The most beautiful designs Stitch your

holiday!

BABY SAMPLER

Must-stitch!
SUMMER
STUNNERS
by Lesley
Teare

CRAFTER'S
ROOM Boost your skills
FRESH HERBS

SHOW ORCHID NATURE

WINNERS! ELEGANCE STUDY
 In this issue…
Designs to stitch
8 Burst of colour – Give your sofa
a pop of summer colour with
Lesley Teare’s gorgeous bouquet
16 Oh baby! – Make Emma
Congdon’s mini baby sampler, with
colour options for boys or girls
18 River king – Recreate a realistic
riverbank scene featuring Durene
Jones’stunning kingfisher
30 Special delivery – Make
someone’s day with our bright
red classic postbox card
33 Pins & needles – Maria Diaz has
dreamt up the ultimate sewing
room for you to enjoy
39 Kitchen garden – A trio of
favourite herbs for you to stitch, in
our exclusive chart from Permin
46 Tranquil temple – The second
picture in our exclusive pair of
serene scenes from Anchor
50 Petals & pages – Enjoy using Abi
Barker’s beautiful allium bookmark
to keep your place in holiday reads
52 Perfect preserves – Top your
jam pots with Jenny Barton’s
deliciously delightful covers!
58 Garden glory – Asters star in the
grand finale of Sheena Rogers’
series of floral pincushions

Stitching Inspiration
4 August Collection – Exciting
news, gorgeous kits, inspiration,
real stitching stories and more
7 Jane Greenoff’s page –
An antique border is next in
Jane’s series, adding an historical
touch to a retro printing tray
26 Stitching holiday memories –
Teresa Lim’s travel embroidery and
Maria Diaz’s guide to creating
charts from your holiday snaps
Giveaways & Offers
24 Subscribe – Save 25% on the
shop price with our fantastic offer
and never miss an issue!
8
50
44 Your letters – Win threads or
fabric vouchers by sharing your
cross stitch stories and pictures
65 Break time! – Relax and enjoy
our crossword. You could win
fabulous Zweigart fabrics

46
66 Crafty ideas – Rebecca Bradshaw
confesses to a long history of jam
making failures – but looks forward
to stitching her own jam pot covers!

39
67 Next month – Enjoy a preview of
our projects for September

Collection Essentials
60 Shopping Collection – Seen
something that’s inspired you?
Find out where you can buy it
61 Back issues and binders –
What do you need to complete
your collection?
62 Stitch basics – Charting editor
Abi Barker’s guide to everything
you need to get started on this

33
month’s projects

2 August 2015
 16

30 Welcome…
If there’s one thing most stitchers I know and myself have
in common, it’s that we all long for a sewing room all to
ourselves. No more cutting out fabric at the kitchen table,
or rummaging for stash in the hallway cupboard (okay, so
maybe that’s just me!) – no, a room that’s just for us. I am
now lucky enough to have a craft room but it’s nothing like
as delicious as the dreamy den Maria Diaz has created for
us this month! I know you’ll find it an especially fun project
to indulge in!
As usual the rest of this issue is packed with treats from
our favourite designers – there’s a whole host of ideas and
projects to see you through summer and beyond. And it’s
here that I must also bid a fond farewell to you, as this is my
final issue as Commissioning Editor. My favourite part of
my time here has, without doubt, been receiving all your
letters and photos of projects you’ve stitched from the
magazine – so a huge thank you to you all!

18
Rebecca Bradshaw
We’d love to feature you on our letters page – email us
at CSC@dennis.co.uk, and sen our best pics!
Joan Elliott
Wedding portra
Make D
d smile wi LIZZIE*KATE
it h great card DESIGNS
s & gifts

58
Mee favou
r
USdesigne

stit ching for

pleasu
Make sure you catch every re! fect
a stree
t to sa
y welco

No.1 for Stitch yourholiday! ATURE me

BIRTHD
AY!
beautiful stitching project
STUDY
stitching Turn snaps into charts in 6 simple steps
from
the
pleasure!
I
water s
edge

in Cross Stitch Collection August 2015 Issue 252

by signing up for a The most beautiful cross stitch designs

JU
LY
20
15
Issu
e 25
BE
S
AD
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1 lu n
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subscription! Not only will hd

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you get 13 issues a year

Baby sampler by Emma Congdon Must stitch!
delivered direct to your SU

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52
25% with our subscription
In
CRAFTER'S DRE FLOspiring
offers – turn to page 24 to he sewing room by Mar
SH RIS !
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August 2 3
August Collection
Be inspired by new kits, great ideas and more from the vibrant stitching world

Layer, Paint, Stitch, www.searchpress.com

Wendy’s inspired by

Drawing with stitches

the natural world
and architecture

We love a stunning craft book, so when
Layer, Paint and Stitch appeared in the
Collection office, we all wanted a look!
Written by textile artist Wendy Dolan
and published by Search Press (www.
searchpress.com), the book is crammed
with gorgeous ideas and imagery.Wendy
told us the concept for the book came from
the Creative Embroidery workshops she
teaches.“Experimenting with different
materials, threads and stitches broadens
the creative experience,” she enthuses.
“I love walking and exploring. Landscapes,
Have fun and
develop new skills
windows, doorways, carvings and crumbly
at a workshop weathered walls all offer wonderful
inspiration, she explains. She enjoys cross
stitch, straight stitch, seeding and “varying
the effects by changing the type, weight and
thickness of the threads.” Wendy also
creates spectacular results on her sewing
machine with just straight stitch, zigzag and
a variety of tensions.
Intrigued? Wendy’s upcoming workshops
include Machine Embroidery Inspired by
Antoni Gaudi, on 22-23 August at Patcham
Community Centre, East Sussex, and
Machine Embroidered Landscapes on
25 August at West Dean College,West
Sussex.To find out more, visit Wendy’s
website at www.wendydolan.co.uk.

FLORAL FLOURISHES
This exquisite little set of notions would make a wonderful gift for a
Beach days
Capture the best of a summer holiday in
stitching friend,but we’re sure you’ll be tempted to keep it for yourself.
The gorgeous Flora and Fauna craft tin is ideal for storing oddments and Britain with these two new kits from
embellishments,and comes already filled t v rflowing with a fat quarter Heritage Crafts. Designed by artist Leslie
of vintage-look floral fabric,a metre of Stones, they’re part of a collection called
pale pink lace ribbon wound around
an old-fashioned wooden dolly
Memories and we think they’re beautifully
peg,and a set of six pretty evocative of days strolling along the
See page 26
buttons,perfect for adding a shore, foraging in rock pools and to find out how
fabulously floral flourish to your gazing out to sea.They’re named to capture
handmade gifts and cards.Each The Shell Collector and Wave your own holiday
tin,complete with contents, memories in
costs £9.99 from www.
Watching and are 5¼x 7½in cross stitch!
oakroomshop (13.5x19cm) each, with lots of lovely
co.uk. Or you subtle shades bringing them to life. Each
can call kit costs £25 and comes with 27HPI
01707 evenweave or 14HPI aida plus DMC
257175
to order.
stranded cottons, a needle, chart and
instructions.To buy any of the kits, call
01889 585666 or visit www.hcrafts.com.

4 August 20
 August Collection

Meet...
Why did you start your blog? In 2008, I just
Find inspiration, giveaways, free happened to see a cross stitch blog on the internet
charts, and WIP reports from and thought‘I could do this!’, so my Happiness is
Cross Stitching blog was born. I wanted patterns to
Lynn B at her Happiness is be available to all the readers of my blog, so started
Cross Stitching blog to design my own. My recent collection is a 2015
calendar set of mini black cats.

Tell us about yourself I love how relaxing cross Anything else you’d like to add? I’m having a
stitching is and get pleasure from seeing those cross lovely time at the moment exchanging stories and
stitches create a picture in front of me. I also love gifts with blogging friends – stitching really is such a
sewing and dressmaking. I recently taught myself to lovely hobby. I’m currently working on a surprise for
make bread and love the smell from the kitchen an unsuspecting blogger – it’s a very detailed project
when it’s freshly baked! I’m also learning all about and is taking me many hours but the feeling I’ll get
digital photography. when I send it to the recipient will truly make my
heart sing!
When did you fall in love with cross stitch?
I remember stitching tiny crosses onto the edge of
some fabric when I was seven – I suppose that was
my first taste of cross stitching.
What sort of things do you most like to stitch?
I can be happy stitching a really detailed large project
and then change to a quick stitch that can be
completed in an evening. Since I started blogging
Lynn’s a bona fide
I tend to have unfinished projects all over my craft
stitch addict!
room! I simply can’t resist starting something new.
What has been your biggest stitching disaster?
I sprained my thumb on my stitching hand when
I had a stitching deadline – my thumb was bandaged
up and quite painful.Another time I was cross
stitching Little House Neighbourhood for my sister
Ann-Marie for Christmas, but slipped with the
scissors and cut right through the linen!
Do you have a piece that you are most proud
of? A Mirabilia design, Spring Queen: it has lots of
Find Lynn and her cross stitching creations at
beads and shading all through the design. It’s in my www.happinessiscrossstitching.blogspot.co.uk
hallway and everyone who sees it comments on it.

3 of the best...
Baby samplers

Toto Sampler, Goldleaf

Needlecraft, £20
We simply can’t resist this
design by Genny Haines,
Noah’s Birth Record, showing her popular Love Baby Girl, Bothy
Dimensions, £26 Toto the Tiger character Threads, £24.99
PIPI G HOT Celebrate a new arrival with a playing with a border of
boat packed with monkeys, blossoms. The design is
How sweet is this tree filled
with baby-themed bits and
We always think a piped cushion cover is a charming finish giraffes, foxes, lions and available as a complete kit bobs? Designed by Kim
for a cross stitched creation.The MakeACushion Cover more! The kit contains that includes 16HPI white Anderson, there’s also a
workshop atThe Makery costs £40.Bring along half a metre pre-sorted threads, 14HPI aida, DMC stranded cotton, version for boys. Worked on
of your chosen fabric (complete with your finished stitching) light blue aida, needle and needle and full alphabet 14HPI aida, it’s embellished
or choose from the Makery’s range,along with a selection of instructions, plus a full and number charts. with sequins, plus satin and
cotton bias binding which is included in the price. alphabet and numbers so you Alternatively you can just get lace flowers and there’s an
Designed for those with some sewing experience,the next can personalise the sampler. the chart for £6.50. Buy the alphabet/number line for
Get yours by emailing kit or chart from www. easy personalisation. Find it
ones are on 2August,2pm-5pm and 10 Sept, 10am-1pm.
groves@stockistenquiries. goldleafneedle work.co.uk at www.bothythreads.com
Find details at www.themakery.co.uk.
co.uk or call 01453 883581. or call 01482 571120. or call 01900 828844.

August 2015 5
 Summer style
Combine a summer saying and vintage
motifs in this gorgeous gift idea from Lesley
Teare.The plump little butterfly purse is
just one of the treats inside our sister
magazine CrossStitcher this month.
Look out for August issue 295 available
from newsagents, supermarkets or from
01795 592 966, dennismags.co.uk/
crossstitcher

P-p-p pick up
a puffin
Did you know that the puffin was recently one of ten
feathered rivals on the shortlist to become Britain’s
national bird? We think he’s leading the way on style, and
attitude! This jazzy specimen is actually based on a
friendly puffin the designer met on Iceland’s Latrabjarg
bird cliffs, but we think he’d feel right at home spending
the summer on British shores. The design is available to
buy for £5.61 from The Stitch Stash,
www.TheStitchStash.etsy.com, and includes a photo of
a completed project and the details of the materials
used, a colour chart of the bird with DMC thread
colour suggestions and hoop, frame,
and fabric details. We want to try stitching him on
sky-blue aida to recreate that completely coastal feel.

Collection’s Colour of the month

We asked Collection’s favourite designers to tell us what thread colour
they couldn’t live without. This month, Joan Elliott…

That’s a hard choice to be sure. I’d have to

say that I love DMC 3746, a beautiful periwinkle colour.
It’s a colour that can take on so many feelings. The freshness of spring,
the mystery of fairy tales, or the depths of the ocean. It’s become a part
of my style as it fits well into many of my fantasy themed designs.
Although I sneak this colour into so many designs, my Iris Fairy is
probably the best example. It’s a colour I like to live with too – it’s a very
special colour in my garden. I love the way it combines with the bright
yellows of other flowers. Something about that combination reminds me
of a brilliant day in the late spring. During the summer I bring it into our
home with lovely bunches of flowers fresh cut from the garden.

