Love Embroidery Issue 45

One of the best things about the holidays is being able to deck the halls with Christmas treasures. We just love delving into boxes filled with bubble wrap, tissue paper – and all of our fave decorations! Plus, sitting down to stitch in a space that’s filled with fairy lights and tinsel makes our hobby feel all the more magical. This issue, we’re amping up the cosy factor with a covetable collection of stitched, Christmas designs. From a bright festive doorstep (complete with hanging wreath, of course) to a trio of quick-stitch felt trees, to this charming portrait capturing last-minute dashes through the cold to ensure everyone’s presents get to them on time (p32) – it really is the most wonderful time of the year to get stitching……

Hands up if you’re ready to make this your best hand-stitched Christmas yet! We’ve got magical hoops to adorn your walls, chic homewares to impress dinner guests, clever gifts for even the hardest people to buy for on your list and, of course, part 2 of our Cosy Christmas Stitch-along (see p59). Getting things started this issue is Georgie Emery’s timeless festive doorway hoop on p16, which beautifully captures the spirit of the season in thread with its warm colour palette and oodles of decorative details, including the sweet little wreath on its door. And if that’s got you in the mood to stitch up some more festive foliage, then you’re in luck. This issue’s gift is a stunning selection of iron-on, modern greenery designs by illustrator Becki Clark, that…

Hoops of joy Sometimes, less really is more – and we think this beautifully simple, one-word design by Stella Caraman (@WhyKnotStitches) is the perfect example. Scattered Seed Stitch perfectly captures the warm glow of colourful string lights in this joyous, beginner-friendly pattern that we just can’t wait to stitch! It’s one of many stunning Christmas patterns available in Stella’s store. www.etsy.com/uk/shop/WhyKnotStitches It’s showtime The Knitting & Stitching Show Harrogate is back! For festive crafting workshops and Christmas shopping opportunities galore, head to Harrogate Convention Centre from 16-19 November, 2023. Better still, you can grab yourselves discounted tickets by using the code LOVEEMBROIDERYMAG at checkout. But don’t hang about, because this offer expires at 11.59pm on Wednesday 15th November. Get booking! www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com Editor loves  Let’s get one thing straight: no matter…

Template for digital readers on p84 Elegant linens COMBINE STITCHING AND RIC RAC TO CREATE CHIC NAPKIN RINGS FOR YOUR DINNER TABLE Quick-stitch gifts ADD A FLOURISH TO CANDLES USING SIMPLE LINEN WRAPS ADORNED WITH BERRY SPRIGS BECKI CLARK Becki is a talented, multidisciplinary designer based in the New Forest and with over ten years’ experience in the creative industry. She finds inspiration in her surroundings, the changing seasons and the colours that reflect them. When she isn’t roaming with her sausage dog, Reggie, you’ll find Becki teaching workshops on painting and calligraphy, coming up with ideas for her latest book, or in the photo studio styling up new products and projects. www.beckiclark.com Napkin ring MATERIALS • Your gift – Festive Foliage embroidery transfers • Cotton fabric: 15x15cm, light peach…

MATERIALS 🔵Cotton fabric: 25x25cm, peach 🔵DMC Stranded Cotton: 1 skein each of B5200 (bright white), blanc (white), 05 (beige), 436 (brown), 498 (dark red), 562 (green), 598 (blue), 718 (dark pink), 818 (light pink), 832 (golden brown), 890 (dark green), 958 (turquoise), 3688 (pink), 3705 (red), 3815 (teal), 3838 (dark blue), 3840 (light blue), 3847 (dark turquoise) 🔵DMC Metallic Stranded Thread: E3821 (gold) 🔵Embroidery hoop: 18cm diameter 🔵Basic embroidery kit STITCHES USED Backstitch, French Knot, Satin Stitch, Split Stitch, Straight Stitch NOTES 🔵Find the template on p71. 🔵We used Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton Solids in Iced peach. W elcome in a new season of stitching with Georgie Emery’s stunning Christmas doorway hoop. It’s bursting with lots of fun festive details to lose yourself in, such as a colourful pile of…

GARLAND Bow loops and tails: Satin Stitch, dark red, 2 strands Bow centres: Satin Stitch, dark pink, 1 strand Bow shading: Straight Stitch, dark pink, 1 strand Leaves: Satin Stitch, dark green, green, 2 strands Mini baubles: French Knot, metallic gold, 2 strands WREATH Wreath: Straight Stitches, dark green, teal, golden brown, 2 strands DOOR Door fill: Split Stitch, red, 2 strands Door rectangle’s outlines: Split Stitch, dark red, 2 strands Handle and the inner letterbox: Satin Stitch, metallic gold, 1 strand Letterbox outer and handle mark: Satin Stitch, Straight Stitch, golden brown, 2 strands Door frame: Satin Stitch, beige, 2 strands Door surround rectangles: Satin Stitch, white, 2 strands Door surround rectangle frames: Split Stitch, beige, 1 strand Window pattern outline: Split Stitch, white, 2 strands Glass: Satin Stitch,…