Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2024 i CrossStitcher

Below are my top 5 essentials for when I’m designing for CrossStitcher or for myself… HOOPS Embroidery hoops are an essential for me. They make stitching faster and easier, and many can even be left on to frame the finished piece. PLASTIC CANVAS Plastic canvas is an essential for me. It is really fast and easy to stitch on so it is excellent for when you need to make a special card or gift in a hurry! It is super easy to cut out the shapes (with your sharp scissors). LARGE PROJECT BAG Last one, and this is very important, is a project bag to keep all the bits of a current project together. I am quite an untidy person so being able to put them away together between sessions…

QUAKER SAMPLERS LESLEY WILKINS [Search Press] This book is packed with a wide-ranging collection of Quaker designs. You’ll find 10 traditional and 10 modern samplers, each with a full chart and beautiful photography. The book also includes 180 motifs and medallions, allowing you to create your own unique sampler designs, plus three alphabets for personalising your work in the classic Quaker style. You can also get started on two modern projects – a Quaker motif heart and a pincushion. POMPOMANIA CHRISTINE LEECH [David & Charles] Hands up if you add pom-poms to your cross stitch makes! Pom-poms are really popular right now. You can find them on sweaters, bags, and even keyrings. But instead of a regular pom-pom, why not make a tiny ‘pompomeranian’ puppy, a cute smiley-face emoji, or a spooky…

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… Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 46 high x 46 wide Design size: 8.5x8.5cm (3¼x 3¼in) Stitch time: 3 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Over the year we will be bringing you 12 months to make a Calendar Year. Each month is filled with motifs appropriate for that season Materials • Sampedro White 14 count aida; 14x14cm (5½x5½in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com How to… join our Stitch-A-Long We’re unveiling a new monthly calender which will run from January to December 24. Over the year…

MARCIE FORD I stitched a barn owl sitting on a nest of eggs. It was just over A4 in size. Took me 25 years off and on. (Yes, really!) HELEN SHUTTLEWORTH I started a dolphins design with the intention of gifting it to my mum for her 40th birthday… she turns 65 next week and I finally finished it a couple of months ago! DELEN KERR Holiday Village by Dimensions was my biggest. It was supposed to be on a smaller count fabric, but in those days I only used to stitch on 14 count, so it was a lot bigger than it should have been. Took me about 4-5 months to finish. It is my most loved piece as it was stitched with love. CHRISTINE NAYLOR My Henry VIII…

Georgia who is Mum to two adult children, lives near Newark, Nottingham. She has been cross stitching on and off for about 40 years. She was a teacher for 20 years, specialising in autism, and before that a journalist working for a news agency in London in the 1990’s. “For the last four years I stopped my paid work to be a full-time carer for my mum, now 83, who has Alzheimer’s and mobility problems, before she moved into a care home in January,” explains Georgia. “Now I only work part-time as a personal assistant for a young adult with special needs. So I have a bit more time for my passion which is cross stitching. I literally live, sleep and breathe cross stitch. “As soon as I saw the…

Designed by: Maria Diaz Stitch count: 60 high x 60 wide Design size: 11x11cm (4¼x4¼in) Stitch time: 34 hours These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Paint your embroidery hoop to complement your scene TURN TO PAGE 51 TO LEARN HOW TO MOUNT YOUR WORK IN A HOOP Materials For each design: • Zweigart Ivory 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0264; 28x28cm (11x11in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 26 tapestry needle• Wooden hoop with a 15cm (6in) diameter aperture Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com MORE WAYS TO DISPLAY YOUR STITCHING… Why not stitch both scenes and then display them in matching frames either side of a cloakroom mirror? Mount your stitching in a coaster! You can buy a square coaster from www.willowfabrics.com which would fit a section of…

(2) indicates more than one skein is required With its limited colour palette, for this project you can thread up several needles in the same shade to save time later TURN TO PAGE 100 TO LEARN HOW TO FRAME YOUR PICTURE Materials • Zweigart Platinum 14 count aida; ref: 3706/770; 30x40cm (11¾x15¾in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle• Frame with a 23.5x19.5cm (9¼x7⅝in) aperture• Mount board to fit frame Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 116 high x 90 wide Design size: 21.5x16.5cm (8½x6½in) Stitch time: 31 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. CrossStitcher PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch Suffragette Sisters, we have a materials pack with everything you need to get you stitching right…