6 August 2015
 August Collection

Jane
Greenoff’s
SAMPLER
Printer’s Tray
Collect and enjoy a whole series of
mini vintage designs to fill a
printer’s tray. This month, a
delicious border…

M
y printer’s tray includes just a border
motif and I make no excuses for it!
The strawberry border is still my favourite
sampler border with antique gold acorns coming
a close second. I am not sure why I like these
particular designs so much but I was thrilled to
buy a sampler featuring this border.
The story behind it is a little bit of a mystery
as we do not know exactly when this sampler was
stitched but we know that the stitcher Christina
was born in 1816. I suspect that the mythical bird in
the foreground was taken from a hand-painted Berlin
chart or something similar.
I have adapted Christina’s border and this is the
one I like to use when needing a strawberry border.
Take a look at the original and you’ll see it makes the
border turn the corner differently each time. You can,
of course, alter the colourway to create different
berries if preferred.

Try a strip of
strawberry border
to sit in your
printer’s tray (send
for yours below) in
colours from your
stash.Stitched on
28HPI linen,its
75x11 stitches will
measure 13.6cm
long x 2cm wide.

START YOUR OWN PRINTER’S TRAY! To help you to stitch and collect all the motifs in
your own printer’s tray, Jane has put together a special treat of the tray itself (31cm
square), plus either Cashel 28HPI tea-dyed linen or 14HPI option, two gold-plated
needles and pre-sorted threads. This special CSC Printer’s Tray Pack costs £89.99,
plus £3.50 post & packing from www.thecrossstitchguild.com

About Jane Greenoff

Founder of the Cross Stitch Guild,Jane has been designing cross stitch for
n her at classes, events and stitching holidays or twice a month on Create and Craft TV.
To find out more, visit the website or call for details: www.thecrossstitchguild.com
 Freephone (UK callers): 0800 328 9750  (from outside UK): +44 (0)1285 713678

August 2015 7
Burst of colour

Backstitching needn't be boring black – Lesley has kept the brightness

of her design by using a dark pink to outline the flowers and grey for the butterfly.

Burst
Meet the designer...

Lesley Teare
This beautiful selection of

of colour
flowers includes poppies,
sunflowers, dahlias,
cosmos and daisies to
mention a few, and with the
addition of a beautiful Red
Admiral butterfly fluttering
in the corner of the design,
I hope it will be a pleasure Add a pop of colour to your
to stitch. sofa with Lesley Teare’s stunning
The glorious colours of
this bouquet will brighten floral display for summer
any room and will be

especially good to look at
as the night’s draw in and
autumn approaches.
I really do love gardening
and l like to grow plenty of
annuals for bedding out
each year.
This spring I had a new
cold frame which made it
easier for growing on the
seedlings and I now have
pink cosmos, rudbeckia
and sunflowers that make
a lovely colourful display
in my garden.
B
right, bold and in full bloom! For the perfect summer
bouquet look no further than Lesley Teare’s striking
display of vibrant flowers, including poppies, dahlias and
rudbeckias. Displayed in a vase, for maximum impact Lesley has
chosen flowers that have bright orange or pink petals, with white
and purple varieties added for extra interest. This floral display is
so magnificent that it needs to be put on show where every visitor
can see it – so mounting it on a cushion cover is a great idea. Work
from one flower to the next as this with help with counting and you
can have fun ‘growing’ a new flower with each stitching session.
Get your thread organisers ready, as the design is packed with
different thread shades, and a little preparation before you start
stitching will save you heaps of time later on. ³

8 August 2015
Summer blooms that
will stay fresh as a
daisy long after
summer has ended
Burst of colour

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80
t

90

100

10 August 2015
 Burst of colour

t 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150

August 2015 11
Burst of colour

110

120

130

140

150

160

Burst of colour
DMC Anchor Madeira Colour DMC Anchor Madeira Colour
Cross stitch in two strands Cross stitch in two strands
00 White 002 2402 White xx 3806 055 0701 Light pink
~~ 164 240 1209 Light grass green pp 3822 295 0112 Dark yellow
&& 166 279 1308 Lime green @@ 3837 111 0713 Light purple
ff 169 399 1802 Light grey
:: 310 403 2400 Black Cross stitch in one strand
hh 347 1025 0407 Dark red TT *3024 391 1901 Pale grey
SS 350 011 0213 Light red
dd 413 236 1713 Dark grey Backstitch in one strand
EE 435 365 2010 Light brown *413 236 1713 Dark grey
mm 550 101 0714 Dark purple butterfly
BB 612 832 2108 Fawn *703 238 1307 Light green
gg 702 226 1306 Dark green pot
%% 703 238 1307 Light green 917 089 0706 Very dark pink
tt 718 088 0707 Dark pink all other outlines and details
$$ 721 324 0308 Dark orange
KK 742 303 0114 Light orange French knots in one strand
nn 772 259 1604 Pale green *413 236 1713 Dark grey
UU 938 381 2005 Dark brown flower centres, butterfly
FF 987 244 1403 Med grass green 741 304 0203 Medium orange
II 3024 391 1901 Pale grey flower centres
DD 3078 292 0102 Light yellow
ss 3345 268 1406 Dark grass green Stitched using DMC threads on 28HPI linen over two
HH 3716 025 0606 Very light pink threads
ee 3805 062 0702 Medium pink Stitch count 162x155 Design area 11½x11in (29x28cm)

12 August 2015
 Burst of colour

© Lesely Teare
t

Collection makes...
PERFECT MATCH If you'd prefer to frame
your design as a picture, you can choose a neutral
colour such as the pale blue we've used here, or go
for one of the brighter pinks or oranges featured in
the design for a really vibrant finishing touch.

BIRTHDAY BUTTERFLY Looking for a quick

card to stitch for a firend's birthday? The Red
Admiral stitched on its own and mounted in an
aperture card would make a beautiful way to say
many happy returns.

PICK OF THE BUNCH Any of the flowers

could be worked individually for another project –
how about featuring the poppy on a pincushion?

August 2015 13
Burst of colour
Stitching your cushion
You will need...
28HPI linen (or 14HPI aida), white, Zweigart Cashel,
Ref: 3281/100, 18x18in (45x45cm)
Stranded cotton as listed in the key
Cotton fabric 14x34in (36x86cm), white for
backing and piping
Piping cord 70in (180cm)
Zip 16in (41cm), white
Cushion pad 17x17in (45x45cm)
Sewing kit – usual essentials including
matching thread
Turn to page 60 for hints and tips!
Stitching the design
FOLD the linen in half both ways to find the centre
and start stitching at this point.
There are a lot of similar shades of green so it will
be helpful if you pre-sort your threads onto an
organiser before you being stitching. All of the cross
Our stitcher says... Linen is the
perfect fabric for this design as it
features plenty of fractional stitches
14 August 2015
stitch of the main design is worked using cross stitch
in two strands. Part of the ground area beneath the
vase is worked in cross stitch but using one strand of
pale grey to create a shadow effect.
Adding the details
FINISH working all the cross stitch, then you can add
the backstitch details using one strand of stranded
cotton: dark grey for the butterfly, light green for the
vase and very dark pink for the remainder of the
outlines and details.
Finally, add the French knots using one strand of
dark grey and medium orange for the flower centres
and dark grey for the butterfly.
Sewing the cushion
SET a ½in (1.5cm) seam allowance throughout when
sewing your cushion pieces together.
1
COMPLETE all the stitching, then trim your linen
to 17x17in (43x43cm) with the stitching placed on
it centrally.
2
CUT the white backing fabric into:
Back: two pieces 9x17in (23x43cm)
Piping strip: three strips 1½x34in (4x86cm)
3
JOIN the short ends of the piping strips right
sides together to make one long length. Fold the
strip in half lengthways with wrong sides together.
Place the piping cord inside and tack the fabric strip
together close to the piping cord.
4
PLACE the covered cord right sides together
round the edge of the stitched linen matching raw
edges. Start and finish at the centre of the lower edge
and tack into place. You will have to cut and join the
two short ends of the fabric and cord to fit exactly
when you have tacked it all the way round.
5
PUT the two backing pieces of fabric right sides
together and stitch a 1in (2.5cm) seam at either
end of the longer side. Insert the zip in the gap
between these two seams.
6
LAY the cushion front and back right sides
together, making sure the piping strip is pushed
to the inside and stitch all the way round as close to
the piping cord as you can. Undo the zip a little.
7
TURN the cushion cover right sides out, press
and put the cushion pad inside to complete.
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
0 10 20 30 t 40 50 60 70
0

DAINTY 10

MAKES
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pick out 20

motifs to use on
a matching gift –
you can buy
ready-to-stitch
30
items such as
baby bibs from
www.sewandso.co.uk
t

t
40

50

© Emma Congdon
60

70

You will need... Oh baby!

DMC Anchor Madeira Colour DMC Anchor Madeira Colour
28HPI evenweave (or 14HPI aida), Cross stitch in two strands Cross stitch in two strands
white, Zweigart Brittney, Ref: For both a boy and a girl: For a boy:
3270/100, 13x13in (33x33cm) 168 234 1804 Light grey 598 1062 1111 L turquoise
Stranded cotton as listed in the key 169 399 1802 Dark grey 972 298 0107 Light orange
310 403 2400 Black 807 168 1108 D turquoise
Frame with a 6x6in (15x15cm)
444 291 0105 Bright yellow 947 330 0205 Dark orange
aperture, white painted wood 680 901 2210 Brown
Backstitch in two strands for both:
Turn to page 64 for full stitching 741 304 0203 Med orange
*310 403 2400 Black
instructions and alphabet chart. 996 433 1103 Bright blue
teddy bear
3854 313 2301 Dull orange

Our stitcher For a girl:

550 101 0714 Dark purple
Backstitch in two strands for a girl:
*550 101 0714 Dark purple

says... It's a real 553

603
098
055
0712
0701
Light purple
Medium pink
all outlines and details for a girl

Backstitch in two strands for a boy:

timesaver to thread 605 1094 0613 Light pink *820 134 0914 Dark blue
959 186 1113 Teal
up several needles 602 057 0702 Dark pink
all other outlines and details for a boy

with the different 907

For a boy:
255 1410 Lime green Stitched using DMC threads on 28HPI
evenweave over two threads

colours you'll need 820 134

798 142
0914
0911
Dark blue
Medium blue
Stitch count 75x74
Design area 5½x5¼in (14x13.5cm)
before you start 3755 140 1013 Light blue *indicates colour is listed earlier in the key

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh baby! Welcome a little one into the world with Emma Congdon’s
oh-so-sweet sampler worked in bold, bright colours

D on't know what the latest

addition to your family is going
to be? Fear not, this baby sampler design
can be worked in blue for a boy or pink for
a girl, so you can be prepared for either
eventuality! Check the key to see which
colour threads you'll need to use – you
can also turn to page 64 for a step-
by-step guide to stitching these designs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
River king

Working on linen gives a luxurious finish and also makes the detailed
backstitch easy to work, as there's a hole for every fractional stitch.

River
Meet the designer...

