenweave, and a 26 for 16 count aida or cross stitch, and do not use them to cut
Aida comes in a range of sizes which are 32 count evenweave. Use a sharp fabric. A separate, larger pair should be
called counts. So 14 count means that there embroidery needle for finer details such as used to cut aida and evenweave. Protect
are 14 squares to the inch and this will make backstitching and French knots. A thin the tips from getting damaged between
14 cross stitches. Aida also comes in 16, 18 beading needle is also very useful. uses, and do not use for paper.
and 20 count. The larger the number, the
more stitches to the inch and so the smaller
the design will stitch up.

Evenweave is a woven grid of threads in a

finer count. Each stitch is usually worked
over two threads, so a 28 count evenweave
with each stitch worked over two threads
will mean your stitching will be the same size HOOPS AND FRAMES
as if you stitched on 14 count aida. Fractional STRANDED COTTON Though not absolutely essential, we do
stitches are easier to work on evenweave, Embroidery thread is also called stranded recommend using an embroidery hoop
as there is a central hole so there is no need cotton, or floss in the USA. Each thread or frame to keep an even stitching
to split the block as with aida. length is made up of six strands of cotton tension when you are working on a large
twisted together. The chart key tells you project that is heavily stitched. For cards
Once you are confident try using linen, how many strands you’ll need to stitch with. or small projects it may be easier to
which is produced in some even finer Stranded cotton comes in skeins of 8m, and hand hold the fabric.
counts like 32, 36, 40 and even 56 count. in three main brands – DMC, Anchor and
Madeira – all are divisible and colourfast to
95 degrees.

Start stitching… on aida and… on evenweave

Step 1 Step 2

CUT a 40cm thread length, and thread MAKE a second diagonal stitch to make INSTEAD of taking your needle
your needle with two of the six strands. the cross. You can work a row of half diagonally across a single aida block,
Knot one end and start with a waste cross stitches first, then work back on take your needle diagonally across two
knot (below). Make a diagonal half yourself to complete the stitches. All the evenweave threads, creating a half
cross stitch across a single aida block. top stitches should face the same way. cross stitch as before.

80 www.crossstitchermag.com
STARTING A THREAD FRACTIONALS
1. Away waste knot 2. Loop knot These stitches are great for adding
a bit more detail to your work

Front of fabric Reverse of fabric

KNOT one end of your thread and take it WORKING in two strands makes a loop
down through the front of your fabric, 2cm knot the neatest method. Cut a single
from your starting point.Bring it back up to length of thread, twice as long as normal. START with a quarter stitch, working from
the front of the fabric to make your first Fold in half to create a loop at one end. one corner into the centre (with aida, you’ll
stitch. Begin stitching your design, making Thread your needle with the two tail ends. need to pierce the fabric). Make a quarter
sure you stitch over your starting thread Bring your needle up to the front of your stitch in your second colour, coming up
with each stitch. Once you’re happy that fabric, leaving a small loop of thread on the from the opposite corner and back down
your starting thread is secure, snip off the reverse. Make a half cross stitch, passing the centre. Finish with a half cross stitch.
knot. To secure your thread when you’ve your needle through the loop on the Fractionals are charted either as two
finished stitching, weave it through the reverse, as shown. Pull all the way to secure symbols opposite one another in a square,
back of your stitches. the thread then continue with your stitching. or as a symbol opposite an empty space.

ADDING BACKSTITCH OUTLINES & DETAILS BEADING

Step 1 Step 2 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.

WORK your backstitch once you’ve finished MAKE each backstitch over one thread of
the cross stitch. To secure your thread, fabric on aida and two threads if you work
weave it through the back of your stitches, on evenweave. Follow the chart to see
then bring your needle up to the surface. where to place each one.

FRENCH KNOTS
Step 1 Step 2 WASTE AND
SOLUBLE CANVAS
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.

SOLUBLE CANVAS
BRING your needle up at your starting FEED the needle gently through the
point and wrap your thread once or twice fabric. Try to keep your thread as taut as
around the needle. Use one strand for a possible to prevent the knot becoming
small knot and two for a chunkier knot. Hold loose. Gently pull your thread through to
your thread end firmly and take your needle tighten the knot, so that it sits neatly on
down, ever so slightly away from where you the surface. Keep practising your French
came up. Slide the twisted thread down the knots until you are happy you have
WASTE CANVAS
needle, so it rests on the fabric’s surface. perfected the technique.

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No. 405 February

CONTACT US AT
CrossStitcher Magazine, PO Box 172, Northam, EX39 9DY
When you think of a robin, you immediately think of a Editors Susan and Martin Penny

snowy scene on a Christmas card, but robins are present in Contact: crossstitcher@warnersgroup.co.uk
Commissioning Editor Jenny Dixon
Art Editor Lucille Randall
our gardens in the UK throughout the year, and in my own Operations Editor Lucy Evans
Editorial Assistant Nicole Penny
garden here at the Rectory I can’t even lift my trowel without Photography Martin Penny

a robin appearing by my side. I have DIGITAL

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stitched my robin on 28 count Cashel Contact: sally.stirling@warnersgroup.co.uk
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310 471 ZI
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This publication is printed

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The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or
988 993 publisher. While every care is taken to ensure that the content of the magazine is
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PRIZES FOR YOUR PICS!

Win!
Competitions in issue 405 are open 28 December 2023 – 22 January 2024

WE WOULD love to see

what you stitch when
Magazine established September 1992
taking a break from the ISSN 0966-811X
Christmas preparations. ISSUE 403’S WINNER Next issue on sale 23 January 2024
Everyone who is featured Jackie Rogers gets sorted CrossStitcher magazine is published every 4 weeks.

will receive a mystery on her stitch breaks.

prize! Send your photos “I have my hoop and
to crossstitcher@ pattern on my lap, then I
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In your March DE .1
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Brighter spring days are ahead… ISSUE 406

MARCH 2024

On sale
23 January

Your kit contains everything

you need to make a blue tit
clip bookmark…

Contents subject to change. Overseas gifts may vary.

Inside this month
Spring homestyle: Thanks Mum: floral
SIGN UP TO OUR EMAIL
beautiful blue tits cushion Mother’s Day cards NEWSLETTER FOR EVEN MORE
House proud: Bold & FANTASTIC STITCHING CONTENT!
This little piggy... perfect TURN TO PAGE 7 TO SEE HOW!
pigs alphabet collection bright new home poster

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60
NEW DESIGNS
FOR YOU!

PROJECTS
TO KEEP YOUR
NEEDLE BUSY!
THE BEST CARDS,
GIFTS & MAKES FOR
YOUR HOME

Inside...

Packed with new ideas and designs for you

PLUS Personalised prickly projects are a

breeze with our cacti & succulents alphabet