Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2019 i Cross Stitch Gold

Happy New Year! Brush off the winter blues with our spring issue, which is packed with new ideas and beautiful charts to keep your needle busy. Fresh flowers – what a joy at this time of year. I'm loving the colourful blooms in Lesley Teare's blue tit cushion (p50), Jenny Barton's stunning unicorn project (p28) and the adorable labrador puppy design (p4). Plus we have a pretty pansy draught excluder on page 34, which is the perfect way to bring both colour and warmth to your home. If you're expecting a new family member in 2020, then don't miss our baby keepsake on page 44 to welcome them in style. We also have some stunning Art Deco cards for Valentine's Day on page 60. All this, plus lots of great…

Meet the designer Carol Thornton Watercolour artist Carol sketches and paints her gorgeous works of art before turning them into cross stitch designs. She creates charts for various magazines and has attracted legions of fans who love her distinctive style of artwork, which translates beautifully into cross stitch. “If you like to rise early, you’ll appreciate the stillness of this scene. What a perfect tranquil spot to see the sunrise, right by the water’s edge.” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 14-count white aida in 24 shades of stranded cotton. The cross stitch is worked in two strands of cotton, and there are fractional stitches for extra detail. Backstitch defines the design in one strand of black cotton. This densely stitched project is recommended for experienced stitchers. How to…

Meet the designer Jenny Barton Jenny has been passionate about the creative arts since she was a small child, and went on to study graphic design at university. Soon after, she landed a job as a needlework designer for DMC Creative World, and became a freelance designer a couple of years later. She loves being able to work with cross stitch every day! “Straight out of a fairytale scene, this bewitching creature will be fun to stitch and embellish using metallics and beads.” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count white evenweave over two threads of the fabric in 30 shades of stranded cotton and one of metallic thread. Cross stitch is in two strands of cotton or metallic, with fractionals for extra detail. Backstitch is in both one…

THE EXPERTS JO BENNER Jo is an experienced stitcher and knitter, who writes for several craft magazines. She’s on hand to help with chart queries and stitching know-how, as well as product questions. FIONA BAKER Fiona is the Technical Editor for Cross Stitch Gold and our sister magazines. She is a talented cross stitch designer too, and can answer any of your stitching queries. HEATHER NUGENT Heather is the Charting Editor for Cross Stitch Gold and our sister magazines. With a passion for stitching and sewing, she is here to help with charting and making-up questions. Le petit prince Q My granddaughter is 18 and has been stitching for five years. She has just started university and is studying English Literature. Her favourite book is The Little Prince and I…

Meet the designer Lesley Teare Lesley is an experienced cross stitch designer with a degree in Printed and Woven Textiles, and many years of design experience. She creates designs for a wide range of stitching magazines, and has a range of cross stitch books to her name, too. Lesley lives and works in rural Suffolk, where she enjoys gardening and country walks with her labrador. “It’s always a joy to bring to life the blues, greens and yellows of this particular bird. I love the way she is protectively peering in at the eggs in her nest.” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count pale blue cashel linen over two threads of the fabric in 29 shades of stranded cotton. Cross stitch is in two strands of cotton, with…

Meet the designer Fiona Baker Fiona has always had a passion for art and design from an early age, and loves the creativity in her role as Technical Editor for Cross Stitch Gold, as well as our sister magazines, Cross Stitch Crazy and The World of Cross Stitching. “As well as capturing special moments such a kiss, a dance or an embrace, I wanted my cards to capture the feel of the 1920s, with distinctive lettering and elegant borders.” Stitcher’s guide These designs are worked on 28-count black evenweave over two threads of the fabric in three shades of stranded cotton. Cross stitch is in three strands of cotton, with a few fractionals for extra detail. Backstitch is worked in both one and two strands, while white seed beads add…

Meet the designer Jenny Barton Jenny has been passionate about the creative arts since she was a small child, and went on to study graphic design at university. Soon after, she landed a job as a needlework designer for DMC Creative World, and became a freelance designer a couple of years later. She loves being able to work with cross stitch every day! “Labradors are well loved because they’re such loyal. cute and playful animals. I hope my design manages to capture some of those special qualities.” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count white evenweave over two threads of the fabric in 33 shades of stranded cotton. Cross stitch is in both one and two strands of cotton, with fractionals for detail. Half cross stitch is in two…

Meet the designer Maria Diaz Maria has always had a passion for needlecraft, since learning to sew as a child on her great-grandmother’s Singer machine. After art college she landed a job as a printer, which led to her becoming DMC’s first in-house designer. She is now an independent designer and lives in the Midlands with her two sons, Lincoln and Hudson. “All dressed up for afternoon tea on the terrace, this Victorian lady and her surroundings make an exquisite stitch if you love delicate detail.” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count white evenweave over two threads of the fabric in 36 shades of stranded cotton and one shade of metallic thread. Cross stitch, fractionals and half cross stitch are worked in two strands and backstitch is in…