Durene Jones

king
I've always liked
kingfishers, probably
because they are brightly
coloured and stand out
from their surroundings,
other birds and animals.
For this design I started by
doing with a lot of research.
I'd decided the kingfisher
Give your home a classic riverside
should be surrounded by
other elements, so I had to view with Durene Jones’ stunning
look up river plants, as well
portrait of the kingfisher
as the insects and even the
fish, to make sure that they

N
were right.
The trickiest part was ature lovers are always given a thrill if they can spot a
getting the kingfisher's eye flash of blue and orange when next to a river, as they
and beak just right! I also know they’ve spied one of Britain’s most exotic looking birds, the
spent lots of time choosing
kingfisher. One of the British public’s top ten favourite birds
the right blue tones of
according to a recent poll, kingfishers have such an iconic look,
thread to show off his
which Durene Jones has managed to capture in cross stitch
feathers. I hope you'll
enjoy the whole chart –
beautifully. Durene’s kingfisher is sat perched on a branch among

although it looks like a
complex design, it's
straightforward to stitch,
so should be an enjoyable,
stress-free project.
bulrushes, worked in sepia tones to contrast with the brilliance of
the kingfisher’s plumage. Then to complete the design, Durene
has surrounded the kingfisher with more flora and fauna from the
riverbank and even added some sweet little sticklebacks in the
reeds! With so many different elements to tackle this is a lovely
design to lose yourself in during the summer evenings. ³

18 August 2015
Our kingfisher sits jewel-like
against the subtle background
 0 10 20 30 40
River king 0

10

20
River king
DMC Anchor Madeira Colour
Cross stitch in two strands
00 White 002 2402 White (2)
%% 166 279 1308 Dark lime green 30

mm 310 403 2400 Black

dd 317 400 1714 Dark grey
ee 318 235 1802 Light grey
DD 445 288 0103 Lt bright yellow
40
xx 642 392 1903 Dark taupe
HH 644 391 1814 Light taupe
hh 700 228 1304 Dark green
SS 702 226 1306 Medium green
&& 704 255 1308 Light green 50
kk 721 324 0308 Dark orange
nn 722 323 0307 Light orange
pp 725 305 0108 Yellow
BB 741 304 0203 Bright orange
TT 762 234 1804 Pale grey 60
UU 797 132 0912 Medium blue
gg 798 142 0911 Light blue
tt 920 1004 0312 Russet
FF 959 186 1113 Aqua
t

== 973 290 0105 Dk bright yellow 70

ss 995 410 1102 Dk electric blue
ff 996 433 1105 Lt electric blue
:: 3787 1041 1811 Brown grey
II 3819 278 2703 Light lime green
80
@@ 3843 1089 1103 Med electric blue
~~ 3866 926 1901 Off white

Backstitch in one strand

*310 403 2400 Black
90
eye, beak
*317 400 1714 Dark grey
beak, middle section plants
820 134 0914 Dark blue
kingfisher feathers 100
*920 1004 0312 Russet
kingfisher feathers
3031 905 2003 Brown
all other outlines and details
110
French knots in one strand
*White 002 2402 White
eyes

Stitched using DMC threads on 28HPI evenweave over 120

two threads
Stitch count 138x137
Design area 9¾x9¾in (25x25cm)
*indicates colour is listed earlier in the key
130
(2) indicates more than one skein required

20 August 2015
50 60 70
t 80 90 100 110 120 130
xxxx

t
© Durene Jones

t
River king

Sort your
thread colours
before working
the kingfisher's
feathers – this
design features
seven different
shades of blue!

Stitching your picture

You will need...
28HPI evenweave (or 14HPI aida), off white,
Zweigart Brittney, 18x18in (46x46cm)
Stranded cotton as listed in the key
Frame with a 10¾x9¾in (27x25cm)
aperture, white wood
Turn to page 60 for hints and tips!
Stitching the design
FOLD your fabric in half both ways and start stitching
from this point to ensure you work the design centrally
on the fabric. It’s best to work one element at a time
before moving on to the next to make sure you position
each one correctly and to make stitching the design
more achievable by breaking it down into smaller
sections like this.
Work all the cross stitch in two strands over two
threads of the evenweave fabric. Take a close look at
the chart and key before you begin stitching to make
sure you identify each thread colour with its symbol.
Some of the colour shades are fairly similar so do take
care to select the correct one each time.
Adding the details
FINISH working all the cross stitch and then you can

Our stitcher says... I loved working add the backstitch details using one strand. There are
five different colours used so make sure you refer to

on this design right from the start! the chart and key for their exact positioning. The
backstitch is quite intricate in places but as long as
As I worked the picture seemed you work slowly and carefully, constantly referring to

to come alive. I loved the vibrant the chart then you will be able to stitch it accurately.
Finally add the gleam in the kingfisher’s eye as a
colours so much – it’s wonderful! French knot using one strand of white.

22 August 2015
 Hanoi, Vietnam

Old Town, Prague

China Town, Singapore

Stitching
your holiday
memories
What does any keen crafter do when they don’t
have a camera on holiday? Stitch their snaps, of
course! We’re taking our inspiration from illustrator
and textile designer, Teresa Lim… and having a go
at designing our own with Maria Diaz

S titcher, traveller, illustrator and textile

designer, Teresa Lim, is pushing the
boundaries of craft, fusing her three
passions; illustrations, embroidery and surface pattern
design, to create her unique style. And when she found
herself without her camera on holiday, she reached for
her stitching stash. This small (and arguably quirky)
move led her to creating her next body of work.
“It started out when I was on holiday in Perth”, she
tells us.“There was a beautiful sunset but my phone
ran out of battery, so I couldn't snap a photo to
remember the scene. I was gutted but then
I remembered that I did have my craft supplies on me,
so I thought I should just try to stitch the scene as
quickly as possible before the sun went down.
“That was the start of what I call my ‘Sew
Wanderlust’ journey. After the first one, I realised I
really enjoyed the process and I kept doing it.”
Rather impressive for someone who only started
stitching two years ago.“I think my first design was just
a simple Pac-man!”Teresa reveals. “I learned basic
embroidery in school, and then I went on to do a
degree in fashion design and textiles. I experimented
and explored more techniques on my own after that.”

26 August 2015
 Near Frankfurt, Germany

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Big Ben, London

Charles Bridge, Prague

Holocaust Memorial,
Berlin

Amsterdam
Teresa finds inspiration everywhere and hopes that
we all have time to slow down and enjoy what’s around
us. “I feel that in this age and time when everything is
so instant and fast thanks to social media and the
internet, that people don't take time to slow down.
I realised that once your life pace slows down, you get
more in tune with nature and you really feel everything.
The wind, the smell of the grass, the sound of coffee
being ground, the colour of the signboard, the cool
touch of the bus railing… basically everything, and it
opens your creativity world up so much more.
“Sometimes if I'm on the bus and I think about
Turn to
find out how
to turn your
something, I sketch or write it down immediately.
holiday snaps
Sometimes how I come up with my ideas, is also into cross
when I need something… like a necklace to match a stitch!
dress. I think, “OK, I'll make it.” Or I need a hairband
because I cut my fringe too short: “OK, I shall make
one.” Then I'll do some sketches and just start making
it. Personally, I don't think planning should actually
take much time.”
You can catch up on Teresa’s amazing creative
journey and her Sew Wanderlust series at her blog:
www.teeteeheehee.com, where she adds to her
stitched landmarks as she travels. ³

August 2015 27
 Here’s how to convert your favourite holiday snap into a simple cross
stitch pattern without the need for a specialist computer program.
We persuaded Maria Diaz to share her designer secrets…

All you’ll
need is...
An HB lead pencil,
black fine nib pen,
tracing paper,
graph paper
and some
colouring pencils.

1 2
Step one
WORK out what size you want your
stitched design to be. For example,
5x3.5in. If you stitch on 14HPI fabric,
you multiply the finished design size
by 14. Your chart will need to be 70x49
squares – let’s round it up to 50! Mark
the size out on a sheet of graph paper
and print out your photo to fit that
area. (If it helps you can mark out the
size the pattern needs to be on your
graph paper, then measure it.)
Step two
PUT your sheet of tracing paper on
top of your photo. Trace the outlines in
your photograph with a pencil,
sticking to the basic shapes. You’ll
need to use pencil, but you’ll see in
the next steps that in my example, I’ve
3
used black pen to help illustrate what
to include. You may wish to add a Step three
couple of texture marks as I have SCRIBBLE on the reverse of your
done to accentuate things like the tracing paper sketch using a pencil to
rocks on the beach. turn the into carbon paper (I use to
love doing this trick back at school!).
Or if you have a light-box, use this to
trace your design instead.

28 August 2015

4 5
Step four
PLACE your sketch over the graph
paper and using a sharp pencil
carefully trace over your drawing to
transfer it.
Step five
CHOOSE your colours. I choose mine
using the rule of three: dark, medium
and light. For this picture I’ve checked
my stranded cotton shade card and
picked out three blues: DMC 775,
3325 and 799. These will be for the
sky, then I add a dark green-blue
(926) for the distant sea and, with a
Stitching holiday memories
Turn your photo into
an original cross stitch
design in just six steps!
little artistic license, a turquoise blue
(597) for the foreground sea.
I’ll add a green shade for the
distant hills (320) and finally three
shades for sand: 613, 3046 and 612.
Next, you can use coloured pencils
to make a key. You cannot always
match the thread shade accurately to
your pencils, but as long as you can
identify the differences between the
colours, that’s all that matters. You
may not use all the shades you’ve
chosen or you may want to add more
once you start colouring.
6
Step six
START to colour the easiest part; here
it’s the sky. Fill in the palest area first,
then you can keep a couple of the
lightest areas unstitched, or use
Blanc. Then shade in the medium and
dark shades. In this design you can
see I’ve also scattered a few stitches
to add texture to the sand and rocks.
Now your chart is ready to use!
August 2015 29
 DOWN
LOAD
your paper from
www.facebook.com/CSCMagazine

Tip...
Finishing touch
Put a piece of white paper
or fabric behind your
stitched design before you

Special
stitch it on the card so the
card mount doesn’t
show through

delivery
For a first class card to show you care, try
Jenny Barton’s brilliant red postbox design
P op the perfect card in the post to a friend and make their day! A card sent through the
post is always more special than an email or a quick phone call. Plus, the thrill of hearing
a bundle of cards landing on the hallway mat on your birthday never fades! Jenny Barton’s
STITCH
design celebrates the tradition of card and letter writing with an old-fashioned postbox – set off
perfectly by the pretty polka dot paper you can download free from our Facebook page. & SEND
You will need... Use this design
to cover an address

2
book instead! Find
28HPI evenweave (or 14HPI aida), blue, Zweigart TRIM your stitched fabric to 5½x3½in a wide variety of
Trento Ref: 3453/5072, 10x8in (25x20cm) (14x9cm) then stick to the front of the card address books at
www.whsmith.co.uk
Stranded cotton as listed in the key (see tip on page opposite).

3
White card 7x10 in (18x25cm) WORK a straight machine stitch all round the
Red spot paper – free to download from fabric ¼in (6mm) in from the edges then
www.facebook.com/CSCMagazine remove two of the outer threads round each
edge for a frayed effect.

Make a patch card

ATTACH your design to your red spot card as a patch,
then fray the edges to finish.

1
0 10 t20 30
DOWNLOAD the red spot paper from our 0 ffffffffffffff
Facebook page. Print out then stick to the fe
ffeeee eee ee ee
sssssssssssssss e f
ff
s@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@s
white card and fold in half to form your card. e
s@@eefffffffffffee@@s
@
efffeeeeeeeee fee@
eee@@ssSSss@@@eee
@@@e@@s ~s@eee@@@
ee @@@@@@@@@ @ @
10 fe@mmmmmmmmmms@ e

Special delivery fe@mmmmmmmmmms@ e

fe@m0 0000000 ms@ e
fe 00 000000sss@ e
00 000000e e@@e e
DMC Anchor Madeira Colour 00 0 000S ~eeef e
Cross stitch in two strands 00 0 000S ~Tffff e
0

0
00 0 00 S ~T0ffff e
0
0
00000 0S~T00ffxf e
00 White 002 2402 White 00000e f~T000ffxf e
20 00eefT0000ffff e
mm 310 403 2400 Black eeeeef00000ffff e
eeefff00000ffff e
SS 318 235 1801 Medium grey eefffffffffffff e
eefffffffffffff e
@@ 321 047 0510 Dark red eefffff xffffff e
eeffffx fxffff e
ff 350 011 0213 Light red eefff ff xfff e
eeffffff ffff e
xx 351 010 0214 Very light red eefff ffffffffee
30 eefff ff x ee
~~ 415 398 1802 Light grey eefffeeffff ff ee H
eefff fef effeee HH
TT 762 234 1804 Very light grey eeffe ffe xeffeee H
eeffe e ffeee HHH
t

ss 815 044 0513 Very dark red eeffe fff ffeee HHHH
eefffeeefeefffeee HHHHHH
ee 817 013 0211 Medium red eeffffffffffffeee HHHHHHH
eeffffx xefffeee HHHHHHHH
hh 3799 236 1713 Very dark grey eeff f fexffeee HHHHHHHHH
40 eeffe fffx fffeee HHHHHHHHHH
eeeff exef xfeeeeHHHHHHHHHH
eeeffffffffffeeeeHHHHHHHHHHH
Half cross stitch in one strand eeeeeefffffffeeeeHHHHHHHHHHH
HHHHeeeeeeeffffeeeeeeHHHHHHHHHHH
gg 841 1082 1911 Dark sepia H eeeeeeeeeeeee HHHHHHHHH
HH Hmmm eeeeeeeeeee mmmHHHHHHHHH
HH 842 1080 1910 Light sepia HHHmmhhmme eeeee em mmmmmHHHHHHHH
mmmhhhmmmmmmmmmmmhmHHHHHHH
gg ggggmmmmhhmmmmmmmmmmhhmggggggggggg
H mmmmmhhhmmmmmmhhhmmHHHHHHH
Backstitch in one strand 50 HHHHH mmmmmhhhhhmmmhhhmmmHHHHH
mmmhmmhhhhmmmhhmmmmHHH
*White 002 2402 White
© Jenny Barton

