Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2020 i Cross Stitch Gold

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. “I’ve used deep, rich colours to create a scene full of drama and intensity, bringing the spirit of Flamenco to life in stitches.” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count cream evenweave over two threads of the fabric in 31 shades of cotton and two shades of metallic thread. Cross stitch is in two strands of cotton or metallic, with lots of fractional stitches throughout. Half cross…

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. “This is my idea of a perfect afternoon, right here! It won’t be long before we’re enjoying tea in the garden, and the joy of summer strawberries.” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count white evenweave over two threads of the fabric in 32 shades of cotton. Cross stitch is in two strands of cotton, with lots of fractional stitches throughout. The backstitch is worked in one strand, and French knots also add extra detail in one strand. This project…

Elly-fun Meet Elly, the newest adorable character at Bothy Threads, as she gets into all sorts of fun situations. Here we have her at The Watering Hole (XEL1) and with a Jumbo Bouquet (XEL2) – perfect designs for spring. There are also two summery designs in the series, so look out for these, too. Each kit is worked on 14-count white aida with a finished size of 24x24cm (9½x9½in), and costs £23.49. Elly was created by Simon Taylor Kielty, the artist who brought us the wonderful Bebunni, so it's no surprise that she has already won our hearts! Visit www.bothythreads.com or call 01900 828844 DUTCH DELIGHTS Inspired, no doubt, by the works of Monet and Rembrandt, this meandering river scene takes us past towering windmills and vibrant tulips under a…

Big day out LONDON (DJCS01), Creative World of Crafts, £24.99 What’s in the kit • Colour chart • 14-count white aida • DMC stranded cotton • Tapestry needle Size of finished design 21.5x25.5cm (8½x10in) Stitching this kit This kit is part of a Cityscapes range, which also includes Rome, New York and Paris, all worked in the style of vintage travel posters. Here you’ll find some of the most famous London landmarks, including Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the London Eye. The colour chart is a delight to follow and, since the cross stitch is worked in lots of colour blocks, it’s easy to switch off and relax while stitching. Where to buy Visit www.woolwarehouse.co.uk or call 0800 505 3300 All roads… ROME (RPT-0026), Riolis, £30.09 What’s in the kit…

FIONA BAKER 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…

Get in touch Email: crossstitchgold@immediate.co.uk Write to: Zeena Moolla, Cross Stitch Gold magazine, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST Join us at: facebook.com/crossstitchgold Tweet us: @CrossStitchGold Jewelled beauty In October 2017 I finished cross stitching this beautiful Kingfisher design by Maria Diaz from issue 138, and last December I finally framed it. I love to stitch larger projects of animals and flowers, so Gold is the right place to find great designs. I’ve almost completed the Sunflower Bouquet from issue 130, and will send a picture as soon as I finish! Hennie van der Duim, The Netherlands Zeena: Your kingfisher is beautiful, Hennie. I bet the sunflowers will be just as exquisite. Fantasy finish I just finished this Casting Spells kit by Bothy Threads. I loved every single stitch,…

Dear reader, If you love to get a good deal on your stitching essentials, then look no further than this fantastic offer. Save a huge 50% on the shop price of Cross Stitch Gold and pay just £31.46 for 9 issues. Don’t miss out on this great saving – treat yourself today, or delight a fellow stitcher with a gift subscription. Zeena, Editor, Cross Stitch Gold In every issue of Gold: 8 large designs in every issue The world’s best designers Expert stitching advice and tips…

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. “A beautiful, crisp spring day – in real life or in stitches – is the perfect tonic for me when I need lifting and recharging.” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count ice blue evenweave over two threads of the fabric in 30 shades of cotton. Cross stitch is in two strands of cotton, with lots of fractional stitches throughout. The backstitch is worked in one strand, and French knots also add extra detail in one strand. This project is recommended…

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. “This distressed painted wooden frame adds a lovely finish to my ABC design, and highlights the sunny colours perfectly.” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count white evenweave over two threads of the fabric in 29 shades of cotton. Cross stitch is in two strands of cotton, with lots of fractional stitches throughout. Backstitch defines the design in one strand of black cotton. This sampler is suitable for experienced…

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. “The message of this piece is universal and timeless. It would make a perfect gift for any loving mother, whatever age she and her children may be.” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count white evenweave over two threads of the fabric using 32 shades of stranded cotton. Cross stitch is in two strands of cotton, with fractionals for extra detail. Backstitch is worked…

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. “Who needs an excuse to stitch a cute panda? This is a lovely ‘just because’ project, which is sure to bring cheer to any home.” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count white evenweave over two threads of the fabric in 26 shades of cotton. Cross stitch is in two strands of cotton, with lots of fractional stitches throughout. There is also blended cross stitch using one strand each…

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. Twinkly thread Q I love using different threads for my cross stitch, but just can’t get used to using metallics. I tried to stitch some Christmas decorations and had to give up as I…

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! “This design really comes to life with a coloured background – a soft shade of green sets off the orange and purples beautifully.” Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 25-count moss green evenweave over two threads of the fabric in 32 shades of cotton. Cross stitch is in two strands of cotton, with lots of fractional stitches throughout. The backstitch is worked in both one and…

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. “You simply can’t go wrong with flowers – whether they’re real or stitched! I hope you enjoy creating these pretty blooms for your mum, step-mum, or mother-in-law.” Stitcher’s guide These designs are worked on 28-count white evenweave over two threads of the fabric in 22 shades of cotton. Cross stitch, half cross stitch and fractional stitches are in two strands. Backstitch and Herringbone stitch are in one strand, and French knots in one strand finish off these designs, which are recommended for…