Materials • Zweigart Antique White 28 countCashel, ref: 3281/101, 30.5cm (12in) xlength of your table; 15x15cm (6x6in) x 2 for coasters• Backing fabric for the table runner (samesize as your table runner)• Grey felt squares 12x12cm (4¾x4¾in) x 2• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 26 tapestry needle Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 134 high x 139 wide–runner; 55 high x 55 wide – coasters Design size: 24x24.5cm (9½x9⅝in); 9.5 x 9.5cm (3¾x3¾in) Stitch time: 46 hours; 8 hours for each coaster These designs were stitched on 28 count linen over two threads of fabric. If you’d like the full key for one of our alternative colourways (see page 78), please email enquiries@willowfabrics.com and we can send you the key of your choice Make a……

Make a… gingham bag Step 1 CUT your stitched fabric into a 15x15cm (6x6in) square with the initial placed centrally. Step 2 CUT the gingham into the following pieces: • 15x41cm (6x16in) sides outer• 15x43cm (6x21in) sides lining• Two pieces 15x15cm (6x6in) base and outing lining• Two pieces 6x30cm (2½x12in) handles Step 3 USING a 1.5cm (½in) seam allowance and pressing all seams open, place the side outer and the stitched Hardanger right sides facing, and stitch across one short edge. Repeat to make a continuous loop. Step 4 PLACE the fabric base on top of the wadding square and stitch it right sides together to the sides outer along all four sides. Step 5 PLACE the two short ends of the lining sides together, then stitch to the lining…

Designed by: Jenny Barton Stitch count: 50 high x 50 wide Design size: 9x9cm (3½x3½in) Stitch time: 15 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. You could swap the red thread for a different colour to match your stitching space To make this design as useful as it is pretty, frame it in a wooden frame, then screw three 38mm cup hooks into the bottom so you can keep your scissors and other stitching essentials close to hand as you stitch TURN TO PAGE 100 TO LEARN HOW TO FRAME YOUR PICTURE Materials • Zweigart White 28 count Brittney white, ref: 3270/100; 23x23cm (9x9in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 26 tapestry needle• Frame with a 11.5x11.5cm (4½x4½in) aperture• Mount board to fit…

GNOME ALONE SHORT AND sweet – Heritage have two cute gonk card designs for Halloween. Choose from a Gonk Pumpkin Card or Gonk Trick or Treat Card. Each card measures 144x144mm. We think these gonks would be brilliant to add to a plain T-shirt too, using waste canvas! www.hcrafts.com SPOOKY SELECTION GET LITTLE ones stitching for Halloween with these new additions to the Little Stitcher range by Bothy Threads. The spooky pumpkin is worked on 10 count canvas and has a finished size of 10x10cm. The spooky witch is worked on 14 count Winter Blue aida, with a finished design size of 13x16cm or why not choose the spooky bat, worked on 8 count Sky Blue aida with a design size of 19x12cm? All the kits use whole stitches only, make…

Autumn stitching can mean a lot more stitching for many! Cosying up by the fire or in a favourite chair as the nights draw in – what could be more relaxing? Plus, with Halloween, seasonal and even Christmas designs to enjoy – it’s a time that’s rich with stitching possibilities! We chatted to four of our favourite cross stitch designers to find out which aspects of the season they enjoy the most and their favourite motifs, fabrics and threads to use at this special time of year… www.etsy.com/market/stitchrovia What does autumn stitching usually mean to you? Cosying up with a blanket, a good strong cup of tea and being near a radiator makes for the perfect evening of stitching for me. During autumn I usually try to get ahead with…

THE ESSENTIAL KIT YOU’LL NEED TO START STITCHING FABRICS Aida is the ideal choice for cross stitch beginners – it is a block-weave fabric, which is divided into squares with a grid of holes. Each cross stitch is worked over one square. Aida comes in a range of sizes which are called counts. So 14 count means that there are 14 squares to the inch and this will make 14 cross stitches. Aida also comes in 16, 18 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…