H mmmhmmhhhhhmmhhmmmmHH
HHHH mmmmhmmhhhhmmmmmmmmHH H
postbox details HHH mmmmhhmhhmhmhmmmmmmHH
mmmmhhmhmmhmhmmmmmmH HH
413 400 1714 Dark grey mmmmmhhmmmmmmmmmmmm HH
g gggggmmmmmmhmmmmmmmmmmmmggggggggggg
all other outlines and details mmmmmmhhhmmmmmmmm HHHHH HHHg
60 HHH mmmmmmmmhhmmmmmmm HHHH HHg
HHHHHH g mmmmmmmmmmmmm HHH H HHg
HHHH ggHH mmmmmmmmm HHHHHH H Hg
Stitched using DMC threads on 28HPI evenweave over HH gHHHHHH m mmmmmm gHHHHHH Hgg
HH gHHHHHHHHHHHHHggHHHH HHg
two threads gg HHHHHHHHHHHHgHH H g
g HHHHHHHHHg g
Stitch count 68x38 Design area 4¾x2¾in (12x7cm) g HHH g g
g g
*indicates colour is listed earlier in the key t

A
 needles
Pins &
Create your very own dream craft room – Maria Diaz
has the perfect sewing space for you to stitch
 Chart of the month

Meet the designer…

Maria Diaz
his is the sort of
sewing room that
one dreams of. All
pretty fabrics, shelves full
of cute jars filled with lovely
coordinating buttons and
bows – all that’s missing
are Cinderella’s mice. Yes,
since having children this
is very much a fairy tale!
Although I’m lucky enough to have a

“This is the
sort of sewing
room that one
dreams of”
wonderful studio/office, I’ve lost the
ability to keep it tidy, let alone
picture-book pretty. So this is me
indulging in a little fantasy. In my
studio, alongside my Singer sewing
machine I have my son’s drum kit,
suitcases and a box of old photos –
but I can dream. I do hope you have
better luck with your secret sewing
space. Happy stitching!

For updates on Maria’s work, to see pictures of her latest designs and
34 August 2015
 Chart of the month

E ven if you’ve already got a place to sew

at home, or just a crafty corner, we bet
you’d still prefer to be the proud owner of Maria
Diaz’ sumptuous sewing room! Maria has
created the ultimate stitching space – this
charming room includes oodles of fabric and
notions, plus plenty of extra details to give it a
quirky look. From the striped jug of flowers on
the work table, to the bunting hanging from the
shelf – the shabby chic style of this room is just
adorable. As always with Maria’s designs,
there’s just so much detail to enjoy bringing to
life that this is a real stitching treat as well as a
fun challenge. Our stitcher, Laura Boyler, really
enjoyed working on this project, “In a perfect
world we’d all have our own craft room and also
this picture on the wall. I can’t wait to see which
room Maria will tackle next!”

Just like Maria, I can only dream of

owning a sewing room as pretty and
well-organised as this. It’s certainly
given me some ideas and inspiration
for how I can decorate my space at home – I’m going to
rustle up some bunting first. But if you’ve not got a crafty
corner to call your own at home, stitching this picture will be
a sweet reminder of what you’d love to enjoy one day!

Rebecca Bradshaw

to catch up with her blog visit www.mariadiazdesigns.com

August 2015 35
 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 t 70 80 90 100 110 120 130
0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

t
t
 t
t

90

100

110

120

130

140

150

160

© Maria Diaz
 Chart of the month

Stitching
your picture
You will need...
28HPI evenweave (or 14HPI aida), off white,
Zweigart Brittney, Ref: 3270/101, 20x18in (51x46cm)
Stranded cotton as listed in the key
Frame with a 12½x10½in (32x27cm) aperture, oak
Turn to page 60 for hints and tips!
Before starting
WORK the elements in this design individually. This
design has many small elements to it which makes it
really interesting to stitch. It’s best to work one at a
time before moving on to the next one, as this will
help with your counting and you can then divide it up
into smaller stitching sessions.
Our stitcher says... I loved working
on this fabric – its off white colour
Stitching the design
FOLD your fabric in half both ways to find the centre
and start stitching at this point. All the cross stitch is
worked in two strands over two threads of the
evenweave fabric. There are quite a few shades of the
same colour used in the design so it’s best to pre-sort
these to ensure you select the correct one each time.
Adding the details
FINISH working all the cross stitch, then you can add
the backstitch details. These are all worked in one
strand: dark orange for the thread in the sewing
machine and grey for the remainder of the outlines
and details. Finally add the French knots using one

was perfect for a design such as this strand of: white for the bunting, light orange for the
flower and bunting pins and grey for the rest of the
as it features many pastel colours French knots.

Pins & needles

DMC Anchor Madeira Colour DMC Anchor Madeira Colour DMC Anchor Madeira Colour
Cross stitch in two strands Cross stitch in two strands French knots in one strand
White 002 2402 White 961 076 0610 Dark pink *White 002 2402 White
341 117 0901 Lavender 962 075 0609 Medium pink bunting
368 214 1310 Light green 989 242 1401 Medium green *742 303 0114 Light orange
437 362 2012 Dark cream 3072 397 1805 Pale grey flowers, bunting pins
598 1062 1111 Med turquoise 3078 292 0102 Light yellow *844 1041 1810 Grey
646 1040 1812 Green grey 3347 266 1408 Dark green hanging tidy, buttons in jar, reels on shelf
648 231 1814 Silver grey 3716 025 0606 Light pink
738 361 2013 Med cream 3782 388 1906 Taupe
739 366 2014 Light cream 3810 1066 1108 Dark turquoise
742 303 0114 Light orange 3828 373 2103 Light brown
744 301 0112 Dark yellow
797 132 0912 Dark blue Backstitch in one strand
798 142 0911 Medium blue 740 316 0202 Dark orange Stitched using DMC threads on 28HPI
809 130 0909 Light blue sewing machine thread evenweave over two threads
828 9159 1014 Light turquoise *844 1041 1810 Grey Stitch count 168x132
844 1041 1810 Grey all other outlines and details Design area 12x9½in (30x24cm)
869 889 2105 Dark brown *indicates colour is listed earlier in the key

38 August 2015
Kitchen garden
Fill your kitchen with fragrant fresh herbs in pots
with our exclusive design from Permin
Kitchen garden

0 10 20
0

10

20
You'll love working the backstitch details in this picture – each
stitch follows the chart squares so there are no fractionals!

H ere at Cross Stitch Collection, we love growing herbs –

they’re easy to cultivate, smell divine and are a dream
come true for keen cooks. So we naturally adore this pretty trio of
30

herb pots picture from Permin. Featuring three of our favourite

40

t
herbs; sage, chives and lavender we think it makes the perfect
picture to stitch for our kitchen wall – we’re sure you can think of a
corner of your home where it would fit nicely too! Our stitcher,
Aileen Allardyce, says,“This would be the perfect project for 50

anyone new to stitching on linen as there are no fractional stitches

to worry about and it’s very straightforward to complete."
If you’d like to go for a slightly different look, then the herb pots
60
would stitch up well on a pale blue or green linen if you prefer – try
choosing a fabric that will coordinate with your kitchen colours.

70

Our stitcher says... Use a

sharp-ended crewel needle to help
with the backstitching and work in 80

good light as you’re stitching on linen

Kitchen garden
DMC Anchor Madeira Colour DMC Anchor Madeira Colour DMC Anchor Madeira Colour
Cross stitch in two strands Cross stitch in two strands Cross stitch in two strands
CC 319 1044 1313 Very dark green ss 500 683 1705 Dark mint green $$ 3346 267 1407 Dark leaf green
tt 333 119 0903 Dark purple gg 501 878 1704 Med mint green EE 3347 266 1408 Med leaf green
pp 340 118 0902 Medium purple ff 502 877 1703 Light mint green ~~ 3348 264 1409 Light leaf green
@@ 367 216 1312 Dark green nn 644 391 1814 Light green grey hh 3687 068 0604 Dark pink
ee 368 214 1310 Medium green FF 646 1040 1812 Dark green grey && 3688 075 0605 Medium pink
TT 369 1043 1309 Light green DD 648 231 1709 Silver grey xx 3689 049 0607 Light pink
dd 434 310 2009 Dark brown II 738 361 2013 Cream 00 3747 120 0901 Light purple
%% 435 365 2010 Medium brown BB 3326 036 0813 Dusty pink SS 3790 903 1905 Sepia
== 436 363 2011 Light brown mm 3345 268 1406 V dark leaf green HH 3813 875 1701 Sage green

40 August 2015
 Kitchen garden

30 40 50
t 60 70 80 90 100

t
© Permin

DMC Anchor Madeira Colour DMC Anchor Madeira Colour

Backstitch in one strand Backstitch in one strand
309 042 0507 Red *367 216 1312 Dark green
sage chives
*319 1044 1313 Very dark green *434 310 2009 Dark brown
all other outlines and details pots
327 101 0805 Violet *500 683 1705 Dark mint green Stitched using DMC threads on 28HPI linen
chives lavender over two threads
*333 119 0903 Dark purple *3345 268 1406 V dark leaf green Stitch count 82x102
lavender sage Design area 5¾tx7¼in (15x18.5cm)
*indicates colour is listed earlier in the key

August 2015 41
Kitchen garden

Tip...
Perfect placement
We have framed our design
so there is the same space
around it at the sides and
lower edge but a little extra at
the top. By not framing it
centrally, it gives the
design space to
‘breathe’!

Stitching your picture

You will need... Work all the cross stitch in two strands over two

28HPI linen (or 14HPI aida), off white, Permin linen threads of the linen fabric. Take a close look at the

Ref: 076-101 14x15in (36x38cm)
Stranded cotton as listed in the key
Frame with a 7¼x8¼in (18x21cm) aperture,
limed wood
Turn to page 60 for hints and tips!
Stitching the design
Fold your fabric in half both ways and start stitching
from this point to ensure you work the design
centrally on the fabric.
chart and key before you begin stitching to make sure
you identify each thread colour with its symbol. The
shades of green are fairly similar so do take care to
select the correct one each time.
Adding the details
FINISH working all the cross stitch before adding
the backstitch details using one strand. There are
eight different colours used so make sure you refer
carefully to the chart and key for the exact positioning
of each one.

Get the kit! This design is

part of a larger design available
as kit 12-4146. The kit is
stitched on 16HPI ivory aida,
Permin Ref: 355/120.
Fabric for the stitched piece
supplied by Michael Whittaker
Fabrics, call 7983 020189 (free
call-back service) to find your
nearest stockist of kits and
fabric and visit www.permin.
dk/uk to see the full range.

42 August 2015
START YOUR FREE
TRIAL TODAY*

JEWISH
RECORDS
JUNE 2015 ISSUE 157
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FIND FOREBEARS
JUNE 2015

IN THE MASONS
Delve into this famous
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Your letters
Every letter we print wins a great thread prize from

Write to Cross Stitch Collection at CSC@dennis.co.uk with your stitching stories

Mini marvel
This is the wonderful Maria Diaz
‘Friends....’ project I’ve just completed. I
loved stitching it but challenged myself
by stitching it over one on 30HPI white
opalescent fabric using DMC threads. I
used my scissors and a thread bobbin
next to it to show you the scale.
Dora France, by email
Collection says: We really are in awe of
anyone with the patience (and eyesight!)
to complete a mini marvel like this. The
original made quite a big card. If our
maths is correct, your design must only
be 2½in square!

Dora takes up the

mini challenge!
Anu combines her
cross stitch skills
with patchwork
Wedding cars
Mix & match crafts This is the sampler I completed for my
son’s lovely friends Claire and Phill. They
I am a subscriber from New Delhi, India, and am writing in to are both owners of a Delorean car as
show you my adaptation of one of the card designs by Angela featured in the Back to the Future films.
Poole (issue 213). I combined my two passions of cross Beverley Bardill, by email
stitching and patchwork to make a cushion for my friend on Collection says: Truly one of a kind!
her birthday. Hope you like it! We’ve never seen a wedding sampler
Anu Anil, by email, by email quite like this before. Great attention to
Collection says: Hurrah for cross-over crafts! Your patchwork detail Beverley!
skills make an amazing border for the cross stitch design.
We’re inspired to have a go ourselves!