No prob-llama From Halloween to summer holidays, there’s a llama to stitch for every occasion with Lady Stitchicorn’s cute charts. Motifs in the collection include the Bahama Llama, Pyjama Llama, Count Dracu-Llama, and even a Rainbow Unicorn Llama, each measuring around 5.5x7.5cm (2_x3in) on 14-count aida. These characters are fun to stitch and ideal for making into cards throughout the year. Visit www.ladystitchicorn.etsy.com. We have a set of six PDF Llama charts to give away to 16 winners. See below for entry details £253 in prizes to win! Modern retro Canadian designer Cheryl McKinnon was an artist and fashion designer before finding her passion for creating cross stitch patterns. Her quirky designs are influenced by her love of all things retro, with kitchenalia, typewriters, vintage phones, caravans, Mid Century chairs,…

Mystical beauty Unicorns continue to be popular in cross stitch, and it’s no wonder with stunning designs like this one from Panna’s Golden Series. Legend (F-0804, £37.39) is worked in 36 colours, with an incredible 23 blended colours to create that wow-worthy depth and shading – we’re in awe of those swirling, ethereal pinks and purples! Worked on 14-count white aida, the design uses whole stitches and backstitch only, however, this is a densely stitched project measuring 34x34cm (13¼x13¼in) – a fantastic challenge that will delight any fan of myth and magic. Visit www.panna-stitch.com for stockists WITH LOVE Created with warm colours and simple, stylised motifs, this Scandi Heart Sampler is a joy to stitch, and will grow quickly beneath your needle at just 21x21cm (8¼x8¼in). Hearts, flowers, birds and…

What matters most ALL YOU NEED (021-1746), Janlynn, £9.24 What’s in the kit Black and white chart 14-count white aida Stranded cotton Tapestry needle Size of finished design 13x18cm (5x7in) Stitching this kit When things become too much, it can help to take things back to basics. And the most important thing of all? Love. This is a great project for intermediate stitchers and above. The image of a girl holding her cat is such a sweet one that will appeal to all ages, so you could stitch this for an adult who is feeling overwhelmed, or for a child to instill in them this important message for life. As with all Janlynn kits, the contents are high quality, and the chart a delight to read. Where to buy Visit…

TECHNICAL EDITOR How to read our charts All our charts are printed in both colour and symbols. Each square on a cross stitch chart contains a symbol, and each symbol corresponds with one stitch. The key tells you what thread colour each symbol corresponds to, and how many strands to use for each cross stitch, backstitch or French knot. It also gives you the design's dimensions, to help you cut your fabric to size. The thread numbers listed in the first column of the key refer to the brand that we've used to stitch the design. Conversions for two other brands are given, but they're not always exact equivalents. Avoid mixing more than one brand in the same design. Sometimes you'll need more than one skein of a certain colour,…

Get in touch Email: zeena@cross-stitching.com Write to: Zeena Moolla, Cross Stitch Gold magazine, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST Join us at: facebook.com/crossstitchgold Tweet us: @CrossStitchGold Make a wish This is my latest finish. It’s called Magical Dragon, designed by Joan Elliott, and the chart was free with some fabric I bought ages ago. My friend asked if I could stitch something special for her little adoptive granddaughter to celebrate her adoption, and chose this. I added her name in variegated thread in a darker shade, so it would stand out, but still blend in with the colours of the dragon. The fabric is a hand-dyed one from Chromatic Alchemy and has glitter through it, although you can’t see it too well in the photo! Sue Craig, Fife Zeena:…

GREAT REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE • Save 20% on the shop price when you subscribe • JUST £14.35 for 3 issues plus your tiger kit • 8 large projects in every issue from the UK’s best designers • Convenient UK home delivery at no extra cost! Finished size: 22x8.5cm (8¾x3¼in). This kit uses whole cross stitches & backstitch only. Frame not included. WORTH £25! Dear reader, Take a stitch on the wild side this month with our fantastic subscription offer! Get this majestic tiger stitch kit and save 20% on the shop price, paying just £14.35 every 3 issues. Don’t miss out on this great offer – treat yourself today, or delight a fellow stitcher with a gift subscription. Zeena, Editor, Cross Stitch Gold In every issue of Gold: 8 large…

Meet the designer Amanda Gregory Based in the West Country, Amanda is a talented watercolour artist, cross stitch designer and dressmaker. Her work is suffused with gorgeous colour combinations and a great sense of detail, and her beautiful designs regularly appear in a range of popular cross stitching magazines. “These pansies in shades of pink, purple and yellow, are an instant pick-me-up and a great project to give your home a fresh feel for the new season.” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count white evenweave over two threads of the fabric in 31 shades of stranded cotton. Cross stitch is in two strands of cotton, with fractional stitches for extra detail. Backstitch defines the design in one strand of cotton. This project is recommended for experienced stitchers. How…

Meet the designer Durene Jones Prolific designer Durene Jones creates cross stitch charts for a range of stitching magazines. Her work is well loved for its modern and colourful tone, but she is a versatile designer and can turn her hand to any theme or style. Before starting on her creative cross stitch career, Durene worked as a graphic designer. “I think this teddy scene will perfectly suit both baby girls and boys, and the sweet greeting turns it into a lovely welcome design to hang in the nursery” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count white evenweave over two threads of the fabric in 26 shades of stranded cotton. Cross stitch is in two strands of cotton, with fractionals for extra detail. Backstitch defines the design in both…

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