Secure your subscription for less and not only will you receive the best cross stitching magazine around, you’ll also get an exclusive kit with each issue! All subscribers, no matter where you are will always receive the exclusive kits. 13 CHART PACKED ISSUES • ENHANCE YOUR SKILLS with our innovative tutorials. • Use our SIMPLE STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS to make thoughtful gifts for your friends and family • DELIGHT IN THE JOY of stitching with this pocket-friendly offer crafted with you in mind. EXCLUSIVE KIT IN EVERY REGULAR ISSUE! bit.ly/CROSA24 SCAN ME *T&Cs: Over £30 saving based on standard cover price of £5.99, in the UK paying by Direct Debit or Continuous Card Payment (CPA). Non-UK savings may vary. 13 issue per year, including exclusive covermount kits. Offer ends 31st December 2024.…

Use glittery evenweave or glitter felt to add extra sparkle to your pumpkin! Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count: 39 high x 105 wide Design size: 7x19cm (2¾x7½in) Stitch time: 8 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Make a… pumpkin pincushion Step 1 CUT a 12.5x21.5cm (5x8½in) piece of of orange evenweave. Stitch five pattern repeats leaving 2.5cm (1in) above and below the stitching. With back seams together and right sides facing, sew up the back seam, so that once joined the start and finish of the stitching will be touching. Step 2 TURN your pumpkin to the right side, and then make a row of running stitches 1.25cm (½in) up from the bottom edge. Gather up, with the cut fabric edges…

Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 25 high x 103 wide Design size: 4.5x19cm (1½x7½in) Stitch time: 9 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. *See ‘The Key’ on page 125. Make a… paint tin Step 1 STITCH the design using two strands for the cross stitch and one for the backstitch. Step 2 SHAPE the wadding so that it fits the top of the paint tin lid. Use double-sided tape to hold it in place. Cut the stitched aida so that it fits over the wadded lid, and down over the sides of the lid a short distance. Step 3 STICK a length of double-sided tape around on the top edge of the lid side. Place the stitching over the wadded lid, and stretch it down…

Use shiny beads for the spider’s eyes Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count: 30 high x 30 wide Design size: 5.5x5.5cm (2¼x2¼in) Stitch time: 4 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials • Zweigart Black 14 count aida, ref: 03706/0720; 16.5x16.5cm (6½x6½in)• DMC Light Effects as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle• White Flexi Hoop; 7.5cm (3in)• White and grey felt circle; 7.5cm (3in) diameter Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com HALLOWEEN HINT The apparently white thread is hiding a secret, it glows in the dark! Add a clever twist to your Halloween stitching by including some sections worked in glow-in-the-dark thread – maybe stitch a skeleton or a cat to make them stand out against the other parts of the design. FACT FILE ★ Glow…

Materials • Zweigart Cream 32 count Murano, ref: 3984/264; 20x15cm (8x6in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 26 tapestry needle• Cream card blank, with an 11x10cm (5½x4in) rectangular aperture• Coloured felt scraps Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com TURN TO PAGE 29 TO LEARN HOW TO MOUNT IN AN APERTURE CARD Make felt leaves by tracing the chart to make a template. Attach to your card using glue or double-sided tape Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 82 high x 40 wide Design size: 12.5x6.5cm (5x2½in) Stitch time: 13 hours This design was stitched on 32 count evenweave over two threads of fabric.…

You could adapt the colour scheme so you can use up spare threads in your stash Designed by: Cheryl McKinnon Stitch count: 70 high x 70 wide Design size: 12.5x12.5cm (4⅞x4⅞in) Stitch time: 9 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials • Zweigart Sand Brittney 28 count, ref 3270/3115; 20x20cm (8x8in) x2• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle• Toy stuffing• 19mm plastic rings x 8 Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Make a… thread organiser Step 1 STITCH each cross stitch using two strands of stranded cotton over two threads of Brittney fabric. The backstitch is worked using one strand over two threads of Brittney. Step 2 PLACE the stitching right-sides together with the second piece of Brittney. Pin,…