Beverley’s futuristic wedding gift

It’s so easy to get in touch! Email us at csc@dennis.co.uk

44 August 2015

“I challenged myself by stitching it
over one on 30HPI fabric!”
In black & white
These are for sure amongst my
favourite projects. I first made the
design of Pope John Paul II with the
black background as a gift for my
mother. Then I decided to stitch it once
again for myself but with a white
background. The result is very different!
It was a hard and long work, but I am
very satisfied with the result – they
both seem like photos. Hope you
will like them.
Sara Lignin, by email
Collection says: We love trying things on
different background fabrics. You’re
right Sara, the difference is striking and
well worth the effort!
Sara’s two
studies
Write to us...
We love to hear about your
stitching projects and to see
the end results!
If you’d like to inspire other readers
with your story, please send us a an
email, along with a photo of your
project to:
csc@dennis.co.uk
Please make sure that your photo is
well-lit and a reasonable size (ideally
1mb or larger) so that we can show
off your stitching to its full glory!
Happy stitching!
The Collection Team
It’s so easy to get in touch! Email us at csc@dennis.co.uk
Deer stitching
I have stitched these sweet animals
several times, especially the little field
mouse as I think he’s very cute. This
time they were made into coasters as a
thank you present for an animal-loving
Moira’s gift
friend who, like me, lives of wildlife
in the countryside and is lucky enough
to see all of these animals on a regular
basis. (For some reason I have a young
deer who loves to stand under my
washing line in the early morning.)
Moira Mclean, by email
Collection says: The coasters are a
gorgeous gift. We wouldn’t get much
stitching done if we lived where you do,
Moira. We’d be glued to the windows to
catch a glimpse of the deer!
Hollywood st le
Here’s my cross stitch
portrait of Audrey
Hepburn. I have
produced the cross
stitch for a friend
named Tracy as
requested. The
project took two to
three months to comp e e, wor ing a
an hour or two at a time during evening
craft clubs I attend. I truly love the cross
stitch because I have captured Audrey
Hepburn’s beautiful, glamorous pose
taken from the movie, Breakfast at
Tiffany’s. She looks stunning.
Tom Brealey, Derbyshire
Collection says: It’s a wonderfully glam
project, Tom! It must have been quite
tricky working in close dark shades.
Write to us
Your say…
OUR LUCKY WINNERS
receive a fabulous Willow
£10 gift voucher from Fabrics
Willow Fabrics are your one stop shop for top brands like
Zweigart, Anchor and Kreinik, with a constantly updated range
of products and offers. Call Willow Fabrics on  0800 0567811
or visit www.willowfabrics.com to sample the huge range of
quality materials available.
What’s happening on Facebook?
We asked… what are your
favourite kinds of designs to stitch?
“I prefer not to do backstitching if I can help it but I like
to mix designs to make my own.” Claire Murray
“Pretty much anything. I will admit the one thing I will
not stitch is a project that is just flowers. To me that is
not challenging enough. But to each their own... lol.”
Sumer Scoggins
“I like big designs, pictures, definitely not small cutsie
stuff.” Anna Draganska
“Larger, artistic pictures always attract me. Heirloom-
type pieces. I like to think my work will be worth
keeping. Maybe why I’m also a quilter.” Victoria Nino
“Christmas decorations and biscornus.” Val Dempster
“I love vintage, especially people, also anything that has
sewing machines.” Iris B Curbelo-Vasquez
Looking for an old chart?
Let our readers help you!
I have misplaced my copy of Cross Stitch Collection July
1998. I can only find my Monet’s Garden chart but it is
well worn which makes it almost impossible to see the
symbols on the chart to complete my cross stitch which I
started some years ago. Does anyone have an original
copy of the Japanese bridge over the waterlily pond in
Monet’s Garden as I would truly love to be able to finish
this project at my late stage of life? I adore Monet’s
paintings and I went to see his collection of paintings
when it came here to Melbourne at the Art Centre.
(Mrs) Helena Shannon, Danitrimble72@gmail.com
I’ve been looking for a pattern from your March 2006
issue, and have been having trouble finding it (not
surprising, since it’s 9 years old). Is it possible anyone has
a back issue from that long ago, or perhaps just the single
pattern I’m looking for? It was The Owl and the Pussycat.
Kate Kostilnik-Hill, katekostilnik@yahoo.com
Offer your stitching tips at
our Facebook page
http://on.fb.me/CSCollection
Everyone’s
a WINNER!
THE WRITER OF OUR STAR LETTER willreceive
a gorgeouspackofthreadsfromAnchor orth
£20! Thewritersofeveryotherletterweprint will
fromAnchor worth£10.
VisitAnchor’swebsite at:
www.makeitcoats.com
for FREE crafting projects every month.
August 2015 45
Tranquil temple

lranquil
temple
Enjoy working Anchor's serene temple scene
and take the time to unwind while you stitch

W elcome to the second part of our pair of serene

scenes from Anchor. Last month we featured an
oriental pagoda with peonies – see page 48 for details of how
Stitching
your picture
to get hold of the issue if you missed it. This month we head to
central Asia for a silhouette of a traditional Indian temple,
framed by a branch of beautiful orchids. As with its companion You will need...
picture, this design shows how varying your stitches can be 28HPI evenweave (or 14HPI aida), white, Zweigart

very effective. Working half stitches softens the background Brittney Ref: 3270/100, 15x15in (38x38cm)
Stranded cotton as listed in the key
and keeps the building in silhouette while the orchids are much
Frame with a 7½x7½in (19x19cm) outer dimension
more detailed, with plenty of shades of pink used for a realistic Felt 7½x7½in (19x19cm), for backing
look. Organise your threads on to a sorter before you start so Turn to page 60 for hints and tips!
you can then simply concentrate on enjoying every stitch.
Planning ahead
PLAN ahead before you start stitching. Take a close
look at the chart, key and photograph to decide in
which order you are going to stitch. It’s best to start
More fabulous designs from stitching from the centre or count outwards from
here to make sure you position the design correctly
Yumezakura on the fabric. Work all the background area first
Ref: 5678000-01145,
RRP £53 which leaves the temple showing through as a
silhouette. Then stitch the flowers afterwards as they
are more dominant and sit above the background
area so the cross stitches and back stitches may
overlap it slightly.
Geishas
Ref: 5678000-01025, Stitching the design
RRP £57.80
WORK all the stitching over two threads of the
For stockists, visit www.makeitcoats.com evenweave fabric. The design is worked in cross stitch ³

46 August 2015
 The pale green
background
complements the
orchids perfectly
Tranquil temple

with some areas worked in one strand and others in 0

0
two strands to create a three dimensional
appearance so do refer carefully to the chart and key
to select the correct number of strands each time.

Adding the backstitch 10

and French knots
FINISH working all the cross stitch, then you can add
the backstitch and long stitch details. These are all
worked in one strand over two threads of the fabric.
There are eight different colours used so make sure
you follow the key for the exact details for each.
PART ONE
We featured Anchor's pagoda and
20

peonies picture in our July 251

Framing your picture issue. To order a back issue call
ASK to your framer for a flat, plain wooden frame 0844 844 0053 or visit dennis. 30
about 1in (2.5cm) deep and get them to cut it to the subscribeonline.co.uk/Back-Issues
dimensions given in the shopping list. The sizes
stated are the outer dimensions of the frame; for this
stretched canvas effect the outside size is the most
important one. Ask the framer to cut some white 40
mount board to fit exactly over the finished frame.

1
STICK the mount board on top of the frame with

t
double-sided tape.

2
PLACE your stitching centrally over that. Push 50
pins through the fabric edge and into the board.

3
PUT double-sided tape over the back of the
frame and stretch the fabric tightly round to the
back and stick into place. Fold the corners neatly so 60
you have a 90° angle at the edges.

4
STITCH the felt over the frame's back. Sew a
small curtain ring to the back's top for hanging.

70

Tranquil temple
Anchor Colour Anchor Colour Anchor Colour
Cross stitch in two strands Cross stitch in one strand Backstitch/long stitch in
~~ 001 Bright white ss *087 Medium pink one strand
80
hh 062 Rose pink xx *095 Lilac 088 Dark pink
KK 085 Very light pink II *103 Pale pink petals
FF 086 Light pink TT 213 Light green 089 Very dark pink
mm 087 Medium pink %% 214 Medium green petals, centres
HH 095 Lilac gg *215 Dark green 1029 Garnet
nn 103 Pale pink centres 90
@@ 215 Dark green Backstitch/long stitch in 1086 Dark sepia
&& 301 Yellow one strand branches/stems
UU 871 Mauve *001 Bright white
pp 1082 Light sepia centres
tt 1084 Medium sepia 065 Magenta Stitched using Anchor threads on
buds, petals 28HPI evenweave over two threads
Cross stitch in one strand *086 Light pink Stitch count 92x92
00 *001 Bright white petal details Design area 6½x6½in (16.5x16.5cm)
ff *085 Very light pink *087 Medium pink *indicates colour is listed earlier in
ee *086 Light pink buds, petals the key

48 August 2015
 Tranquil temple

10 20 30 40 t 50 60 70 80 90

t
© Anchor

Our stitcher says... The backstitching really brings

the orchids to life, so its worth taking the time to
ensure every single stitch is placed correctly

August 2015 49
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DAINTY
A lliums are often referred to as the ‘fireworks’ of the garden, with their bursts of pink
and purple petals in a characteristic globe shape. This bookmark by Abigail Barker
makes a pretty way to mark your place in your latest summer read. Working this delicate
design on 28HPI linen not only gives your bookmark a lovely soft and luxurious finish, but is
MAKES also easier to use when working the fractional stitches. The design also uses backstitching to
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

bring the texture of the flower heads to life – careful counting here will pay off later!
Add a tassel
to your bookmark!
You can buy a
multi-pack to use
for this bookmark You will need... 0
0 t10 20
and other future
projects from 28HPI linen (or 14HPI aida), light rustic, Zweigart
www.tasselsfactory.co.uk Cashel, Ref: 3281/52, 12x6in (30x15cm)
Stranded cotton as listed in the key
Check fabric 2¾x2¾in (7x7cm)
10
Felt for backing 8x1¾in (20x4.5cm)
Sewing kit – usual essentials including
matching thread

Make a bookmark 20

BACK your stitched linen with felt and add a

coordinating check fabric border at the base to
make a beautiful bookmark.

1
TRIM your stitched linen ½in (1.5cm) outside 30
the left side and lower edge and 1in (2.5cm)
outside the right side and top edge.

2
PLACE the check fabric right sides together
along the bottom edge and stitch right up to
the cross stitch stems. Press the seam open. 40

3
t

t
TURN all four edges of the joined fabric over
½in (1.5cm) to the wrong side and then press
to secure in place.

4
PLACE the felt over the back of your bookmark 50
and then use coordinating cotton thread to slip
stitch in place to complete.

Petals & pages 60

Anchor DMC Madeira Colour Anchor DMC Madeira Colour
Cross stitch in two strands Backstitch in one strand
mm 102 550 2709 V d purple *102 550 2709 V d purple
00 108 210 0802 Lilac main allium
© Abigail Barker

~~ 109 209 2711 L purple *111 3837 0804 D purple 70

SS 110 208 2710 M purple small alliums
hh 111 3837 0804 D purple
HH 206 966 1210 L green Stitched using Anchor threads on
xx 208 564 1207 M green 28HPI linen over two threads
tt 211 562 1206 D green Stitch count 84x20
80
Design area 6x1½in (15x4cm)
*indicates colour is listed earlier in
the key t

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Petals
& pages
Take a leaf from Abigail
Barker’s book and stitch her
pretty allium page marker

Our
stitcher says...
I love this project as it
makes a great way to
use up a fabric scrap
from your stash – any
pattern will do as long
as the colour works
with the design

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Weekend workbox

Keep your
stitching neat
and tidy on the
back – it won't
be on show but
you don't want
any lumps or
bumps spoiling
the finish of
your covers

Perfect
preserves
For preserves worthy of a country show, make
Jenny Barton’s delicious looking jam jar covers

W e’re heading into jam making

season so we know you’re going to
love stitching these charming jam pot covers by
Jenny Barton. Each design is a mini work of art,
elevating your homemade jams into

Transform a
plain jam jar into
something special
extra-special presents for friends and family.
Or perhaps you’re keen to sell your own jams or
show them at a country fair? Pop one of these
on your pots to give them a prize-winning
finishing touch!

52 August 2015
 Collection
makes...
FRUITS OF THE
SEASON Create a
seasonal display by
framing each of these
designs in a mini
wooden hoop and
hanging them together.

Are you
SERVING
SUGGESTION

stitching this?
Pick out individual
fruits to stitch on
to napkins, for a
Share your pics and beautifully coordinated
breakfast table!
stitching stories at LUXURY LABEL
www.facebook.com/ No time to stitch the
full designs? Work just
CSCMagazine a couple of fruits and
the lettering and attach
to a card label, tied on
to the jar with ribbon.
 Stitching
your covers
You will need...
32HPI evenweave (or 16HPI aida), off white,
Zweigart Murano, Ref: 3984/101, 10x10in (25x25cm)
Stranded cotton as listed in the key
Elastic cord white 15in (38cm)
Ribbon and charms
Sewing kit – usual essentials including
matching thread
Turn to page 60 for hints and tips!

Stitching the designs

FOLD your fabric in half to find the centre and start
stitching at this point. All the cross stitch is worked in
two strands of stranded cotton over two threads of
the evenweave fabric.
Finish working all the cross stitch, then add the
backstitch details. These are all worked using one

Our stitcher says... This is a very practical project and I loved it

– the jam jar covers are so pretty and beautifully designed!
0 10 20 30 40 strand. Take care to work the backstitch accurately as
0
it is very detailed but really brings the designs alive.

Making a jam jar cover

TURN your stitching into a pretty cover that’s
10 elasticated to fit snugly on your jam pot.

1
MEASURE the diameter of your jam jar lid
then add 3in (7.5cm) to this for the frill. Draw a
circle to this diameter on paper and cut it out to make
a template.
t

20

2
PLACE your circle template centrally over your
stitched fabric and draw round it in pencil.

3
TAKE some sewing cotton to match the design
© Jenny Barton

and use it to work a zigzag stitch along this drawn

30 line all the way round. For the satin stitch effect we
have created, set your machine's zigzag stitch so the
stitches are very close together.

4
CUT right up to the zigzag stitching but taking
care not to actually cut the stitches.

54 August 2015
 Perfect preserves 0
0 10 20 30 40
DMC Anchor Madeira Colour
Cross stitch in two strands
00 White 002 2402 White
mm 310 403 2400 Black
ee 315 1019 0810 Light maroon
hh 317 400 1714 Dark grey 10
SS 350 011 0213 Medium red
TT 352 009 0303 Light red
tt 469 267 1503 Dark green
ff 470 266 1502 Light green

t
&& 725 305 0108 Yellow
20
@@ 817 013 0211 Dark red
gg 840 1084 1912 Brown
ss 902 897 0601 Dark maroon
927 849 1708 Petrol blue

© Jenny Barton
xx

~~ 928 274 1709 Pale petrol blue

KK 3052 844 1509 Light sage green 30
HH 3727 1016 2610 Pink

Backstitch in one strand

154 102 0714 Purple
plums, lettering
*310 403 2400 Black
blackberries, lettering
414 235 1801 Light grey
white flowers
498 1005 0511 Ruby
strawberries, raspberries, lettering
3051 845 1508 Dark sage green
all other outlines and details

Stitched using DMC threads on 32HPI evenweave over

two threads
Max stitch count 40x40 Design area2½x2½in (6x6cm)
*indicates colour is listed earlier in the key

5
DRAW another circle on the wrong side of
your fabric circle, 1¼in (3cm) inside it, all the
way round.

6
THREAD the cord elastic through a large eyed
needle and sew along the inner circle using a
running stitch.

7
PUT your jam jar cover over your jam jar then pull
the ends of the elastic so it fits snugly round the
lid and tie the two ends in a knot. Weave the ends
under a few of the elastic stitches on the back then
snip off.

8
TIE ribbon round your jam jar cover to decorate
and add a charm too, attached along one of the
ribbon ends, if you like.

Seal your jam jars properly before adding the

covers and always use sterilised jars. Pick up
jars and wax paper seals from www.lakeland.co.uk

August 2015 55
Weekend workbox

0
0 10 20 30 40
Perfect preserves
DMC Anchor Madeira Colour
Cross stitch in two strands
00 White 002 2402 White
mm 310 403 2400 Black
ee 315 1019 0810 Light maroon
10 hh 317 400 1714 Dark grey
SS 350 011 0213 Medium red
TT 352 009 0303 Light red
tt 469 267 1503 Dark green
ff 470 266 1502 Light green
t

t
&& 725 305 0108 Yellow
20
@@ 817 013 0211 Dark red
gg 840 1084 1912 Brown
ss 902 897 0601 Dark maroon
927 849 1708 Petrol blue

© Jenny Barton
xx

~~ 928 274 1709 Pale petrol blue

30 KK 3052 844 1509 Light sage green
HH 3727 1016 2610 Pink

Backstitch in one strand

154 102 0714 Purple
plums, lettering
*310 403 2400 Black
blackberries, lettering
414 235 1801 Light grey
white flowers
498 1005 0511 Ruby
strawberries, raspberries, lettering
3051 845 1508 Dark sage green
all other outlines and details

Stitched using DMC threads on 32HPI evenweave over

two threads
Max stitch count 40x40 Design area2½x2½in (6x6cm)
*indicates colour is listed earlier in the key

Edge your jam pot covers any way you choose!

We've gone for a very effective zigzag stitch border,
but you could trim them with pinking shears instead

56 August 2015
 Charming idea
We bought our strawberry
and blackberry charms from
Pixiehats. They sell a variety
of charms and we chose the
0 10 20 30 40
0 medium-sized strawberries
and blackberries which cost
£2.50 for a pack of five, plus
p&p. To order visit
www.pixiehats.com
10

20
© Jenny Barton

30

40

August 2015 57
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DAINTY W e've come to the final pincushion in Sheena Rogers' series of designs based on birth
flowers and stones. We hope you've enjoyed stitching them us much as we've loved
seeing what new creation Sheena has come up with each month! Here, Sheena has combined

MAKES September's two birth flowers, the morning glory and aster in a bright and cheerful design. These
flowers seem natural companions when it comes to their meanings; with the morning glory said to
symbolise powerful love and the aster representing affection! Sheena has also added a sapphire
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stitch more border.As September's birth stone, sapphire is well known for its deep blue colour, but did you
of September's
motifs with also know that in the Middle Ages the gem was believed to protect those close to you?
Sheena's
matching mini

You will need...

cushion kit!
Measuring just
5¾in square,

Making your pincushion

Sheena Rogers'
kits cost £13.99. 14HPI aida (or 28HPI evenweave),
You can find them white, 8x8in (20x20cm) Finish stitching your flower design, then follow
online at:
www.sheenarogers
Stranded cotton as listed in the key these steps to make your September pincushion:

1
designs.co.uk Fabric backing 6x6in (15x15cm) CUT your aida 1in (2.5cm) around the
Soft toy filling stitching. Lay right sides together on top of
the backing fabric, pinning them together.

2
SEW the two pieces together along the edge

Our stitcher says... I've loved of the stitching around three sides and 1in
(1.5cm) either end of the fourth side.

this series of pincushions. I think

3
TRIM all four edges of both the aida and
backing fabric to about ¼in (6mm) outside
the full set of designs would work the seam, then snip off the corners.

well together as one picture, with a

4
TURN the pincushion right sides out and
stuff with the soft toy filling. Sew up the
white border between each design opening to finish.

Garden glory 0
0 10 20 t 30 40
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CTffTTfffTTTTTT&mTTTffffT&TT&&mTffffTTTm&TTTTTTfffTTffTC
50

DMC Anchor Madeira Colour CfTffffp&&&&T&&&mTTffffTTm&TT&mTTffffTTm&&&T&&&&pffffTfC

Cffffppffmmm&&mmTTfppfffTm&T&mTTfffppfTTmm&&mmmffppffffC

Cross stitch in two strands CTffffffTTT&&mTm&&&ffpfffTm&&mTfffpff&&&mTm&&TTTffffffTC

CTfpfTTTT&&mmTTTmmTfffffffT&mTfffffffTmmTTTmm&&TTTTfpfTC
CffpfTxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxTfpffC
00 White 002 2402 White CfpffTx@@hShSh@@@@eheehhhhspppsssss@@@hhe@@ph@@@@xTffpfC
Cf&fTTx@eeh0he@hhheShSh@@@pssh@@@pss@@h@@@p@h@@e@xTTf&fC
10 CT&mT&x@@hShSe@@@hhh0hee@@pp@h@@@@@ps@h@@pp@@hhehx&Tm&TC
@@ 333 119 0903 Purple CT&mT&x@@h@ehh@@@eeShS@@@@p@@h@e@@hhpsppsp@@@@ShSx&Tm&TC
CT&m&mxhh@@e@hsp@@hhehh@@p@@@hhe@h@@ppspps@@eeh0hxm&m&TC
CTT&&mxp@@@@@hpsshh@e@@h@p@@@eShSh@@@psspp@@@hShSxm&&TTC
pp 368 214 1310 Light green CT&&mTx@pp@@@pppph@@@@@hpp@@eeh0hee@@ppsssphhheehxTm&&TC
CT&mTTx@@ppspsDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDpps@@@@xTTm&TC
ff 702 226 1306 Medium green C&&mmTxe@@sppsDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDpsp@@h@xTmm&&C
CmmT&mxh@@ppssDDDDDDDDDDDDDgDDDDDDDDDDDDDDps@@@h@xm&TmmC
CTTT&mxhhhpsspDDDDDDDDDDDDDgSDDDDDDDDDDDDDhh@ehh@xm&TTTC
~~ 727 293 0110 Yellow CTTf&Tx@@@spppDDDDDDDDgSDDDgSDDDSgDDDDDDDD@hheheexT&fTTC
20 CTfpffx@@spp@@DDDDDDDDggSSDgSDSSggDDDDDDDD@@hShShxffpfTC
xx 742 303 0114 Orange Cffpffx@sph@@@DDDggSSDDggSSgSSSggDDSSggDDD@eeh0hexffpffC
Cfffpfxss@h@@eDDDDDgSSDDggSgSHggDDSSgDDDDD@@hShSexfpfffC
Cfffffxsp@@hheDDDDDDggSSSgHgHggSSSggDDDDDD@@h@ehhxfffffC
DD 746 275 0101 Pale yellow CfTfffxs@@@@ShDDDDDDDgggHHgHHgHHgggDDDDDDDhh@@e@hxfffTfC
CTTTffxs@@eeh0DDSSSSSSSggHHxxHHggSSSSSSSDDp@@@@@hxffTTTC
CC 791 178 0904 Dark blue CmmTTfxs@@@hShDgggggSSHHggx~~xggHHSSgggggDppp@@@hxfTmm&C
C&&mmTxphhhheeDDDDDgggggHx~~~~xHgggggDDDDD@@@pppsxTm&&TC
C&T&&mxps@@@@eDDDDDDSSHHgx~~~~xgHHSSDDDDDD@@@@pspx&&TTTC
t

ee 794 175 0907 Light blue CTTT&&xpsp@@@@DDDDDSSgggHHx~~xHHgggSSDDDDDe@@@@spxm&&T&C

CT&&mTxsppp@@@DDDSSgggSHggHxxHggHSgggSSDDDeehhhhpxTmm&&C
30 C&mmTfxh@@@pppDDSgggSSgggHgHgHHgggSSgggSDDhSh@@@sxfTTmmC
SS 961 076 0610 Medium pink CTTTffxh@@@@@pDDDDDDSggSHgHHHgHSSggSDDDDDD0hee@@sxffTTTC
CfTfffxh@e@@hhDDDDDSggDSSgSHgggSSDggSDDDDDhS@@@@sxfffTfC
HH 963 023 0503 Light pink Cfffffxhhe@h@@DDDDDSgDDSgDSSgDggSDDgSDDDDDehh@@psxfffffC
CfffpfxeShSh@@DDDDDDDDSSgDSgsDDgSSDDDDDDDDe@@h@ssxfpfffC
© Sheena Rogers