Why not add orange pom-pom trim to the outer edge of the hoop to create a fun finish? Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count: 23 high x 30 wide Design size: 4.5x5.5cm (2¼x2⅛in) Stitch time: 8 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials • Zweigart Black 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0720; 18x18cm (7x7in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• DMC Light Effects as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle• Wooden embroidery hoop; 10cm (4in) diameter• Green and dark grey felt circle; 10cm (4in) diameter Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Make a… Wrapped Halloween Hoop Step 1 CUT a circle of dark grey felt using the inner part of the wooden hoop as a guide, using dark grey behind the stitching, and the inside edge of…

Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 70 high x 69 wide Design size: 13x13cm (5x5in) Stitch time: 21 hours This design was stitched 14 count aida fabric. *See ‘The Key’ on page 125. You can easily shorten or lengthen the tape handles on your bag Make a… bag Step 1 FOLD your fabric to create a bag shape. From the fold at the bottom of the bag, count up 30 aida squares, and leave these rows blank. On the next row start cross stitching the bottom of the brown orange and pink spotted sock. The design should be centrally placed between the left and right-hand edges of the fabric. Step 2 TURN over the top edge of the fabric, twice onto the wrong side with a 2cm (3⁄4in) turning each…

(4) indicates more than one skein is required Materials • Fabric Flair Swirl Grey 14 count aida; 50x46cm (19x18in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• DMC Light Effects as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle• Spider and pumpkin charm• Frame with a 36x24cm (14¼x9½in) aperture• Mount board to fit frame Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Designed by: Maria Diaz Stitch count: 172 high x 117 wide Design size: 31.5x21cm (13x8⅞in) Stitch time: 33 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. You could turn your picture into a clock by drilling a hole in the backboard and adding a battery clock movement to the centre of the cobweb. If you do this, leave a block of nine blank aida squares at the centre of the cobweb,…

Designed by: Lesley Teare Stitch count: 43 high x 44 wide Design size: 7.5x7.5cm (3x3in) Stitch time: 6 hours This design was stitched on 28 count linen over two threads of fabric. Add a pretty ribbon to one of the eyelets so you can hang your organiser near where you stitch Make sure you don’t make the holes bigger than your eyelets Make a… thread organiser Step 1 TRIM your stitching 4.5cm (1¾in) outside the stitched design. Cut your backing fabric to the same size. Step 2 PLACE right-sides together and sew all the way round using 1.5cm (½in) seam allowance leaving a gap to turn your stitching the right way. Step 3 TURN right side out and slip stitch the opening closed. Step 4 MARK where you would like…

Fans of Pride & Prejudice will recall the conversation between Elizabeth Bennet and her sister Jane, “Will you tell me how long you have loved him?” “It has been coming on so gradually, that I hardly know when it began. But I believe I must date it from my first seeing his beautiful grounds at Pemberley.” Now you can stitch the beauty of Mr Darcy’s house and its grounds for yourself! Designed by: Amanda Butler Stitch count: 180 high x 120 wide Design size: 34x21.5cm (13⅜x8½in) Stitch time: 106 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials • Sampedro White 14 count aida; 60x50cm (23½x19½in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle• Bee charm x 2• Pastel Lemon seed beads• Frame with a…

Prize crossword Across 1 The Lord of the ---, J.R.R. Tolkien trilogy (5) 4 Cargo (7) 8 Neither (3) 9 Flat (9) 10 Perfect (5) 12 Someone who avoids work or effort (7) 15 French cake? (6) 17 Become more communicative (4,2) 20 Unit of sound measurement (7) 23 Cold dish (5) 25 Come from a particular time or place (9) 26 Sign of the Zodiac (3) 27 Cross stitch involving stitching one whole stitch at a time (7) 28 Light narrow canoe (5) Winning word clue: Night when skeletons have a bone to pick? (9) Down 1 Basic ‘up and down’ stitch (7) 2 Person trained to care for sick people (5) 3 Cloth worn over the shoulders (5) 4 Dreads (5) 5 Additional (5) 6 Small cucumber, often pickled…