Cffpffxeh0hee@DDDDssDDSgDDSgsDDggSDDssDDDD@@@hps@xffpffC
mm 3031 905 2003 Brown CTfpffxhShSh@@DDDDDsssSgsDSgssDsgSsssDDDDD@@pps@@xffpfTC
CTTf&Txeehehh@DDDDDDDssgsssgssssgssDDDDDDDppps@@@xT&fTTC
TT 3072 397 1805 Pale grey CTTT&mx@hhe@hhDDDDDDssDDDssssssDDDssDDDDDDpssphhhxm&TTTC
CmmT&mx@h@@@spDDDDDDDDDssssssssssDDDDDDDDDsspp@@hxm&TmmC
40 C&&mmTx@h@@pspDDDDDsssssDDssssDDsssssDDDDDspps@@exTmm&&C
ss 3345 268 1406 Dark green CT&mTTx@@@@sppDDDDDDDDsDDDDssDDDDsDDDDDDDDspspp@@xTTm&TC
CT&&mTxheehhhpssspp@@eeh0hee@@pph@@@@@hpppp@@@pp@xTm&&TC
hh 3803 069 2609 Very dark pink CTT&&mxShSh@@@ppssp@@@hShSe@@@p@h@@e@hhssph@@@@@pxm&&TTC
CT&m&mxh0hee@@sppspp@@h@ehh@@@p@@hhehh@@psh@e@@hhxm&m&TC
CT&mT&xShS@@@@psppsphh@@e@h@@p@@@@ShSee@@@hhe@h@@x&Tm&TC
gg 3804 063 0703 Dark pink CT&mT&xhehh@@pp@@h@sp@@@@@h@pp@@eeh0hhh@@@eShSh@@x&Tm&TC
Cf&fTTx@e@@h@p@@@h@@ssp@@@hssp@@@hShSehhh@eh0hee@xTTf&fC
CfpffTx@@@@hp@@ehh@@@ssssspppshhhheehe@@@@hShSh@@xTffpfC
&& 3829 901 2210 Golden yellow 50 CffpfTxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxTfpffC
CTfpfTTTT&&mmTTTmmTfffffffTm&TfffffffTmmTTTmm&&TTTTfpfTC
CTffffffTTT&&mTm&&&ffpfffTm&&mTfffpff&&&mTm&&TTTffffffTC
Cffffppffmmm&&mmTTfppfffTTm&T&mTfffppfTTmm&&mmmffppffffC
Stitched using DMC threads on 14HPI aida CfTffffp&&&&T&&&mTTffffTTm&TT&mTTffffTTm&&&T&&&&pffffTfC
CTffTTfffTTTTTT&mTTTffffTm&&TT&TffffTTTm&TTTTTTfffTTffTC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
Stitch count 56x56 Design area 4x4in (10x10cm) t

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Garden

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Asters, morning glories and a sapphire
blue border adorn Sheena Rogers’ pretty
pincushion, the grand finale in our series

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Shopping
It’s easy to find essential stitching supplies or catch up on a missed
copy of Cross Stitch Collection with our handy shopping guide
Stockists
ANN’S ORCHARD
www.annsorchard.co.uk
01342 311545
For contemporary and
traditional bead and needlework
kits, plus handmade frames to
display them in
BARNYARNS
www.barnyarns.co.uk
0176 569 0069
For Anchor, DMC and Madeira
threads and all kinds of
haberdashery supplies
COTTON PATCH
www.cottonpatch.co.uk
0121 702 2840
For fabrics, books, wadding,
notions, accessories and
haberdashery
CRAFT LAMPS
www.craftlamps.co.uk
01373 454448
Stocking a fantastic array of craft
lamps including desk, floor and
magnifying lamps, including
DaylightTM lamps
DKH CREATIONS
www.dkhcreations.co.uk
For cross stitch kits, threads,
aida and essential accessories
DP SOFTWARE
www.dpsoftware.com
01454 612598
Software for creating charts for
cross stitch and tapestry
60 August 2015
Collection
Seen something that’s
inspired you?
Here’s where you can buy it...
E-FRAME
www.eframe.co.uk
Bespoke and ready-made
picture frames and mounts for
displaying your stitching
HOBBYCRAFT
www.hobbycraft.co.uk
0845 051 6599
For cardstock, paper, paint, glue
and general crafting supplies
JOHN JAMES NEEDLES
www.jjneedles.com
0152 783 0941
All kinds of needles and needle
packs for all your stitching
requirements
JOSY ROSE
www.josyrose.com
For buttons, sequins, beads and
all kinds of embellishments,
plus adhesives, papers, scissors
and more
JUST A MOMENT
www.just-a-moment.com
01303 242486
Exclusive cross stitch designs
available as kits and charts,
direct from the designers
MARIES CROSS STITCH
www.mariescrossstitch.co.uk
Family-run business stocking a
huge range of great value kits,
charts and accessories
MR J WOOD
jwooddmc@mail.com
DMC branded stranded cottons.
For mail order only, enquire using
above email
PHOTOS 2 STITCH
www.photos2stitch.co.uk
For personalised counted cross
stitch kits and charts made from
any photograph
SEAMSTAR
www.seamstar.co.uk
0182 977 1529
For plain and patterned fabrics
and all kinds of trims
SHEENA ROGERS DESIGNS
www.sheenarogersdesigns.co.uk
Specialising in mini cushion
cross stitch and hanging kits
and chart packs on a range of
colourful themes
STITCHER LIMITED
www.stitcher.co.uk
0161 464 7310
For cross stitch, tapestry,
embroidery, longstitch, crochet,
knitting and general crafting
products
WILLOW FABRICS
www.willowfabrics.co.uk
0800 056 7811
For evenweave, aida and all
kinds of stitching fabrics
BA
Burst of colour
T
Summer blooms that
will stay fresh as a
daisy long after
Backstitching needn't be boring black summer has ended
Lesley has kept the brightness
of her des gn by using a dark pink to outline the flowers and grey for the butterfly
Burst
Meet the designer...
R
Lesley Teare
This beautiful selection of
of colour
flowers inc udes popp es
sunflowers dahl as
cosmos and daisies to
mention a few and w th the
add t on of a beautiful Red
Admiral butterfly f utter ng
in the corner of the des gn
I hope it wi l be a p easure Add a pop of colour to your
to st tch sofa with Lesley Teare’s stunning
The glorious colours of
this bouquet will br ghten
any room and will be
floral display for summer
B
especially good to look at
as the night s draw in and
autumn approaches
I really do love garden ng
right bold and in full bloom! For the perfect summer
bouquet look no further than Lesley Teare’s striking
display of vibrant flowers including poppies dahlias and
and l l ke to grow plenty of
annuals for bedding out rudbeckias Displayed in a vase for maximum impact Lesley has
each year chosen flowers that have bright orange or pink petals with white
This spring I had a new and purple varieties added for extra interest This floral display is
co d frame wh ch made t so magn ficent that it needs to be put on show where every visitor
easier for grow ng on the
seedlings and I now have
pink cosmos rudbeckia
can see it so mounting it on a cushion cover is a great idea Work
from one flower to the next as this with help with counting and you
can have fun ‘growing’ a new flower w th each stitching session
and sunf owers that make
a ovely colourful display
in my garden
Get your thread organisers ready as the design is packed w th
different thread shades and a little preparation before you start
stitching w ll save you heaps of time later on ³
8 August 2015
Download your
digital issue
of Cross Stitch
Collection
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 CONTACT US AT
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issues online at dennis. COMMISSIONING EDITOR Rebecca Bradshaw
subscribeonline.co.uk/ ART EDITOR Patricia Ball
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back-issues CHARTING EDITOR Abigail Barker

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Charting software supplied by Ilsoft
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MANAGEMENT
Must-s
tit Managing Director John Garewal
SUMMER ch!

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Lesl
are
ey
Collection 248 Collection 249 Newstrade Director David Barker
Group Managing Director Ian Westwood
)The second part of Maria )Romantic Paris picture COO Brett Reynolds

t your s
Diaz’s giant doll’s house
kills
H HERB
)Bring the beauty of wild
S
birds into your home with
Eva Rosenstand’s design
)A colourful and absorbing
portrait of a Native
needles
Pins &
American chieftan
Create your very own dream craft room Maria Diaz
has the perfect sewing space for you to stitch
)Emma Congdon’s multiple
good luck card
)Chart of the month – a
classic country display
Group Finance Director Ian Leggett
exclusive from Anchor
Chief Executive James Tye
Company Founder Felix Dennis
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Cross Stitch Collection is available for reprint,
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Contact Nicole Adams at nicole_adams@dennis.co.uk
from Jenny Barton or +44 (0)20 7907 6134
)Still life sunflower chart
NEXT ISSUE ON SALE Friday 24th July
designed by Permin Printed and bound by William Gibbons
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ONWARD RESALE This publication may not be resold or otherwise
)Chart of the month – distributed, whether at, below or above face value. Nor can this
Stunning heirloom wedding publication be advertised for sale, transfer or distribution.

of bluebells by Lesley portrait from Joan Elliott PERMISSIONS Material may not be reproduced in any form without the
Tearehedgerow blossoms written consent of the publisher. Please address such requests to John
Garewal, Dennis Publishing, 30 Cleveland Street, London W1T 4JD

No.1 for Iropical treats! JUST ADD

BEADS! LIABILITY While every care was taken preparing this magazine, the
stitching The hottest quick-stitch motifs Stunn g
luxury
publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the
pleasure!
cards

information or any consequence arising from it. All judgments are based
JULY 2015 Issue 251
on equipment available to Cross Stitch Collection at the time of review.
Cross Stitcher takes no responsibility for the content of external
websites whose addresses are published in the magazine.
The most beautiful cross stitch designs

EVERY A DENNIS PUBLICATION Cross Stitch Collection is published every

four weeks by Dennis Publishing Ltd, 30 Cleveland Street, London W1T
4JD. Company registered in England. Material may not be reproduced in

ISSUE features Ultimate summer rose by Durene Jones

whole or part without the consent of the publishers. ISSN 1461-6211

COMPETITION RULES By taking part in one of our Competitions, you agree to be bound

easy-to-use Inspiring!
FLORIST
by these Competition Rules. Late or incomplete entries will be disqualified. Proof of posting (if
relevant) shall not be deemed proof of delivery. Entries must be submitted by an individual (not
via any agency or similar) and, unless otherwise stated, are limited to one per household. The

charts you can

SHOP Company reserves the right in its sole discretion to substitute any prize with cash or a prize of
by Maria

Full bloom!
Diaz
comparable value. Unless otherwise stated, the Competition is open to all GB residents of 18
years and over, except employees of Dennis Publishing and any party involved in the competition
or their households. By entering a Competition you give permission to use your name, likeness

zoom!
@ Butterfly circle @ Peonies & pagoda scene
@ Travel gift set @ Deckchair stripe cushions
and personal information in connection with the Competition and for promotional purposes. All
EVA ROSENSTAND
EXCLUSIVE! entries will become the property of the Company upon receipt and will not be returned. You
Best-love WISE AGE
STYLE!
warrant that the Competition entry is entirely your own work and not copied or adapted from any
W LDFLOWE Greetings Button other source. If you are a winner, you may have to provide additional information. Details of
Try a poppy pincushio Get ready to
SAMPLER
JULY 2015 PR NTED N THE UK £4 99 send exam
congrats Raid your winners will be available on request within three months of the closing date.
stash for a
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other things) the Competition Rules. You acknowledge and agree that neither the Company nor
any associated third parties shall have any liability to you in connection with your use and/or

Collection 250 Collection 251 possession of your prize.

Go toApple Newsstand )Enchanted summer )Old-fashioned florist’s

© Copyright Dennis Publishing Limited

for iPad and iPhone fairy by Lesley Teare

)The ultimate card for a
www.bit.ly/AppleCS special friend!
)An exclusive mini
Collection Cotswold cottage from
The Nutmeg Company
Go to Zinio for )Gorgeous gardening apron
)Mediterranean-inspired
shop by Maria Diaz
)Travel set to give as a gift
)Beautiful butterflies from
Permin to frame in an
embroidery hoop
)Exam congrats card
)Vintage button sampler NOTE TO READERS
)Giant cushions with fun
The charts in this magazine are protected by copyright belonging to

Android or PC/Mac table linens tropical motifs

Dennis Publishing or its designers and contributors.
Do not re-sell, reproduce or distribute the charts without permission from the copyright
owner. Copyright law protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. However

www.zinio.com/ )Chart of the month –

Stunning wildflower
)Chart of the month – making a single copy for the purposes of personal use is allowed.

Scrapbook style rose study

crossstitchcollection meadow from Lesley Teare by Durene Jones

August 2015 61
 Stitch basics
Collection essentials

Discover all you need to know to start cross stitching and lots of helpful hints
to make you an expert. Charting editor Abi Barker is your guide…

Getting started Try these three ways to get going, then choose the one that suits you best

Select your needle

Fabric HPI Needle

Aida 11-14 Tapestry 24
Aida 16-20 Tapestry 26
Hardanger 22 Tapestry 26
Evenweave 22-32 Tapestry 26
Evenweave 36 and over Tapestry 28
Loop start When stitching Loose end start Waste knot start
TIP To attach beads, use a beading with two threads When stitching with any When stitching with any
needle or a size 28 tapestry needle. Cut a single thread that’s number of threads number of threads
twice as long as you need, Bring your needle up through Knot the end of the thread and
and thread both ends through the fabric, leaving a little piece take the needle down through
your needle. Come up through of thread at the back. Hold this the fabric on the right side,
the fabric and make a half thread underneath the area a little away from your first
stitch, then pass the needle to be stitched so that you will stitch. As you stitch towards
through the loop that’s secure it with your first few the knot, you’ll secure the
formed at the back to secure cross stitches. thread at the back, then you
it. can snip off the knot.

Cross stitch made easy Learn the basic techniques and you’re
ready for the projects!

2
2 3 4

1 3

Cross stitch on aida
Aida has groups of threads
woven together to form distinct
blocks – perfect for beginners.
Cross stitches are made over
one block of fabric, on any
count. A quick way to work a
line of stitches is to use half
cross stitches going one way,
then double back on yourself.
Half cross stitch
This is simply half of an ordinary
cross stitch. Bring the needle up
at 1, down at 2, up at 3 and so
on. Half cross stitches are often
used to create a paler area of
stitching, for example for the
sky or a background, which can
give the impression of distance
in a design.
Cross stitch on evenweave
Evenweave and linen fabrics are
woven in single threads. Usually
you will stitch over two threads,
as in the example shown above.
As a result of this, a design
stitched on 28HPI evenweave
will be the same size as one
stitched on 14HPI aida.
Backstitch, used for outlines or
details, is shown as coloured
lines on the chart and is worked
after the cross stitch. Bring the
needle up at 1, down at 2, up at
3, down at 2, up at 4 and so on,
working over one block of aida
or two threads of evenweave.
Long stitch is worked the same
way, but over more than one
block of aida or more than two
threads of evenweave.

62 August 2015
 Collection essentials

h
A B C D
Fractional stitches square, make the less shown are on aida where the TIP Fractionals are easier to
A small symbol in the corner of prominent colour a tiny quarter centre block has to be pierced work on evenweave as there is
a square (A) indicates a stitch (C) then work a three- to make the quarter stitch (you no block to be pierced.
three-quarter stitch (B). If two quarter stitch in the other may want to use a sharper
different symbols occupy one colour (D). The examples needle for this).

The final details Reading charts and keys

Many designs feature beads or French knots. These are The charts are easy to follow when you know how
easy to do, but practise on scrap fabric first Q Each chart symbol represents
one stitch on the fabric.
Daisy key
Beads DMC Anchor Madeira Colour

Attach each bead with a half Q The key shows the thread Cross stitch in two strands
00 White 002 2402 White
cross stitch. Bring the needle up colour that the symbols ee 210 108 0802 Light purple
at one bottom corner of the represent, for all stitches. bb 550 101 0714 Dark purple

square, thread the bead on to Check how many strands of hh 553 098 0712 Med purple
HH 3866 926 2001 Off white
the needle and complete the thread you need for each.
stitch. Use a needle with a small Q The thread codes in the key Half cross stitch in two strands
eye, or a beading needle, and // *550 101 0714 Dark purple
are for DMC, Anchor and
sewing cotton that matches the Madeira colours. We list the Cross stitch using one strand of
fabric or stitching. Attach more threads used to stitch our each colour
firmly with a whole cross stitch. model first (therefore the 22
211 342 0801 Lilac
DMC Light Effects E5200
design may look slightly
different if stitched using Backstitch in one strand
French knots another brand). *550 101 0714 Dark purple
1 Bring the needle up through all outlines and details
Q The arrows on the chart
the fabric. With thumb and French knots in two strands
indicate the centre of the
forefinger, hold the thread a 743 305 0113 Yellow
chart. On most designs, you’ll
few inches away from where it daisy centre details
start stitching here to ensure
came up. Keeping the thread
the design is central. To find Attach beads with matching cotton
taut, twist the needle twice Mill Hill seed beads 02002 Yellow creme
the centre of your fabric, fold it
around the thread. daisy centre details
in half both ways; the crease in
the middle corresponds to the Stitched using DMC threads on 14HPI aida
chart centre where you’ll Stitch count 44x42 Design area 3¼x3in (8x8cm)
*indicates colour is listed earlier in the key
make your first stitch.
2 Still holding the thread, push
0 10 20 t 30 40
the needle down into the 0
fabric close to where it came
out, then pull the needle
through gently to form a knot.
Don’t pull too hard.
TIP Vary the number of twists 10
or strands to make larger or
smaller French knots.

When finished…
20
t

Taking care of your stitching h

h

Wash your work to refresh the fabric and threads – good quality
threads won’t run. Use warm water and rinse until the water runs 30
clear. To iron, place your damp stitching on fluffy towels, with a b
h

clean white cloth over the top, and press with a warm iron until it
is almost dry.
40

August 2015 63
Collection essentials

Stitch extras
Find all the extra essential making up instructions, techniques and templates
you’ll need to turn your stitched chart into a handmade masterpiece!

Baby
samplers
from
page 16

Stitching your design

Choose your threads according
to whether you’re stitching for a boy or girl,
adding their name to personalise…

1
USE the same chart (on page 16) whether
you’re stitching this sampler for a boy or girl.
We have given the chart for the girl design but
using the key you can easily adapt this for a boy.

2
LOOK at the key and you will see that some
symbols are used for both the boy and the girl
charts but others are used just for the boy and
girl. Just follow the section of the key that you need
and use the correct colours.

3
WORK all the cross stitch in two strands of
stranded cotton over two threads of the
evenweave fabric.

4
COMPLETE all the cross stitch in the design
© Emma Congdon

first then add the backstitch using two

strands. Again, make sure you follow the
correct part of the key depending on whether you are
stitching this for a boy or girl.

5
PERSONALISE your design with the baby’s
name. Use the alphabet to draw out the name
you want then stitch it in the space, counting
carefully so you position it in the centre.

64 August 2015
Break time!
WIN a fabulous £250 of top-quality Zweigart products!

Relax and take a break to enjoy this month’s prize

crossword for a chance to win Zweigart fabrics
Fabulous prizes
Across Five lucky winners will each receive a pack containing 14HPI aida
1 More than usually or particularly (10) in cream (3706/264), 14HPI aida in blue (3706/550), evenweav
6 A word indicating an action (4) Murano in beige (3984/770) and evenweave Linda in white
10 Association of independent states (7) (1235/1), plus Zweigart’s new booklet – Cats (104/266). Each
11 Flowers featured on page 46 (7) pack is worth £50! Zweigart has been the worldwide market
12 Shout or phone (4) leader in weaving, dyeing and finishing needlework fabrics for mor
13 Public transport vehicles (5) than 130 years. To find your local stockists call Derwentwater
14 Edge between road and pavement (4) Designs on  01768 483119; Heritage Crafts on  01889 572859;
17 Opposite of subtracted (5) EQS on  01162 710033 or Hee Bee on  01565 872225.
18 For the teeth (6)
20 Close to (6)
22 Make this for a jam jar on page 52 (5) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
27 An actor’s part (4)
28 Metal framework for holding animals (5) 9
29 Outdoor sale and entertainment (4)
32 Stitch a sampler for one on page 16 (7)
33 Huge block of ice in the sea (7) 10 11
34 To live on a budget is to ‘make ____ meet’ (4)
35 Started or began (10)

12 13 14
Down
1 Change produced by an action (6)
15 16
2 Used an oar without a rowlock (7)
3 Make this item on page 30 (4)
4 Stitch this flower on page 50 (6) 17 18
5 Make less tight (6)
7 Obvious or clear (7) 19
8 Team game with bat and ball, like rounders (8)
9 Very cold, freezing (3)
15 Plant types featured on page 39 (5) 20 21 22 23
16 Underneath (5)
19 Way into a building (8) 24 25 26
21 Permitted (7)
23 Member of the periodic table (7)
27 28 29
24 Person trained in legal matters (6)
25 Room for doing this on page 33 (6)
26 Fixed by spikes, as for a tent (6) 30 31
30 Container featured on page 52 (3)
31 Viewed (4)
32 33

34 35

PRIZE CROSSWORD 251

Across: 1 repeat; 4 abundant; 9 tickle; 10 India; 11 flower; 13 hinge; 15 ear;
16 alarm; 18 flow; 21 rose; 22 route; 25 see; 26 easel; 27 sought; 30 swing;
31 school; 32 latitude; 33 seesaw
Enteronline… Once you’ve completed the crossword, the
shaded boxes will form an anagram of a
For your chance to win Zweigart type of embroidery. All you have to do is
Down: 1 rate; 2 peculiar; 3 allow; 5 butterflies; 6 neighbour; 7 adding; work out what the winning word is, and
8 travel; 12 represented; 14 tag; 17 moonlight; 19 cushions;20 red; fabrics, find your link to enter
then fill out the form online no later than
23 vessel; 24 T shirt; 28 uncle; 29 blow online for free at www.facebook. Thursday 20 August 2015. For competition
Winning word: EVENWEAVE
com/CSCMagazine terms and conditions go to page 63.

Competition rules To enter competitions and giveaways, enter online between 24 July and 20 August 2015. The winners will be selected at random from all entries. Entries must be
submitted by an individual (not via any agency or similar) and, unless otherwise stated, are limited to one per household. By entering a Competition you give permission to use your name, likeness and
personal information in connection with the Competition and for promotional purposes. You warrant that the Competition entry is entirely your own work and not copied or adapted from any other
source. If you are a winner, you may have to provide additional information. Details of winners will be available on request within three months of the closing date. You acknowledge and agree that neither
the Company nor any associated third parties shall have any liability to you in connection with your use and/or possession of your prize. Further rules can be read in full on page 63.

August 2015 65
 ideas
from Rebecca Bradshaw
Welcome to my stitching world – I hope you find
lots of inspiration. This month, can my stitching
skills mask my miserable jam making?
D o you know, I used to imagine
I’d be great at jam making!
I actually had visions of foraging in
hedgerows, collecting fruit and making
pounds of my own jam. I even planted
a crab apple tree in the garden and
had thoughts of a quince tree, trained
espalier style for making quince
cheese. But, for some reason and
despite my best attempts, this jam
making lark has beaten me.
The first year I duly picked some
blackberries and apples and followed
the instructions to the letter (including
the ‘wrinkle’ test) potted up my jam
and was completely surprised when it
poured out of the jar – not a hint of
‘spread’ at all. So I tried again, and,
after more than ten wrinkle tests,
decided that it must be set by now.
Surprisingly the jam (using
strawberries this time – bought from
the supermarket!) was more of a
strawberry toffee that had to be cut in
chunks from the jar. I was so upset
Jenny’s come up and gave up for a while (much to the
trumps with some relief of my family I think).
brilliant designs
The next year, however, I was
that will disguise my
shop-bought jams. prepared. I bought a preserving pan
and sugar thermometer – this was the
answer and meant the end of the
dreaded ‘wrinkle’ test. Well… my jam
Shareyourown never reached the required
craftyideas temperature despite boiling it for three
times longer than the recipe and,
EmailCSC@dennis.co.uk
again it had my signature pouring
66 August 2015
quality. So, I decided to take a
sideways move and venture into
marmalade making. It was February
time when the Seville oranges are in
season and I made loads of it, such
was my misguided confidence, and
this time managed to invent a new
consistency – it was like honey – in
that it poured quite easily but was
incredibly sticky. And after that I’ve
officially given up making jam – clearly My own strawberry
jam turned out to be
preserving just isn’t my thing. much more like toffee!
So, this year I’ve decided to cheat!
I am going to buy some of that lovely
French jam which comes in pretty jars,
steam off the labels and cross stitch
”I actually had visions of foraging
in hedgerows, collecting fruit and
making pounds of my own jam”
my own jam jar covers. When I asked
Jenny Barton to design four jar covers
I have to admit I did have an ulterior
motive. I knew they look lovely and
that many of you would like to stitch
them, but also… I can’t make jam, but
I can stitch. So I’m going to make a set
of my own and give them to my
friends. Using thin elastic to hold the
covers in place instead of ribbon gives
them a really appealing mob cap
appearance too, so hopefully my
friends will more impressed with the
look and not notice that I clearly
haven’t made the jam myself!
Next month in your September issue…

Apple
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 0844 826 5018

@ NEW! Learn to create ‘sketch style’ stitching with Abi Barker

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@ Use Victorian roses to decorate beautiful gifts from Zweigart
PLUS A wedding souvenir, new home cards & the ultimate autumn fairy!

ON SALE Friday 21st August