Hullo! I often write about mindfulness and positive mental health, so this month I thought that I would talk about something that gives me a supreme boost in mental joy - dogs! Don’t get me wrong; when asked if I’m a dog person or a cat person, the answer is ‘yes’. But there’s something so joyous about dogs and how happy they are to see you. Whether they’re looking for cuddles, to play, to go for a w.a.l.k, or chew up your shoes (or, in the case of a good friend, chew up only left shoes – how their dog knows which is left is beyond us, but it’s a 100% success rate!), their companionship and personality strike a chord deep in many of us. They’re not humanity’s best friend…

ALL THE TRIMMINGS Have you stitched a festive design (or are planning to) to fit a 25cm hoop? If you’d like to add a fabulous finish, why not use this kit to create a gorgeous festive pom-pom wreath to frame it? It’s delivered in a box so it would also make a lovely gift for a stitching friend. Each kit includes an instruction booklet with photos, an unmade rattan 25cm diameter wreath, yarn as shown in the pictures and pom-pom-making tool. www.tabbyandtweed.co.uk DECK THE HALLS Trim your tree using these pretty Christmas Bauble Kit Boxes and Matching Needleminder. Each kit box contains pre-sorted Anchor threads in festive Scandi colours, 14 count plastic aida, red ribbon, red velvet sticky-back fabric, tapestry needle and full charts and assembly instructions. They are available…

Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 180 high x 119 wide Design size: 33.5x22cm (13¼x8⅝in) Stitch time: 52 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. *See ‘The Key’ on page 125. Work on one swatch each evening and you’ll be able to complete your sampler before November! TURN TO PAGE 100 TO LEARN HOW TO FRAME YOUR PICTURE Materials • Sampedro White 14 count aida; 60x50cm (23½x19½in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle• Frame with a 34.5x24cm (13½x9½in) aperture• Mount board to fit frame Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com CrossStitcher PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch Shades of Comfort, we have a materials pack with everything you need to get you stitching right away, and have it delivered to your door! Your materials…

STAR LETTER Purrfect Finish Dear CrossStitcher, when issue number 412 arrived, and as I am a great cat lover, I couldn’t wait to get started on the ‘Having a Ball’ cat tote bag. It was very enjoyable to stitch and I really like working with Sampedro aida. Once the cross stitch was complete, I used cream calico to back the bag and lined it with some black and white cat-themed fabric that I had in my stash. I am delighted with the final product. Thank you once again for producing an excellent magazine and as I am writing this note, issue 413 has just come through the letter box. Best wishes, Zena Massey, Hampshire Sampedro really is such a lovely fabric to work with, isn’t it? Your bag has turned…

Designed by: Sheena Rogers Stitch count: 56 high x 56 wide (each) Design size: 10.5x10.5cm (4¼x4¼in) Stitch time: 15 hours (each) These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Make a… pincushion Step 1 FOLD the fabric both ways to find the centre and start stitching at this point. The cross stitch is worked in two of stranded cotton and the backstitch in one strand. Step 2 PLACE the stitching and the backing fabric right-sides together, and stitch around the edge with a 1.25cm (½in) seam allowance, leaving a small gap on one side for turning. Step 3 TRIM the seam allowance and clip the corners before turning through to the right side. Stuff firmly with toy stuffing, then sew up the gap with small neat stitches. Each pincushion is…

PART 3 *See ‘The Key’ on page 125. Extract the motifs in the border for other projects, such as table linen with decorative edges Designed by: Faye Walsh Stitch count: 139 high x 139 wide Design size: 25.5x25.5cm (10x10in) Stitch time: 36 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials • Sampedro Cream 14 count aida; 46x46cm (18x18in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle• Wooden embroidery hoop; 30.5cm (12in) diameter Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com How to… frame your work in a hoop Step 1 TRIM your stitching and a fabric piece into a circle slightly larger than your hoop. Place the inside hoop beneath the two pieces and the outer hoop on top. Centre and press over your work. Pull taut and…

In the world of embroidery, Jo Butcher has carved a unique niche. Her breathtaking floral embroideries, bursting with colour and texture, are a testament to not just her artistic talent, but also to the healing power of needlework and creativity. We sat down with Jo to chat about her artistic journey, the influence of loss and nature, and the joy of creating. Jo’s love affair with embroidery began with a fascination for the vintage tablecloths of her grandmother’s generation. As a self-taught stitcher, she found she was free of the constraints that some formally taught artists feel bound by. “I realised there were no rules,” she says when speaking of her first forays into embroidery, “I realised I could combine embroidery and other mediums, such as painting the background fabric…

RRP £16.99 £13.59 Witch meets craft in this book of magic-infused cross-stitch patterns by Grace Isobel of Innocent Bones Cross-Stitch, featuring crystals, tarot, astrology, and more, with 34 original designs and step-by-step instructions for all skill levels. WHAT’S INSIDE? • 34 ENCHANTING PATTERNS: Discover playful, mysterious, and bewitching imagery rendered in Grace Isobel’s signature lush colour palettes. • STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS: Perfect for beginners and seasoned pros alike, with clear guidance to master the art of cross-stitch. • MAGICAL THEMES: The Crystals, tarot, astrology, and more to infuse your craft with a touch of the mystical. • TIPS & TRICKS: Empower yourself with expert advice to elevate your stitching skills. SHOP NOW AT bit.ly/EnchantedCrossStitch *This product is subject to availability and priced correctly at the time of publication. Geographic restrictions apply.…

Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 47 high x 48 wide (each) Design size: 8.5x8.5cm (3¼x3¼in) Stitch time: 8 hours (each) These designs were stitched on 28 count linen over two threads of fabric. Materials For each design: • Zweigart Flax Cashel 28 count linen, ref 3281/52;; 17.5x17.5 (7x7in)• Cotton backing fabric 17.5x17.5 (7x7in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle• Toy stuffing• Jute or string for hanging the heart Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Use white linen instead of rustic and a bright ribbon hanger for a more contemporary look – or stitch this in white stranded cotton on a dark-coloured fabric More to make… Here are some more ideas for making up your designs… 1 Matched Set – You could use the three designs to make…

When working on 32 count evenweave fabric, using a laying tool can help make sure your stitches lie flat and neat Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 79 high x 98 wide Design size: 12.5x15.5cm (5x6⅛in) Stitch time: 16 hours This design was stitched on 32 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Zweigart Murano fabric is also available in Mushroom with White Dots Materials • Zweigart Natural Spotted Brown 32 count Murano, ref: 3984/7159; 30x30cm (12x12in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle• Wooden embroidery hoop; 20cm (8in) diameter Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com If you'd like to stitch Forest Friends, we have a pack containing evenweave, DMC stranded cotton and tapestry needles. To order, fill in the form on page 16 or go to www.willowfabrics.com…

THE CHALLENGE • White 14 count aida• 7 shades of DMC stranded cotton (shown above)• Up to three star charms THE RULES • Create a deaign for a Thank You card• The design should be no more than 50 x 40 stitches• Only the materials above can be used• Be as creative as possible! January is often a good time for thank you cards, but what if you need a thank you that’s not related to Christmas? We’ve asked three designers this month to come up with a design for a thank you card. They could only use the materials listed on the left, and the seven shades of stranded cotton we chose for them. They were also allowed to add up to three star charms to their design. Take…

WITH CrossStitcher “Ever since I was a little girl, autumn has been a special time for me – a time spent with my dad going on woodland walks, kicking the fallen leaves in the air, foraging for ripe blackberries to make jam, cracking hazelnuts in our teeth to nibble on. But my most vivid memory is seeing Fly Agaric for the first time… this classic fairytale toadstool with its distinctive red cap and white stalk always takes my breath away… and if I am lucky enough to see one hiding amongst the trees now, I still feel I have found a little bit of magic!” Susan Penny SHOW OFF WHAT OR WHERE YOU STITCH… WE’D love to see what or where you stitch on your break. Send to crossstitcher@warnersgroup.co.uk with…